pogo.htm Jet Engine First Stage Spacelift


Notice: Due to economic concerns and my more pressing interests in other areas I will be shutting down this site on or about April 15, 2009.

Anyone wishing to copy this material may do so freely, though the ideas I've expressed remain mine and I would appreciate the credit. My e-mail address, oglenn@earthlink.net, may or may not continue to be functional.

I would like to thank all the folks out there who've contributed through your comments and questions as well as all the sources I've read. Had there been more of me this is one of the areas I would like to have pursued more.

Glenn


POGO


(a.k.a. Jet Engine Launch Assist Concept (JELAC))


Preliminary Concept Study of Pogo, a Reusable First Stage for Spacelift Using Aircraft Jet Engines and Vertical Take-off and Landing


Abstract

This report describes the results of a preliminary concept study into using aircraft jet engines for the propulsion of a spacelift first stage, dubbed a Pogo. It compares relevant altitude, velocity, and lift capabilities of current aircraft and jet engines. It estimates the capabilities of such a first stage and the associated launch costs. The results indicate that a large cost saving and improved operability could result from implementing this concept. Many references are cited and a bibliography is included. Appendices cover a list of other uses for this technology, possible Pogo variations, and a survey of relevant supersonic inlets.


The original name of the concept is Pogo, as explained in the Background. While "Pogo" has meaning to those familiar with aircraft history it is not really descriptive, leading to one of the concerns expressed. Further, those familiar with rocketry associate the word "pogo" with an instability problem.

The name "Jet Engine Launch Assist Concept" (JELAC) is much more descriptive and may become the name as time goes by.


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This Page Last Major Update 29 May 97

This Page Last Minor Update December 19, 2002


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