Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Spencer, R. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Spencer, R. A..

9 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Definition of technology development missions for early Space Station satellite servicing. Volume 2: Technical

Volume 2 contains the Technical Report of the approach and results of the Phase 2 study. The phase 2 servicing study was initiated in June 1983, and is being reported in this document. The scope of the contract was to: (1) define in detail five selected technology development missions (TDM); (2) conduct a design requirement analysis to refine definitions of satellite servicing requirements at the space station; and (3) develop a technology plan that would identify and schedule prerequisite precursor technology development, associated. STS flight experiments and space station experiments needed to provide onorbit validation of the evolving technology.

Cable, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Dual-action expanded-latch mechanism

Single drive actuator operates novel mechanism that expands, attaches to object, and withdraws to latch object firmly to another part. Packaging is extremely simple and compact, and eliminates need for machined parts or close tolerances.

Spencer, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Docking and retrieval mechanism

An engineering prototype docking and retrieval mechanism (DRM) is described which enables two spacecraft to dock and be structurally joined on-orbit. The joining of two spacecraft or payloads on-orbit supports future planned space activities such as payload servicing, deployment and retrieval, and assembly of large space systems. The DRM, as developed, provides advantages over prior approaches because it is a nonimpact docking mechanism, does not require impact absorbing mechanisms or attitude stabilization on the target spacecraft, is capable of docking to a spinning spacecraft, and can spin up and deploy a spinning spacecraft or payload.

Tewell, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Docking and retrieval mechanism

An engineering prototype docking and retrieval mechanism (DRM) which enables two spacecraft to dock and be structurally joined on-orbit is described. The joining of two spacecraft or payloads on-orbit supports future planned space activities such as payload servicing, deployment and retrieval, and assembly or large space systems. Advantages of the DRM include: it is a nonimpact docking mechanism; does not require impact absorbing mechanisms or attitude stabilization on the target spacecraft; is capable of docking to a spinning spacecraft; and can spin up and deploy a spinning spacecraft or payload.

Tewell, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Integrated orbital servicing study for low-cost payload programs. Volume 2: Technical and cost analysis

Orbital maintenance concepts were examined in an effort to determine a cost effective orbital maintenance system compatible with the space transportation system. An on-orbit servicer maintenance system is recommended as the most cost effective system. A pivoting arm on-orbit servicer was selected and a preliminary design was prepared. It is indicated that orbital maintenance does not have any significant impact on the space transportation system.

Cody, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A manipulator system designed for Free-Flying Teleoperator Spacecraft

A preliminary design of a manipulator system, applicable to a Free-Flying Teleoperator Spacecraft operating in conjunction with the Shuttle or Tug, is presented. The manipulator arm incorporates two 4-ft segments to the wrist with actuators located at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The wrist provides three degrees-of-freedom through pitch, yaw and continuous roll joints. An interchangeable end effector provides multiple task performance and satellite worksite versatility. A tip force of 10 lbs and a torque of 15 ft-lbs is provided. Man-in-the-loop simulations, using both unilateral and bilateral control techniques, were conducted. Based upon the simulation, a new, but relatively simple, control technique was proposed for the manipulator system.

Tewell, J. R.↗