Inclusion of known integrals in the optimal trajectory problem

The classical problem of determination of the rocket trajectory which minimizes mass expenditure during motion between two points in the field of a single gravitating body is analyzed. The known integrals of the system are incorporated into the adjoint equations resulting in a reduction from a seventh-order adjoint system to a third-order adjoint system. The first case which is treated in that of planar motion under specific end conditions. In this case a regularization of the recently derived equations is achieved. The general three-dimensional case is also reduced from a seventh-order adjoint system to a third-order adjoint system. In this case a regularization has not been found

Preliminary study of advanced life-support technology for a Mars surface module

Subsystem definition of advanced life support technology for Mars surface modul

Disposal of radioactive iodine in space

The possibility of space disposal of iodine waste from nuclear power reactors is investigated. The space transportation system utilized relies upon the space shuttle, a liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen orbit transfer vehicle, and a solid propellant final stage. The iodine is assumed to be in the form of either an iodide or an iodate, and calculations assume that the final destination is either solar orbit or solar system escape. It is concluded that space disposal of iodine is feasible

Ascent from the lunar surface

Ascent from lunar surface problem with solution by variational calculu

New class of thermosetting plastics has improved strength, thermal and chemical stability

New class of thermosetting plastics has high hydrocarbon content, high stiffness, thermal stability, humidity resistance, and workability in the precured state. It is designated cyclized polydiene urethane, and is applicable as matrices to prepare chemically stable ablative materials for rocket nose cones of nozzles

Nuclear waste disposal in space

Work on nuclear waste disposal in space conducted by the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and contractors are reported. From the aggregate studies, it is concluded that space disposal of nuclear waste is technically feasible

Flap noise and aerodynamic results for model QCSEE over-the-wing configurations

Noise spectra in three dimensions and aerodynamic data were measured for a model of the NASA quiet clean short-haul experimental engine (QCSEE) over-the-wing configuration. The effects of flap length, nozzle exhaust velocity, and nozzle geometry were determined using a single nozzle and wing-flap segment. The scaled-up model data is representative of full scale flap noise with the QCSEE engine

Polyimide polymers provide improved ablative materials

Principle heat absorption of silica-reinforced plastic ablative materials occurs from the in-depth reaction of silica with carbon to form silicon monoxide and carbon monoxide. The higher the degree of completion of this reaction, the higher the capacity of the ablative material to absorb heat

Polyimide polymers provide higher char yield for graphitic structures

Technique for manufacture of graphite composites uses high-char-forming processable polyimide resin systems to produce the graphitic matrix. Only three cyclic steps are required to yield a 99.7 percent graphite product