Theoretical preflight trajectories are presented for the RFD-1 re-entry system and launch vehicle.

Data taken from the atmospheric sciences support systems for RFD-1 on May 22, 1963, at Bermuda Island, are presented. These data were taken for purposes of later analysis of the ballistic performance of the re-entry vehicle and of the heat transfer mechanisms within it, and for studies of the motion of ablated particles in the atmosphere.

This report documents the design, development, and performance of the flight vehicle for Re-entry Flight Demonstration Number One (RFD-1).

Re-entry flight demonstration number one (RFD-1) was launched on May 22, 1963 from the Scout launch complex at NASA Wallops Station, Wallops Island, Virginia.

This report on the RFD-1 optical data and external fuel-element experiment includes a description of the instruments and test components used, a presentation of the data obtained, an explanation of the methods of data reduction employed, and a statement of the conclusions derived. It covers the theory, design, qualification tests, flight-test data, and results of the external fuel-element experiment. Also presented is a theoretical analysis of observed versus predicted ablation times and altitudes for the external fuel elements. In addition, this report presents recommendations for improvements to data acquisition and reduction methods in future, similar flight tests.