The Stellar Reference Unit for the Europa Orbiter Mission
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Europa Orbiter Mission Stellar Reference Unit Tota↗
Engineering topics
Walker, W.
Publications and source records attributed to Walker, W..
The Stellar Reference Unit for the Europa Orbiter Mission
Star trackers are a reliable and accurate device used by almost all spacecraft in order to autonomously determine their orientation.
Europa Orbiter Star tracker↗
Telescoping Shield for Point-Focusing Solar Concentrators
Telescoping shield normally stowed around solar receiver protects heat engine and supporting structure from overheating when concentrator aimed few degrees away from line to Sun. When extended, shield intercepts off center concentrated solar radiation. Heat spread out over thermally conductive shield and reradiated diffusely not to cause structural damage.
Argoud, M.↗
A turbojet-boosted two-stage-to-orbit space transportation system design study
The concept to use twin turbo-powered boosters for acceleration to supersonic staging speed followed by an all rocket powered orbiter stage was proposed. A follow-on design study was then made of the concept with the performance objective of placing a 29,483 Kg payload into a .2.6 X 195.3 km orbit. The study was performed in terms of analysis and trade studies, conceptual design, utility and economic analysis, and technology assessment. Design features of the final configuration included: strakes and area rule for improved take off and low transonic drag, variable area inlets, exits and turbine, and low profile fixed landing gear for turbojet booster stage. The payload required an estimated GLOW of 1,270,000 kg for injection in orbit. Each twin booster required afterburning turbojet engines each with a static sea level thrust rating of 444,800 N. Life cycle costs for this concept were comparable to a SSTO/SLED concept except for increased development cost due to the turbojet engine propulsion system.
Hepler, A. K.↗