The U.S. and NASA currently use a diverse, flexible family of ETO (Earth To Orbit) launch systems. One element of this family is the expendable launch vehicles. For this element, NASA procures the requisite launch services directly from the commercial sector. The major current U.S. vehicles in this segment are Delta, Atlas, and Titan. The characteristics of these vehicles and rocket propulsion are described. The other element of the current launcher family is the Space Shuttle fleet. The Shuttle propulsion elements, including the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME), the Main Propulsion System (MPS), the External Tank (ET), and the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB), are described. Looking ahead, new launch vehicles featuring increased mission safety and reliability, reduced operations requirements and costs and enhanced performance are projected. The elements of these systems would support a modular approach capable of transporting a range of payload. The rocket propulsion elements under consideration for these vehicles, including the Space Transportation Main Engine (STME), propulsion modules, a modified STS external tank and solid rocket motors, are described.
Rocket Propulsion for NASA's Earth to Orbit Launchers
1991
6 pages
Report
No indication
English
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