The National Aerospace Plane (NASP) program's preliminary analyses indicate that the ability to reach orbit is governed by average thrust/drag, average propulsion efficiency, and the ratio of takeoff fuel weight to total takeoff weight; examinations of each of the governing parameters have in turn pointed to the technology development efforts that must be undertaken for the realization of such a single-stage-to-orbit airbreathing vehicle. The key to the achievement of high thrust/drag, in particular, is the integration of engine intake compression and exhaust expansion functions with the airframe. The portion of the vehicle cross-sectional area thus employed in leading the airstream into the engine inlet should be as close to 100 percent as possible.


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    Title :

    From earth to orbit in a single stage


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1987-08-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English