Engineers developed systems integration plans to ensure the orderly implementation of these enhancements into the Space Shuttle program. To support the International Space Station mission requirements, NASA began to identify, develop, and schedule Shuttle performance enhancements.
#Nasa space shuttle development software#
Integration efforts during FY 1995 also included analyses of structural loads resolution of in-flight anomalies, waivers, and changes and software development and testing for the control of each mission. This system further optimizes the ascent trajectory of the Shuttle and eliminates significant flight-to-flight trajectory design activities. In June 1995, software engineers successfully implemented the DOLILU II system, which also incorporates the main engine control tables, solid rocket trim data, and aerodynamic control data on launch day. This system updates the flight trajectory to account for actual winds on launch day.
#Nasa space shuttle development update#
In the area of Space Shuttle systems integration, the Day-of-Launch I-Load Update (DOLILU) system was available on all FY 1995 missions. NASA had wanted to move it to the former Advanced Solid Rocket Motor (ASRM) site in Mississippi, but NASA ended up closing this ASRM site and transferring control of the site to the State of Mississippi. Redesigned Solid Rocket Motor nozzle production remained in Utah. The Solid Rocket Booster successfully supported the six Shuttle flights during FY 1995.
Engineers and technicians began development testing of the Block II engine at the end of the fiscal year, and at that time the Block II configuration was scheduled to enter service in September 1997. Due in large part to this success, Congress approved the resumption of development work on the fuel turbopump, which had been in caretaker status since 1991. Engineers involved in the oxidizer turbopump development successfully resolved all of the major technical problems they encountered early in development. The first of four development/certification large throat main combustion chambers was delivered during FY 1995 and is to be incorporated into the first development Block II engine for testing. The Block I engine completed the certification program in May 1995 and had its first flight in July 1995. Block I incorporates the new phase II+ powerhead, the single-coil heat exchanger, the alternate high-pressure fuel turbopump, and the large throat main combustion chamber. In the current engine, technicians upgraded five major components in two block changes. Space Shuttle Main Engine project managers aggressively pursued the development and implementation of safety and reliability improvements in FY 1995. As of the end of FY 1995, the first launch of the redesigned super lightweight tank was scheduled for late in calendar year 1997. The redesign involved substituting aluminum lithium for the existing aluminum alloy to take advantage of the new material's greater strength per weight. NASA engineers continued redesigning the external tank to reduce structural weight and thus improve the performance of the Shuttle system. NASA managers are to retain sufficient technical insight into contractor activities to ensure a safe commitment to flight, in addition to managing all Shuttle hardware development and safety improvements. NASA civil service personnel are to begin retreating from the routine daily operations and change their role to auditing and providing independent assessments of Shuttle problems. The Space Shuttle program initiated a major restructuring that will focus space flight operations under a single prime contractor, among other changes. Technicians planned to modify Discovery so that it will be able to dock with the Russian Mir space station and assemble the International Space Station. As the year ended, technicians were preparing Discovery for delivery to Palmdale for its down period. During FY 1995, Columbia completed its orbiter maintenance down period in the Palmdale, California, facility. At the end of the year, NASA had four active orbiters in its fleet— Atlantis, Columbia, Discovery, and Endeavour. The Space Shuttle's primary purpose in FY 1995 continued to be transporting people and cargo safely into low-Earth orbit. Space Flight and Space Technology Space Shuttle Technology Space Flight and Space Technology-Space Shuttle Technology