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Heald, D. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Heald, D. A..

4 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

OTV orbital tanking systems

Orbital transfer of cryogenic propellants could benefit spacecraft and Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) missions in the 1980s by supplying main propulsion, attitude control, or other fluid systems. The Space Shuttle can operate as a tanker when equipped with cryogenic propellant storage and orbital transfer systems. The key technologies are multilayer insulation, capillary propellant acquisition, zero-g gaging, orbital chilldown, and possibly large flight weight dewars. The technologies and operations could be realistically demonstrated using a Centaur that has been integrated with the Shuttle. Orbital refueling capability can enhance the usefulness of the whole Shuttle program

Heald, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Reusable Centaur study. Volume 1: Executive summary

A study of the Reusable Centaur for use as an initial upper stage with the space shuttle was conducted. The currently operative Centaur stage, with modifications for space shuttle orbiter compatibility and for improved performance, represents a cost effective development solution. The performance needs and available development funds are discussed. The main features of three Reusable Centaur configurations with increasing capability at increasing development costs are summarized.

Heald, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Some considerations for Space Tug launch site support operations.

The study reported was undertaken to investigate the requirements placed on the Space Tug by the ground operations. On the basis of the results obtained, it will be possible to consider in future Tug systems studies the full spectrum of both ground and flight operations requirements in defining selected Tug configurations. The central core of the study consists of a functional analysis of ground operations during the Tug turnaround. Electronic system studies were initiated concurrently with the functional analysis study phase to evaluate interrelationships between ground and vehicle checkout and fault isolation capability.

Heald, D. A.↗