AERO-ASSIST TURNING STRATEGY FOR ROCKET LAUNCHING

Turning strategy is important in the launching of first stage of the rocket, during which aero-assist turning strategy could save more propellant for payloads. Turning progress could cost a significant energy loss caused by thrust component. Aero-assist turning progress could reduce the thruster energy loss by using aerodynamic lift. A turning strategy is given by using wings with small incidence angle for the rocket launching progress. Rocket drag force incurred by flying in atmosphere is analyzed, and energy loss caused by aero-assist turning is compared with the traditional launching. Wings and aerodynamic configuration are designed based on the traditional rocket can be used for the designing of horizon landing reusable launch vehicle, and the concept of RLV is given at the end of the paper. Simulation shows that aero-assist aerodynamic configuration could save more energy for rocket launching.