A retrospective on early cryogenic primary rocket subsystem designs as integrated into rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) engines

Abstract

A study (Escher and Flornes, 1966) of aerospace propulsion systems for a fully reusable earth-to-orbit space transport application that was performed in 1965-67 is reviewed. The present review provides a detailed, subject-focused technical retrospective on a key subsystem element of the rocket-based combined-cycle (RBCC) class of aerospace propulsion systems. The RBCC concept is considered to be a leading candidate propulsion approach for either SSTO or two-stage-to-orbit space transportaion applications.