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At least 451 records · Page 25

A cost and utility analysis of NIM/CAMAC standards and equipment for shuttle payload data acquisition and control systems. Volume 2: Tasks 1 and 2

A representative set of payloads for both science and applications disciplines were selected that would ensure a realistic and statistically significant estimate of equipment utilization. The selected payloads were analyzed to determine the applicability of Nuclear Instrumentation Modular (NIM)/Computer Automated Measurement Control (CAMAC) equipment in satisfying their data acquisition and control requirements. The analyses results were combined with the comparable results from related studies to arrive at an overall assessment of the applicability and commonality of NIM/CAMAC equipment usage across the spectrum of payloads.

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Tug and payload-to-Orbiter interface requirements

This paper presents results of a study to identify, evaluate, and develop Tug plus payload-to-Orbiter accommodation requirements. Interface areas include structural, mechanical, fluids, environmental, avionics, and safety. Each interface area was investigated to determine the best physical and operational method of accomplishing the required functions with an overriding goal of establishing sample and flexible interface requirements suitable for Tug, Tug payloads, and other cargo. The recommended system for supporting the Tug and its payload from the Orbiter employs a cylindrical load-carrying structure called a deployment adapter that has a rotational capability for Tug deployment. The design and operation of the deployment adapter and other peripheral interface equipment such as crew compartment monitor and control panels and cargo bay fluid and electrical interface panels are discussed.

Bock, E. H.↗

Astronomy Spacelab payloads

Preliminary analyses of four typical Spacelab astronomy payloads have been completed. The payloads consist of instrumentation recommended by NASA and other scientists for early Shuttle missions. Design concepts have been prepared and compatibility with Shuttle and Spacelab verified. Mission parameters that meet payload requirements and efficiently utilize Shuttle resources have been selected. Integrated pointing and stabilization and command and data-handling system concepts have been developed. The results of all these activities indicate that productive astronomy missions can be carried out with Shuttle and Spacelab systems.

Ott, R.↗

Evaluation philosophy for shuttle launched payloads

Some approaches to space-shuttle payload evaluation are examined. Issues considered include subsystem replacement in low-cost modular spacecraft (LCMS), validation of spacelab payloads, the use of standard components in shuttle-era spacecraft, effects of shuttle-induced environments on payloads, and crew safety. The LCMS is described, and goals are discussed for its evaluation program. Concepts regarding how the evaluation should proceed are considered.

Heuser, R. E.↗

STS payloads mission control study continuation phase A-1. Volume 2-C, task 3: Identification of joint activities and estimation of resources in preparation for joint flight operations

Payload mission control concepts are developed for real time flight operations of STS. Flight planning, training, simulations, and other flight preparations are included. Payload activities for the preflight phase, activity sequences and organizational allocations, and traffic and experience factors to establish composite man-loading for joint STS payload activities are identified for flight operations from 1980 to 1985.

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Payload specialist station study. Volume 1: Executive summary

The results of the Payload Specialist Station study are summarized. An optimum aft flight deck (AFD) controls and displays (C&D) configuration concept for payload operations within the Shuttle Orbiter were studied. The concept derived satisfied the large majority of identified payload C&D requirements through the 1980's, was cost effective, and utilized existing technology. The results are directly applicable to Phase C/D activities. Programmatic analyses, phase C/D program definition and schedules, and economic analyses were completed; and estimated phase C/D costs were identified. The AFD control and display concept was defined via panel layouts, CEI specifications, and programmatics for phase C/D. The study plan included the following six phases: (1) derive control and display requirements; (2) perform functional analyses; (3) perform system synthesis; (4) perform trade studies; (5) perform preliminary design; and (6) provide programmatics.

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STS payloads mission control study phase A-1, volume 1, phases A and A-1

The Space Transportation System (STS) Payloads Mission Control Phase A-1 Study results are summarized. The composite resources required to accomplish Joint STS-Payload preflight preparation for joint flight operations, including flight planning, training, and simulations are presented. The Standard Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) concept was developed.

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SAIL payload accommodations study

Methods for accommodating payloads in SAIL are evaluated. It is concluded that a special payload be used as the standard method for verifying avionics systems and experiments. It is recommended that the baselined North door entrance method be retained for accommodation of flight type payloads.

Neubaur, R. J.↗

EVAL system concept definition. Partial spacelab payload

The preliminary design of an earth-viewing spacelab payload, with accommodations shared by both NASA and ESA is addressed. Mission parameters for this flight include a launch date of September 1981, an inclination of 57 deg, and an orbital altitude of 325 km. A seven-day mission is planned. The NASA portion of this payload is assigned to the EVAL (Earth Viewing Applications Laboratory) program. The ESA complement is designed as a multiuser payload.

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Transient excitation and mechanical admittance test techniques for prediction of payload vibration environments

Transient excitation forces were applied separately to simple beam-and-mass launch vehicle and payload models to develop complex admittance functions for the interface and other appropriate points on the structures. These measured admittances were then analytically combined by a matrix representation to obtain a description of the coupled system dynamic characteristics. Response of the payload model to excitation of the launch vehicle model was predicted and compared with results measured on the combined models. These results are also compared with results of earlier work in which a similar procedure was employed except that steady-state sinusoidal excitation techniques were included. It is found that the method employing transient tests produces results that are better overall than the steady state methods. Furthermore, the transient method requires far less time to implement, and provides far better resolution in the data. However, the data acquisition and handling problem is more complex for this method. It is concluded that the transient test and admittance matrix prediction method can be a valuable tool for development of payload vibration tests.

Kana, D. D.↗

Atmosphere, Magnetosphere and Plasmas in Space (AMPS). Space payload definition study. Volume 2: Mission support requirements document

The flight payload, its operation, and the support required from the Space Transporatation System (STS) is defined including the flight objectives and requirements, the experiment operations, and the payload configurations. The support required from the STS includes the accommodation of the payload by the orbiter/Spacelab, use of the flight operations network and ground facilities, and the use of the launch site facilities.

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Operational plans for life science payloads - From experiment selection through postflight reporting

Key features of operational plans developed in a study of the Space Shuttle era life science payloads program are presented. The data describes the overall acquisition, staging, and integration of payload elements, as well as program implementation methods and mission support requirements. Five configurations were selected as representative payloads: (a) carry-on laboratories - medical emphasis experiments, (b) mini-laboratories - medical/biology experiments, (c) seven-day dedicated laboratories - medical/biology experiments, (d) 30-day dedicated laboratories - Regenerative Life Support Evaluation (RLSE) with selected life science experiments, and (e) Biomedical Experiments Scientific Satellite (BESS) - extended duration primate (Type I) and small vertebrate (Type II) missions. The recommended operational methods described in the paper are compared to the fundamental data which has been developed in the life science Spacelab Mission Simulation (SMS) test series. Areas assessed include crew training, experiment development and integration, testing, data-dissemination, organization interfaces, and principal investigator working relationships.

Mccollum, G. W.↗

Investigation of the electric field below 80 km from a parachute-deployed payload

An experimental investigation of the atmospheric electric field from rocket-boosted parachute-deployed payloads has been conducted. Data from two prototype flights; a drop test from a high-altitude balloon on July 10, 1973; and a rocket test on July 24, 1974, indicate that measurements of the ambient electric field from parachuted payloads are possible under appropriate circumstances. However, intermittent anomalous charging of the payloads, probes, and parachute has sometimes prevented measurement of the ambient field. No good explanation of this anomalous behavior has been found. This charging process needs to be understood or prevented before fully reliable operation of this and other related instruments can be achieved.

Bering, E. A.↗

Spacelab payloads

The various payloads planned for Spacelab are discussed with emphasis on the experimental objectives of the payload, the state of planning or development, and the planned flight schedule. Attention is given to payloads involving life sciences, atmospheric and space physics, infrared astronomy, solar physics, ultraviolet/optical astronomy, and high energy astrophysics.

Sharp, G. W.↗

Space transportation system payload interface verification

The paper considers STS payload-interface verification requirements and the capability provided by STS to support verification. The intent is to standardize as many interfaces as possible, not only through the design, development, test and evaluation (DDT and E) phase of the major payload carriers but also into the operational phase. The verification process is discussed in terms of its various elements, such as the Space Shuttle DDT and E (including the orbital flight test program) and the major payload carriers DDT and E (including the first flights). Five tools derived from the Space Shuttle DDT and E are available to support the verification process: mathematical (structural and thermal) models, the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory, the Shuttle Manipulator Development Facility, and interface-verification equipment (cargo-integration test equipment).

Everline, R. T.↗

Life science payloads planning study

Preferred approaches and procedures were defined for integrating the space shuttle life sciences payload from experiment solicitation through final data dissemination at mission completion. The payloads operations plan was refined and expended to include current information. The NASA-JSC facility accommodations were assessed, and modifications recommended to improve payload processing capability. Standard format worksheets were developed to permit rapid location of experiment requirements and a Spacelab mission handbook was developed to assist potential life sciences investigators at academic, industrial, health research, and NASA centers. Practical, cost effective methods were determined for accommodating various categories of live specimens during all mission phases.

Nelson, W. G.↗

Approach to Spacelab Payload mission management

The nucleus of the approach to Spacelab Payload mission management is the establishment of a single point of authority for the entire payload on a given mission. This single point mission manager will serve as a 'broker' between the individual experiments and the STS, negotiating agreements by two-part interaction. The payload mission manager, along with a small support team, will represent the users in negotiating use of STS accommodations. He will provide the support needed by each individual experimenter to meet the scientific, technological, and applications objectives of the mission with minimum cost and maximum efficiency. The investigator will assume complete responsibility for his experiment hardware definition and development and will take an active role in the integration and operation of his experiment.

Craft, H. G.↗