Lunar base synthesis study. Volume 1 - Executive study Final report
Lunar base synthesis, mission analysis, shelter design, and cost and resource estimates - summary
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Lunar base synthesis, mission analysis, shelter design, and cost and resource estimates - summary
Reusable nuclear stage concepts for space shuttle system
Analysis of technological and cost factors affecting feasibility of television broadcast satellites during 1970 to 1975 period - Vol. 1
Pumped liquid, dual gas generation cycle for space shuttle booster and orbiter auxiliary propulsion systems
The VHF transponders of the ATS-1 and ATS-3 geostationary satellites were used in ranging and position fixing experiments. An interrogation signal was transmitted from a ground terminal to ATS-3, which relayed it to the vehicle transponders. The vehicle that was addressed repeated the signal and its response was relayed back through both satellites to the ground terminal, where propagation times were measured; lines-of-position and fixes were computed. The 0.43 second tone-code ranging signal contained a single audio tone frequency. Ambiguity was resolved and user craft identified by a simple digital code. Seven vehicles were used in the test: three aircraft, two ships, an oceanographic buoy, and a truck. Ionospheric and multipath effects were studied. It is concluded that a VHF system could have an accuracy of + or - one nautical mile for ships and aircraft if calibration transponders are used to monitor the ionosphere.
The major issues affecting the selection of a space shuttle system were considered. These included the HO orbiter/ballistic recoverable booster series-burn configuration; the HO orbiter/ballistic recoverable booster parallel-burn (rocket-assisted orbiter-RAO) configuration; and the HO orbiter/flyback LOX/RP booster configuration. The booster studies emphasized the series-burn ballistic design, but the differences required for RAO application were identified and evaluated. Definition of the RAO configuration parameters and technical problem areas, establishing approaches to possible solutions, and developing program costs are discussed.
A narrative summary is presented of technical, programmatic, and planning information developed during the space station definition study extension period. The modular space station is emphasized, but tasks pertaining to shuttle sorties missions and information management advanced development are included. A series of program options considering technical, schedule, and programmatic alternatives to the baseline program are defined and evaluated.
A study was made of Apollo, Skylab, and several other data management systems to determine those techniques which could be applied to the management of operational data for future manned spacecraft programs. The results of the study are presented and include: (1) an analysis of present data management systems, (2) a list of requirements for future operational data management systems, (3) an evaluation of automated data management techniques, and (4) a plan for data management applicable to future space programs.
The activities leading to a tentative concept selection for a pressure-fed engine and propulsion support are outlined. Multiple engine concepts were evaluted through parallel engine major component and system analyses. Booster vehicle coordination, tradeoffs, and technology/development aspects are included. The concept selected for further evaluation has a regeneratively cooled combustion chamber and nozzle in conjuction with an impinging element injector. The propellants chosen are LOX/RP-1, and combustion stabilizing baffles are used to assure dynamic combustion stability.
A study to identify and define this significant space shuttle/Agena space tug interfaces is presented. The preliminary design for an Agena space tug including optional improved features is discussed. Performance capability was determined on the basis of Agena mass properties corresponding to the requirements for each of the three base line missions. A work breakdown structure in sufficient detail to assemble a complete set of cost data was developed.
The acceptance of NASTRAN, the NASA structural analysis computer program, is explored, based on data from a sample set of users. Baseline data are generated for future comparison of costs and benefits of the program. The impact on, and benefits to, segments of government and industry from current use of NASTRAN are considered. Ways in which potential users may benefit from application of the program to their individual needs are also discussed.
A summary of the Phase A of the High Energy Astronomy Observatory Mission-C (HEAO-C) is presented. The mission, baseline experiments, observatory design, and spacecraft subsystems are described, and the principal mission considerations are discussed. A summary is included of the general recommendations.
The activities and results of a study for the definition of flight program language requirements are described. A set of detailed requirements are presented for a language capable of supporting onboard application programming for the Marshall Space Flight Center's anticipated future activities in the decade of 1975-85. These requirements are based, in part, on the evaluation of existing flight programming language designs to determine the applicability of these designs to flight programming activities which are anticipated. The coding of benchmark problems in the selected programming languages is discussed. These benchmarks are in the form of program kernels selected from existing flight programs. This approach was taken to insure that the results of the study would reflect state of the art language capabilities, as well as to determine whether an existing language design should be selected for adaptation.
The factors affecting the choice of the 156 inch diameter, parallel burn, solid propellant rocket engine for use with the space shuttle booster are presented. Primary considerations leading to the selection are: (1) low booster vehicle cost, (2) the largest proven transportable system, (3) a demonstrated design, (4) recovery/reuse is feasible, (5) abort can be easily accomplished, and (6) ecological effects are minor.
The design, development, production, and launch support analysis for determining the solid propellant rocket engine to be used with the space shuttle are discussed. Specific program objectives considered were: (1) definition of engine designs to satisfy the performance and configuration requirements of the various vehicle/booster concepts, (2) definition of requirements to produce booster stages at rates of 60, 40, 20, and 10 launches per year in a man-rated system, and (3) estimation of costs for the defined SRM booster stages.
The feasibility and practicality of employing an aerobraking trajectory for return of the reusable space tug from geosynchronous orbit was investigated. The aerobraking return trajectory modes employ transfer ellipses from high orbits which have low perigee altitudes wherein the earth's sensible atmosphere provides drag to reduce the tug return delta velocity requirements and thus decrease the required return trip propulsive energy. Aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics, trajectories, guidance and control, configuration concepts, materials, weights and performance were considered. Sensitivities to trajectory uncertainties, atmospheric anomalies and reentry environments were determined. New technology requirements and future studies required to further enhance the aerobraking potential were identified.
An overview is presented of the results of the analyses conducted in support of the selected engine system for the pressure-fed booster stage. During initial phases of the project, a gimbaled, regeneratively cooled, fixed thrust engine having a coaxial pintle injector was selected as optimum for this configuration.
The design, development, and characteristics of the Research and Applications Module (RAM) system is discussed. The RAM system is a family of payload carriers that can be delivered to and retrieved from low earth orbit by the space shuttle. The RAM payload carriers are used to support diverse technological and scientific investigations. The NASA study objectives, the relationship of the RAM payload carriers to other systems in the orbital space program, and recommendations for additional effort are presented.