TITAN-III FEASIBILITY FOR HL-20 PROTOTYPE MISSIONS

A set of studies was performed to investigate the feasibility of using the Titan HI launch vehicle to launch an unmanned prototype HL-20 per sonnel launch system and, potentially, operational HL-20 missions. The launch of an HL-20 spacecraft on a Titan III poses a unique set of co ncerns, primarily because the lifting body vehicle is carried on top o f the Titan vehicle without a fairing. The Titan III/HL-20 feasibility study addressed the primary vehicle issues of performance, aerodynami cs, loads, control and stability, launch availability, and vehicle con figuration for the launch of an unmanned HL-20 prototype vehicle. Tita n launch operations, launch site systems, and facilities were assessed to determine HL-20 operations compatibility. Additional studies deter mined the potential launch opportunity and window capabilities of the Titan III for the operational HL-20 mission and the existing Titan III 's reliability. The feasibility study determined that the Titan III sy stem, with minor changes, is compatible with the HL-20 vehicle and mis sion. It could provide nearly daily launch windows for a rendezvous wi th Space Station Freedom. Titan III reliability, when combined with th e HL-20 launch escape system, provides a sufficiently high probability of crew survival to support its consideration as the primary vehicle for HL-20 operational missions.