Engineering PapersSearch

Engineering topics

Turner, J. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Turner, J. R..

Thermodynamic performance measure for cryogenic vessel insulation

Commonly encountered 'passive' insulation has been improved in recent years using 'dynamic'insulation based on closed cycle cryocoolers attached to photon shields. The paper presents a novel insulation performance measure based on ideal thermodynamic limits. Each floating insulation package has a unique value. In contrast real vessels with vent tube and supports are characterized by an 'effectiveness' less than unity.

Chen, W. E. W.

Teleoperator Maneuvering System (TMS) mission applications and benefits

Studies conducted by NASA have shown that the operating range of the Shuttle can be substantially increased and cost of payload operation be decreased by making use of the Teleoperator Maneuvering System (TMS). The TMS is remotely controlled, free-flying, orbital mini-tug vehicle capable of performing a wide range of remote satellite services missions. It can operate out of the Shuttle cargo bay, from a space station, or on top of an upper stage like Centaur. For high energy missions up to and including geostationary orbit, the TMS propulsion stage will augment the Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS) recently proposed for commercial development in providing an effective low-cost second-stage system for delivering intermediate sized payloads to geosynchronous orbit (GEO). Attention is given to TMS capabilities for both long duration and short term orbital missions, taking into account also Space Station support operations.

Cramblit, D. C.

Teleoperator maneuvering system

The Teleoperator Maneuvering System (TMS) is a Shuttle launched, free-flying, remotely controlled reusable propulsive stage capable of performing spacecraft and payload placement services, retrieval functions, assembly/servicing support for large space systems, dexterous manipulator operations for planned or contingency satellite servicing, satellite viewing, and subsatellite science support. The basic TMS segments, subsystems and performance are described, beginning with the criteria and requirements derived from mission models. Examples of TMS benefits to the STS and user communities are demonstrated. TMS applications such as support and servicing of Space Station, materials processing and subsatellite missions are presented.

Turner, J. R.

Teleoperator maneuvering system

The teleoperator maneuvering system (TMS), consisting of the vehicle, the shuttle orbiter bay cradle with airborne support equipment, and the aft flight deck control station, is described. The vehicle is a reusable remotely controlled free flying vehicle capable of a variety of missions including payload placement, retrieval, servicing, viewing, and large space systems assembly support. The TMS flies preprogrammed trajectories as well as being controlled or reprogrammed from the aft flight deck or the ground. A building block design philosophy is described which permits the evolution of capability as it is needed and delays cost as much as possible. Various mission operations are discussed.

Turner, J. R.

Orbital servicing of space platforms

NASA-MSFC is planning systems for the orbital servicing and maintenance of large geosynchronous platforms. The goal is to devise methods to maintain, update, and/or replace the basic spacecraft housekeeping equipment as well as the onboard mission equipment. The planning has passed through the feasibility demonstration level. A hard engineering test unit of such an on-orbit servicing system, complete with control system, is being tested and evaluated by MSFC.

Turner, J. R.