Trajectory Analysis of X-33 and VentureStar w/ Aerospace SIM

 

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Aerodynamics Series

  I have interested in X-33 and VentureStar Aerospace Vehicle that can capable SSTO operation, fully reusable aerospace-plane. Project had cancelled several years ago but its concept is not old even today. - materializing SSTO is another stuff though...

 Today, I will show you some trajectory analysis based on known data and my own assumptions. 

Known Specification of X-33, mass of propellant is known with it maximum speed. Compared to full-scale VentureStar, X-33 is not capable of full LEO condition; it can only travel sub-orbital trajectory.

I will check about it. 

This is initial estimation result; it also showed X-33 is sub-orbital demonstrator. Estimation for X-33 is more clearer than other muti-stage aircraft.  

AerospaceSIM result also supported that modeled X-33 could reach 55km height with Mach 11.5; it is similar to typical X-33 trajectory 50km height with Mach 13. 

I tried maximum altitude shot with more steep climbing; it reduces peak speed however maximum altitude is extended to 150km - I do not know this is possible for real X-33. 

Now, we go to full-scaled VentureStar which really should go to LEO with specific payload. VentureStar would be very huge spacecraft even for now. Some papers thianksfully provide sizing result of VenturStar. 

Based on previous sizing and known data, I could specify full-scaled VentureStar model.  

Some kind of sensitivity analysis for VentureStar, total velocity change via payload, fuel, ISP. 

For more speed Mach 20 with Altitude 185km is possible. 

For high altitude 440km with Mach 15 is possible.

SUMMARY

Modeled (with some assumed value) X-33 and VentureStar could reach similar profile known to public. 

VentureStar achieve slightly less LEO condition than typical launch system. 

- I do not know there is no real VentureStar whether payload should get its own propulsion or not. 

Long-burn time can be considered for trajectory optimization.