Problem is to determine thrust history that produces maximum altitude for vertically ascending, two-stage launch vehicle; simplifying assumptions (e.g., flat earth) are made, and rules for optimal thrust arcs are derived; effects of changes in vehicle characteristics at staging, including vehicle drag coefficient and rocket engine characteristics, are investigated; significant alternations from previously analyzed single-stage sounding rocket trajectories are possible -- intermediate coasting arcs, intermediate variable-thrust arcs, and up to five control switches can occur; inclusion of realistic atmospheric drag profiles minimizes these differences.


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    Title :

    Two-stage sounding rocket problem


    Additional title:

    J Spacecraft Rockets


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1967


    Size :

    6 pages


    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




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