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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

An economical approach to space power systems

Projected energy demand for all NASA, DoD and civil missions for the time span 1981 to 1995 are illustrated. Typical energy cost range from about $300 to $2000 per kW-hr, with an average of about $800 per kW-hr for long-duration missions. At these levels, the cost of the required energy would be several billion dollars per year by about 1985 and might constrain the number and types of NASA programs to be carried out. NASA is extensively pursuing approaches for reducing nonrecurring costs. Two programs are presented for the development of an economical approach to space power systems. They are: (1) Economical Orbital Power (ECOP) with the objective to demonstrate the applicability of a commercial approach to the development of a low cost photovoltaic space power system; and (2) Space Power Experiment (SPEX) which has the objective to demonstrate the application of industrial hardware for space power systems.

Teren, F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The standard 20 AH battery

The modular power system, which is the first intended use for the NASA standard battery, is basically a four foot by four foot by eighteen inch box which can handle a complement of three 20 ampere hour batteries or later on the intended use is for three 50 ampere hour batteries to be the full complement. The system is designed to be used as a plug on component on a multi mission modular spacecraft. It has as a design point a basically 1250 watt orbital average load. The way it breaks up in a near earth orbit it would be somewhere around 1,000 watts for everything except 10 minutes, and during any 10 minute period it may go up to a peak of 3,000 watt load. Features of the battery reviewed include criteria to store electrical energy, the battery package, the covers and cases, and electrolytes. The capacities expected are 90 percent, the average cell capacity for 24 C, 90 percent of the actual battery capacity of 19 C, and 85 percent of the actual 25 degree battery capacity at zero discharge voltage for 50 percent DOD new battery is in the vicinity expected or predicted of 26.4 volts.

Zollner, M. T.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Earth-to-orbit reusable launch vehicles: A comparative assessment

A representative set of space systems, functions, and missions for NASA and DoD from which launch vehicle requirements and characteristics was established as well as a set of air-breathing launch vehicles based on graduated technology capabilities corresponding to increasingly higher staging Mach numbers. The utility of the air-breathing launch vehicle candidates based on lift-off weight, performance, technology needs, and risk was assessed and costs were compared to alternative concepts. The results indicate that a fully reusable launch vehicle, whether two stage or one stage, could potentially reduce the cost per flight 60-80% compared to that for a partially reusable vehicle but would require advances in thermal protection system technology. A two-stage-to-orbit, parallel-lift vehicle with an air-breathing booster would cost approximately the same as a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle, but the former would have greater flexibility and a significantly reduced developmental risk. A twin-booster, subsonic-staged, parallel-lift vehicle represents the lowest system cost and developmental risk. However, if a large supersonic turbojet engine in the 350,000-N thrust class were available, supersonic staging would be preferred, and the investment in development would be returned in reduced program cost.

Chase, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Orbiter CIU/IUS communications hardware evaluation

Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) and DoD Communication Interface Unit (CIU) communication system design, hardware specifications, and interfaces were evaluated to determine their compatibility with the Orbiter payload communication and data handling equipment and the Orbiter network communication equipment.

Huth, G. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Plans for West Coast STS launch capability

The layout and scope of operations of the Vandenberg AFB West Coast Launch Site for the Space Shuttle are examined. The launch site intended for the first West Coast launch in December 1983 is being constructed by the United States Air Force. Topic discussed include site/selection/management/concepts, Shuttle hardware flow and related facilities, launch pad operations, orbiter erection at SLC-6 VAFB, solid rocket booster operations, and payload ground processing. In conclusion it is noted that NASA and DOD personnel are working together to ensure that the launch site is completed on schedule at minimum cost.

Murphy, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Orbiter CIU/IUS communications hardware evaluation

The DOD and NASA inertial upper stage communication system design, hardware specifications and interfaces were analyzed to determine their compatibility with the Orbiter payload communications equipment (Payload Interrogator, Payload Signal Processors, Communications Interface Unit, and the Orbiter operational communications equipment (the S-Band and Ku-band systems). Topics covered include (1) IUS/shuttle Orbiter communications interface definition; (2) Orbiter avionics equipment serving the IUS; (3) IUS communication equipment; (4) IUS/shuttle Orbiter RF links; (5) STDN/TDRS S-band related activities; and (6) communication interface unit/Orbiter interface issues. A test requirement plan overview is included.

Huth, G. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Optical sensors for aeronautics and space

A review of some NASA and DOD programs to develop optical sensors with fiberoptics for instrumentation and control is presented. Fiberoptic systems offer some distinct advantages. Noise immunity is one important asset. Fiberoptic systems do not conduct electricity and therefore can be used in and near areas that contain explosive or flammable materials. One objective of these programs is to produce more reliable sensors and to improve the safety and operating economy of future aircraft and space vehicles.

Baumbick, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The applicability of DOE solar cell and array technology to space power

An evaluation of the main terrestrial photovoltaic development projects was performed. Technologies that may have applicability to space power are identified. Where appropriate, recommendations are made for programs to capitalize on developed technology. It is concluded that while the funding expended by DOE is considerably greater than the space (NASA and DOD) budget for photovoltaics, the terrestrial goals and the means for satisfying them are sufficiently different from space needs that little direct benefit currently exists for space applications.

Scott-Monck, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Military markets for solar thermal electric power systems

The Department of Defense maintains an inventory of over 1,800 MW of engine-generators 15 KW and larger, with an estimated procurement rate of over 140 MW/year. Nearly the entire requirement could be met by advanced heat engines of the types being developed as point-focussing, distributed receiver power plants. A conceptual system consisting of a heat engine which efficiently burns liquid fossil or synthetic fuels, with a 'solarization kit' for conversion to hybrid solar operation could meet existing DOD requirements for new systems which are quieter, lighter, and multi-fueled. An estimated 24 percent (33 MW/year) or more could operationally benefit from the solar option. Baseline cost projections indicate levelized energy cost goals of 210 to 120 mills/KWh (15 to 1000 KW systems). Fuel cost escalation is the major factor affecting the value of the solar option. A baseline calculation for fuel at $0.59/gal in spring, 1979, escalating at 8 percent above general inflation indicates a value of $2700/KWe for a solarization kit.

Hauger, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Synchronous energy technology program

The power program in NASA and DOD are discussed with emphasis on the technology for future large space power systems. The structure of the synchronous energy technology program is described and the technologies required for future geosynchronous power stations are defined. The output of the program is to be a series of design data documents to provide design information and to transfer the technology to the involved community.

Finke, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Space Shuttle: Dawn of an era; Proceedings of the Twenty-sixth Annual Conference, Los Angeles, Calif., October 29-November 1, 1979. Parts 1 & 2

Aspects of the Space Shuttle program are considered with attention given to DOD applications, the role of the astronaut, industry in space, large platforms in space, the Space Transportation System, and the second generation Shuttle. Also considered are small self-contained payloads, attached payloads, free flying science payloads, free flying applications payloads, space medicine and life sciences, international payloads, and deep-space payloads.

Rector, W. F., III↗
NASA NTRS1979

Inertial Upper Stage/Shuttle Orbiter communications

The Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) system is intended for DOD and NASA space vehicle (S/V) launches from the Shuttle Orbiter. Prior to and during the IUS launch, commands must be transmitted to the S/V and IUS and the telemetry data must be communicated to the Orbiter. This paper describes the communication links between the IUS and the Orbiter, with particular emphasis on the RF link equipment and performance. The transponder equipment carried on board the IUS system is also described.

Huth, G. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Evolution of a standard microprocessor-based space computer

An existing in inventory computer hardware/software package (B-1 RFS/ECM) was repackaged and applied to multiple missile/space programs. Concurrent with the application efforts, low risk modifications were made to the computer from program to program to take advantage of newer, advanced technology and to meet increasingly more demanding requirements (computational and memory capabilities, longer life, and fault tolerant autonomy). It is concluded that microprocessors hold promise in a number of critical areas for future space computer applications. However, the benefits of the DoD VHSIC Program are required and the old proliferation problem must be revised.

Fernandez, M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Solar power R and D for Air Force space requirements

The requirements for improved solar power system technology for DOD satellites are reported. It is shown that the technology is required in several areas including solar cells, array blanket technology, energy storage and power system operation, and regulation and control. It is further shown that as the missions become more critical to defence, military aspects such as survivability, hardening, and eventually defence must be addressed.

Wise, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Preliminary interface revision notice SD-152C update of section 8.3 of ICD 2-19001 for detached payloads

The payload interrogator provides full duplex communication between the orbiter and detached payloads. This capability includes transmission of commands to and the reception of telemetry data from such payloads. Both NASA (STDN and DSN) and DOD (SGLS) transmit/receive frequency pairs are available. In addition to two way RF communication, Ku band rendezvous radar is also available. The radar skin-tracks targets in the passive mode or actively tracks transponder equipped payloads. Characteristics referring to those orbiter avionics characteristics of which the payloads must be cognizant and requirements referring to specifications placed upon payload communication equipment are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1981

Rotorcraft aviation icing research requirements: Research review and recommendations

The status of rotorcraft icing evaluation techniques and ice protection technology was assessed. Recommendations are made for near and long term icing programs that describe the needs of industry. These recommended programs are based on a consensus of the major U.S. helicopter companies. Specific activities currently planned or underway by NASA, FAA and DOD are reviewed to determine relevance to the overall research requirements. New programs, taking advantage of current activities, are recommended to meet the long term needs for rotorcraft icing certification.

Peterson, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Materials processing threshold report. 1: Semiconductor crystals for infrared detectors

An extensive search was performed of the open literature pertaining to infrared detectors to determine what constitutes a good detector and in what way performance is limited by specific material properties. Interviews were conducted with a number of experts in the field to assess their perceptions of the state of the art and of the utility of zero-gravity processing. Based on this information base and on a review of NASA programs in crystal growth and infrared sensors, NASA program goals were reassessed and suggestions are presented as to possible joint and divergent efforts between NASA and DOD.

Sager, E. V.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Conceptual design and analysis of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems

A wide variety of orbital cryogenic liquid storage and supply systems are defined in NASA and DOD long-range plans. These systems include small cooling applications, large chemical and electrical orbit transfer vehicles and supply tankers. All have the common requirements of low-g fluid management to accomplish gas-free liquid expulsion and efficient thermal control to manage heat leak and tank pressure. A preliminary design study was performed to evaluate tanks ranging from 0.6 to 37.4 cu m (22 to 1320 cu ft). Liquids of interest were hydrogen, oxygen, methane, argon and helium. Conceptual designs were generated for each tank system and fluid dynamic, thermal and structural analyses were performed for Shuttle compatible operations. Design trades considered the paradox of conservative support structure and minimum thermal input. Orbital performance and weight data were developed, and a technology evaluation was completed.

Eberhardt, R. N.↗