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At least 199 records · Page 11

The ESA Large Space Simulator Mechanical Ground Support Equipment for Spacecraft Testing

Environmental test facilities are not suitable in any case to comply with special or complex test requirements without modifications. Dedicated upgrades of the test facility and their subsystems with respect to the test requirements and specifications are often necessary. The Flight Model of the Planck Space Telescope was tested in the Large Space Simulator (LSS) of the ESTEC Test Centre. Main goals of the test were the verification of the deformation of the Telescope during thermal vacuum conditions at different temperature levels and the validation of the Thermal Model. The deformations of the telescope have been traced by two Videogrammetry canisters. In order to provide different view positions with respect to the PLANCK Telescope it was necessary to rotate the specimen by +/- 180deg. In addition very stringent requirements for the low temperature level of the thermal environment has lead to a comprehensive test set-up which was divided in four main elements: Dedicated support structure for the Videogrammetry canisters providing several DoF for adjustment. Structure to support three Infrared panels around the specimen. MLI curtain to cover the LSS 8m auxiliary chamber opening. System providing LN2 supply for the rotating PLANCK telescope cold panel. The design, manufacturing and integration of the necessary mechanical ground support to install for instance the canisters and to ensure the 180 rotation of the telescope under cold and high vacuum conditions was an extensive and important part of the entire test program. This paper will concentrate on the design issues, the implementation and verification of the MGSE provided for the Planck Space Telescope FM Videogrammetry Test in the LSS and the troubleshooting caused by a failure during the first rotation under cold conditions.

Hagelschuer, Dirk↗

The development of an Infrared Environmental System for TOPEX Solar Panel Testing

Environmental testing and flight qualification of the TOPEX/POSEIDON spacecraft solar panels were performed with infrared (IR) lamps and a control system that were newly designed and integrated. The basic goal was more rigorous testing of the costly panels' new composite-structure design without jeopardizing their safety. The technique greatly reduces the costs and high risks of testing flight solar panels.

environmental simulation solar panel thermal testi↗

Space-storable oxidizer valve Final report

Fabrication and acceptance testing, fluorine compatibility testing, valve refurbishment and testing, environmental testing, and design of space storable oxidizer valve

De Gennaro, T. R.↗

Challenger Anniversary Resource Tape

This commemorative video marks the tenth anniversary, January 28, 1986, of the ninth Challenger flight and the seven astronauts onboard who died when the Challenger exploded 73 seconds into flight. The flight crew was comprised of Cmdr. Francis R. Scobee, Pilot Michael J. Smith, and Mission Specialists Judith A. Resnik, Ellison S. Onizuka, Ronald E. McNair, Gregory Jarvis (Hughes Aircraft representative), and S. Christie McAuliffe (teacher). The flight crew is shown performing preflight training, physiological tests, environmental tests, press conferences, prelaunch activities, and launch activities. The Challenger explosion is shown from both the launch site and from the control center. Various rescue operations, news coverage, and shots of the wreckage after salvage are also presented. President Ronald Reagan is shown giving a tribute at the memorial service for the flight crew. The video ends with a flyby salute and pictures of each of the members of the Challenger.

Source record↗

Restore-L Satellite Servicing Internship Final Report

This paper reviews the Restore-L mission purpose and the necessary research and simulations to meet mission specification for the Propellant Transfer Subsystem (PTS). It is essential the PTS undergoes functionality testing, environmental testing, and calculations to understand the capabilities of the system. For the testing of components from PTS, a proper test setup is required. It is vital for test hardware, such as hoses and valves, to stay in place while the test is being performed. For the test hardware to operate correctly, positioning, orientation, and alignment are critical as well. In addition to the testing, calculations for pressure drop were explored. To meet requirements for test setups, designs for test hardware mounts were sketched, 3D modeled, and manufactured. Using fluid mechanics for calculations, a pressure drop equation was applied with known variables from mission specification. With the test hardware mounts designed and manufactured, the test setup was assembled with mounts installed. Test hardware mounts met all design requirements. Calculation for pressure drop were concluded and an answer was achieved. Meeting design requirement, mission specification, and calculating correct results allow the Restore-L mission to make further progress and help understand the effectiveness of the Propellant Transfer Subsystem.

PTS↗

Simulation of external and internal electrostatic discharges at the spacecraft system test level

Environmental test activities concerned with space plasma-caused charging and discharing phenomena are discussed. It is pointed out that the origin of such an electrostatic discharge (ESD) is charging of spacecraft dielectrics by an energetic plasma in geosynchronous orbit, Jupiter's magnetosphere, or other similar space environments. In dealing with environmental testing problems, it is necessary to define the location and magnitude of any ESD's in preparation for a subsequent simulation of the given conditions. Questions of external and internal charging are discussed separately. The environmental hazard from an external discharge can be assessed by viewing the dielectric surface as one side of a parallel plate capacitor. In the case of internal charging, the level of environmental concern depends on the higher energy spectrum of the ambient electrons.

Whittlesey, A.↗

Design and Analysis of the International X-Ray Observatory Mirror Modules

The Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) modules are the fundamental focusing assemblies on NASA's next major X-ray telescope mission, the International X-Ray Observatory (IXO). The preliminary design and analysis of these assemblies has been completed, addressing the major engineering challenges and leading to an understanding of the factors effecting module performance. Each of the 60 modules in the Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA) supports 200-300 densely packed 0.4 mm thick glass mirror segments in order to meet the unprecedented effective area required to achieve the scientific objectives of the mission. Detailed Finite Element Analysis (FEA), materials testing, and environmental testing have been completed to ensure the modules can be successfully launched. Resulting stress margins are positive based on detailed FEA, a large factor of safety, and a design strength determined by robust characterization of the glass properties. FEA correlates well with the results of the successful modal, vibration, and acoustic environmental tests. Deformation of the module due to on-orbit thermal conditions is also a major design driver. A preliminary thermal control system has been designed and the sensitivity of module optical performance to various thermal loads has been determined using optomechanical analysis methods developed for this unique assembly. This design and analysis furthers the goal of building a module that demonstrates the ability to meet IXO requirements, which is the current focus of the IXO FMA technology development team.

McClelland, Ryan S.↗