Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Weidner, R. J..
This paper describes the four phases of the VML addressing a major challenge per phase, mission model framework, virtual phototyping, agent-based mission system integration, and virtual mission operation.
NASA's mission design coordination has been based on expert opinion of parametric data presented in Excel or Powerpoint. Common access is required to more powerful design tools supporting performance simulation and analysis. Components provide the means for inexpensively adding the desired functionality.
This paper describes a payload system simulation implemented at JPL as part of a comprehensive mission simulation facility. The flight software function includes communication with other process modules, instrument control, and data management. The payload system simulation software consists of: a camera subsystem, a virtual world, and a mission visualization toolset.
Aerocapture is a concept for inserting a spacecraft into orbit about a target planet. The energy required for orbit insertion is obtained from natural resources present at or near the target body, thereby reducing the amount of propellant which must be carried onboard. Specifically, the transfer from a hyperbolic flyby trajectory to a desired bound orbit is effected by aerodynamic lift and drag forces acting on the spacecraft during controlled flight through the atmosphere of either the target planet or a nearby satellite. A survey is provided of the trajectory guidance, navigation, and control aspects of aerocapture, and a summary is given of the results of a number of preliminary studies concerning certain of these aspects. The investigation has additional significance in connection with the current interest in aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles, which may be used in conjunction with the Space Shuttle.