Aerodynamic Decelerator for Sounding Rocket Trajectory Control

ABSTRACT: Systima Technologies, Inc. has developed a novel aerodynamic decelerator concept and technical approach for tailoring sounding rocket trajectories. Systima"s decelerator technology will broaden the performance range that a booster stack can achieve in order to deliver a hypersonic flight experiment within a test window of desired altitude and Mach number. During the proposed Phase I effort, Systima will conducted a system design trade followed by a detailed design of a drag/deceleration system that will meet system and program requirements. The system performance will be verified through analysis, and the results will be used to develop a preliminary design for a flight test experimental payload to be built in a Phase II effort. In the following Phase II program, the decelerator system design will be refined, fabricated and demonstrated through testing. The final objective of the Phase I/II programs is to have a flight test-demonstrated deployable decelerator system available for use in future hypersonic flight test experiments. The Phase I and Phase II programs will be conducted in collaboration with Alliant Techsystems Operations, Missile Products Division, Missile and Controls (ATK) of Ronkonkoma, NY. BENEFIT: Systima"s decelerator technology will be a key asset in the development of future hypersonic vehicle technologies for future strategic US military and missile programs to provide precise targeting, very rapid delivery of weapons, and greater survivability against missile and space defenses. Other military applications include various intelligence gathering, surveillance of activity and reconnaissance missions. A key commercial application includes more cost effective access to space and advanced defense systems.