1 Stan Graves Vice President, Science & Engineering ATK Propulsion Systems March 23 – 24, 2011 NASA Technology Roadmaps ATK Commentary

2 Assessment Guidelines and Assumptions: Next generation heavy lift vehicles will employ both liquid and solid propulsion elements to optimize reliability, performance and cost. Assessment evaluated: 1.Total propulsion system performance and reliability 2.Ground processing timelines 3.Launch delays Conclusion: ATK endorses NASA technology roadmap and provides guidance for priority and emphasis

3 All of today’s heavy lift vehicles use a combination of liquids and solids. The majority of tomorrow’s commercial vehicles of all sizes will also combine solids and liquids Heavy Lift Vehicles Use Both Liquids and Solids

4 The Solid/Liquid combination is not just a coincidence– it is a result of the physics, economics, and programmatics of the launch vehicle industry Solid/Liquid Combination is not a Coincidence Improved Reliability Solid propulsion performance and high reliability increases likelihood of crew survival – optimal designs reduce “lofting” and eliminate “black out” zones

5 Solids optimize first stage performance (density Isp). Liquids optimize Upper stage performance (Isp). Hybrids are somewhere in between. Solids Optimum for First Stage, Liquids Optimal for Upper Stage

6 Investments in both liquid and solid propulsion ground process technologies are prudent since launch operations timelines are virtually identical Space Shuttle Ground Processing Timelines

7 Technology investments should address overarching system level issues that contribute to launch delays. Solid propulsion reliability makes it an attractive element of a highly dependable architecture. Shuttle Launch Delays Length of Launch Delays Cost of Launch Delays* *NASA estimates that each scrub costs $500,000 in lost fuel, and $700,000 to pay for the extra workforce needed for launch attempts (ref: Space.com). The STS costs about $200M/month operate (ref: Augustine report).

8 Items in RED are in the roadmaps at a “lesser” level. ATK recommends elevating the priority level of these items to have equal consideration to the other items on this list. Electric TVC Advanced launch abort and range safety Advanced pyrotechnic systems Solar thermal propulsion, solar electric propulsion, and air breathing propulsion Assessment of Ground Processing & Propulsion Technologies

9 ATK Assessment of Ground Processing and Vehicle Technologies The majority of the technologies can benefit commercial vehicles or heavy lift. Many benefit both solids and liquids. Recommend higher TRL (4- 6) focus for these.

10 ATK Assessment of Ground Processing and Vehicle Technologies Highlighted technologies are not applicable to commercial vehicles primarily because of technology / implementation readiness levels. Recommend lower TRL (1-3) focus for these, with focus on heavy lift applications.

11 Integrated vehicle health management: More than just the health of the liquid systems: Solid rocket motor vehicle health management for composites, for logistics, for propellants, for joints and seals, for pyrotechnics… Electric TVC Electric TVC lends itself to a propulsion and power control type system, and enables launch processing efficiencies / synergies ATK Assessment of Ground Processing and Vehicle Technologies

12 Domestic Sourcing of SRM Materials: These technologies should include manufacturability considerations for the entire motor: Advanced robotics suitable for low volume, high precision, propellant and ordnance operations Certified tooling or processes that enable certification of key characteristics without redundant inspections Automated factory models (anthropomorphic /ergonomic) that include QD and logistics considerations specific to the SRM industry ATK Assessment of Ground Processing and Vehicle Technologies

13 Conclusion Application of both liquid and solid propulsion elements are necessary to optimize the overall system – Reliability – Performance – Cost The majority of the technologies identified can benefit both commercial vehicles or heavy lift vehicles – Most benefit both solids and liquids

14 Questions? ATK Assessment of Ground Processing and Vehicle Technologies