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At least 91 records · Page 5

Operation and maintenance, fire rescue air-pack. Volume 2: Communications

The operation and maintenance procedures are described for the development model of the fire rescue air pack (FRAP) voice amplifier assembly, including the battery charger. Operational instructions include a general description of the assembly, specifications, and installation and operation. Maintenance instructions include theory of operation, preventive maintenance, repair, adjustment, and a parts list. The FRAP is intended to permit fire rescue personnel to enter a smoke-filled, toxic or oxygen depleted environment carrying their own source of breathing air. The voice amplifier assembly permits the wearer to communicate by voice with other persons in the vicinity. The battery charger assembly provides a means of keeping the amplifier batteries fully charged.

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Despinning and detumbling satellites in rescue operations.

Operational aspects of detumbling or despinning a large passive vehicle during a rescue mission are discussed. Techniques and devices for carrying out these operations are described, and some specific examples are cited which represent realistic estimates of future rescue situations. Torque could be applied from outside, or built-in autonomous devices could be used.

Kaplan, M. H.↗

A Module for Automatic Dock and Detumble (MADD) for orbital rescue operations

The module for automatic dock and detumble (MADD) is an automated device for bringing a passive, tumbling space base under control in an orbital rescue situation. The conceptual design of such a device resulted from a consideration of tumbling motion analyses and mission constraints. Specific topics of investigation include orbit and attitude dynamics and detumble profiles. Position and attitude control systems for the various phases of operation were developed. Dynamic motion of a passive vehicle with MADD attached is considered as an example application and to determine control requirements. Since time is a critical factor in rescue operations, it is essential to execute the detumbling maneuver in a minimum of time. Optimization of the MADD thrusting sequence has also been investigated. Results indicate the control torque must be directed opposite to the angular momentum vector for the assumption used here.

Snow, W. R.↗

The Global Rescue Alarm Net (GRAN) experiment

The OMEGA Position Location Experiment (OPLE) was performed in 1967 by the Goddard Space Flight Center in order to demonstrate a position location and data collection system. OMEGA navigation signals were received at a remote site and retransmitted via a synchronous satellite to a ground processing center where data collecting and position determination were performed. Recent technological advances have made it possible to develop an Advanced OPLE System towards a global search and rescue application. This application generated some new problem areas such as the OMEGA lane ambiguity, random access, location accuracy, real-time processing, and size and weight of the Search and Rescue Communications (SARCOM). This experiment demonstrates the feasibility of instantaneous alarm and position location by using a relatively inexpensive, battery operated, three-pound package.

Morakis, J. C.↗

A global search and rescue concept using synthetic aperture radar and passive user targets

A terrestrial search and rescue concept is defined embodying the use of passive radio-frequency reflectors in conjunction with an orbiting synthetic aperture radar to detect, identify, and locate users. An airborne radar test was conducted to evaluate the basic concept. In this test simple corner-reflector targets were successfully imaged. Results from this investigation were positive and indicate that the concept can be used to investigate new approaches focused on the development of a global search and rescue system.

Sivertson, W. E., Jr.↗

Global search and rescue - A new concept

A new terrestrial search and rescue concept is defined embodying the use of simple passive radiofreqeuncy reflectors in conjunction with a low earth-orbiting, all-weather, synthetic aperture radar to detect, identify, and position locate earth-bound users in distress. Users include ships, aircraft, small boats, explorers, hikers, etc. Airborne radar tests were conducted to evaluate the basic concept. Both X-band and L-band, dual polarization radars were operated simultaneously. Simple, relatively small, corner-reflector targets were successfully imaged and digital data processing approaches were investigated. Study of the basic concept and evaluation of results obtained from aircraft flight tests indicate an all-weather, day or night, global search and rescue system is feasible.

Sivertson, W. E., Jr.↗

Locate and rescue system components

Two types of search and rescue systems not involving satellites are studied; one using a network radio communications link and the other a characteristic beacon signal. Line of slight limitation of VHF radio and beacon signals limit the range (approximately 25 miles) between the origin of the distress signal and the mobile rescue unit.

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Improvements in search and rescue distress alerting and locating using satellites

This paper describes a system concept for search and rescue which is capable of making a major contribution to saving lives and reducing the search time for downed aircraft. In addition, a beacon location experiment is described using the Amateur Radio Satellite Corporation Oscar-6 and Oscar-7 spacecraft. The purpose of this experiment was to demonstrate the system concept above by determining the geographical location of a low power 'distress beacon' via satellite based on a single pass of Doppler frequency measurements. Preliminary results are presented showing beacon location recovery on the order of 10 km with indications that an order of magnitude improvement is entirely possible. This experiment is in support of NASA's current exploration into the role satellites might play in providing much needed improvements in the reliability, coverage and accuracy of present search and rescue procedures.

Brandel, D. L.↗

US Search and Rescue Mission Control Center functions

A satellite aided Search and Rescue (SAR) Mission concept consisting of a local coverage bent pipe system, and a global coverage system is described. The SAR instrument is to consist of a Canadian repeater and a French processor for which Canada and France, respectively are to evaluate health and trends. Performance evaluations of each system were provided. The United States and Canada will each have a Search and Rescue Mission Control Center (MCC) and their functions were also examined. A summary of the interface requirements necessary to perform each function was included as well as the information requirements between the USMCC and each of its interfaces. Physical requirements such as location, manning etc. of the USMCC were discussed.

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Inflatable Rescue Capsules

Rescue spheres transfer people from disabled vehicle to rescue vehicle. Container, inflatable sphere, constructed of gastight thermalprotective fabric to provide protection during transfer.

Baker, J. L.↗

Proposed new concepts for an advanced search and rescue satellite system

Methods of reducing the forwarding time from COSPAS/SARSAT (Space System for Search of Distressed Vessels/Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System) satellite passage until a location is supplied to the search and rescue (SAR) forces are studied. It is shown how supplemental use of geostationary satellites or institution off-polar ground stations can reduce the time delay from 62 min to 7 min. The tradeoff between the two approaches is their cost and complexity versus time delay reduction. Sample systems are developed here in order to examine the tradeoffs.

Hembree, W. A.↗

Ascent, abort, and entry capability assessment of a Space Station rescue and personnel/logistics vehicle

The ascent, abort, and entry capability of a vehicle for rescue of the Space Station crew or ferry of personnel and supplies to and from the Space Station are analyzed. The configurations of the Space Station rescue vehicle and the Space Station personnel/logistics vehicle (SSPLV) are discussed and illustrated. The nominal ascent trajectory for the SSPLV delivered to orbit on a Titan II is presented. The ascent abort modes from launch to orbital injection are evaluated. It is shown that five landing sites with runways longer than 10,000 ft could provide a landing opportunity from every orbit of the Space Station in a 220-nmi circular orbit with a 28.5 deg inclination.

Naftel, J. C.↗

Development of an extravehicular activity self rescue technique for Space Station

A design study was conducted to delineate potential failure modes and to evaluate various solutions to the many risks to which an astronaut is exposed while performing EVA activities. Among these are suit depressurization as a result of micrometeoroid impact and portable life system failure. There is also a risk of prolonged separation from the vehicle should a tether break or a manned maneuvering unit run out of fuel. In order to simplify contingency operations and to prepare for the situation when no other means are available, a self-rescue capability must be determined. Rescue options are detailed and a number of possible approaches and solutions are presented.

Brody, Adam↗

Simulation of extra-vehicular activity (EVA) self-rescue

Self-rescue during EVA is examined in terms of the use of a hand-held thruster that is similar to the hand-held maneuvering units HHMU developed for earlier programs. The problem of assessing velocity-increment requirements is addressed by means of examples of simulation technologies for studying EVA. The technologies evaluated include virtual reality systems such as the Virtual Interactive Environment Workstation (VIEW) and the Space Operations Simulator, and standard approaches like the air-bearing floor and the space shuttle. The VIEW is employed for a study of five trained NASA subjects that conduct a simulated return to a spacecraft with an HMMU under variable conditions. The study demonstrates the efficacy of VIEW for obtaining fuel-consumption values, and separation velocity is identified as the most significant determinant of the fuel and time requirements for a self-rescue operation.

Brody, Adam R.↗

Advanced Crew Rescue Vehicle/Personnel Launch System

The Advanced Crew Rescue Vehicle (ACRV) will be an essential element of the Space Station to respond to three specific missions, all of which have occurred during the history space exploration by the U.S. and the Soviets: (1) Mission DRM-1: Return of disabled crew members during medical emergencies; (2) Mission DRM-2: Return of crew members from accidents or as a result of failures of Space Station systems; and (3) Mission DRM-3: Return of crew members during interruption of Space Shuttle launches. The ACRV will have the ability to transport up to eight astronauts during a 24-hour mission. Not only would the ACRV serve as a lifeboat to provide transportation back to Earth, but it would also be available as a immediately available safe refuge in case the Space Station were severely damaged by space debris or other catastrophe. Upon return to Earth, existing world-wide search and rescue assets operated by the Coast Guard and Department of Defense would be able to retrieve personnel returned to Earth via the ACRV. The operational approach proposed for the ACRV is tailored to satisfying mission requirements for simplicity of operation (no piloting skills or specially trained personnel are required), continuous availability, high reliability and affordability. By using proven systems as the basis for many critical ACRV systems, the ACRV program is more likely to achieve each of these mission requirements. Nonetheless, the need for the ACRV to operate reliably with little preflight preparation after, perhaps, 5 to 10 years in orbit imposes challenges not faced by any previous space system of this complexity. Specific concerns exist regarding micrometeoroid impacts, battery life, and degradation of recovery parachutes while in storage.

Craig, Jerry W.↗

A navigation and control system for an autonomous rescue vehicle in the space station environment

A navigation and control system was designed and implemented for an orbital autonomous rescue vehicle envisioned to retrieve astronauts or equipment in the case that they become disengaged from the space station. The rescue vehicle, termed the Extra-Vehicular Activity Retriever (EVAR), has an on-board inertial measurement unit ahd GPS receivers for self state estimation, a laser range imager (LRI) and cameras for object state estimation, and a data link for reception of space station state information. The states of the retriever and objects (obstacles and the target object) are estimated by inertial state propagation which is corrected via measurements from the GPS, the LRI system, or the camera system. Kalman filters are utilized to perform sensor fusion and estimate the state propagation errors. Control actuation is performed by a Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU). Phase plane control techniques are used to control the rotational and translational state of the retriever. The translational controller provides station-keeping or motion along either Clohessy-Wiltshire trajectories or straight line trajectories in the LVLH frame of any sufficiently observed object or of the space station. The software was used to successfully control a prototype EVAR on an air bearing floor facility, and a simulated EVAR operating in a simulated orbital environment. The design of the navigation system and the control system are presented. Also discussed are the hardware systems and the overall software architecture.

Merkel, Lawrence↗

Simplified Aid For Crew Rescue (SAFR)

Viewgraphs and discussion of a Crew Emergency Rescue System (CERS) are presented. Topics covered include: functional description; operational description; interfaces with other subsystems/elements; simplified aid for crew rescue (SACR) characteristics; potential resource requirements; logistics, repair, and resupply; potential performance improvements; and automation impact.

Fisher, H. Thomas↗