For Release: March 11, 1998
RELEASE NO. 98-012
NASA LANGLEY STORY OPPORTUNITIES - MARCH 1998
New Research:
TESTING POSSIBLE NEW BOOSTER FOR SHUTTLE. A Liquid Fly
Back Boosters (LFBB) concept is being studied as a replacement for
the existing space shuttle solid rocket boosters (SRBs). Wind
tunnel tests of the LFBB shuttle configuration are underway at NASA
Langley. The LFBB is designed to be a completely reusable
liquid-fueled booster that will return to the launch site, using an
autonomous landing system, after separation from the orbiter and
external tank. The current shuttle SRBs have to be recovered from
the ocean and then refurbished for later use. Interviews and photos
are available.
Public Affairs Contact:Michael Finneran (757) 864-6121;
m.p.finneran@larc.nasa.gov
BUILDING A SUPERSONIC PASSENGER JET. Researchers at NASA
Langley are testing a new composite material that may one day be
used to build a future
supersonic passenger jet. The materials used to build
this future jet must endure speeds of more than 1,500 mph,
altitudes of 65,000 feet, and aircraft surface temperatures over
300°F. The materials must be strong, lightweight, durable and
tolerant to damage. In recent tests, two 40 inch wide by 80 inch
long fuselage panels were subjected to more than 400,000 pounds of
force before they failed. Interviews and video b-roll are
available.
Public Affairs Contact:Michael Finneran (757) 864-6121;
m.p.finneran@larc.nasa.gov
NEW SATELLITE RADIOMETER BEST IN ITS CLASS.Preliminary
data from the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System
(CERES) instrument, on orbit since late November,
indicates that it is performing flawlessly, with better measurement
capabilities than any previous instrument of its kind. CERES,
launched aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission observatory
on Nov. 27, is beginning to provide long-term global data on the
Earth's clouds and their effects on the Earth's energy budget.
Interviews, facts sheets, video b-roll and data animation are
available.
Public Affairs Contact:Michael Finneran (757) 864-6121;
m.p.finneran@larc.nasa.gov
Ongoing Research:
TESTING FUTURE SPACE VEHICLES.Wind tunnel testing of
three future space vehicles (the X-33,
X-34 and X-38) is ongoing at NASA Langley. Models of various sizes
and materials are undergoing testing for ground effects,
aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic properties, and dynamic stability
in several wind tunnels. Interviews and photo/video opportunities
are available.
Public Affairs Contact:Ann Gaudreaux at (757) 864-8150;
a.c.gaudreaux@larc.nasa.gov
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