The Orbital Space Plane:The Orbital Space Plane:How Did We Get Here & Where How Did We Get Here & Where

Are We Going?Are We Going?

July 21, 2003

Dr. Samuel T. Durrance

��������SLI &OSPSLI &OSP

• Space Launch Initiative (SLI)– Technology Risk Reduction– Shuttle Replacement RLV

Decision

• Orbital Space Plane (OSP)– NASA - Crew Return Vehicle

for ISS (CRV)– DoD - Space Maneuvering

Vehicle (SMV)– Evolved Expendable Launch

Vehicles (EELV) Atlas V & Delta IV

– New Space Transportation System OSP + EELV

• Loss of Columbia– OSP Refocused

�� ��OSP Mission RefocusedOSP Mission Refocused

• Crew Return Vehicle for ISS– Provide one element of

Station lifeboat system– Soyuz & Shuttle

• Crew Transfer Vehicle for ISS– Support normal Station crew

rotation– Support Station logistics– Soyuz & Shuttle

• Space Transportation & Orbital Operations (non-ISS)

• Development of Human Exploration Beyond Earth Orbit

�������� �� OSP CRV & CTVOSP CRV & CTV

• Provide emergency ISS crew return for up to 5 crew (CRV)– Separation & de-orbit anytime, anywhere – Definitive medical care within 24 hours

• Provide access to space with maximum crew safety above all other considerations such as advancing technology (CTV)– Robust abort capability available in all phases of flight

• System availability as soon as possible (by 2007)– To support ISS scientific research

• System design should emphasize simplicity in both flight & ground operation

�������� �� Simple Design using Atlas & DeltaSimple Design using Atlas & Delta

• Level of reusability should be determined by design for simplicity and overall cost

• Use the Atlas V & Delta IV launch vehicles (possibly others)

• Use an evolutionary approach to overall mission objectives– CTV � CRV � Logistics Support � Human

Exploration

• Use currently available technology wherever possible

�������������Launch, OnLaunch, On--orbit, Reentry & Landing orbit, Reentry & Landing

What is the optimum shape of a space vehicle for various mission phases?• Launch Phase

� Aerodynamic fairing or nosecone shape for an EELV launch

� Blunt or flattened bottom for parachute and water/land recovery

• On-Orbit Phase� Docking port in front for rendezvous

and docking� Service module & cargo module not

constrained (cylindrical)• Reentry & Landing Phase

� Blunt or lifting body shape for reentry� High L/D for extending cross-range� Winged shape for landing

�� ��� ��� ��OSP System ArchitectureOSP System Architecture

• Apollo Command Module meets the requirements of the CRV (modified for 1 atm)

• Addition of a small service module meets the CTV requirements

• Can be launched on Atlas or Delta

• A larger logistics module can be added with or without its own service module & heat shield

OSP Mission Requirements argue for a “Capsule” Type System: robust abort capability; can land anytime, anywhere; design simplicity

�� ��� ��� ��Design for ReusabilityDesign for Reusability

• Reuse Apollo design and systems wherever possible

• Reuse of structure (or not) to be determined by cost

• Commercial off the shelf avionics should be used wherever possible

• Crew Systems compatible with Shuttle and Station

• Modular Line Replaceable Units (LRU) wherever possible

�� ��� ��� ��Ground OperationsGround Operations

Make maximum use of launch and payload processing capability present at the Cape Canaveral Spaceport

• Use existing facilities at KSC for the assembly & integration of the new vehicle if possible

• Establish a recovery, refurbishment, & assembly line at KSC

• Try to minimize changes needed in the Atlas & Delta launch processing flows to accommodate crew ingress

Thank YouThank You