Aerodynamic Data of Space Vehicles

The capacity and quality of the atmospheric flight performance of space flight vehicles is characterized by their aerodynamic data bases. A complete aerodynamic data base would encompass the coefficients of the static longitudinal and lateral motions and the related dynamic coefficients.In this book the aerodynamics of 27 vehicles are considered. Only a few of them did really fly. Therefore the aerodynamic data bases are often not complete, in particular when the projects or programs were more or less abruptly stopped, often due to political decisions. Configurational design studies or the development of demonstratorsusually happen with reduced or incomplete aerodynamic data sets. Therefore some data sets base just on the application of one of the following tools: semi-empirical design methods, wind tunnel tests, numerical simulations. In so far a high percentage of the data presented is incomplete and would have to be verified.Flight mechanics needs the aerodynamic coefficients as function of a lot of variables. The allocation of the aerodynamic coefficients for a particular flight operation at a specific trajectory point is conducted by an aerodynamic model. The establishment of such models is described in this book.This book is written for graduate and doctoral students to give them insight into the aerodynamics of the various flight configurations. Further for design and development engineers in industry and at research institutes (including universities) searching for an appropriate vehicle shape, as well as for non-specialists, who may be interested inthis subject. The book will be helpful, too, in the case that system studies require in their concept phases the selection of suitable vehicle shapes.

“This book will be of particular interest of those who are involved or interested in high performance space vehicles, re-entry systems and re-useable launch vehicles. … The reference lists at the end of each chapter is extensive and provides the reader with ample opportunity to explore each vehicle further if needed. … book would make a useful addition to any technical library being a useful source for vehicle design and for the validation and verification of high speed CFD simulations.” (Dr. Malcolm Claus, The Aeronautical Journal, October, 2017)