Excerpt: RLV Operations Technology Plan

Automated Launch Complex - Ground Systems Technologies

Tasks Objective and Description

Implement Ground Support Systems Advanced Technologies

Smart Components

• Auto-Umbilical Systems
• Non-Pyro Devices for Release, Actuation, and Umbilicals
• Leak Location for Component Integrity
• Health Monitoring of Components (Valves, Reg's, Pumps)

Maintenance Reduction Components

• ElectroMechanical Actuators
• Laser Alignment
• Advanced Software Development and Validation

Diagnostic Components

• Vibration Diagnosis, Ferrography, Thermography, Motor Monitoring, Contamination Monitoring.
• Leak Location System for System-Wide Surveillance.

Benefits

• Reduce and eliminate hands-on, labor intensive nature of present operations associated with space vehicle ground processing, service, launch and turnaround.
• Reduce infrastructure (EMA's); Eliminate hazards and clears (Non-Pyros); Reduce current leak location methods manpower intensive nature; Reduce or eliminate high operation, maintenance and support for T-O loading umbilicals; Reduce and eliminate software maintenance function; Reduce manpower intensive troubleshooting required (Health Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools).
• Reduce or eliminate costly shop and lab support for diagnostic functions and reliability and dependability assurance.

Development and Demonstration Approach

1. Develop Ground Support (GSS) Architecture, technology requirements (functions to be acheived), and test bed approach.

2. Review commercial products with possible applications / adaptation; determine limitations and focus technology development effort toward overcoming these.

3. Develop and evaluate GSS technologies (prototyping).

4. Design and develop GSS test bed.

5. Integrate technologies and test bed.

6. Test and demonstrate technologies and operations.

Cost and Schedule

In Work.

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Edgar Zapata, NASA Kennedy Space Center

Shuttle Process Engineering Directorate, Fluid Systems Division