Session
Technical Session VI: Support Systems
Abstract
SCOUT, a four-stage, solid-rocket launch vehicle originally developed by LTV Missiles and Electronics Group, is completing its third decade of service. NASA-Langley started the program in 1958 with the intent of providing a simple, low-cost, reliable launch vehicle for orbital, probe and re-entry missions. On July 1, 1960, the first SCOUT vehicle was launched. Since SCOUT became operational in 1963, there have been 88 launches of which 84 were successful, representing a reliability record of 95.5 percent successful flights. In addition, over the past 20 years the reliability rate is an excellent 98.2 percent. The role of the SCOUT launch vehicle has varied from Earth and space science missions to engineering experiments in communications, re-entry materials, and spacecraft technology, to navigation aids. Major customers have been NASA, the Department of Defense, and the European Space Agency, as well as cooperative programs with Italy, Great Britain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. SCOUT launch capability has been increased throughout the life of the program. In 1960, 55 kg could be placed into a 555 km circular orbit. Today, SCOUT can place 219 kg in a 555 km circular, equatorial orbit. Current plans are to increase future capability to 450 kg for the same orbit. A joint development program with SNIA BPD of Italy and LTV Missiles and Electronics Group for this purpose is under consideration. Increased capability would be achieved by attaching two of SNIA BPD's solid-rocket boosters to the current vehicle and replacing its upper stage with a SNIA BPD Mage 2 solid-rocket motor.
The Scout Launch Vehicle System
SCOUT, a four-stage, solid-rocket launch vehicle originally developed by LTV Missiles and Electronics Group, is completing its third decade of service. NASA-Langley started the program in 1958 with the intent of providing a simple, low-cost, reliable launch vehicle for orbital, probe and re-entry missions. On July 1, 1960, the first SCOUT vehicle was launched. Since SCOUT became operational in 1963, there have been 88 launches of which 84 were successful, representing a reliability record of 95.5 percent successful flights. In addition, over the past 20 years the reliability rate is an excellent 98.2 percent. The role of the SCOUT launch vehicle has varied from Earth and space science missions to engineering experiments in communications, re-entry materials, and spacecraft technology, to navigation aids. Major customers have been NASA, the Department of Defense, and the European Space Agency, as well as cooperative programs with Italy, Great Britain, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. SCOUT launch capability has been increased throughout the life of the program. In 1960, 55 kg could be placed into a 555 km circular orbit. Today, SCOUT can place 219 kg in a 555 km circular, equatorial orbit. Current plans are to increase future capability to 450 kg for the same orbit. A joint development program with SNIA BPD of Italy and LTV Missiles and Electronics Group for this purpose is under consideration. Increased capability would be achieved by attaching two of SNIA BPD's solid-rocket boosters to the current vehicle and replacing its upper stage with a SNIA BPD Mage 2 solid-rocket motor.
