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This topic is offered for NewMars members as they tackle Real Universe problems.
Our leadoff post is an analysis of the critical path elements for design of a Solar Powered Space Tug.
This is an unmanned spacecraft, so all the complexity of trying to deal with human rating is avoided.
Even so, the number of elements to be identified and dealt with is significant.
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This post is reserved for an index to posts that may be contributed by NewMars members over time.
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Post #3: Google's Gemini on Critical Path for unmanned space vehicle
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Members of the forum are working on design of a Solar Powered Space Tug in early 2025.
I decided to ask Gemini to "think" about how such a project has been carried out countless times previously, over many decades.
Conversation with Gemini
Hi Gemini! Thanks again for your recent assistance with a question about disassociation of hydrogen at 3000 Kelvin. This question was asked as our small design team thought about design of a solar powered rocket. I've concluded this question is not on the critical path for our project. However, that insight leads to the question: What ** is ** the critical path for design of a rocket? Surely hundreds if not thousands of teams have been following project plans to move from initial idea to working missions. I'm wondering if you have access to any records that might exist, showing the critical path for an unmanned vessel intended for space tug duty in low earth orbit.
***
You're right, designing a rocket is a complex undertaking with numerous interconnected tasks. While the specifics of a critical path can vary based on project goals, resources, and innovation, I can outline a generalized critical path for an unmanned space tug intended for low Earth orbit (LEO) duty, drawing from established aerospace engineering practices.Here's a breakdown of the key phases and their critical path elements:
1. Mission Definition and Requirements:
Critical Path:
Defining the exact mission profile (e.g., payload capacity, orbital transfer requirements, docking procedures).
Establishing precise performance requirements (e.g., thrust, delta-v, operational lifetime).
Determining regulatory compliance (e.g., space debris mitigation, launch licensing).
Defining the budget, and the timeline.2. System Design and Architecture:
Critical Path:
Selecting the propulsion system (e.g., chemical, electric).
Designing the structural framework and payload interface.
Developing the guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system.
Designing the power system (e.g., solar arrays, batteries).
Developing the communication system.
Thermal control system design.3. Detailed Design and Engineering:
Critical Path:
Detailed design of all subsystems (e.g., CAD models, engineering drawings).
Material selection and procurement.
Developing software for GNC, communication, and onboard systems.
Performing structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses.
Designing and building prototypes of critical components.4. Manufacturing and Fabrication:
Critical Path:
Manufacturing of structural components, propulsion systems, and other hardware.
Integration of subsystems into the spacecraft bus.
Wiring and electrical integration.
Quality control and inspections.5. Integration and Testing:
Critical Path:
Integration of all subsystems into the complete spacecraft.
Functional testing of individual subsystems and the integrated system.
Environmental testing (e.g., vibration, thermal vacuum).
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing.
Software validation and verification.6. Launch and Deployment:
Critical Path:
Launch vehicle selection and integration.
Launch site preparation and logistics.
Launch operations and trajectory analysis.
Deployment of the spacecraft into the target orbit.
Initial checkout of spacecraft systems in orbit.7. On-Orbit Operations and Maintenance:
Critical Path:
Commissioning of the spacecraft and its systems.
Performing orbital maneuvers and payload transfers.
Monitoring spacecraft health and performance.
Performing on-orbit maintenance (if applicable).
De-orbiting the spacecraft at the end of its useful life.Key Critical Path Considerations:
Propulsion System Development: This is often a significant bottleneck due to the complexity and performance requirements.
Software Development and Testing: The software for GNC and onboard systems is crucial for mission success and requires rigorous testing.
Systems Integration and Testing: Ensuring that all subsystems work together seamlessly is a complex and time-consuming process.
Launch Vehicle Availability: Securing a launch slot and integrating the spacecraft with the launch vehicle can be a critical path item.Where to find more detailed information:
NASA Systems Engineering Handbook: NASA provides comprehensive resources on systems engineering processes, including critical path analysis.
Aerospace Industry Standards: Organizations like SAE International and AIAA publish standards and guidelines for aerospace engineering.
Project Management Methodologies: Techniques like PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) are widely used in aerospace project management.Textbooks and Academic Resources: Aerospace engineering textbooks and research papers offer in-depth information on spacecraft design and development.
SpaceX, Rocketlab, and other launch provider documentation: These companies often release information regarding the processes involved in developing and launching rockets.
I hope this overview helps your team in planning and executing your solar-powered rocket project.
Unveiling the NASA Systems Engineering Handbook Rev2: A Comprehensive Guide for Space Exploration - Jama Software
Source iconwww.jamasoftware.com
AIAA Publications -- the Leading Aerospace Publisher
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aiaa.orgEverything You Need To Know About PERT in Project Management - Tallyfy
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tallyfy.comFind Books - Aerospace Engineering - Research Guides at University of Michigan Library
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guides.lib.umich.eduThank you ** very ** much for your helpful analysis and for the detailed report, AND for the suggestions of links to follow for further study! Best wishes to you as you attempt to help all your other customers with their varied requests!
You're very welcome! I'm glad I could provide a helpful overview. Best of luck to your team with your solar-powered rocket project! If you have any more questions down the line, feel free to ask.
As a reminder (or for first time readers)...
The Solar Powered Space Tug project in NewMars is a consequence of study by kbd512.
The idea of a solar powered space vessel goes back to at least the 1950's.
To clarify.... this is a thermal powered vehicle. It is NOT a solar sail and it is NOT an ion drive of some kind.
kbd512 found a paper that shows that a solar thermal propulsion system has the potential to exceed a chemical rocket in performance, all masses being the same.
The reason seems (to me at least) simple enough... the energy for propulsion comes from the Sun, whereas the energy for propulsion has to be brought to the flight stored in the propellants in the case of a chemical rocket.
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