Interstage

Adapter (rocketry)

Adapter (rocketry)

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In rocketry, an adapter is a hollow cylindrical[1] or conical segment[2] which provides a sound aerodynamic and structural connection, either between rocket stages (referred to as an interstage adapter) or between a spacecraft and the top rocket stage (referred to as a payload adapter). It may shroud and protect vulnerable systems such as electrics or machinery of rocket engines/spacecraft from weather or noise caused by running engines.[3] It is discarded during staging.

Interstage of the UGM-73 Poseidon missile. First stage is on the right, separated second stage - on the left

Examples of rocket stages featuring an interstage adapter:

Examples of rocket stages featuring a payload adapter:

References

  1. [1]
    Smith 2002, p. 2.
  2. [2]
    Wiley J. Larson; Linda K. Pranke (1999). Human Spaceflight: Mission Analysis and Design. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-236811-6.
  3. [3]
    "NASA Continues Progress on Artemis III Rocket Adapter with Key Joint Installation - NASA". Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  4. [4]
    "The Launch of Atlas-Centaur 5". 2 March 2015.
  5. [5]
    "Centaur - Mission Planners Guide (NASA CR-154970)" (PDF). General Dynamics Convair Aerospace Division. 1 August 1971. Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 January 2022.
  6. [6]
    "Atlas Launch System Mission Planner's Guide, Atlas V Addendum (AVMPG)" (PDF). Lockheed Martin. 1 December 1999.
  7. [7]
    McCutcheon, Kimble D. (3 August 2022). "U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution Part 8.20: The Saturn V S-II".
  8. [8]
    McCutcheon, Kimble D. (3 August 2022). "U.S. Manned Rocket Propulsion Evolution Part 8.30: The Saturn S-IVB Stage".
  9. [9]
    "NASA's Space Launch System Launch Vehicle Stage Adapter Ready for Thermal Insulation Application". 30 August 2017. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  10. [10]
    "NASA Completes Weld of Rocket Adapter for First Artemis Launch with Crew - NASA". 2021-03-24. Retrieved 2024-03-07.
  11. [11]
    "Universal Stage Adapter (USA)". Retrieved 14 September 2022.

Sources

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