The study proposes an alternative system for launching small satellite payloads to space using carrier rockets fired from Su-22 or MiG-29 combat aircraft. The project verifies and evaluates an air-assisted rocket system used for launching payloads to low Earth orbit (LEO) in many aspects. Mission profile and rocket drop maneuver concepts have been developed. From the calculations and simulation carried out on adopted numerical models, it follows that in the considered configuration, the aircraft can accomplish a mission in which a payload of at least 10 kg could be launched into LEO. The analyses were supplemented by simulations and wind tunnel tests verifying the impact of applied space rockets on the aerodynamic and mechanical properties of the carrying aircraft. Results indicate that the impact of the attached space rocket on the aerodynamic characteristics and in-flight properties of the aircraft is not significantly large. Similarly, load and strength tests to which the airframe’s load-bearing structures have been subjected also failed to show any noticeable changes or deformations caused by additional mass forces from the added rockets.
Decommissioned Fighters as Airborne Launch Platforms for Space Operations
19th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments ; 2024 ; Miami, Florida
Earth and Space 2024 ; 1099-1111
2024-10-10
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Combat aircraft as airborne launch platforms for space rockets
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