Engineering topics

Stofan, A. J.

Publications and source records attributed to Stofan, A. J..

13 records

NASA NTRS1984

A high energy stage for the National Space Transportation System

The Shuttle/Centaur is an expendable hydrogen/oxygen cryogenic upper stage for use with the National Space Transportation System. It is a modification of the existing Atlas/Centaur which was used by NASA since 1966 to launch interplanetary and earth orbital payloads for numerous organizations. Two configurations of the Shuttle/Centaur are being developed. Vehicle capability includes placing approximately 4500 kg (10,000 lb) in geostationary orbit, and initial applications will be for the interplanetary Galileo and Ulysses Missions in 1986. The Shuttle/Centaur development program is discussed, the configurations and performance are described, and the unique integration and operations requirements related to the Shuttle are indicated. Design changes to the current Atlas/Centaur required for Shuttle operation are described here, and include those related to Orbiter cargo bay dimensions, environment, and safety considerations.

Stofan, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1984

A high energy stage for the National Space Transporation System

The Shuttle/Centaur is an expendable hydrogen/oxygen cryogenic upper stage for use with the National Space Transportation System. It is a modification of the existing Atlas/Centaur which was used by NASA since 1966 to launch interplanetary and Earth orbital payloads for numerous organizations. Two configurations of the Shuttle/Centaur are being developed. Vehicle capability includes placing approximately 4500 kg (10,000 lb) in geostationary orbit, and initial applications will be for the interplanetary Galileo and Ulysses Missions in 1986. The Shuttle/Centaur development program is discussed, the configurations and performance are described, and the unique integration and operations requirements related to the Shuttle are indicated. Design changes to the current Atlas/Centaur required for Shuttle operation are described here, and include those related to Orbiter cargo bay dimensions, environment, and safety considerations.

Stofan, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Space platforms - A cost effective evolution of Spacelab operation

The capabilities added to the Shuttle/Spacelab configuration by the addition of the Power Extension Package (PEP), the Power System (PS), and the Science and Applications Space Platforms (SASP) are reviewed with an emphasis on SASP. SASP are intended for placement in orbit by the Shuttle to test new instruments and systems, for clustering of instrumentation, and for servicing, refurbishment, repair, or augmentation by the Shuttle. The PEP permits extended stays in orbit (30 days), and the PS is an orbital solar array and energy storage system acting as a free flying spacecraft. The Shuttle can deliver payloads to the PS or attach to it for extension of the Spacelab operations. Applications of SASP for long term space-based biological experiments are outlined, and the fact that SASP do not increase the required Shuttle in-orbit time is stressed.

Stofan, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Titan/Centaur - NASA's newest launch vehicle.

Titan/Centaur is NASA's last 'new-expendable' launch vehicle prior to the advent of the Space Shuttle. Titan/Centaur is an adaptation of the Air Force Titan III booster with an improved version of the Centaur stage and a new 4.2-meter payload fairing. Titan/Centaur is initially being used for high performance escape missions (Helios Solar Probe - 340 kilograms, Viking Mars Orbiter and Lander - 3,629 kilograms, and Mariner Jupiter/Saturn Fly-Bys at 771 kilograms), but is also particularly suited for larger spacecraft in synchronous orbits (transfer - 7,031 kilograms and equatorial, with three Centaur burns - 3,175 kilograms). The program which began in 1965 with internal NASA feasibility studies will culminate in a 'proof flight' launch in early 1974. With the new payload fairing, which also encloses Centaur, payloads nearly 8.5 meters long and 3.8 meters in diameter can be accommodated.

Stofan, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Titan/Centaur: NASA's newest launch vehicle

Titan/Centaur is NASA's last new expendable launch vehicle prior to the advent of the space shuttle. Titan/Centaur is an adaptation of the Air Force Titan 3 booster with an improved version of the Centaur stage and a new 4.2 meters payload fairing. Titan/Centaur is initially being used for high performance escape missions (Helios Solar Probe - 340 kilograms' Viking Mars Orbiter and Lander - 3,629 kilograms, and Mariner Jupiter/Saturn Fly-Bys at 771 kilograms, but is also particularly suited for larger spacecraft in synchronous orbits (transfer - 7,031 kilograms and equatorial, with three Centaur burns - 3,175 kilograms). The program which began in 1965 with internal NASA feasibility studies will culminate in a proof flight launch in early 1974. With the new payload fairing, which also encloses Centaur, payloads of nearly 8.5 meters long and 3.8 meters in diameter can be accommodated.

Stofan, A. J.↗

NASA NTRS1968