Earth-to-space and high-speed “air” transportation: an aerospaceplane design
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 9 January 2019
Issue publication date: 6 March 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to attempt an aerospaceplane design with the objective of Low-Earth-Orbit-and-Return-to-Earth (LEOARTE) under the constraints of safety, low cost, reliability, low maintenance, aircraft-like operation and environmental compatibility. Along the same lines, a “sister” point-to-point flight on Earth Suborbital Aerospaceplane is proposed.
Design/methodology/approach
The LEOARTE aerospaceplane is based on a simple design, proven low risk technology, a small payload, an aerodynamic solution to re-entry heating, the high-speed phase of the outgoing flight taking place outside the atmosphere, a propulsion system comprising turbojet and rocket engines, an Air Collection and Enrichment System (ACES) and an appropriate mission profile.
Findings
It was found that a LEOARTE aerospaceplane design subject to the specified constraints with a cost as low as 950 United States Dollars (US$) per kilogram into Low Earth Orbit (LEO) might be feasible. As indicated by a case study, a LEOARTE aerospaceplane could lead, among other activities in space, to economically viable Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). Its “sister” Suborbital aerospaceplane design could provide high-speed, point-to-point flights on the Earth.
Practical implications
The proposed LEOARTE aerospaceplane design renders space exploitation affordable and is much safer than ever before.
Originality/value
This paper provides an alternative approach to aerospaceplane design as a result of a new aerodynamically oriented Thermal Protection System (TPS) and a, perhaps, improved ACES. This approach might initiate widespread exploitation of space and offer a solution to the high-speed “air” transportation issue.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Professor Alex Calogeracos is gratefully acknowledged for going through the manuscript. Any errors and omissions rest with the author.
Citation
Kehayas, N. (2018), "Earth-to-space and high-speed “air” transportation: an aerospaceplane design", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 91 No. 2, pp. 381-403. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-08-2017-0196
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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