A modular orbital transfer and logistics vehicle (IOTLV) for future orbital operations
- Paper ID
IAF-83-13
- author
- company
Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blöhn GmbH, Space Division
- country
Federal Republic of Germany
- year
1983
- abstract
The future space operations scenario with permanent platforms requires a vehicle for orbital maintenance and logistics. This is a new requirement in addition to the present demand of propulsion vehicles/stages for high-velocity missions and planetary orbit injection (i.e. Galileo Retro Propulsion Module). As an economic solution, in order to avoid development of different types of vehicles, a modular approach is being presented, designated the "Interorbital Transfer and Logistics Vehicle" (IOTLV). The modular concept comprises 6 different modules which can be combined to different mission—dedicated vehicles, The basic unit is MOPS, the modular orbital propulsion system, used on all vehicle types. The propellant mass and performance can be doubled by an auxiliary tank module (MATS),and it can be made an autonomous vehicle by adding the equipment and avionics system (MEAS). Manned servicing operations are feasible by adding a crew cabin (MOCC) and the orbital servicing system (MOSS). Moreover a submodule for rendez—vous and docking (RVD—DMS) has been defined, which could be attached either to MEAS, MOSS or MORS depending on the mission requirements. With the above 6 elements more than 6 different IOTLV—vehicle types could be built up which would cover at least the 16 missions, as defined in our studies. The IOTLV—concept is conceived for the interface considerations of the ARIANE—4 family and will be made compatible for the launch and retrieval through Shuttle by a cradle, a Spacelab Pallet—derivative. As a versatile teleoperating, commuting and logistics vehicle, the IOTLV would cover both, future needs for a European infrastructure and a contribution to an international space operation center. The basic MOPS employs an unified bi—propellant propulsion system for transfer and reaction control with a 2/3 kN transfer system and a number of 10 N—thrusters, exploitating current European technology under development or being implemented in the Galileo retro—propulsion module. The module development can be performed by the European countries and/or in a coordinated effort with NASA.