03-11-2010, 11:07 PM
Rocksim does not optimizes trajectory for orbit insertion, so it is an iterative thurst angle optimization effort to determine max payload to orbit. It does have feature to stop thrusting when orbit is reached.
As you correctly observe this latest simulation has different thrusting angle, and I spent time to get it to near optimum insertion trajectory, and that made the difference in reaching 400km orbit.
Yes there is overhead of control system that must be accounted for in the 750 kg payload, although the navigation system could be common and carried in satellite. On the flip up-side the mass faction of upper stage is still conservative and a BM converted to space launcher would greatly benefit if upper stage was brought to the correct proportion of previous stage with net mass of ~4.7 tonne.
In my considered view and some other people I highly value on this forum, the key point in Saraswat's statement is that some numbers of Agnis' can deliver heavy payload across all possible trajectory in BM or orbital trajectory depending on contingency.
As you correctly observe this latest simulation has different thrusting angle, and I spent time to get it to near optimum insertion trajectory, and that made the difference in reaching 400km orbit.
Yes there is overhead of control system that must be accounted for in the 750 kg payload, although the navigation system could be common and carried in satellite. On the flip up-side the mass faction of upper stage is still conservative and a BM converted to space launcher would greatly benefit if upper stage was brought to the correct proportion of previous stage with net mass of ~4.7 tonne.
In my considered view and some other people I highly value on this forum, the key point in Saraswat's statement is that some numbers of Agnis' can deliver heavy payload across all possible trajectory in BM or orbital trajectory depending on contingency.