Skip to main content

Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology Development and Test Program (1995) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

6 CONCLUSIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
Pages 76-80

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 76...
... subject to implementation of the recommendations herein. It should be noted that, owing to time constraints on the study, the committee could not review several important areas, which are listed below: important aspects of the propulsion system, such as plumbing, leak sensors, lines, valves, and joints upstream of the engine, purge systems, pressurization systems, and the small reaction control system and orbital maneuvering system the integrated health monitoring system for all components and ODE technologies ground support equipment for the propulsion system, such as propellant quick disconnect, automation, automated fluid and electrical connections, and safe, operationally efficient ground and flight/vent purge systems operations issues that were explicitly excluded from the committee's charge to make the committee's task feasible within the allotted time 76
Read the entire page →
From page 77...
... However, compelling reasons for resolving the scaleability issue for the propellant tanks and primary structures include: The super lightweight external Al-Li tank using 2195 alloy is being developed for the shuttle program. Because this tank is 28 It in diameter, the design codes will be validated to that size, so much less information
Read the entire page →
From page 78...
... areas that can not be stressed to critical levels because of scaling issues will not correlate correctly into the mathematical models; thus the test results may not indicate critical stresses in the full-scale REV design in complex geometric areas, such as Yjoints, skirt, and conic and internal tank structures. Full-scale test articles for these more difficult areas will probably be required.
Read the entire page →
From page 79...
... a three-cell X-33 Aerospike configuration current SSME demonstration of rapid turnaround time, high mixture ratio, and throttling extended-life RD-0120 engine benchmark tests in Russia to demonstrate reusability, followed by life tests in the United States with operability enhanced electronics added to the benchmark engine. OBSERVATIONS The following suggestions may fall outside the charter of this committee, but were deemed important.
Read the entire page →
From page 80...
... It is important to recognize that creative and innovative integration of designs and vehicle shaping can provide benefits and create risks as significant as the benefits and risks of developing individual technologies. One design concept may involve higher risks but potentially greater payoffs in terms of size, cost, and ultimate commercial value.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • primary structures
  • design codes
  • rlv conditions
  • cycle testing
  • composite primary

  • scaleability issue
  • larger test
  • thermal environments
  • structural capability
  • analytical codes

  • test program
  • flight configuration
  • properly scaled
  • technology beyond
  • validated code

  • heavy expenditures
  • critical path
  • results compared
  • demonstrate fabrication
  • nde techniques

  • flight results
  • support equipment
  • totally integrated
  • test tanks
  • operationally efficient

  • sized test
  • enhanced electronics
  • electrical connections
  • applicable nde
  • scaling issues


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.