4 Space Lift Flashcards
Name the 3 main types of rockets
Solid Propellant
Liquid Propellant
Hybrid
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a SOLID prop. rocket?
Adv: Simple, Safe, Lower Cost
Disadv: Limited Control
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a LIQUID prop. rocket?
Adv: Controllable
Disadv: Complex, Expensive, Less safe
What is the name given to propellants that spontaneously combust when mixed?
Hypergolic
What is the benefit(s) of staged launch?
Allows you to remove ‘dead weight’ (reducing m in Newton’s 2nd law and therefore increasing acceleration)
How can we remove mass from the rocket to increase acceleration?
Remove parts that are no longer required
Burn more fuel
What are the 4 phases of launch?
1 - Vertical Ascent
2 - Pitch Over
3 - Gravity Turn
4 - Vacuum Phase
What is Phase 1 of launch?
Vertical Ascent
Goal is to gain altitude quickly to get out of dense atmosphere
What is Phase 2 of launch?
Pitch Over
Performed after atmospheric density is below aero loading.
Initiated to generated downrange (horizontal) velocity.
What is Phase 3 of launch?
Gravity Turn
Very little thrust is now used to counter gravity.
Thrust used almost entirely for horizontal velocity.
What is Phase 4 of launch?
Vacuum Phase
Launch vehicle now above 100 km and effectively out of Earth’s atmosphere.
Control system now works to achieve desired burnout position and velocity.
What 10 nations/agencies have launch capabilities?
USA, Russia, China, India, Israel, Japan, Iran, North Korea, ESA, New Zealand
What are the limitations on achievable orbit inclination with regards to launch location?
You cannot launch DIRECTLY into an orbital inclination less than the launch site latitude.
Why do launches from Palmachim (Israel) take off due West (retrograde)?
To avoid launching over potentially hostile neighbouring countries.
Describe how to launch into an orbit of inclination EQUAL to the latitude to the launch site.
Launch is required to be due East (or West for retrograde)
One launch opportunity each day
