SLS - space launch system (3-я попытка)

[Apollo13]

Явно перепутан тестовый полет ориона на дельте и первый тестовый полет SLS.

[Mark]

Mobile Launcher Platforms Prepped for New Generation[/size]
09.14.12

NASA's trio of mobile launcher platforms (MLP) are being revamped to serve a variety of next-generation launch vehicles. The huge steel structures, which acted as launch bases for the Apollo/Saturn program and every space shuttle mission, will serve as the platforms that launch the next American-made vehicles to space.

Essentially a large steel box measuring 160 by 135 feet, a platform's surface features wide openings that align with a space-bound vehicle's engines and direct the blast into the flame trench below. Propellant lines and other utilities run throughout the structure. The two-story interior contains a variety of communications devices, control cabinets and other ground support equipment.

Throughout the past year, Kennedy Space Center's Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) program has overseen the removal of much of the hardware used to support shuttle launches, making it available to the new 355-foot-tall mobile launcher in development for the agency's Space Launch System (SLS), a rocket that will launch NASA's Orion spacecraft and provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond Earth orbit.

"We're removing a lot of components -- cryogenic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, controls-type stuff for reuse on the new SLS mobile launcher as a cost savings," explained John Rigney, GSDO lead architect. "But at the same time, we wanted to keep the MLPs ready for any commercial entities that want to use them."

To accomplish this, the program carefully decided what hardware should be removed from the platforms in order to ensure two would remain available.

"It's kind of like taking parts off your car," Rigney said. "If I took the wheels off your car, and took the doors out of another car, and took the glass out of a third car, you'd say, 'Couldn't you leave one car that works?' We tried to think ahead."

Any hardware used in a solid-propulsion system was removed from MLP No. 2. Some of the electrical racks and control panels also were taken out.

"We tried to keep MLP-2 intact for a commercial entity with a liquid-fueled vehicle," said Mobile Launcher Technical Integrator Mike Canicatti. "We tried to pull off what we could that wasn't liquid-related, such as equipment that interacts with solid propellant, mostly pneumatic panels and control cabinets that feed the SRBs."

Conversely, the materials removed from MLP No. 3 leave the platform set to support a vehicle fueled by solid propellant.

MLP No. 1, the oldest of the three, is not intended to be used again, so the team planned carefully which pieces to save and which to leave with the structure.

"We didn't want to turn it over to [Kennedy's Center Operations directorate] with anything in it that had some value," Rigney said. "But at the same time, we didn't want to take everything out, because we'd have to store it and spend money to keep it. So we did the best we could and took out all the parts that were still good."

There are plans to use the hardware that's been pulled out of the platforms. Until then, the majority of the parts are being stored in the Vehicle Assembly Building, in the heart of Launch Complex 39.

The hands-on work to remove parts from the Mobile Launcher Platforms began earlier this year, one of many such activities under way to transition and retire the shuttle fleet. The job is expected to be complete by year's end.

The first test flight of NASA's Space Launch System, which will feature a configuration for a 70-metric-ton (77-ton) lift capacity, is scheduled for 2017.

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/mlp_hardware.html

[Mark]

NASA's Space Launch System Celebrates a Year of Powering Forward[/size]
09.12.12

 

NASA is powering ahead toward new destinations in the solar system. This week marks one year of progress since the formation of the Space Launch System (SLS), the nation's next step in human exploration efforts.

On Sept. 14, 2011, NASA announced a new capability for America's space program: a heavy-lift rocket designed to carry the Orion spacecraft and send astronauts farther into space than ever before. And now, one year later, NASA has made swift progress improving on existing hardware, testing and developing new components, and paving the way for a new launch vehicle. The SLS will make human exploration of deep space a reality and create new possibilities for scientific discovery.
"The SLS is a national capability and will be the largest rocket ever built, providing the power we need to truly explore beyond our current limits," said Todd May, Space Launch System program manager. "Not only will it take us beyond low Earth orbit, but it will take us there faster."

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/sls_first_year.html

[Salo]

http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/index.html

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/664158main_sls_fs_master.pdf

[X]

Exploration Systems Development Briefing to the NASA Advisory Council.
Status of ESD, Orion, SLS, and GSDO. Bill Hill, 23 July 2012

Human Exploration & Operations Mission Directorate Updates. Bill Gerstenmaier, July 24, 2012

[X]

Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics
Examining NASA's Development of the Space Launch System
and Orion Crew Capsule
September 12, 2012

Statement of
Daniel L. Dumbacher
Deputy Associate Administrator for Exploration Systems Development
National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Space Launch System (SLS)
The SLS Program, managed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) with the Boeing, ATK, and Pratt Whitney Rocketdyne industry partners, is developing the heavy-lift vehicle that will launch the Orion spacecraft, and cargo, for NASA's exploration missions. The SLS vehicle family will start with a lift capability of 70 metric tons (mt) to LEO, with the ability of evolving up to 130 mt based on future mission requirements. The SLS is designed with one overarching purpose: to explore beyond Earth orbit with ambitious mass and propulsion requirements.

The initial 70-mt configuration will consist of an 8.4-meter-diameter core stage building from Space Shuttle and Ares experience, powered by four RS-25D liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines which formerly powered the Space Shuttle Orbiter, and build on the U.S. state-of-the-art capabilities in liquid propulsion. The core stage is being designed for use on future configurations of the SLS with the diameter, materials, and manufacturing processes remaining the same as the vehicle performance evolves. In this configuration, two five-segment solid rocket boosters (SRBs) – a more powerful version of the four-segment boosters used on the Space Shuttle – will be attached to the core stage for the initial boost phase of flight. For the first two missions of SLS, an Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) will be used to propel the Orion spacecraft from LEO. NASA has chosen Boeing's Delta IV upper stage as the ICPS for the first two flights, and the contract is expected to be signed in the third quarter of FY 2013. We anticipate having a letter contract by the end of the year, followed by the final contract in the spring.
Since the Administration announcement in September 2011 of the SLS configuration, the SLS team led by MSFC has made tremendous progress. The SLS team successfully completed the required acquisition strategy process and had all contractors working on contract by December 31, 2011. This was a major accomplishment, and it led to significant progress in the design process. The SLS NASA-industry team has successfully completed the Systems Requirements Review, the System Definition Review, and has gained Agency-level approval to proceed to the Preliminary Design Review.

The NASA/Boeing Core Stage element has successfully completed its SRR and SDR. Manufacturing process development has proceeded to support the core stage and vehicle design efforts. NASA has initiated activities to prepare the B-2 test stand at Stennis Space Center (SSC) for Core Stage green run testing that will be performed prior to shipment to KSC for launch in 2017. The Core Stage element is on the critical path for the SLS, and all hands are on deck to achieve the aggressive schedule.
The initial segments for the first of two solid booster Qualification Motor tests have been poured at ATK and the 5-segment solid rocket motor is on track for a test firing next May. ATK has delivered booster avionics systems and Boeing has delivered vehicle avionics and software to MSFC for testing. The 15 RS-25D liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engines have been delivered to SSC from the KSC in preparation for installation and test on the Core Stage.

SLS is also an integral part of the 2014 EFT-1. SLS is responsible for designing and developing the structure adapter to attach the Orion spacecraft to the launch vehicle. This same structure will be used on the uncrewed flight in 2017 and first crewed mission in 2021. Machining on the first set of metal rings has been completed.

Future exploration missions will require increased launch vehicle performance. We have initiated the first phase for the development of the advanced boosters needed to perform these future missions. In July 2012, NASA selected six proposals as the basis for negotiations to perform engineering demonstrations and risk reduction under an open, competitive NASA Research Announcement (NRA) to improve the boosters' affordability, reliability, and performance. The advanced boosters can be either liquid or solid, and must meet the SLS performance and interface requirements. These initial risk-reduction tasks will be followed by another full-and-open competition for the full scale design and development work leading to an eventual advanced booster for the evolved SLS.

The 70-mt, 105-mt, and 130-mt lift capability SLS vehicle blocks all fulfill specific, important roles within the exploration architecture. The Block 1, 70-mt vehicle will prove out the new Core Stage and integrated stack for the initial exploration missions and can support scientific payloads with requirements beyond commercial lift capabilities. Mission analysis has shown that the Block 1A, 105-mt vehicle provides significant mission capture for the next set of human missions beyond LEO. A 130-mt Block 2 vehicle is also being designed consistent with Congressional direction and would be used for full capability asteroid missions and ultimately missions to Mars. This SLS configuration will require a new upper stage with one or two J-2X upper-stage engines—currently in development testing at SSC. J-2X has completed a total of over 3,250 seconds over 29 tests on the engine and powerpack.
In the coming calendar year, SLS will undergo a series of important reviews to ensure its progress toward final design. The Preliminary Design Review (PDR) will be conducted for the integrated SLS Block 1 vehicle, as will the PDRs for the booster and core stage elements.

Jim Chilton
Boeing Space Exploration Vice President
Program Manager, Space Launch System Stages

The flat budget profile, which is atypical for development programs, creates a unique challenge necessitating that SLS development occurs through an evolutionary process. Constrained budgets prohibit simultaneous development of the core stage, upper stage, payload fairings, new engines, and advanced boosters for final 130mT SLS configuration.
...
There are important goals to ensure SLS is protected and nurtured long enough to succeed.

First, prevent temporary budget variations from impacting schedules. Stable funding that keeps pace with inflation allows the program to maintain a steady and predictable rhythm. Construction of facilities tasks must be fully funded even under continuing resolution conditions until the factory is in place. It is also essential to have final and well defined contracts in place, with terms and conditions locked down to keep suppliers engaged and on track to original plans.

Second, recognize that current funding profiles mean NASA will have to evolve the launch vehicle to the final capability of 130mT to low-Earth orbit, which more importantly delivers approximately 50mT beyond low-Earth orbit. Given the current funding constraints only one new SLS element can be developed at a time. The decision for which element is next, is driven by LEO vs. BEO capability considerations and will directly impact the breadth of exploration missions which can be performed. If the true intent of the Exploration program is to explore beyond low-Earth orbit, the 50mT to BEO figure of merit should be used to guide the future evolution path. Supporting NASA as their evolution decisions emerge is important for stability.

Finally, assure constancy of purpose by keeping decisions made. This is applicable at all levels including keeping the architecture stable. For example, there is no need to revisit trades such as the one already completed that compared small vs. big rockets for deep space missions. The Augustine review panel concluded a big rocket is required for deep space exploration. Also in response to a question published in the April 30th 2012 Space News interview Norm Augustine was quoted "It was the view of both the reports that I worked on that we indeed need a heavy-lift launch system". It is also essential to get final and well defined contracts in place, to allow integrated baseline reviews early enough to control long term costs and schedules.

Matt Mountain
Director, Space Telescope Science Institute

So what are the characteristics of an SLS that enable such an exciting scientific future for the US space program?

First, the 70 to 130 metric ton lift capacity to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) means that more conventional materials and components could be used in the spacecraft and observatory design – ultra-lightweight components could be replaced with heavier and more rigid structures, high-cost specialized electronics could be replaced with more commercial like systems. This simplifies the design and, as a consequence, reduces mission risk.

Second, the SLS must be able to launch not just more mass, but the payload fairing must be able to accommodate large volumes so we can simplify telescopes and large missions by reducing all or many of the on-orbit deployments that would be otherwise needed if one only had access to smaller launch vehicles. The next generation of UV-optical space telescopes will benefit from fairing diameters of at least 8-meters, and for some designs, up to 10-meters in diameter. Fairing height is important as well – some space science missions may need up to 25 meters of fairing height.

Third, the increased energy of the SLS launch vehicle also means planetary science payloads can be launched over a wider range of launch windows, in some cases being able to travel directly to solar system bodies, saving transit time, giving more flexibility in launch schedules or providing more regular access to otherwise hard to reach solar system objects.

Finally, to realize its enormous scientific potential, the cost of using the SLS has to be affordable to science.

[Salo]

Спасибо! :wink:

[Mark]

NASA Selects Space Launch System Advanced Development Proposals [/size]
Sept. 21, 2012

WASHINGTON -- NASA has selected 26 proposals from academia and industry for advanced development activities for the nation's next heavy lift rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS). Proposals selected under this NASA Research Announcement (NRA) seek innovative and affordable solutions to evolve the launch vehicle from its initial configuration to its full lift capacity capable of sending humans farther into deep space than ever before.

NASA sought proposals in a variety of areas, including concept development, trades and analyses, propulsion, structures, materials, manufacturing, avionics and software.

"Engaging with academia and industry gives us the opportunity to take advantage of the ingenuity and expertise beyond NASA," said William Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "It will help us optimize affordability while integrating mature technical upgrades into future vehicles."

NASA is partnering with the U.S. Air Force on this research announcement in support of common national rocket propulsion goals.

Individual awards will vary with a total government investment of as much as $48 million. Initial fiscal year 2012 awards are worth as much as $8 million for industry and $2.5 million for academia. The selections will be made in advance of negotiations for potential awards. Awards depend on successful negotiation and stability of appropriated funds

Industry proposals selected for contract negotiations are:
-- "Development of a Fluid-Structure Interaction Methodology for Predicting Engine Loads," ATA Engineering, Inc., San Diego
-- "Space Launch System (SLS) Advanced Development Affordable Composite Structures," ATK Space Systems, Inc., Clearfield, Utah
-- "Ball Reliable Advanced Integrated Network," Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
-- "Affordable Structural Weight Reduction for SLS Block 1A," Collier Research and Development Corp., Newport News, Va.
-- "DESLA Systems Engineering and Risk Reduction for AUSEP," Exquadrum, Inc., Adelanto, Calif.
-- "Space Launch System Program AUSEP LOX Flow Control Valve," MOOG, Inc. Space and Defense Group, Aurora, N.Y.
-- "Affordable Upper Stage Engine Advanced Development," Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Redondo Beach, Calif.
-- "Hybrid Precision Casting for Regeneratively-Cooled Thrust Chamber Components," Orbital Technologies Corp., Madison, Wis.
-- "NASA Space Launch System (SLS) Advanced Development, Affordable Upper Stage Engine Program (AUSE) Study," Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Inc., Jupiter, Fla.
-- "Advanced Ordnance Systems Demonstration," Reynolds Systems, Inc., Middletown, Calif.
-- "Cryo-Tracker Mass Gauging System," Sierra Lobo, Inc., Freemont, Ohio
-- "Efficient High-Fidelity Design and Analysis Tool for Unsteady Flow Physics in Space Propulsion Geometries," Streamline Numerics, Inc. Gainesville, Fla.
-- "Robust Distributed Sensor Interface Modules (DSIM) for SLS," The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, Calif.
-- "Integrated Vehicle Fluids (IVF)," United Launch Alliance, Centennial, Colo.

Designed to be flexible for launching payloads and spacecraft, including NASA's Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle that will take humans beyond low Earth orbit, SLS will enable the agency to achieve its deep space exploration goals.

"While we are moving out on the initial 70-metric-ton configuration of the vehicle, we will continue to examine concepts, designs and options that will advance the rocket to a 130-metric-ton vehicle, which is essential for deep space exploration," said Todd May, SLS program manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. "Competitive opportunities like this research announcement ensure we deliver a safe, affordable, sustainable launch system."

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/sep/HQ_12-333_SLS_Advanced_Development_Proposals.html

[SpaceR]

Ага, вон оно что. Увеличили верхнюю ступень и поставили два J-2X. Теперь конечно, хватит и четырёх RS-25.
Только вот непонятка, 15 движков всего - это на 3 испытательных пуска плюс резерв. А миссии на чём делать?
И если их производство восстанавливать, то не дешевле ли было на дельтовские RS-68 сменить? При такой верхней они вполне справляются, недостаток УИ компенсируется тягой. А по цене чуть ли не дешевле.

[frigate]

The proposals from academia selected for contract and grant negotiations are:
-- "High Electric Density Device for Aerospace Applications," Auburn University, Ala.
-- "Challenges Towards Improved Friction Stir Welds Using On-line Sensing of Weld Quality," Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La.
-- "A New Modeling Approach for Rotating Cavitation Instabilities in Rocket Engine Turbopumps," Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass.
-- "Algorithmic Enhancements for High-Resolution Hybrid RANS-LES Using Loci-CHEM," Mississippi State University, Miss.
-- "Next Generation Simulation Infrastructure on Large Scale Multicore Architecture," Mississippi State University, Miss.
-- "Characterization of Aluminum/Alumina/Carbon Interactions under Simulated Rocket Motor Conditions," Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.
-- "Development of Subcritical Atomization Models in the Loci Framework for Liquid Rocket Injectors," University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
-- "Determination of Heat Transfer Coefficients for Two-Phase Flows of Cryogenic Propellants During Line Chilldown and Fluid Transport," University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.
-- "Validation of Subsonic Film Cooling Numerical Simulations Using Detailed Measurements and Novel Diagnostics," University of Maryland, College Park, Md.
-- "Validation of Supersonic Film Cooling Numerical Simulations Using Detailed Measurements and Novel Diagnostics," University of Maryland, College Park, Md.
-- "Advanced LES and Laser Diagnostics to Model Transient Combustion-Dynamical Processes in Rocket Engines: Prediction of Flame Stabilization and Combustion-Instabilities," University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich.
-- "Acoustic Emission-Based Health Monitoring of Space Launch System Structures," University of Utah, Salt Lake City

[Salo]

SpaceR пишет:

Ага, вон оно что. Увеличили верхнюю ступень и поставили два J-2X. Теперь конечно, хватит и четырёх RS-25.
Только вот непонятка, 15 движков всего - это на 3 испытательных пуска плюс резерв. А миссии на чём делать?
И если их производство восстанавливать, то не дешевле ли было на дельтовские RS-68 сменить? При такой верхней они вполне справляются, недостаток УИ компенсируется тягой. А по цене чуть ли не дешевле.

Миссии на RS-25E, когда RS-25D закончатся.

[Apollo13]

И если их производство восстанавливать, то не дешевле ли было на дельтовские RS-68 сменить? При такой верхней они вполне справляются, недостаток УИ компенсируется тягой. А по цене чуть ли не дешевле.

Может им жалко RS-25 выкидывать на свалку как когда-то F-1 выкинули. Теперь чешут репу что на жидкостный бустер ставить.

[Mark]

NASA's Space Launch System видео из 24.9.2012г.[/size]

[Mark]

The first test flight of the SLS rocket is currently scheduled to take place in 2017 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This version of the rocket will have the capacity to hoist 77 tons to orbit.

The first flight of the system is set for December 17, 2017 on unmanned trip around the Moon. NASA hopes the rocket will begin lofting astronauts in 2021. A dash to asteroid is being considered for 2025 and a human mission to Mars in the 2030's.
 
SLS program has a projected development cost of $18 billion through 2017, with $10B for the SLS rocket, $6B for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and $2B for upgrades to the launch pad and other facilities at Kennedy Space Center. Total cost is expected to be $30 billion. It is estimated that the crewed vehicle will cost $500-million for each flight. Members of Congress are concerned with costs, reports

http://spaceports.blogspot.de/

[SpaceR]

А конфигурация Block IA где-нибудь озвучена?
На нем, возможно, только один J-2X на верхней ступени. Или прирост только за счет бустеров? Интересно...

[pkl]

Бустеры везде выглядят одинаково. :?

[Apollo13]

Бустеры везде выглядят одинаково. :?

А вот и нет. Начиная с 1A на них нет полосочек...

[Димитър]

Миссии на RS-25E, когда RS-25D закончатся.

А что известно про RS-25E ?
Пока нашел только это:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Main_Engine
 Once the remaining RS-25Ds are used up, they are to be replaced with a cheaper, expendable version, currently designated the RS-25E ('E' for expendable). This engine may be based on one or both of two single-use variants which were studied in 2005, the RS-25E (referred to as the 'Minimal Change Expendable SSME') and the even more simplified RS-25F (referred to as the 'Low Cost Manufacture Expendable SSME'), both of which were under consideration in 2011.

[Mark]

NASA Awards Space Launch System Advanced Booster Contracts [/size] 1.10. 2012

WASHINGTON -- NASA has awarded three contracts totaling $137.3 million to improve the affordability, reliability and performance of an advanced booster for the Space Launch System (SLS). The awardees will develop engineering demonstrations and risk reduction concepts for a future version of the SLS, a heavy-lift rocket that will provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond low Earth orbit.

The initial 77-ton (70-metric-ton) SLS configuration will use two 5-segment solid rocket boosters similar to the boosters that helped power the space shuttle to orbit. The evolved 143-ton (130-metric-ton) SLS vehicle will require an advanced booster with more thrust than any existing U.S. liquid- or solid-fueled boosters. These new initiatives will demonstrate and examine advanced booster concepts and hardware demonstrations during a 30-month period.

The companies selected for SLS Advanced Booster contracts are:
-- ATK Launch Systems Inc. of Brigham City, Utah, which will demonstrate innovations for a solid-fueled booster. The contract addresses the key risks associated with low-cost solid propellant boosters, particularly in the areas of composite case design and development, propellant development and characterization, nozzle design and affordability enhancement, and avionics and controls development.

-- Dynetics Inc. of Huntsville, Ala., which will demonstrate the use of modern manufacturing techniques to produce and test several primary components of the F-1 rocket engine originally developed for the Apollo Program, including an integrated powerpack, the primary rotating machinery of the engine. Additionally, the contract will demonstrate innovative fabrication techniques for metallic cryogenic tanks.

-- Northrop Grumman Corporation Aerospace Systems of Redondo Beach, Calif., which will demonstrate innovative design and manufacturing techniques for composite propellant tanks with low fixed costs and affordable production rates. Independent time and motion studies will compare demonstration affordability data to SLS advanced booster development, production and operations.

Additional contracts may be awarded following successful negotiation of other proposals previously received for this NASA Research Announcement (NRA), subject to funding availability.

Designed to be flexible for launching payloads and spacecraft, including NASA's Orion spacecraft that will take humans beyond low Earth orbit, SLS will enable the agency to meet the Obama Administration's goal of sending humans to an asteroid by 2025 and to Mars in the 2030s.

The first flight test of NASA's SLS, an uncrewed mission to lunar orbit, which will feature a configuration for a 77-ton lift capacity, is scheduled for 2017. As SLS evolves, a two-stage launch vehicle configuration will provide a lift capability of 143 tons and include the improved, more powerful advanced booster.

http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2012/oct/HQ_12-339_SLS_Awards_Contract.html

[pkl]

Бустеры везде выглядят одинаково. :?

А вот и нет. Начиная с 1A на них нет полосочек...

Но длина и ширина у них везде одна и та же. :wink: И Вы же не думаете, что сегментированные ТТУ заменили на монолитные?