RFI-SS-EATDM (Figure 1).pdf

This image shows a technical diagram illustrating the preliminary concept of operations for a GTO-Based Aerocapture Demonstration mission. The diagram depicts a sequence of seven key mission events around Earth, showing both the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) path and subsequent orbital maneuvers.

The diagram shows the Aerocapture Flight System (AFS) separating from the launch vehicle in GTO, conducting orbital maneuvers, performing the aerocapture maneuver through Earth's atmosphere at a 65 km periapsis, and ultimately achieving a 500 km circular orbit. The final steps show a SmallSat conducting an apogee burn to establish a circular orbit and communicating flight data to ground stations. The illustration includes both a smaller and larger view of Earth with orbital paths clearly marked, including the elliptical transfer orbit and final circular orbit.