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Papers & Publications : Vehicles : Designs
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A Single-Stage-to-Orbit Thought Experiment
Published:1991
Author:
  • Gary Hudson
Origin:4th ISCOPS, AAS Vol 77, pp 349-351
Abstract:

Since the first proposals for single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) launch vehicles in the late 1940s, the chief criticism of the concept has remained the need for high mass fractions (ratio of propellant weight to loaded weight less payload) required for the concepts to be practical. Whether reusable or expendable, in many critics' minds the impossibility of SSTO remains tied to this issue. The purpose of this analysis is to dispel the concern over the issue of mass fraction. We propose to do this by means of a thought experiment.

References:
  • Saturn Data Summary Handbook
  • Space Shuttle External Tank System Definition Handbook, Volume 1, Configuration & Operation
  • The Saturn S-IVB as a Test-Bed for Booster Recovery
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Keywords:Vehicles:Designs
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