Tue, Dec 10, 2013
STAR 48GXV Will Give Boost Needed To Send Solar Probe Plus Mission Spacecraft On Path To The Sun
NASA and ATK successfully tested a proof-of-concept STARTM 48GXV motor for the Solar Probe Plus mission, which will enter the sun's atmosphere to study the streams of charged particles the sun hurls into space. The STAR 48GXV solid-fuel third stage will provide the boost needed to assist the Solar Probe Plus spacecraft in escaping Earth's orbit to begin its approach of the sun.
Solar Probe Plus is scheduled to launch in 2018 on an Atlas V rocket. ATK's STAR 48GXV motor is based on the venerable STAR 48BV rocket, with roots dating back to the late 1970s and hundreds of successful Delta II-class missions. The new STAR 48GXV motor incorporates many new technologies, including lightweight composite case and exit cone materials, and advanced thrust vector controls.
"This test highlights ATK's ability to design, develop and manufacture highly engineered products to support a wide range of customer needs," said Cary Ralston, vice president and general manager, Missile Products division. "The STAR 48GXV ushers in a new performance standard for solid-propellant upper stage motors."
With its high-strength graphite composite case, the STAR 48GXV motor can operate at approximately three times the chamber pressure of its predecessor. The filament-wound case significantly reduces the cost and lead time associated with thin-walled titanium cases. The ignition train incorporates a consumable Vespel igniter initiated by a high voltage initiator. The exit cone, manufactured at ATK's facility in Promontory, Utah, is a lightweight carbon-carbon structure that eliminates the need for support structures. ATK's thrust vector electronic control system (TVECSTM), which includes electro mechanical actuators and a digital controller, is used to command the vectorable nozzle to achieve the desired thrust vector.
(Image provided by ATK)
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]