USA SCOUT

1. IDENTIFICATION

1.1 Name

SCOUT

1.2 Classification
Ø Family : SCOUT Ø Category : SPACE LAUNCH VEHICLE
Ø Series : G Ø Class : Small Launch Vehicle (SLV)
Ø Version : G1 Ø Type : Expendable Launch Vehicle (ELV)

1.3 Manufacturer : LTV (Ling Temco Vought) Missiles and Electronics Group
Missiles Division
P.O. Box 650003
DALLAS, TEXAS 75265-0003
Telephone: (214) 266-7612

1.4 Development manager : NASA (which maintains centralized technical direction and arranges
procurement of launch vehicles for DOD through Air Force Space
Division)

1.5 Vehicle operator : LTV Missiles and Electronics Group

(with NASA and USA Air Force and US Navy)

1.6 Launch service agency :

Ø USA LTV Missiles and Electronics Group P.O. Box 650003

Missiles Division DALLAS, TEXAS 75265-0003
Telephone : (214) 266-7612
Fax : (214) 266-1009

1.7 Launch cost : 10-12 M$ (1989)

2. STATUS

2.1 Vehicle status : Out of service

2.2 Development period : 1957-1960

Operational capabilities have been expanded since 1960.

2.3 First launch : July 1, 1960 (probe)

December 4, 1960 (satellite) (failure)
February 16, 1961 (success)

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3. PAYLOAD CAPABILITY AND CONSTRAINTS

3.1 Payload capability

See Figures 1, 2 and 3

3.1.1 Low Earth Orbits

ORBIT TYPE LEO CIRCULAR PEO CIRCULAR

Altitude (km) 550 1 100 550

Inclination (°) 37.7 2.9 37.7 2.9 90 90

San San
Launch site Wallops Wallops VAFB VAFB
Marco Marco
Payload mass (kg) 208 220 145 155 166 115

Ø Ground rules for LED missions

- 3-sigma FPR :

- max dynamic pressure :

- payload fairing size : 1.067 diameter heat shield

- launch azimuth limits:

∗ San Marco 80°-130°,

∗ Wallops 85°-109° and 126°-129°,
∗ Vandenberg (VAFB) 164°-287°.

FIGURE 1 - ELLIPTICAL ORBIT PERFORMANCE - SAN MARCO

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FIGURE 2 - ELLIPTICAL ORBIT PERFORMANCE - WFF

FIGURE 3 - ELLIPTICAL ORBIT PERFORMANCE - VANDENBERG AFB

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3.2 Spacecraft orientation and separation

Ø Thermal control manœuvres (yes/no) :
Ø Nominal payload separation rate (m/s) : 140 to 180 rpm
Ø Rotation rate : 0.92 m/s (125 kg payload); 1.61 m/s (200 kg payload)
Ø Deployment mechanism type : spring release

3.3 Payload interfaces

3.3.1 Payload compartments and adaptors

Ø Payload fairing description

Heastchields are a Fiberglass laminate and honeycomb composite structure with a metal nose cap
attached to the launch tower side of the shell. Steel half-rings at the base of the heatshield accept a
joining clamp. The fairing is formed into half shells.

Ø Payload fairing options

DESIGNATION DIAMETER LENGTH

Option 1 0.86 m 3.15 or 3.55 m

Option 2 1.067 m 3.67 m

Ø Payload fairing adaptors

Three options are available:

TOTAL
NOMINAL
DESIGNATION ADAPTOR MASS SEPARATION
PAYLOAD MASS
SYSTEM MASS

EG 100 kg 2.4 kg 5.7 kg

200E 290 kg 5.2 kg 8.5 kg
25E 290 kg 6.1 kg 9.4 kg

The adaptor sections are conical magnesium semi-monocoque structures. The separations systems
th
(springs, plungers, pyrotechnic units) are located on the aft flange of the 4 stage motor.

Ø Payload access provisions

The number, size and location of openings in the heatshields vary with the payload requirements and are
gouverned by the structural integrity of the heatshield.

The following is a list of standard size door openings wich are available for use by the payload.

SPRING LOADED
TYPE BOLTED DOORS
DOORS

15.2 x 15.2 cm 15.2 x 15.2 cm

Size 20.3 x 20.3 cm 20.3 x 20.3 cm
25.4 x 25.4 cm

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3.4 Environments

Ø Dynamic stabilization

Since the fourth and fifth are spin stabilized, it is necessary to both statically and dynamically balance to
minimize flight path errors.

Dynamic balancing is accomplished during vehicle stage assembly in the spin balance facility at the
launch site. The direction of spin is clockwise, looking forward.

The stage is assembled on the dynamic balancing machine starting with the transition section. Static and
dynamic balancing is performed on each sequentially attached part. The assembly spin rate is nominally
180 rpm. Temporary ballast is used in the assembly balance process and finally consolidated into
two masses located at a convenient plane on the payload adaptor and on a plane near the spin bearing
on the support skirt or fourth stage motor.

If design is required for a mission, it can be accomplished by the user or by Vought, as desired.

Ø Flight spin environment

The forces associated with the spin stabilization should be considered in the design of the payload and its
components. Three spin motors are available that may be combined in six different combinaisons of four
to provide the required spin stabilization. The minimum spin rate is determined by the required payload
constraints with nominal fligfht spin rates varying between 140 and 180 rpm.

Ø Thermal environment

The heat shield environmental protection to the payload in addition to carrying fourth stage structural
loads during atmospheric flight. The adjacent figures present temperature-time histories for the pertinent
heat shield surfaces. These temperature profiles represent a maximum heating trajectory with a standard
heat shield. The average emissivity of the inner heat shield surface as manufactured is 88. The
temperature rise of the payload will be a function of its proximity, surface emissivity and the amount of
insulation placed between it and the heat shield.

Prior to launch, environmental control may be provided by placing the heat shield around the payload and
purging it with cooled, or heated, oil free air which has been filtered and dried by the launcher payload
environmental system.

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FIGURE 4 - SCOUT OUTSIDE AND INSIDE TEMPERATURES

CONICAL AND CYLINDRICAL SECTIONS

FIGURE 5 - NOSE CAP STAGNATION POINT AND RADIATION

SHIELD TEMPERATURES VS TIME

Nota: temperatures are based on maximum heating trajectory.

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3.4.1 Mechanical environment

This section provides a summary of recommended minimum mechanical test requirements for the
environmental testing of both prototype (qualification test and development units) and flight spacecraft to be
boosted by Scout vehicles.

Ø Balance

The spacecraft in its fourth stage spin-up configuration and with systems non-operating will be statically
and dynamically balanced, prior to the other tests, within the following limits:

- maximum static unbalance : 0.864 kg cm,

2
- maximum dynamic unbalance : 36.58 kg cm .

The prototype spacecraft will be dynamically balanced at 1.5 times the maximum flight spin rate. The
flight spacecraft will be dynamically balanced at the maximum flight spin rate.

Ø Acceleration

The prototype spacecraft will be operating during the acceleration tests in each of three axes.
Acceleration applied along the thrust axis should be 1.5 times the maximum calculated level for the
spacecraft weight and centre of gravity (cg) for a duration of 3 min. Acceleration applied in each of the
transverse axes should be at 3 g for a duration of 1 min. Acceleration gradient from the cg should not be
over plus or minus 10%. Unless deemed otherwise necessary, the acceleration tests will be performed
only on the prototype spacecraft.

3.4.2 Shock

The spacecraft shall be operating during exposure to shock tests in the thrust axis. The spacecraft shall be
subjected to three terminal sawtooth pulses of 6 ms duration applied along the thrust axis. The amplitude is a
function of spacecraft weight and is indicated by the Design Qualification Test Level curve. Careful attention
should be given to ensure that the shock pulse is applied in one direction only. A reversal in direction of the
applied loading may result in response loads greater than the capability of the structure. It is not required that
the flight spacecraft be subjected to mechanical shock tests.

FIGURE 6 - LONGITUDINAL AXIS SHOCK TEST

TERMINAL SAWTOOTH INPUT REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE
SHOCK AMPLITUDE FOR TRANSITION SECTION

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Ø Spin

The prototype spacecraft should be subjected to 1.5 times the expected spin rate.

Ø Vibration

The spacecraft (including the support and separation assembly structure which attaches the payload to
the fourth-stage motor) should be operating during exposure to the vibration test. The test levels apply at
the interface of the forward shoulder of the fourth-stage motor. The tests should be performed with a
structurally and dynamically similar assembly installed. The sinusoidal vibration test will be conducted by
sweeping at a logarithmic rate from the lowest to the highest frequency once for each range specified.
The random vibration test will be of Gaussian random vibration over the frequency ranges specified.

Ø Sinusoidal vibration test

Qualification Test - Apply one sweep in each of three axes at a logarithmic sweep rate not greater than
2 octaves per minute.

Flight Acceptance Test - Apply one sweep in each of three axes at a logarithmic sweep rate greater than
4 octaves per minute.

FIGURE 7 - SINUSOIDAL VIBRATION TEST (LATERAL AXES)

FIGURE 8 - SINUSOIDAL VIBRATION TEST (THRUST AXIS)

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FIGURE 9 - RANDOM VIBRATION TEST

Ø Acceleration

FIGURE 10 - AXIAL ACCELERATION DURING FOURTH STAGE

THRUSTING FOR VARIOUS PAYLOADS

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3.5 Operation constraints

Ø Safety: controlling safety documents

Ø Launch rate capability:

- maximum rate of 11 launches in 1964,

- a rate of 2 a year is expected during 1991-1995 to launch small EXPLORERS.

Ø Procurement lead time : 24 to 36 months according to mission

Ø Integration process:

Launch operations

Within the 24 months for a "typical" mission, is a requirement for the flight spacecraft to be at the launch site
about 25 working days prior to launch in order to be dynamically balanced with Scout's fourth stage and to
undergo comptability checks with the vehicle at the launch pad.

Launch constraints

The actuel countdown for launch takes approximately 7 h. One unique feature about Scout in this area, is the
agreement with the US Navy to provide for a Transit (Navigation Satellite) launch within 30 days of their "call
up". To do this, a completely checked out vehicle has been preassigned - as has a Transit spacecraft - and
is in ready storage, prepared for immediate shipment to VAFB at a moments notice. Work begins
immediately upon receipt of the "call", and within 30 calendar days the vehicle and spacecraft is launched on
its mission.

4. LAUNCH INFORMATION

4.1 Launch site

Operational launch complexes are presently established at:

Ø Wallops Flight Facility (WFF), Virginia (38° N/75° 30' W). Due to its inherant range safety launch azimuth
limits, this site is used to provide inclination only between 37.7° and 51.5°.

Ø Vandenberg Air Force Base (VAFB), California (34° 38' N/120 27° W). This site is used for polar and sun-
synchronous orbits and has range attainable inclinations between 75.5° and 146°.

Ø San Marco complex, platforms built in Ngwana Bay off the coast of Kenya, Africa (2° 56' SI 40° 12' E).
The Italian Centro Ricerche Aerospaziali (CRA) of University of Rome performed fabrication of launch
and range facilities on two mobile platforms. This cooperative program between US and Italy was brought
to fruition on 26 April 1967. The inclination range is between 2.9° and 38.5°.

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FIGURE 11 - SCOUT LAUNCH SITES AND FACILITY LOCATIONS

FIGURE 12 - WFF LAUNCH COMPLEX

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FIGURE 13 - VAFB LAUNCH COMPLEX

FIGURE 14 - SAN MARCO LAUNCH COMPLEX

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Launch vehicle processing

The Scout launch complex employs a dual-purpose launcher wich, permits checkout of the vehicle in the
horizontal position and launching of the vehicle in the vertical position.

The launcher is provided with a movable base which permits azimuth control up to 140°. This range of
azimuth alignment exceeds the allowable limits established by all three ranges. A cantilevered elevating
launch boom provides pitch control to the 90° position. Vehicle erection and azimuth positioning are
accomplished by a blockhouse-contolled electro-mechanical system which includes a position-indicating
display in the blockhouse. All vehicle electrical connections are cabled to the blockhouse by way of a fly-
away umbilical connector. The payload umbilicals be either pull-aways or fly-away.

FIGURE 15 - SCOUT LAUNCHER - HORIZONTAL (CHECKOUT) POSITION

FIGURE 16 - TYPICAL BLOCKHOUSE TO PAYLOAD CABLING SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM

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4.2 Sequence of flight events

TIME AFTER
EVENTS
LIFT OFF (s)
- 0.13 Stage 1 ignition
0.00 Lift-off
0.10 Start timer
81.45 Stage 1 burnout
89.76 Stage 2 ignition, activate "B" controls, separate first Stage, remove first stage controls
128.49 Stage 2 burnout
131.79 Separate payload heat shield, activate "C" burn controls
133.49 Stage 3 ignition, separate second stage, remove second stage controls
179.14 Stage 3 burnout
184.14 Activate "C" coast controls
610.26 Spin motor ignition, fourth stage squib ignition
611.76 Explosive bolt ignition, separate third stage
612.61 Retro force command
616.61 Stage 4 ignition
650.75 Stage 4 burnout

4.3 Launch record data

Only satellite missions (1) are recorded below:

NUMBER OF
LAUNCH
WFF VAFB SM SUCCESSFUL NUMBER OF FAILURES
YEAR
LAUNCHES
1960 1 1 1
1961 3 3 2
1962 1 4 5 2
1963 1 6 7 2
1964 3 5 8 1
1965 3 2 5 0
1966 1 7 8
1967 7 1 8 2
1968 1 4 5
1969 2 2
1970 1 1 1 3
1971 2 1 2 5
1972 1 3 1 5
1973 1 1
1974 4 2 6
1975 2 1 3 1
1976 1 1 2
1977 1 1
1978 1 1
1979 2 1 3
1980 - - - -
1981 1 1
1982
1983 1 1
1984 1 1
1985 1 1 2
1986 1 1
1987 1 1
1988 3 1 4
1990 1 1
1991 1 1
1992 2 2
1993 1 1
1994 1 1
TOTAL 22 68 9 99 11

(1) 10 re-entry and 7 probe missions were achieved between July 1960 and June 1976.

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Ø Previsionel Reliability:

Ø Success ratio:

- since 1960: 90.8%

- since 1968: 98.2% (on 55 launches)

4.4 Planned launches

None (9.5. 1994 is last SCOUT launch).

5. DESCRIPTION

5.1 Launch vehicle

FIGURE 17 - MAJOR SCOUT ASSEMBLIES

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5.2 Overall vehicle

Ø Overall length : 22.92 m
Ø Maximum diameter : 1.14 m
Ø Lift-off mass : 21 540 kg (less payload)

5.3 General characteristics of the stages

STAGE 1 2 3 4

Designation ALGOL 3 A CASTOR 2 A ANTARES 3 A ALTAIR 3 A

Manufacturer LTV LTV LTV LTV

Length (m) 9.40 6.31 3.41 3.78

Diameter (m) 1.14 0.79 0.76 0.50

Dry mass (t) 1.939 1.064 .335 .041

Propellant:

Solid Solid Solid Solid

Ø Type
(UTP-3096 C) (TP-H 7036) (TP-H 3340) (TP-H 3062 M)

Ø Fuel PBAN PBAN HTPB-AI HTPB-AI

Ø Oxidizer NH4 CI O4 NH4 CI O4 NH4 CI O4 NH4 CI O4

Propellant mass (kg)

Ø Fuel

Ø Oxidizer

TOTAL 12 817 3 768 1 299 275

Tank pressure
(bar)

Total lift-off
14.756 4.832 1.634 .316
mass (t)

Ø Upper part

VEHICLE
DESIGNATION EQUIPMENT FAIRING
BAY

Manufacturer HONEYWELL

Mass

- Launch vehicle growth capability: LTV with Italy's propulsion company SNIA-BPD are working on an
improved SCOUT 2 version with 2 or 4 ARIANE 4 boosters (PAP) and an SEP/SNIA-BPD MAGE 2
th
solid propellant as the 5 stage.

- Loiter capability:

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5.4 Propulsion

STAGE 1 2 3 4

Designation ALGOL 3 A CASTOR 2 A STAR 31 STAR 20

(TX 534-3) (TE-M-762) (TE-M-640)

Manufacturer UTC THIOKOL THIOKOL THIOKOL

Number of engines 1 1 1 1

Engine mass (kg)

Feed syst. type - -

Mixture ratio -

Chamber pressure 31.0 48.2 48.2 46.2

(bar)

Cooling Ablative Ablative Ablative Ablative

Specific impulse (s)

Ø Sea level 229

Ø Vacuum 259 280 295 288

Thrust (kN)

Ø Sea level 414.8

Ø Vacuum 464.7 267.4 80.8 25.8

Burning time (s) 58.4 37.7 44.9 29.1

Nozzle expansion 6.48 21.2 46.0 50.3

ratio

Restart capability No No No No

5.5 Guidance and control

5.5.1 Guidance

Simplified HONEYWELL open loop inertial platform

5.5.2 Control

STAGE 1 2 3 4

Pitch, yaw, roll Aerodynamic fins H2O2 H2O2 Spin stabilized by

and jet vanes RCS RCS 4 impulse rocket
motors

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6. DATA SOURCE REFERENCES

1 - SCOUT nozzle data book - S. SHIELDS - VOUGHT Corp. -NASA-CR-145136 - 1977

2 - Development of advanced motor for the third stage of the SCOUT launch vehicle -
S. KESSLER and D. CARSON - AIAA Paper 79-1294 - 18/20.06.1979

3 - SCOUT - NASA 's small satellite launcher - A. WILSON - Spaceflight Vol. 21, 11, November 1979

4 - The SCOUT launch vehicle program - L.R. FOSTER and R.G. URASH - Proceedings of the
th
18 Space Congress, Cocoa Beach - 29.04/01.05.1981

5 - Delta launch vehicle accident investigation - Hearings of House of Representatives -

GPO 63.141 - 05.06.1986

6 - SCOUT planning guide - LTV - May 1987

7 - Jane's Spaceflight Directory 1988-89, p 459

8 - Aviation Week - 20.03.1989 - US Launch Vehicles, p 173

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