Ares I Thrust Vector Control

The GESS-2 team made significant contributions to the Ares Upper Stage Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Project in several key areas including scheduling, systems and control engineering, mechanical engineering design and analysis, and electrical engineering.

Part of this effort involved development of a One-Axis TVC Test Stand which is currently operating in NASA Glenn Building 333. The One-Axis TVC Test Stand exerts flight-like forces on a single actuator to provide performance data on prototype TVC hardware.

The next generation, Two-Axis Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Test Stand will provide a high-fidelity environment for characterizing the dynamic performance of the Ares I Upper Stage TVC actuators and support systems. The Two-Axis TVC Test Stand successfully completed a Critical Design Review on February 15, 2008.

Potential vendors have reviewed preliminary drawings of structural assemblies and will soon provide price quotes for fabrication work. The Two-Axis Test Stand is on track for delivery in July, 2008.

GESS-2 Information

• GESS-2
• Plasma Contractor Hollow Cathode
• Aircraft Icing Research
• Ares I Thrust Vector Control
• Ares I-X Upper Stage Simulator Coupled Loads Analysis
  
  

Contracts/ Vehicles

• USTDC
• DOD
• Department of Energy (ITSS)
• GSA Schedules
• GESS-2