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Huckins, E. K., III

Publications and source records attributed to Huckins, E. K., III.

Potential space station evolution and growth modes

User requirements for the first ten years of space station operation are assessed, and space station system capabilities to meet those needs are delineated. A module length of about 11.5 m with external interconnects best meets growth needs, and a power unit which provides 42 KW is desirable. Four growth scenarios for the manned element of the space station program are studied, and typical growth configurations are described. The full dual keel configuration is attractive at this point due to its increased flexibility.

Pritchard, E. B.

A case for Large Space Systems Technology

The NASA Large Space Systems Technology (LSST) program, devoted to the development of Space Shuttle-deployable orbiting structures, is reviewed. The LSST program elements are: antennas, space platforms, assembly equipment and devices, surface sensors and control, control and stabilization, and analysis and design systems. Among the specific prospective applications for this technology base may be counted: multipurpose platforms, materials experimentation facilities, energy satellites, large optical and radio arrays, and communications platforms.

Huckins, E. K., III

A technology base for near-term space platforms

The paper briefly describes the ongoing Large Space Systems Technology (LSST) Program in platform technology. The program addresses technology issues associated with the near-term science and applications platform, and the more fundamental questions associated with the general class of large space-assembled structural systems. Elements of the technology program are described and preliminary results are discussed. Results to date indicate that potential new capabilities of the Space Shuttle will strongly influence spacecraft design, and that future spacecraft utilizing these new capabilities can provide important new performance capabilities and greater efficiency. The proposed science and applications platform appears to be the earliest envisioned space vehicle which will be of the space-assembled class.

Huckins, E. K., III

Passive three-axis stabilization of the Long Duration Exposure Facility

This paper presents an analysis of the attitude dynamics of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). LDEF is a large cylindrical gravity gradient stabilized earth satellite which is planned to be delivered to a 270-n mi circular orbit by the space shuttle. The fundamental linear stability, capture requirements, and pitch bias constraints generated by the Garber instability are discussed. Numerical simulations, based on the full nonlinear equations for the coupled orbital and attitude motion of the vehicle and the viscous magnetic damper, show stable behavior of the spacecraft and a damping time constant of 30 to 70 orbits.

Huckins, E. K., III

A general form of the co-moving tensorial derivative

A general expression for the co-moving derivative of a tensor is derived. A variable describing the coordinate velocity field is introduced. Time dependency of the metric elements is expressed in terms of this velocity field. The resulting description of motion is one of which the Eulerian and Lagrangian viewpoints are special cases. This general description is useful in problems involving moving boundaries or discontinuities.

Huckins, E. K., III

Evaluation of massless-spring modeling of suspension-line elasticity during the parachute unfurling process

A general theory on mathematical modeling of elastic parachute suspension lines during the unfurling process was developed. Massless-spring modeling of suspension-line elasticity was evaluated in detail. For this simple model, equations which govern the motion were developed and numerically integrated. The results were compared with flight test data. In most regions, agreement was satisfactory. However, poor agreement was obtained during periods of rapid fluctuations in line tension.

Poole, L. R.