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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1988

Advancing automation and robotics technology for the Space Station Freedom and for the US economy

In April 1985, as required by Public Law 98-371, the NASA Advanced Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) reported to Congress the results of its studies on advanced automation and robotics technology for use on the Freedom space station. This material was documented in the initial report (NASA Technical Memorandum 87566). A further requirement of the law was that ATAC follow NASA's progress in this area and report to Congress semiannually. This report is the seventh in a series of progress updates and covers the period between April 1, 1988 and September 30, 1988. NASA has accepted the basic recommendations of ATAC for its Space Station Freedom efforts. ATAC and NASA agree that the thrust of Congress is to build an advanced automation and robotics technology base that will support an evolutionary Space Station Freedom program and serve as a highly visible stimulator, affecting the U.S. long-term economy. The progress report identifies the work of NASA and the Freedom study contractors. It also describes research in progress, and it makes assessments of the advancement of automation and robotics technology on the Freedom space station.

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NASA NTRS1990

Advancing automation and robotics technology for the Space Station Freedom and for the US economy: Submitted to the United States Congress

In April 1985, as required by Public Law 98-371, the NASA Advanced Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) reported to Congress the results of its studies on advanced automation and robotics technology for use on the Space Station Freedom. This material was documented in the initial report (NASA Technical Memorandum 87566). A further requirement of the law was that ATAC follow NASA's progress in this area and report to Congress semiannually. This report is the ninth in a series of progress updates and covers the period between February 24, 1989, and July 12, 1989. NASA has accepted the basic recommendation of ATAC for its Space Station Freedom efforts. ATAC and NASA agree that the thrust of Congress is to build an advanced automation and robotics technology base that will support an evolutionary Space Station program and serve as a highly visible stimulator, affecting the U.S. long-term economy. The work of NASA and the Freedom contractors, e.g., Work Packages, as well as the Flight Telerobotic Servicer is identified. Research in progress is also described and assessments of the advancement of automation and robotics technology on the Space Station Freedom are given.

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NASA NTRS1989

Space station Simulation Computer System (SCS) study for NASA/MSFC. Volume 1: Overview and summary

NASA's Space Station Freedom Program (SSFP) planning efforts have identified a need for a payload training simulator system to serve as both a training facility and as a demonstrator to validate operational concepts. The envisioned Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Payload Training Complex (PTC) required to meet this need will train the space station payload scientists, station scientists, and ground controllers to operate the wide variety of experiments that will be onboard the Space Station Freedom. The Simulation Computer System (SCS) is the computer hardware, software, and workstations that will support the Payload Training Complex at MSFC. The purpose of this SCS study is to investigate issues related to the SCS, alternative requirements, simulator approaches, and state-of-the-art technologies to develop candidate concepts and designs. This study was performed August 1988 to October 1989. Thus, the results are based on the SSFP August 1989 baseline, i.e., pre-Langley configuration/budget review (C/BR) baseline. Some terms, e.g., combined trainer, are being redefined. An overview of the study activities and a summary of study results are given here.

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NASA NTRS1990

Advancing automation and robotics technology for the Space Station Freedom and for the US economy

In April 1985, the NASA Advanced Technology Advisory Committee (ATAC) reported to Congress the results of its studies on advanced automation and robotics technology for use on Space Station Freedom. This material was documented in the initial report (NASA Technical Memorandum 87566). The progress made by Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Office of Space Station in developing and applying advanced automation and robotics technology are described. Emphasis was placed upon the Space Station Freedom Program responses to specific recommendations made in ATAC Progress Report 9, the Flight Telerobotic Servicer, the Advanced Development Program, and the Data Management System. Assessments are presented for these and other areas as they apply to the advancement of automation and robotics technology for the Space Station Freedom.

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NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Based Microacceleration Experiment Platform

Normal Space Station Freedom activities, such as docking, astronauts' movement, equipment vibrations, and space station reboosts, exert forces on the structure, resulting in static or transient accelerations greater than many microgravity experiments can tolerate. A solution to this problem is to isolate experiments on a separate platform free from such disturbances. The Space Station Based Microacceleration Experiment Platform, a proposed solution to the Space Station microgravity experiment problem is described. It is modular in design and can be telerobotically assembled and operated. The Microacceleration Experiment Platform (MEP) consists of a minimum configuration platform to which power, propulsion, propellant, and experiment modules are added. The platform's layout is designed to take maximum advantage of the microgravity field structure in orbit.

Barber, Katy↗
NASA NTRS1990

Telepresence and Space Station Freedom workstation operations

The Space Station Freedom workstation system is a distributed network of computer based workstations that provides the man-machine interfaces for controlling space station systems. This includes control of external manipulator, robotic and free flyer devices by crewmembers in the space station's pressurized shirt-sleeve environment. These remotely controlled devices help minimize the requirement for costly crew extravehicular activity (EVA) time for such tasks as station assembly and payload support. Direct window views may be used for controlling some of the systems, but many activities will be remote or require levels of detail not possible by direct observation. Since controlling remote devices becomes more difficult when direct views are inadequate or unavailable, many performance enhancing techniques have been considered for representing information about remote activities to the operator. Described here are the telepresence techniques under consideration to support operations and training. This includes video enhancements (e.g., graphic and text overlays and stereo viewing), machine vision systems, remote activity animation, and force reflection representation.

Jensen, Dean G.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Designing Space Station Freedom for evolution

The requirements for using the Space Station for research and development and to support human missions to the Moon and Mars are examined. Space Station configurations are presented for these two cases. It is suggested that, by the year 2010, the Space Station requirements for research and development should include 275 kW of average power, a crew of 24, 5 full laboratory modules, and 3 pocket labs. For supporting the Lunar/Mars program as a transportation node facility, the Space Station should require 175 kw of average power, 16 crew members, 3 full laboratory modules, and 1 pocket lab.

Huckins, Earle K., III↗
NASA NTRS1989

Using space for technology development - Planning for the Space Station era

Experience with the Shuttle and free-flying satellites as technology test-beds has shown the feasibility and desirability of using space assets as a facility for technology development. Thus, by the time the Space Station era will have arrived, the technologist will be ready for an accessible engineering facility in space. As the 21st century is approached, it is expected that virtually every flight to the Space Station Freedom will be required to carry one or more research, technology, and engineering experiments. The experiments planned will utilize both the pressurized volume, and the external payload attachment facilities. A unique, but extremely important, class of experiments will use the Space Station itself as an experimental vehicle. Based upon recent examination of possible Space Station Freedom assembly sequences, technology payloads may well utilize 20-30 percent of available resources.

Ambrus, Judith H.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A continuum model for dynamic analysis of the Space Station

Dynamic analysis of the International Space Station using MSC/NASTRAN had 1312 rod elements, 62 beam elements, 489 nodes and 1473 dynamic degrees of freedom. A realtime, man-in-the-loop simulation of such a model is impractical. This paper discusses the mathematical model for realtime dynamic simulation of the Space Station. Several key questions in structures and structural dynamics are addressed. First, to achieve a significant reduction in the number of dynamic degrees of freedom, a continuum equivalent representation of the Space Station truss structure which accounted for the unsymmetry of the basic configuration and resulted in the coupling of extensional and transverse deformation, is developed. Next, dynamic equations for the continuum equivalent of the Space Station truss structure are formulated using a matrix version of Kane's dynamical equations. Flexibility is accounted for by using a theory that accommodates extension, bending in two principal planes and shear displacement. Finally, constraint equations suitable for dynamic analysis of flexible bodies with closed loop configuration are developed and solution of the resulting system of equations is based on the zero eigenvalue theorem.

Thomas, Segun↗
NASA NTRS1989

Space Station - Infrastructure for radiation measurements in low earth orbit

The general configuration, development schedule, and capabilities of the NASA International Space Station are reviewed, with an emphasis on the possibilities for long-term measurements of high-energy cosmic and secondary radiation from the main Station spacecraft, coorbiting or polar-orbit platforms, or Station-supported GEO satellites. Also outlined are the organizational structure and the application procedures to be followed by potential users of the Station facilities. Diagrams and drawings are provided.

Meredith, B. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Implication of orbital debris for Space Station design

A large increase in the debris environment combined with the existing space station program requirements results in larger design debris particle sizes being used for designing the Space Station meteoroid and debris protection system. Equipment affecting survivability of the Space Station and its crew is identified and the amount of protection needed is assessed. A combination of passive shielding and active techniques is considered along with the requirements for developing easily augmentable shielding and the use of new shielding materials to reduce launch weight and volume. In addition to passive protection development, collision avoidance procedures moving the station out of the path of very large debris particles must be developed. Innovative solutions, including on-orbit debris detection and tracking devices, active debris interceptors, and 'storm cellars' are addressed.

Nieder, Raymond L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Environmental Health System water quality monitoring

One of the unique aspects of the Space Station is that it will be a totally encapsulated environment and the air and water supplies will be reclaimed for reuse. The Environmental Health System, a subsystem of CHeCS (Crew Health Care System), must monitor the air and water on board the Space Station Freedom to verify that the quality is adequate for crew safety. Specifically, the Water Quality Subsystem will analyze the potable and hygiene water supplies regularly for organic, inorganic, particulate, and microbial contamination. The equipment selected to perform these analyses will be commercially available instruments which will be converted for use on board the Space Station Freedom. Therefore, the commercial hardware will be analyzed to identify the gravity dependent functions and modified to eliminate them. The selection, analysis, and conversion of the off-the-shelf equipment for monitoring the Space Station reclaimed water creates a challenging project for the Water Quality engineers and scientists.

Vincze, Johanna E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Freedom: Dynamic instrumentation for a large space structure

A proposed approach called Modal Identification Experiment (MIE) for obtaining on-orbit dynamic response measurements on Space Station Freedom, the first of a family of large, flexible space structures is discussed. The Phase 2 conceptual design study which provides a conceptual design of a proposed measurement system and an experimental protocol for inobstrusively collecting dynamic response data critical to characterizing important vibration modes of Space Station Freedom were recently concluded. The case for conducting such a measurement program is presented and the specific MIE objectives that were identified, are listed. The sequence of discrete Space Station Freedom assembly configurations is described, and the Phase 2 conceptual design of the experiment and instrumentation system are defined. In addition, a plan to utilize a space station hydrid scale model in laboratory simulations as part of the design process are discussed.

Raney, John P.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Emergency egress requirements for Space Station Freedom

There is a real concern regarding the requirements for safe emergency egress from the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The possible causes of emergency are depressurization due to breach of the station hull by space debris, meteoroids, seal failure, or vent failure; chemical toxicity; and a large fire. The objectives of the current study are to identify the tasks required to be performed in emergencies, establish the time required to perform these tasks, and to review the human equipment interface in emergencies. It was found that a fixed time value specified for egress has shifted focus from the basic requirements of safe egress, that in some situations the crew members may not be able to complete the emergency egress tasks in three minutes without sacrificing more than half of the station, and that increased focus should be given to human factors aspects of space station design.

Ray, Paul S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

IVA the robot: Design guidelines and lessons learned from the first space station laboratory manipulation system

The first interactive Space Station Freedom (SSF) lab robot exhibit was installed at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, and has been running daily since. IntraVehicular Activity (IVA) the robot is mounted in a full scale U.S. Lab (USL) mockup to educate the public on possible automation and robotic applications aboard the SSF. Responding to audio and video instructions at the Command Console, exhibit patrons may prompt IVA to perform a housekeeping task or give a speaking tour of the module. Other exemplary space station tasks are simulated and the public can even challenge IVA to a game of tic tac toe. In anticipation of such a system being built for the Space Station, a discussion is provided of the approach taken, along with suggestions for applicability to the Space Station Environment.

Konkel, Carl R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Berthing simulator for space station and orbiter

The development of a real-time man-in-the-loop berthing simulator is in progress at NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) to conduct a parametric study and to measure forces during contact conditions of the actual docking mechanisms for the Space Station Freedom and the orbiter. In berthing, the docking ports of the Space Station and the orbiter are brought together using the orbiter robotic arm to control the relative motion of the vehicles. The berthing simulator consists of a dynamics docking test system (DDTS), computer system, simulator software, and workstations. In the DDTS, the Space Station, and the orbiter docking mechanisms are mounted on a six-degree-of-freedom (6 DOF) table and a fixed platform above the table. Six load cells are used on the fixed platform to measure forces during contact conditions of the docking mechanisms. Two Encore Concept 32/9780 computers are used to simulate the orbiter robotic arm and to operate the berthing simulator. A systematic procedure for a real-time dynamic initialization is being developed to synchronize the Space Station docking port trajectory with the 6 DOF table movement. The berthing test can be conducted manually or automatically and can be extended for any two orbiting vehicles using a simulated robotic arm. The real-time operation of the berthing simulator is briefly described.

Veerasamy, Sam↗
NASA NTRS1991

Pre-integrated structures for Space Station Freedom

An in-space construction (erectable) approach to assembling Freedom is planned but the increasing complexity of the station design along with a decrease in shuttle capability over the past several years has led to an assembly sequence that requires more resources (EVA, lift, volume) than the shuttle can provide given a fixed number of flights. One way to address these issues is to adopt a pre-integrated approach to assembling Freedom. A pre-integrated approach combines station primary structure and distributed systems into discrete sections that are assembled and checked out on the ground. The section is then launched as a single structural entity on the shuttle and attached to the orbiting station is then launched as a single structural entity on the shuttle and attached to the orbiting station with a minimum of EVA. The feasibility of a pre-integrated approach to assembling Freedon is discussed. The structural configuration, packaging, and shuttle integration of discrete pre-integrated elements for Freedom assembly are discussed. It is shown that the pre-integrated approach to assembly reduces EVA and increases shuttle margin with respect to mass, volume, and center of gravity limits when compared to the baseline Freedom assembly sequence.

Cruz, Jonathan N.↗
NASA NTRS1990

TROUBLE 3: A fault diagnostic expert system for Space Station Freedom's power system

Designing Space Station Freedom has given NASA many opportunities to develop expert systems that automate onboard operations of space based systems. One such development, TROUBLE 3, an expert system that was designed to automate the fault diagnostics of Space Station Freedom's electric power system is described. TROUBLE 3's design is complicated by the fact that Space Station Freedom's power system is evolving and changing. TROUBLE 3 has to be made flexible enough to handle changes with minimal changes to the program. Three types of expert systems were studied: rule-based, set-covering, and model-based. A set-covering approach was selected for TROUBLE 3 because if offered the needed flexibility that was missing from the other approaches. With this flexibility, TROUBLE 3 is not limited to Space Station Freedom applications, it can easily be adapted to handle any diagnostic system.

Manner, David B.↗