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Lunar lander and return propulsion system trade studyThis trade study was initiated at NASA/JSC in May 1992 to develop and evaluate main propulsion system alternatives to the reference First Lunar Outpost (FLO) lander and return-stage transportation system concept. Thirteen alternative configurations were developed to explore the impacts of various combinations of return stage propellants, using either pressure or pump-fed propulsion systems and various staging options. Besides two-stage vehicle concepts, the merits of single-stage and stage-and-a-half options were also assessed in combination with high-performance liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. Configurations using an integrated modular cryogenic engine were developed to assess potential improvements in packaging efficiency, mass performance, and system reliability compared to non-modular cryogenic designs. The selection process to evaluate the various designs was the analytic hierarchy process. The trade study showed that a pressure-fed MMH/N2O4 return stage and RL10-based lander stage is the best option for a 1999 launch. While results of this study are tailored to FLO needs, the design date, criteria, and selection methodology are applicable to the design of other crewed lunar landing and return vehicles.
Document ID
19940012023
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Publication (TP)
Authors
Hurlbert, Eric A.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Moreland, Robert
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sanders, Gerald B.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Robertson, Edward A.
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Amidei, David
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Mulholland, John
(NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
August 1, 1993
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TP-3388
NAS 1.60:3388
S-728
Accession Number
94N16496
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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