Operations Analysis of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle

Operations Analysis of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle PDF Author: Steven R. Noneman
Publisher: BiblioGov
ISBN: 9781289288648
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 28

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Book Description
The Space Launch Initiative (SLI) program is developing a second-generation reusable launch vehicle. The program goals include lowering the risk of loss of crew to 1 in 10,000 and reducing annual operations cost to one third of the cost of the Space Shuttle. The SLI missions include NASA, military and commercial satellite launches and crew and cargo launches to the space station. The SLI operations analyses provide an assessment of the operational support and infrastructure needed to operate candidate system architectures. Measures of the operability are estimated (i.e. system dependability, responsiveness, and efficiency). Operations analysis is used to determine the impact of specific technologies on operations. A conceptual path to reducing annual operations costs by two thirds is based on key design characteristics, such as reusability, and improved processes lowering labor costs. New operations risks can be expected to emerge. They can be mitigated with effective risk management with careful identification, assignment, tracking, and closure. SLI design characteristics such as nearly full reusability, high reliability, advanced automation, and lowered maintenance and servicing coupled with improved processes are contributors to operability and large operating cost reductions.

Operations Analysis of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle

Operations Analysis of the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle PDF Author: Steven R. Noneman
Publisher: BiblioGov
ISBN: 9781289288648
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 28

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Book Description
The Space Launch Initiative (SLI) program is developing a second-generation reusable launch vehicle. The program goals include lowering the risk of loss of crew to 1 in 10,000 and reducing annual operations cost to one third of the cost of the Space Shuttle. The SLI missions include NASA, military and commercial satellite launches and crew and cargo launches to the space station. The SLI operations analyses provide an assessment of the operational support and infrastructure needed to operate candidate system architectures. Measures of the operability are estimated (i.e. system dependability, responsiveness, and efficiency). Operations analysis is used to determine the impact of specific technologies on operations. A conceptual path to reducing annual operations costs by two thirds is based on key design characteristics, such as reusability, and improved processes lowering labor costs. New operations risks can be expected to emerge. They can be mitigated with effective risk management with careful identification, assignment, tracking, and closure. SLI design characteristics such as nearly full reusability, high reliability, advanced automation, and lowered maintenance and servicing coupled with improved processes are contributors to operability and large operating cost reductions.

Concepts of Operations for a Reusable Launch Vehicle

Concepts of Operations for a Reusable Launch Vehicle PDF Author: Michael A. Rampino
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 68

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Book Description
The United States is embarked on a journey toward maturity as a spacefaring nation. One key step along the way is development of a reusable launch vehicle (RLV). The most recent National Space Transportation Policy (August 1994) assigned improvement and evolution of current expendable launch vehicles to the Department of Defense while National Aeronautical Space Administration (NASA) is responsible for working with industry on demonstrating RLV technology. The purpose of this study is to help ensure the US military, especially the USAF, is prepared to take advantage of RLVs should the NASA-led effort to develop an RLV demonstrator prove successful. The focus of this study is an explanation of how the US military could use RLVs, by describing and analyzing two concepts of operations. Four major conclusions resulted from the analysis. First, RLVs have military potential. They can perform a variety of missions including responsive spacelift, reconnaissance, and strike. However, the economic feasibility of using RLVs for earth-to-earth transportation is questionable. Second, design choices for an operational RLV will have effects on risk, cost, capability, and operations efficiency. Trade-offs will have to be made between NASA, commercial, and military requirements if all three parties are to use the same fleet of RLVs. Third, increased investment in propulsion technology development is warranted to ensure success. Fourth, the top priority for the RLV program, even from the military's perspective, should remain cheap and responsive access to space. The research led to three recommendations. First, the US military should become a more active participant in the RLV program to ensure its requirements are defined and incorporated. Second, America should not pursue development of operational RLVs before the technology is ready.

Reusable Launch Vehicle

Reusable Launch Vehicle PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309175860
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 98

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Book Description
The key to opening the use of space to private enterprise and to broader public uses lies in reducing the cost of the transportation to space. More routine, affordable access to space will entail aircraft-like quick turnaround and reliable operations. Currently, the space Shuttle is the only reusable launch vehicle, and even parts of it are expendable while other parts require frequent and extensive refurbishment. NASA's highest priority new activity, the Reusable Launch Vehicle program, is directed toward developing technologies to enable a new generation of space launchers, perhaps but not necessarily with single stage to orbit capability. This book assesses whether the technology development, test and analysis programs in propulsion and materials-related technologies are properly constituted to provide the information required to support a December 1996 decision to build the X-33, a technology demonstrator vehicle; and suggest, as appropriate, necessary changes in these programs to ensure that they will support vehicle feasibility goals.

Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations

Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations PDF Author: John Garvey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 40

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Book Description
Report developed under SBIR contract for topic AF05-201. The increased use of reusable systems continues to be one of the most promising options for creating advancements in the daily maintenance of rocket systems, lowering hours for preparation and diminishing expenses for preparation. However, since the end of the DC-X/XA Delta Clipper program, flight testing of candidate reusable launch vehicle (RLV) designs, technologies and operations has come to a halt. This project addressed this situation through the development and flight testing during Phase I of an early prototype RLV that could ultimately evolve into the first stage of an operational nanosat launch vehicle (NLV). This LOX/ethanol-propellant vehicle -the Prospector 7 -took flight twice within a 3.5 hour period after less than a day of pre-launch field preparations, thereby establishing a new reference metric for RLV-type responsive, fast turn-around launch operations. Besides serving as an operational pathfinder, this RLV test bed also manifested several academic payloads in support of a related goal of assessing candidate nanosat-class payload accommodations. In a solid demonstration of the commercial potential for this kind of capability, the Prospector 7 itself has already been assigned to non-SBIR follow-on flight test activities.

Initial Results from the Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Nanosat Launch Vehicle Operations

Initial Results from the Demonstration and Analysis of Reusable Nanosat Launch Vehicle Operations PDF Author: J. M. Garvey
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 14

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Book Description
Flight testing of prototype reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) has declined significantly since a period in the mid-1990s that was marked by ambitious projects but uneven results. Consequently, a new program has been established with the objective of investigating RLV-type fast turn-around flight operations. Major distinctions from these earlier efforts include the use of a smaller class of vehicles and payloads, along with an initial emphasis on operations as opposed to advanced technologies. This focus on a hybrid-type (reusable first stage and expendable second stage) "nanosat launch vehicle" (NLV) that ultimately could deliver 10 kg to low Earth orbit has already produced tangible results. These include initial operational capability of a new prototype vehicle just six months after project start, two flights of this vehicle within 3.5 hours, a total of four flights within an eleven month period, pathfinding operations from a new launch site and the manifesting of numerous technology and academic experiments. Lessons learned from this first round of demonstration and analysis are now guiding the development of several next-generation prototype reusable NLVs that will enter flight testing later this year.

2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (2g Rlv). Revised

2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle (2g Rlv). Revised PDF Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781721096329
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 110

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Book Description
This is a revised final report and addresses all of the work performed on this program. Specifically, it covers vehicle architecture background, definition of six baseline engine cycles, reliability baseline (space shuttle main engine QRAS), and component level reliability/performance/cost for the six baseline cycles, and selection of 3 cycles for further study. This report further addresses technology improvement selection and component level reliability/performance/cost for the three cycles selected for further study, as well as risk reduction plans, and recommendation for future studies. Matlock, Steve and Sides, Steve and Kmiec, Tom and Arbogast, Tim and Mayers, Tom and Doehnert, Bill Marshall Space Flight Center NAS8-00168; NRA8-27

Reusable Launch Vehicles and Space Operations

Reusable Launch Vehicles and Space Operations PDF Author: John E. Ward
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 100

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Book Description


Longitudinal Control and Footprint Analysis for a Reusable Military Launch Vehicle

Longitudinal Control and Footprint Analysis for a Reusable Military Launch Vehicle PDF Author: Anhtuan D. Ngo
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 10

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Book Description
In this paper, we will examine a configuration for a reusable military launch vehicle (RMLS) concept. This configuration allows for the vehicle to land in an inverted attitude. Such inverted landing improves the turnaround time of the vehicle by reducing the maintenance requirements of the vehicle's thermal protection system. An analysis is performed to examine the impacts by the configuration on stability, control, and footprint for an RMLS configuration.

Reusable Booster System

Reusable Booster System PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309266564
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 115

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Book Description
On June 15, 2011, the Air Force Space Command established a new vision, mission, and set of goals to ensure continued U.S. dominance in space and cyberspace mission areas. Subsequently, and in coordination with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Space and Missile Systems Center, and the 14th and 24th Air Forces, the Air Force Space Command identified four long-term science and technology (S&T) challenges critical to meeting these goals. One of these challenges is to provide full-spectrum launch capability at dramatically lower cost, and a reusable booster system (RBS) has been proposed as an approach to meet this challenge. The Air Force Space Command asked the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council to conduct an independent review and assessment of the RBS concept prior to considering a continuation of RBS-related activities within the Air Force Research Laboratory portfolio and before initiating a more extensive RBS development program. The committee for the Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment was formed in response to that request and charged with reviewing and assessing the criteria and assumptions used in the current RBS plans, the cost model methodologies used to fame [frame?] the RBS business case, and the technical maturity and development plans of key elements critical to RBS implementation. The committee consisted of experts not connected with current RBS activities who have significant expertise in launch vehicle design and operation, research and technology development and implementation, space system operations, and cost analysis. The committee solicited and received input on the Air Force launch requirements, the baseline RBS concept, cost models and assessment, and technology readiness. The committee also received input from industry associated with RBS concept, industry independent of the RBS concept, and propulsion system providers which is summarized in Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment.

Impact of a Military Reusable Launch Vehicle on Dominant Maneuver and Focused Logistics

Impact of a Military Reusable Launch Vehicle on Dominant Maneuver and Focused Logistics PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 58

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Book Description
This study analyzes the role of a next-generation reusable launch vehicle (RLV) as a potential defense mobility platform for the future. RLV prototypes offer rapid transportation anywhere on the globe within one hour, with a significant cost reduction from today's $10,000 per pound to $1,000 per pound of cargo through space. Unfortunately, extremely complex and time-consuming infrastructure and ground handling requirements hinder the usefulness of the RLV in a military environment. Joint Vision 2020 (JV2020) outlines operational concepts that mold warfighting capabilities to achieve full spectrum dominance in the future. Two of the operational concepts, dominant maneuver and focused logistics, shape mobility requirements and are used to evaluate the need for a military RLV. This project seeks to answer the question: "Could the next-generation RLV be a viable tool to support JV2020's operational concepts of dominant maneuver and focused logistics?" Based on this analysis, current RLV prototypes do not meet the majority of criteria established by JV2020's dominant maneuver and focused logistics. However, if a military RLV were designed and produced specifically for defense transportation, it could potentially overcome the reliability and flexibility obstacles and become a key enabler toward full spectrum dominance.