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In rocketry, an adapter is a hollow cylindrical[1] or conical segment[2] which provides a sound aerodynamic and structural connection, either between rocket stages (oftern referred to as an interstage) or between a spacecraft and the top rocket stage (referred to as a payload adapter). It may shroud and protect vulnerable systems such as electrics or machinery of rocket engines/spacecraft from weather or noise caused by running engines.[3] It is discarded during staging.
Examples of rocket stages featuring an interstage adapter:
- Centaur (second stage of several Atlas-based launch vehicles, from Atlas-Centaur to Atlas V)[4][5][6]
- S-II and S-IVB (second and third stage of the Saturn V)[7][8]
- The Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) of SLS Block 1 is connected to the Core Stage with the Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter (LVSA)[9][10]
Examples of rocket stages featuring a payload adapter:
- (Planned) The Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) is expected to connect large secondary co-manifested payloads SLS Block 1B/2 using the Universal Stage Adapter (USA).[11]
References
- ^ Smith 2002, p. 2.
- ^ Wiley J. Larson; Linda K. Pranke (1999). Human Spaceflight: Mission Analysis and Design. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-236811-6.
- ^ "NASA Continues Progress on Artemis III Rocket Adapter with Key Joint Installation - NASA". Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ^ "The Launch of Atlas-Centaur 5". 2 March 2015.
- ^ "Centaur - Mission Planners Guide (NASA CR-154970)" (PDF). General Dynamics Convair Aerospace Division. 1 August 1971. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 January 2022.
- ^ "Atlas Launch System Mission Planner's Guide, Atlas V Addendum (AVMPG)" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. 1 December 1999.
- ^ McCutcheon, Kimble D. (3 August 2022). "U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution Part 8.20: The Saturn V S-II".
- ^ McCutcheon, Kimble D. (3 August 2022). "U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution Part 8.30: The Saturn S-IVB Stage".
- ^ "NASA's Space Launch System Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter Ready for Thermal Insulation Application". 30 August 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ "NASA Completes Weld of Rocket Adapter for First Artemis Launch with Crew - NASA". 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
- ^ "Universal Stage Adapter (USA)". Retrieved 14 September 2022.
Sources
- Smith, John (2002-07-07). Evolved Composite Structures for Atlas V. Reston, Virigina: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. doi:10.2514/6.2002-4201.
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