A Propellant Depletion System for Propulsion Shutdown on the Atlas Space Launch Vehicle

In order to establish a propellant depletion system for propulsion shutdown on the Atlas space launch vehicle, design criteria have been closely examined to meet the unique environmental requirements in this particular application. A survey of the different types of liquid level sensing systems in common usage has indicated that the magnetostrictive sensor combines the best qualifications available, and also possesses a high degree of ruggedness and resistance to shock.

This paper describes the Atlas space launch vehicle fuel depletion system currently under development and test at General Dynamics/Astronautics. The objective of this program is to produce a system exhibiting the highest possible reliability and performance.