Charles A. Chase: 42+ Years as a “Rocket Scientist” (10 September 1962 to 28 January 2005)
Summary
This document is a career retrospective presentation celebrating Charles A. Chase’s 42+ years of service (1962–2005) as a propulsion engineer, chief engineer, and program manager at Pratt & Whitney Chemical Systems Division (formerly UTC). It documents major achievements and contributions across landmark space propulsion programs, including the Titan solid rocket boosters, NASA Scout stages, Space Shuttle Booster Separation Motors (BSMs), Inertial Upper Stage (IUS), Orbus family motors, missile defense systems, and international aerospace collaborations.
Page 1 - Title Slide
Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion Charles A. Chase 42+ Years as a “Rocket Scientist” 10 September 1962 to 28 January 2005 Pratt & Whitney - A United Technologies Company - P&W Space Propulsion
Page 2 - The Start of a Career
The Start of a Career • Charles was interviewed at the University of Michigan during the summer of 1962 while completing his Masters Degree in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering • He and his wife Carole (also a U of M Masters [Math Education] graduate) moved to California in early September, 1962 • On September 10, Charles started work at what was then called: United Technology Corporation (UTC), a subsidiary of United Aircraft (UA). The name soon changed to United Technology Center, Division of UA. • UTC’s primary offices were then located on Arques Avenue in Sunnyvale, CA about a block off of what was then called Lawrence Station (not “Expressway”), a two lane road. Near the office were cows and fertile fields growing various crops.
Page 3 - Early Badge Picture
Early Badge Picture [Badge photograph of C A CHASE]
Page 4 - His First Job Assignment
His First Job Assignment • Early in 1962, UTC had won an Air Force contract to build the strap-on boosters for the new Titan IIIC. These boosters were the world’s largest solid rocket motors at that time • Charles first worked in the Grain Design and Performance Analysis section. He primarily worked on the ballistics analysis of the Titan SRM forward closure grain which was perforated by a star core and two Thrust Termination (TT) ports. • All calculations where done using “map readers,” “planimeters,” Friden calculators, slide rules and a very primitive IBM computer. It took 45 minutes for the IBM to make calculations for a single time in the motor burn time. [Images: Titan IIIC, Friden 4-Function Calculator, Planimeter, Keuffel & Esser (K & E) Slide Rule]
Page 5 - His First Job Assignment + More College
His First Job Assignment + More College • Assignments gradually expanded to include some preliminary trajectory parameter assessments — This included the development of an improved multi-dimensional trajectory analysis program • From 1963 to 1968 Charles also attended Stanford University (while working full time) where he earned a Degree of Advanced Engineering-DAE (post-Masters degree) in Aero & Astro Engineering — Thesis: “Performance of Dual Area Nozzles”
Page 6 - CSD Creates Titan Booster “Building Blocks”
CSD Creates Titan Booster “Building Blocks” • Titan Booster Segment Removed from CSD’s Propellant Casting Pit • Segment “Stacking” at CSD’s ST-9 Static Test Facility
Page 7 - Key Titan SRM Static Tests
Key Titan SRM Static Tests • First 1201 Test (2/63) • First 1205 Test (7/63) • First 1207 Test (4/69)
Page 8 - The Drama of a Titan Static Test at CSD
The Drama of a Titan Static Test at CSD [Aerial photograph of a Titan static test firing at CSD’s test facility with large vertical exhaust plume]
Page 9 - CSD Boosters are Integrated into Titan LV
CSD Boosters are Integrated into Titan LV • Segments Arrive at Cape by Rail • Aerial View Cape Canaveral • Rail Car for SRM Buildup • Solid Motor Assembly Bldg (SMAB) • Titan LV Arrives at Pad by Rail • Titan IIIC Ready for Launch • Sketch of Liftoff at Cape • Sketch of Booster Separation
Page 10 - TITAN LAUNCHES-Using CSD Boosters
TITAN LAUNCHES-Using CSD Boosters • Titan III - 1st Launch 1965 • Titan 34D - 1st Launch 1982 • Titan IVA - 1st Launch 1989
Page 11 - Design/Project Engineer (1962-1971)
Design/Project Engineer (1962-1971) • Some of the early programs for which Charles made significant contributions (grain design and performance analysis) include: — 5-segment Titan boosters (420,000 lb of propellant) first flown in June 1965 (all 34 flights had 100% success) — FW-4, a 19-in diameter filament wound (fiberglass) spin stage (up to 200 rpm) which was the 4th stage for NASA’s Scout Launch Vehicle. 67 FW-4s were flown with only one failure (the problem was identified to NASA before the launch) — Algol-III: booster stage for NASA’s Scout Launch Vehicle — 100% success on all 35 launches — FW-5: apogee kick stage for Hughes’ Anik satellite (100% success), also used for Westar, Palapa, etc. for a total of 17/17 successful missions [Diagrams: Scout 4th Stage FW-4 19.6-in diameter Wp = 605-lb; Scout Booster Stage Algol-III: 45-in. diameter Wp = 28,000-lb; FW-5 AKM; Anik-1; Scout Launch]
Page 12 - First Complete Launch Vehicle Built by UTC: Kangaroo Meteorological Rocket: 1968-1970
First Complete Launch Vehicle Built by UTC: Kangaroo Meteorological Rocket: 1968-1970 • This was a perfect project for a young engineer. Responsibilities included overseeing design, fabrication, dart ejection testing, static tests (4), launches (3) and radar tracking, etc. One of the amazing things is that the above was completed on-budget for $125K. • The strange requirement to shot a meteorological dart out of a canister contained within the booster rocket’s combustion chamber resulted in many unique design features • Two launches from San Nicholas Island (Point Mugu) were never properly tracked by the Navy. A final launch at White Sands clearly showed success. [Images: Kangaroo Model; Dart’s Flared Aft End (picked up fins upon ejection) in Insulated Canister; Nosecone with Dart Forward End Protruding through Dart’s Fin Assembly]
Page 13 - A Hands On Kind of Guy - Kangaroo Meteorological Rocket
A Hands On Kind of Guy Kangaroo Meteorological Rocket • Inserting Dart into Kangaroo’s Canister • Attaching Kangaroo’s Nosecone (Baked in Motel Room Oven) • Attaching Kangaroo’s Fin Assembly • Checking Out Final Assembly • Launch at White Sands, NM
Page 14 - Chief, Advanced Design (1971-1976)
Chief, Advanced Design (1971-1976) • Directed a staff of about 25 engineers responsible for all solid propulsion optimization studies, grain design activities, and performance (internal ballistics and trajectory) analyses; and all computer models used in motor systems optimization, internal ballistics, and trajectory analyses • Also directed technical activities in support of most UTC solid rocket proposal efforts
• In 1975, company name changed to Chemical Systems Division, a Division of United Technologies Corporation (not United Aircraft anymore)
Page 15 - Chief Engineer - Space Shuttle Booster Separation Motors (1975 to 1978)
Chief Engineer Space Shuttle Booster Separation Motors (1975 to 1978) • Directed all BSM technical activities from proposal writing through motor and nozzle cover early qualification • Significant design challenges included: — Only solid rocket in history to perform forward of a manned vehicle — Close proximity to Space Shuttle Orbiter severely limited allowable ejecta from motor • This required low aluminized propellant and a unique nozzle cover — a bigger challenge to develop than the motor • 1792 BSM’s have flown to date (as of 1/28/05) with 100% success
Page 16 - BSM Team in 70s vs 2004
BSM Team in 70s vs 2004 [Photographs comparing the BSM engineering team in the 1970s and in 2004]
Page 17 - Chief Engineer - Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Program (1976 to 1984)
Chief Engineer Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Program (1976 to 1984) • 1973 to 1975: worked with senior management to create idea of solid rocket (instead of liquid rocket) IUS. Convinced Boeing to team with UTC. Changing “I” from “Interim” to “Inertial” • 1976 to1977: technical director of IUS 18-month validation phase resulting in a full-scale high technology motor firing 15 months after ATP. This test provided the Air Force with the confidence to proceed into IUS full-scale development. • 1978 to1984: directed all systems optimization studies, design and analysis and test activities that led to the full-scale qualification and flights of the two-stage IUS system [Diagrams: Orbus 21 IUS 1st Stage; Orbus 6E IUS 2nd Stage-with EEC]
Page 18 - IUS Two-Stage Vehicle
IUS Two-Stage Vehicle [Diagram detailing components: Extendible exit cone (optional), Second stage solid rocket motor (Orbus 6E), Spacecraft separation plane, Environmental measuring unit (EMU), Avionics bay (redundant inertial measurement unit — RIMU), Reaction control system, Interstage, First stage solid rocket motor (Orbus 21), Thrust vector control actuator, Nozzle]
Page 19 - Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Key Propulsion Systems Design Challenges
Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Key Propulsion Systems Design Challenges • Longest burn time of any SRM (155 to 165 sec) — Major challenge for nozzle materials to maintain nozzle expansion ratio • Largest SRM space motor • Very early use of Kevlar/epoxy for motor case • Very early use of carbon/carbon for nozzle throat and exit cone • First nozzle in the world qualified for flight using an extendible exit cone (EEC) • Both Stage 1 and 2 SRMs had to be capable of propellant offloads up to 50% • Had to be qualified for flight on both Titan and Shuttle • Electromechanical thrust vector actuators (TVAs) must incorporate redundant electric drive motors (another first in the world)
Page 20 - Signing IUS Case CDR Poster
Signing IUS Case CDR Poster [Photograph of Charles Chase and team signing the IUS Motor Case CDR Completed January 31, 1980 poster]
Page 21 - Chief Engineer - Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Program (1976 to 1984) - Continued
Chief Engineer Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Program (1976 to 1984) • During FSD, CSD tested a total of 26 first stage (Orbus 21) and 2nd stage (Orbus 6E) IUS motors, all at AEDC in Tennessee • IUS was qualified for flight on both Titan and the Space Shuttle launch vehicles • First flight of IUS was on the maiden flight of the Titan 34D at midnight on Halloween — October 30, 1982 • First flight of IUS on the Space Shuttle occurred on April 3, 1983 — This resulted in a flight “anomaly” which shut IUS flights down for about 18 months while a series of “most probable” causes were eliminated — We had 90 “non-CSD personnel” on site to assist in this investigation
Page 22 - Some Key IUS Missions
Some Key IUS Missions • IUS was on Challenger when it exploded during launch in January 1986. It was also in the Shuttle cargo bay when Shuttle returned to flight in late 1987. • Some of the primary missions have included: — DSCS spy satellites — TDRS communication satellites for Shuttle Orbiter communications — Magellan Spacecraft to Venus — Galileo Spacecraft to Jupiter — Ulysses Spacecraft to the Sun — DSP military spy satellites — Chandra X-ray Telescope [Images: TDRS, Magellan, Galileo, Ulysses, DSP, Chandra]
Page 23 - Chase Helps Host Visiting Shuttle Astronauts
Chase Helps Host Visiting Shuttle Astronauts • Welcome to CSD (Mullane and Coats) • Explaining IUS Propulsion (Hartsfield, Mullane, Resnick, Coats) • Explaining Shuttle BSM Propulsion (Hartsfield and Resnick) • Judy Resnick and Dan Nuzzo
Page 24 - Other Space Missions - Chief Engineer, Space Propulsion Systems (1984 to 1995)
Other Space Missions Chief Engineer, Space Propulsion Systems (1984 to 1995) • Directed the activities of the Chief Engineering staff in charge of all CSD space motor programs. — IUS — Intelsat VI (Orbus 21S) — JCSat (Orbus 7S) for Hughes — TOS for Orbital Sciences • Mars Observer (Orbus 21) launched successfully on September 25, 1992 by Titan from Cape Canaveral • STS-051 09/12/93 ACTS/TOS (Orbus 21) after release from Shuttle Discovery — Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS)
Page 25 - Miscellaneous Orbus Motor/System Pictures
Miscellaneous Orbus Motor/System Pictures • Orbus 21 in prep at CSD • Orbus 6E in prep at CSD • IUS awaiting vacuum chamber at Boeing • TOS checkout at Lockheed Martin • Orbus 21 On TOS
Page 26 - Example of Solid Rocket Motor Technology Being Applied to a Liquid Rocket Engine
Example of Solid Rocket Motor Technology Being Applied to a Liquid Rocket Engine Carbon/carbon extendible nozzle technology of IUS’s Orbus 6E SRM transferred to RL 10B-2 LRE of Delta III/IV’s Upper Stage
Page 27 - Rescue of Wayward Intelsat VI Satellite-1992 - Astronauts Connect it to Orbus 21S
Rescue of Wayward Intelsat VI Satellite-1992 Astronauts Connect it to Orbus 21S • In 1990, an Intelsat VI was launch on a Commercial Titan. Unable to separate CSD’s Orbus 21S from the upper stage of the Titan, the Intelsat VI was parked in a useless orbit (about 300 nm) • In 1992, a Shuttle mission was assigned to rescue the Intelsat VI. After several days, the astronauts attached the Intelsat to a new Orbus 21S. After separation from the Orbiter, the Orbus 21S placed the Intelsat VI into the desired transfer orbit.
Page 28 - Chase the Marathoner—1984
Chase the Marathoner—1984 Runners of San Francisco Marathon: Dan McMahon, Chuck Chase and Bob McLaughlin
Page 29 - Chase Directs Studies for New Launch Vehicle - Lockheed Launch Vehicle(LLV) -> Athena I and II
Chase Directs Studies for New Launch Vehicle Lockheed Launch Vehicle(LLV) -> Athena I and II • Early studies evaluated potential use of an Orbus 21-class motor for use as an upper stage atop a Castor 120 • The nozzle exit cone material was changed from carbon-carbon to carbon phenolic to withstand “hot” stage separation loads. The resultant motor was called the Orbus 21D. • Key payloads have included “Lunar Prospector” (discovered ice on the moon), “ROCSAT” (Taiwan’s 1st satellite) and Ikonos (with 1-meter photo resolution) [Images: Orbus 21D Static Test; Orbus 21D being stacked on launch pad; Athena I and II Launches with Orbus 21D Upper Stage]
Page 30 - Chase Chairs National Red Team for THAAD - Challenge: Eliminate Combustion Instability
Chase Chairs National Red Team for THAAD Challenge: Eliminate Combustion Instability • Early THAAD booster motor had design characteristics that promoted combustion instability that could not be tolerated • Chase chaired a red team composed of the nation’s most noted experts in the field of combustion stability analysis • Eventually, through an excellent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, the THAAD propellant grain was re-configured • The instability problem was eliminated
Page 31 - Chase Chairs NMD Independent Review—1999 - Programmatic and Technical Actions Recommended
Chase Chairs NMD Independent Review—1999 Programmatic and Technical Actions Recommended • National Missile Defense (NMD) System — Primary new generation anti-missile (US-wide) protection system [Images: NMD propulsion hardware and missile layout diagram 19810-27]
Page 32 - Chase Serves on Various Committees - AIAA—IAF—COMSTAC
Chase Serves on Various Committees AIAA—IAF—COMSTAC • American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics — AIAA — Chaired: many technical sessions — Authored: many technical papers — Chairman: Solid Rocket Technical Committee (SRTC) — Director: Propulsion & Energy Group — Member: Board of Directors • Int’l Astronautics Federation — IAF — Member: Space Transportation Committee — Member: Space Propulsion Committee — Chaired: Many technical sessions • Commercial Satellite Technical Advisory Committee — COMSTAC — Member
Page 33 - AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference - Chase: Chairman, Monterey, CA — 1993
AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference Chase: Chairman, Monterey, CA — 1993 • P&W Space Propulsion sponsored AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference: Monterey 1993 • Chase was General Chairman who (with support from other CSD staff) organized the entire conference • Conference theme: “International Cooperation in Aerospace” • Chase raised $100K from 40 corporations to bring 30 scientists to the JPC from Russia and Ukraine — This jump-started the JPC as a major international conference • Chase invited keynote speakers from Asian, European and US space agencies • The conference set an attendance record
Page 34 - AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference - General Pictures
AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference General Pictures • Chases and Norths with Russian visitor • Chase with group • Chase with Chinese delegation • Chases with Greenwell • Schaeffer, Quinlan, Sinclair, Castro and Parsley • Part of Russian delegation
Page 35 - AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference - General Pictures (Continued)
AIAA Joint Propulsion Conference General Pictures • Chase gives thank you dinner for support staff • Presidential suite deck • Evening dinner party at Monterey Aquarium • Chases at Monterey Aquarium
Page 36 - Chase Elevated to AIAA Fellow—1999
Chase Elevated to AIAA Fellow—1999 Citation: Outstanding contributions to the successful development of launch vehicle and upper stage solid rocket motors in support of manned space flight, satellite communications and interplanetary missions • With Carole and Patti Grace Smith (FAA Associate Administrator-Space) • With Louis Chênevert and Pierre Betin (Snecma) • With Claude Bonnet, Pierre and Alan McDonald
Page 37 - Congrats From UTC’s President & COO
Congrats From UTC’s President & COO Letter from Karl J. Krapek, President and Chief Operating Officer, United Technologies Corporation (May 6, 1999): “Dear Charles, It was such a thrill for me to be at the Honors Night Banquet when you were named a 1999 AIAA Fellow. I know it was a wonderful night for you and your family. It was also a great night for Pratt & Whitney, as you bring great honor and recognition to your company. You stood so proudly when introduced that I know this award means a lot to you. Thank you for working so hard and diligently for Pratt & Whitney and our industry. Once again, well done. Best regards, Karl”
Page 38 - Chase Receives Another Patent Award
Chase Receives Another Patent Award [Photograph of Charles Chase receiving a patent award]
Page 39 - Manager, Business Development - Space Propulsion Systems — CSD (1995 through 2003)
Manager, Business Development Space Propulsion Systems — CSD (1995 through 2003) • Responsible for new business opportunities involving launch vehicles and space propulsion systems (solid rockets, hybrid rockets and electric propulsion systems). • Directly involved in all space-related foreign collaborations and evaluations of potential domestic joint ventures and mergers and acquisitions • Oversees engineering and programmatic support for new business ventures and proposal efforts
Page 40 - Promoting International Collaboration — China
Promoting International Collaboration — China • Wang Liheng welcomes Chase to China • With George David in Beijing • With Al Haig in Beijing • Visiting HEXI in Inner Mongolia • Typical Chinese business feast • Ron Michalak and Chuck try some eel
Page 41 - Promoting International Collaboration — Russia
Promoting International Collaboration — Russia • With Vladimir in 30-below Perm • Signing a Protocol at NPO Iskra (Perm) • Choot-choot of vodka at NPO Iskra (7:30 AM) • Working hard at Perm Airport • Chase and Verlot agree with NPO Iskra to proceed with pilot study • Carole and Chuck at Russian Federation’s Faberge exhibit (SF)
Page 42 - Chase — The Lecturer
Chase — The Lecturer • Chase talked about his and CSD’s experiences to: — University students: • University of Michigan • Stanford University • Naval Post Graduate School — AIAA SRM Short Course for young engineers — Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs — Groups of “New Hires” at CSD — Grammar school classes [Poster: Charles A. Chase (Class of 1961) will speak on the subject of: Some Unique Design Experiences with Solid Propellant Rockets - 10 November 2000]
Page 43 - Promoter of Young Rocketeering
Promoter of Young Rocketeering Students from Fisher Middle School—Los Gatos, CA [Photograph of Charles Chase with middle school students holding a model rocket]
Page 44 - CSD Expands into Electric Propulsion Systems - Chase Spearheaded the Team
CSD Expands into Electric Propulsion Systems Chase Spearheaded the Team • As part of its continuing effort to broaden the business horizons of P&W Space Propulsion, it was decided to explore opportunities in satellite propulsion. Of key interest was electric propulsion (EP) • For two years Chase pursued the pros and cons associated with the acquisition of Space Power, Inc., a small EP company • In July 2000 the acquisition (P&W-SP’s first) was completed. Then Chase’s responsibility changed to making SPI into an electric propulsion system supplier
Page 45 - Chase Writes “Pocket Rocket” Book
Chase Writes “Pocket Rocket” Book • Used as textbook at University of Alabama-Huntsville • Used as textbook at University of Rome [Cover image: The Solid Rocket Pocket Reader, Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion]
Page 46 - Chase’s 40th Anniversary at CSD
Chase’s 40th Anniversary at CSD Now that Charles Chase has returned from his African Safari… Let’s celebrate his 40th Anniversary at CSD! Join us for ruminations, robusta coffee (Java), and really remarkable cake! (Realistic reproductions of his relaxing retreat may be readily available too!) Date: Wednesday, October 2 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Building 0010 Auditorium
Page 47 - Chase Receives NASA’s Stellar Award-2003 - For Contributions to NASA’s Space Programs
Chase Receives NASA’s Stellar Award-2003 For Contributions to NASA’s Space Programs Citation: Charles A. Chase is a rocket propulsion pioneer and visionary who has been the key technical director of some of this nation’s most important space propulsion programs that have met and conquered their many world record challenges. Many of his programs have allowed NASA and other US agencies to successfully achieve missions critical to better understanding our universe and protecting our homeland. • Presented Stellar award by Astronaut Sandra Magnus • Carole and Chuck with award
Page 48 - Chase Elected to IAA Full Membership-2003 - For Major Rocket Propulsion Contributions
Chase Elected to IAA Full Membership-2003 For Major Rocket Propulsion Contributions [Seal of Academie Internationale d’Astronautique / International Academy of Astronautics] Limited to 1000 members worldwide
Page 49 - Chase Becomes Program Manager—2003 — Space Programs
Chase Becomes Program Manager—2003 — Space Programs Internal Correspondence, Pratt & Whitney Date: December 22, 2003 Subject: Appointment of Mr. Charles A. Chase as Program Manager—Space Programs From: Mark Mounsey, General Manager, P&W Space Propulsion - San Jose “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Charles Chase to the position of Program Manager for all Space Programs at Pratt & Whitney-Space Propulsion’s San Jose Site, effective December 22, 2003. As my direct report, Chase will have overall management responsibility for all solid propellant space programs, especially the Booster Separation Motor (BSM) program and its support of the Shuttle return to flight (RTF). Chase will also oversee all P&W efforts associated with electric propulsion systems…”
Page 50 - Chase Receives NASA’s Leadership Award-2004 - From NASA Headquarters — for Directing BSM Program
Chase Receives NASA’s Leadership Award-2004 From NASA Headquarters — for Directing BSM Program Chase with Shuttle/ISS astronaut Dan Bursch and Gen. Mike Kostelnik: Deputy Assoc Administrator—ISS & Shuttle
Page 51 - Concluding Remarks
Concluding Remarks • I have been most fortunate to have worked with some of the propulsion world’s brightest engineers and scientists. Through our collective efforts we have conquered significant challenges. Together we have contributed to some of the most important space missions in history. • More importantly, however, I have been blessed to work with some highly talented and truly wonderful people at CSD. CSD has always had the trait of being a family where we supported each other when the need arose. These special people along with our many spectacular accomplishments have created an endless collection of great memories.
Page 52 - Division Overview & Closing Montage
Pratt & Whitney Space Propulsion / Chemical Systems Division [Montage depicting CSD programs: Space, Strategic & Missile Defense, Advanced Technologies, Technology & Services]