Flight Ascent Profile

The vehicle arrives at the launch pad 4 hours before launch. After vehicle checkout, the propellants are loaded, and chill down of cryogenic components begins. Final wet checkout is performed, and the flight crew enters the crew cabin approximately 30-min before launch. After launch countdown, the propellant valves are opened, allowing the propellants to flow under gravity into the combustion chamber.

Ignition occurs, initially producing only 17,000 lbs. of thrust. The tanks are then brought up to full pressure, and the engine now builds rapidly to full thrust, lifting the vehicle from the launch pad. Graphite vanes in the exhaust gas ensure a stable flight until enough speed has been built up to allow the aerodynamic fins to function. The first stage burns for just under one minute, until all of the propellant is exhausted.

Just prior to engine cutoff, the occupants will experience acceleration of no more than 4.5 g. At the edge of space, the second stage separates and ignites its engines, boosting the velocity enough to reach 70 miles altitude. After separation, the first stage follows a trajectory that carries it over 50 miles high. The pilot can use the cold gas jets to orient the vehicle to provide the best window view for the passengers.

o Flight Sequence
o Design - First Stage
o Design - Second Stage
o Flight Ascent Profile
o Flight Descent Profile
o V2 History
o Propulsion

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