REENTRY VEHICLE
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The VentureStar utilizes a unique type of rocket engine called the RS–2200 (see Image 1).
The rocket uses a clever principle of aerodynamics by using the atmosphere to shape the rocket exhaust as it pierces through the atmosphere. The ISP of any rocket is always lower at sea level than in the vacuum of space; the aerospike concept helps to mitigate the loss (see Image 3).
The rocket engine specifications are summarized in Table 1.
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| Image 1: The mighty RS–2200 Aerospike Rocket Engine |
Instead of the using normal rocket engine design, we will use a linear aerospike engine (see Image 2).
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| Image 2: Normal rocket on the left, radical rocket on the right |
The rocket uses a clever principle of aerodynamics by using the atmosphere to shape the rocket exhaust as it pierces through the atmosphere. The ISP of any rocket is always lower at sea level than in the vacuum of space; the aerospike concept helps to mitigate the loss (see Image 3).
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| Image 3: Clever girl! (San Jose State University PDF Document) |
The rocket engine specifications are summarized in Table 1.
Table A: Rocket Engine Specifications
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TOTAL THRUST = 7(RS–2200 THRUST)
TOTAL THRUST = 7(1917000)
TOTAL THRUST = 13,419,000 N
The VentureStar will use a total of seven RS–2200 rocket engines.
TOTAL THRUST = 7(RS–2200 THRUST)
TOTAL THRUST = 7(1917000)
TOTAL THRUST = 13,419,000 N
Therefore, the VentureStar Thrust–to–Weight Ratio is:
THRUST–TO–WEIGHT RATIO = (TOTAL THRUST / GLOW) : 1
THRUST–TO–WEIGHT RATIO = (13419000 / 1244577) : 1
THRUST–TO–WEIGHT RATIO = 1.09946 : 1
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