Structural Material Requirements for Manned Space Vehicles

Structural material requirements for manned space vehicles and other types of vehicles can be placed in three categories: temperature, surrounding media, and loading. The uniqueness of manned space vehicle material requirements lies in pushing the frontier in these categories. Using the fundamental mission phases of launch, space travel, reentry and landing, the material requirements are discussed for each phase, with major emphasis on the space travel phase. The end result of these requirements on a complete manned space vehicle is shown by describing the Gemini spacecraft structure and material types. Trade-offs and design penalties caused by material limitations are illustrated. Material problems are discussed.