NASA LogoNTRSNTRS - NASA Technical Reports ServerSearchmore_vertCollectionsAboutNewsHelpLogin Back to ResultsLiquid Flyback Booster Pre-Phase A Study AssessmentMw concept of a flyback booster has been around since early in the Shuttle program. The original two-stage Shuttle concepts used a manned flyback booster. These boosters were eliminated from the program for funding and size reasons. The current Shuttle uses two Redesigned Solid Rocket Motors (RSRMs), which are recovered and refurbished after each flight; this is one of the major cost factors of the program. Replacement options have been studied over the past ten years. The conclusion reached by the most recent study is that the liquid flyback booster (LFBB) is the only competitive option from a life-cycle cost perspective. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and practicality of LFBBs. The study provides an expansion of the recommendations made during the during the aforementioned study. The primary benefits are the potential for enhanced reusability and a reuction of recurring costs. The potential savings in vehicle turnaround could offset the up-front costs. Development of LFBBs requires a commitment to the Shuttle program for 20 to 30 years. LFBBs also offer enhanced safety and abort capabilities. Currently, any failure of an RSRM can be considered catastrophic since them we no intact abort capabilities during the burn of the RSRMS. The performance goal of the LFBBs was to lift a fully loaded Orbiter under optimal conditions, so as not to be the limiting factor of the performance capability of the Shuttle. In addition, a final benefit is the availability of growth paths for applications other than the Shuttle.Document ID19960054312Acquisition SourceJohnson Space CenterDocument TypeTechnical Memorandum (TM)AuthorsPeterson, W.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Ankney, W.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Bell, J.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Berning, M.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Bryant, L.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Bufkin, A.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Cain, L.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Caram, J.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Cockrell, B.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Curry, D.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Diegelman, T.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Gomez, R.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Hong, A.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Jih, D.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Labbe, S.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Le, M.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Leblanc, M.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Lunney, B.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Masciarelli, J.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Musler, J.*(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston,TX United States)*Date AcquiredSeptember 6, 2013Publication DateSeptember 1, 1994Subject CategoryLaunch Vehicles And Space VehiclesReport/Patent NumberNASA-TM-104801-Vol-1S-778NAS 1.15:104801-Vol-1Accession Number96N36492Distribution LimitsPublicCopyrightWork of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.Available DownloadsNameType19960054312.pdfSTIcloud_downloadcontent_copyvisibilityRelated RecordsThere are no records associated with this record.visibility_offNo Preview Available
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