Engineering topics

Slayton, D. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Slayton, D. K..

12 records

NASA NTRS1980

Space shuttle status

Technology problems relating to the shuttle thermal protection system and the auxiliary power units for flight control of engine gimbaling and aero surfaces are examined as well as yet unresolved difficulties associated with the main engine, external tank doors, and the payload bay doors. Concepts for launch crew escape and for flight inspection are discussed, and the orbital flight test drivers are identified. The majority of OFT objectives can be accomplished in a success oriented four flight program. Carry over will be accommodated in the operational phase with a mini-DFI package. Primary shuttle systems requiring additional testings are (1) aerodynamics (forward CG); (2) thermal control system (high beta); (3) payload deployment and retrieval system (retrieval, a maximum weight, and proximity operations); (4) SSME throttling to 109%; and (5) SSME nozzle entry aerodynamic heating (up elevon/body flap position at hypersonic velocities).

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Space Shuttle orbital flight test

This paper will review current plans for the overall Orbital Flight Test Program. Discussion will include vehicle configurations, flight test progression logic, schedules, payloads, and anticipated placards on early operational missions. STS-1 flight plan will be covered in some detail; also, the functional organization and procedures planned to conduct the test program will be reviewed.

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Space Shuttle status

Hardware considerations and the orbital flight test program of the Space Shuttle are discussed, including reference to the Space Shuttle main engine, payload bay doors, TV cameras for flight inspection, and launch crew escape schemes. Particular attention is given to the thermal protection system consisting of 32,000 tiles composed of approximately 3% pure silica fibers and 97% air, which has a design requirement of keeping the basic aluminum skin below 350 F for a surface temperature of 2700 F.

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Approach and Landing Test Project

The objectives of the Approach and Landing Test Project are to verify the airworthiness of the 747 with the Space Shuttle Orbiter installed and to verify the Orbiter subsonic airworthiness and integrated systems operation in preparation for the first orbital flight. Attention is given here to the inert captive phase, the captive active phase, and the free flight phase.

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Crew safety

Crew safety in the manned spaceflight is usually associated with a small group for safety and quality assurance. Crew safety is actually an integral part of all program phases from conception through final implementation. Factors associated with improving safety at each phase of development are discussed. Topics discussed include design, manufacture, hardware/software checkout, management reviews, training and simulation, and data retrieval and analysis. Crew safety is best accomplished by flying a successful mission.

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Apollo-Soyuz Test Project

In May 1972, President Nixon and Chairman Kosygin signed an agreement which included the approval of the Apollo/Soyuz Test Project. The primary technical objective of the program is to test the requirements and solutions for the compatibility of systems for docking future manned spacecraft of the U.S. and the USSR. The program includes the flight test of a compatible rendezvous system and of a compatible docking system. Details concerning the equipment to be used are discussed along with the operational schedule. Attention is also given to a number of experiments which are to be conducted in space.

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1973

The astronaut of 1988

Past space exploration history is reviewed for a projection of requirements in astronaut training and selection in 1988. The categories of talent required for those space missions are listed as test pilots and operational pilots for the test phase of programs; flight engineers and mechanics for Space Shuttle and Space Stations; medical doctors as experimentators and crew members; medical technicians and nurses for support medical service; veterinarians and veterinary technicians; physisits, chemists and geologists; and military men and administrators. Multinational crews and participation of both sexes are anticipated.

Slayton, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1968