Most experts agree that single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) rockets would become feasible if more advanced technologies were available to reduce the vehicle dry weight, increase propulsion system performance, or both. However, these technologies are usually judged to be very ambitious and very far off. This notion persists despite major advances in technology and vehicle design in the past decade. There appears to be four major misperceptions about SSTOs, regarding their mass fraction, their presumed inadequate performance margin, their supposedly small payloads, and their extreme sensitivity to unanticipated vehicle weight growth. These misperceptions can be dispelled for SSTO rockets using advanced technologies that could be matured and demonstrated in the near term. These include a graphite-composite primary structure, graphite-composite and Al-Li propellant tanks with integral reusable thermal protection, long-life tripropellant or LOX-hydrogen engines, and several technologies related to operational effectiveness, including vehicle health monitoring, autonomous avionics/flight control, and operable launch and ground handling systems.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    SSTO rockets. A practical possibility


    Contributors:
    Bekey, Ivan (author)

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1994-07-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    SSTO ROCKETS: A PRACTICAL POSSIBILITY

    Bekey, Ivan | Online Contents | 1994


    SSTO Rockets: A Practical Possibility

    Bekey, I. | British Library Online Contents | 1994


    SSTO Rockets: Streamlining Access to Space

    Austin, R. E. / Cook, S. A. | British Library Online Contents | 1994


    SSTO ROCKETS: STREAMLINING ACCESS TO SPACE

    Austin, Robert E. | Online Contents | 1994


    Propellant Density and Performance Capabilities for SSTO Rockets

    Miyazawa, M. / Katayama, R. / International Astronomical Federation | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998