![\"Z8\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z85.jpg\")
This proposed LUS would provide SLS with considerable more lifting power for payloads to translunar, solar, Martian, and Uranian targets.<\/p>\nAs NASA\u2019s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket continues toward its initial debut in 2017, a Boeing proposal for a new Large Upper Stage for the rocket would see SLS gain the ability to perform more complex, long-range missions in a more cost-effective manner.<\/p>\n
\nNew missions for SLS:<\/p>\n
As previously reported by NASASpaceflight.com, Boeing has brought forward a proposal to use the current machining technology at the Michoud Assembly Facility, that will be used to construct the Space Launch System\u2019s (SLS\u2019s) core stage, to construct a new, Large Upper Stage (LUS) for SLS.<\/p>\n
This proposed LUS would provide SLS with considerable more lifting power for payloads to translunar, solar, Martian, and Uranian targets.<\/p>\n
According to the Boeing presentation, available for download on L2, \u201cSLS will play a critical part in enabling the next steps in human space exploration beyond Earth orbit.\u201d<\/p>\n
While this has always been a goal of the SLS, as defined by NASA, Boeing\u2019s proposed new LUS would provide greater mission range and support capabilities to already-identified exploration targets and increase SLS\u2019s viability as a competitor in the launch market for translunar, solar, and outer solar system missions.<\/p>\n
Building an outpost in Translunar Space:<\/p>\n
Building off of NASA\u2019s recently announced initiative to use some of the opening missions of SLS to capture an asteroid and bring it Earth-local space, Boeing identifies the construction of a translunar outpost as critical to the success of this endeavor.<\/p>\n
Rocket launch schedules (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n As stated by Boeing, \u201cBuilding a translunar outpost is an important first step in retrieving an asteroid, returning to the moon or venturing to Mars.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA SLS\/LUS could launch multiple translunar elements simultaneously, reducing the number of overall launches and decreasing the time required to assemble a translunar outpost.\u201d<\/p>\n Reducing the number of launches needed to loft a translunar outpost by the simple addition of the new LUS (machined from already-existing hardware) would add to the promised cost-effectiveness of the SLS rocket \u2013 something that has been seen in the initial design cycles of the rocket with the use of numerous Shuttle-Derived Technology components.<\/p>\n Furthermore, a translunar outpost could be used as \u201cAn Exploration Platform \u2026 [that] would improve the science and technical return of the early missions while also increasing Orion capability through resource provision and providing an abort location and safe haven for vehicle contingencies,\u201d states the Boeing presentation.<\/p>\n This would allow for increased mission duration and safety as well as expanded mission options including sorties to the moon and use of the outpost as an exploration platform from which to commence travel to NEOs (Near Earth Objects) and NEAs (Near Earth Asteroids).<\/p>\n While the proposed configuration of this Exploration Platform in translunar space is just that, a proposal, Boeing has identified several preliminary characteristics of the platform.<\/p>\n According to Boeing, \u201cRussian systems are well developed and ideal for these new uses, such as adapting current Russian Science Power Module (SPM) and node designs for translunar use.\u201d<\/p>\n However, RSC Energia, upon studying the initial proposal, identified a hybrid module as the best option for an Exploration Platform in translunar space.<\/p>\n According to the Boeing report, this hybrid module would \u201cshorten the pressurized section of the SPM and add a new node\/docking ball section.\u201d<\/p>\n The proposal calls for this new node and docking ball section to be constructed from a Shuttle-salvaged Orbiter Docking System with added \u201cflight-proven Boeing 702 satellite systems.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here for more SLS News Articles: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/tag\/hlv\/<\/p>\n Together, this hybrid module and new node\/docking ball section would \u201ccreate an independent, fully functional vehicle with two NASA Docking Standard (NDS) systems for docking operations with visiting vehicles.\u201d<\/p>\n Following launch, the LUS would be used to conduct a translunar insertion burn to send Orion and the habitat module on their way to the proper location.<\/p>\n After departing Earth orbit, the Orion would detach from the main spacecraft, turn around 180 degrees (like Apollo used to during the moon landing missions), and then dock to the habitat module.<\/p>\n The combined Orion\/habitat module vehicle would then separate from the expended LUS and fly to the SPM-derived core component of the Exploration Platform.<\/p>\n Its internal space would be modified to maximize habitable volume \u2013 something that wasn\u2019t possible with the MPLMs\u2019 use for transfer of removable racks to and from the ISS during Shuttle missions.<\/p>\n The new internal volume space would include: \u201ccrew living quarters, medical services, exercise equipment, a galley and payload facilities, as well as additional core systems hardware for redundancy.\u201d<\/p>\n According to the Boeing presentation, \u201cthese three elements \u2026 form a very capable Exploration Platform that would enable and significantly enhance human operation in translunar space.<\/p>\n \u201cUsing the SLS\/LUS would allow the Exploration Platform to be constructed and crewed in only two launches, as opposed to the four missions required using SLS\/ICPS (interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage), thus saving cost and significantly shortening the time required to start accruing the benefits of a crewed Exploration Platform in translunar space.\u201d<\/p>\n SLS Mission: Large Crew Habitat Emplacement<\/p>\n Aside from the translunar outpost and Exploration Platform, Boeing also outlines the SLS\/LUS duo\u2019s launch ability for Bigelow\u2019s BA-2100 inflatable habitat module.<\/p>\n \u201cSLS allows delivery of the BA-2100 via direct insertion to a low earth orbit and is the only launch vehicle capable of delivering a payload this large to LEO,\u201d notes the Boeing presentation.<\/p>\n The module itself would carry all the supplies and equipment needed for its mission, which can range from a commercial space hotel to a proving ground for independent scientific research modules.<\/p>\n For SLS\/LUS\u2019s part, the BA-2100 could be inserted directly in LEO (Low Earth Orbit).<\/p>\n Boeing further defines SLS as the only vehicle capable of launching BA-2100 into LEO because of the module\u2019s large nature.<\/p>\n According to Boeing, \u201cSLS provides significant mass margin [for BA-2100] that could be used for additional crew consumables or water for radiation protection or additional payloads.\u201d<\/p>\n SLS mission: ATLAST Space Telescope Concept<\/p>\n Moving beyond the immediate Earth area, Boeing also identifies several beyond Earth missions that SLS could accomplish easier and in a more cost-effective manner than already existing launchers can.<\/p>\n One of these missions is a proposed ATLAST Space Telescope mission.<\/p>\n The current crop of existing EELVs (Enhanced Expendable Launch Vehicles \u2013 e.g. Atlas V and Delta IV) would require multiple launches and in-space assembly of the same type of telescope.<\/p>\n As presented in the Boeing presentation, \u201cA monolithic aperture is better than a segmented aperture.\u201d<\/p>\n Since a monolithic mirror can \u201cachieve diffraction-limited performance at a shorter wavelength than a segmented mirror with much difficulty, complexity, cost and risk,\u201d SLS is a more effective launcher for large-scale space telescopes.<\/p>\n Specifically, the Boeing presentation notes that the ATLAST telescope would be capable of observing \u201c~85 stars 3 times each in a 5-year period, probe super massive black holes (SMBHs), conduct direct measurements of the mass of high redshift SMBHs, enable star formation histories to be reconstructed for hundreds of galaxies, track how and when galaxies assemble their present stars, and measure the mean density profile of dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSph).<\/p>\n This type of telescope would have 10 times the resolution of the coming JWST and 300 times the resolution power of the Hubble Space Telescope.<\/p>\n SLS Mission: Solar Probe 2 Concept<\/p>\n Moving out ever further, Boeing identifies the SLS\/LUS capabilities for a proposed Solar Probe 2 mission \u2013 the first probe capable of consistent and multiple close encounters with the sun.<\/p>\n The probe could also be used as part of a fleet of spacecraft to \u201cdevelop critical forecasting capability of the space radiation environment in support of human and robotic exploration\u201d of the solar system.<\/p>\n Specifically, the SLS\/LUS duo would be capable of placing the Solar Probe 2 into a solar orbit with a low perihelion (minimum of 5 solar radii).<\/p>\n SLS Mission: Uranus Concept<\/p>\n Finally, Boeing outlines the 1.7mt payload delivery possibly of the SLS\/LUS to planet Uranus.<\/p>\n The Uranian mission would be able to study the ice giant\u2019s atmosphere and magnetic characteristics, identify the dispersal of heat emissions from Uranus\u2019s atmosphere, perform close and detailed fly-bys of the planet\u2019s moons (like Cassini currently does at Saturn), and improve our understanding of the \u201cgravitational harmonics of the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n Boeing states that utilization of SLS\/LUS for this mission would not only shorten the travel time between Earth and Uranus, but also provide for the incorporation of increased spacecraft mass, thereby allowing for the elimination of the need for a Solar Electric Power stage to the payload.<\/p>\n (Images: Via L2 content from L2\u2019s SLS specific L2 section, which includes, presentations, videos, graphics and internal \u2013 interactive with actual SLS engineers \u2013 updates on the SLS and HLV, available on no other site. Other images via NASA, Boeing)<\/p>\n (L2 is \u2013 as it has been for the past several years \u2013 providing full exclusive SLS and Exploration Planning coverage. To join L2, click here: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/l2\/)<\/p>\n *Don\u2019t forget to tweet and share this article by using the options below*<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As NASA\u2019s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket continues toward its initial debut in 2017, a Boeing proposal for a new Large Upper Stage for the rocket would see SLS gain the ability to perform more complex, long-range missions in a more cost-effective manner. New missions for SLS: As previously reported by NASASpaceflight.com, Boeing has brought […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":30394,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[419,9034,8921,624,9068],"class_list":["post-39706","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-gateway","tag-hlv","tag-rl-10","tag-sls","tag-upper-stage"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39706"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=39706"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/39706\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30394"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=39706"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=39706"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=39706"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Z38\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z381.jpg\")
Based on NASA\u2019s intention to use SLS in a \u201cphased development plan\u201d that will increase SLS\u2019s payload lift capability to increasingly larger payloads, Boeing notes that \u201cThe SLS will be ideally suited to deliver a variety of payloads to translunar space.<\/p>\nSee Also<\/h4>\n
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![\"Z10\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z104.jpg\")
These include input and construction assistance from the international space community, notably the Russian Federal Space Agency\u2019s prime contract company RSC Energia \u2013 with whom Boeing has already performed an initial proposal study.<\/p>\n![\"Z22\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z223.jpg\")
Following the launch and placement of the hybrid module and node\/docking ball sections, the SLS with LUS would launch a crewed Orion spacecraft and habitat module (based off the remaining ISS Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules \u2013 MPLMs) in a single launch.<\/p>\n![\"Z55\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z55.jpg\")
The modified MPLM habitat module would have its Common Berthing Mechanism (CBM) replaced with an NDS and have its non-CBM end modified to include another NDS.<\/p>\n![\"Z9\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z95.jpg\")
Bigelow\u2019s BA-2100 inflatable module is considered a self-sufficient module for \u201clong duration human habitation\u201d capable of expanding, after launch, to 2100 cubic meters of pressurized volume.<\/p>\n![\"Z3\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z310.jpg\")
Defined as a telescope to \u201cCharacterize Exoplanets and search for signs of life,\u201d Boeing states that SLS would be able to loft this 8m monolithic or 16m deployable ATLAST telescope to the Earth-Sun L2 Lagrangian point in a single launch.<\/p>\n![\"Z8\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z87.jpg\")
The currently under development James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is using a segmented, deployed mirror architecture \u201conly because it is the only way to launch a 6.5 meter aperture observatory with a 4.5 meter diameter rocket.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Z4\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z48.jpg\")
For this particular mission, Boeing states that \u201cSolar Probe 2 will provide researchers both in-situ measurements and imagery supporting corona heating and solar wind acceleration investigations.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"Z5\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/11\/Z54.jpg\")
According to the presentation, the SLS with the LUS would be able to \u201cDeliver a small payload into orbit around Uranus and a shallow probe into the planet\u2019s atmosphere.\u201d<\/p>\n