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At least 91 records · Page 5

Space Shuttle Orbiter Approach and Landing Test Program

The approach and landing tests of the orbiter vehicle, planned for early 1977, will be the first actual flight activity in the NASA Space Shuttle Program. The tests are to include air-launched unpowered glide, approach, and landing tests. A review is presented of the basic Shuttle program and a description of the orbiter design is given, taking into account the flight control systems. Details of the actual test program will be partly based on the results to be obtained with an orbiter aeroflight simulator.

Fullerton, C. G.↗

Multiple boundary condition test (MBCT) approach to update mathematical models of large flexible structures

A major challenge to the structural dynamicist is to validate mathematical models of large space structures which cannot be ground tested because of its size and/or flexibility. The paper presents a Multiple Boundary Condition Test (MBCT) approach which allows a systematic validation of the mathematical model by performing a number of ground tests on a large structure with variable boundary conditions. A numerical simulation is presented which illustrates the validity of the MBCT including some of the potential limitations.

Wada, B. K.↗

Frequency modulation system test procedure shuttle task 501 approach and landing test configuration

Shuttle Task 501 is an in-line task to test the performance and compatibility of radiofrequency links between the SSO and ground, and relay via a satellite. Under Shuttle Task 501 approach and landing test (ALT) phase only a limited portion of the communication and tracking (C&T) equipment is to be tested. The principal item to be tested is a frequency modulated (FM) data link. To test this RF link, an ALT FM System was designed, constructed, and the console wiring verified. A step-by-step procedure to be used to perform the ALT FM system is presented. The ALT FM system test is to be performed prior to delivery of the equipment to the Electronic Systems Test Laboratory (ESTL).

Doland, G. D.↗

New Approach and Test Facility for High Field Accelerator Magnets R&D

This paper presents a new approach for developing and demonstrating high field magnet technology based on a magnet and test facility developed specifically for it. The traditional approach for carrying out high field magnet R&D has been building a new magnet to demonstrate a new design, new material or new technology. However, building a high field magnet is time consuming and expensive. To overcome this limitation, Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) built and successfully tested a 10 T Nb 3 Sn dipole DCC017 with large enough open or clear space (31 mm wide and 338 mm high) so that a pair of racetrack coils could be inserted into this opening without disassembling the magnet. The motivation be-hind this design was to facilitate a magnet R&D program where the new coils (with a large range in width and height accommodated) would reside in a high field region in direct contact with the existing coils (just as other magnet coils) and thus become an integral part of the magnet. We summarize the approach, the magnet, the test facility, past experiences, current and future test plans and planned up-grade. Here, the magnet facility is now available to service the needs of the wider community for testing cable and insert coils in a back-ground field of up to 10 T.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Space Shuttle Orbiter Approach and Landing Test

The Space Shuttle Orbiter Approach and Landing Test is part of the Space Shuttle Orbiter Project development testing that will precede the first Space Shuttle Orbital Flight Test. The approach and landing test will be accomplished during a 1-year period beginning in early 1977. The first Space Shuttle Orbiter to be assembled will be used to perform the approach and landing tests. A modified Boeing 747 aircraft will be used as a carrier for in-flight testing and launching of the Orbiter. The primary objectives of the approach and landing test are to verify the Orbiter/Shuttle Carrier Aircraft test configuration, to verify Orbiter manual approach and landing in the first Orbital Flight Test configuration, and to demonstrate an Orbiter Automatic Terminal Area Energy Management/Autoland capability.

Oglesby, T. L.↗

The General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT) System Test Plan

This document serves as the System Test Approach for the GMAT Project. Preparation for system testing consists of three major stages: 1) The Test Approach sets the scope of system testing, the overall strategy to be adopted, the activities to be completed, the general resources required and the methods and processes to be used to test the release. It also details the activities, dependencies and effort required to conduct the System Test. 2) Test Planning details the activities, dependencies and effort required to conduct the System Test. 3) Test Cases documents the tests to be applied, the data to be processed, the automated testing coverage and the expected results. This document covers the first two of these items, and established the framework used for the GMAT test case development. The test cases themselves exist as separate components, and are managed outside of and concurrently with this System Test Plan.

Conway, Darrel J.↗

Magnetic Testing, and Modeling, Simulation and Analysis for Space Applications

The Aerospace Corporation (Aerospace) and Lockheed Martin Space Systems (LMSS) participated with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the implementation of a magnetic cleanliness program of the NASA/JPL JUNO mission. The magnetic cleanliness program was applied from early flight system development up through system level environmental testing. The JUNO magnetic cleanliness program required setting-up a specialized magnetic test facility at Lockheed Martin Space Systems for testing the flight system and a testing program with facility for testing system parts and subsystems at JPL. The magnetic modeling, simulation and analysis capability was set up and performed by Aerospace to provide qualitative and quantitative magnetic assessments of the magnetic parts, components, and subsystems prior to or in lieu of magnetic tests. Because of the sensitive nature of the fields and particles scientific measurements being conducted by the JUNO space mission to Jupiter, the imposition of stringent magnetic control specifications required a magnetic control program to ensure that the spacecraft's science magnetometers and plasma wave search coil were not magnetically contaminated by flight system magnetic interferences. With Aerospace's magnetic modeling, simulation and analysis and JPL's system modeling and testing approach, and LMSS's test support, the project achieved a cost effective approach to achieving a magnetically clean spacecraft. This paper presents lessons learned from the JUNO magnetic testing approach and Aerospace's modeling, simulation and analysis activities used to solve problems such as remnant magnetization, performance of hard and soft magnetic materials within the targeted space system in applied external magnetic fields.

magnetics↗

Space Shuttle Program Orbiter Approach and Landing Test

The orbiter approach and landing test (ALT) reports are published to provide senior NASA management with timely information on ALT program plans and accomplishments. The ALT reports will be comprised of this pre-ALT report, ALT pre-flight memoranda, and an ALT post-flight report following each flight. The purpose of this pre-ALT report is to provide an overview of the ALT program, describing the flight vehicles involved and summarizing the planned flights.

Source record↗

Risks of Depress as a Fire Suppression Technique in Spacecraft

Spacecraft are designed to prevent fires through careful material selection and configuration control combined with electrical design controls and isolation of ignition sources. Despite these best efforts, fire risk still exists due to the potential for configuration changes with the introduction of crew and the potential for a ‘failure of imagination’ by designers in anticipating all fuel and ignition sources. Therefore, fire suppression is a critical capability for any crewed spacecraft as a last resort for crew survival. Many spacecraft suppression methods have relied on fire suppressants such as compressed carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water. A proposed alternative is depressurization of the cabin as a method to extinguish a fire. Limited testing was conducted during Skylab and showed that depress could result in stirring the air flow and aggravating a fire before extinguishing. However, limited information was available on how the test was conducted. To better characterize the approach, testing was conducted at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility to evaluate the effect of depressurization on material extinguishment. The results showed that depressurization does not provide a safe and effective fire suppression capability. The testing approach, results, and conclusions are described and discussed.

Toni Griego↗

Innovative Test Operations to Support Orion and Future Human Rated Missions

This paper describes how the Orion program is implementing new and innovative test approaches and strategies in an evolving development environment. The early flight test spacecraft are evolving in design maturity and complexity requiring significant changes in the ground test operations for each mission. The testing approach for EM-2 is planned to validate innovative Orion production acceptance testing methods to support human exploration missions in the future. Manufacturing and testing at Kennedy Space Center in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout facility will provide a seamless transition directly to the launch site avoiding transportation and checkout of the spacecraft from other locations.

Koenig, William J.↗

Ground test validation for precision structures

Future proposed NASA missions will require large precision truss type structures that are deployed or assembled in space. To date, space structures that are important to missions success have been ground tested to validate their performance. Evaluation of the performance requirements of future systems has shown that using current and projected design and test approaches, the structure cannot be adequately validated by ground test. A problem exists since it is believed that unless important structure systems can be validated by ground tests, they will never be adopted for future missions. New design or ground test approaches are necessary to enable future missions. The inability of current approaches to validate future structural systems is discussed.

Wada, Ben K.↗

System consideration, design approach and test of a low gain spherical coverage antenna for large space vehicles

A fixed beam array antenna approach is proposed to meet the omnidirectional receiving and transmitting requirements of LST (Large Space Telescope). The proposed method uses an antenna of known performance and scales the size and frequency to conform with the LST 1/5-th scale model. The simplification that the approach provides over switching antenna elements on board the LST or switching from the ground by frequency diversity makes it worthy of consideration against the factors of performance, cost, reliability, and operations complexity. For LST applications, the system capabilities, requirements, and margins are summarized. The areas to be covered by further investigations into the proposed LST antenna are noted.

Ferguson, R. E.↗

Dynamic stability and handling qualities tests on a highly augmented, statically unstable airplane

Initial envelope clearance and subsequent flight testing of a new, fully augmented airplane with an extremely high degree of static instability can place unusual demands on the flight test approach. Previous flight test experience with these kinds of airplanes is very limited or nonexistent. The safe and efficient flight testing may be further complicated by a multiplicity of control effectors that may be present on this class of airplanes. This paper describes some novel flight test and analysis techniques in the flight dynamics and handling qualities area. These techniques were utilized during the initial flight envelope clearance of the X-29A aircraft and were largely responsible for the completion of the flight controls clearance program without any incidents or significant delays.

Gera, Joseph↗

The role of mission operations in spacecraft integration and test

The participation of mission operations personnel in the spacecraft integration and test process offers significant benefits to spacecraft programs in terms of test efficiency, staffing and training efficiency, test completeness, and subsequent cost containment. Operations personnel who have had real-time contact experience and have been responsible for the assessment of on orbit spacecraft operations bring a unique view of spacecraft operations to pre-launch spacecraft test activities. Because of the unique view of the spacecraft/ground interface that experienced operations personnel have, they can propose optimum test approaches and optimum test data analysis techniques. Additionally, the testing that is typically required to validate operations methodologies can be integrated into spacecraft performance testing scenarios.

Harvey, Raymond J.↗

Solar Tower Experiments for Radiometric Calibration and Validation of Infrared Imaging Assets and Analysis Tools for Entry Aero-Heating Measurements

The NASA Engineering and Safety Center sponsored Hypersonic Thermodynamic Infrared Measurements assessment team has a task to perform radiometric calibration and validation of land-based and airborne infrared imaging assets and tools for remote thermographic imaging. The IR assets and tools will be used for thermographic imaging of the Space Shuttle Orbiter during entry aero-heating to provide flight boundary layer transition thermography data that could be utilized for calibration and validation of empirical and theoretical aero-heating tools. A series of tests at the Sandia National Laboratories National Solar Thermal Test Facility were designed for this task where reflected solar radiation from a field of heliostats was used to heat a 4 foot by 4 foot test panel consisting of LI 900 ceramic tiles located on top of the 200 foot tall Solar Tower. The test panel provided an Orbiter-like entry temperature for the purposes of radiometric calibration and validation. The Solar Tower provided an ideal test bed for this series of radiometric calibration and validation tests because it had the potential to rapidly heat the large test panel to spatially uniform and non-uniform elevated temperatures. Also, the unsheltered-open-air environment of the Solar Tower was conducive to obtaining unobstructed radiometric data by land-based and airborne IR imaging assets. Various thermocouples installed on the test panel and an infrared imager located in close proximity to the test panel were used to obtain surface temperature measurements for evaluation and calibration of the radiometric data from the infrared imaging assets. The overall test environment, test article, test approach, and typical test results are discussed.

Splinter, Scott C.↗