Start Date
4-1988 8:00 AM
Description
The Shuttle-C will usher in a new era of transportation capability for the United States. It will provide a nearterm, unmanned heavy lift launch capability based upon existing, in-place technology. Shuttle-C (for cargo) uses the main engines, solid rocket boosters, external tanks, and launch facilities of the present space shuttle. The shuttle orbiter is replaced by an unmanned cargo carrier. Shuttle-C is designed to place payloads weighing 100,000 to 150,000 pounds into low earth orbit, compared to the space shuttle's design capacity of 65,000 pounds. It is intended for launch and assembly of large space structures such as the Space Station, and for launching large planetary payloads requiring heavy upper stages, as well as a test bed for advanced technology developments.
Shuttle-C: A Shuttle Derived Launch Vehicle
The Shuttle-C will usher in a new era of transportation capability for the United States. It will provide a nearterm, unmanned heavy lift launch capability based upon existing, in-place technology. Shuttle-C (for cargo) uses the main engines, solid rocket boosters, external tanks, and launch facilities of the present space shuttle. The shuttle orbiter is replaced by an unmanned cargo carrier. Shuttle-C is designed to place payloads weighing 100,000 to 150,000 pounds into low earth orbit, compared to the space shuttle's design capacity of 65,000 pounds. It is intended for launch and assembly of large space structures such as the Space Station, and for launching large planetary payloads requiring heavy upper stages, as well as a test bed for advanced technology developments.
Comments
Shuttle-C is a candidate new initiative for NASA's FY 1989 budget. The proposed vehicle would be developed under the leadership of the Marshall Space Flight Center. This paper will describe the design and development effort underway, and provide the status of the Definition Study Contracts awarded in late 1987.