Date of Award

12-1990

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Curtis H. Spenny, PhD

Abstract

The external tank is currently the only non-reusable portion of the National Space Transportation System. The tank has 98% of the energy required to be placed in orbit at the point it is jettisoned. The purpose of this study is to develop techniques which would transform this throw-away item into a source of construction material at low earth orbit. A simulation is developed to verify the reduction timelines and peak power requirements for manual and automated reduction. The required tools to accomplish the tasks of initial cutting, product transport, spray on foam insulation removal, and product storage are developed. A trade study is conducted to determine the proposed method of power generation. Orbit models are developed to predict the orbital decay of the facility and its annual fuel requirements. A thermal model is developed and the thermal impacts of on-orbit salvage are investigated for three scenarios. A probabilistic cost model is developed and life cycle costs are projected based upon reducing four tanks per year. It is shown that more than 52,000 lbs of readily usable construction material in the form of I-beams and plate can be salvaged annually, and is cost competitive compared to equivalent products launched from earth.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSE-ENY-90D-02

DTIC Accession Number

ADA230841

Comments

Co-authored thesis.

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