Shuttle Compatible Orbit Transfer Subsystem (SCOTS)

An orbital transfer system for Shuttle applications, the Shuttle Compatible Orbit Transfer Subsystem (SCOTS) is described. SCOTS is designed to boost advanced communications satellites from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO) using the Shuttle payload bay as a supporting platform system. The SCOTS design includes a 63-inch solid rocket motor which is attached to an interface ring. Guidance and control initialization prior to deployment is provided by an orbiter maneuver which aligns the SCOTS with a predetermined perigee-stage (PS) firing attitude. Payload deployment from the Orbiter payload bay is carried out by means of simple multispring push-offs. The ring interface of the SCOTS was designed to be compatible with the Ariane 4 launch system in order to provide maximum flexibility in launch vehicle selection. A line diagram illustrating the SCOTS configuration is given, and the basic SCOTS design parameters are summarized in a table.