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At least 505 records · Page 28

Review of the Tri-Agency Space Nuclear Reactor Power System Technology Program

The Space Nuclear Reactor Power System Technology Program designated SP-100 was created in 1983 by NASA, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Attention is presently given to the development history of SP-100 over the course of its first year, in which it has been engaged in program objectives' definition, the analysis of civil and military missions, nuclear power system functional requirements' definition, concept definition studies, the selection of primary concepts for technology feasibility validation, and the acquisition of initial experimental and analytical results.

Ambrus, J. H.↗

Time Warp Operating System, Version 2.5.1

Time Warp Operating System, TWOS, is special purpose computer program designed to support parallel simulation of discrete events. Complete implementation of Time Warp software mechanism, which implements distributed protocol for virtual synchronization based on rollback of processes and annihilation of messages. Supports simulations and other computations in which both virtual time and dynamic load balancing used. Program utilizes underlying resources of operating system. Written in C programming language.

Bellenot, Steven F.↗

From LDEF to a national Space Environment and Effects (SEE) program: A natural progression

As the LDEF program draws to a close, it leaves in place the fundamental building blocks for a Space Environment and Effects (SEE) program. Results from LDEF data analyses and investigations now form a substantial core of knowledge on the long term effects of the space environment on materials, system and structures. In addition, these investigations form the basic structure of a critically-needed SEE archive and database system. An agency-wide effort is required to capture all elements of a SEE program to provide a more comprehensive and focused approach to understanding the space environment, determining the best techniques for both flight and ground-based experimentation, updating the models which predict both the environments and those effects on subsystems and spacecraft, and, finally, ensuring that this multitudinous information is properly maintained, and inserted into spacecraft design programs. Many parts and pieces of a SEE program already exist at various locations to fulfill specific needs. The primary purpose of this program, under the direction of the Office of Advanced Concepts and Technology (OACT) in NASA Headquarters, is to take advantage of these parts; apply synergisms where possible; identify and when possible fill-in gaps; coordinate and advocate a comprehensive SEE program. The SEE program must coordinate and support the efforts of well-established technical communities wherein the bulk of the work will continue to be done. The SEE program will consist of a NASA-led SEE Steering Committee, consisting of government and industry users, with the responsibility for coordination between technology developers and NASA customers; and Technical Working Groups with primary responsibility for program technical content in response to user needs. The Technical Working Groups are as follows: Materials and Processes; Plasma and Fields; Ionizing Radiation; Meteoroids and Orbital Debris; Neutral External Contamination; Thermosphere, Thermal, and Solar Conditions; Electromagnetic Effects; Integrated Assessments and Databases. Specific technology development tasks will be solicited through a NASA Research Announcement to be released in May of 1994. The areas in which tasks are solicited include: (1) engineering environment definitions, (2) environments and effects design guidelines, (3) environments and effects assessment models and databases, and (4) flight/ground simulation/technology assessment data.

Bowles, David E.↗

Methodology for automating software systems. Task 1 of the foundations for automating software systems

The early stages of a research program designed to establish an experimental research platform for software engineering are described. Major emphasis is placed on Computer Assisted Software Engineering (CASE). The Poor Man's CASE Tool is based on the Apple Macintosh system, employing available software including Focal Point II, Hypercard, XRefText, and Macproject. These programs are functional in themselves, but through advanced linking are available for operation from within the tool being developed. The research platform is intended to merge software engineering technology with artificial intelligence (AI). In the first prototype of the PMCT, however, the sections of AI are not included. CASE tools assist the software engineer in planning goals, routes to those goals, and ways to measure progress. The method described allows software to be synthesized instead of being written or built.

Moseley, Warren↗

Binaural auralization and perceptual verdicality

Early reflection patterns calculated from a room design program were filtered with measured head-related transfer functions (HRTFs) within a 'hypothetical auralization system.' With reference to a particular set of room/listener/sound source configurations, the system is shown to produce both perceptible and imperceptible results. The results of this exploratory analysis are illuminating for future design considerations of HRTF-based auralization systems.

Begault, Durand R.↗

Prevention of bone mineral changes induced by bed rest: Modification by static compression simulating weight bearing, combined supplementation of oral calcium and phosphate, calcitonin injections, oscillating compression, the oral diophosphonatedisodium etidronate, and lower body negative pressure

The phenomenon of calcium loss during bed rest was found to be analogous to the loss of bone material which occurs in the hypogravic environment of space flight. Ways of preventing this occurrence are investigated. A group of healthy adult males underwent 24-30 weeks of continuous bed rest. Some of them were given an exercise program designed to resemble normal ambulatory activity; another subgroup was fed supplemental potassium phosphate. The results from a 12-week period of treatment were compared with those untreated bed rest periods. The potassium phosphate supplements prevented the hypercalciuria of bed rest, but fecal calcium tended to increase. The exercise program did not diminish the negative calcium balance. Neither treatment affected the heavy loss of mineral from the calcaneus. Several additional studies are developed to examine the problem further.

Schneider, V. S.↗

Designing Spacecraft and Mission Operations Plans to Meet Flight Crew Radiation Dose Requirements: Why is this an "Epic Challenge" for Long-Term Manned Interplanetary Flight

Outline of presentation: (1) Radiation Shielding Concepts and Performance - Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) (1a) Some general considerations (1b) Galactic Cosmic Rays (2)GCR Shielding I: What material should I use and how much do I need? (2a) GCR shielding materials design and verification (2b) Spacecraft materials point dose cosmic ray shielding performance - hydrogen content and atomic number (2c) Accelerator point dose materials testing (2d) Material ranking and selection guidelines (2e) Development directions and return on investment (point dose metric) (2f) Secondary particle showers in the human body (2f-1) limited return of investment for low-Z, high-hydrogen content materials (3) GCR shielding II: How much will it cost? (3a) Spacecraft design and verification for mission radiation dose to the crew (3b) Habitat volume, shielding areal density, total weight, and launch cost for two habitat volumes (3c) It's All about the Money - Historical NASA budgets and budget limits (4) So, what can I do about all this? (4a) Program Design Architecture Trade Space (4b) The Vehicle Design Trade Space (4c) Some Near Term Recommendations

Koontz, Steven↗

Program for Analysis and Enhancement of Images

Land Analysis System (LAS) is collection of image-analysis computer programs designed to manipulate and analyze multispectral image data. Provides user with functions ingesting various sensor data, radiometric and geometric corrections, image registration, training site selection, supervised and unsupervised classification, Fourier domain filtering, and image enhancement. Sufficiently modular and includes extensive library of subroutines to permit inclusion of new algorithmic programs. Commercial package International Mathematical & Statistical Library (IMSL) required for full implementation of LAS. Written in VAX FORTRAN 77, C, and Macro assembler for DEC VAX operating under VMS 4.0.

Lu, Yun-Chi↗

Engineering and simulation of life science Spacelab experiments

Approaches to the planning and realization of Spacelab life sciences experiments, which may involve as many as 16 Space Shuttle missions and 100 tests, are discussed. In particular, a Spacelab simulation program, designed to evaluate problems associated with the use of live animal specimens, the constraints imposed by zero gravity on equipment operation, training of investigators and data management, is described. The simulated facility approximates the hardware and support systems of a current European Space Agency Spacelab model. Preparations necessary for the experimental program, such as crew activity plans, payload documentation and inflight experimental procedures are developed; health problems of the crew, including human/animal microbial contamination, are also assessed.

Bush, B.↗

Space station wardroom habitability and equipment study

Experimental designs in life-size mock-up form for the wardroom facility for the Space Station Habitability Module are explored and developed. In Phase 1, three preliminary concepts for the wardroom configuration are fabricated and evaluated. In Phase 2, the results of Phase 1 are combined with a specific range of program design requirements to provide the design criteria for the fabrication of an innovative medium-fidelity mock-up of a wardrobe configuration. The study also focuses on the design and preliminary prototyping of selected equipment items including crew exercise compartments, a meal/meeting table and a portable workstation. Design criteria and requirements are discussed and documented. Preliminary and final mock-ups and equipment prototypes are described and illustrated.

Nixon, David↗

Program Aids Specification Of Multiple-Block Grids

3DPREP computer program aids specification of multiple-block computational grids. Highly interactive graphical preprocessing program designed for use on powerful graphical scientific computer workstation. Divided into three main parts, each corresponding to principal graphical-and-alphanumerical display. Relieves user of some burden of collecting and formatting many data needed to specify blocks and grids, and prepares input data for NASA's 3DGRAPE grid-generating computer program.

Sorenson, R. L.↗

Overview of NASA's Space Environments and Effects (SEE) Program

The return of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) in 1990 brought a wealth of space exposure data on materials, paints, solar cells, etc., and data on the many space environments. The effects of the harsh space environments can provide damaging or even disabling effects on a spacecraft, its materials, and its instruments. In partnership with industry, academia, and other government agencies, NASA's Space Environments and Effects (SEE) Program defines the space environments and provides technology development to accommodate or mitigate these harmful environments on the spacecraft. This program provides a very comprehensive and focused approach to understanding the space environment, defines the best techniques for both flight and ground-based experimentation, updates the models which predict both the environments and the environmental effects on spacecraft, and finally, ensures that this information is properly maintained and inserted into spacecraft design programs. This paper will describe the current SEE Program and will present potential technology development activities for the future.

Hardage, Donna M.↗

ISS Microgravity Research Payload Training Methodology

The NASA Microgravity Research Discipline has multiple categories of science payloads that are being planned and currently under development to operate on various ISS on-orbit increments. The current program includes six subdisciplines; Materials Science, Fluids Physics, Combustion Science, Fundamental Physics, Cellular Biology and Macromolecular Biotechnology. All of these experiment payloads will require the astronaut various degrees of crew interaction and science observation. With the current programs planning to build various facility class science racks, the crew will need to be trained on basic core operations as well as science background. In addition, many disciplines will use the Express Rack and the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) to utilize the accommodations provided by these facilities for smaller and less complex type hardware. The Microgravity disciplines will be responsible to have a training program designed to maximize the experiment and hardware throughput as well as being prepared for various contingencies both with anomalies as well as unexpected experiment observations. The crewmembers will need various levels of training from simple tasks as power on and activate to extensive training on hardware mode change out to observing the cell growth of various types of tissue cultures. Sample replacement will be required for furnaces and combustion type modules. The Fundamental Physics program will need crew EVA support to provide module change out of experiment. Training will take place various research centers and hardware development locations. It is expected that onboard training through various methods and video/digital technology as well as limited telecommunication interaction. Since hardware will be designed to operate from a few weeks to multiple research increments, flexibility must be planned in the training approach and procedure skills to optimize the output as well as the equipment maintainability. Early increment lessons learned will be addressed.

Schlagheck, Ronald↗

GASCAN 2 payload integration

This MQP is an ongoing part of the NASA Advanced Space Design Program which examines the integration of the WPI/MITRE Get Away Special Canister (GASCan 2). GASCan 2 contains the Ionospheric Properties and Propagation, Micro-Gravity Ignition, and Rotational Fluid Flow experiments, as well as the integrated support structure. The objectives this year were to finalize the power supply system, connections for experiments, mechanical design of the IPPE's antenna, and to update the structural and vibrational analysis of the integrated support structure.

Brown, Henry B., Jr.↗

Extended Duration Orbiter - Meeting the challenge

The paper overviews the Extended Duration Orbiter (EDO) program designed to provide an on-orbit stay capability of 16 days using the Orbiter Vehicle OV-102. Special attention is given to the EDO's subsystems and substructures, including the cryogenic pallet, the cryogenic storage tanks, the cryogenic solenoid valves, the regenerable carbon dioxide removal system, and the waste collection system. The EDO program will start with the STS-50 U.S. Microgravity Lab mission planned for June 1992.

Saucier, D. R.↗

Pax permanent Martian base: Space architecture for the first human habitation on Mars, volume 5

America at the Threshold: Report of the Synthesis Group on America's Space Exploration Initiative (the 'Synthesis Report,' sometimes called the Stafford Report after its astronaut chair, published in 1991) recommended that NASA explore what it called four 'architectures,' i.e., four different scenarios for habitation on Mars. The Advanced Design Program in Space Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee supported this report and two of its scenarios--'Architecture 1' and 'Architecture 4'--during the spring of 1992. This report investigates the implications of different mission scenarios, the Martian environment, supporting technologies, and especially human factors and environment-behavior considerations for the design of the first permanent Martian base. The report is comprised of sections on mission analysis, implications of the Martian atmosphere and geologic environment, development of habitability design requirements based on environment-behavior and human factors research, and a full design proposed (concept design and design development) for the first permanent Martian base and habitat. The design is presented in terms of a base site plan, master plan based on a Mars direct scenario phased through IOC, and design development details of a complete Martian habitat for 18 crew members including all laboratory, mission control, and crew support spaces.

Huebner-Moths, Janis↗

NASA's Space Environments and Effects (SEE) Program: The Pursuit of Tomorrow's Space Technology

A hazard to all spacecraft orbiting the earth and exploring the unknown in deep space is the existence of a harsh and ever changing environment with its subsequent effects. Some of these environmental hazards, such as plasma, extreme thermal excursions, meteoroids, and ionizing radiation result from natural sources, whereas others, such as orbital debris and neutral contamination are induced by the presence of spacecraft themselves. The subsequent effects can provide damaging or even disabling effects on spacecraft, its materials, and its instruments. In partnership with industry, academia, and other government agencies, National Aeronautics & Space Administration's (NASA's) Space Environments & Effects (SEE) Program defines the space environments and advocates technology development to accommodate or mitigate these harmful environments on the spacecraft. This program provides a very comprehensive and focused approach to understanding the space environment, to define the best techniques for both flight and ground-based experimentation, to update the models which predict both the environments and the environmental effects on spacecraft, and finally to ensure that this information is properly maintained and inserted into spacecraft design programs. This paper will provide an overview of the Program's purpose, goals, database management and technical activities. In particular, the SEE Program has been very active in developing improved ionizing radiation models and developing related flight experiments which should aid in determining the effect of the radiation environment on modern electronics.

Pearson, Steven D.↗