Engineering topics

Jones, Lee W.

Publications and source records attributed to Jones, Lee W..

4 records

NASA NTRS1990

Propulsion for the lunar mission

The paper describes the selection process utilized by NASA during the conduct of the 90-day study of the mission set that is known as the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). It is directed specifically toward propulsion system definition and selection, with emphasis on the proposed Lunar Transfer Vehicle and the Lunar Exploration Vehicle. Results of trade studies show that selection cannot be readily made on the basis of engine performance alone, because the cost of launching hardware elements and the required propellant are very high. A decision must be made to use either life-cycle costs or annual program costs as the economic figure of merit, because they drive the selection in opposite directions.

Jones, Lee W.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Engine selection for the Space Exploration Initiative

The process used by NASA in the selection of the engine for the Space Exploration Initiative mission is described. The major propulsion requirements of the engine are addressed along with the engine options and key drivers and trades. Special attention is given to the requirements of the propellant feed system and the reaction control system. As a result of the 90-study, four moderate chamber pressure expander-cycle oxygen/hydrogen engines with a thrust level of 20,000 lbf each were selected for the lunar transfer vehicle. The paper also presents results of architecture studies and of advanced engine test bed studies.

Jones, Lee W.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Propulsion technology discipline

Viewgraphs on propulsion technology discipline for Space Station Freedom are presented. Topics covered include: water electrolysis O2/H2 system; hydrazine system advancements; common technology; fluids disposal; and storable bipropellant system.

Jones, Lee W.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Space Station propulsion - Advanced development testing of the water electrolysis concept at MSFC

The successful demonstration at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) that the water electrolysis concept is sufficiently mature to warrant adopting it as the baseline propulsion design for Space Station Freedom is described. In particular, the test results demonstrated that oxygen/hydrogen thruster, using gaseous propellants, can deliver more than two million lbf-seconds of total impulse at mixture ratios of 3:1 to 8:1 without significant degradation. The results alao demonstrated succcessful end-to-end operation of an integrated water electrolysis propulsion system.

Jones, Lee W.↗