Solar Thermal Propulsion for Upper Stages

Abstract

Nomenclature D = drag, N g = gravitational acceleration, m/s 2 M = Machnumber m = mass, kg m = mass fl ow, kg/s n x = axial load factor n z = normal load factor P = total pressure, Pa Q = heat fl ux, W/m 2 T = thrust, N v = velocity, m/s W = weight, N α = angle of attack γ = fl ight-path angle ε = expansion ratio Π = pressure ratio P i /P i−1 ρ = density, kg/m 3 Acronyms AOA = angle of attack COTS = commercial off the shelf ESC-B = Etage Supérieur Cryotechnique (of Ariane 5) * Head DLR Space Launcher System Analysis Division SART. † FLPP Launch Systems Manager ESA.