Teleoperator Retrieval System

Diagram of the Teleoperator Retrieval System planned to be deployed on the Space Shuttle mission to Skylab.
Illustration of TRS docked to Skylab with a Shuttle orbiter nearby
The NASA Space Shuttle makes it to the launchpad in 1980, too late for a Skylab boost

Teleoperator Retrieval System was an unmanned spacecraft ordered by NASA in the late 1970s to re-boost Skylab using the Space Shuttle, which was also in development at that time.[1] TRS was a design for an unmanned robotic spacecraft designed to be capable of remote payload observation and boosting or de-orbiting another spacecraft, and it was developed to potentially re-boost Skylab space station to a higher orbit.[2] After the third manned mission to Skylab, plans were made to boost the station into a higher orbit to extend its service life or to de-orbit it into a remote ocean area.[3] A remotely controlled booster rocket was to be carried up in the Space Shuttle's third mission. Astronaut Jack R. Lousma described the remote booster as "as big as a truck" and requiring a control system able to match the circular motion of the Skylab docking port.[4] The core of TRS was a propulsion system that could accommodate additional fuel modules.[5] It had a 24 nozzle 6-axis control thruster system to support Space rendezvous, docking, and orienting the spacecraft.[6]

Other options for launching TRS were Titan III or Atlas Agena.[7] Some launch options might have required two launches.[8] Martin Marietta proposed the Titan III for launching TRS.[9] The Titan IIIC could carry 29, 600 lbs to low Earth orbit.[10]

The TRS was ordered in October 1977 to be ready for use in late 1979.[11] The TRS had two major possible uses, to either re-boost or de-orbit Skylab.[12] The decision whether to use TRS was planned to be made in 1979.[13]

Although TRS was initiated in 1977, it made use of developments in tele-operation going back to the 1960s.[14] In addition, another reason for its selection was the long-term use for task in general including "payload survey, stabilization, retrieval and delivery missions, recovery and re-use capability.."[15]

The TRS project was overseen by the NASA Marshall Spaceflight Center.[16]

Some surrounding events were a predicted timeline that the Shuttle would be ready by 1979, and Skylab would not re-enter until the early 1980s.[17] Another factor was that, in 1975, it was decided not to launch a second Skylab (Skylab B); this gave a boost to Skylab re-use plans.[18] As it was, the Shuttle was not ready until the early 1980s, and Skylab's orbit decayed in 1979.[19]

Missions

Although the TRS was development was focused on Skylab boosting, it was thought it could be used for other satellites.[20] The original missions was to save Skylab from re-entering, thus preserving it for future use such as the core of a new space station.[21]

Possible future missions from NASA document 78-49 release Teleoperator Retrieval System[22]

  • "payload retrieval at higher orbits than Shuttle is designed to achieve"
  • "large structure assembly"
  • "emergency payload repairs"
  • "retrieval of unstable objects or space debris"

Specifications

Parts of the core, a box-like structure at center:[23]

  • 1.2 by 1.2 by 1.5 meters (4 by 4 by 5 feet) structural box
  • attitude control thrusters
  • propellant tank
  • guidance system
  • navigation system
  • control system
  • communications and data management system
  • docking system
  • two TV cameras

The core was surrounded by four strap-on propulsion modules, which include an additional propellant tank with its own rocket engines.[24]


Thruster systems and boost rockets

There was a triple group of attitude (direction) thrusters on each of the spacecraft's eight corners. [25] Each thruster was intended to produce a thrust of 2.25 to 4.5-kilograms (5 to 10-pounds) [26] These thrusters would be used for leaving the Shuttle's payload bay and for rendezvous and docking with Skylab.[27]

For the Skylab boost or de-orbit, the TRS would have four strap-on boosters each with 680 kg (1,500 Ib.) of hydrazine rocket fuel. [28] This was a modular design, and TRS could also only be used with 2-strap on boosters if the mission, only needed that amount. [29]

Control systems

The TRS had its on computing and control systems, or it would be controlled by a crewman in the Shuttle Orbiter vehicle.[30]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Information, Reed Business (1978-05-11). New Scientist. Reed Business Information.
  2. ↑
  3. ↑ https://www.scribd.com/doc/49107316/Teleoperator-Retrieval-System-Press-Kit
  4. ↑ http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/history/oral_histories/LousmaJR/LousmaJR_3-15-10.htm
  5. ↑
  6. ↑
  7. ↑ "Skylab's Untimely Fate". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2017-01-10.
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ "Skylab's Untimely Fate". www.astronautix.com. Retrieved 2017-01-10.
  10. ↑
  11. ↑
  12. ↑
  13. ↑
  14. ↑
  15. ↑
  16. ↑
  17. ↑
  18. ↑
  19. ↑
  20. ↑ Powers, Robert M. (2017-09-15). The World's First Spaceship Shuttle. Stackpole Books. ISBN 9780811766241.
  21. ↑ Powers, Robert M. (2017-09-15). The World's First Spaceship Shuttle. Stackpole Books. ISBN 9780811766241.
  22. ↑
  23. ↑
  24. ↑
  25. ↑
  26. ↑
  27. ↑
  28. ↑
  29. ↑
  30. ↑ Powers, Robert M. (2017-09-15). The World's First Spaceship Shuttle. Stackpole Books. ISBN 9780811766241.

Further reading

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