THE X-33 EXTENDED FLIGHT TEST RANGE
Affiliation
National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationEdwards Air Force Base
Issue Date
1998-10Keywords
X-33Reusable Launch Vehicle
Extended test range
Radio frequency communications
Reentry plasma blackout
Metadata
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Copyright © International Foundation for TelemeteringCollection Information
Proceedings from the International Telemetering Conference are made available by the International Foundation for Telemetering and the University of Arizona Libraries. Visit http://www.telemetry.org/index.php/contact-us if you have questions about items in this collection.Abstract
Development of an extended test range, with range instrumentation providing continuous vehicle communications, is required to flight-test the X-33, a scaled version of a reusable launch vehicle. The extended test range provides vehicle communications coverage from California to landing at Montana or Utah. This paper provides an overview of the approaches used to meet X-33 program requirements, including using multiple ground stations, and methods to reduce problems caused by reentry plasma radio frequency blackout. The advances used to develop the extended test range show other hypersonic and access-to-space programs can benefit from the development of the extended test range.Sponsors
International Foundation for TelemeteringISSN
0884-51230074-9079