Space shuttle separation system
Separation systems for reusable space shuttle booster configuration
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Separation systems for reusable space shuttle booster configuration
A rotary phase separator system generally includes a step-shaped rotary drum separator (RDS) and a motor assembly. The aspect ratio of the stepped drum minimizes power for both the accumulating and pumping functions. The accumulator section of the RDS has a relatively small diameter to minimize power losses within an axial length to define significant volume for accumulation. The pumping section of the RDS has a larger diameter to increase pumping head but has a shorter axial length to minimize power losses. The motor assembly drives the RDS at a low speed for separating and accumulating and a higher speed for pumping.
Ball-lock-bolt separation system for aerospace applications
Development of liquid separating system using capillary device connected to flexible bladder storage chamber
The third stage engine separation system has shown through test and analysis that it can effectively and reliably perform its function. The weight of the hardware associated with this system is well within the targeted value.
A separation system was designed for the X-38 experimental crew return vehicle program to allow the Deorbit Propulsion Stage (DPS) to separate from the X-38 lifting body during reentry operations. The configuration chosen was a spring-loaded plunger, known as the Bolt Retractor Subsystem (BRS), that retracts each of the six DPS-to-lifting body attachment bolts across the interface plane after being triggered by a separation nut mechanism. The system was designed to function on the ground in an atmospheric environment as well as in space. The BRS provides the same functionality as that of a completely pyrotechnic shear separation system that would normally be considered ideal for this application, but at a much lower cost. This system also could potentially be applied to future space station crew return vehicles. The design goal of 40 ms retraction time was successfully met in a series of demonstrations performed at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center s Pyrotechnic Shock Facility (PSF) and Flight Robotics Laboratory (FRL). It must be emphasized that a full-scale test series was not performed on the BRS due to program schedule and cost constraints.
Noncontaminating systems for separating shroud and reentry body, second stage, or spacecraft from booster
Payload/spent rocket engine case separation system
Traditional fairing systems are designed to fully encapsulate and protect their payload from the harsh ascent environment including acoustic vibrations, aerodynamic forces and heating. The Orion fairing separation system performs this function and more by also sharing approximately half of the vehicle structural load during ascent. This load-share condition through launch and during jettison allows for a substantial increase in mass to orbit. A series of component-level development tests were completed to evaluate and characterize each component within Orion's unique fairing separation system. Two full-scale separation tests were performed to verify system-level functionality and provide verification data. This paper summarizes the fairing spring, Pyramidal Separation Mechanism and forward seal system component-level development tests, system-level separation tests, and lessons learned.
Swing-out rail system separates and reconnects the overhead traveling crane rails of a building to provide for the passage of a thick concrete radiation shield sliding door through the rails. In the swing-out position, the rail cantilevered from an axial shaft.
Stage separation system for spinning vehicles and payloads
This inventor relates to an interlaminar separation system for composites wherein a thin layer of a perforated foil film is interposed between adjacent laminae of a composite formed from prepreg tapes to thereby permit laminate adherence through the perforations and produce a composite structure having improved physical property characteristics.
Pyrotechnic shaped charge aerospace vehicle stage and shroud separation systems development
Separation system for two spinning bodies on atmospheric reentry trajectory
Performance test of Centaur/Surveyor separation jettison system under simulated zero gravity
On November 10, 2022, NASA, in partnership with United Launch Alliance (ULA), launched Low-earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) as a secondary payload on an Atlas V Centaur out of the Vandenburg Space Force Base (VSFB). After successfully delivering the primary payload, Joint Polar Satellite System-2 (JPSS-2), to a sun synchronous trajectory, the Centaur upper stage reoriented LOFTID onto the desired reentry trajectory. After conducting a de-orbit burn to enter the atmosphere the Payload Adaptor was ejected to expose the packed LOFTID vehicle. The LOFTID Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) was deployed and inflated. The Centaur pointed LOFTID to the desired entry attitude and spun the vehicle up to roughly three rpm before separating the reentry vehicle over the Middle East. The LOFTID vehicle flew freely before reentering the atmosphere over Alaska at >8km/sec and decelerating as designed. LOFTID demonstrated stable flight from hypersonic entry through subsonic parachute deployment. LOFTID was enabled by a mission-unique Payload Adapter Separation System (PASS) which separated the Payload Adapter prior to the start of the LOFTID flight demonstration, allowing the launch vehicle to accommodate a superstack of two independent, similarly sized payloads. This paper will discuss the design, development, and qualification effort of the LOFTID PASS.
The design, operation, and flight test are presented for an inertial waste separation system. Training personnel to use this system under simulated conditions is also discussed. Conclusions indicate that before the system is usable in zero gravity environments, a mirror for the user's guidance should be installed, the bounce cycle and bag changing system should be redesigned, and flange clips should be added to improve the user's balance.
On November 10, 2022, NASA and United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched Low-Earth Orbit Flight Test of an Inflatable Decelerator (LOFTID) as a secondary payload on an Atlas V Centaur from Vandenburg Space Force Base (VSFB). After deploying the primary payload, JPSS-2, to a sun-synchronous orbit, the Centaur reoriented LOFTID for reentry, ejecting the Payload Adaptor to expose the stowed LOFTID reentry vehicle (RV). The Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) was then deployed and inflated, and the Centaur reoriented the RV to the desired entry attitude, spun the vehicle to roughly three rpm, and separated the reentry vehicle. After nearly half an orbit of free flight, LOFTID reentered the atmosphere at >8 km/sec, demonstrating stable flight from hypersonic entry through subsonic parachute deployment. A mission-unique Payload Adapter Separation System (PASS) enabled the successful LOFTID flight demonstration, allowing the launch vehicle to accommodate a superstack of two independent, similarly sized payloads. This paper discusses the design, development, and qualification of the LOFTID PASS along with lessons learned.