Ramona Adams
Dynetics and its industry partners have cleared a preliminary design review of a Universal Stage Adapter that will work to support cargo transportation aboard NASA‘s Space Launch System rocket.
The USA will be used to carry cargo during the first crewed flight of SLS and the Orion spacecraft, dubbed Exploration Mission-2, which is scheduled for launch by 2023, Dynetics said Tuesday.
The adapter is designed to integrate SLS’ exploration upper stage with the payload adapter to accommodate large payloads such as habitats, landers and scientific equipment as well as provide structural, electrical and communication paths.
A group of NASA and industry experts conducted the review, which involved the analysis of documents and data that are pertinent to the adapter’s design, development and performance.
The review board evaluated thermal environments, buckling, loads and other system and subsystem requirements, then discussed hardware design and future construction with Dynetics’ team.
The industry team obtained unanimous approval to move to the critical design phase ahead of the critical design review scheduled for September 2019.
Dynetics worked with RUAG Space, ZIN Technologies, Craig Technologies, DCI, Paragon Tec, Tuskegee University and Systima on the USA project.
After the reviews, the adapter will be produced at Dynetics’ and RUAG Space’s facilities, then undergo qualification tests, integration and assembly before lifting off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
