A study of air launch methods for RLVs

Abstract

Many organizations have proposed air launch Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs) due to a renewed interest generated by NASA's 2 nd Generation Space Launch Initiative. Air launched RLVs are categorized as captive on top, captive on bottom, towed, aerial refueled, and internally carried. The critical design aspects of various proposed air launch RLVs concepts are evaluated. It is found that many concepts are not possible with today's technology. The authors introduce a new air launch concept that is possible with today's technology called SwiftLaunch RLV.

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Commercial Earth-to-Orbit (ETO) Passenger Vehicle

“…However, payload fraction and payload are severely constrained by the lifting capacity of available cargo aircraft. [24] The Pegasus launcher only has a payload to LEO of 443 kg;…”

Trajectory tracking for RLV terminal area energy management phase based on LQR

“…It is forecasted that RLV is the trend of space technology in the following years [2]. The reentry flight of RLV is consisted of three phases: initial entry phase, Terminal Area Energy Management (TAEM) phase and landing phase [3].…”

Experimental set-up for the development of the ADDASAT attitude control system

“…A recent NASA survey on this problem concludes that the aerial satellite launch is not yet practical [9], although some particular developers persist in assessing the contrary [10].…”