51. Draft Concept of Space Transportation System Using a Maglev Vehicle around Low Earth Orbit.
- Author
-
Asei TEZUKA
- Subjects
SPACE trajectories ,SUBORBITAL space flight ,MAGNETIC levitation vehicles ,LOW earth orbit satellites ,VELOCITY - Abstract
Considering the cost reduction of the space transportation system, suborbital spaceplane, which flights ballistically to the altitude of 100 km, is considered one of a promising approach. Because of the avoidance of the orbital revolution, which leads to the reduction of the initial loading fuel, going to and returning from the space at low cost becomes possible. Due to the reduced re-entry speed, the ablator material is unnecessary and the reusability of the spaceplane is increased. SpaceShipOne, which is one of the suborbital spaceplane, has already reached to the step of the commercial use. The suborbital spaceplane seems possible to enter the orbital revolution by building a Maglev Guide Rail in the form which encircles the earth in Low Earth Orbit, and the Maglev Vehicles, which are driven along to the Guide Rail, berth with the suborbital spaceplane. It considered possible to maintain the Maglev Vehicle stationary in the space by adapting the configuration of the Orbital Ring. In this paper, the orbit of the Guide Rail, which supports not only the Maglev Vehicle but also the suborbital spaceplane, is calculated by astrodynamics. The results demonstrate that, sustainable movement around the earth is possible for Guide Rail in spite of the increase in the weight of Maglev Vehicle due to the docking with the suborbital spaceplane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2014