![]() ![]() Here is a video of the r econfigured deluge system for SpaceX at Complex 39a (one of the old Space Shuttle launch pads). SpaceX launched 51 Starlink internet communication satellites into low Earth orbit on its Starlink Group 2-9 mission. NASA is currently working on a new deluge system configuration for the Space Shuttle follow-up system the Space Launch System (SLS) at Complex 39b. AFT Impulse Allows Space Launch System Expansion with Minimal Environmental ImpactĪFT Impulse is used to predict the amount of flow and how the flow distributes spacially and over time. on July 21, space shuttle Atlantis dropped out of the predawn darkness and landed at Kennedys Shuttle Landing Facility Runway 15.AFT Impulse Simplifies Design of Complicated Water Deluge System.The deluge system essentially breaks up the acoustic waves and thus protects the vehicle.īelow, photo I took in 2013 of pipes that delivered water to the Space Shuttle launch padīelow, photo of me in 2013 in front of pipes that delivered water to the Space Shuttle launch pad - I could not find out the diameter but these look like 36-48 inch (1 - 1.2 m) diameter in sizeĪFT has two case AFT Impulse studies of sound suppression deluge systems as submitted by Reynolds, Smith & Hill (RS&H): The primary goal of shuttle mission 51-L was to launch the second Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-B). The forces involved can damage the vehicle. MLP-3 was used for three Saturn V launches, three Skylab flights, Apollo-Soyuz and 33 space shuttle missions. When rocket engines are started the acoustic pressure waves can reflect off the ground and come back and hit the bottom of the vehicle before it is clear of the launch tower. The purpose of the deluge system is not to protect the ground systems. See photo below.īelow, photo I took in 2013 of Space Shuttle Launch Complex 39 with Deluge System Tower at rightĪFT video which shows NASA Space Shuttle launch pad where AFT Impulse was used - NASA portion starts at 1:15 into the video Space Transportation System-123 Mission type ISS assembly Operator NASA COSPAR ID 2008-027A SATCAT no. That is not a typo! For reliability, the entire system is gravity driven from a 290 ft (88 m) tower. The peak flow rate on the Space Shuttle deluge system was 900,000 gpm (200,000 m 3/hr). Which is why they are often called "deluge systems". The flowrate of water used in the sound suppression process is enormous. Today AFT software is used on several of these systems by our customers in the aerospace industry as well as NASA. On May 11, 2009, the space shuttle Atlantis launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. And for a different reason than most of you would guess.Įvery so often I get to talk about my first job which was in the aerospace industry where I first learned about sound suppression systems. Geophysical Journal International, Volume 192, Issue 3, March 2013. Sound suppression on vertically launched rockets (and the Space Shuttle, back when it was flying) is more important than most of you would think. In case you have not noticed, rockets can be really loud. ![]()
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