How would attitude be controlled so the thrust is in the correct direction? Spin stabilization about the maximum moment off inertia axis is probably the best choice. This would require a magnetic torquing system.
Another issue is the thrust needs to be directed through the spacecraft's center-of-mass or there will be stability problems. How would a cluster be fired individually with each, in turn, directed through the center of mass? That's a complex design problem. One more issue is that when you carry multiple motors, the first must accelerate the mass of the unfired motors, so the early firing will be less effective. The mass of the spent casings will need to be accelerated buy the subsequent motor firings. You do have some work to do before you have a practical solution. 73, Ken N2WWD Sent from my iPad On Jan 17, 2012, at 3:44 PM, Joe Leikhim <rhyol...@nettally.com> wrote: > David; > There are some much bigger motors! Ask the Level-3 rocketry folks! Anyway a > cluster of medium sized motors could be fired individually as required to > raise altitude. I would think that SRB's would be more reliable and safer > than hypergolic used on previous Oscars. There would of course be a lot of > heat in the rocket casings that would need to be dissipated. > > -- > Joe Leikhim > > Leikhim and Associates > Communications Consultants > Oviedo, Florida > > www.Leikhim.com > > jleik...@leikhim.com > > 407-982-0446 > > Note to GMail Account users. Due to an abnormally high volume of spam > originating from bogus GMail accounts, I have found it necessary to block > certain GMail traffic. Please phone me if you believe your message was not > received. > > _______________________________________________ > Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. > Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! > Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
