Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Jenkins, L. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Jenkins, L. M..

11 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Telepresence work system concepts

Telepresence has been used in the context of the ultimate in remote manipulation where the operator is provided with the sensory feedback and control to perform highly dexterous tasks. The concept of a Telepresence Work Station (TWS) for operation in space is described. System requirements, concepts, and a development approach are discussed. The TWS has the potential for application on the Space Shuttle, on the Orbit Maneuver Vehicle, on an Orbit Transfer Vehicle, and on the Space Station. The TWS function is to perform satellite servicing tasks and construction and assembly operations in the buildup of large spacecraft. The basic concept is a pair of dexterous arms controlled from a remote station by an operation with feedback. It may be evolved through levels of supervisory control to a smart adaptive robotic system.

Jenkins, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Large Space Shuttle Flight Experiment

It appears practical to challenge the Orbiter DAP with a large, attached structure. The definition of this capability is a fundamental step in the development of nearly all large space systems currently under consideration. Experiment features may be incorporated that apply to control systems for large space systems such as modal damping devices. In a relatively simple deployable structure, the correlation of flight test results with ground test and analysis should provide a basis for extrapolation to more complex structures. Initial experiment concepts will provide a starting point for the examination of antenna feed mast requirements with the objective changing the design to produce a representative test article. Correlation of construction operations with ground simulations will provide for better task and time-line definition. EVA needs to be a direct benefit to the conduct of the experiment. Early consideration of safety issues is a precaution against defining an unacceptable experiment concept. Integration of many objectives seems feasible and is generally perceived as the only way to justify a relatively expensive experiment.

Jenkins, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Satellite Power System. Concept development and evaluation program, volume 6: Construction and operations

The construction, operation, and maintenance requirements for a solar power satellite, including the space and ground systems, are reviewed. The basic construction guidelines are explained, and construction location options are discussed. The space construction tasks, equipment, and base configurations are discussed together with the operations required to place a solar power satellite in geosynchronous orbit. A rectenna construction technique is explained, and operation with the grid is defined. Maintenance requirements are summarized for the entire system. Key technology issues required for solar power satellite construction operations are defined.

Benson, H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Construction assembly and overview

The graphite composite forming and welding technologies for the beam builder concept are discussed. Testing of the prototype truss segment and requirements for orbiter based construction equipment concepts are briefly addressed.

Jenkins, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Space construction technology needs

Space construction systems made feasible by an operational Space Shuttle are discussed with a view toward assembly, installation and construction support equipment. The level of construction capability will be reflected in the number of launches to accomplish a certain mission, either in terms of the mission time line or on the density of packaging in the Orbiter payload bay. It is noted that the development of construction support equipment in zero-gravity simulations should be the most productive initial activity. Crew EVAs, as well as the beam builder, cherrypicker and power distribution buses are covered in detail.

Jenkins, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Progress in composite structure and space construction systems technology

The development of deployable and fabricated composite trusses for large space structures by NASA and private industry is reviewed. Composite materials technology is discussed with a view toward fabrication processes and the characteristics of finished truss beams. Advances in roll-forming open section caps from graphite-composite strip material and new ultrasonic welding techniques are outlined. Vacuum- and gravity-effect test results show that the ultrasonic welding of graphite-thermoplastic materials in space is feasible. The structural characteristics of a prototype truss segment are presented. A new deployable graphite-composite truss with high packaging density for broad application to large space platforms is described.

Bodle, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Space fabrication: Graphite composite truss welding and cap forming subsystems

An automated beam builder for the fabrication of space structures is described. The beam builder forms a triangular truss 1.3 meters on a side. Flat strips of preconsolidated graphite fiber fabric in a polysulfone matrix are coiled in a storage canister. Heaters raise the material to forming temperature then the structural cap section is formed by a series of rollers. After cooling, cross members and diagonal tension cords are ultrasonically welded in place to complete the truss. The stability of fabricated structures and composite materials is also examined.

Jenkins, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Deployable multi-payload platform

Many space payloads with similar mission requirements can be grouped and accommodated on an orbiting platform which provides high-capacity, centralized services. Various concepts for such a platform were devised and evaluated to identify optimal features, interface prospects and areas of technological challenge. Guidelines included minimum and augmented mission models for science and applications payloads for the 1985-90 time period, minimum extension of the Orbiter capability, maximum use of the Orbiter remote manipulator system and capitalization on EVA where applicable. Deployable structures were employed to provide spacious payload berthing on a platform which can be highly-compacted for shuttle delivery.

Jenkins, L. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

A technology program for large area space systems

The large space systems technology program (LSST) is discussed. The purpose of LSST is to define and develop technology for large space systems and associated subsystems required for projected NASA space missions. Goals involving structural concepts and supporting technology are surveyed. The application of LSST to the design of the solar power satellite is considered.

Guastaferro, A.↗
NASA NTRS1965

Indexing device ensures proper mating of electrical connectors

Indexing splines with modified standard male and female connectors eliminates the possibility of incorrect mating. Large stock quantities of differently indexed connectors are unnecessary since connectors from a single stock can be indexed as desired at installation time.

Jenkins, L. M.↗