Gemini experiments program - Missions III - VII.
Gemini experiments program, examining crew integration, mission planning and prelaunch operations
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Gemini experiments program, examining crew integration, mission planning and prelaunch operations
Gemini experiments program, examining crew integration, mission planning and prelaunch operations
Hardware configurations and integration of 23 scientific experiments into Apollo Applications Program mission AAP-1A
Integrated vehicle stabilization and experiment pointing systems for large orbiting telescopes
The author has identified the following signficant results. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using ERTS-1 MSS imagery for spot transmission measurements on selected sites. Using the 15-unit gray scale on the 70 mm positive imagery as the base of comparison, a correlation was made between the transmittance measured at each site on the imagery and the radiance values (counts) recorded on CCT tape by the spacecraft over the same sites. The imagery was enlarged by a 750-watt projector and focused on a white cardboard screen 6 meters from the screen. Observations were made on 30 sub-sites which were pre-selected for their differing image brightness and total area; all are dried pond beds. Observations were also made on average gray backgrounds and a small lake. There was a very good correlation between the density values obtained from projected imagery and radiance values received by the detector on the spacecraft. A shorter experiment time and closer integration of gray scale and site readings would avoid the variation in lamp intensities that occurred.
The paper describes the joint NASA/ESA extensive Spacelab simulation using the NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory. The scientific payload was selected to conduct studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy. Two experiment operators from Europe and two from the U.S. were selected to live aboard the aircraft along with a mission manager for a six-day period and operate the experiments in behalf of the principal scientists. The mission was successful and provided extensive data relevant to Spacelab objectives on overall management of a complex international payload; experiment preparation, testing, and integration; training for proxy operation in space; data handling; multiexperimenter use of common experimenter facilities (telescopes); and schedule requirements to prepare for such a Spacelab mission.
The ASSESS (Airborne Science/Spacelab Experiments System Simulation) program is discussed. A simulated Spacelab operation was carried out aboard the CV-990 airborne laboratory at Ames Research Center. A scientific payload was selected to conduct studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy with principal investigators from France, the Netherlands, England and the U.S. Two experiment operators (EOs) from the U.S. and two from Europe were trained to function as proxies for the principal investigators in operating, maintaining, and repairing the scientific instruments. The simulated mission, in which the EOs and a Mission Manager were confined to the aircraft and living quarters for a 1-week period while making scientific observations during nightly flights, provided experience in the overall management of a complex international payload, experiment preparation, testing, and integration, the training and selection of proxy operators, and data handling.
Those factors which limit the usefulness of current implementations of the semianalytical approach are discussed. Numerical and analytical enhancements to the semianalytical approach are considered. A simple mathematical model is provided to estimate the computational speed of a semianalytical theory employing the suggested enhancements. The model can factor in current experience with semianalytical theories (integration stepsizes, quadrature orders, speed of recursive formulations, etc.) and the characteristics of the particular output requirement (observation span (or orbit determination interval), observation rate, observation model, etc.). Comparisons with numerical integration are suggested.
28 page report describes experiments in fabrication of integrated circuits with double-layer metalization. Double-layer metalization requires much less silicon "real estate" and allows more flexibility in placement of circuit elements than does single-layer metalization.
As part of its preparation for the operational Shuttle era, the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is currently replacing most of the mission operations computing complexes that have supported near-earth space missions since the late 1960's. Major associated systems include the Metric Data Facility (MDF) which preprocesses, stores, and forwards all near-earth satellite tracking data; the Orbit Computation System (OCS) which determines related production orbit and attitude information; the Flight Dynamics System (FDS) which formulates spacecraft attitude and orbit maneuvers; and the Command Management System (CMS) which handles mission planning, scheduling, and command generation and integration. Management issues and experiences for the resultant replacement process are driven by a wide range of possible future mission requirements, flight-critical system aspects, complex internal system interfaces, extensive existing applications software, and phasing to optimize systems evolution.
Future missions is space will require controlling spacecraft which are both large and flexible. The limited inherent damping and the uncertain and changing dynamic characteristics of many of these vehicles, such as manned space stations and large antennas, will revolutionize spacecraft control requirements. In preparation for the time that such control systems are required, considerable research and technology development is necessary. A program is in place at NASA for the development of active control technology to support major initiatives for space station and advanced spacecraft. A number of key control technology program needs are cited in the paper as required for these and other future NASA missions together with an integrated controls/structures technology flight experiment to demonstrate and validate technology for large flexible structures.
NASA supercritical wing technology, and the digital fly-by-wire program are discussed as used on the F-8 research aircraft. Furthermore, the Highly Maneuverable Aircraft Technology (HiMAT) program, using a 0.44-scale, 3500 lb jet-powered remotely piloted research aircraft, is analyzed. Highly accurate data on aerodynamic and structural loads and deflection data were obtained from model flight tests. In addition, an oblique-wing technology is discussed through the example of the piloted AD-1 research aircraft, noting the low cost of the experiment. Other topics include: integrated system technology; generic forces of the research aircraft program; and aeronautical technology application trends.
The effect of different difficulty distribution patterns on subjective workload, and the presence of a primacy/recency effect in subjective ratings are examined. Eight subjects performed the perceptual central processing required for response selection and manual target acquisition for response execution. The reaction time, movement time, and the percent of correct pattern matching and arithmetic equations are analyzed. The data reveal that subjective rating is unaffected by different task difficulty and no primacy/recency effects are observed in subjective ratings. It is concluded that subjective workload reflects the experience of an ongoing integration process.
The Low-Acceleration Research Facility (LARF), an unmanned free-flier that is boosted from low-earth orbit to a desired altitude using an orbital transfer vehicle is discussed. Design techniques used to minimize acceleration-causing disturbances and to create an ultra-quiet workshop are discussed, focusing on residual acceleration induced by the environment, the spacecraft and experiments. The selection and integration of critical subsystems, such as electrical power and thermal control, that enable the LARf to accomodate sub-microgravity levels for extended periods of time are presented, including a discussion of the Low-Acceleration Module, which will supply the payload with 25.0 kW of power, and up to 11.8 kW in the low-power mode. Also, the data management, communications, guidance, navigation and control, and structural features of supporting subsystems are examined.
The Get Away Special (GAS) Experimenter's Symposium was held to provide a formal opportunity for GAS experimenters to share the results of their projects. The focus of this symposium is on payloads that have been flown on shuttle missions and on GAS payloads that will be flown in the future. Experiment design and payload integration issues are also examined.
Telerobotics is a new technology that is being developed to perform remote manipulation in space. It seeks to accommodate the needs arising from a rapidly increasing investment in space assets and from the large costs deriving from human operations in space, especially EVA. Telerobotics applies advanced automation and artificial intelligence technology and combines the immediacy of execution of teleoperation (the replication at a distance of the physical motions of the operator) with the efficiency and precision of supervised robotic autonomy (the accomplishment of assignments through machine task decomposition and interpretation of sensor information). One of the key goals of this approach is the achievement of a seamless transition between teleoperation and supervised autonomy. The basis of this technology and of the NASA telerobotics research and development activities are described. They consist of five elements: core research, laboratory integration testbed, mission analysis, application demonstrations and flight experiments. Current advances, both in research and system integration are reported including the first integration of the laboratory testbed and quantitative comparisons obtained in a buoyant facility. Planned future goals are outlined.
One potential method of supplying life support to a manned base on Mars utilizes a Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS). A major component of the CELSS is a plant growth unit to produce food. This paper describes the results of several experiments conducted to determine whether or not a low atmospheric pressure greenhouse could be used to grow crop plants on the Martian surface. The results of these experiments are described and integrated with other information to produce a set of design requirements and a conceptual design for such a greenhouse.
The purpose of this conference was to report to industry, academia, and government agencies on the current status of controls-structures interaction technology. The agenda covered ground testing, integrated design, analysis, flight experiments, and concepts.