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By summing all the technology factors, a projected reduction of 16 percent in the vehicle weight at main engine cutoff is obtained. The projections for weight reductions through improvements in the remaining subsystems are relatively small.
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The main propulsion system is also projected to increase in weight because of the requirement to operate engines at derated power levels in order to accommodate one-engine-out capability. Main propellant tanks are expected to increase slightly in weight. A reduction of 5 percent is projected for the thermal protection system through experience with the current Space Shuttle and the potential for reducing thermal protection system thicknesses in selected areas.
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For the body shell, a reduction of 5.2 percent in the weight of the vehicle at main engine cutoff is projected through the application of new technologies, and an additional configuration-based reduction of 5 percent is projected through simplification of body shape. The subsystems with the greatest potential for weight reduction are the body shell and the thermal protection system. The current Shuttle with external tank was used as a baseline from which to make the estimates of weight savings on each subsystem. Sign up for Astronomy Now's NewsAlert service and have the latest news in astronomy and space e-mailed directly to your desktop (free of charge).Shuttle to Shuttle 2: Subsystem weight reduction potential (estimated 1992 technology readiness date) The objective of this study was to make estimates of the weight savings that might be realized on all the subsystems on an advanced rocket-powered shuttle (designated Shuttle 2) by using advanced technologies having a projected maturity date of 1992. Step aboard the space shuttle Columbia for a virtual reality tour of the spaceship midway through its maintenance and modification period. The new mirror-like thermal tape saves 37 pounds. Each wing had 15 of the 40-pound doors the aluminum doors weigh only 16 pounds each.Įven the aluminized tape covering the inside of the shuttle's wheel wells is being replaced. The 'weightlessness' experienced by astronauts on board the Shuttle is caused by the free-fall of all objects in orbit. Replacing so-called flipper doors on the shuttle's wings with new aluminum ones will also make additional weight savings. Volume 5 - Subsystems and weight analysis Final technical report Subsystems and weight analysis of reusable space shuttle systems having multimission capability - Vol. There is a large gravitational force acting on the Shuttle at a distance of 200 miles. About 1,000 pounds shall be removed, equaling the additional amount of cargo Columbia will be able to launch. The equipment, however, hasn't been used since and now NASA wants it taken out while the Boeing technicians have the shuttle ripped apart. The sensors were flown to gather information about how the shuttle performed during the daring missions, ultimately allowing NASA to declare the space shuttle operational. Along with ferrying Enterprise and the flight-rated shuttle orbiters between the launch and landing sites and other locations, NASA 905 also ferried Enterprise to Europe for. In comparison, Columbia is 8,000 pounds heavier than Endeavour, the newest shuttle built in the early 90s.īut efforts are underway to lose some excess pounds on Columbia like removing gauges and data-collecting equipment used on the shuttle's first four test flights in 19. NASA 905, a Boeing 747-123 model built in 1970, was the first and only SCA used by the space shuttle program until November 1990, when NASA 911 was delivered as an SCA. Changes to the design of the space suit are constantly happening as we learn more about living and working. If an astronaut weighing 175 pounds wears the complete suit, the total weight is then about 485 pounds (310 + 175 495). Photos: Spaceflight NowĬolumbia was the first shuttle built to fly into space and it was the heaviest. The Shuttle suit, including the life support system, weighs about 310 pounds. Below workers remove the heavier tape in the wheel wells. The older flipper doors are removed from Columbia's wings as seen in top photo.
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