single-stage space vehicle
As a part of a scientific-investigative program “Eagle” ordered by Russian Space Agency, investigations are being held in various design bureau on a possible development of a reusable single-stage space vehicle.
From 1993 till 1996 works on the “Eagle” program were done at OKB Zhukovsky, OKB Keldysh, and OKB Baranov etc. Statistics show that fully reusable single- or double-stage carrier fitted with various engines would be 30% lighter and much more cost-efficient as compared to “Space Shuttle” or the “Energy-Buran” system. Maximum cargo-capacity of the vehicle would be about 10-20 tones.
Among presented projects of a single-stage space-crafts were Tu-2000, Mig-2000, and modification of the “Neva” apparatus. Western analogue is NASP (USA).
Mig-2000 is a reusable space-vehicle with 300t take-off weight and 9t payload is capable of delivering loads to the 200 km orbit at 51º inclination. The sled would accelerate the space-craft to M=0.8 and then air-breathing propulsion with subsonic combustion would accelerate it to M=5. Propellants wer slush hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The vehicle would have 3000 km re-entry cross-range.
Final favor was given to the Tu-2000 project.
| Description | |
|---|---|
| Design | OKB A.I.Mikoyan |
| Type | MiG-2000 |
| Function | single-stage space vehicle |
| Study | 1993 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Core diameter, m | 19,7 |
| Length, m | 54,1 |
| Take-off weight, kg | 300000 |
| Payload, kg | 9000 |
| Power-plant | |
| Engines | Ramjet + liquid-propellant |
| Flight data (project) | |
| Orbit, km | 200 |
| Inclination, degrees | 51 |
| Max. speed at athmosphere, M= | 5 |
| Re-entry cross-range, km | 3000 |
| Practical ceiling, m | 20000 |
References and Credits:
- Reusable single-stage space vehicle / Aerospase Herald 4/98 /
- Encyclopedia Astronautica / M.Wade /