Falcon HTV-2 lost
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Falcon HTV-2 lost
It's easy to forget how hard this is to do.
Imagine the air loads and thermal effects.
From what I understand it's not just dropping like a capsule or an ICBM MIRV (two vehicles that operate in a similar envelope) - it's attempting to fly, with cross range capability at around four times the speed of the X15.
I imagine a fraction of a degree pitch up or down from the design angle of attack would result in instant vehicle destruction.
Perhaps some engineers with more knowledge may be able to add insight...
Imagine the air loads and thermal effects.
From what I understand it's not just dropping like a capsule or an ICBM MIRV (two vehicles that operate in a similar envelope) - it's attempting to fly, with cross range capability at around four times the speed of the X15.
I imagine a fraction of a degree pitch up or down from the design angle of attack would result in instant vehicle destruction.
Perhaps some engineers with more knowledge may be able to add insight...
Chief Bottle Washer
Found it....