Eelv Secondary Payload Adapter (espa) Static Qualification Tests

The United States Air Force Research Lab is currently examining options to launch small satellites (<200 kg e.g., 440 lb) more economically and efficiently. This class of satellite is quickly becoming a government and industry mainstay due to their ability to inexpensively demonstrate new technology, test prototype operational hardware, as well as perform space experimentation. Most of existing launch options include foreign sources, such as the Ariane launch vehicle, that are not available to Department of Defense (DoD) launches. Through the efforts of team members from the Air Force Research Lab/Space Vehicles Directorate (AFRL/VS), DoD Space Test Program (STP), TRW, and CSA Engineering, a secondary payload adapter has been developed to allow small satellites to be launched with the primary payload. This is to be accomplished by using an adapter on the upcoming Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles (EELV), DoD medium lift vehicles; more specifically, the Boeing Co. Delta IV and the Lockheed Martin Atlas V launch vehicles. This adapter, known as the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) will take advantage of the primary payload’s unused volume and mass margins. As with any aerospace structure, the ESPA was subjected to a rigorous test program as a means of qualifying the structure for flight. For this program, the structure was tested in a static load environment determined to adequately represent the dynamic launch environment. Details of the static qualification tests, including test hardware and software, and test philosophy will be presented in this paper as a four part series. The first of the four, this installment will serve as the introduction and detail the process of determining qualification loads. Published as a four part series in the Society of Experimental Mechanics Experimental Techniques (Jan-Aug 2004) Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 2004 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2004 to 00-00-2004 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) Static Qualification Tests 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER