Aerospike Engines - Why Aren't We Using them Now?
- Thread starter snrkl
- Start date
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Interesting premise of a single stage ground to orbit aerospike engine rocket, optimizing thrust at all altitudes. But what I didn't see mentioned is the benefit that staging gives by dropping the weight of each spent stage. Does optimizing nozzle configuration offset this?
Also, now I understand why the Delta II model by Real Space Rockets has six srbs with small nozzles, and three with larger nozzles. The six w/the smaller nozzles are ground lit, and the three w/larger nozzles are air lit after the six have dropped off. The larger nozzles are configured for optimum thrust at altitude.
Also, now I understand why the Delta II model by Real Space Rockets has six srbs with small nozzles, and three with larger nozzles. The six w/the smaller nozzles are ground lit, and the three w/larger nozzles are air lit after the six have dropped off. The larger nozzles are configured for optimum thrust at altitude.
