Image credit: NASA Glenn
Image source: National Archives
255-GRC-1980-01080
Category: MSFC Space Tug
Lunar Orbit Operations
MSFC-72-PD-4000-30C
Earth Orbit Cargo Transfer
Space Tug Elements
Earth Orbit Applications
Lunar Applications
Managed by Marshall Space Flight Center, the Space Tug concept was intended to be a reusable multipurpose space vehicle designed to transport payloads to different orbital inclinations. Utilizing mission-specific combinations of its three primary modules (crew, propulsion, and cargo) and a variety of supplementary kits, the Space Tug was capable of numerous space applications. This 1970 artist’s concept illustrates a Space Tug with an attached landing configuration kit as it prepares for a lunar application. The Space Tug program was cancelled and did not become a reality.
Image credit: NASA
Image source: NASA MSFC
Space Probe Launch
Satellite Repair
Space Tug Elements
NASA Space Tug
Image credit: NASA
Image source: Cradle of Aviation Museum
Modular Propellant Tankage Concept
Shown on this chart is an artist’s rendition of a tug configuration which is made up of individual propellant modules and thus provides extreme operational flexibility. The stage is designed to be compatible with a variable number of propellant modules which contain oxidizer, fuel and pressurants. The basic propulsion platform includes engines, control, avionics and primary structure. In concept, the configuration has the option of staging tanks for extremely high performance.
Although this modular concept is extremely versatile, it has a lower mass fraction than one which is designed for a single performance capability.
Image credit: NASA
File source: NASA NTRS
