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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1977

Buying a Shuttle ticket

A preliminary draft policy for reimbursement for Space Shuttle flights has been developed by NASA in the form of pricing criteria for Space Transportation System (STS) users in domestic and foreign government and industry. The reimbursement policy, the transition from expendable launch vehicles to STS, the new user services, and the interaction of the economics of new user services and STS cost to fly are discussed in the present paper. Current efforts to develop new users are noted.

Moore, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

User access to the National Space Transportation System

Economical and efficient use of the Space Transportation System (STS) will depend to a large extent on the ability to utilize standard procedures and operations; and for early users transitioning from expendable launch vehicles, the ability to use previous procedures and documentation. Users of the STS will need to know how and where to obtain the information needed to know the STS capabilities, how to obtain a flight assignment, costs involved, and processing of their payloads in preparation for launch.

Mccoy, H. E.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Organizing for low cost space transportation

The paper describes the management concepts and organizational structure NASA is establishing to operate the Space Transportation System. Policies which would encourage public and commercial organizations and private individuals to use the new STS are discussed, and design criteria for experiments, spacecraft, and other systems elements are considered. The design criteria are intented to facilitate cost reductions for space operations. NASA plans for the transition from currently used expendable launch vehicles to Shuttle use and Shuttle pricing policies are explained in detail. Hardware development is basically complete, management functions have been defined, pricing policies have been published, and procedures for user contact and services have been places into operation.

Lee, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Report on cost/pricing relationships for the space shuttle

The operations cost for the shuttle is the basis for developing the user charge policy for the system. The policy contains several elements that are significant to the user and to NASA. It will encourage the full use of the system to the benefits of the U.S. The charge policy will encourage early transition from the expendable launch vehicles to the shuttle and this will result in lower user costs for government as well as commercial users. The relationship between the charge policy and the utilization of the shuttle is critical to the economic efficiency of the system. NASA recognizes the challenging a relationship between pricing the cost of using a reusable space system, and the need to make sure it is re-used often.

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NASA NTRS1978

Potential SSME modifications to provide extended capabilities for future applications

Expendable launch vehicles will be phased out during the first years of shuttle operation and the payloads currently carried to orbit by these vehicles will be placed in low earth orbit by the reusable shuttle. In connection with limitations regarding the weight of the payload which can be launched by the Space Shuttle in its present form, approaches have been considered for increasing the payload capability of the Shuttle. Propulsion systems for Shuttle derived vehicles with larger payload capabilities have been studied. Such systems can potentially be obtained from modifications of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME). Concepts based on modifications to the basic engine include an SSME-35 for low altitude operation with liquid rocket boosters and an SSME-150 for operation over the complete altitude range as might be required in a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle application. Another modification would provide operation with a hydrocarbon fuel instead of hydrogen.

Kirby, F. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Space Shuttle Program description and status

The main reason for the development of the Space Shuttle is related to the aim to achieve a major reduction in the cost of placing a payload into space. Such a reduction is to be obtained by using a reusable in place of an expendable launch vehicle. Developments concerning launch vehicles show a steady reduction in launching expenses. From a cost of about $500,000 a pound in the late 1950's, launching expenses were reduced to $600 a pound for payloads on the Saturn V. With the Space Shuttle the cost will drop to approximately $150 a pound. The Space Shuttle Program is discussed, taking into account a system description, a typical mission profile, aspects of mission design, launch costs, and Space Shuttle characteristics. The Space Shuttle Program status is also examined, giving attention to orbital flight schedules, flight hardware tests, launch area facilities, the mission control center, and details of flight crew training.

Macleod, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Space Shuttle payloads and data handling accommodations

The Space Transportation System, which includes the Space Shuttle, will reduce the costs of earth orbital operations while improving operational capabilities and flexibility. The Shuttle can deliver payloads up to 65,000 pounds to a 150-nmi circular orbit at a substantially lower operational cost per flight than the Titan III-C system, which has a payload delivery capability of only 30,000 pounds. In addition, the Space Shuttle can return to earth with up to 32,000 pounds of payload, a capability not provided by expendable launch vehicles. Typical payload missions are considered along with aspects of satellite placement and recovery, typical free-flying payloads, attached scientific payloads, and the typical nature of payload data.

Teasdale, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A survey of load methodologies for shuttle orbiter payloads

Loads methods currently being used to design planetary spacecraft to be launched on the shuttle orbiter are summarized. Experiences gained from expendable launch vehicle payloads are used to develop methodologies for the space shuttle orbiter payloads. The objectives for the development of a new methodology for the shuttle payloads are to reduce the cost and schedule for the payload load analysis by decoupling the payload analysis from the launch vehicle to the maximum extent possible. Methods are described for payload member load estimation or obtaining upper bounds for dynamic loads, as well as load prediction or calculating actual transient member load time histories.

Chen, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Environmental noise assessment STS-1 Columbia launch

An environmental noise assessement of the initial launch of the Space Transportation System, STS-1 Columbia was conducted. The principal objective of the environmental noise assessment was to measure the noise generated during the initial launch of the space shuttle to ascertain the validity of the levels predicted in the 1979 environmental impact statement. In the 1979 study information obtained for expendable launch vehicles, Titan, Saturn and Atlas was used to predict the noise levels that would be generated by the simultaneous firing of the two solid rocket boosters and the three space shuttle main engines. Fifteen monitoring sites were established in accessable areas located from 4,953 to 23,640 meters from the launch pad. Precision sound level meters were used to capture the peak level during the launch. Data obtained was compared to the predicted levels and were also compared to the identified levels, standards and criteria established by the federal agencies with noise abatement and control responsibilities.

Putnicki, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

LANDSAT D to test thematic mapper, inaugurate operational system

NASA will launch the Landsat D spacecraft on July 9, 1982 aboard a new, up-rated Delta 3920 expendable launch vehicle. LANDSAT D will incorporate two highly sophisticated sensors; the flight proven multispectral scanner; and a new instrument expected to advance considerably the remote sensing capabilities of Earth resources satellites. The new sensor, the thematic mapper, provides data in seven spectral (light) bands with greatly improved spectral, spatial and radiometric resolution.

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NASA NTRS1982

Space science payloads for Shuttle

This paper presents a sampling of space science missions currently planned or under study at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Early use of the Shuttle for launching planetary exploration missions will not differ very much in principle from expendable launch vehicles. Future concepts which make use of the unique characteristics of the Shuttle in conjunction with other new technology open some truly fascinating prospects. Shuttle has other roles in space science as well, both for deep space and earth-directed observations. A variety of payload concepts, ranging from highly conventional to 'far-out', are under study. Increasing experience with Shuttle operations will broaden the spectrum of possibilities.

French, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The 1986 launch of the Galileo spacecraft via the Space Transportation System

Beginning with the Galileo spacecraft launch, deep space payloads will be launched via the Space Shuttle. This change from the previous use of expendable launch vehicles will introduce large changes in procedures and data flow configurations for both the flight project and the Deep Space Network during the launch period. The planned Galileo launch period sequence of events and telemetry and command data flow configurations are described.

Berman, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Aeronautics and space report of the President, 1983 activities

Achievements in communication; space science; space transportation; aeronautics; and Earth resources and environment are summarized. Activities of the various Federal agencies and cooperation with NASA in these areas are described. The Presidential policy announcement on the endorsement of commercial operation of expendable launch vehicles is included. Tables show, the space activities budget; a historical budget summary, U.S. space launch vehicles; U.S. and Soviet manned spaceflights, 1961 to 1983; U.S. launched space probes, 1975 to 1983; U.S. launched scientific and applications satellites, 1978 to 1983; the U.S. spacecraft record; the world record of space launches successful in attaining Earth orbit or beyond; and successful U.S. launchings for 1983.

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NASA NTRS1985

Beyond low earth orbit - An overview of orbit-to-orbit stages

New developments in upper stages are discussed. Tables revealing the dimensions, engine types, total thrust, weight, payload, and sponsor for developed and planned upper stages compatible with Space Transportation System (STS) or expendable launch vehicles are presented. An example of STS delivery capability to the Space Station at various orbital altitudes is provided. The use of aerobraking as the propulsion strategy for reusable stages is investigated. Various methods of controlling spent stages and maintaining a fragment free space environment are described. Storable propellant transfer systems and handling techniques for cryogens are studied.

Loftus, J. P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Vibroacoustic payload environment prediction system (VAPEPS): Data base management center remote access guide

A Vibroacoustic Data Base Management Center has been established at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The center utilizes the Vibroacoustic Payload Environment Prediction System (VAPEPS) software package to manage a data base of shuttle and expendable launch vehicle flight and ground test data. Remote terminal access over telephone lines to a dedicated VAPEPS computer system has been established to provide the payload community a convenient means of querying the global VAPEPS data base. This guide describes the functions of the JPL Data Base Management Center and contains instructions for utilizing the resources of the center.

Thomas, V. C.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Evaluation of cryogenic system test options for the OTV on-orbit propellant depot

Future space missions to geosynchronous, lunar, and planetary orbits will require an orbital depot for stockpiling propellants. This depot will provide long-term storage of cryogens, requiring new technologies for fluid management in microgravity and further development of thermal management technologies for minimization of cryogen boiloff. Preliminary evaluations have been made to define a test program approach for reducing technical risk through verifying performance models and building a base of engineering data for depot design. A number of testing options were defined and evaluated, leading to selection of ground testing combined with an orbital systems test. Ground testing is inadequate because of critical microgravity concerns; extending testing aboard the Space Station was eliminated because the data would not be available soon enough to benefit the propellant depot design. The orbital test would either be a short-term test carried out in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle Orbiter using a nonhazardous cryogen or a longer term test carried out with hydrogen aboard a free-flying experiment orbited with an expendable launch vehicle.

Schuster, John R.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Design and assembly sequence analysis of option 3 for CETF reference space station

A design and assembly sequence was conducted on one option of the Dual Keel Space Station examined by a NASA Critical Evaluation Task Force to establish viability of several variations of that option. A goal of the study was to produce and analyze technical data to support Task Force decisions to either examine particular Option 3 variations in more depth or eliminate them from further consideration. An analysis of the phasing assembly showed that use of an Expendable Launch Vehicle in conjunction with the Space Transportation System (STS) can accelerate the buildup of the Station and ease the STS launch rate constraints. The study also showed that use of an Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle on the first flight can significantly benefit Station assembly and, by performing Station subsystem functions, can alleviate the need for operational control and reboost systems during the early flights. In addition to launch and assembly sequencing, the study assessed stability and control, and analyzed node-packaging options and the effects of keel removal on the structural dynamics of the Station. Results of these analyses are presented and discussed.

Garrett, L. Bernard↗
NASA NTRS1988

Communications satellite systems operations with the space station. Volume 3: Supplementary technical report

The NASA space station has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to commercial communications satellite operators. The initial reports qunatified the benefits of space-based activities and assessed the impacts on the satellite design and the space station. Results are given for the following additional tasks: quantify the value of satellite retrievability operations and define its operational aspects; evaluate the use of expendable launch vehicles for transportation of satellites from the Earth to the space station; and quantify the economic value of modular satellites that are assembled and serviced in space.

Price, K. M.↗