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A Framework for Assessing the Reusability of Hardware (Reusable Rocket Engines)Within the past few years, there has been a renewed interest in reusability as it applies to space flight hardware. Commercial companies such as Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX), Blue Origin, and United Launch Alliance (ULA) are pursuing reusable hardware. Even foreign companies are pursuing this option. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched a reusable space plane technology demonstrator and Airbus Defense and Space is planning to recover the main engines and avionics from its Advanced Expendable Launcher with Innovative engine Economy [1] [2]. To date, the Space Shuttle remains as the only Reusable Launch (RLV) to have flown repeated missions and the Space Shutte Main Engine (SSME) is the only demonstrated reusable engine. Whether the hardware being considered for reuse is a launch vehicle (fully reusable), a first stage (partially reusable), or a booster engine (single component), the overall governing process is the same; it must be recovered and recertified for flight. Therefore, there is a need to identify the key factors in determining the reusability of flight hardware. This paper begins with defining reusability to set the context, addresses the significance of reuse, and discusses areas that limit successful implementation. Finally, this research identifies the factors that should be considered when incorporating reuse.
Document ID
20170000606
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Childress-Thompson, Rhonda
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Thomas, Dale
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Farrington, Philip
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
January 19, 2017
Publication Date
December 5, 2016
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Quality Assurance And Reliability
Report/Patent Number
M17-5670
Report Number: M17-5670
Meeting Information
Meeting: Spacecraft Propulsion Meeting
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Country: United States
Start Date: December 5, 2016
End Date: December 8, 2016
Sponsors: Department of the Army, Department of the Navy, NASA Headquarters, Department of the Air Force
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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