Results for “Commercial space transportation” — Page 6

NASA NTRS1992

Space Congress, 29th, Cocoa Beach, FL, Apr. 21-24, 1992, Proceedings

The present volume on the quest for new frontiers in space discusses weather impacts on space operations, planning for the performance of future space bases, a new guidance and control unit for the Titan IV vehicle, and nondestructive evaluation of Shuttle Columbia tiles. Attention is given to Space Shuttle payload accommodations and trends in customer demands, a generic propellants transfer unit, making space part of general education, space station on-orbit solar array loads during assembly, and dimensional stability of the attitude reference assembly on SSF. Topics addressed include National Launch System payload accommodations and launch operations, the integrated factory/launch site processing concept, Pioneer 10 interstellar studies, and the role of advanced nuclear propulsion systems in precursor interstellar missions. Also discussed are legal challenges in realizing interstellar initiatives, Mars transportation system synthesis, and NASA's commercial space program.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2016

Lunar COTS: Using the Moon's Resources to Enable An Economical and Sustainable Pathway to Mars and Beyond

To support NASAs goal of sending humans to Mars, a new plan was constructed to develop and demonstrate cislunar capabilities and services in partnership with commercial industry using the well-proven Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) Program acquisition model. The NASA COTS Program was a very successful program that developed and demonstrated cost-effective commercial cargo transportation services to the International Space Station (ISS). As a result of NASAs COTS program, two new launch vehicles and spacecraft were developed and have been successfully performing cargo transportation missions to the ISS since 2012. The COTS acquisition strategy utilized a new model than normally accepted in traditional procurement practices. This new model used Space Act Agreements where NASA entered into partnerships with industry to jointly share cost, development and operational risks to demonstrate new capabilities for mutual benefit. This model proved to be very beneficial to both NASA and its industry partners as NASA saved significantly in development and operational costs, as much as tenfold, while industry partners successfully expanded their market share of the global launch transportation business for significant economic benefit. Using the COTS acquisition model as a basis, a new plan, notionally referred to as Lunar Commercial Orbital Transfer Services (or Lunar COTS), has been developed to determine the potential benefits and challenges of a new Lunar COTS plan[1]. The proposed plan includes low-cost, commercial-enabled missions to prospect for resources, determine the economic viability of extracting those resources and assess the value proposition of using these resources in future exploration architectures such as Mars. These missions would be accomplished in partnership with industry to meet these exploration goals but will also have the capability to carry payloads to meet science goals as well.

Zuniga, Allison↗

NASA NTRS2014

Space Shuttle and Hypersonic Entry

Fifty years of human spaceflight have been characterized by the aerospace operations of the Soyuz, of the Space Shuttle and, more recently, of the Shenzhou. The lessons learned of this past half decade are important and very significant. Particularly interesting is the scenario that is downstream from the retiring of the Space Shuttle. A number of initiatives are, in fact, emerging from in the aftermath of the decision to terminate the Shuttle program. What is more and more evident is that a new era is approaching: the era of the commercial usage and of the commercial exploitation of space. It is probably fair to say, that this is the likely one of the new frontiers of expansion of the world economy. To make a comparison, in the last 30 years our economies have been characterized by the digital technologies, with examples ranging from computers, to cellular phones, to the satellites themselves. Similarly, the next 30 years are likely to be characterized by an exponential increase of usage of extra atmospheric resources, as a result of more economic and efficient way to access space, with aerospace transportation becoming accessible to commercial investments. We are witnessing the first steps of the transportation of future generation that will drastically decrease travel time on our Planet, and significantly enlarge travel envelope including at least the low Earth orbits. The Steve Jobs or the Bill Gates of the past few decades are being replaced by the aggressive and enthusiastic energy of new entrepreneurs. It is also interesting to note that we are now focusing on the aerospace band, that lies on top of the aeronautical shell, and below the low Earth orbits. It would be a mistake to consider this as a known envelope based on the evidences of the flights of Soyuz, Shuttle and Shenzhou. Actually, our comprehension of the possible hypersonic flight regimes is bounded within really limited envelopes. The achievement of a full understanding of the hypersonic flight regimes will be a key enabler to facilitate the consolidation of the new emerging scenarios. The objective of this symposium is therefore to focus on lesson learned, to then analyze the main elements of those new scenarios, both from Institutional and Private sectors; and finally provide the leads for future collaboration opportunities between Italy, the United States and international partners, so to join profitably the opportunities offered by this new era of the aerospace technologies.

Campbell, Charles H.↗

NASA NTRS2021

Commercial Hypersonic Transportation Market Study

In support of NASA’s evaluation of its future research thrusts for its hypersonics program, NASA commissioned independent studies of the market for commercial hypersonic transportation. SAIC and BryceTech (formerly Bryce Space and Technology) were awarded one of these independent studies to assist NASA in better understanding: (1) the passenger demand for high-speed aviation travel; (2) the pressures on the business case for developing and operating a hypersonic aircraft for the commercial aviation market; and (3) the non-technical (i.e., societal) barriers and challenges, including the steps NASA and the Government could take to overcome those barriers and challenges. Our approach to addressing these three tasks for NASA included modeling future demand and future business operations, considering global air transportation at speeds of Mach 2 to Mach 7. The team forecast premium air travel demand through 2060 and assessed the willingness of passengers of different income and wealth levels to pay to save time on flights between 800 city pairs. With the total addressable market defined, we examined industry-level business case viability for several aircraft speed and range cases. Considering operating and manufacturing costs for routes that could be serviced profitably, as well as typical profitability targets for the aviation industry, we quantified the level of RDT&E funding available to support each business case.

hypersonic aircraft↗

NASA NTRS2021

Independent Market Study: Commercial Hypersonic Transportation

In support of NASA’s evaluation of its future research thrusts for its hypersonics program, NASA commissioned independent studies of the market for commercial hypersonic transportation. SAIC and BryceTech (formerly Bryce Space and Technology) were awarded one of these independent studies to assist NASA in better understanding: (1) the passenger demand for high-speed aviation travel; (2) the pressures on the business case for developing and operating a hypersonic aircraft for the commercial aviation market; and (3) the non-technical (i.e., societal) barriers and challenges, including the steps NASA and the Government could take to overcome those barriers and challenges. Our approach to addressing these three tasks for NASA included modeling future demand and future business operations, considering global air transportation at speeds of Mach 2 to Mach 7. The team forecast premium air travel demand through 2060 and assessed the willingness of passengers of different income and wealth levels to pay to save time on flights between 800 city pairs. With the total addressable market defined, we examined industry-level business case viability for several aircraft speed and range cases. Considering operating and manufacturing costs for routes that could be serviced profitably, as well as typical profitability targets for the aviation industry, we quantified the level of RDT&E funding available to support each business case.

hypersonic aircraft↗

NASA NTRS1989

Infrared surface temperature measurements for the surface tension driven convection experiment

In support of the Surface Tension Driven Convection Experiment (STDCE), a planned space transportation system (STS) flight experiment, a commercially available infrared thermal imaging system is used to quantify the imposed thermal signature along the free surface. The system was tested and calibrated for the STDCE with ground-based equivalents of the STDCE hardware. Before using the system, consideration was given to the radiation characteristics of the target (silicone oil). Absorption coefficients were calculated to understand the surface depth as seen by the imager and the penetration depth of the surface heater (CO2 laser). The performance and operational specifications for the imager and image processing system are described in detail to provide an understanding of the equipment. Measurements made with the system were compared to thermocouple measurements and a calculated surface temperature distribution. This comparison showed that in certain regions the IR imager measurements were within 5 percent of the overall temperature difference across the free surface. In other regions the measurements were within + or - 10 percent of the overall temperature gradient across the free surface. The effective emissivity of silicone oil for these experimental conditions was also determined. Measurement errors and their possible solutions are discussed.

Pline, Alexander D.↗

NASA NTRS1995

High temperature barrier coatings for refractory metals

Improvements in high temperature oxidation resistant metal coating technology will allow NASA and commercial entities to develop competitive civil space transport and communication systems. The success of investigations completed in this program will have a positive impact on broadening the technology base for high temperature materials. The work reported herein describes processes and procedures for successfully depositing coherent oxidation barrier coatings on refractory metals to prevent degradation under very severe operating environments. Application of the new technology developed is now being utilized in numerous Phase 3 applications through several prominent aerospace firms. Major achievements have included: (1) development of means to deposit thick platinum and rhodium coatings with lower stress and fewer microcracks than could be previously achieved; (2) development of processes to deposit thick adherent coatings of platinum group metals on refractory substrates that remain bonded through high temperature excursions and without need for intermediate coatings (bonding processes unique to specific refractory metals and alloys have been defined; (3) demonstration that useful alloys of refractory and platinum coatings can be made through thermal diffusion means; (4) demonstration that selected barrier coatings on refractory substrates can withstand severe oxidizing environments in the range of 1260 deg and 1760 deg C for long time periods essential to the life requirements of the hardware; and (5) successful application of the processes and procedures to prototype hardware. The results of these studies have been instrumental in improved thermal oxidation barrier coatings for the NASP propulsion system. Other Phase 3 applications currently being exploited include small uncooled thrusters for spacecraft and microsatellite maneuvering systems.

Malone, G. A.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS): An Award Winning Propulsion System Simulation Tool

The Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) is a full propulsion system simulation tool used by aerospace engineers to predict and analyze the aerothermodynamic behavior of commercial jet aircraft, military applications, and space transportation. The NPSS framework was developed to support aerospace, but other applications are already leveraging the initial capabilities, such as aviation safety, ground-based power, and alternative energy conversion devices such as fuel cells. By using the framework and developing the necessary components, future applications that NPSS could support include nuclear power, water treatment, biomedicine, chemical processing, and marine propulsion. NPSS will dramatically reduce the time, effort, and expense necessary to design and test jet engines. It accomplishes that by generating sophisticated computer simulations of an aerospace object or system, thus enabling engineers to "test" various design options without having to conduct costly, time-consuming real-life tests. The ultimate goal of NPSS is to create a numerical "test cell" that enables engineers to create complete engine simulations overnight on cost-effective computing platforms. Using NPSS, engine designers will be able to analyze different parts of the engine simultaneously, perform different types of analysis simultaneously (e.g., aerodynamic and structural), and perform analysis in a more efficient and less costly manner. NPSS will cut the development time of a new engine in half, from 10 years to 5 years. And NPSS will have a similar effect on the cost of development: new jet engines will cost about a billion dollars to develop rather than two billion. NPSS is also being applied to the development of space transportation technologies, and it is expected that similar efficiencies and cost savings will result. Advancements of NPSS in fiscal year 2001 included enhancing the NPSS Developer's Kit to easily integrate external components of varying fidelities, providing the initial Visual-Based Syntax (VBS) capability, and developing additional capabilities to support space transportation. NPSS was supported under NASA's High Performance Computing and Communications Program. Through the NASA/Industry Cooperative Effort agreement, NASA Glenn and its industry and Government partners are developing NPSS. The NPSS team consists of propulsion experts and software engineers from GE Aircraft Engines, Pratt & Whitney, The Boeing Company, Honeywell, Rolls-Royce Corporation, Williams International, Teledyne Continental Motors, Arnold Engineering Development Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, and the NASA Glenn Research Center. Glenn is leading the way in developing NPSS--a method for solving complex design problems that's faster, better, and cheaper.

Stauber, Laurel J.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Building an Economical and Sustainable Lunar Infrastructure to Enable Human Missions

To enable return of human missions to the surface of the Moon sustainably, a new study was initiated to assess the feasibility of developing an evolvable, economical and sustainable lunar surface infrastructure using a public-private partnerships approach. This approach would establish partnerships between NASA and private industry to mutually develop lunar surface infrastructure capabilities to support robotic missions initially and later evolve to full-scale commercial infrastructure services in support of human missions. These infrastructure services may range from power systems, communication and navigation systems, thermal management systems, mobility systems, water and propellant production to life support systems for human habitats. The public-private partnerships approach for this study leverages best practices from NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program which introduced an innovative and economical approach for partnering with industry to develop commercial cargo transportation services to the International Space Station (ISS). In this approach, NASA and industry partners shared cost and risk throughout the development phase which led to dramatic reduction in development and operations costs of these transportation services. Following this approach, a Lunar COTS concept was conceived to develop cost-effective surface infrastructure capabilities in partnership with industry to provide economical, operational services for small-scale robotic missions. As a result, a self-contained lunar infrastructure system with power, thermal, communication and navigation elements was conceptually designed to increase capability, extend mission duration and reduce cost of small-scale robotic missions. To support human missions, this work has now been extended to analyze full-scale lunar infrastructure systems. This infrastructure system should have capabilities to support human missions from a few days to several months with minimal maintenance and replacement of parts. This infrastructure system should also maximize the use of existing lunar resources, such as, oxygen from regolith, water from ice deposits at the poles, and use of metals, such as iron and aluminum, from lunar regolith. The plan includes a buildup of these capabilities using a phased-development approach that will eventually lead to operational infrastructure services. By partnering with industry to develop and operate the infrastructure services using the COTS model, this plan should also result in significant cost savings and increased reliability. This paper will describe the Lunar COTS concept goals, objectives and approach for developing an evolvable, economical and sustainable human lunar infrastructure as well as the challenges and opportunities for development.

Zuniga, Allison↗

NASA NTRS2019

Building an Economical and Sustainable Lunar Infrastructure to Enable Human Lunar Missions

To enable return of human missions to the surface of the Moon sustainably, a new study was initiated to assess the feasibility of developing an evolvable, economical and sustainable lunar surface infrastructure using a public-private partnerships approach. This approach would establish partnerships between NASA and private industry to mutually develop lunar surface infrastructure capabilities to support robotic missions initially and later evolve to full-scale commercial infrastructure services in support of human missions. These infrastructure services may range from power systems, communication and navigation systems, thermal management systems, mobility systems, water and propellant production to life support systems for human habitats. The public-private partnerships approach for this study leverages best practices from NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program which introduced a new innovative and economical approach for partnering with industry to develop commercial cargo transportation services to the International Space Station (ISS). In this approach, NASA and industry partners shared cost and risk throughout the development phase which led to dramatically reducing development and operations costs of these transportation services. Following this approach, a Lunar COTS concept was conceived to follow this model and gradually develop cost-effective surface infrastructure capabilities in partnership with industry to provide economical, operational services for small-scale robotic missions. To support human missions, this work has now been extended to analyze full-scale lunar infrastructure systems. This infrastructure system will have capabilities to support human missions from a few days to several months and will also maximize the use of existing lunar resources, such as, water from ice deposits at the lunar poles. The plan includes a gradual buildup of these capabilities using a phased-development approach that will eventually lead to operational infrastructure services. By partnering with industry to develop and operate the infrastructure services using the COTS model, this plan will also result in significant cost savings, reduced risk and increased reliability. This paper will describe the Lunar COTS concept goals, objectives and approach for developing an evolvable, economical and sustainable human lunar infrastructure as well as the challenges and opportunities for development.

Lunar Surface Systems↗

NASA NTRS2001

A Revolution in the Making: Advances in Materials That May Transform Future Exploration Infrastructures and Missions

The NASA Strategic Plan identifies the long-term goal to provide safe and affordable space access, orbital transfer, and interplanetary transportation capabilities to enable research, human exploration, and the commercial development of space; and to conduct human and robotic missions to planets and other bodies in our solar system. Numerous scientific and engineering breakthroughs will be required to develop the technology necessary to achieve this goal. Critical technologies include advanced vehicle primary and secondary structure, radiation protection, propulsion and power systems, fuel storage, electronics and devices, sensors and science instruments, and medical diagnostics and treatment. Advanced materials with revolutionary new capabilities are an essential element of each of these technologies. This paper discusses those materials best suited for aerospace vehicle structure and highlights the enormous potential of one revolutionary new material, carbon nanotubes.

Harris, Charles E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

The partnership: Space shuttle, space science, and space station

An overview of the NASA Space Station Program functions, design, and planned implementation is presented. The discussed functions for the permanently manned space facility include: (1) development of new technologies and related commercial products; (2) observations of the Earth and the universe; (3) provision of service facilities for resupply, maintenance, upgrade and repair of payloads and spacecraft; (4) provision of a transportation node for stationing, processing and dispatching payloads and vehicles; (5) provision of manufacturing and assembly facilities; (6) provision of a storage depot for parts and payloads; and (7) provision of a staging base for future space endeavors. The fundamental concept for the Space Station, as given, is that it be designed, operated, and evolved in response to a broad variety of scientific, technological, and commercial user interests. The Space Shuttle's role as the principal transportation system for the construction and maintenance of the Space Station and the servicing and support of the station crew is also discussed.

Culbertson, Philip E.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Use of Commercial Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) Parts in NASA's Commercial Crew Program (CCP)

NASA's Commercial Crew and Cargo Program (CCP) is stimulating efforts within the private sector to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable, and cost-effective space transportation capabilities. One initiative involves investigating the use of commercial electronic parts. NASA's CCP asked the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) to collect data to help frame the technical, cost, and schedule risk trades associated with electrical, electronic and electromechanical (EEE) parts selection and specifically expressed desire of some of the CCP partners to employ EEE parts of a lower grade than traditionally used in most NASA safety-critical applications. This document contains the outcome from the NESC's review and analyses.

Gonzalex, Oscar↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Small Spacecraft Sample Return to Support Gateway and Lunar Science

The Lunar Gateway is a planned orbital outpost to support Lunar surface, Cislunar, and deep space exploration activities. NASA, together with international and commercial partners, are providing various capabilities, infrastructure, and services to build the Lunar economy. As Gateway capabilities and transportation logistics evolve, utilization is expected to increase, providing ample science, technology demonstration, and commercial development opportunities. Elements of the transportation network supporting Lunar activities are primarily focused on the outbound segment, which include Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), Human Landing System (HLS), Deep Space Logistics (DSL), and the SLS/Orion crew transportation system. Initially, the only Earth return segment will be provided via Orion. However, infrequent mission cadence (once every 12 months), limited payload return mass (100 kg), and operational constraints suggest that additional sample return logistics capability will be needed. Sustaining long-term presence at the Moon will likely require innovative approaches for frequent and affordable payload return. NASA Ames Research Center and the DSL team at Kennedy Space Center (which provides the Gateway Logistics Services missions) have investigated the development of a small spacecraft-based sample return capability to complement Orion. The goal of the first mission is to demonstrate the capability as a part of an early DSL mission, and provide up to 10 kg of scientific sample return from the Gateway. The mission concept envisions the progressive addition of sample return capabilities, including returning temperature- and acceleration-sensitive payloads, and evolution into a commercially provided service, similar to existing ISS payload return logistics. An overview of payload science and technology use cases and small spacecraft mission concepts will be presented to engage scientists, payload developers and mission planners who are considering Lunar exploration activities that will require the return of high-value samples from the Gateway and/or the lunar surface.

Alan Cassell↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Small Spacecraft Sample Return Mission Concept to Support Gateway and Lunar Science

The Lunar Gateway is a planned orbital outpost to support Lunar surface, Cislunar, and deep space exploration activities. NASA, together with international and commercial partners, are providing various capabilities, infrastructure, and services to build the Lunar economy. As Gateway capabilities and transportation logistics evolve, utilization is expected to increase, providing ample science, technology demonstration, and commercial development opportunities. Elements of the transportation network supporting Lunar activities are primarily focused on the outbound segment, which include Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), Human Landing System (HLS), Deep Space Logistics (DSL), and the SLS/Orion crew transportation system. Initially, the only Earth return segment will be provided via Orion. However, infrequent mission cadence (once every 12 months), limited payload return mass (100 kg), and operational constraints suggest that additional sample return logistics capability will be needed. Sustaining long-term presence at the Moon will likely require innovative approaches for frequent and affordable payload return. NASA Ames Research Center and the DSL team at Kennedy Space Center (which provides the Gateway Logistics Services missions) have investigated the development of a small spacecraft-based sample return capability to complement Orion. The goal of the first mission is to demonstrate the capability as a part of an early DSL mission, and provide up to 10 kg of scientific sample return from the Gateway. The mission concept envisions the progressive addition of sample return capabilities, including returning temperature- and acceleration-sensitive payloads, and evolution into a commercially provided service, similar to existing ISS payload return logistics. An overview of payload science and technology use cases and small spacecraft mission concepts will be presented to engage scientists, payload developers and mission planners who are considering Lunar exploration activities that will require the return of high-value samples from the Gateway and/or the lunar surface.

Small Spacecraft↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Small Spacecraft Sample Return Mission Concept to Support Gateway and Lunar Science

The Lunar Gateway is a planned orbital outpost to support Lunar surface, Cislunar, and deep space exploration activities. NASA, together with international and commercial partners, are providing various capabilities, infrastructure, and services to build the Lunar economy. As Gateway capabilities and transportation logistics evolve, utilization is expected to increase, providing ample science, technology demonstration, and commercial development opportunities. Elements of the transportation network supporting Lunar activities are primarily focused on the outbound segment, which include Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), Human Landing System (HLS), Deep Space Logistics (DSL), and the SLS/Orion crew transportation system. Initially, the only Earth return segment will be provided via Orion. However, infrequent mission cadence (once every 12 months), limited payload return mass (100 kg), and operational constraints suggest that additional sample return logistics capability will be needed. Sustaining long-term presence at the Moon will likely require innovative approaches for frequent and affordable payload return. NASA Ames Research Center and the DSL team at Kennedy Space Center (which provides the Gateway Logistics Services missions) have investigated the development of a small spacecraft-based sample return capability to complement Orion. The goal of the first mission is to demonstrate the capability as a part of an early DSL mission, and provide up to 10 kg of scientific sample return from the Gateway. The mission concept envisions the progressive addition of sample return capabilities, including returning temperature- and acceleration-sensitive payloads, and evolution into a commercially provided service, similar to existing ISS payload return logistics. An overview of payload science and technology use cases and small spacecraft mission concepts will be presented to engage scientists, payload developers and mission planners who are considering Lunar exploration activities that will require the return of high-value samples from the Gateway and/or the lunar surface.

Alan Cassell↗

NASA NTRS1977

Organizing for low cost space transportation

The paper describes the management concepts and organizational structure NASA is establishing to operate the Space Transportation System. Policies which would encourage public and commercial organizations and private individuals to use the new STS are discussed, and design criteria for experiments, spacecraft, and other systems elements are considered. The design criteria are intented to facilitate cost reductions for space operations. NASA plans for the transition from currently used expendable launch vehicles to Shuttle use and Shuttle pricing policies are explained in detail. Hardware development is basically complete, management functions have been defined, pricing policies have been published, and procedures for user contact and services have been places into operation.

Lee, C. M.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Legal considerations and cooperative opportunities for space commercial activities

It is a national policy to make the capabilities of the Space Transportation System available to a wide range of potential users. This includes its availability as a space manufacturing facility for commercial activities, which may be carried out on a reimbursable basis or as a joint endeavor with NASA, but with substantial private investment. In any high risk, long lead-time research and development activity directed towards commercialization, the protection afforded the results of the research and development under the laws relating to intellectual property rights may provide an important incentive for private investment. The policies and practices of NASA directed towards the protection of privately-established intellectual property rights involved in STS use are reviewed with particular emphasis on reimbursable launch agreements and joint endeavor agreements.

Hosenball, S. N.↗