LAUNCH VEHICLE
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The VentureStar utilizes a unique type of rocket engine call the RS–2200 (Image A).
The rocket uses a clever principle of aerodynamics by using the atmosphere to shape the rocket exhaust as it pierces through the atmosphere. The ISP of any rocket is always lower at sea level than in the vacuum of space; the aerospike concept helps to mitigate the loss (Image C).
The rocket engine specifications are below (Table A).
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| Image A: The mighty RS–2200 Aerospike Rocket Engine |
Instead of the using the normal rocket engine design, we will use a linear aerospike engine (Image B).
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| Image B: Normal rocket on the left, radical rocket on the right |
The rocket uses a clever principle of aerodynamics by using the atmosphere to shape the rocket exhaust as it pierces through the atmosphere. The ISP of any rocket is always lower at sea level than in the vacuum of space; the aerospike concept helps to mitigate the loss (Image C).
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| Image C: Clever girl! (San Jose State University PDF Document) |
The rocket engine specifications are below (Table A).
Table A: Rocket Engine Specifications
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TOTAL THRUST = 7(RS–2200 THRUST)
TOTAL THRUST = 7(1821546)
TOTAL THRUST = 12,750,823 N
The VentureStar will use a total of seven RS–2200 rocket engines.
TOTAL THRUST = 7(RS–2200 THRUST)
TOTAL THRUST = 7(1821546)
TOTAL THRUST = 12,750,823 N
Therefore, the VentureStar Thrust–to–Weight Ratio is:
SEO THRUST–TO–WEIGHT RATIO = (TOTAL THRUST / PEO GLOW) : 1
SEO THRUST–TO–WEIGHT RATIO = (12750823 / 12418723) : 1
SEO THRUST–TO–WEIGHT RATIO = 1.0267 : 1
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