FLIGHT VEHICLES

Performance of single stage vehicle

---- based on effective exhaust velocity
Performance of single stage vehicle
---- based on mass ratio
 Multi stage vehicles
Multi stage rocket vehicles permit higher vehicle velocities, more payload for
space vehicles, improved performance for long range ballistic missiles.
 Launch vehicle
There is a variety of existing launch vehicles
Smaller ones are for low payloads and low orbits

Larger ones have more stages, are heavier and more expensive, have
higher payloads or higher mission velocities.
The spacecraft is that part of a launch vehicle that carries the payload. Its
only part of the vehicle that goes into orbit or deep space and some are
designed to return to earth.
 TRAJECTORY
The space vehicle flies through three distinct trajectory phases:
1. Most are usually launched vertically and then undergo a turning
manoeuvre while under power to point the flight velocity vector into the
desired direction.
2. The vehicle then follows a free flight ballistic trajectory up to its apex.
3. A satellite needs an extra push from a chemical rocket system to add
enough total impulse or energy to accelerate it to orbital velocity. This last
manoeuvre is also known as orbit insertion.
 MILITARY MISSILES
The majority of all rocket propulsion systems built today are for military
purposes.
Tactical missiles attacking or defending ground troops
Strategic missiles 2 or 3 stage surface to surface rocket propelled

missiles (range -3000km)

Short range uncontrolled, unguided, single stage rocket vehicles(ground and
air launched) and rescue rockets.
Unguided military rocket propelled missiles
Guided missiles for anti aircraft ,anti tank etc
 Space launch vehicles
Space launch vehicles or space boosters can be classified as
1. Expendable or recoverable/reusable.
2. Type of propellant(storable or cryogenic liquid or solid propellants).
3. Number of stages