Paper AAS 99-129. "Optimization of Ascent Trajectory and Related Design Issues for an Aerial Propellant Transfer Rocketplane." AAS Space Flight Dynamics Conference, 1999.
Abstract:
Pioneer Rocketplane is designing and building a new reusable launch vehicle, to begin commercial operations in 2001. The "Pathfinder" rocketplane uses the technique of "aerial propellant transfer" to enable lower costs for reaching orbit without using unproven technologies. The optimum trajectory and design-trade-offs for this concept are very different from pure rocket vehicles or others using highly advanced propulsion technology. Design trades showed that a lower altitude for beginning rocket-powered flight produced higher performance by reducing dry weight of wings and air-breathing engines. Staging conditions were constrained by payload environmental requirements, first stage reentry limits, and second stage trajectory optimization, limiting staging to a narrow range of conditions.
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