Chapter 2 - Reaction Control System Flashcards
1
Q
What is the reaction control system (RCS) used for?
A
attitude adjustments to the orbiter
2
Q
What are the 4 key tasks of the RCS?
A
- separation of the shuttle from the external fuel tank (ET) after launch
- re-positioning the shuttle for re-entry
- serves as replacement for one of the main engines in the event of a main engine failure
- serve as a fuel dump under emergency conditions
3
Q
How are the valves in the RCS module controlled?
A
from a panel of switches that can be set to OPEN, CLOSE, or GPC for computer conrol
4
Q
How many subsystems is the RCS composed of?
A
three: forward, left and right
5
Q
What do each RCS subsystem consist of?
A
- a fuel tank
- an oxidizer tank
- aset of 14 jets (16 jets for forward RCS)
6
Q
What 3 ways can the jet usage and firing of the RCS be monitored & controlled?
A
- from the ground
- by the onboard computers
- by manually reading gauges and operating valves
