| Duration: Operations: | 7-14 Days 45° Traverse to visit 4 satellites |
| CREW MODULE | |
| Ignition Weight: Payload Dimensions Crew Size: | 11000 lb 2000 lb 15′ D x 15′ L 4 |
| STAGE 1 | |
| Dry Weight: Prop. Wt. (LO2/LH2) Prop. System Dimensions | 4759 lbs 54733 lbs RL-10 Cat 2B (2) @ 459 Isp 15′ D x 33′ L |
| STAGE 2 | |
| Same as Stage 1 |
Image credit: NASA
File source: NASA NTRS
Image credit: Boeing
Image source: National Archives
Image credit: Boeing
Image source: National Archives
Image credit: General Dynamics
Image source: National Archives
Image credit: Boeing
Image source: National Archives
B-0992
A hypersonic shockwave system envelopes an Aeroassisted Orbital Transfer Vehicle (AOTV) as it grazes the atmosphere before returning to the Space Shuttle in low Earth orbit. In this drawing, the main engine and the balloon-like parachute, or ballute, which encases the AOTV, provide protection from the reentry heat and drag to slow the vehicle as it enters a lower orbit. After reaching low Earth orbit, the ballute would be deflated and the AOTV would rendezvous with the Shuttle for reuse. This aerobraking technique is one of several being studied by Boeing Aerospace Company under contract to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
BOEING AEROSPACE COMPANY
Image credit: Boeing
Image source: National Archives
An Aeroassisted Orbital Transfer Vehicle is shown using the Earth’s atmosphere to slow itself down and lift itself into another orbit before returning to the Space Shuttle for reuse. Inflatable wings are located on each side of the core propulsion module and covered by a high temperature heat shield material. The spacecraft payload bay is located in the forward section of the nose cone. Boeing is studying how the atmosphere can be used as a brake for this proposed Air Force spacecraft under contract to the Air Force’s Flight Dynamics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
BOEING AEROSPACE COMPANY
Image credit: Boeing
Image source: National Archives
Image credit: General Dynamics
Image source: DVIDS
Orbital transfer vehicle (OTV) line drawings (a) one-stage manned and (b) two-stage cargo.
Image credit: NASA
Image source: NASA NTRS
Image credit: NASA GRC
Image source: National Archives
Image credit: NASA GRC
Image source: National Archives
