ONE IDEA FOR A NEXT GENERATION SHUTTLE

摘要

In this configuration, the current Shuttle External Tank serves as core structure for a fully reus-ablernsecond stage. This stage is equipped with wings, vertical fin, landing gear, and thermal pro-tection.rnThe stage is geometrically identical to (but smaller than) a single stage that has beenrntested hypersonically, supersonically, and subsonically in the NASA Langley Research Centerrnwind tunnels. The three LOX/LH engines that currently serve as main propulsion for the ShuttlernOrbiter, serve as main propulsion on the new stage. The new stage is unmanned but is equippedrnwith the avionics needed for automatic maneuvering on orbit and for landing on a runway. Threernrails are installed along the top surface of the vehicle for attachment of various payloads. Pay-loadsrnmight include third stages with satellites attached, personnel pods, propellants, or otherrnitems.