Support for the space shuttle program had been provided at Dryden in many ways, some of which predate the very design of the orbiters. More than a decade before the Enterprise research flights, Dryden pilots and engineers were testing and validating design concepts of lifting body aircraft that provided data for development of the shuttle's configuration. Dryden also made significant contributions to development of the shuttle's thermal protection system, solid rocket booster recovery system, flight control system computer software, drag chutes, which helped improve landing efficiency and safety, and tests of the shuttle landing gear and braking systems with a specially designed Landing Systems Research Aircraft. Experience in energy management with lifting body aircraft also contributed to development of the space shuttles and landing techniques used today. Lifting body data led to NASA's decision to build the orbiters without air-breathing jet engines that would have been used during descent and landing operations, and would have added substantially to the weight of each vehicle as well as to overall program costs. Achievements with the rocket-powered X-15 aircraft also contributed directly to the space shuttle program, or aided in its development. As the X-15 program was establishing winged aircraft speed (4,520 mph) and altitude (354,200 feet) records that still stand (except for those established by the space shuttles), it was generating information on aerodynamics, structures, thermal properties, and flight controls and human physiology that quickly found its way to conventional aircraft designers and engineers and those connected with the early stages of shuttle development. In 1972, Dryden began research flights with the first aircraft equipped with a digital flight control system (see F-8 DFBW entry for more information), which had implications and direct application for the space shuttles. The concept of using a mothership for the space shuttle ferry mission between California and Florida was proposed at Dryden. The Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft evolved from recommendations made by center engineers. The SCA was subsequently used to launch the prototype Enterprise and now serves as one of two ferry vehicles when weather requires an orbiter to land at Edwards and return to Kennedy. In 1977, Dryden hosted approach and landing tests made with the prototype orbiter Enterprise to evaluate the glide and landing characteristics of the 100-ton vehicles. Dryden has also been the primary or alternate landing site for 51 space shuttle landings since the first orbital mission in 1981. Photo Description Space Shuttle Prototype Enterprise separates from the NASA 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft for its first tailcone-off flight. NASA Photo

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews