:A
Any discussion of future space initiatives must start
with the Space Shuttle, the key to opening up near
space to quick, easy, and economical access
James C Fletcher
Admrnistrator
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration
SPACE SHUTTLE
Prepared by
!_ _ .r _, _,._= :
:; t t_JBBZL.:
i telghl
45 6 km (24 6 n fill)
V_;tOC_ty
1391 msec (2704 kn}
SHUTTLE CHARACTERISTICS
Length
System: 56 m (184 ft)
Orbiler: 37 m (122 I1)
Hetght
Systern: 23 m (76 ft)
Orbiter: t7 m (57 ft)
Wingspan
Orbiter: 24 m (78 11)
We,ght
Gross lift-off 2 000 000 kg
(4 [if)[) 000 Ib)
Orbiter landing: 85 000 kg
{187 000 Ib)
Thrust
Solid rocket boosters (2):
11 88(] 000 N
(2 685 000 lb) each
Orbiter main engines (3):
2 100 000 N
Cargo bay
Dimensions: 18 m (60 It) long,
5 m (15 11)in diameter
Accommodations: Unmanned
spacecraft to fully equipped
scientific laboratories
SHUTTLE LAUNCH
LANDING
Crossrange
Velocity
Veloclly
7847 re,see (15 254 krl:l
ORBITAL OPERATIONS
Hebgh[
185 to 11 I0 kr_/ (100 lo 600 r! Tnl)
Duration
Up io 30 days
ATMOSPHERIC ENTRY
Height
1_>1 !7 kr"_/Z(J _l qli)
The Space Shuttle Orbiter is designed for a auxiliary propulston systems, power units,
2-week ground turnaround, from landing to flight instrumentation, and communications
relaunch. About 160 hours of actual work will be systems must also be inspected and, if
required• necessary, repaired
As soon as the Orbiter returns from space, it These functions will take approximately
must undergo sating before payloads can be two-thirds of lhe total processing time before
removed and maintenance and refurbishment relaunch. From there, the Orbiter will be towed
begun Saling operahons include draining and to the assembly building, where it will be lifted to
I3urglng ol the propellant leedlines and removal vertical and m_4te(t t()the sohd rocket boosters
of explosive actuators and external tank. already in place on the mobile
Next, the payload-bay support equipment launcher platform
must be inspected and serviced New pay- The integrated Space Shuttle will then be
loads will be installed. The thermal protection moved to the laur_ch pad for another trip into
system, landing gear system, main and space.
• Move to pad
• Inlerface verification LANDING
• Propel)ant toading • Safety 0nspection
2-hr launch
• Clew ingress • Connect 9round-support-equipmer_ cooting
• Systems check capability • 160-hr total • Connect tow equipment
• Crew exchange
9¸
ORBITER SAFING,
MAINTENANCE, AND
CHECKOUT
SHUTTLE ASSEMBLY • Sale and deservice
• Assemble solid rocket booster (SRB) • Remove payload
• Exlernal tank mating to SRB • Mainlenance/relurbisrtment
• Orbiter mating • Paytoad installation
• Interface verifiealion Functional venficatnon
• Ordnance installation/conneclion
• Ctoseout
PREMATE PREPARATION
• Retract landing gear
• GOf_ect crar_es
• Rotate to verftcal
SPACE SHUTTLE VEHICLE
The Orbiter is designed to carry into orbit a On a standard mission, the Orbiter can
crew of up to seven, including scientific and remain in orbit lor 7 days, return to Earth with
technical personnel, and the payloads The resl personnel and payload, land like an airplane,
of the Shuttle system (SRB's and external fuel and be readied for another flight in 14 days. The
tank) is requ+red to boost the Orbiter into space. Shuttle can be readied for a rescue mission
The smaller Orbiter rocket engines of the or- launch from standby status within 24 hours after
bital maneuvering system (OMS) provide ma- notification For emergency rescue, the cabin
neuvering and control during space flight; during can accommodate as many as 10 persons;
atmospheric fhght the Orbiter is controlled by thus, all occupants of a disabled Orbiter could
the aerodynamic surfaces on the wings and by be rescued by another Shuttle.
the vertical stabilizer.
TheSRB's,whichburnin parallelwiththe AfterSRBseparation, theOrbiterma_n pro-
Orbiter
mainpropulsionsystem,areseparated pulsion system continues toburnuntiltheOr-
fromtheOrbiterexternal
tankatanaltitudeof biterachieves a velocity lust shortof orbital
approximately 45 kilometers(24nautical requirements. Theexternal tank then separates
miles),
descend onparachutes,
andlandinthe and falls into a remote area of the Indian or the
oceanapproximately278kilometers(150nau- South Pacific Ocean, depending on the launch
ticalmiles)fromthe launchsite.Theyare site and mission The OMS completes insertion
recoveredby ships,returnedto land,refur- of lhe Orbiter into the desired orbit
bished,andthenreused.
CREW AND PASSENGER
ACCOMMODATIONS
The crew and passengers occupy a Seating for passengers and a living area are
two-level cabin at the forward end of provided on the lower deck The cabin will have a
the Orbiter. The crew controls the maximum of utility; mission flexibility is achieved with a
launch, orbital maneuvering, atmo- minimum of volume, complexity, and weight. Space
spheric entry, and landing phases of flight will no longer be limited to intensively trained,
the mission from the upper level flight physically perfecl astronauts but will now accommo-
deck Payload handling is accom date experienced scientists and technicians.
plished by crewmen at the aft cabin
payload station
WIDE VARIETY OF MISSIONS
1.0
Space Shuttle during its operational
life, which will extend beyond the
.5
D FACTOR F 1990's, will be a wide range of
(400 O00 FT) ENTRY INTERFACE applications of the environment of
_ TO LANDING
space and of space platforms. The
J I I I 1 I I
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 applications can be achieved through
Time from entry, min operation of satellites, satellites with
propulsion stages, space labora-
tories,or combinations as appropriate
to the specific objectives and require-
ments. The Shuttle also provides a
laboratory capability to do research
and to develop techniques and equip-
Crewmembers and passengers will experience a ment that may evolve into new oper-
designed maximum gravity load of only 3g during ational satellites.
launch and less than 1.5g during a typical reentry. The Space Shuttle will not be limited
These accelerations are about one-third the levels to uses that can be forecast today. The
experienced on previous manned flights. Many other reduction in the cost of Earth-orbital
features of the Space Shuttle, such as a standard operations and the new operational
sea-level atmosphere, will welcome the nonastronaut techniques will enable new and un-
space worker of the future. foreseen solutions of problems,
PLACEMENT AND RECOVERY OF SATELLITES
One important Space Shuttle mission will be satellite from the cargo-bay retention structure,
the placement of satellites in Earth orbit. A extends it away from the Orbiter, and releases
satellite launched on a previous mission can be it. The final activation of the satellite will be by
retrieved and returned to Earth for refurbish- radio command The Orbiter will stand by until
ment and reuse. the satellite is performing satisfactorily before
As many as five individual satellites may be proceeding with the remainder of the mission.
delivered on a single mission The satellites are To recover a satellite, the Orbiter will ren-
serviced, checked out, and loaded into the dezvous with it, maneuver close, and grab it
Orbiter. The crew will consist of Shuttle pilots with the remote manipulator arm. After the
and mission and payload specialists. Upon satellite is deactivated by radio command, it will
reaching the desired orbit, the mission and be lowered into the cargo bay and locked into
payload specialists will conduct predeploy- place. The Orbiter will perform deorbit ma-
merit checks and operations. Alter determining neuvers, enter the atmosphere, and land,
that the satellite is ready, the crew will operate returning the expensive satellite for reuse.
the payload deployment system, which lifts the
10
PLACEMENT OF FREE-FLYING SCIENTIFIC
LABORATORIES IN SPACE
The space telescope represents an inter- several years later, return the facility to Earth at
national facility for on-orbit space research the end of its mission.
controlled by the investigating scientists on the The long duration exposure facility (LDEF) is
ground. Design studies are now being con- a basic research project being implemented by
ducted and sponsored by the NASA Marshall the NASA Langley Research Center. The LDEF
Space Flight Center and the Goddard Space is a reusable, unmanned, low-cost, free-flying
Flighl Center The Space Shuttle would deliver structure on which a variety of passive experi-
lhe telescope to orbit, and the crewmen assist ments can be mounted to study the effects of
_n preparing the facility for operation During their exposure to space over a relatively long
scheduled revisits to the facilily, the Space period of time. After an extended period in orbit,
Shuttle crewmen would service supporting the LDEF will be retrieved by an Orbiter and
subsystems, exchange scientific hardware, and, returned to Earth for experiment analysis.
DELIVERY OF PAYLOADS
THAT USE
PROPULSION STAGES
12
MARINERJUPITER
ORBITER
SPACECRAFT An-Flight
Configuration
ON-ORBIT SERVICING OF SATELLITES BY THE SPACE SHUTTLE
The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is will permit on-orbit maintenance and updating
studying a family of modular spacecraft satel- of this family of satellites Combined with the
lites to be placed in orbits of various inclinations large weight and volume capacity of the
and altitudes The low-cost standard hardware Shuttle, this capability provides the payload
is expected to comprise much of each satellite. designer new freedom in developing and
Among other features, the design of this operating satellites that can reduce payload
hardware will provide for on-orbit servicing by costs as well as improve performance.
changeout of supporting subsystem assem- Alternative techniques for on-orbit servicing
blies and applications sensors. These system of satellites are under study. The approach
features, in association with the Shuttle-based illustrated is based on current simulations of
equipment and Shuttle operalional techniques, prototype hardware with replaceable modules.
14
ORBITAL SERVICING AND CONTINGENCY
RETRIEVAL OF SATELLITES
Matra, France
CII, France
CDMS . _i_.,,,,," ,,
SEL, Germany
_,_,_ .....
.MW Z
SABCA. ' ?._._ _'_'.,.
',,
This is an unprecedented cooperative en- space flight can provide, such as a long-term
terpnse which represents a most generous gravity-free environment, a location from which
contribution by the European nations to the Earth can be viewed and examined as an entity,
basic space facility of the 1980's, one which and a place where the celestial sphere can be
we can use tn common on either a cooperative studied free of atmospheric interference.
or reimbursable basis as circumstances Several Spacelab system configurations will
warrant be flown. The configuralion illustrated includes
James C Fletcher a pressurized module where experimenters
NASA Administrator can work in a shirt-sleeve environment. A tunnel
connects the Orbiter crew compartment with
the Spacelab Instruments can be mounted on
Spacelab is an international program being a pallet aft of the pressurized module if they
developed by the European Space Agency require exposure to the space vacuum or are
(ESA). The large pressurized Spacelab module too bulky to place inside or for convenience in
with an external equipment pallet will be a viewing. The Orbiter may be flown in an inverted
frequent payload carrier during the Space attitude to orient the instruments toward Earth
Shuttle era. Spacelab will provide an extension for surveys of Earth resources and for
of the experimenter's ground-based lab- investigations of geophysical and environ-
oratories with the added qualities which only mental parameters
16
Other Spacelab configurations include those Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and
which, in place of a pressurized module, have a Austria. Many types of scientific, technological,
large pallet on which numerous instruments are medical, and applications investigations can
installed and controlled from the payload be accomplished with this flight hardware.
specialist's station within the Orbiter. Each Spacelab is designed to be flown as many
Pressure-suit operations in the payload bay are as 50 times over a 10-year period. This system
practical when instrument service is required. will provide an entirely new capability for
Ten member nations of the European space manned participation, which will increase the
community have agreed to commit almost $500 effectiveness of space research as well as
!
million to design and deliver one flight unit to the reduce the cost of the application of space
United States. Agreements provide for pur- technology.
chase of additional units by the United States. Some crewmembers and payloads for Space
Cooperating nations are West Germany, Italy, lab will be international in ong_n and others w_ll
France, United Kingdom, Belgium, Spain, the be provided by U S Governmenl and industry
Space in
Everyday Living
19
Weather
Weather satellite photographs are perhaps 100 000 American lives have been saved as a
the best known applications that affect our daily result of early warnings of hurricanes and other
lives. Since the first weather satellite was severe weather
launched in 1960, meteorological spacecraft
have returned to Earth more information about
the atmosphere than had been learned since
man first began to study weather. An estimated
20
Mapping and Charting
High-altitude photographs taken straight photographs taken of the East Coast from
down can help mapmakers work efficiently and Skylab. Massachusetts is at the top (with
accurately. Because much larger areas can be Boston Harbor on the right edge of the
covered by spacecraft than by aircraft in the photograph). The mosaic extends through the
same amount of time, maps can be changed New York metropolitan area, New Jersey, and
frequently and accurately. The mosaic shown is almost to Philadelphia The Appalachian Moun-
part of one that was made from color infrared tains extend along the left side.
21
Land Use
Images transmitted from the Landsat satel- combined to create a false-color image (as
lites are used for a variety of studies, including shown below) This scene is the Houston,
determining land use patterns, forecasting Texas, area.
crop yields, and helping to find land and water Landsat-1 and Landsat-2 combined provide
resources in hard-to-reach areas. The various coverage of every area of the United States
spectral bands are sensitive to different colors. every 9 days The data from Landsat can also
They can be compared (for example, the four be computerized and displayed in block
bands otthe same scene on the page opposite) format
to help photointerpreters identify features or
-4-
2:?
Band 4 Band 5
Band 6 Band 7
23
Pollution
The extent of water and air pollution and in the lake; the lighter area north of the bridge is
sometimes their sources can be established by much saltier than the darker area. On the right
space photography. Water pollution is visible side of the pholograph is Lake Utah, a
as fuzziness along the southern shores of the fresh-water body Salt Lake City lies between
Great Salt Lake. The sharp line across the lake the two lakes The light splotch in the highlands
near the top of lhe photograph represents a next to Salt Lake City is the world's largest
railroad bridge that impedes water circulation open-p_t copper mine
24
Water Resources
Water resources, especially in inaccessible available after the thaw to irrigate the desert
areas, can be monitored from space. For Flagstaff is at the bottom center of the
example, a study of this photograph of snow photograph and the Painted Desert is across
along the Mogollon Rim in Arizona can lead to the top, The Meteor Crater is visible slightly to
accurate prediction of how much water will be the right of the center of the photograph
25
Geology
Geological studies can be made from photo- tion, and intensity of earthquakes. The dark line
graphs such as this to support mineral explora- across the lower third of the photograph is the
tion throughout the world. Geological faults San Andreas Fault Angling into the lower right
often stand out in space imagery. The photo- corner and partially hidden by clouds is the San
graph of California just north of Los Angeles Gabriel Fault The Gadock Fault is the dark area
clearly defines where three faults meet in a extending up the middle of the photograph.
populated area. If mankind can learn to monitor Lake Isabella is in the upper right and the city of
these faults from space, it might become Bakersfield below it. On the right is Palmdale,
possible to accurately predict the time, Ioca- where the Orbiter _s being built.
26
Oceanography
Many features of the ocean can be studied This information is important to commercial
more easily from space than any other way The fishermen because fish are likely to be concen-
photograph taken from Skylab shows a current trated in these areas.
boundary in the Atlanti( Ocean south of Space imagery can be used to chart the
Bermuda. Oceanographers had never been movement of icebergs to indicate ocean
able to verify this interaction of currents and currents and to aid routing of ships to safer
ocean swells until they had pictures showing areas.
water patterns in extremely large areas A computer using radiance data from a
pictures that only a camera in space could multispectral scanner aboard Skylab charted
provide. water depths; this method would simplify
Areas of nutrients, such as algae and updating and correction of hydrographic
plankton, are also clearly visible from space. charts.
27
Communications
Because of communications satellites, tele- vice has been developed by NASA scientists
vision viewers all over the world take for granted because of s_ace onented requirements These
that they can watch sports and news events as communications are _mmune to interception
they happen. The communications satellites in and jammln(3 and are completely private Be
stationary orbit transmit a variety of other cause the remote m_crophone requires no
educational, governmental, and commercial power the syst(;rn offers many possible appli
data as well calions _n industry, at sea. and in air/sea rescue
A new light beam voice communications de operat_on,_
Health Care
Many advances in health care have resulted Inside hospqals too. automatic monitoring
from devices originally designed to monitor systems similar to the ones used for Apollo
astronauts in space and send data back to astronauts can collect several channels of
Earth. For example, a lightweight battery- physiological dala from as many as 64 patients
powered mobile unit that fits into an ambulance and transmit the data in digital form to a central
and links trained emergency medical techni- control station for processing by a computer
cians to a physician is already being used by Spacesuils and portable life-support systems
some communities; the city of Houston, Texas, have insptred oth_r medical advances such as
has equipped 28 rescue vehicles with these a mobile biologJoal isolation system and a
units portable volume controlled respirator
28
Materials and Manufacturing
29
ENVIRONMENT
AGRICULTURE
PETROLEUM
RESOURCES
MINERAL
RESOURCES
3O
COMMUNICATIONS
OCEANOGRAPHY
TIMBER
SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
Petroleum Resources
32
Environment
Mineral Resources
33
Oceanography
Timber
34
4
Scientific Studies
Communications
3
Space Shuttle Vehicle
........ Rudder/speed
brake
/ Orbital maneuvering
/ propulsion
Payload bay
m (6oft) _ Aft reaction
.-_" control engines
Crew cabin • \
'.• \
Star tracker door ,, ._. •
Forward reaction _
control engines
Side hatch
The Orbiter spacecraft contains the crew and maneuvering subsystem (OMS)is contained in
payload for the Space Shuttle system. The two external pods on the aft fuselage. These
Orbiter can deliver to orbit payloads of 29 500 units provide thrust for orbit insertion, orbit
kilograms (65 000 pounds) with lengths to 18 change, rendezvous, and return to Earth. The
meters (60 feet) and diameters of 5 meters (15 reaction control subsystem (RCS) is contained
feet). The orbiter is comparable in size and in the two OMS pods and in a module in the
weight to modern transport aircraft; it has a dry nose section of the forward fuselage. These
weight of approximately 68000 kilograms units provide attitude control in space and pre-
(150 000 pounds), a length of 37 meters (122 cision velocity changes for the final phases of
feet), and a wingspan of 24 meters (78 feet). rendezvous and docking or orbit modification.
The crew compartment can accommodate In addition, the RCS, in conjunction with the
seven crewmembers and passengers for some Orbiter aerodynamic control surfaces, pro-
missions but will hold as many as 10 persons in vides attitude control during reentry They take
emergency operations effect in the lower, more dense atmosphere
The three main propulsion rocket engines providing control of the Orbiter at speeds less
used during launch are contained in the aft than Mach 5 The Orbiter rs designed to land at
fuselage. The rocket engine propellant is con- a speed of 95 m sec (185 knots), similar to
tained in the external tank (ET), which is jet- current high performance aircraft
tisoned before initial orbit insertion The orbital
3/
EXTERNAL TANK
Orbiter all
attachment. ...; Propellant leed a_l
_- _-"._" pressurization lines
Integral
Orbiter forward
attachment \
\
Solid rocket booster forward \
attachment •
°°5 1
,22. } Interlank
The external tank contains the propellants for psia) and t_e oxygen tank to 137900 to
the Orbiter main engines: liquid hydrogen (LH2) 15t 700 N,'m _ (20 to 22 psia).
fuel and liquid oxygen (LO2) oxidizer. All fluid Both tanks are constructed of aluminum alloy
controls and valves (except the vent valves) for skins with support or stability frames as
operation of the main propulsion system are required. The s,dewalls and end bulkheads use
located in the Orbiter to minimize throwaway the largest avaiiable width of plate stock. The
costs. Antivortex and slosh baffles are mounted skins are butt-fusion-welded together to pro-
in the oxidizer tank to minimize liquid residuals vide reliable sealed joints. The skirt aluminum
and to damp fluid motion Five lines (three for structure uses skin/stringers with stabilizing
fuel and two for oxidizer) interface between the frames.
external tank and the Orbiter. All are insulated Spray.on !gain insutahon (SOFI)is apphed
except the oxidizer pressurization line Liquid to the compiele outer surface ol the external
level point sensors are used in both tanks for tank. mclud_n_j ;he sidewalls and the forward
loading control bulkheads Th,s spray-on ablator _s applied to
At lift-off, the external tank contains 703 000 all proluberances such as attachment struc
kilograms (1 550 000 pounds) of usable propel- tures becalming shock ,mpingement causes _n
lant The LH 2 tank volume is 1523 m 3 (53 800 ft 3) creased tl_'atr_l to these areas The thermal
and the LO2 tank volume is 552 m 3 (19 500 ft3). protection symptom (TPS) coverage is minimized
These volumes include a 3-percent ullage by using the heat sink approach provided by
provision. The hydrogen tank is pressurized to the s_dewal!s and propellants
a range of 220 600 to 234 400 N./m 2 (32 to 34
}8
SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS
Nozzleandthrustvectorcontrol
1
Fourseparation
motors Aftskirtand
88964N (20 000,b)thrusteach _ _/J launchsupport
RBIETattachment
ring
/_ / _ f andswaybraces
Droguechute j ..,_¢_._/v _- _,}._'-
• ¢
• a SRB/ETthrust
"_Separation
avionics
Operationalflight Approximate Weights and Thrusl (Each)
' instrumentation
j Recovery avionics Gross weight: 583 600 kg (1 286 600 Ib)
Nosefairing
Forward
skirt Inert weight: 81 900 kg (180 500 Ib)
Thrust (sea level): 11 800 000 N (2 650 000 Ib)
Two solid rocket boosters (SRB's) burn for The SRB's are released by pyrotechnic sepa-
2 m_nutes with the main propulsion system of rahon devices at the forward thrust attachment
the Orbiter to provide initna/ ascent thrust Pri- and the aft sway braces Eightseparahon rock-
mary elements of the booster are the motor, ets on each SRB (four aft and four forward)
including case, propellant, igniter, and nozzle: separate the SRB from the Orbiter and external
forward and aft structures: separation and re tank. They continue through a 67 O00-meter
covery avnon_cs: and thrust vector control sub- (220000-foot) apogee, then at 5800 meters
systems Each SRB we,ghs approximately (19000 feet) the SRB nose cap _s deployed
583 600 kilograms (1 286 600 pounds) and for recovery initiation The pilot chute deploys
produces 11 800000 newtons (2 650000 the drogue chute, which, after stabilizing the
pounds) of thrust at sea level. The propellant SRB. then deploys the aft trustrum with the
grain is shaped to reduce thrust approximately main parachute packs. The three main chutes
one third 55 seconds after lift off to prevent inflate to a reefed condition at 2700 meters
overstress_ng the vehicle during the period of (8800 feet) and are fully extended at 1000 me-
maximum dynamic pressure The thrust vector ters (3400 feet). When the SRB impacts the
control subsystem has a maximum omniaxial water approximately 300 kdometers (160 nau-
gimbal capability of slightly over 7 ° which, in tical miles) downrange, the parachutes are jet-
conjunction with the Orbiter main engines tisoned and the tow pendant deployed. The
provides flight control during thp c'ht,ttle boost recovery ship deploys a nozzle plug whtch is
phase inserted in the SRB to facilitate inflation and
The SRB is attached Io the tank at the forward dewatering so that the booster will float on the
end of the forward skirt by a single thrust attach surface horizontally for towing to port for re-
ment The pirot, drogue, and ma_n parachute furbishing and subsequent reuse
nsers of the recovery subsystem are attached to
the same thrust structure
;;9
ORBITER MAIN PROPULSION
LO 2 feedline - -..,
= LO pressurizabon
_ 2
!
!
!
/ _' LH 2 feedline
a
t
L
1 LH 2 tank
I LO 2 vent
"_.'_-, Orbiter
/ Orbiterlowersudace _t __ --,
/ /
; / LH 2
/ LH 2 fill/drain disconnect
e
u
q
LO 2 fill and
drain
Orbiler/ET LO 2 disconnect
4 ;
1'_"
_ _'" -- !i_!r!! ;l_s,::r:,',r_(,cf
bract'e:
RCS prouel ar11 larl_s _ ' _ /'" (12 per all pod)
ii I
.,..,,_, rA_S;_:_:.;NI,,..
:__ . _ern,er,_ros,ers
.,_,_--_,_ f._ .! _"-,_ ;_. ...... -,P_.,I_., .- {2 per aft pod)
\\ _,,: :_ _"91_.,_.,
_ lk, . Ir':i_--'/"
42
ORBITER REACTION
CONTROL SUBSYSTEM
4 3
ORBITAL MANEUVERING
SUBSYSTEM
each pod
_t
-i2
; 4
iii
OMS EngineCharacteristtcs
Thrust:
26700N(6000 Ib)vacuum
Specific
impulse:313sec
Chamberpressure:
86t850N,,'m 2(125
psia)
Mixture
ratio:1.65:1
Gimbal { [ 87 yaw
capability: pitch
OMSTankageCapacity(lotal-2podsJ
for305m,,"sec
(1000
ft,,"sec)
Velocdly
Change
Fuel(MMH)weighl: 4300 kg(9475 Ib) } usable
Oxidizer
(N204)
weight:7100kg(15640Ibi
• OMS eng_,e
t'
45
ORBITER STRUCTURE
SUBSYSTEM
4{
Aft fuselage
• Skin/stringer shell
• Titanium/boron
thrust structure
• Aluminum honeycomb
base heat shield
h thermal
insulation
Vertical tail
Wing
• Skin/stringer covers
• Web and truss spars
• Elevon-honeycomb covers
/load-bay doors
4 J*
ORBITER
- LRSL
FRS, FRS,,,, /_
HRSI_ • LRSI
The thermal protection sL,bsystem includes down to about,g( K(600 F) on leeward sur-
those materials which are Jnslalled on the outer faces The 1PS is composed of two types of
surface of the vehicle to protect it from the high reusable surfa{;e i_sLJlation (RSI) tiles, a high
temperatures generated during launch and en- temperature strL_(:ture coupled with internal
try back into the atmospr_e_e from orbit. The insulation, Ihe_mal window panes, coated
peak heating rates and the longest exposure to Nomex felt, a_xJ thermal seals to protect
these rates occur during entry when equi- against aerodyr_amFc heating
librium surface temperatures may range from The RSI tiles cove_lng the Orbiter are made
1925 K (3000 F) at stagnation points on the olcoatedsiiicafiber The two types of RSItiles
nose and leading edges of the wing and tail differ only in SL_rf_ _ coating to provide protec-
46
ORBITER
102CONFIGURATION
LRSI
°-- HRSI
RCC,, ,_
FRSI. \ ',._,
LRSI
Upper surface
RCC "
tion for different temperature regimes. The low- ture structure of reinforced carbon-carbon
temperature reusable surface insulation (LRSI) (RCC) is used with _nternal insulation lor the
consists of 20-centimeler (8 inch) square silica nose cap and wing leading edges where tern
tiles and covers the lop of the vehicle where peratures are greater than 1500 K (2300 F)
temperatures are less than 925 K (1200 F). Flexible reusable surface _nsulation (FRSI)
The high-temperature reusable surface insula- consisting of coaled Nomex felt is used on the
tion (HRSI) is 15-centimeter (6-inch) square sil upper cargo-bay door, lower aft fuselage s_des
_ca tiles and covers the bottom and some lead- and upper afl wing where temperatures are
ing edges of the Orbiter where temperatures less than 645 K (700 F)
are below 1500 K (2300 F). A hngh-tempera-
PAYLOAD ACCOMMODATIONS
The Orbiter systems are being designed to servicing, deployment, repair, retrieval or
handte various payloads and to support a inspection tasks, or the crew can use a manip-
variety of payload functions The payload and ulator to handle complete payloads or selected
mission stations on lhe flighl deck _rovide packages.
command and control facilities for payload The manipulalor arm. complemented by the
operations required by the cognizant scientist television display system, allows the payload
(the user) Remote-control techniques can be operator to lransfer experiment packages and
employed from the ground when desirable. The cargo in and out of the Orbiter bay, to place into
Spacelab payload provides additional com- orbit spacecraft camed up by the Shuttle, and
mand and data management capability plus a to inspect retrieved orbital spacecraft The
work area in the payload bay for the payload syslem can also aid in inspection of critical
specialists The crew will be able to go into areas on the vehicle exterior, such as the heat
the space environment for Orbiter or payload shield
PAYLOAD/ORBITER INTERFACES
OMS/storable propulsive
\\', ....
',
i
t
i
i
#
!
i
Payload
prelaunch
_.
II
i a
Cry°g enic payload _'_'\ X_ L, I semmce panel /_
foe,pane,s.'.._\ \_,\ t
:I
,
I
,
II
//
- //
,, ,, _1>-_.///I _'--...1_"_\
, 1, -",'_/._.! _/Ji _ /;,"_
, , , , ;_
i1' I I_ I II
flight k=t
:"E
PAYLOAD DEPLOYMENT/RETRIEVAL MECHANISM
End eftector
\
pitch acluator
The deployment and reirieval of payloads are on either the left or righ( Iongeron. A second arm
accomplished by using the general purpose can be installed arid controlled separately for
remote manipulator system. Payload retrieval payloads requ_nng handling with two manip-
_nvolves the combined operations of rendez- ulators. Each arm has remotely controlled
vous, stationkeeping, and manipulator arm television and li#!ht>; 1o provide side viewing and
control. One manipulator arm is standard depth percept_or" L_ghts on booms and side
equipment on the Orbiter and may be mounted walls prowde appr,,)pr_ate illumination levels for
anytaskthatmustbeperformed inthepayload
bay.
Theremotemanipulator systemis being
funded,designed, developed,andmanufac-
turedbyaCanadian industrial
teamunderthe
overalldirectionof the NationalResearch
CouncilofCanada.
CREW CABIN AND CREW ACCOMMODATIONS
/
and is readily accessibie from above through remov-
able floor panels
Flight deck displays and controls are organized into
Commander station four functional areas: (1) two forward-facing primary
Docking and flight stations for vehicle operations, (2) two aft-facing
J
Payload slation payload stations, one for payload handling and the other for
handling
stations docking, (3) a payload station for management and
checkout of active payloads, and (4) a mission station
FLIGHT SECTION
for Orbiter subsystem/payload interface, power, and
communications control in the remaining flight deck
area.
The forward lacing primary flight stations are or-
Rescue seats (3,_ ganized in the usual pilot-copilot relationship, with
Stowage
IL_,. duplicated controls treat permit the vehicle to be piloted
from either seat or returned to Earth by one crew-
AvionqcSi j __
i
_'1 Avionics
member in an emergency Manual flight controls
include rotation arid translation hand controllers,
Fi-ko' rudder
station.
pedals, and speed brake controllers at each
I
s" i,
,,/
ii, J
manipulator arms: and operate the lights and television
• ii/
Galley' -Ira I f cameras mounted in 1he payload bay. Two closed-
ii/ t Side halch
tt¢ circuit television mondors display video from the
i, #
Passenger seats (3)" r payload bay television cameras for monitoring payload
Prirrlary interdeck access manipulation
The rendezvous and docking station, the aft-facing
MIDSECTION station nearest to the mission station, contains the
displays and controls required to execute Orbiter
attitude/translation maneuvers for terminal-phase ren-
dezvous and docking Located at this station are
rendezvous radar controls and displays (including a
crosspointer for d_splaying pitch and roll angles and
55
rates), rotation and translation hand controllers, fhghl critical and that do not require imme-
flight control mode switches, and an attitude diate access
direction indicator A total volurne of approximately 42 cubic
The payload station just afl and lo the lett of meters (150 r-ub,c feet) will be provided in the
lhe commanders station, includes a 2-square- crew compartment for Orbiter and payload
meter (21 5 square foot) surface area for in- loose equipment stowage, of which approxi-
slalh ng dLsplays and controls unique to a specilic mately 95 percent wdl be on the mid deck.
payload Acathoderaylube(CRT) displayand Loose equipment mc/udes those items which
keyboard may be added for communication are not permanently mounted in the cabin The
with payloads through lhe Orbiter data proc- allocation of copdamers Io payload unique
essing subsystem Standardized electrical in- loose equipment _s rn,ssnon dependent Any ex-
terfaces are provtded for payload power, cess stowage capactty available above the Or-
monitor,ng, command and control. Forced-air biter requiremerd,_; may be utilized for stowage
cooling can be provided for equipment requir- of payload loose equipment.
mg heat removal The standard containers provided for the
The rnission station just afl and to the right loose equipment will be attached to the Orbiter
oflhe pilot'sstalion contains the @splays and structure qn lhe rnid deck stowage areas. The
controls required to rnanage Orbuter'payload Orbiler supporling structure 1o which the con-
interfaces and payload subsystems thai are tainers are atlached has an average rated ca-
critica[ to the safely of the Orbiter An auxiliary pacity ol 320 ,<iloglams per cubic meter (20
caution and warnmg display can be provided pounds per cut)ic foot) with a rating of 480 kilo-
al this station to delecl and alert the crew to grams per cubic meter (30 pounds per cubic
crqtical malfunchons _n the payload systems. foot) for each attach point.
This station is equipped to monitor, command, The size ol packages and equipment which
control, and communicate with attached or de- can be moved through the side hatch into the
tached payloads. It also provides for the man- central mid-deck area is limited by placement
agement of on orbit housekeeping functions of mid deck slructures as well as the openmg
and of Orbiter subsystem lunchons that are not size of the side hatch.
GALLEY DETAILS
i .......
I ->ii :-ii
Jlo ©1I I .......... Personal wipes
Water
Condiments
dispenser.."
........
"'''" -.I_3114 I F-----_ II
--'-4/)___ -r-i=T]-r-lE.]'-.I: .... "- Ga,,_y.,p.s
._L I I
'_ _ Drinking cups
nohydratables _ !-- - I
• Preparat.o_n device
EVA EVA
Common airlock
EVA EVA
Tunnel adapter j
58
connects the Spacelab pressurized module Life support expendables are carried for two
with the Orbiter cabin. When docking is 6-hour payload EVA's and one contingency or
ptanned, the docking module serves as the emergency EVA.
EVA airlock. Restraints for planned EVA will normally
The airlock hatches are located to allow consist of the Skylab foot restraint. Unplanned
passage straight through to facilitate transfer of EVA in support of a payload may often be
equipment. The hatches are D-shaped. The flat accomplished with no impact to a payload,
side of the D makes the minimum clearance 91 because attachment to available structures will
centimeters (36 inches). The inside diameter of often provide sufficient restraint. Translation
the airlock is 160 centimeters (63 inches) and it aids are provided for moving about in the
is 211 centimeters (83 inches) long. This payload bay. Handrails extend from the airlock
volume allows two EVA crewmen to transport a hatch, down the hinge line of the door, and into
package 45 by 45 by 127centimeters (18by 18 the payload bay, are located at intermediate
by 50 inches) through the airlock. points if required, and at the aft bulkhead.
.%9
MIDFUSELAGE STRUCTURE
Side skins
Sill Iongeron
t
,,
Stub frames (13)
,,
Wing attachmenf interface
Glove fairing
/
i
Bottom skins
Frame stabilizers
PAYLOAD ATTACHMENTS
6O
PAYLOAD
BAYUTILIZATION
®®8 @®
® ® @
_®
®
33198
® ® ® ® ® 3_;'2s<_3o_t
30251 (1249) I
28973 (1191) I_,""'_
\® "-. \ @_. ®
Airlock module
(_ Spacelab
@ Space telescope
Docking module
dl
POWER SYSTEMS
30-minute deorbil to landing phase when most • _il k!_ (112 Ib) oxygen lot
of the experqmenl hardware is in a standby environrT]ental control and
hf(; sut}port system
mode or corr_ptetefy turned off, 1000 walls
average to 1500 watts; peak are available from
the Orbiter During payload equipment opera-
t_on on orbit, the capabrlity exfsts Io provide as
much as 7000 watls maximum average to
12 000 watts peak for major energy-consuming
payloads For the 7-day-mission payload, 50
kilowatt-hours el electncal energy are avail-
able. Mission kits containing consumables for
840 kilowatbhours each are available in quan-
tities required according Io the llight plan
The operational use ol luel cells for manned
space flight evolved during the Gemini and
Apollo Programs The Space Shuttle fuel cells
will be serwced between flights and rellown
until each one has accumulaled 5000 hours el
online service
j F I lel cell pow{;rJerlvli'onmenlal
Product water
Je control an[] life support
I
Wator ver/t ¢ i
i
i
i
i
1
i
i
i
i
t
i
i i I
t _ t
s • ! •
e • t •
I
//
, ,i_ : . I /s 1 and 2)
APU
• Hydraulic pump
• 0 24 ms,,min (63 gahmin)
• 20 700 kN'm 2 (3000 psi)
i,4
ORBITER PROPULSION AND POWER SUBSYSTEM
Electncal Power
27 5 !o :72 5 V _:c
Ground operahon Dedicated fuel ,_.695 24 to 32 1 1 f:, Normal checkout Lqm_ted tO 5486 kd:hr
(ground power) cell connector 27 to 32 7 12 Orbiter powered down (5200 Btu/hr) with
or without radiator
Main bus connector _695 24 to 32 1 1 f, Normal checkoul k_t unless payload
5 8 Orbiter powered down has GSE connec-
On orbll payload Dedicated fuel _695 27 mqn 7 12 Peak power hmlled to 31 100 (29500} (kit)
operahons cell conneclor Max 6 TBD: 15 rain once every 22 700 (21 500)
TBD h 3 hr (no kd)
_To be determined
65
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Cooling services are provided to payloads by is controlled by the cabin heat exchanger and
the Space Shuttle Ground support equipment associated equipment The temperature is
provides a selectable lemperature range dur- maintained betv, een 289 and 305 K (61 ° and
ing prelaunch activities. After the Orbiter lands, 90 ° F) An oxygen partial pressure of 22 065 +
ground support equipment similar to airline 1725 N,r'n 2 (32 - 0 25 psia) is maintained, and
support hardware is (:onnected to the cabin nitrogen is ac ded to achieve a total pressure of
and payload bay to control temperature levels. 101 355 N,m 2 (14.7 psi). The oxygen is
The payload bay is purged with conditioned supplied from trle same cryogenic tanks that
air atthe launch pad until 80 minutes before the supply the lue cells. Nitrogen for normal
start of propellant loading: then dry nitrogen operation and emergency oxygen is supplied
gas is supplied until lift-off The payload bay is from 20 700-kN r_n
:_(3000 psi) pressure vessels
vented during lhe launch and entry phases and mounted in the midfuselage The cabin atmo-
is unpressurized during the orbital phase of the sphere and part of the avionic equipment
mission The pressure difference between the cooling is controlled by air that is ducted
payload bay and outside a_r _s minimized to through the cabin heat exchanger.
aLlow a lightweight structure and thus an The radialnr system located on the inside of
economical design for !he payload bay the payload be,, doors is the primary on-orbit
The cabin atmosphere (temperature, pres- heat rejection system A water loop transports
sure, humidity, carbon dioxide level, and odor) the excess heat from the cabin heat exchanger
verticalstabilizer Q- _
• Mo
sfureooo,rot i ", :'k
• Hazardous-gas dilution _ • /_
Pre,aur
®
L:_ i';_ I :,De' tt.(,rl%
s ecia,
e ,,e,s
for ",fanslers VAB :' 1o
r
bner
• / Gas !ype AIrGN ' CIN : Air Air
SDgoIs ope_7
57 (126) !57 ;126)
Splgols
Manifold 50 l!1(I] :)7 2141 43 (94) 43 (94)
Tolal sp,gots open 1 _81260: 1t;_ i364) 100 (220] 100 (220)
VENT SYSTEM
a OPF = Orbiter Processing Facility
VAB = Vehicle Assembly Building
c Initiate gaseous nitrogen (GN 2) purge 80 min before cryogenic tanking to inerl payload bay
66
and remaining avionic equipment (through cold ATMOSPHERIC REVITALIZATION
plates) to the Freon cooling loop by way of the SUBSYSTEM
cabin heat interchanger. The Freon cooling
loop delivers this heat, together with heat from Functions
• Carbon d_oxlde otter arlJ waee_ vap_3r centre irl pressurized
the fuel cells, payloads, and cold plates of the cab,rl
aft avionic equipment, to the 113-square-meter ql Cat)rn pressure qqa_n_eF, ance and coqlro
The water flash evaporator is used to supple- • Oxygen ani coohr/,@ water irl SL;pport Ot EVA
the cargo bay doors are closed and the rnabntaln pressHre w_th cab r/ leak
I Hydraulic healers t
__ Optional payload radiators
Air and cold-plate cooled awonics: ...... _ /
.... Base,ne
radiatorsJ J_ /'
,_._..... '.__,
t
II Deployed radiator sec ,on I ,, ;'-
"tt-
; r----iL---- "-i
_ I ,r I I1._ _ _..'-1
", ,
"
, I II__lE._..--I I I I I rl,
/
.. _/ _,,r-lr-q,_lllf-7;,;,If'_!!i,I _L-----,'I_I'II
Postlanding Coohng supphed from ground supporf e(lu_pmer_l • Water flash evaporator
• Ground supped equipment
heat exchanger
{ i ,7
ORBITER SUBSYSTEM SUMMARY
performance monitoring
• Mass memory
Communication and Tracking • Keyboards and CRT displays
• Tacan inlerrogator
• Radar altimeter and microwave scab beam landing system
i Audio c6_ter
• Signal processors
• Doppler extraclor
• Rate gyros
• Accelerometers
• Mission station
* Maste_ timir',g unit
• Paylced station
AVIONICS
The Shuttle awon_cs subsystem provides all electrical an(s electronic equipment is
commands: guidance and navigation (G&N) installed i,_ three_ areas ol the Orbiter: the flight
and control: communications: computations: deck. the 1orwa_d ;t_,_or-_cequipment bays. and
displays and controls: ir_strumentation; and the aft awon_c (_ob pment bays
electrical power dislribuhon and control for the The Orbiter 11_1 t _Jeck is lhe cenler ol t)oth
Orbiter the external tar_k, and the SRB The in-llight and groJ_,d activities except during
awontcs equipment is arranged to facilitate hazardous s(r_,_,r-,g Automatic vehicle flight
checkout, access, and replacsement with mind- control is t,_<,,..it_{_ for all mission phases
mat disturbance _o olher subsystems. Almosl except do(:kir_:_ r;_a,/_Jal conlrol options are
availabPeatalltimes.Side-stick rotationcontrol- navigation
re[erencewith starsensorsfor
lers,rudderpedals,andtrimcontrols allow autonomousalinement andstatevectorup-
manualcontrol,and a computerprovides date.During
activerendezvous, a rendezvous
commands forautomatic flightcontroltothe radaris usedto obtain range and bearing
aerosurfaces or propulsive elements as re- information. Orbiter-to-ground communication
quired.Attilude informationisobtained fromthe is by radiofrequency Iransmpssion in both
inerlial
measuring unit.Airdataareprovided by frequency modulation and pulse code modula-
redundant probesdeployed al loweraltitudes tion (PCM) modes
Gimbaled inertialmeasuring unitsprovide the
COMMUNICATIONS, TRACKING,
//i
ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS AND TRACKING LINKS
t
• Transmit: Commands or digital voice
and commands TLM
S-band
• Receive: TLM and digital voice
• Radar tracking
Ku band _,
,q
S-band
S-band
+ 192 kbps) /
S-BAND
Orbitertolal
pointing capability
± 05 °
Payload sensor
/
pointing accuracy
+- 0 1 deg_axis
+ 1 arc-sec stability
_'Orbuler
line-of-snghl vector
\
\
Closed-loop
Orbiter-provided Payload-provided
The Orbiter is capable of achieving any mounted sensor are operated in a closed loop,
desired vehicle attitude and initiating a pointing payload poinbng accuracies approaching
vector defined in _ts sensor-fixed axis system to +0 ldegaxisare[)ossible In either case, the
any ground or celestial obiect within an Orbiter can be slabilized at a rate as low as
accuracy of _+05 :' Pointing vector accuracies t001 deg_sec Payloads requiring more
with respect to an open loop payload sensor- stnngent po_nt_r_g and stability accuracies must
fixed axis system are not as exact as the ve- provide their own stabihzation and control
hicle pointing acc_Jrac_es because large mis- system lor that p_rt_cular experiment. Orbiter
alinement and structural deformation error guidance, nav,:_at_on, and control system data
sources exist between the sensors However, interfaces a_e _ls_ previded to accommodate
when the Orbiter guidance, navigation, and these types of pa_,ioad requirements
control system and a more accurate payload-
GUIDANCE, NAVIGATION, AND CONTROL SUBSYSTEM
Right deck
• Manua_ conttots
• Indicators
Drivers _ actuators
• Aerosudacee
• Propulsive element
Aft avionicsbays
• Rate gyrOs
Forwardavionics bays • AerosurlaOs $ervoan_oli§er
* Reactor'= _et OMS dr_ver (aft)
• Tacans
• Multiplexer/demultiplexer units
Nose • Radar altimeters
• Microwave scan beam
• Air data ¢on-,p_er
landing system (MSSLS)
• Nose boom (Orbiter 101 only)
reosivers
• Air data transducer assembly
• RCS jet driver LffonNard)
• General-purpose compLders
• Mass menlorie_,
• Mutt iplexerldemultiptexer
• UHF recewer
• Rendezvous sensor electronics
• Accelerometer$
• One-way Doppler extractor
74
The Orbiter guidance, navigation, and con- REUSABLE SPACE HARDWARE
trol (GN&C) system is capable of providing
guidance, navigation, and control for the Orbit- The Space Shuttle era will emphasize oper-
er through all phases of orbital space flight ational reuse of flight hardware, which will re-
from launch through entry, and for aircraft aer- sult in low cost per flight to the users. Low cost
odynamic flight modes During the on-orbit was and continues to be the basic concept on
phases, the guidance and navigation of the Or- which the total space transportation system is
biter can be independent of direct ground sup- being developed. In addition, the Space Shuttle
port Information from the GN&C computer operational phase will last much longer than
subsystem can be transferred to the payload the developmental phase. Multiuse mission
bay via hardwire. As a minimum, the informa- support equipment, like the Space Shuttle Or-
tion will include timing, state vector initializa- biter, is being readied and will also be reflown
tion and extrapolation (if desired), and space- in support of a wide variety of payloads.
craft attitudes and attitude rates.
The Orbiter has the onboard capability to
rendezvous with an in-plane cooperative target
up to 560 kilometers (300 nautical miles), and
is the active vehicle during rendezvous, dock- MISSION KITS
ing, and undocking By using ground facilities
and other aids, the Orbiter is capable of ren- A group of mission kits to provide special or
dezvous with and retrieval of a passive stabi- extended services for payloads will be added
tributed by the structural misalignments and • Oxygen and hydrogen for fuel cell usage
thermal distortions. The guidance and naviga- to generate electrical energy
tion (G&N) subsystem errors, including an • Life support for extended missions
equivalent angular error due to navigation un- • Added propellant tanks for special on-orbit
certainty, are less at 0.2 (1 sigma). Control mission maneuvers
system errors (i.e., attitude deadband excur- • Extra or specialized attachment fittings
sions) must also be added to the stated error • Airlocks, transfer tunnels, and docking
sources. modules
The Orbiter is capable of pointing the pay- • A second remote manipulator arm and an
load continuously for one orbit every other or- extra high-gain antenna
bit for one 24-hour period per mission at any • Fill, vent, drain, purge, and dump lines
ground, celestial, or orbital object within ±05'. • Additional radiator panels for increased heat
Payload requirements in excess of this capabil- rejection
ity should be provided by the payload or experi- • Additional storage tanks
ment systems. • Electrical harnesses
75
KSC SHUTTLE SYSTEM GROUND FLOW
Orbiter cycle
La'l d q q Sa fl qg
or', pad
{SRB retr,e_al
SRB cycle
Space Shuttle flights will be launched from to be available in the early 1980's.
two locations, the NASA John F. Kennedy Launch Corqp ex 39 and the Vehicle Assem-
Space Center (KSC) in Florida and the Van- bly Building at KSC, used for the Apollo and
denberg Air Force Base (VAFB) in California. Skylab Programs, will be modified for Space
Present program planning calls for a gradual Shuttle use Modification includes widening the
buildup of 40 to 60 total flights per year into doors approx mately 122 meters (40 feet) to
many varying orbits and inclinations. accommodate the Orbiter wingspan.
To attain operational status by 1980, Space The KSC launch pads themselves will un-
Shuttle orbital test flights are scheduled to dergo major changes Whereas launch towers
begin from KSC during 1979: VAFB is planned for the Apollo/Saturn were on the mobile
Z/_'ll
i I_
Pa 'load operaIioes
Malnlena_ce ant;
checkou[
SRB refurbishmenl
launcher platform, the towers for Shuttle will be site. Together, these capabilities satisfy all
fixed at each launch pad. known future requirements. Payloads as large
The solid rocket boosters will be received, as 29 500 kilograms (65 000 pounds) can be
processed, stored, disassembled, and refur- launched due east from KSC into an orbit of
bished nearby. Most of this work space will be 285 ° inclination. Payloads of 14 500 kilograms
in existing buildings. The external tank will (32 000 pounds) can be launched from VAFB
arrive by barge at the turning basin. Payloads into an orbil as high as 104 inclination Polar
will be processed in various locations. orbiting capabilities up to 18000 kilograms
The various orbital inclinations and their (40 000 pounds) can be achieved from VAFB
related launch azimuths are illustrated for each
ORBIT
INCLINATIONS
ANDLAUNCH
AZIMUTHS
FROMKSCAN[)VAFB
p,,,_,,,,,_l_
:i:iSi:i:i:i:i:i:i:i:i:i:i:i
_ I i )r_)lT :if:,
KENNEDY - Z
SPACE
CENTER
p
o
Q
I q'"_"" 1 I I I l
4 82 80 78 76
Longitude, deg W
VANDENBERG
Orbit
_rIclirqallorl
LaJrqch
/
201 ] ,
azimuth
deg
D
t I I I i 1
124 122 120 118 110
Longntude, deg W
Ingress
egress
arm
79
• Orbital flight
15 000
Hours 10 000
5 000
Program man-hours
54 1940
in space
Number of manned
flights 6 10
Crew size 1 2
80
Apollo Skylab Apollo/Soyuz
11 3 1
3 3 3
81
,pact
the economy than most other forms of R&D stimulative effects on those technology-
activity. intensive industries that are depended on for a
The reasons for the high technological high dollar volume of exports And it will
leverage of the space program are straightfor- contribute directly by launching and servicing
ward. One is that the government-industry the satellites of other nations. The ability of the
space team has consciously developed and Shuttle to provide launch services at lower
implemented highly effective mechanisms for costs and to offer orbital maintenance services
identifying and transferring space technology never before available should markedly in-
to other sectors of the economy for subsequent crease foreign participation in space explo-
nonspace applications. Another reason is that ration and exploitation.
industries performing space research are The U.S. accomplishments in science, tech-
among the most technology-intensive and nology, exploration, and Earth applications
-innovative in the economy;they generate the attest to our success in meeting the goals of the
all-important technology stimulus the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Act during the
economy must have for improved productivity past 16 years. The ancillary benefits of the
rates and expanded output. space program its ability to stimulate the
These same industries are the ones the economy; its applications to the solutions of
United States relies on in its efforts to maintain earthbound problems; its contributions to inter-
favorable trade balances. Expanded exports of national cooperation; and its creation of tens of
high-technology products will offset the tradi- thousands of jobs for our highly skilled scien-
tional negative balances in minerals, raw tists, engineers, and technicians provide
materials, fuels, and low-technology manufac- further proof of this success. These accom-
tured goods. In this regard, the Space Shuttle plishments and benefits should weigh heavily in
Program will contribute favorably to the U.S. the determination of the level of resources to
trade posture in two ways. It will help speed the be allocated to the Space Shuttle and the pay-
pace of technology because of its highly loads in this and coming decades.
83
SPACE SHUTTLE ERA
MANNED PROGRAMS
UNMANNED SATELLITES
84
• Spacelabs
• Satellites
• Propulsion stages
for
• Applications
• Technology
• Science
Reusable hardware
used by
• NASA Centers
• Other Government agencies
• Universities
• Industry
• International
1980 1990
85
The Space Division of Rockwell International
is prime contractor to NASA for total
inlegrahon of Space Shuttle systems
t"
External tank /
"Marlin Marietta "Associate contractors (other NASA contracts)
"-. _ / subsystem
Payload doors. "', /".? / ,," °McDoFneil
"TulsaOivision ":', 2_'_ / o' Douglas
_L_'_
__,,./____1 _ Rockwett lel ...... hOqal
Wing
Aerospace q _ '_"_(
! ',,, ..........
i ' Mid fuselage ..... Main landing gear
'1 "General Dynamics/Convair "Menasco
_ Manufactunng
86
Shuttle Participany ,
Overall direction of the Space Shuttle Program is at
NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. The Space
Shuttle Program Office, a part of the Office of Space
Flight, is responsible for the detailed assignment of
responsibilities, basic performance requirements, con-
trol of major milestones, and funding allocations to the
various NASA field centers.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Texas
is the lead Center and as such has program
management responsibility for program control, overall
systems engineering and systems integration, and
overall responsibility and authority for definition of
those elements of the [oral system that interact with
other elements, such as total configuration and
combined aerodynamic loads. JSC also is responsible
for development, production, and delivery of the
Shuttle Orbiter and manages the contract with
Rockwell International Space Division.
The John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida
is responsible for the design of launch and recovery
facilities and will serve as the launch and landing site
for the Space Shuttle development flight and for
operational missions requiring launches in an easterly
direction.
The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)
in Alabama is responsible for the development,
production, and delivery of the Orbiter main engine,
the solid rocket booster, and the hydrogen/oxygen
propellant tank.
The contractor team is still growing as the manufac-
tured hardware takes form.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE
88
J
/
89