Evaluation of the convenience of servicing elements of super-heavy space rockets with various technologies for their preparation

Abstract

Currently, Russia, the United States and China are creating new super-heavy class (SHC) launch vehicles (LV). One of the distinctive features of SHC LV and their elements is their large cross dimensions, up to 10 m in diameter, which significantly exceeds the characteristic cross dimensions of LV elements of other classes. This has a significant impact on the serviceability of these elements in preparation for launch and, consequently, on the productivity, safety and reliability of the corresponding operations, and, as a result, on the reliability of the SHC LV as a whole. The paper analyzes the ergonomics of temporary workstations used in servicing the surfaces of LV elements, depending on the curvature and orientation of the surface of the serviced element. The analysis is based on the current Russian ergonomics standards. For the lateral surfaces of the cylindrical LV elements, a comparison was made of the proportion of surfaces that are convenient and inconvenient for servicing when using vertical and horizontal technologies for their preparation and various servicing facilities. The study shows that when using the service platforms, stationary relative to the element, the vertical preparation technology becomes more preferable when the element diameter is more than 4.5 m. In this case, the rotation of the element in a horizontal position around the longitudinal axis with the horizontal preparation technology or the use of platforms moved in the vertical direction with the vertical preparation technology make it possible to ensure the serviceability of the entire lateral surface of the cylindrical LV elements. The possibility of taking into account other surfaces of the serviced element of the LV for a numerical estimation of the convenience of various options for their preparation is also shown.