21st Aerospace Sciences Meeting · 1983 · 15 citations · 0 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringSystems EngineeringAerospace StructuresSpacecraft DesignStructural EngineeringSpacecraft StructuresStructural CertificationStructural DesignStructural Performance AnalysisSystems Engineering For SpacecraftThermal DesignQualification TestingSpacecraft Structural DesignSpacecraft Structural IntegrationSpacecraft Structural MaterialsSpacecraft Structural QualificationStructural PerformanceThermal-structural AnalysisThermal-structural Co-design
The development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Leading Edge Structural Subsystem (LESS) is traced from concept definition, through technical development, to final design, qualification testing and flight performance. A detailed description of the LESS is presented to support a discussion of the design, material development and thermal/structural integration. Extensive development/qualification tests and analytical studies were performed to verify the thermal/structural system performance and to certify the LESS for flight. Flight data and detailed post-flight inspection results are presented which support the conclusion that the LESS system performance has been outstanding.