Subsystem Technology and Design Library

General References

• Spacecraft systems, NASA-SP-65 (PDF) [Abraham, 1965] Spacecraft systems, aerodynamics, power plants, loads, and propellant tank design

• NASA Space Vehicle Design Criteria, SP-8000 Good introductory references for spacecraft subsystem and mission design; may be somewhat outdated with regard to specific technologies due to publication dates (1960s and 1970s)

• Spacecraft mechanical engineering, NASA-SP-66 (PDF) [Adams, 1965]

Structures and Materials

• STRUCTURES FOR SPACE OPERATIONS, NASA-SP-28 (PDF) [Anderson, Brooks, Leonard, Mathauser, Runyan, 1962]

• MATERIALS FOR SPACE EXPLORATION, NASA-SP-27 (PDF) [Davis, Kemp, Pezdirtz, Probst, Roberts, 1962]

• Structural design concepts, NASA-SP-5039 (PDF) [Scipio, 1967] Structural design, reinforced and composite materials, and their applications

• Lunar Lander Structural Design Studies at NASA Langley, AIAA Space 2007 conference paper (PDF) [Wu, Chauncey, et al., 2006]

Inflatable Habitat Structures

• Inflatable Habitats Technology Development (PDF) [Kriss Kennedy, NASA-JSC, August 2000]

• ISS Inflatable Habitat Overview, NASA (PDF)

Mechanisms

• Fifth Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium, NASA-SP-282 (PDF) [GSFC, 1970] Conference proceedings on structural design principles and mechanical engineering methods for aerospace mechanisms used in orbital and space flights

Rocket and Spacecraft Propulsion

Chemical Propulsion

• Rocket Propulsion, NASA-SP-19 (PDF) [Ball et. al., 1962]

• Design of liquid propellant rocket engines, NASA-SP-125 (PDF) [Huang, Huzel, 1971] Excellent design-oriented introduction to liquid propellant rocket engine design, foreword by Wernher v. Braun

• Liquid rocket propellant combustion instability, NASA-SP-194 (PDF) [Harrje, Reardon (editors), 1971]

• Pressurization systems for liquid rockets, NASA-SP-8112 (PDF) [NASA, 1975]

• Lunar lander and return propulsion system trade study, NASA-TP-3388 (PDF) [Hurlbert at al., NASA-JSC, August 1993]

• Settled Cryogenic Propellant Transfer, NASA TM-2006-214411 [November 2006]

Advanced Propulsion

General Electric Propulsion

• Electric Propulsion for Spacecraft, NASA-SP-22 (PDF) [Callaghan, 1962]

General Nuclear Propulsion

• Nuclear Rocket Propulsion, NASA-SP-20 (PDF) [Bogart et al., 1962]

• Nuclear Propulsion Technical Interchange Meeting, Volume 1, NASA Conference Publication 10116 [1992]

• Nuclear Propulsion Technical Interchange Meeting, Volume 2, NASA Conference Publication 10116 [1993]

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

• Introduction to nuclear propulsion - reactor thermal design, NAS8-5215 [1963]

• Nuclear propulsion: A vital technology for the exploration of Mars and the planets beyond, NASA-TM-101354 [1988]

• Analytical study of nozzle performance for nuclear thermal rockets, NASA-TM-105251 / AIAA-91-3578 [1991]

• Performance assessment of low pressure nuclear thermal propulsion, NASA-TM-108433 [1993]

• Nuclear Thermal Rocket vehicle design options for future NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, NASA-TM-107071 / AIAA-93-4170 [1995]

• Human exploration and settlement of the Moon using LUNOX-augmented NTR propulsion, NASA-TM-107093 [1995]

• Vehicle and Mission Design Options for the Human Exploration of Mars Phobos Using 'Bimodal' NTR and LANTR Propulsion, NASA/TM-1998-208834 [1998]

• '2001 A Space Odyssey' Revisited The Feasibility of 24 Hour Commuter Flights to the Moon Using NTR Propulsion with LUNOX Afterburners, NASA/TM-1998-208830/Rev1 [2001]

• Fabrication of High Temperature Cermet Materials for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion [MSFC 2005]

• SOLID SOLUTION CARBIDES ARE THE KEY FUELS FOR FUTURE NUCLEAR THERMAL PROPULSION [MSFC 2005]

Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP)

• Nuclear electric propulsion: An integral part of NASA's nuclear propulsion project, NASA-TM-105309 [1992]

• Nuclear electric propulsion: A better, safer, cheaper transportation system for human exploration of Mars, NASA-TM-106406 [1994]

• Prospects for Nuclear Electric Propulsion Using Closed-Cycle Magnetohydrodynamic Energy Conversion, NASA-TP-2001-211274 [2001]

Solar Electric Propulsion

• Application of Solar-Electric Propulsion to Robotic Missions in Near-Earth Space [Woodcock, Gordon R.; Dankanich, John, NASA MSFC, 2007]

• High-Power Hall Thruster Designed for Exploration Applications [Jacobson, David T., NASA GRC 2006]

• Application of Solar-Electric Propulsion to Robotic and Human Missions in Near-Earth Space [Woodcock, Gordon, NASA MSFC 2006]

• Space transfer concepts and analysis for exploration missions. Implementation plan and element description document (draft final). Volume 4: Solar electric propulsion vehicle [NASA, 1991]

• Solar Electric Propulsion [LaPointe, Michael, NASA MSFC 2006]

Nuclear Pulse Propulsion

Nuclear pulse propulsion as a means of achieving very high specific impulses (several thousand s) and high thrust at the same time was explored extensively during the 1950s and 1960s as part of Project Orion in the United States. Potential applications of nuclear pulse propulsion systems included human exploration of all parts of the solar system.

The following book by George Dyson (son of Freeman Dyson, one of the developers of Project Orion) provides an overview of Project Orion in its historical context:

• Project Orion - The True Story of the Atomic Spaceship [George Dyson, Henry Holt and Company, New York, 2002, ISBN: 0-80507284-5]

The following documents provide an overview of the technical capabilities of nuclear pulse propulsion systems:

• Nuclear pulse vehicle study, NASA-CR-67367 (PDF) [1965] Summary report, good overview

• Nuclear pulse space vehicle study. Volume 3: Conceptual vehicle designs and operational systems, NASA-CR-60653 (PDF) [Shipps, P. R., Sep 19, 1964]

• Nuclear pulse space vehicle study. Volume IV - Mission velocity requirements and system comparisons, NASA-CR-74389 (PDF) [Ehricke, K. A., et al., Feb 28, 1966]

Variable Specific Impulse Magnetoplasma Rocket (VASIMIR)

• The VASIMIR Rocket [Chang-Diaz FR, November 2009] Overview of the VASIMIR concept

• Rapid Mars Transits with Exhaust-Modulated Plasma Propulsion, NASA TP-1995-3539 (PDF) [Chang-Diaz FR, Hsu MM, March 1995]

Solar Sailing

• The Physics of Solar Sails, NAG8-1859 [2002]

Conceptual Future Propulsion

Fusion and Antimatter Propulsion

• Realizing "2001: A Space Odyssey": Piloted Spherical Torus Nuclear Fusion Propulsion [Williams, Craig H.; Dudzinski, Leonard A.; Borowski, Stanley K.; Juhasz, Albert J., NASA GRC 2005]

• Comparison of Fusion Antiproton Propulsion Systems for Interplanetary Travel, NASA-TM-107030 / AIAA-87-1814 [1987]

• Antimatter Driven P-B11 Fusion Propulsion System[Kammash, Terry; Martin, James; Godfroy, Thomas, NASA MSFC 2002]

• Some Interplanetary Missions Using IEC Fusion Propulsion [Hanson, John M., NASA MSFC 2001]

• A Summary of the NASA Fusion Propulsion Workshop 2000 [Thio, Y. C. Francis; Turchi, Peter J.; Santarius, John F., NASA MSFC 2001]

Beamed power propulsion

• Beamed energy propulsion [Shoji, James M., NASA 1991]

• An Exploration Perspective of Beamed Energy Propulsion [Cole, John W. , NASA MSFC 2007]

• A Demonstration Plan For Laser-Beamed Power [Abraham, Douglas S.; Anspaugh, Bruce E.; Nesmith, Bill J.; Penzo, Paul A.; Smith, Jeffery H., NASA JPL 1993]

Space Elevator

While not a form of rocket propulsion, the space elevator can still be classified as a means of propelling payloads into an orbit (in particular into geostationary orbit). The following is a selection of important references concerning space elevator design feasibility, economics, and operational risks:

• THE SPACE ELEVATOR: 'THOUGHT EXPERIMENT', OR KEY TO THE UNIVERSE? [Arthur C. Clarke 1981] Sir Arthur C. Clarke's IAC paper providing an overview of the space elevator concept, its promise, and associated challenges

• Space elevator overview (PDF) [Edwards]

• The physics of the space elevator (PDF) [Aravind 2006] Derivation of basic equations for space elevator cable length, stress, and tapering ratio

• Design and deployment of a space elevator (PDF) [Edwards, Los Alamos National Laboratory]

• Fate of a broken space elevator (PDF) [Gassend, MIT CSAIL 2005] Interesting analysis of the effects of a space elevator cable rupture

• Critical technologies for the development of future space elevator systems (PDF) [Smitherman, NASA MSFC 2005]

• Space elevator survivability - space debris mitigation (PDF) [ISEC.info 2010]

Electrical Power System (EPS)

The EPS provides the functions: electrical power generation, storage, management, and distribution.

General EPS references

• Power for Spacecraft, NASA-SP-21 (PDF) [Barrett, 1962]

• Space power technology into the 21st Century, NASA-TM-83690 [NASA, 1983]

Primary and Secondary Battery Systems

• Space batteries, NASA-SP-5004 (PDF) [Francis, 1964] Description of three sealed battery systems - nickel-cadmium, silver-cadmium, and silver-zinc for spacecraft power use

• Batteries for space power systems, NASA-SP-172 (PDF) [Bauer, 1968] Design-oriented introduction to space battery systems

• Battery University [2005]

• Advanced Sodum-Sulfur (NaS) Battery System (PDF) [Kimbayashi/TEPCO, 2001] Overview of Na-S battery technology developed in Japan; main advantage is high energy density (> 200 Wh/kg).

• Lithium - sulfur battery site [Wikipedia, 2010]

Photovoltaic Power Generation

• Solar Electromagentic Radiation, NASA-SP-8005 [1971]

• Spacecraft Solar Cell Arrays, NASA-SP-8074 [May 1971]

Radioisotope Power Generation

• Design of a Modular GPHS Stirling Power System for Lunar Habitation Module, NASA-TM-2005-213991 / AIAA-2005-5716 [2005] Description of a dynamic radioisotope-based power generation system conceptual design

• Advanced Stirling Technology Development at NASA Glenn Research Center, NASA TM-2007-214930 (PDF) [Shaltens, Wong, 2007] Excellent overview of ongoing work at NASA Glenn (including dynamic heat-power conversion); conceptual description of present and planned RTG-based power plants.

Fission Power Generation

• Lunar fission surface power system design and implementation concept, NASA-JPL (PDF) [Elliott, Reh, MacPherson, 2006]

Fuel Cell Systems

• Fuel cells - A review of government-sponsored research, 1950-1964, NASA-SP-120 (PDF) [Austin, 1967] Good design-oriented introduction to fuel cells

• Fuel Cells for Space Science Applications, NASA/TM-2003-212730 / AIAA-2003-5938 [Burke 2003] Excellent review of fuel cell and battery technology for space applications; includes mathematical model for fuel cells systems and reference data for battery and fuel cell systems.

• High Energy Density Regenerative Fuel Cell Systems for Terrestrial Applications, NASA/TM-1999-209429 / SAE 99-01-2600 [Burke 1999]

EPS Design Studies

Mars Surface Power System Design Studies

• A solar power system for an early Mars expedition, NASA-TM-103219 (PDF) [NASA, 1990] Overview of surface power system for 40-day Mars surface stay at the equator; system is based on amorphous silicon arrays and gaseous hydrogen / oxygen regenerative fuel cells.

• Aeolian removal of dust from photovoltaic surfaces on Mars, NASA-TM-102507 (PDF) [Gaier, Perez-Davis, Marabito, 1990]

• A photovoltaic catenary-tent array for the Martian surface, NASA-CR-191144 (PDF) [Colozza, Appelbaum, Crutchik, 1993]

• Solar-electrochemical power system for a Mars mission, NASA-TM-106606 (PDF) [Withrow, Mortales, 1994]

• Solar Electric Power System Analyses for Mars Surface Missions, NASA TM-1999-209288 (PDF) [NASA, 1999] Design study of a 40kWe solar & fuel cell power system for conjunction class Mars surface missions; includes new tent-like structure concept.

EPS Models

Under construction...

Thermal Control (TC)

• Spacecraft Thermal Control, NASA-SP-8105 [May 1973]

• Advanced Active Thermal Control Systems Architecture Study, NASA-TM-104822 [Hanford AJ, Ewert MK, Oct. 1996]

• An Updated Zero Boil-Off Cryogenic Propellant Storage Analysis Applied to Upper Stages or Depots in a LEO Environment, NASA TM-2003-211691 [June 2003]

• Results of an Advanced Development Zero Boil-Off Cryogenic Propellant Storage Test, NASA TM-2004-213390 [November 2004]

Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS)

General ECLSS References

• Bioastronautics, NASA-SP-18 (PDF) [Geratewohl et al., 1962]

• The closed life-support system, NASA SP-134 (PDF) [NASA, 1967]

• A survey of some regenerative physico-chemical life support technology, NASA-TM-101004 (PDF) [Wydeven, 1988] Excellent overview of regenerative life support technologies for atmosphere revitalization, water and waste management

• Hamilton Sundstrand ECLSS website [2007]

• Regenerative Life Support Website at Oregon State University [Atwater, 2006]

• Designing for human presence in space: An introduction to environmental control and life support systems, NASA-RP-1324 (PDF) [Wieland, 1994]

• Designing For Human Presence in Space An Introduction to Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) - Appendix, NASA TM-2005-214007 (PDF) [Wieland, 2005]

• US Navy Diving Manual - Volume 1: Air Diving, NAVSEA 0994-LP-001-9010, Revision 1, June 1985, Navy Department Washington, D.C.

ECLSS Technologies

Atmosphere Revitalization

• Space station molecular sieve development, NASA-CR-178885 (PDF) [Chang et al., 1986] Overview of carbon-based molecular sieves including applications with CO2 recovery for regeneration; performance comparison to zeolite-based molecular sieves

• Electrochemical carbon dioxide concentrator subsystem development, NASA-CR-177411 (PDF) [Koszenski et al., 1986]

• Enhanced Molecular Sieve CO2 Removal Evaluation, NASA-CR-205324 (PDF) [Rose et al., 1996] Analysis and test results on zeolite- and carbon-based molecular sieves for CO2 removal in habitats and during EVA

• Atmosphere Revitalization Technology Development for Crewed Space Exploration, AIAA Paper 2006-140 (PDF) [Perry, et al., NASA-MSFC, 2006] Includes overview of ISS 4-bed molecular sieve system

Water Management

• Hamilton Sundstrand website on their waste water processing system design for use on ISS [Hamilton Sundstrand, 2008]

Food Management

• Aerospace food technology, NASA-SP-202 (PDF) [NASA, 1970]

• Skylab food system project support and management, NASA-TM-X-70098 (PDF) [Bush, 1972] Overview of the Skylab food system with geometric and mass information

• Synthetic carbohydrate An aid to nutrition in the future, NASA-CR-136152 (PDF) [Stanford University, 1973]

• Problems associated with the utilization of algae in bioregenerative life support systems, NASA-CR-166615 (PDF) [Averner et al., 1984]

• Mars Greenhouses Concepts and Challenges. Proceedings from a 1999 Workshop, NASA TM-2000-208577 (PDF) [Wheeler et al., 2000]

• The Challenges of Developing a Food System for a Mars Mission, NASA-JSC publication (PDF) [Perchonok, 2007]

Waste Management

Under construction...

Atmosphere Thermal Conditioning

Under construction...

Integrated ECLSS Design Studies / Tests

• Concept definition for an extended duration orbiter ECLSS, NASA-CR-160164 [Hamilton Standard, 1977] Very interesting design study, provides a wealth of reference data for subsystem sizing / scaling and for human ECLS requirements

• Sixty-day manned test of a regenerative life support system with oxygen and water recovery. Part 1 - Engineering test results, NASA-CR-98500 [NASA, 1968]

• Preliminary results from an operational 90-day manned test of a regenerative life support system, NASA-SP-261 [NASA, 1971]

• Program operational summary Operational 90 day manned test of a regenerative life support system, NASA-CR-1835 [NASA, 1972]

Crew Systems

• NASA Manned Systems Integration Standards (NASA STD 3000) [NASA, 1995]

Avionics / Astrionics

• Spaceborne Digital Computer Systems, NASA-SP-8070 [March 1971]

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C)

• Control, Guidance, and Navigation of Spacecraft, NASA-SP-17 (PDF) [Bird et al., 1962]

• A survey of attitude sensors for spacecraft, NASA-SP-145 (PDF) [Hatcher, 1967] Spacecraft attitude sensors design and operational features - horizon scanners, solar sensors, star trackers, space sextants, and map matchers

• Guidance and Navigation for Entry Vehicles, NASA-SP-8015 [November 1968]

• Space Vehicle Gyroscope Sensor Applications, NASA-SP-8096 [October 1972]

Planetary Entry, Descent & Landing (EDL)

• Aerodynamics of Space Vehicles, NASA-SP-23 (PDF) [Bertram, Boswinkle, Campbell, Cohen, Fetterman, Grant, Henry, Trimpi, 1962]

• NASA Technical Note D-4098 [Harris, August 1967] Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Spherically Blunted 25 Degree Cone at a Mach Number of 20

• Entry thermal protection, NASA-SP-8014 (PDF) [Sherman, 1968]

• Guidance and navigation for entry vehicles, NASA-SP-8015 (PDF) [NASA, 1968]

• Entry vehicle control, NASA-SP-8028 (PDF) [NASA, 1969]

• Planetary Mission Entry Vehicles Quick Reference Guide. Version 3.0, NASA SP-2006-3401 (PDF) [Davies, Arcadi, 2006] Excellent reference

• Generic Aerocapture Atmospheric Entry Study - Final Report, Vol. 1, GE Re-entry Systems Divison, 1980. Interesting Archiecture

• Mars Exploration Entry, Descent and Landing Challenges (PDF) [Braun RD, Manning RM, 2006] Excellent paper providing an overview of existing Mars EDL systems and technology (primarily based on Viking heritage), limitations to extending this technology, and a summary of the challenges for human-scale Mars EDL.

• High Mass Mars Entry, Descent, and Landing Architecture Assessment (PDF) [Bradley A. Steinfeldt, John E. Theisinger, Ashley M. Korzun, Ian G. Clark, Michael J. Grant, and Robert D. Braun, Georia Institute of Technology, 2009] Trade-space exploration for highpayload (20+ mt) Mars EDL systems

• A Multidisciplinary Tool for Systems Analysis of Planetary Entry, Descent, and Landing (SAPE), NASA/TM-2009-215950 (PDF) [Jamshid A. Samareh, Langley Research Center, 2009]

In-Situ Resource Utilization and Manufacturing

In-Situ Propellant Production

• An Introduction to Mars ISPP Technologies [Lueck DE, NASA 2003]

• A Survey of Alternative Oxygen Production Technologies [Lueck DE, NASA 2001] Technologies other than Sabatier reactor and Zirconia electrolysis

In-Situ Manufacturing

• RepRap project website The RepRap project is aimed at developing a 3D-printer which can replicate itself.

• Wikipedia entry for the RepRap project