Lessons Learned from the Design, Certification, and Operation of the Space Shuttle Integrated Main Propulsion System (IMPS)

Martínez, Hugo; Albright, John; D'Amico, Stephen J.; Brewer, J. Stephen; Melcher, John C.

doi:10.2514/6.2011-5838

Cited by 2 publications

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“…Composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) have become a critical component in satellite and space applications since their initial introduction in the early 1970s [1,2]. Their ability to store highly permeating fuels at high pressures and under cryogenic conditions has solidified their usage in propulsion systems, breathing systems, and manoeuvring systems aboard rockets, satellites, and spacecraft [3][4][5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rotational moulding of PEEK polymer liners with carbon fibre/PEEK over tape-placement for space cryogenic fuel tanks

et al. 2017

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PEEK polymers are investigated as replacement materials for metallic liners in composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) for fuel tank applications in space. A novel, integrally heated, rotational moulding tool has been developed to produce PEEK polymer liners, samples of which have then been overwrapped using CF/PEEK in a laser assisted tapeplacement (LATP) process to produce demonstrator samples of a polymer lined COPV.Helium permeability testing has shown that the designs are capable of resisting leakage to acceptable levels for fuel storage, while X-ray CT scanning and cryogenic cycling have shown that the current design is capable of resisting crack growth over multiple cycles. Nanoindentation testing has shown that the LATP process has created a region of reduced modulus in the PEEK polymer at the surface of the liner where the CF/PEEK has been tapelaid. This laser-affected zone of reduced polymer modulus in the composite interface region has enabled an enhanced resistance to crack growth formations from thermal residual stresses in comparison to hot plate moulded test samples.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rotational moulding of PEEK polymer liners with carbon fibre/PEEK over tape-placement for space cryogenic fuel tanks

et al. 2017

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“…The culprit was indeed found to be the feed through connector located on the ET, through which all four circuits pass. The defective connector was intermittently failing at cryogenic temperatures, a problem cured by soldering the pins to the sockets 3 .…”

Section: Main Propulsion System (Mps)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Selected Lessons Learned in Space Shuttle Orbiter Propulsion and Power Subsystems

Hernández

Martínez

Ryan

et al. 2011

AIAA SPACE 2011 Conference &Amp; Exposition

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Over its 30 years of space flight history, plus the nearly 10 years of design, development test and evaluation, the Space Shuttle Orbiter is full of lessons learned in all of its numerous and complex subsystems. In the current paper, only selected lessons learned in the areas of the Orbiter propulsion and power subsystems will be described. The particular Orbiter subsystems include: Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), Hydraulics and Water Spray Boiler (WSB), Mechanical Flight Controls, Main Propulsion System (MPS), Fuel Cells and Power Reactant and Storage Devices (PRSD), Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS), Reaction Control System (RCS), Electrical Power Distribution (EPDC), electrical wiring and pyrotechnics. Given the complexity and extensive history of each of these subsystems, and the limited scope of this paper, it is impossible to include most of the lessons learned; instead the attempt will be to present a selected few or "key" lessons, in the judgment of the authors. Each subsystem is presented separate, beginning with an overview of the hardware and their function, a short description of a few historical problems and their lessons, followed by a more comprehensive table listing of the major subsystem problems and lessons. These tables serve as a quick reference for lessons learned in each subsystem. In addition, this paper will establish common lessons across subsystems as well as concentrate on those lessons which are deemed to have the highest applicability to future space flight programs. Acronym List

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Lessons Learned from the Design, Certification, and Operation of the Space Shuttle Integrated Main Propulsion System (IMPS)

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Rotational moulding of PEEK polymer liners with carbon fibre/PEEK over tape-placement for space cryogenic fuel tanks

Rotational moulding of PEEK polymer liners with carbon fibre/PEEK over tape-placement for space cryogenic fuel tanks

Selected Lessons Learned in Space Shuttle Orbiter Propulsion and Power Subsystems

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