A conceptual design study of a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle is presented. Three configurations were initially investigated with one configuration selected for further development. The major objective was to place a 20,000-lb payload into a low Earth orbit using a two-stage vehicle. The first stage used air-breathing engines and employed a horizontal takeoff, while the second stage used rocket engines to achieve a 250-n.m. orbit. A two-stage-to-orbit vehicle seems a viable option for the next-generation space shuttle.


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    Title :

    Conceptual design of a two-stage-to-orbit vehicle



    Publication date :

    1991-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English