Accession Number : ADA491628

Title :   Reentry Breakup and Survivability Characteristics of the Vehicle Atmospheric Survivability Project (VASP) Vehicles

Descriptive Note : Technical rept.

Corporate Author : AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CA

Personal Author(s) : Stern, Richard G.

PDF Url : ADA491628

Report Date : 05 AUG 2008

Pagination or Media Count : 26

Abstract : The breakup of two satellites (Vehicle Atmospheric Survivability Project) during atmospheric reentry is documented. The satellites were deboosted from orbit, and their subsequent reentries were observed by surface-based radars and optics as well as airborne optics. Numerous pieces of satellite debris were tracked, and, in some cases, their heritage identified. The breakup process substantiated the heating relationships derived from the VAST test, which is an order of magnitude less than traditional heating relationships above an altitude of 30 nmi.

Descriptors :   *ATMOSPHERE ENTRY, *ARTIFICIAL SATELLITES, *SPACECRAFT DEBRIS, AERODYNAMIC HEATING, SURVIVABILITY

Subject Categories : Unmanned Spacecraft
      Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE