Engineering topics

Smola, J. F.

Publications and source records attributed to Smola, J. F..

3 records

NASA NTRS1985

Propelling AMPTE into orbit

Three types of propulsion - liquid, solid and cold gas - were used to get the three AMPTE (Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers) spacecraft into their operational orbits. The booster, a thrust-augmented DELTA, placed the 1028 kg (2267 lb) international payload into a 555 km x 8.78 Re x 28.7 deg transfer orbit. Solids carried aloft by two of the spacecraft were then fired to tilt one orbit and elevate the other. Cold gas provided two of the spacecraft with torquing capabilities for attitude maneuvering. All told, it took 12 solid, 2 liquid and 2 cold gas propulsion units to get the three AMPTE spacecraft off the ground and into their operational orbits. The relationships between all of them and the manner in which they were utilized on August 16, 1984 the day of the launch - are discussed here.

Smola, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Power, thermal, and attitude control design interactions of the CCE/AMPTE spacecraft

The power, thermal and attitude control interactions of the CCE spacecraft and the design compromises resulting from these interactions are described. These compromises result from the conflict between the plane change maneuver requirements and the final on station requirements. The resolution of these conflicts to arrive at an acceptable final design, is given and the resulting power, thermal and attitude control systems are described in some detail.

Wingate, C. A., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The Magsat magnetometer boom

A lightweight extendable structure that can precisely position magnetically sensitive instruments safe distances from magnetic sources in a spacecraft is described as well as the major areas of concern that played dominant roles in its development. Weight, packaging volume, thermal distortion, mechanical misalignments, dimensional instability, launch environments, and low temperature functioning were areas that presented some formidable obstacles. The ways in which these obstacles were dealt with are examined for those involving the development of similar aerospace mechanisms with equally restrictive requirements.

Smola, J. F.↗