From Earth to Orbit An Assessment of Transportation Options (1992) / Chapter Skim
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6 Technology Development
6 Technology Development
Pages 62-71
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From page 62... ...
1992 budget dedicated to space technology is only $293 million. This amount is much smaller than other FY 1992 NASA program budgets, such as the physics and astronomy budget of approximately $ 1 billion and the Advanced Solid Rocket Motor Program budget of $465 million.
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From page 63... ...
However, propulsion system technology development should take place in step with other important aspects of launch vehicle and launch system design to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Some propulsion technology advances, in addition to the Space Transportation Main Engines (STME)
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From page 64... ...
Modular Plug Engine The modular plug engine, as conceived by Aerojet General Corporation, consists of 12 identical modules arranged circumferentially to form a central, truncated surface, as shown in Figure 4. In addition, each of the modules contains 16 very small rectangular thrusters that burn the propellants and internally expand the exhaust gas, directing it along the central surface for additional, external expansion to the surrounding environment.
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From page 65... ...
Modular Bell Engine Recently, the Strategic Defense Initiative Office (SDIO) proposed the development of a new, modular bell engines designed for rapid turnaround operations similar to those of an aircraft, including provisions for thorough monitoring to allow regular, scheduled maintenance.
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From page 66... ...
one Committee recommends that studies of the need and advantages of the proposed engine be made and that research be supported to investigate critical technologies. Virtual Staging Engine Concepts The ability to incorporate the advantages of both denser propellants and higher performance propellants in a single stage or vehicle is known as virtual staging.
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From page 67... ...
Similarly, nuclear-electric propulsion could greatly reduce the mass required in LEO for unmanned precursor missions or for cargo transport for human missions. There are at least three possible technological approaches to the nuclear-thermal rocket that hold promise for future space exploration missions: (~)
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From page 68... ...
The Committee recommends renewed emphasis on materials research and development for the engine environment and for modern airframes, as well as nondestructive evaluation techniques. Health Monitoring of Rocket Systems Pad hold-down with engine shutdown and throttleability are considered highly desirable attributes of a new family of vehicles.
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From page 69... ...
They encompass closed aft compartments, fluid! system leakage, conditioning of the cryogenic systems, bleeds and purges, and the need for external gas supplies for turbopump spin-up for start operations.
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From page 70... ...
Manufacturing Technologies A number of overall manufacturing considerations must be included to take full advantage of cost reduction opportunities for any future launch vehicle. These require designing from the outset for producibility, which involves determination of those components, subassemblies, and parts that require close tolerances and those that do not, so that appropriate manufacturing processes can be selected.
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From page 71... ...
TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT 71 decisions are hampered by the absence of research and development in the past decades. Underlying research and development provides technical stamina for the future.
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