A multidisciplinary conceptual study was conducted to define a reusable Lunar transfer vehicle (LTV) aerobrake which could be launched on a Space Shuttle or Titan IV and assembled on orbit at Space Station Freedom. A major objective of this study was to design an aerobrake, with integrated structure and thermal protection systems, which has a mass less than 20 percent (9040 lb) of the LTV lunar return mass. This paper describes the aerobrake segmentation concepts, the structural concepts, a joint concept for assembly, and a structural design with analysis of the aerobrake. Results show that a 50-foot diameter LTV aerobrake can be designed for on-orbit assembly which will achieve the 20 percent mass budget.
Structural concepts for a lunar transfer vehicle aerobrake which can be assembled on orbit
AIAA, Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference ; 1993 ; La Jolla, CA, United States
1993-04-01
Conference paper
No indication
English