Engineering PapersSearch

Engineering topics

Smith, E. P.

Publications and source records attributed to Smith, E. P..

Space Shuttle Orbiter - Countdown

The status of Orbiter launch planning is reviewed, with consideration given to major structure elements, subsystem and component development, readiness for launch, and follow-on Orbiters. It is noted that timelines in the completion of each increment of development of the first Orbital Flight Vehicle become increasingly crucial as the scheduled launch date approaches. Concurrent with the testing and finalization of this vehicle's software and hardware construction are the preliminary developmental stages of future Shuttle Orbiters.

Cohen, A.

Space Shuttle orbiter and subsystems.

Considerable progress has been made in designing the Space Shuttle orbiter and defining its subsystems since the development contract was awarded by NASA to Rockwell International in August 1972. This paper describes the orbiter's current design characteristics and its major assemblies. The aerothermodynamic and other considerations involved in defining the configuration are discussed, and the orbiter flight characteristics are summarized. Arrangement of the crew cabin, crew provisions, accommodations for payloads, and descriptions of the major subsystems are presented, providing design highlights of interest to space mission planners and to the aerospace technical community.

Smith, E. P.