Location
Cocoa Beach, FL
Start Date
7-3-1966 8:00 AM
Description
"Global Coverage" is defined as the capability of an atmospheric entry vehicle to return to any point on the globe following descent from any orbit. Global Coverage is not possible with current aerospace vehicle systems, but advanced lifting systems offer this promise.
Spherical earth analytical results are presented showing a possible bank-speed schedule (the minor circle turn) and the necessary lift-drag ratio for Global Coverage as a function of initial atmospheric entry speed and other relevant parameters. Global Coverage is available for entry at circular speed for L/D > 3.56; for -entry at parabolic entry speed for L/D > 2.34. Comparision with optimized bank programs give indication that this minor circle maneuver is close to "optimum" and will provide a practical guidance scheme for controlled atmospheric entry from space.
Global Coverage By Banked Aeroglide Atmospheric Entry
Cocoa Beach, FL
"Global Coverage" is defined as the capability of an atmospheric entry vehicle to return to any point on the globe following descent from any orbit. Global Coverage is not possible with current aerospace vehicle systems, but advanced lifting systems offer this promise.
Spherical earth analytical results are presented showing a possible bank-speed schedule (the minor circle turn) and the necessary lift-drag ratio for Global Coverage as a function of initial atmospheric entry speed and other relevant parameters. Global Coverage is available for entry at circular speed for L/D > 3.56; for -entry at parabolic entry speed for L/D > 2.34. Comparision with optimized bank programs give indication that this minor circle maneuver is close to "optimum" and will provide a practical guidance scheme for controlled atmospheric entry from space.
