ULA Rocket Rundown
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Vulcan Centaur
VULCAN CENTAUR The Vulcan Centaur rocket design leverages the flight-proven success of the Delta IV and Atlas V launch vehicles while introducing new technologies and innovative features to ensure a reliable and aordable space launch service. Vulcan Centaur will service a diverse range of markets including 225 ft commercial, civil, science, cargo and national security space customers. 1 The spacecraft is encapsulated in a 5.4-m- (17.7-ft-) diameter payload fairing (PLF), a sandwich composite structure made with a vented aluminum-honeycomb core and graphite-epoxy face sheets. The bisector (two-piece shell) PLF encapsulates the spacecraft. The payload attach fitting (PAF) is a similar sandwich composite structure creating the mating interface from spacecraft to second stage. The PLF separates using a debris-free horizontal and vertical separation system with 2 200 ft spring packs and frangible joint assembly. The payload fairing is available in the 15.5-m (51-ft) standard and 21.3-m (70-ft) 1 long configurations. The Centaur upper stage is 5.4 m (17.7 ft) in diameter and 3 11.7 m (38.5 ft) long with a 120,000-lb propellant capacity. Its propellant tanks are constructed of pressure-stabilized, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Centaur is a liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen-fueled vehicle, with two RL10C 4 engines. The Vulcan Centaur Heavy vehicle, flies the upgraded 2 Centaur using RL10CX engines with nozzle extensions. The 5 175 ft cryogenic tanks are insulated with spray-on foam insulation (SOFI) to manage boil o of cryogens during flight. An aft equipment shelf provides the structural mountings for vehicle electronics. -
General Assembly Distr.: General 29 January 2001
United Nations A/AC.105/751/Add.1 General Assembly Distr.: General 29 January 2001 Original: English Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space National research on space debris, safety of space objects with nuclear power sources on board and problems of their collisions with space debris Note by the Secretariat* Addendum Contents Chapter Paragraphs Page I. Introduction........................................................... 1-2 2 Replies received from Member States and international organizations .................... 2 United States of America ......................................................... 2 European Space Agency.......................................................... 7 __________________ * The present document contains replies received from Member States and international organizations between 25 November 2000 and 25 January 2001. V.01-80520 (E) 020201 050201 A/AC.105/751/Add.1 I. Introduction 1. At its forty-third session, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space agreed that Member States should continue to be invited to report to the Secretary- General on a regular basis with regard to national and international research concerning the safety of space objects with nuclear power sources, that further studies should be conducted on the issue of collision of orbiting space objects with nuclear power sources on board with space debris and that the Committee’s Scientific and Technical Subcommittee should be kept informed of the results of such studies.1 The Committee also took note of the agreement of the Subcommittee that national research on space debris should continue and that Member States and international organizations should make available to all interested parties the results of that research, including information on practices adopted that had proved effective in minimizing the creation of space debris (A/AC.105/736, para. -
This Boeing Team's Skills at Producing Delta IV Rocket Fairings Helped
t’s usually the tail end of the rocket that gets all the early atten- other work. But they’d jump at the chance to work together again. tion, providing an impressive fiery display as the spacecraft is Their story is one of challenges and solutions. And they attribute hurled into orbit. But mission success also depends on what’s their success to Lean+ practices and good old-fashioned teamwork. Ion top of the rocket: a piece of metal called the payload fairing “The team took it upon themselves to make an excellent that protects the rocket’s cargo during the sometimes brutal ride product,” said program manager Thomas Fung. “We had parts to orbital speed. issues and tool problems, but the guys really stepped up and took “There’s no room for error,” said Tracy Allen, Boeing’s manu- pride and worked through the issues.” facturing production manager for a Huntington Beach, Calif., team The aluminum fairing team went through a major transition that made fairings for the Delta IV. The fairing not only protects the when Boeing merged its Delta Program with Lockheed Martin’s payload from launch to orbit but also must jettison properly for Atlas Program to form United Launch Alliance in 2006. deployment of the satellite or spacecraft. “There were a lot of process changes in the transition phase Allen and his colleagues built the 65-foot-long (20-meter-long) because we were working with a new company,” Fung said. “We aluminum isogrid fairings for the Delta IV heavy-lift launch vehicle. had part shortages because of vendor issues, and that caused The design was based on 41 similar fairings Boeing made for the an impact to the schedule. -
Douglas Missile & Space Systems Division
·, THE THOR HISTORY. MAY 1963 DOUGLAS REPORT SM-41860 APPROVED BY: W.H.. HOOPER CHIEF, THOR SYSTEMS ENGINEERING AEROSPACE SYSTEMS ENGINEERING DOUGLAS MISSILE & SPACE SYSTEMS DIVISION ABSTRACT This history is intended as a quick orientation source and as n ready-reference for review of the Thor and its sys tems. The report briefly states the development of Thor, sur'lli-:arizes and chronicles Thor missile and booster launch inGs, provides illustrations and descriptions of the vehicle systcn1s, relates their genealogy, explains sane of the per fon:iance capabilities of the Thor and Thor-based vehicles used, and focuses attention to the exploration of space by Douelas Aircraf't Company, Inc. (DAC). iii PREFACE The purpose of The Thor History is to survey the launch record of the Thor Weapon, Special Weapon, and Space Systems; give a systematic account of the major events; and review Thor's participation in the military and space programs of this nation. The period covered is from December 27, 1955, the date of the first contract award, through May, 1963. V �LE OF CONTENTS Page Contract'Award . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Background • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • l Basic Or�anization and Objectives • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1 Basic Developmenta� Philosophy . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2 Early Research and Development Launches • • • ·• • • • • • • • • • 4 Transition to ICBM with Space Capabilities--Multi-Stage Vehicles . 6 Initial Lunar and Space Probes ••••••• • • • • • • • -
The SKYLON Spaceplane
The SKYLON Spaceplane Borg K.⇤ and Matula E.⇤ University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA This report outlines the major technical aspects of the SKYLON spaceplane as a final project for the ASEN 5053 class. The SKYLON spaceplane is designed as a single stage to orbit vehicle capable of lifting 15 mT to LEO from a 5.5 km runway and returning to land at the same location. It is powered by a unique engine design that combines an air- breathing and rocket mode into a single engine. This is achieved through the use of a novel lightweight heat exchanger that has been demonstrated on a reduced scale. The program has received funding from the UK government and ESA to build a full scale prototype of the engine as it’s next step. The project is technically feasible but will need to overcome some manufacturing issues and high start-up costs. This report is not intended for publication or commercial use. Nomenclature SSTO Single Stage To Orbit REL Reaction Engines Ltd UK United Kingdom LEO Low Earth Orbit SABRE Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine SOMA SKYLON Orbital Maneuvering Assembly HOTOL Horizontal Take-O↵and Landing NASP National Aerospace Program GT OW Gross Take-O↵Weight MECO Main Engine Cut-O↵ LACE Liquid Air Cooled Engine RCS Reaction Control System MLI Multi-Layer Insulation mT Tonne I. Introduction The SKYLON spaceplane is a single stage to orbit concept vehicle being developed by Reaction Engines Ltd in the United Kingdom. It is designed to take o↵and land on a runway delivering 15 mT of payload into LEO, in the current D-1 configuration. -
Centaur Dl-A Systems in a Nutshell
NASA Technical Memorandum 88880 '5 t I Centaur Dl-A Systems in a Nutshell (NASA-TM-8888o) CElTAUR D1-A SYSTEBS IN A N87- 159 96 tiljTSBELL (NASA) 29 p CSCL 22D Andrew L. Gordan Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio January 1987 . CENTAUR D1-A SYSTEMS IN A NUTSHELL Andrew L. Gordan National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lewis Research Center Cleveland, Ohio 44135 SUMMARY This report identifies the unique aspects of the Centaur D1-A systems and subsystems. Centaur performance is described in terms of optimality (pro- pellant usage), flexibility, and airborne computer requirements. Major I-. systems are described narratively with some numerical data given where it may 03 CJ be useful. v, I W INTRODUCT ION The Centaur D1-A launch vehicle continues to be a key element in the Nation's space program. The Atlas/Centaur and Titan/Centaur combinations have boosted into orbit a variety of spacecraft on scientific, lunar, and planetary exploration missions and Earth orbit missions. These versatile, reliable, and accurate space booster systems will contribute to many significant space pro- grams well into the shuttle era. Centaur D1-A is the latest version of the Nation's first high-energy cryogenic launch vehicle. Major improvements in avionics and payload struc- ture have enhanced mission flexibility and mission success reliability. The liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellants and the pressurized stainless steel structure provide a top-performance vehicle. Centaur's primary thrust comes from two Pratt 8, Whitney constant- thrust, turbopump-fed, regeneratively cooled, liquid-fueled rocket engines. Each RL10A-3-3a engine can generate 16 500 lb of thrust, for a total thrust of 33 000 lb. -
L AUNCH SYSTEMS Databk7 Collected.Book Page 18 Monday, September 14, 2009 2:53 PM Databk7 Collected.Book Page 19 Monday, September 14, 2009 2:53 PM
databk7_collected.book Page 17 Monday, September 14, 2009 2:53 PM CHAPTER TWO L AUNCH SYSTEMS databk7_collected.book Page 18 Monday, September 14, 2009 2:53 PM databk7_collected.book Page 19 Monday, September 14, 2009 2:53 PM CHAPTER TWO L AUNCH SYSTEMS Introduction Launch systems provide access to space, necessary for the majority of NASA’s activities. During the decade from 1989–1998, NASA used two types of launch systems, one consisting of several families of expendable launch vehicles (ELV) and the second consisting of the world’s only partially reusable launch system—the Space Shuttle. A significant challenge NASA faced during the decade was the development of technologies needed to design and implement a new reusable launch system that would prove less expensive than the Shuttle. Although some attempts seemed promising, none succeeded. This chapter addresses most subjects relating to access to space and space transportation. It discusses and describes ELVs, the Space Shuttle in its launch vehicle function, and NASA’s attempts to develop new launch systems. Tables relating to each launch vehicle’s characteristics are included. The other functions of the Space Shuttle—as a scientific laboratory, staging area for repair missions, and a prime element of the Space Station program—are discussed in the next chapter, Human Spaceflight. This chapter also provides a brief review of launch systems in the past decade, an overview of policy relating to launch systems, a summary of the management of NASA’s launch systems programs, and tables of funding data. The Last Decade Reviewed (1979–1988) From 1979 through 1988, NASA used families of ELVs that had seen service during the previous decade. -
액체로켓 메탄엔진 개발동향 및 시사점 Development Trends of Liquid
Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 119-143, 2021 119 Technical Paper DOI: https://doi.org/10.6108/KSPE.2021.25.2.119 액체로켓 메탄엔진 개발동향 및 시사점 임병직 a, * ㆍ 김철웅 a⋅ 이금오 a ㆍ 이기주 a ㆍ 박재성 a ㆍ 안규복 b ㆍ 남궁혁준 c ㆍ 윤영빈 d Development Trends of Liquid Methane Rocket Engine and Implications Byoungjik Lim a, * ㆍ Cheulwoong Kim a⋅ Keum-Oh Lee a ㆍ Keejoo Lee a ㆍ Jaesung Park a ㆍ Kyubok Ahn b ㆍ Hyuck-Joon Namkoung c ㆍ Youngbin Yoon d a Future Launcher R&D Program Office, Korea Aerospace Research Institute, Korea b School of Mechanical Engineering, Chungbuk National University, Korea c Guided Munitions Team, Hyundai Rotem, Korea d Department of Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Korea * Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Selecting liquid methane as fuel is a prevailing trend for recent rocket engine developments around the world, triggered by its affordability, reusability, storability for deep space exploration, and prospect for in-situ resource utilization. Given years of time required for acquiring a new rocket engine, a national-level R&D program to develop a methane engine is highly desirable at the earliest opportunity in order to catch up with this worldwide trend towards reusing launch vehicles for competitiveness and mission flexibility. In light of the monumental cost associated with development, fabrication, and testing of a booster stage engine, it is strategically a prudent choice to start with a low-thrust engine and build up space application cases. -
Atlas Launch System Mission Planner's Guide, Atlas V Addendum
ATLAS Atlas Launch System Mission Planner’s Guide, Atlas V Addendum FOREWORD This Atlas V Addendum supplements the current version of the Atlas Launch System Mission Plan- ner’s Guide (AMPG) and presents the initial vehicle capabilities for the newly available Atlas V launch system. Atlas V’s multiple vehicle configurations and performance levels can provide the optimum match for a range of customer requirements at the lowest cost. The performance data are presented in sufficient detail for preliminary assessment of the Atlas V vehicle family for your missions. This guide, in combination with the AMPG, includes essential technical and programmatic data for preliminary mission planning and spacecraft design. Interface data are in sufficient detail to assess a first-order compatibility. This guide contains current information on Lockheed Martin’s plans for Atlas V launch services. It is subject to change as Atlas V development progresses, and will be revised peri- odically. Potential users of Atlas V launch service are encouraged to contact the offices listed below to obtain the latest technical and program status information for the Atlas V development. For technical and business development inquiries, contact: COMMERCIAL BUSINESS U.S. GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES BUSINESS INQUIRIES Telephone: (691) 645-6400 Telephone: (303) 977-5250 Fax: (619) 645-6500 Fax: (303) 971-2472 Postal Address: Postal Address: International Launch Services, Inc. Commercial Launch Services, Inc. P.O. Box 124670 P.O. Box 179 San Diego, CA 92112-4670 Denver, CO 80201 Street Address: Street Address: International Launch Services, Inc. Commercial Launch Services, Inc. 101 West Broadway P.O. Box 179 Suite 2000 MS DC1400 San Diego, CA 92101 12999 Deer Creek Canyon Road Littleton, CO 80127-5146 A current version of this document can be found, in electronic form, on the Internet at: http://www.ilslaunch.com ii ATLAS LAUNCH SYSTEM MISSION PLANNER’S GUIDE ATLAS V ADDENDUM (AVMPG) REVISIONS Revision Date Rev No. -
Materials for Liquid Propulsion Systems
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=20160008869 2019-08-29T17:47:59+00:00Z CHAPTER 12 Materials for Liquid Propulsion Systems John A. Halchak Consultant, Los Angeles, California James L. Cannon NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama Corey Brown Aerojet-Rocketdyne, West Palm Beach, Florida 12.1 Introduction Earth to orbit launch vehicles are propelled by rocket engines and motors, both liquid and solid. This chapter will discuss liquid engines. The heart of a launch vehicle is its engine. The remainder of the vehicle (with the notable exceptions of the payload and guidance system) is an aero structure to support the propellant tanks which provide the fuel and oxidizer to feed the engine or engines. The basic principle behind a rocket engine is straightforward. The engine is a means to convert potential thermochemical energy of one or more propellants into exhaust jet kinetic energy. Fuel and oxidizer are burned in a combustion chamber where they create hot gases under high pressure. These hot gases are allowed to expand through a nozzle. The molecules of hot gas are first constricted by the throat of the nozzle (de-Laval nozzle) which forces them to accelerate; then as the nozzle flares outwards, they expand and further accelerate. It is the mass of the combustion gases times their velocity, reacting against the walls of the combustion chamber and nozzle, which produce thrust according to Newton’s third law: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. [1] Solid rocket motors are cheaper to manufacture and offer good values for their cost. -
Atlas V Cutaway Poster
ATLAS V Since 2002, Atlas V rockets have delivered vital national security, science and exploration, and commercial missions for customers across the globe including the U.S. Air Force, the National Reconnaissance Oice and NASA. 225 ft The spacecraft is encapsulated in either a 5-m (17.8-ft) or a 4-m (13.8-ft) diameter payload fairing (PLF). The 4-m-diameter PLF is a bisector (two-piece shell) fairing consisting of aluminum skin/stringer construction with vertical split-line longerons. The Atlas V 400 series oers three payload fairing options: the large (LPF, shown at left), the extended (EPF) and the extra extended (XPF). The 5-m PLF is a sandwich composite structure made with a vented aluminum-honeycomb core and graphite-epoxy face sheets. The bisector (two-piece shell) PLF encapsulates both the Centaur upper stage and the spacecraft, which separates using a debris-free pyrotechnic actuating 200 ft system. Payload clearance and vehicle structural stability are enhanced by the all-aluminum forward load reactor (FLR), which centers the PLF around the Centaur upper stage and shares payload shear loading. The Atlas V 500 series oers 1 three payload fairing options: the short (shown at left), medium 18 and long. 1 1 The Centaur upper stage is 3.1 m (10 ft) in diameter and 12.7 m (41.6 ft) long. Its propellant tanks are constructed of pressure-stabilized, corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Centaur is a liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen-fueled vehicle. It uses a single RL10 engine producing 99.2 kN (22,300 lbf) of thrust. -
The Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES)- a Low-Cost, Low-Risk Approach to Space Exploration Launch
The Advanced Cryogenic Evolved Stage (ACES)- A Low-Cost, Low-Risk Approach to Space Exploration Launch J. F. LeBar1 and E. C. Cady2 Boeing Phantom Works, Huntington Beach CA 92647 Space exploration top-level objectives have been defined with the United States first returning to the moon as a precursor to missions to Mars and beyond. System architecture studies are being conducted to develop the overall approach and define requirements for the various system elements, both Earth-to-orbit and in-space. One way of minimizing cost and risk is through the use of proven systems and/or multiple-use elements. Use of a Delta IV second stage derivative as a long duration in-space transportation stage offers cost, reliability, and performance advantages over earth-storable propellants and/or all new stages. The Delta IV second stage mission currently is measured in hours, and the various vehicle and propellant systems have been designed for these durations. In order for the ACES to have sufficient life to be useful as an Earth Departure Stage (EDS), many systems must be modified for long duration missions. One of the highest risk subsystems is the propellant storage Thermal Control System (TCS). The ACES effort concentrated on a lower risk passive TCS, the RL10 engine, and the other subsystems. An active TCS incorporating a cryocoolers was also studied. In addition, a number of computational models were developed to aid in the subsystem studies. The high performance TCS developed under ACES was simulated within the Delta IV thermal model and long-duration mission stage performance assessed.