Definition of Lateral-range and Lift-drag-ratio Requirements for Return to Both Optimum and Nonoptiumum Recovery Sites

Résumé du livre

The problem of return from near-earth circular orbits to both optimum and non-optimum recovery sites has been analyzed in detail in terms of lateral-range-angle and lift-drag-ratio requirements. A technique of analysis has been developed which permits the rapid determination of the variation of the lateral-range angle with time for a given set of mission constraints (recovery-site latitude and longitude and orbit inclination) through the application of a single equation. The lateral range is defined as the latitude of a given recovery site referred to the orbital plane of a spacecraft. Emphasis has been placed on land recovery; however, the results are equally applicable to water recovery.