[PDF] Space Shuttle Main Engine Development Program eBook

Author : Robert E. Biggs
Publisher : American Astronautical Society
Page : 284 pages
File Size : 42,26 MB
Release : 2008
Category : Science
ISBN :

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The first ten years : The engine -- The beginning -- The requirements -- The obstacles -- The goals -- The first flight -- The second decade : The glory of Columbia -- Full power level moratorium -- Full power level certification -- Program reassessment and realignment -- Phase I flight program -- The tragedy of Challenger -- Return to flight -- Building margin -- Beyond the second decade.

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 82 pages
File Size : 42,44 MB
Release : 1999-02-21
Category : Science
ISBN : 0309063825

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The space shuttle is a unique national resource. One of only two operating vehicles that carries humans into space, the space shuttle functions as a scientific laboratory and as a base for construction, repair, and salvage missions in low Earth orbit. It is also a heavy-lift launch vehicle (able to deliver more than 18,000 kg of payload to low Earth orbit) and the only current means of returning large payloads to Earth. Designed in the 1970s, the shuttle has frequently been upgraded to improve safety, cut operational costs, and add capability. Additional upgrades have been proposed-and some are under way-to combat obsolescence, further reduce operational costs, improve safety, and increase the ability of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to support the space station and other missions. In May 1998, NASA asked the National Research Council (NRC) to examine the agency's plans for further upgrades to the space shuttle system. The NRC was asked to assess NASA's method for evaluating and selecting upgrades and to conduct a top-level technical assessment of proposed upgrades.

Author : National Research Council
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 207 pages
File Size : 29,77 MB
Release : 1993-02-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 030904880X

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Effective software is essential to the success and safety of the Space Shuttle, including its crew and its payloads. The on-board software continually monitors and controls critical systems throughout a Space Shuttle flight. At NASA's request, the committee convened to review the agency's flight software development processes and to recommend a number of ways those processes could be improved. This book, the result of the committee's study, evaluates the safety, oversight, and management functions that are implemented currently in the Space Shuttle program to ensure that the software is of the highest quality possible. Numerous recommendations are made regarding safety and management procedures, and a rationale is offered for continuing the Independent Verification and Validation effort that was instituted after the Challenger Accident.

Author : Committee on Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology and Test Program
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 99 pages
File Size : 42,29 MB
Release : 1996-01-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 0309588960

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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.