The effects of several parameters on the relative motions of a space shuttle orbiter design and its external tank were determined during staging for the return-to-launch-site abort mode. The parameters included angle of attack, dynamic pressure, flight-path angle, pitch rate, elevon effectiveness and the use of thrust applied to the tank. The relative positions of each component were determined by a separation trajectory computer program which incorporated data obtained in wind-tunnel tests with the orbiter and tank in proximity. These tests were conducted at Mach 10.3 in a continuous-flow hypersonic tunnel. All separation cases were initiated at a constant Mach number of 10 with an assumed sideslip angle of 0 deg.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Abort separation study of a shuttle orbiter and external tank at hypersonic speeds


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1975-05-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English