NEPTUNE TSAAHTO

Interorbital Systems (IOS) is developing the first of a new generation of low-cost, rapid-response manned orbital launch vehicles: the Neptune TSAAHTO (Two-Stage-and-a-Half-to-Orbit). The Neptune TSAAHTO is designed for minimum cost and maximum reliability. Unnecessary expensive, complex, failure-prone, and sometimes performance-limiting systems such as wings and turbopumps have been eliminated from the design. Since the Neptune TSAAHTO is designed to be deployed from the ocean, launch costs will be insignificant (compared to standard spaceport fees), and launch scheduling will be based on customer demand (not on placement in a spaceport's launch rotation). Neptune TSAAHTO will have the same configuration as the Sea Star TSAAHTO and will be available in an unmanned cargo version and a manned version.

The manned Neptune TSAAHTO’s dual-use (habitable when empty) pressurant tank is its most innovative design feature. Once on-orbit, an expedition crew will transfer to the rocket’s specially equipped pressurant tank through a hatch in the Crew Module's heat shield. During the mission, the 14-foot (4.27-M) diameter by 20-ft (6.1-M) long tank will provide the crew with an enormous living, recreational, and work area, with both private and group activity zones. The expedition crew will experience spectacular Earth and space views through numerous observation ports, while enjoying  weightlessness to the maximum.  

Two-Stage-And-A-Half-To-Orbit (TSAAHTO): The Sea Star TSAAHTO is a pressure-fed, two-stage-and-a-half-to-orbit launcher. It has a configuration similar to the Atlas Agena. Half-staging is equivalent to dropping unused ballast. Overall, the TSAAHTO is less complex, and therefore safer and more reliable than any other launch vehicle to date.

The Neptune TSAAHTO is designed to place a 7,000-pound payload into a 250 mile 51º orbit. The three main components of the rocket are the Booster Module (BM), the Orbital Station Module (OSM), and the Crew Module (CM).

Liquid Rocket Engines and Propellants: The Neptune TSAAHTO's primary propulsion system consists of eight common, fixed, high-thrust liquid Booster/Sustainer engines. Differential throttling of the Booster/Sustainer engines will provide pitch and yaw control. Auxiliary forward on/off thrusters will provide roll control. The OSM is powered by the Sea Star TSAAHTO propulsion system. Storable, high-density white fuming nitric acid (WFNA) and Hydrocarbon-X (HX) are the rocket’s primary propellants. These storable, environmentally friendly propellants provide reliable, efficient, hypergolic ignition.  

Crew Module (CM): The CM is designed to accommodate five expedition crew members and one command pilot. The 6-person crew will be seated radially around a centrally located service compartment access hatch. Each crew member has a window providing excellent visibility. The CM is attached to the forward section of the rocket and has the following primary components: emergency escape system, life-support system, electric power system, docking collar, retro-rocket de-orbit system,  attitude control system (ACS), parachute recovery system, aft heat-shield for reentry.

Crew Module Escape System: The CM is equipped with set of four aft-mounted liquid rocket engines. In the event of a catastrophic failure a major rocket system at the launch site, or anywhere along the launch trajectory, the escape rockets will boost the CM away from the launch vehicle. In this event, the CM is designed to land in the ocean by parachute and to be recovered.  

Floating Sea-launch: Neptune TSAAHTO launch operations will be carried out at sea. Launching a rocket at sea is the most economical method for launching payloads into orbit. It eliminates the tremendous costs and scheduling bottlenecks associated with using the existing land spaceports and airports. Launches can be scheduled according to the customer’s requirements. Other advantages include: 

1)      Launch positions can be selected from a nearly infinite number points around the world

2)       Ocean launch systems are portable

3)       Launch insurance costs are substantially lower

4)       Vehicle recovery operations are simplified

5)       Federal launch licenses are easier to obtain

IOS will stage its launch operations from Port of Long Beach, California. Initial launches will take place from the Pacific Ocean West of Long Beach. 

Interorbital Systems P.O. Box 662 Mojave, CA 93502-0662
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