Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Gillespie, V. P..
Viewgraphs on Early Lunar Rover Mission studies are included. The chronology of events and study project description are addressed. Issues identified for analysis and basic questions to be addressed are listed. LaRC Early Lunar Mission study results are included.
The results of a NASA in-house team effort to develop a concept definition for a Commercially Developed Space Facility (CDSF) are presented. Science mission utilization definition scenarios are documented, the conceptual configuration definition system performance parameters qualified, benchmark operational scenarios developed, space shuttle interface descriptions provided, and development schedule activity was assessed with respect to the establishment of a proposed launch date.
Factors to be considered in the design and fabrication of models for cryogenic wind tunnels include high model loads imposed by the high operating pressures, the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of materials in low temperature environments, and the combination of aerodynamic loads with the thermal environment. Candidate materials are being investigated to establish criteria for cryogenic wind tunnel models and their installation. Data acquired from these tests will be provided to users of the National Transonic Facility.
A surface sampler subsystem for the Viking Lander has been designed, fabricated, cleaned, and successfully tested. Testing has included component level tests to qualification environment and subsystem level tests. This development hardware has also been integrated into a System Test Bed (STB) for the lander system. In addition to the normal dynamic and thermal environments the surface sampler hardware has been tested in an aircraft to simulate the effects of the reduced Martian gravity. Although problems have been encountered with the first-build and integration, the basic design appears to be sound and hardware qualification is scheduled for late 1973.
Space to reentry environmental sequence simulator for heat shield materials uninterrupted vacuum transfer without exposure to atmosphere