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At least 757 records · Page 42

Design Optimization and Analysis of a Composite Honeycomb Intertank

Intertanks, the structure between tanks of launch vehicles, are prime candidates for weight reduction of rockets. This paper discusses the optimization and detailed follow up analysis and testing of a 96 in. diameter, 77 in. tall intertank. The structure has composite face sheets with an aluminum honeycomb core. The ends taper to a thick built up laminate for a double lap bolted splice joint interface. It is made in 8 full length panels joined with bonded double lap joints. The nominal load is 4000 lb/in. Optimization is by Genetic Algorithm and minimizes weight by varying core thickness, number and orientation of acreage and buildup plies, and the size, number and spacing of bolts. A variety of design cases were run with populations up to 2000 and chromosomes as long as 150 bits. Constraints were buckling; face stresses (normal, shear, wrinkling and dimpling); bolt stress; and bolt hole stresses (bearing, net tension, wedge splitting, shear out and tension/shear out). Analysis is by a combination of elasticity solutions and empirical data. After optimization, a series of coupon tests were performed in conjunction with a rigorous analysis involving a variety of finite element models. This analysis and testing resulted in several small changes to the optimized design. The equation used for hole bearing strength was found to be inadequate, resulting in thicker ends. The core thickness increased 0.05", and potting compound was added in the taper to strengthen the facesheet bond. The intertank has undergone a 250,000 lb limit load test and been mated with a composite liquid hydrogen tank. The tank/intertank unit is being installed in a test stand where it will see 200 thermal/load cycles. Afterwards the intertank will be demated and loaded in compression to failure.

Finckenor, Jeff↗

STS-103 In VAB

Live footage of the fully constructed Discovery Orbiter mated to the external tank and solid rocket boosters in the VAB (Vehicle Assembly Building) high bay 1 is seen.

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Characterization of Settled Atmospheric Dust by the DART Experiment

The DART ("Dust Accumulation and Removal Test") package is an experiment which will fly as part of the MIP experiment on the Mars-2001 Surveyor Lander. Dust deposition could be a significant problem for photovoltaic array operation for long duration emissions on the surface of Mars. Measurements made by Pathfinder showed 0.3% loss of solar array performance per day due to dust obscuration. The DART experiment is designed to quantify dust deposition from the Mars atmosphere, measure the properties of settled dust, measure the effect of dust deposition on the array performance, and test several methods of mitigating the effect of settled dust on a solar array. Although the purpose of DART (along with its sister experiment, MATE) is to gather information critical to the design of future power systems on the surface of Mars, the dust characterization instrumentation on DART will also provide significant scientific data on the properties of settled atmospheric dust.

Landis, Geoffrey A.↗

Delta FUSE Fairing Installation at Launch Complex 17A

This NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) video release presents footage of the June 19, 1999 installation of the fairing around the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE) spacecraft. The spacecraft was previously mated to the Boeing Delta II rocket. Installation took place on Pad A of Launch Complex 17.

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GH/IGF-I Transgene Expression on Muscle Homeostasis

We propose to test the hypothesis that the growth hormone/ insulin like growth factor-I axis through autocrine/paracrine mechanisms may provide long term muscle homeostasis under conditions of prolonged weightlessness. As a key alternative to hormone replacement therapy, ectopic production of hGH, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH), and IGF-I will be studied for its potential on muscle mass impact in transgenic mice under simulated microgravity. Expression of either hGH or IGF-I would provide a chronic source of a growth-promoting protein whose biosynthesis or secretion is shut down in space. Muscle expression of the IGF-I transgene has demonstrated about a 20% increase in hind limb muscle mass over control nontransgenic litter mates. These recent experiments, also establish the utility of hind-limb suspension in mice as a workable model to study atrophy in weight bearing muscles. Thus, transgenic mice will be used in hind-limb suspension models to determine the role of GH/IGF-I on maintenance of muscle mass and whether concentric exercises might act in synergy with hormone treatment. As a means to engineer and ensure long-term protein production that would be workable in humans, gene therapy technology will be used by to monitor muscle mass preservation during hind-limb suspension, after direct intramuscular injection of a genetically engineered muscle-specific vector expressing GHRH. Effects of this gene-based therapy will be assessed in both fast twitch (medial gastrocnemius) and slow twitch muscle (soleus). End-points include muscle size, ultrastructure, fiber type, and contractile function, in normal animals, hind limb suspension, and reambutation.

Schwartz, Robert J.↗

Comparison Of Human Modelling Tools For Efficiency Of Prediction Of EVA Tasks

Construction of the International Space Station (ISS) will require extensive extravehicular activity (EVA, spacewalks), and estimates of the actual time needed continue to rise. As recently as September, 1996, the amount of time to be spent in EVA was believed to be about 400 hours, excluding spacewalks on the Russian segment. This estimate has recently risen to over 1100 hours, and it could go higher before assembly begins in the summer of 1998. These activities are extremely expensive and hazardous, so any design tools which help assure mission success and improve the efficiency of the astronaut in task completion can pay off in reduced design and EVA costs and increased astronaut safety. The tasks which astronauts can accomplish in EVA are limited by spacesuit mobility. They are therefore relatively simple, from an ergonomic standpoint, requiring gross movements rather than time motor skills. The actual tasks include driving bolts, mating and demating electric and fluid connectors, and actuating levers; the important characteristics to be considered in design improvement include the ability of the astronaut to see and reach the item to be manipulated and the clearance required to accomplish the manipulation. This makes the tasks amenable to simulation in a Computer-Assisted Design (CAD) environment. For EVA, the spacesuited astronaut must have his or her feet attached on a work platform called a foot restraint to obtain a purchase against which work forces may be actuated. An important component of the design is therefore the proper placement of foot restraints.

Dischinger, H. Charles, Jr.↗

STS-34: Atlantis Stacking Activities in the VAB

The primary mission for STS-34 was the launch of the Galileo Probe to Jupiter. This videotape shows the shuttle Atlantis in the Vertical Assembly Building (VAB) being hoisted from the horizontal position to the vertical position. It also shows the shuttle being moved into position for mating with the solid rocket boosters.

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Titan III Mars Observer Arrival and Uncrating at PHSF

Live footage of the uncrating and the arrival of the Titan III Mars Observer to the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF) is presented. The Mars Observer's mission is to study the surface, atmosphere, interior and magnetic field of Mars from Martian orbit. At the PHSF, fueling of the spacecraft with its orbit insertion and attitude control propellants will occur. This will be followed by mating to the Transfer Orbit Stage (TOS). This is the upper stage that will provide the final thrust to propel the spacecraft on its 11-month journey to Mars.

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Mars Observer Spacecraft Processing

Footage shows various Mars Observer activities. Scenes include the checkout of the radar pin, the arrival of both the transfer orbit stage and the Mars Observer Spacecraft. Also shown are the mating of the spacecraft, pre-launch activities, countdown, animation of the Martian Environment, and replays of the launching of the Titan satellite.

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STS-39 Discovery in the VAB and Columbia Tow From HB-2

The orbiter Discovery sits inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) after its rollover from the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). In the VAB, Discovery will be mated with an external tank and solid rocket boosters for its launch. Shown also is Columbia orbiter being towed from the High Bay 2.

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International Space Station ECLSS Operations Status - Increment OA

This paper describes Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) operations to date for preflight planning, international partner coordination and mission plan execution of the International Space Station (ISS). The focus is on the activities involved with the STS-88(2A) Space Shuttle Endeavor flight, the first delivery of the US segment of the ISS, which consists of the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA)/and Node 1 elements, and the delivery of the first Russian segment of the ISS, the FGB, a US-financed and Russian- built module.

Lamczyk, Philip C.↗

Temperature Regulation in Crewmembers After a 115-Day Space Flight

Impaired thermoregulation, which has been observed during exercise following bed rest, may significantly impact crewmembers during space flight operations by decreasing exercise capacity and orthostatic tolerance. Impaired temperature regulation would cause higher levels of core temperature, due to an attenuated cutaneous vasodilatory reflex and sweating response, for a given oxygen consumption. Two mate crewmembers of the Mir 18 mission performed supine cycle exercise se (20 min @ 40% and 20 min @ 65% preflight VO2pk) 145 days preflight and 5 days postflight. Core temperature (Tcore) was measured by an ingestible telemetry pill, skin blood flow (SBF) by laser Doppler velocimetry, and sweat rate (SR) by dew point hygrometry. Tcore at the time of test termination was similar (37.8 C) for both subjects before and after flight despite a shorter test duration (40 vs 28-29 minutes) postflight. The slopes of the SBF/Tcore relationship (Subj 1: 396 vs 214; Subj 2: 704 vs 143 Perfusion Unit/degC) and SR/Tcore relationship (Subj 1: 4.5 vs 2.1; Subj 2: 11.0 vs 3.6mg/min/sq cm/degC) were reduced postflight. Tcore thresholds for both SR (Subj 1: 37.4 vs 37.6; Subj 2: 37.6 vs 37.6 C) and SBF (Subj 1: 37.3 vs 37.5; Subj 2: 37.6 vs 37.7 C) were similar pre- to postflight. For these 2 crewmembers, it appeared that thermoregulation during exercise was impaired as evidenced by compromised heat loss responses after long-duration space flight.

Lee, S. M. C.↗

Crew Activity Report/Flight Day 6 Highlights

On this sixth day of the STS-92 mission, the flight crew, Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela A. Melroy, and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, and William S. McArthur continue working on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) to prepare the station for its first resident crew. Lopez-Alegria and Wisoff perform the second of four spacewalks to maneuver the third pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3) into its new location on the Unity module.

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STS-92 Crew Activity Report/Flight Day 4 Highlights

On this fourth day of the STS-92 mission, the flight crew, Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela A. Melroy, and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, and William S. McArthur give an overview of the day's accomplishments. Footage of the third pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3), the common berthing mechanism (CBM), and the installed Z1 truss are shown.

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STS-92 Crew Interview/L. Chiao

The STS-92 Mission Specialist Leroy Chiao is seen being interviewed. He answers questions about his inspiration to become an astronaut, his training, and gives details of the mission, including overviews of the Z1 truss, the third pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3), the common berthing mechanism (CBM), and the spacewalks. He shares his thoughts on the role of STS-92 in preparing the International Space Station (ISS) for the first resident crew, Russia's contribution to the ISS, and the importance of the ISS and Space Shuttle in the future.

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STS-92 Crew Activity Report/Flight Day 7 Highlights

On this seventh day of the STS-92 mission, the flight crew, Commander Brian Duffy, Pilot Pamela A. Melroy, and Mission Specialists Koichi Wakata, Leroy Chiao, Peter J.K. Wisoff, Michael E. Lopez-Alegria, and William S. McArthur continue work on the Z1 truss and the third pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3) on the International Space Station (ISS). Footage is seen of Chiao's and McArthur's spacewalk while they install two DC-to-DC converter units and attach a second tool storage box on the Z1 truss.

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STS-92 Crew Interview - Wakata

STS-92 Mission Specialist Koichi Wakata is interviewed. He answers questions about his inspiration to become an astronaut, his training, and gives details on the mission, including overviews of the ZI truss, the S-band antenna, the third pressurized mating adapter (PMA-3), the common berthing mechanism, and his part in controlling the robotic arm during the spacewalks. He shares his thoughts on Russia's contribution to the International Space Station (ISS), the role of STS-92 in preparing the ISS for its first resident crew, and the importance of ISS in the future.

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Technologies for Refueling Spacecraft On-Orbit

This paper discusses the current technologies for on-orbit refueling of spacecraft. The findings of 55 references are reviewed and summarized. Highlights include: (1) the Russian Progress system used by the International Space Station; (2) a flight demonstration of superfluid helium transfer; and (3) ground tests of large cryogenic systems. Key technologies discussed include vapor free liquid outflow, control of fluid inflow to prevent liquid venting, and quick disconnects for on-orbit mating of transfer lines.

Chato, David J.↗