Engineering topics

Pace, R. E., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Pace, R. E., Jr..

4 records

NASA NTRS1977

Early Spacelab missions

NASA has issued payload flight assignments for the first three Spacelab missions. The first two of these missions will have dual objectives, that of verifying Spacelab system performance and accomplishing meaningful space research. The first of these missions will be a joint NASA and ESA mission with a multidisciplinary payload. The second mission will verify a different Spacelab configuration while addressing the scientific disciplines of astrophysics. The third assigned mission will concentrate on utilizing the capabilities of Spacelab to perform meaningful experiments in space applications, primarily space processing. The paper describes these missions with their objectives, planned configuration and accommodation.

Pace, R. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1976

The first Spacelab mission

The purpose of Spacelab, an Orbiter-mounted NASA/ESA laboratory, is to include in the Space Transportation System (STS) a payload carrier with maximum flexibility to accommodate multidisciplinary scientific payloads. The major Spacelab configurations obtained by combination of two basic elements, the module and pallet, are described along with the anticipated program of experiments and payloads, and mission management general concept. The first Spacelab 7-day mission is scheduled for flight in the second half of 1980, with the primary objective being to verify system performance capabilities. Detailed attention is given to the payload mission management responsibilities for the first flight, including program control, science management, payload interfaces, integrated payload mission planning, integration requirements, payload specialist training, payload integration, launch site integration, payload flight/mission operations, and postmission activities. The Spacelab configuration (including the long module and one pallet) and the overall schedule for this mission are presented.

Pace, R. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Repair of major system elements on Skylab

In-flight maintenance, as conceived and pre-planned for the Skylab Mission, was limited to simple scheduled and unscheduled replacement tasks and minor contingency repairs. Failures during the mission dictated complicated and sophisticated repairs to major systems so that the mission could continue. These repairs include the release of a large structure that failed to deploy, the assembly and deployment of large mechanical devices, the installation and checkout of precision electronic equipment, troubleshooting and repair of precision electromechanical equipment and tapping into and recharging a cooling system. The Skylab experience proves conclusively that crewmen can, with adequate training, make major system repairs in space using standard or special tools.

Pace, R. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Repair of major system elements on Skylab

In-flight maintenance, as conceived and preplanned for the Skylab mission was limited to simple scheduled and unscheduled replacement tasks and minor contingency repairs. Tools and spares were provided accordingly. However, failures during the mission dictated complicated and sophisticated repairs to major systems so that the mission could continue. These repairs included the release of a large structure that failed to deploy, the assembly and deployment of large mechanical devices, the installation and checkout of precision electronic equipment, troubleshooting and repair of precision electromechanical equipment, and tapping into and recharging a cooling system. The repairs were conducted both inside the spacecraft and during extravehicular activities. Some of the repair tasks required team effort on the part of the crewmen including close procedural coordination between internal and extravehicular crewmen. The Skylab experience indicates that crewmen can, with adequate training, make major system repairs in space using standard or special tools. Design of future spacecraft systems should acknowledge this capability and provide for more extensive in-flight repair and maintenance.

Pace, R. E., Jr.↗