Engineering topics

Kelly, G. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Kelly, G. M..

34 records · Page 2

NASA NTRS1982

The adaptation of a strap down formulation for processing inertial platform data

An estimator propagation formulation which ultilizes dynamic data (attitude and sensed acceleration information) from a gimballed inertial platform has been developed to aid in the Shuttle post-flight trajectory reconstruction process and aerodynamic coefficient determination studies. Unlike the classical inertial algorithms, this formulation yields a six degree-of-freedom fully coupled state and attitude estimate. Furthermore, this inertial version is shown to be independent of initial unknown platform misalignments. Results obtained using actual Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) data and Aerodynamic Coefficient Identification Package (ACIP) strap down data from Shuttle flights are presented.

Heck, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Wind estimation using air data probe measurements to evaluate meteorological measurements made during Space Shuttle entries

Deterministic and weighted least squares methods for obtaining estimates of the horizontal winds encountered during the Shuttle entry phase are described. The estimates are based on in situ Air Data System (ADS) measurements of angle-of-attack, side-slip angle and true airspeed, in conjunction with inertial trajectory parameters obtained from the post flight trajectory reconstruction. Accuracies in the wind estimates obtained from each method are assessed using both theoretical arguments and flight results. Comparisons of derived winds with meteorological measurements taken during the first three Shuttle entries have demonstrated: (1) the usefulness of the wind estimators for evaluating meteorological measurements below 50 kft, and (2) the potential for adequate wind determinations in the absence of independent wind measurements. Comparisons of STS-3 flight-derived L/D versus predicted values from the LaRC aerodynamic data base are presented from 50 kft to touchdown. These results exemplify the importance of such determinations to enhance the ongoing Shuttle aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic research.

Kelly, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Reconstruction of the 1st Space Shuttle (STS-1) entry trajectory

A discussion of the generation of the best estimate trajectory (BET) of the first Space Shuttle Orbiter entry flight is presented. The BET defines a time history of the state, attitude, and atmospheric relative parameters throughout the Shuttle entry from an altitude of approximately 183 km to rollout. The inertial parameters were estimated utilizing a weighted least squares batch filter algorithm. Spacecraft angular rate and acceleration data derived from the Inertial Measurement Unit were utilized to predict the state and attitude which was constrained in a weighted least squares process to fit external tracking data consisting of ground based S-band and C-band data. Refined spacecraft altitude and velocity during and post rollout were obtained by processing artificial altimeter and Doppler data. The BET generation process is discussed. Software and data interface discussions are included. The variables and coordinate systems utilized are defined. STS-1 mission peculiar inputs are summarized. A listing of the contents of the actual BET is provided.

Findlay, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Shuttle /STS-1/ entry trajectory reconstruction

The methods and data used to reconstruct the Shuttle entry trajectory aerodynamics from 180 km to landing are reviewed. Onboard accelerometer and gyro measurements are used with a weighted least squares filter along with ground tracking data to provide the evolving spacecraft state. The software development is described, noting that computations include linear acceleration and angular rate data, aerodynamic coefficient, and inertial measurement units, sampled at 170 Hz. Ground tracking data was gathered on S- and C-bands; Guam data is considered critical as it was taken during the blackout at the beginning of entry. The generation of a best estimate trajectory, combining flight and ground data, yields inplane parameters of altitude, flight path angle, and velocity for comparison with navigational instrumentation. Predicted lift/drag ratios were found to be accurate from Mach 1-25, and up to 23% low below Mach 1.

Compton, H. R.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Horizontal wind estimates deterministically derived from the STS-1 entry flight date--a comparison with available meteorology data

Two wind profiles were determined from STS-1 entry flight data based on preliminary best estimate trajectory (BET). The deterministic process used in deriving the atmospheric winds requires inertial estimates of the spacecraft angle-of-attack (alpha) and side-slip angle (beta) from the BET in conjunction with some air data system measurements of the actual angles. The current orbiter air data system (OADS) provides the necessary alpha information. Two beta profiles were adopted. The first profile assumed that the spacecraft would weathervane into any prevailing wind. The second assumed a conservative side-slip history computed from measured accelerations in the spacecraft body axes. It is shown that there are no major differences between the deterministic winds computed using both methods. Further, comparisons of these winds with raw measurements from Tehachapi, California, and preliminary winds obtained from the LaRC LAIRS file and the JSC/TRW descent BET are presented.

Kelly, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1981

An extended BET format for La RC shuttle experiments: Definition and development

A program for shuttle post-flight data reduction is discussed. An extended Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) file was developed. The extended format results in some subtle changes to the header record. The major change is the addition of twenty-six words to each data record. These words include atmospheric related parameters, body axis rate and acceleration data, computed aerodynamic coefficients, and angular accelerations. These parameters were added to facilitate post-flight aerodynamic coefficient determinations as well as shuttle entry air data sensor analyses. Software (NEWBET) was developed to generate the extended BET file utilizing the previously defined ENTREE BET, a dynamic data file which may be either derived inertial measurement unit data or aerodynamic coefficient instrument package data, and some atmospheric information.

Findlay, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Dynamical constants and reference parameters for Mars

Dynamical constants and other fundamental reference parameters for Mars have been derived from analyses of Viking lander ranging and Doppler tracking data covering a time span of nearly four years. Precise values have been obtained for the coordinates of the spin axis and for the rotation rate, suggesting that these Viking-derived values are definitive and are suitable for adoption by the IAU. Preliminary results have been obtained for a small seasonal variation in the rotation rate, and progress has been made toward a direct determination of the precession constant.

Michael, W. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Measurements of thermal structure and thermal contrasts in the atmosphere of Venus and related dynamical observations - Results from the four Pioneer Venus probes

The thermal structure of the Venus atmosphere and differences in structure with latitude (up to 60 deg) and clock hour (from midnight to 8 AM) have been measured in situ from a height of 126 km to the surface by instruments on the four Pioneer Venus entry probes. It is found that thermal contrasts below 45 km are a few K, with the midlatitudes warmer than both equatorial and high latitudes. Considerable temperature and pressure differences with latitude develop in the clouds (25 K and 20 mbar level). In addition, upward of 110 km, there is evidence of large-amplitude temperature oscillations with altitude, believed to signify the presence of large-amplitude waves, perhaps thermal tides. Agreement of structure data from other Pioneer Venus experiments is generally excellent.

Seiff, A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Recommended ENTREE S-band and Doppler models

Based on comparisons between instantaneous and light time delay (LTD) formulations for S band range and Doppler observables, expanded models for instantaneous S band observables are recommended for inclusion in the ENTREE program. In a worst case situation using Guam tracking for a representative shuttle entry trajectory, the proposed ENTREE model differs from the LTD model by approximately + or - 0.2 ft in range and + or - 0.02 Hz in Doppler. In contrast, the maximum differences between the existing ENTREE model and the LTD model are approximately (-80, +60) ft in range and (-4, -1) Hz in Doppler.

Kelly, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Comparisons of subsonic drag estimates derived from Pioneer Venus probes flight data with wind-tunnel results

Subsonic drag coefficients have been obtained from flight data for the Pioneer Venus multiprobes. The technique used to extract the information from the data consisted of utilizing in situ pressure and temperature measurements. Analysis of the major model parameter error sources indicates overall error levels of five percent or less in the flight values of the drag coefficient. Comparisons of the flight coefficients with preflight wind-tunnel test data showed generally good agreement except for the Sounder descent probe configuration. To preclude atmospheric phenomena as a possible explanation of this difference, additional wind-tunnel tests were performed on the Sounder descent probe. Special attempts were made to duplicate the probe geometry for tests in a high Reynolds number environment in order to achieve as realistic model and flight conditions as practical. Preliminary results from this testing in the NASA LaRC Low Turbulence Pressure Tunnel produced a drag coefficient of 0.68 at 0 deg angle of attack which is within the expected accuracy limits of the flight derived drag coefficient value of 0.72 + or - 0.04, thus eliminating atmospheric phenomena as the explanation for the initial difference.

Blanchard, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Thermal contrast in the atmosphere of Venus - Initial appraisal from Pioneer Venus probe data

The altitude profiles of temperature and pressure were measured during the descent of four Pioneer Venus probes, showing small contrasts below the clouds, but significant differences within the clouds at altitudes from 45 to 61 km. Measurements of pressure differences were found to be consistent with the cyclostrophic balance of zonal winds ranging from 110 to 150 m/sec at 60 km and from 43 to 77 m/sec at 40 km. The clouds were 10 to 20 K warmer than the extended profiles of the lower atmosphere and the middle cloud is convectively unstable. Both phenomena are due to thermal radiation from below. Meridional wind velocities were studied, concluding that significant planetary scale non-axisymmetric motions were present at latitudes below 30 degrees. This result was consistent with the day-night pressure difference. Indications of flow oscillations in the lower atmosphere were noted and the inference of wave motions in the lower atmosphere was supported by analysis of oscillations in the Doppler residuals.

Seiff, A.↗

NASA NTRS1978

A recommended entry reconstruction process for the Pioneer Venus multi-probe mission

A method for determining the entry trajectories for the Pioneer Venus multi-probe mission is presented that utilizes earth based Doppler and onboard accelerometry as observables to provide updates for the spacecraft state and atmospheric parameters. The evolution of this method, based on error analyses and actual simulation results, is discussed. A derivative of the Viking radio science orbit determination software is recommended for the reconstruction. Telemetry data pre-processing requirements were defined. A cubic spline derivative routine is recommended to extract accelerations from the accumulated velocity decrements.

Findlay, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The mass of Phobos

Radio tracking data associated with the February 1977 encounters between the Martian satellite Phobos and the Viking Orbiter I spacecraft have been analyzed to determine the gravitational constant of Phobos. A linear error analysis was conducted to determine the selection of data and the parameter solution set which would yield the best estimate of the gravitational constant. This error analysis indicated that the optimal data set was a data arc beginning just prior to the closest encounter and spanning three consecutive spacecraft orbits; data near periapsis were deleted. The most feasible parameter solution set consisted of the Phobos gravitational constant and the spacecraft initial conditions. The result of the data analysis was an estimate of (7.3 plus or minus 0.7) x 10 to the -4th cu km/sq sec for the gravitational constant of Phobos.

Tolson, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Lander Locations, Mars Physical Ephemeris, and Solar System Parameters: Determination from Viking Lander Tracking Data

Radio tracking data from the Viking landers have been analyzed to determine the parameters of the Mars physical ephemeris, the radii of Mars at the landing sites, and the lander locations. The orientation of the Mars rotation axis, referred to the 1950.0 earth mean equator, equinox, and epoch, was determined to be 317.340+/-0.003 degrees right ascension and 52.710+/-0.002degrees declination. The planet's rotation period was determined to be 24 h, 37 min, 22.663+/-0.002 s. Analyses indicate that the determination of the motions of the Mars rotation axis will require additional tracking data. The Mars radii at the sites of landers 1 and 2 are 3389.38+/-0.06 km and 3381.91+/-0.08 km, respectively. The areocentric location of lander 1 is 22.272+/-0.002 degrees N, 47.94+/-0.2 degrees W. The lander 2 location is 47.670+/-0.002 degrees N, 225.71+/-0.2 degrees W. The areocentric right ascensions of the landers are determined to be 277.314+/-0.002 degrees for lander 1 and 99.546+/-0.002degrees for lander 2 at 0000 hours, January 1, 1977 (Julian date 2443144.57). Possible determinations of relativity parameters, solar oblateness, asteroid mass, and variations of the universal gravitational constant, from their effects on the planetary motions, will require the additional tracking data of the Viking extended mission.

Mayo, A. P.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Mars dynamics, atmospheric and surface properties - Determination from Viking tracking data

Approximately three months of radio tracking data from the Viking landers have been analyzed to determine the lander locations, the orientation of the spin axis of Mars, and a first estimate from Viking data of the planet's spin rate. Preliminary results have also been obtained for atmospheric parameters and radii at occultation points and for properties of the surface in the vicinity of lander 1.

Michael, W. H., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Viking lander location and spin axis of Mars - Determination from radio tracking data

Radio tracking data from the Viking lander have been used to determine the lander position and the orientation of the spin axis of Mars. The areocentric coordinates of the lander are 22.27 deg N, 48.00 deg W, and 3389.5 kilometers from the center of mass; the spin axis orientation, referred to earth's mean equator and equinox of 1950.0, is 317.35 deg right ascension and 52.71 deg declination.

Michael, W. H., Jr.↗