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Crew Transfer Options for Servicing of Geostationary SatellitesIn 2011, NASA and DARPA undertook a study to examine capabilities and system architecture options which could be used to provide manned servicing of satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). The study focused on understanding the generic nature of the problem and examining technology requirements, it was not for the purpose of proposing or justifying particular solutions. A portion of this study focused on assessing possible capabilities to efficiently transfer crew between Earth, Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and GEO satellite servicing locations. This report summarizes the crew transfer aspects of manned GEO satellite servicing. Direct placement of crew via capsule vehicles was compared to concepts of operation which divided crew transfer into multiple legs, first between earth and LEO and second between LEO and GEO. In space maneuvering via purely propulsive means was compared to in-space maneuvering which utilized aerobraking maneuvers for return to LEO from GEO. LEO waypoint locations such as equatorial, Kennedy Space Center, and International Space Station inclinations were compared. A discussion of operational concepts is followed by a discussion of appropriate areas for technology development.
Document ID
20120008940
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cerro, Jeffrey A.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
May 5, 2012
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
SAWE Paper No. 3567
NF1676L-13717
Meeting Information
Meeting: 71st International Conference on Mass Properties
Location: Bad Goegging
Country: Germany
Start Date: May 5, 2012
End Date: May 10, 2012
Sponsors: Society of Allied Weight Engineers, Inc.
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 737071.02.06.04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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