RLV Working Group Reusable Launch Vehicles Working Group Presentation to the COMSTAC 18 May 2007 Michael S. Kelly, Chairman

RLV Working Group Agenda Commercial Human Space Flight Biomedical Data Collection RF Blackout Study Analysis of the Safety of Human Space Flight HSF Study Required By Congress Development of HSF Safety Performance Targets X PRIZE Cup Launch Vehicle Failure Mode Database Personal Spaceflight Federation Update Industry Standard Criteria for Crew and Spaceflight Participant Orbital Commerce Project NASTAR Barrios Technology Actions

AST Commercial Human Space Flight Biomedical Data Collection Work performed by Wyle Laboratories under contract to Aerospace Corp. and Volpe Center Identified in-flight and ground biomedical parameters that will enable characterization of medical and biological effects experienced by the human body during spaceflight Identified in-flight and ground biomedical equipment and requirements necessary to monitor, measure and record the recommended parameters identified Evaluated options for a biomedical safety database compatible with existing NASA data Proposed implementation plan via a collaborative effort between NASA, FAA, and Operators (perhaps represented by the PSF) Developed white paper describing value proposition for each stakeholder.

Radio Frequency Blackout During RLV Reentry RF Blackout: Caused by high electron concentration in plasma sheath surrounding reentering RLVs (10 8 to electrons/cm 3 ), which absorbs or attenuates electromagnetic transmitted waves Vehicle bow shock compresses and heats the air, resulting in dissociation and ionization of the air. This ionized layer is the reentry plasma sheath, inhibiting communications A Safety Issue: Future RLVs could remain in attenuated or blackout mode for extended periods, during critical phases of flight Communications for telemetry and control degraded Navigation and tracking inhibited Findings from Study – Blackout Mitigation Approaches: Passive Methods – Lower cost, less complexity: Transmit at higher frequencies (  >  P ) Aerodynamic Shaping: Sharp leading edge or pointed cone ahead of shock wave Active Approaches – Added weight, complexity and cost: Injection of chemical quenchants Droplets that cool the plasma Application of magnetic fields 4 Title of Presentation (This text must be edited in the Master Slide) Name or Date Federal Aviation Administration 4 4 Radio Frequency Blackout During RLV Reentry Federal Aviation Administration

5 Federal Aviation Administration COMSTAC RLV Working Group April 19, 2007 Development of Human Space Flight Safety Performance Targets FAA plans to work with COMSTAC to develop appropriate human space flight safety performance targets for launches and reentries carrying crew or space flight participants –FAA’s current performance target pertains to safety of the uninvolved public. FAA will brief COMSTAC’s RLV Working Group on May 17, 2007 about this initiative.

COMSTAC RLV Working Group May 2007 Federal Aviation Administration 6 Launch Vehicle Failure Mode Database Historical Database on ELVs was created using open-source documentation on known failures from 1957 to May 2007 Propulsion anomalies have been and continue to cause most known failures in ELV launches Guidance and navigation have been second leading cause of failure, but have dropped over time Software and computing systems are a growing concern - 21% of failures since 1999 Historical database on failures of rocket-powered aircraft currently being scoped

RLV Working Group PSF Update Overview of history, purpose of organization Passage of legislation by Virginia enforcing liability waivers

Training Problems / Solution Ill defined No standards Does not fit other models Wrong group tasked Industry group Take best practices from other industries Set guidelines and suggest standards Interface with FAA

 Standard Course Offerings – Participants 1-day – G Tolerance Prequalification 2-day – Sub-orbital Launch Training 3-day – Sub-orbital Launch Training with Additional Air- or Spaceflight Experience 1-day – G Refresher / Requalification The National Aerospace Training and Research Center seeks FAA AST Safety Approval for its space course offerings  Standard Course Offerings – Pilots G Tolerance Spatial Disorientation Upset Recovery Altitude Physiology Ejection Seat Egress Procedures STS-400 Space Training Simulator Cockpit of Simulator

Recommendations from Barrios Technology - Summary  Passenger Training: –Vehicle Familiarization –Safety –Emergency Procedures –Physiological Effects –What to do and experience during the flight  Crew and Ground Support Personnel Training: –Fundamental Operation of vehicle hardware and software –Nominal operations training –Select number of emergency procedures that safe the vehicle and the crew –Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) Whether government required or industry generated, the extreme conditions and high risk environment of commercial space flight demands standard training with certifiable outcomes for passengers, crew, and ground support personnel.

RLV Working Group Actions RLVWG to submit suggestions for biomedical data collection to AST in four weeks RLVWG to submit stakeholder suggestions for structure of Human Spaceflight Safety Study to AST in two weeks Start process of defining Safety Targets, with goal of making recommendations by next COMSTAC Consider formation of a Training Standards Subcomittee