Abstract: Microcosm and Sierra Engineering have been developing a series of low-cost pressure fed LOX/kerosene engines to power the Scorpius® family of launch vehicles. This paper focuses on the design, fabrication and testing of a 20K lbf O-F-O triplet injector with...
Abstract: Microcosm and Sierra Engineering have been developing a series of low-cost pressure fed LOX/kerosene engines to power the Scorpius® family of launch vehicles. This paper focuses on the design, fabrication and testing of a 20K lbf O-F-O triplet injector with...
Abstract: We have evaluated 5 potential Responsive Orbits with the following conclusions with respect to coverage, responsiveness, payload to orbit for a small launch vehicle, and missions that they would be best suited for: Cobra Orbits provide up to 4 hours of...
Abstract: We define a new class of “rapid round trip” interplanetary missions for which the principal characteristic is a total mission duration that is 1 or more years shorter than the traditional round trip using Hohmann transfers. Round trip missions using Hohmann...
Abstract: “Responsive space” has substantial benefit in terms of both flexibility to meet real-time needs and assured space access. However, creating responsive space requires a new paradigm for space launch systems, launch operations, and the space systems...
Abstract: This paper illustrates the cost advantage of a space transportation system that uses pressure-fed technology and describes pertinent aspects of scaling the propulsion technology for light-lift through medium- and heavy-lift vehicles. Microcosm has used this...
Abstract: A self-organizing network concept, leveraging commercial approaches is under development to support responsive space avionics networks. The work is being done in support of an Air Force contract, including the following elements: a network manager (hardware...
Abstract: This paper presents a launch vehicle cost model designed specifically to estimate the additional economic cost of two related system properties that have substantial military utility — responsiveness and surge capability. In addition, the model can be used...
Abstract: Under an Air Force Phase II SBIR contract, Microcosm is developing a self-configuring avionics network, scheduled for test on a sounding rocket in late 2003 or early 2004. This system is extendable to spacecraft avionics and housekeeping functions, enabling...
Abstract: This paper defines the basic constraints for interplanetary round trip travel or, equivalently, for round trip travel from and to a natural or artificial satellite, such as round trips from the International Space Station to another satellite and back. While...
