The Orbital Space Plane: The Orbital Space Plane: How Did We Get - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Orbital Space Plane: The Orbital Space Plane: How Did We Get Here & Where How Did We Get Here & Where Are We Going? Are We Going? July 21, 2003 Dr. Samuel T. Durrance

���������� SLI &OSP SLI &OSP • Space Launch Initiative (SLI) – Technology Risk Reduction – Shuttle Replacement RLV Decision • Orbital Space Plane (OSP) – NASA - Crew Return Vehicle for ISS (CRV) – DoD - Space Maneuvering Vehicle (SMV) – Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV) Atlas V & Delta IV – New Space Transportation System OSP + EELV • Loss of Columbia – OSP Refocused

������� OSP Mission Refocused OSP Mission Refocused • Crew Return Vehicle for ISS – Provide one element of Station lifeboat system – Soyuz & Shuttle • Crew Transfer Vehicle for ISS – Support normal Station crew rotation – Support Station logistics – Soyuz & Shuttle • Space Transportation & Orbital Operations (non-ISS) • Development of Human Exploration Beyond Earth Orbit

������������ OSP CRV & CTV OSP CRV & CTV • Provide emergency ISS crew return for up to 5 crew (CRV) – Separation & de-orbit anytime, anywhere – Definitive medical care within 24 hours • Provide access to space with maximum crew safety above all other considerations such as advancing technology (CTV) – Robust abort capability available in all phases of flight • System availability as soon as possible (by 2007) – To support ISS scientific research • System design should emphasize simplicity in both flight & ground operation

������������ Simple Design using Atlas & Delta Simple Design using Atlas & Delta • Level of reusability should be determined by design for simplicity and overall cost • Use the Atlas V & Delta IV launch vehicles (possibly others) • Use an evolutionary approach to overall mission objectives – CTV � CRV � Logistics Support � Human Exploration • Use currently available technology wherever possible

������������� Launch, On- -orbit, Reentry & Landing orbit, Reentry & Landing Launch, On What is the optimum shape of a space vehicle for various mission phases? • Launch Phase � Aerodynamic fairing or nosecone shape for an EELV launch � Blunt or flattened bottom for parachute and water/land recovery • On-Orbit Phase � Docking port in front for rendezvous and docking � Service module & cargo module not constrained (cylindrical) • Reentry & Landing Phase � Blunt or lifting body shape for reentry � High L/D for extending cross-range � Winged shape for landing

������������� OSP System Architecture OSP System Architecture OSP Mission Requirements argue for a “Capsule” Type System: robust abort capability; can land anytime, anywhere; design simplicity • Apollo Command Module meets the requirements of the CRV (modified for 1 atm ) • Addition of a small service module meets the CTV requirements • Can be launched on Atlas or Delta • A larger logistics module can be added with or without its own service module & heat shield

������������� Design for Reusability Design for Reusability • Reuse Apollo design and systems wherever possible • Reuse of structure (or not) to be determined by cost • Commercial off the shelf avionics should be used wherever possible • Crew Systems compatible with Shuttle and Station • Modular Line Replaceable Units (LRU) wherever possible

������������� Ground Operations Ground Operations Make maximum use of launch and payload processing capability present at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport • Use existing facilities at KSC for the assembly & integration of the new vehicle if possible • Establish a recovery, refurbishment, & assembly line at KSC • Try to minimize changes needed in the Atlas & Delta launch processing flows to accommodate crew ingress

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