1315. Mass Estimating Techniques for Earth-to-Orbit Transports With Various Configuration Factors and Technologies Applied

Paper

Abstract

An array of advanced Earth-to-orbit space transportation systems have been studied with a focus on mass properties and technology requirements. Methods needed for estimation of weights on these vehicles differ from mass 2stimating methods used for commercial and military aircraft. The new techniques are described with primary emphasis on winged horizontal and vertical take-off advanced transportation system. The space shuttle subsystem m as properties are utilized as a database for the weight estimating equations. From the space shuttle database, plus information obtained from basic and applied research; normal growth and accelerated technology factors are applied for the advanced systems.
‘The weight equations for advanced transportation vehicles require information on the mission profile, the vehicle structural materials, the thermal protection system (TPS) and the ascent propulsion system. The weight equations allow a ‘shopping list” of constants for the type of construction, (hot or cold, aluminum or composite) and for various propellant tank shapes both integral and non-integral. With the basic knowledge of a vehicle, one can apply these estimating techniques and constants to calculate the overall systems weights. The weight equations have been incorporated into the Systems Engineering Mass Properties (SEMP) Computer program. These techniques for estimating weights of Earth-to-orbit transportation systems have proven to be reasonable.