Location
Radisson Resort at the Port, Martinique Room
Start Date
3-5-2000 2:00 PM
Description
A laser ordnance demonstration system has been developed at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) within the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF) to perform testing and evaluation of ground support equipment (GSE) and other items featuring laser-actuated initiators and other secondary ordnance for future vehicle programs. Its current form enables verification of firing dual redundant laser-actuated initiators by measuring their output pressure pulses, providing adjustable and measurable timing delays, and incorporating system checkout capability without requiring ordnance. The system comprises an electronics rack with required fiber-optic and other cabling to a secured test area within the LETF, where the initiators can be safely fired using appropriate test bombs, safety equipment, and instrumentation. It is designed to be easily merged with the LETF instrumentation and infrastructure normally used for testing and certification of GSE systems and articles. This capability enables the LETF, a unique facility extensively used in supporting Space Shuttle as well as other programs such as X-33, to evaluate the potential advantages of using laser ordnance technology for safety, cost savings, and increased reliability towards streamlining future processing and launch operations. Configuration design, as well as data and results from demonstration test firings of initiators, is presented in this paper.
Paper Session II-C - Laser Ordnance Ignition Capability at KSC
Radisson Resort at the Port, Martinique Room
A laser ordnance demonstration system has been developed at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) within the Launch Equipment Test Facility (LETF) to perform testing and evaluation of ground support equipment (GSE) and other items featuring laser-actuated initiators and other secondary ordnance for future vehicle programs. Its current form enables verification of firing dual redundant laser-actuated initiators by measuring their output pressure pulses, providing adjustable and measurable timing delays, and incorporating system checkout capability without requiring ordnance. The system comprises an electronics rack with required fiber-optic and other cabling to a secured test area within the LETF, where the initiators can be safely fired using appropriate test bombs, safety equipment, and instrumentation. It is designed to be easily merged with the LETF instrumentation and infrastructure normally used for testing and certification of GSE systems and articles. This capability enables the LETF, a unique facility extensively used in supporting Space Shuttle as well as other programs such as X-33, to evaluate the potential advantages of using laser ordnance technology for safety, cost savings, and increased reliability towards streamlining future processing and launch operations. Configuration design, as well as data and results from demonstration test firings of initiators, is presented in this paper.
