Expendable Second Stage Reusable Space Shuttle Booster. Volume 10: Technology Requirements

Technology requirements for the expendable second stage of the space shuttle booster system are discussed. The primary objective of the expendable second stage (ESS) program is to define a low-cost system for placing large payloads, such as the space station or reusable nuclear shuttle, into low earth orbit. The proposed concept is to utilize a modified Saturn 5 second stage (S-2) in conjunction with the space shuttle reusable booster. The ESS retains the major S-2 structure, modified for attachment to the space shuttle booster, and incorporates both Saturn and shuttle developed propulsion and avionics hardware. No major technology breakthroughs are required to develop this ESS system. Technology application and implementation efforts in selected areas, however, should be conducted in support of the ESS detail design and development phase. The selected ESS system incorporates recovery of propulsion and avionics hardware by the shuttle orbiter for ESS reuse to minimize cost.