Suborbital Payload Flights on Blue Origin's New Shepard Vehicle
- Paper number
IAC-17,A2,5,7,x37826
- Author
Dr. Erika Wagner, Blue Origin LLC, United States
- Year
2017
- Abstract
With the emergence of a vibrant commercial space industry, researchers now have more options than ever for conducting research aboard space-going platforms. Blue Origin’s {\it New Shepard} spacecraft offers a large-format crew capsule, capable of carrying a wide range of high-altitude and microgravity payloads above the Kármán Line (100 km). With high flight rates and short approval timelines, investigators can use data from one flight to refine research objectives and quickly fly again, closing the loop on the scientific method and rapidly advancing technology development. Young investigators have ready access to real-world experiences in building flight hardware, and more involved missions can use this low-barrier environment to raise Technology Readiness Level of components or subsystems. This talk will introduce the standard interfaces and operations for payloads within the New Shepard capsule, which began payload flights in 2016. We will discuss specific microgravity use cases for the platform, including fluid physics, particle interactions, materials science, acute biological responses, and technology demonstrations. And we will explore opportunities for future facilities that would allow access to the space environment at altitudes between 60 and 100 km.- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,A2,5,7,x37826.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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