EVALUATION OF ADVANCED PROPULSION OPTIONS FOR THE NEXT MANNED TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM Propulsion Evolution Study Final Report, Apr. 1989 - Mar. 1990

摘要

The Space-Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) is currently flying in the Space Shuttle (STS), and changes are planned into the mid-1990's to improve its operations and to reduce costs. Work is in progress toward potential development of one or more new liquid rocket engines for launch vehicle applications (The joint NASA-DoD program - Space Transportation Engine Program, or STEP). This latter effort is currently focusing on a new hydrogen-oxygen engine for use in both booster and upper stages, with the potential for application in the Advanced Launch System ( ALS) around the turn of the Century.nThe objectives of this Propulsion Evolution study were to examine potential engine applications in manned launch systems beyond the I995-2000 time period, to determine propulsion requirements for such applications, and to suggest evolution paths for SSME and STME engines as candidates for use in these manned launch systems.nThe classes of vehicle concepts currently under study by NASA for future manned space transportation, e.g., the "Next Manned Transportation System" were the basis for these studies. These include: (I) STS Evolution, (2) Personnel Launch System (PLS)", and (3) Advanced-Manned Launch System (AMLS). And, because of its interaction with STS Evolution planning, we have included some discussion of Shuttle "C" engine applications and requirements. In examining these vehicle applications, we have used as guidance the NMTS objectives including: adaptability for physical integration into the vehicle under discussion;improved system reliability, safety and margins;an acceptable level of performance or improvement;enhanced operations;and reduced costs.