A Simulation Framework for the Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance

A Simulation Framework for the Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance PDF Author: Patrick Daniel Dees
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computer simulation
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
During development of a complex system, feasibility initially overshadows other concerns, in some cases leading to a design which may not be viable long-term. In particular for the case of Reusable Launch Vehicles, Operations & Maintenance comprises the majority of the vehicle's LCC, whose stochastic nature precludes direct analysis. Through the use of simulation, probabilistic methods can however provide estimates on the economic behavior of such a system as it evolves over time. Here the problem of operations optimization is examined through the use of discrete event simulation. The resulting tool built from the lessons learned in the literature review simulates a RLV or fleet of vehicles undergoing maintenance and the maintenance sites it/they visit as the campaign evolves over a period of time. The goal of this work is to develop a method for uncovering an optimal operations scheme by investigating the effect of maintenance technician skillset distributions on important metrics such as the achievable annual flight rate and maintenance man hours spent on each vehicle per flight. Using these metrics, the availability of technicians for each subsystem is optimized to levels which produce the greatest revenue from flights and minimum expenditure from maintenance.

A Simulation Framework for the Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance

A Simulation Framework for the Analysis of Reusable Launch Vehicle Operations and Maintenance PDF Author: Patrick Daniel Dees
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Computer simulation
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
During development of a complex system, feasibility initially overshadows other concerns, in some cases leading to a design which may not be viable long-term. In particular for the case of Reusable Launch Vehicles, Operations & Maintenance comprises the majority of the vehicle's LCC, whose stochastic nature precludes direct analysis. Through the use of simulation, probabilistic methods can however provide estimates on the economic behavior of such a system as it evolves over time. Here the problem of operations optimization is examined through the use of discrete event simulation. The resulting tool built from the lessons learned in the literature review simulates a RLV or fleet of vehicles undergoing maintenance and the maintenance sites it/they visit as the campaign evolves over a period of time. The goal of this work is to develop a method for uncovering an optimal operations scheme by investigating the effect of maintenance technician skillset distributions on important metrics such as the achievable annual flight rate and maintenance man hours spent on each vehicle per flight. Using these metrics, the availability of technicians for each subsystem is optimized to levels which produce the greatest revenue from flights and minimum expenditure from maintenance.

Reusable Rocket Engine Operability Modeling and Analysis

Reusable Rocket Engine Operability Modeling and Analysis PDF Author: National Aeronautics and Space Adm Nasa
Publisher: Independently Published
ISBN: 9781730983238
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 94

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Book Description
This paper describes the methodology, model, input data, and analysis results of a reusable launch vehicle engine operability study conducted with the goal of supporting design from an operations perspective. Paralleling performance analyses in schedule and method, this requires the use of metrics in a validated operations model useful for design, sensitivity, and trade studies. Operations analysis in this view is one of several design functions. An operations concept was developed given an engine concept and the predicted operations and maintenance processes incorporated into simulation models. Historical operations data at a level of detail suitable to model objectives were collected, analyzed, and formatted for use with the models, the simulations were run, and results collected and presented. The input data used included scheduled and unscheduled timeline and resource information collected into a Space Transportation System (STS) Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) historical launch operations database. Results reflect upon the importance not only of reliable hardware but upon operations and corrective maintenance process improvements. Christenson, R. L. and Komar, D. R. Marshall Space Flight Center...

Discrete Event Simulation Model of the Ground Maintenance Operations Cycle of a Reusable Launch Vehicle

Discrete Event Simulation Model of the Ground Maintenance Operations Cycle of a Reusable Launch Vehicle PDF Author: John T. Pope III.
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Discrete-time systems
Languages : en
Pages : 472

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Book Description


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.

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 : 12

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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 Launch Vehicles Operations and Maintenance Top-down Analysis

Reusable Launch Vehicles Operations and Maintenance Top-down Analysis PDF Author: J. Timothy Middendorf
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Launch vehicles (Astronautics)
Languages : en
Pages : 300

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Book Description
This Supplemental Report captures the results of the follow-on research activity specifically targeted at producing Operations and Maintenance (O & M) guideline inputs for Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs). This report also provides additional information in topic areas covered by the original report; the results of a validation activity associated with the Functions and Procedural Items introduced in the first report; serves as a repository for data collection in preparation for a functional analysis; and, finally, discusses the synthesis of this same data into a form usable by the FAA to generate RLV O & M Guidelines.

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.

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.

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.

Development of the Architectural Simulation Model for Future Launch Systems and Its Application to an Existing Launch Fleet

Development of the Architectural Simulation Model for Future Launch Systems and Its Application to an Existing Launch Fleet PDF Author: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN: 9781721784776
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 24

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Book Description
A significant portion of lifecycle costs for launch vehicles are generated during the operations phase. Research indicates that operations costs can account for a large percentage of the total life-cycle costs of reusable space transportation systems. These costs are largely determined by decisions made early during conceptual design. Therefore, operational considerations are an important part of vehicle design and concept analysis process that needs to be modeled and studied early in the design phase. However, this is a difficult and challenging task due to uncertainties of operations definitions, the dynamic and combinatorial nature of the processes, and lack of analytical models and the scarcity of historical data during the conceptual design phase. Ultimately, NASA would like to know the best mix of launch vehicle concepts that would meet the missions launch dates at the minimum cost. To answer this question, we first need to develop a model to estimate the total cost, including the operational cost, to accomplish this set of missions. In this project, we have developed and implemented a discrete-event simulation model using ARENA (a simulation modeling environment) to determine this cost assessment. Discrete-event simulation is widely used in modeling complex systems, including transportation systems, due to its flexibility, and ability to capture the dynamics of the system. The simulation model accepts manifest inputs including the set of missions that need to be accomplished over a period of time, the clients (e.g., NASA or DoD) who wish to transport the payload to space, the payload weights, and their destinations (e.g., International Space Station, LEO, or GEO). A user of the simulation model can define an architecture of reusable or expendable launch vehicles to achieve these missions. Launch vehicles may belong to different families where each family may have it own set of resources, processing times, and cost factors. The goal is to capture the required