1. Elizabeth Harkness Trajectory Design Group Contact Preliminary Trajectory Model: Vertical Launch
AAE 450 Spring 2008

2. Comparison of Launch System Performance
Comparison of altitudes using vertical launch trajectory.
-Plot generated by:
Elizabeth Harkness
-From code generated by:
Junichi Kanehara and
Amanda Briden
-with assistance from:
AAE 450 Spring 2008
Trajectory Optimization

3. Comparison of Launch System Performance
I.C.s1
thmax
hmax
% Improvement from Ground
Ground
hi = 0 km
vi = 0 m/s
1707 s
4372 km NA
Balloon
hi = 30.5 km
1791 s
4686 km
7.2 %
Aircraft
hi = 16.8 km
vi = m/s
1821 s
4786 km
9.5 %
1. Initial conditions for Balloon and Aircraft Launches found in cited articles.
AAE 450 Spring 2008
Trajectory Optimization

4. Model Assumptions
Values input into code are from Vanguard data Table 20. Payload of 100 lbs, orbit at 180 statute miles.
All stages are modelled vertically.
Poor assumption
Does not take into account the lengthy portion of trajectory through the atmosphere.
Preliminary test of trajectory code and comparison of three of the launch methods
AAE 450 Spring 2008

5. Trajectory Optimization
References
Heister, S., “AAE 539 atmosphere4” [
Howell, K., “AAE 340 Dynamics and Vibrations," Numerical Integration and Spherical Coordinates, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 2006.
Klauans, B., and Raughards, J., “The Vanguard Satellite Launching Vehicle An Engineering Summary," The Martin Company, Engineering Report No , Baltimore, MD, April (pp.170)
Kloster, K., and Longuski, J., Personal Conversation, January 15-16, 2008.
Longuski, J., “AAE 508 Optimization in Aerospace Engineering Lectures," Lecture #10, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 2008, pp. 62.
Wade, M., “Cape Canaveral," Encyclopedia Astronautica.  [ Accessed 1/16/08.]
AAE 450 Spring 2008
Trajectory Optimization