During Conceptual Design of Reusable Launch Vehicles

W. D. Morris*, N. H. White**, W. T. Davis**NASA Langley Research CenterHampton, VirginiaDr. C. E. Ebeling†University of DaytonDayton, OhioAbstractCurrent methods for defining the operational support re-quirements of new systems are data intensive and requiresignificant design information. Methods are being developedto aid in the analysis process of defining support require-ments for new launch vehicles during their conceptual de-sign phase that work with the level of information availableduring this phase. These methods will provide support as-sessments based on the vehicle design and the operating sce-narios. The results can be used both to define expected sup-port requirements for new launch vehicle designs and to helpevaluate the benefits of using new technologies. This paperdescribes the models, their current status, and provides ex-amples of their use.NomenclatureBCS Baseline Comparison SystemDOD Department of DefenseDSE Depot Support EquipmentECLS Environmental Control and Life SupportGPOT Ground Power On Time, hoursIEP Induced Environmental ProtectionIOC Initial Operating ConditionKSC Kennedy Space CenterL LengthLaRC Langley Research CenterLRU Line Replaceable UnitMTBM mean time between maintenance, hoursMTBR mean time between removal, hoursMTTR mean time to repair, hoursNSLD National Shuttle Logistics DepotO&S Operations and SupportOMI Operations Maintenance InstructionsOMRSD Operations and Maintenance Requirements andSpecification DocumentPLS Personnel Launch SystemPVD Purge Vent and DrainR&M Reliability and MaintainabilityRCS Reaction Control SystemSSV Single Stage VehicleTCS Thermal Control SystemWH/MA Workhours/Maintenance ActionWS WingspanWt. Weightworkhours manhoursIntroductionMethods have been developed over the last 30 to 40 yearsas a part of the systems engineering process, by both the mili-tary and commercial analyst to define the support require-ments for new aircraft concepts.