Space Launch System Ascent Aerothermal Environments Methodology

The U. S. Space Launch System (SLS) will provide an entirely new capability for human exploration beyond Earth orbit. The Aerosciences Branch/EV33 at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center has the responsibility to develop the ascent external aerothermal environments for the SLS Block 1 vehicle, scheduled for first flight in 2017. This paper provides an overview of the analysis methodology used to generate these environments. Aerodynamic heating and plume-induced heating (including radiation, convection and impingement) methodologies are summarized. The intent during the development process is to provide a set of conservative environments for each vehicle element such that the element prime contractor can design to meet vehicle level requirements.