Download or read book The Development of Propulsion Technology for U S Space Launch Vehicles 1926 1991 written by J. D. Hunley and published by Texas A&M University Press. This book was released on 2013-03-15 with total page 398 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this definitive study, J. D. Hunley traces the program’s development from Goddard’s early rockets (and the German V-2 missile) through the Titan IVA and the Space Shuttle, with a focus on space-launch vehicles. Since these rockets often evolved from early missiles, he pays considerable attention to missile technology, not as an end in itself, but as a contributor to launch-vehicle technology. Focusing especially on the engineering culture of the program, Hunley communicates this very human side of technological development by means of anecdotes, character sketches, and case studies of problems faced by rocket engineers. He shows how such a highly adaptive approach enabled the evolution of a hugely complicated technology that was impressive—but decidedly not rocket science. Unique in its single-volume coverage of the evolution of launch-vehicle technology from 1926 to 1991, this meticulously researched work will inform scholars and engineers interested in the history of technology and innovation, as well as those specializing in the history of space flight.
Download or read book Reusable Launch Vehicle written by Committee on Reusable Launch Vehicle Technology and Test Program and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1996-01-22 with total page 99 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Evaluation of the National Aerospace Initiative written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2004-06-16 with total page 146 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The National Aerospace Initiative (NAI) was conceived as a joint effort between the Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to sustain the aerospace leadership of the United States through the acceleration of selected aerospace technologies: hypersonic flight, access to space, and space technologies. The Air Force became concerned about the NAI's possible consequences on Air Force programs and budget if NAI program decisions differed from Air Force priorities. To examine this issue, it asked the NRC for an independent review of the NAI. This report presents the results of that assessment. It focuses on three questions asked by the Air Force: is NAI technically feasible in the time frame laid out; is it financially feasible over that period; and is it operationally relevant.
Download or read book A Review of United States Air Force and Department of Defense Aerospace Propulsion Needs written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2007-01-14 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rocket and air-breathing propulsion systems are the foundation on which planning for future aerospace systems rests. A Review of United States Air Force and Department of Defense Aerospace Propulsion Needs assesses the existing technical base in these areas and examines the future Air Force capabilities the base will be expected to support. This report also defines gaps and recommends where future warfighter capabilities not yet fully defined could be met by current science and technology development plans.
Download or read book To Reach the High Frontier written by Roger D. Launius and published by University Press of Kentucky. This book was released on 2014-07-11 with total page 528 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Access -- no single word better describes the primary concern of the exploration and development of space. Every participant in space activities -- civil, military, scientific, or commercial -- needs affordable, reliable, frequent, and flexible access to space. To Reach the High Frontier details the histories of the various space access vehicles developed in the United States since the birth of the space age in 1957. Each case study has been written by a specialist knowledgeable about the vehicle described and places each system in the larger context of the history of spaceflight. The technical challenge of reaching space with chemical rockets, the high costs associated with space launch, the long lead times necessary for scheduling flights, and the poor reliability of the rockets themselves show launch vehicles to be the space program's most difficult challenge.
Download or read book Reusable Launch Vehicle written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1996-01-08 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book Reusable Booster System written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 2013-01-10 with total page 115 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On June 15, 2011, the Air Force Space Command established a new vision, mission, and set of goals to ensure continued U.S. dominance in space and cyberspace mission areas. Subsequently, and in coordination with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Space and Missile Systems Center, and the 14th and 24th Air Forces, the Air Force Space Command identified four long-term science and technology (S&T) challenges critical to meeting these goals. One of these challenges is to provide full-spectrum launch capability at dramatically lower cost, and a reusable booster system (RBS) has been proposed as an approach to meet this challenge. The Air Force Space Command asked the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board of the National Research Council to conduct an independent review and assessment of the RBS concept prior to considering a continuation of RBS-related activities within the Air Force Research Laboratory portfolio and before initiating a more extensive RBS development program. The committee for the Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment was formed in response to that request and charged with reviewing and assessing the criteria and assumptions used in the current RBS plans, the cost model methodologies used to fame [frame?] the RBS business case, and the technical maturity and development plans of key elements critical to RBS implementation. The committee consisted of experts not connected with current RBS activities who have significant expertise in launch vehicle design and operation, research and technology development and implementation, space system operations, and cost analysis. The committee solicited and received input on the Air Force launch requirements, the baseline RBS concept, cost models and assessment, and technology readiness. The committee also received input from industry associated with RBS concept, industry independent of the RBS concept, and propulsion system providers which is summarized in Reusable Booster System: Review and Assessment.
Download or read book U S Space launch Vehicle Technology written by J. D. Hunley and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 492 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For nearly fifty years, a wide range of missiles and rockets has propelled U.S. satellites and spacecraft into the sky. J. D. Hunley's two-volume work traces the evolution of this technology, from Robert Goddard's research in the 1920s through the development of the Titan missiles and launch vehicles in the 1960s to the refinement of the space shuttle in the 1980s. With the first book devoted primarily to military hardware and the second to launch vehicle hardware, Hunley offers a sweeping overview of these impressive engineering innovations as well as insights into the dynamic personalities responsible for them. Together, the two volumes offer a unique, invaluable history of rocketry that should appeal to a wide range of scholars and space buffs.
Download or read book Technology for Small Spacecraft written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1994-02-01 with total page 154 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book reviews the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) small spacecraft technology development. Included are assessments of NASA's technology priorities for relevance to small spacecraft and identification of technology gaps and overlaps. The volume also examines the small spacecraft technology programs of other government agencies and assesses technology efforts in industry.
Download or read book Concepts of Operations for a Reusable Launch Vehicle written by Michael A. Rampino and published by . This book was released on 1997 with total page 68 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.
Download or read book From Earth to Orbit written by National Research Council and published by National Academies Press. This book was released on 1992-02-01 with total page 102 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: If the United States hopes to continue as a leader in space, it must invest now in better earth-to-orbit technology by replacing obsolete launch facilities while also developing a new class of more robust and reliable vehicles. From Earth to Orbit provides strategies to reduce launch costs while increasing the reliability and resiliency of vehicles. It also recommends continued improvements for the Space Shuttle Orbiter and its subsystems and the development of a Space Transportation Main Engine (STME).
Download or read book Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion written by Martin J. L. Turner and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2006-08-29 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The revised edition of this practical, hands-on book discusses the launch vehicles in use today throughout the world, and includes the latest details on advanced systems being developed, such as electric and nuclear propulsion. The author covers the fundamentals, from the basic principles of rocket propulsion and vehicle dynamics through the theory and practice of liquid and solid propellant motors, to new and future developments. He provides a serious exposition of the principles and practice of rocket propulsion, from the point of view of the user who is not an engineering specialist.
Download or read book Space Propulsion Technology written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Science and Astronautics and published by . This book was released on 1961 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Future of U S Rocketry written by Edward Hujsak and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 218 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: From Space News. January 27, 1997: "Many would do well reading this treasure of facts covering the development of U.S. launch vehicles. Starting from American Robert Goddard's pioneering work, Hujsak provides an overview of a half-century of booster business. The Atlas, Delta, Titan, space shuttle and its derivations are covered, as are the Delta Clipper and the single-stage-to-orbit National Aerospace Plane project. Also covered is past work on nuclear-powered rockets, as well as looks at unconventional propulsion using lasers and interstellar ramjets. This is a straightforward, no-nonsense easy-to-read book, particularly for those unfamiliar with the evolution of U.S. space launch capability."
Download or read book Handbook of Space Technology written by Wilfried Ley and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-03-18 with total page 908 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Twenty years since the first edition was published in the German language, and just over fifty years since the launch of the Earth’s first ever artificial satellite Sputnik 1, this third edition of the Handbook of Space Technology presents in fully integrated colour a detailed insight into the fascinating world of space for the first time in the English language. Authored by over 70 leading experts from universities, research institutions and the space industry, this comprehensive handbook describes the processes and methodologies behind the development, construction, operation and utilization of space systems, presenting the profound changes that have occurred in recent years in the engineering, materials, processes and even politics associated with space technologies and utilization. The individual chapters are self-contained, enabling the reader to gain a quick and reliable overview of a selected field; an extensive reference and keyword list helps those who wish to deepen their understanding of individual topics. Featuring superb, full colour illustrations and photography throughout, this interdisciplinary reference contains practical, hands-on engineering and planning information that will be invaluable to those on a career path within space technology, or simply for those of us who’d like to know more about this fascinating industry. Main section headings include: Introduction (historical overview, space missions) Fundamentals (orbital mechanics, aerothermodynamics/ reentry, space debris) Launch Vehicles (staged technologies, propulsion systems, launch infrastructure) Space Vehicle Subsystems (structure, energy supply, thermal controls, attitude control, communication) Aspects of Human Flight (man in space, life support systems, rendezvous and docking) Mission Operations (satellite operation, control center, ground station network) Utilization of Space (Earth observation, communication navigation, space astronomy, material sciences, space medicine, robotics) Configuration and Design of a Space Vehicle (mission concept, system concept, environmental simulation, system design, Galileo satellites) Management of Space Missions (project management, quality management, cost management, space law)
Download or read book Future Spacecraft Propulsion Systems written by Claudio Bruno and published by Springer. This book was released on 2010-11-18 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An understandable perspective on the types of space propulsion systems necessary to enable low-cost space flights to Earth orbit and to the Moon and the future developments necessary for exploration of the solar system and beyond to the stars.
Download or read book Preludes to U S Space launch Vehicle Technology written by J. D. Hunley and published by . This book was released on 2008 with total page 494 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Preludes to U.S. Space-Launch Vehicle Technology is devoted primarily to military hardware and traces the evolution of missile technology from the 1920s through the 1970s, when the Minuteman III became operational. Hunley discusses individual innovations, technology transfer, management systems, and the organizations that were involved in the research and development of a wide range of rockets and missiles, including the German V-2, Redstone, Atlas, Thor, Jupiter, Titan I and II, and Polaris. He also humanizes the subject through numerous anecdotes and sketches of such fascinating individuals as Robert H. Goddard, Werner von Braun, Bernard Schriever, and "Red" Raborn, among others."--BOOK JACKET.
