Session
Technical Session IX: Advanced Operations Concepts
Abstract
The Access To Space (ATS) Group at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) supports the science and technology community by facilitating frequent and affordable opportunities for access to space. The ATS Group has developed an interactive Mission Design web site that provides both the information and the tools necessary to assist mission planners in selecting and planning their ride to space. The ATS web site was developed through core partnerships with other government agencies seeking similar tools for their mission planners. Key design features of the site include a searchable mission database and launch vehicle toolboxes. The mission database contains a listing of missions ranging from proposed missions to manifested missions allowing users to interactively search for potential partnering opportunities. Missions can be added to the database by the user community through data input tools. The launch vehicle toolbox section provides the user with a full range of information on vehicle classes and individual configurations. This section has been enhanced to include additional access modes such as RLVs, ultra long duration balloons, sub-orbital rockets, Space Shuttle carriers, and spacecraft buses. Use of the ATS web site has climbed 400% in the last six months indicating widespread usage across the mission planning community.
Interactive Mission Design Web Site
The Access To Space (ATS) Group at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) supports the science and technology community by facilitating frequent and affordable opportunities for access to space. The ATS Group has developed an interactive Mission Design web site that provides both the information and the tools necessary to assist mission planners in selecting and planning their ride to space. The ATS web site was developed through core partnerships with other government agencies seeking similar tools for their mission planners. Key design features of the site include a searchable mission database and launch vehicle toolboxes. The mission database contains a listing of missions ranging from proposed missions to manifested missions allowing users to interactively search for potential partnering opportunities. Missions can be added to the database by the user community through data input tools. The launch vehicle toolbox section provides the user with a full range of information on vehicle classes and individual configurations. This section has been enhanced to include additional access modes such as RLVs, ultra long duration balloons, sub-orbital rockets, Space Shuttle carriers, and spacecraft buses. Use of the ATS web site has climbed 400% in the last six months indicating widespread usage across the mission planning community.
