Ariane Transfer Vehicle - Logistic support to Space Station Freedom
Abstract
The attractiveness of the Ariane 5 and Ariane transfer vehicle (ATV) is described: it avoids the one-sidedness of the National STS, it increases the lift capacity to meet the demands of the Space Station, and it offers a system independent of, but consistent with, the STS in providing backup contingency capability. The Ariane 5/ATV system is able to launch and transfer any cargo module to the Space Station Freedom (SSF) and dispose of it at the end of the mission. Consideration is given to Space Station and SSF logistic support, and ATV operations and design. Diagrams are provided to illustrate the ATV's requirements and capability; an ATV mission toward the SSF; ATV design and components; the ATV's attitude, layout, and the architecture of the main propulsion system and avionic; and the ATV's performance. It is demonstrated that the Ariane 5/ATV system would be an adequate complement to the NSTS for logistic support of the SSF.
- Publication:
-
Space Commercialization: Launch Vehicles and Programs
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990sclv.symp..255C
- Keywords:
-
- Ariane Launch Vehicle;
- International Cooperation;
- Orbit Transfer Vehicles;
- Space Station Freedom;
- Space Stations;
- Avionics;
- French Space Program;
- Logistics;
- Nasa Space Programs;
- Spacecraft Communication;
- Spacecraft Propulsion;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles