Earl C. Myers
Published: 1964
Total Pages: 413
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The analysis, design, test, and application of a first-stage decelerator and stabilization balloon system (ballute) for recovery of payloads up to Mach 10 between altitudes of 120,000 and 200,000 ft, down to Mach 4 at 70,000 ft are discussed. Techniques of analysis, construction, development, and inflation are described, along with development of high-temperature materials, fabrication techniques, and results of wind tunnel, functional, environmental and missile tests. A present GAC-RTD prime program called ADDPEP (Aerodynamic Deployable Decelerator Performance Evaluation Program) is summarized. This program covers the design, construction, testing, evaluation, and modification of newly developed deployable decelerators (parachute and balloon types). The test techniques being used during this program to provide the necessary data for such advanced deceleration systems are discussed. Also presented are some applications of the ballute system, including the Gemini capsule where is will be an emergency escape system for the astronaut, augmenting his stability in case of highaltitude abort during ascent or decent of the boost vehicle. Tests have substantiated the feasibility of expandable structures for positeve deceleration and stabilization. (Author).