okay
so
many of the advances that have taken
place since that of dr goddard's first
rocket in the 1920s have emerged from
nasa lewis research center in cleveland
ohio
dr larry diehl chief of the space
propulsion technology division gives us
insight to the technology and the future
of space propulsion
we in lewis space propulsion technology
division are striving to advance the
technologies that will open pathways for
the nation's ride to space
we conduct research and develop
technology for launch vehicles space
transfer vehicles satellites and space
platforms
this wide range of applications requires
a propulsion research and technology
program that encompasses a number of
options
chemical nuclear
electric propulsion as well as far term
concepts like laser and microwave
propulsion
our current emphasis is on chemical and
electric propulsion systems
in some ways
visions of the future begin with us
because we must answer the questions
asked when these systems are still on
the drawing board
let me share with you a vision of what
is possible in the next 20 to 30 years
and what is needed to get there
we begin with new earth orbit propulsion
systems that will benefit the space
station freedom
construction and long-term operation of
the orbital outpost will depend on an
advanced earth-to-orbit transportation
system that will make regular trips to
and from low earth orbit an improved
shuttle will transport freedom's
workforce
economical low thrust rockets designed
for reliability and flexibility will be
used to counteract atmospheric drag and
vibrations
a powerful unmanned cargo vehicle will
carry materials and supplies from earth
low thrust rockets will also help
enhance our knowledge of earth and space
by keeping satellites properly located
and correctly oriented and by assisting
the unmanned spacecraft that will map
and explore the solar system as they
achieve planetary orbit
using advanced expander cycle engines
space transfer vehicles based in earth
orbit will enable us to maneuver freely
in space working traveling and exploring
they'll aid us in creating another key
path to the future
a lunar base
on the moon we'll learn the necessary
skills for survival an experience that
will prepare us for a more rigorous but
even more rewarding ride
a ride that will take us ever further
from home
until finally we take our first steps
on mars
interplanetary spacecraft will use a
variety of propulsion methods that offer
the high efficiency and long running
times needed to achieve our goal of
transforming a distant planet into a
self-sufficient outpost
along with advanced chemical and nuclear
thermal propulsion systems many
spacecraft will be propelled by electric
thrusters and powered by solar or
nuclear energy
these plans for the future require
prediction of the performance of such
propulsion systems exact simulation is
necessary
often the computer serves as a cost
effective starting point
taking advantage of lewis research
center's high performance computers and
advanced networks division members
develop computational tools and
techniques that model a propulsion
system and simulate the complex physical
processes taking place during its
operation the speed of propellants as
they flow through the turbo pump changes
in temperature within the combustion
chamber and the onset of turbulence as
exhaust gases exit the nozzle can all be
predicted quickly and economically
through computation
computers however cannot do it all
fully understanding the performance of
propulsion components and systems often
requires experimental testing
in lewis's experimental facilities
research hardware is a symbol that
possesses the important characteristics
of a component or system
they then simulate the range of
conditions that will be encountered
during operation
and measure the effects of these
conditions on the test article
teams conduct propulsion experiments
from state-of-the-art control rooms
where computerized systems automatically
control and monitor facility operations
during tests
in many facilities optical diagnostic
systems are used as tools of measurement
because laser beams can withstand higher
temperature and are less intrusive
optical diagnostics help researchers
probe the physics of combustion and flow
without affecting the phenomena
lewis's test facilities have supported
investigations of many new concepts and
technologies stronger thrust chamber
material better cooling techniques
efficient propellants reliable ignition
methods and durable chemical and
electric rocket engine components
the electric propulsion laboratory is a
world-class space simulation facility
containing simulation chambers in a
variety of sizes the vacuum in these
chambers is comparable to that of the
cold highly charged vacuum of space
created by an immense system of pumps
and cryo panels
this laboratory makes it possible to
predict performance of spacecraft
elements such as solar arrays as well as
electric propulsion devices like ion
thrusters and magnetoplasma dynamic
thrusters
during testing researchers gather data
to predict performance life and
efficiency
to allow full utilization the electric
propulsion laboratory's vacuum chambers
are divided into several isolated
sections
each accessed by a port
these separate ports make it possible to
install or remove experiments without
affecting the vacuum in the rest of the
chamber and to conduct more than one
test at a time
lewis research center's largest chemical
rocket testing complex is the rocket
engine test facility its versatile
system for supplying cryogenic
propellants and a safe and effective
method of cooling exhaust gases and
removing contaminants make it possible
to test a wide variety of technologies
technologists in the rocket engine test
facility operate chemical rockets at sea
level and altitude conditions to better
understand the performance
they study the behavior of turbo pump
components and explore ways to enhance
their performance and life by simulating
the conditions in a rocket engine turbo
pump
by conducting repeated test firings they
determine how various material cooling
techniques and fabrication methods will
help rocket engines withstand extremely
high temperatures and pressures
working toward goals of top performance
as well as efficiency economy and
dependability required for the large
variety of propulsion systems members of
the space propulsion technology division
gather knowledge test ideas and solve
problems using computers experiments and
diagnostics it's an endless spiral of
exploration that draws ever closer to
the ideals of exact simulation and
perfect prediction
vacuum chambers
computer codes
test rigs and highly skilled people
these are some of the ingredients that
allow the space propulsion technology
division to contribute to our nation's
ride to space
we know our travels are only the first
steps of a long and difficult journey
the vision we have shared with you is
only the beginning
the solar system and the universe are
waiting to be explored
propulsion will lead the way
we are proud to help pave the way for
our nation's ride to the future
propulsion technology will reach beyond
the space shuttle as we continue the
technologies for communications earth
observations and earth space operations
the ability to launch and explore from
the platform of space station freedom
and a lunar base will help us ultimately
reach mars and other outer planets
yeah i highly recommend it
you