Suborbital flight and other long distance travel alternatives

Guillermo Morena Serda

Key information

Authors:

Guillermo Morena Serda (Guillermo Morena Serda)

Supervisors:

Paulo Jorge Soares Gil (Paulo Jorge Soares Gil)

Published in

09/04/2018

Abstract

The present thesis is focused on the energy and efficiency analysis of a suborbital flight. A general design framework has been developed in order to compare the different configurations of this method of transportation and other long distance alternatives. First of all, a re-usable multistage rocket has been designed, this will constitute the base for future configurations. Secondly a Waverider and Wingbody type vehicles will be considered for re-entry. Thanks to their capability of generating lift they will perform a Skip re-entry manoeuvre, which will improve overall range and efficiency. As an alternative to suborbital flights a Hypersonic aircraft will be considered. The preliminary design of this vehicle will follow historical trends and data, as well as developing technologies. This configuration will use Turbine-based combined engine, in order to achieve speeds over Mach 5. Finally, this alternatives will be compared with current transportation, such as Jetliners, trains and cars. This will provide a comparison framework for every alternative, giving the best solution for a given range, flight time and number of passengers.