Orion Capsule Launch Abort System Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this report is to provide an analysis the Orion spacecraft’s Launch Abort System (LAS). A launch abort system aims to remove the crew away from a failing launch vehicle as soon as possible during the liftoff and ascent phase. A survey of other designs for launch abort was carried out to compare the tower system with integrated retrorockets or ejectable rockets. The Orion LAS undergoes 5 distinct stages including liftoff, reorientation, LAS jettison, parachute deployment, and water landing which can east be tested for loads analysis. A model was created in CATIA V6, and will undergo CFD analysis in STAR-CCM+ and FEA analysis in Abaqus to determine the optimal design parameters for crew safety such as drag coefficient, ballistic coefficient, G-loading due to thrust, and structural loads on the vehicle during flight. Digital Design and Manufacturing Technical Report.