Aeromaneuvering orbit transfer vehicles for the space transport system

Abstract

Alternatives to all-propulsive manned Orbit Transfer Vehicles (OTV) are presented that utilize aeromaneuvering in combination with propulsive maneuvering. Aeromaneuvering OTV concepts use atmospheric lift and drag forces for maneuvering (orbit plane and ΔV change) to substantially increase payload carrying capability over all-propulsive OTV capabilities. This paper includes a summary of the results of feasibility and concept definition studies and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of aeromaneuvering as compared with all-propulsive vehicles. Manned aeromaneuvering OTV concepts will be presented such as the Aeromaneurvering Orbit-to-Orbit. Shuttle (AMOOS) that can provide future orbital transportation and the Aeromaneuvering Recovery System (AMRS) that will permit emergency recovery of crewmen from high altitude orbits. The AMRS mission requires that an AMRS vehicle be placed in the mission orbit where it remains on-station attached to a manned space facility until required for emergency crew return. The main contributions of this paper are: (1) to establish the concept of the aeromaneuvering OTV for the purpose of performing manned and unmanned orbit transfer; (2) to present data regarding aeromaneuvering OTV configurations, performance, system tradeoffs and mission applications; and (3) to present data concerning major design parameters such as dynamic pressure, heating rates and guidance.