Continuing Issues (FY 1980) Concerning Military Use of the Space Transportation System
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to continue examination of DoD issues concerning military use of the Space Transportation System. Current issues are in the areas of Shuttle performance, Spacecraft and Shuttle ground handling in the operational phase, Shuttle survivability, DoD space experiments and the use of man, advanced space technology and Shuttle launch costs. Principal findings in each of these areas were the following: (A) Shuttle Performance. NASA is defining plans regarding means for improving the Shuttle performance to remedy by mid-1986 a payload deficiency of about 8000 lb for the Performance Reference Mission 4. While most of the planning activity to date has been devoted to examining thrust augmentation by addition to auxiliary solid or liquid rocket propulsion units, a number of other feasible options exist which involve modifying or uprating the present components of the Shuttle. A consensus of sources indicated that, if initial funding is committed in FY 1982 and suitable resources are applied to implementing enough of the options, NASA could produce the desired Mission 4 performance in time without resorting to thrust augmentation. (B) Shuttle Operational Considerations. Ground handling of spacecraft and the Shuttle, and the required logistics support in the operational phase, must be defined to enable the Shuttle to achieve a flight rate allowing timely launch of military payloads without compromising other users' scheduling requirements. Removal of payload checkout from the pad to an off-line payload processing facility has transferred the concern to the Shuttle launch-rate capability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA098475
Entities
People
- Charles J. Donlan
- George W. Brady
- Reinald G. Finke
Organizations
- Institute for Defense Analyses