A study was carried out to determine the feasibility of using atmospheric rendezvous to increase the efficiency of space transportation and to determine the most effective implementation. It is concluded that atmospheric rendezvous is feasible and can be utilized in a space transportation system to reduce size of the orbiter vehicle, provide a powered landing with go-around capability for every mission, and achieve lateral range performance that exceeds requirements. A significantly lighter booster and reduced launch fuel requirements are additional benefits that can be realized with a system that includes a large subsonic airplane for recovery of the orbiter. Additional reduction in booster size is possible if the airplane is designed for recovery of the booster by towing. An airplane about the size of the C-5A is required.


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    Title :

    Atmospheric rendezvous feasibility study


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1972-06-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Atmospheric Rendezvous Feasibility Study

    A. D. Schaezler | NTIS | 1972


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    Bird, J. D. / Schaezler, A. D. | NTRS | 1972


    Aerospace applications of atmospheric rendezvous

    BIRD, J. / SCHAEZLER, A. | AIAA | 1972


    Aerospace Application of Atmospheric Rendezvous

    JOHN D. BIRD AND A. DUANE SCHAEZLER | AIAA | 1972