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Lunar Landing and Operations Policy Analysis

At least 22 lunar missions are planned in the next four years. Half of these missions will occur in the Moon’s south polar region. Due to this upcoming proliferation of actors and activities at or near the lunar south pole, and due to the potential close proximity of operations, NASA and other operators will face challenges never faced before. NASA’s Deputy Administrator and Associate Administrator of the Science Mission Directorate tasked the Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy with answering two questions related to the Artemis campaign: (1) what technical and policy considerations should NASA take into account in the selection of lunar landing and operations sites, and (2) what technical and policy considerations should NASA take into account when implementing tools such as safety zones in order to protect these operations and U.S. interests? We present policy tools (options and recommendations) to NASA leadership and program planners so that they can consider policy measures to respond to challenges inherent in landing and operating at the lunar South Pole—this answers question one. We also describe a set of options (transparency, coordination, and implementation) to increase the effectiveness of these tools—this answers question two.

Lunar policy↗

Introduction to Nuclear Propulsion: Lecture 15 - Nuclear Test Operations

The test operation of nuclear power plants, specifically nuclear rockets, bears some interesting similarities to the operation of chemical rocket tests as well as, of course, many differences. A significant feature common to both nuclear and chemical rocket tests is that all the fuel for the entire operation is loaded at the start of the test. As a direct consequence of this fact, the operation of nuclear power plants must be surrounded with adequate safety precautions, as is indeed the case in the operation of chemical rockets, A second direct consequence is that in both types of testing a very thorough and complete checkout is made before starting the test.

TEST METHOD↗

Resonance quasi-projection operators - Calculation of the super 2 S autoionization state of He/-/.

Development of a method to remedy the defects of the projection-operator technique for calculating electron resonances in scattering from many-electron targets. It is recommended that the projection operator Q be replaced by a quasi-projection operator which yields a discrete spectrum which can be made to be in essentially a unique correspondence with resonance energies. By relaxing the idempotency requirement, it is found possible to define two forms of this quasi-projection operator. The simpler of the two forms is tested on e-H and e-H(+) systems; the two lowest resonant energies differ by less than 0.01 eV from rigorous QHQ results. For many-electron targets it is further argued that replacement of the exact target eigenfunction by reasonable approximations in constructing the quasi-projection operator will affect neither the discreteness of the above-mentioned discrete spectrum nor the proximity of its eigenvalues to the resonant energies.

Temkin, A.↗

Precision navigation for approach and landing operations.

This paper summarizes some of the practical considerations and implementation techniques used in the development of the onboard software for an experimental navigation system. This software includes (1) a Kalman filter implementation in square-root form with gyro and accelerometer noises modeled as random forcing functions in the filter; (2) operational modes for inflight alignment, ground alignment, normal aided inertial navigation operation, and postflight analysis; (3) a sophisticated time-sharing system for obtaining a very flexible input-output capability during real-time operations; and (4) a problem formulation and scaling for complete operation in single-precision arithmetic using a 24-bit word. The paper emphasizes the procedures used in formulation, scaling, and time-sharing for the real-time Kalman filter application. Some flight results are presented to illustrate the performance of the filter during real-time operation.

Schmidt, S. F.↗

Methodology for the systems engineering process. Volume 3: Operational availability

A detailed description and explanation of the operational availability parameter is presented. The fundamental mathematical basis for operational availability is developed, and its relationship to a system's overall performance effectiveness is illustrated within the context of identifying specific availability requirements. Thus, in attempting to provide a general methodology for treating both hypothetical and existing availability requirements, the concept of an availability state, in conjunction with the more conventional probability-time capability, is investigated. In this respect, emphasis is focused upon a balanced analytical and pragmatic treatment of operational availability within the system design process. For example, several applications of operational availability to typical aerospace systems are presented, encompassing the techniques of Monte Carlo simulation, system performance availability trade-off studies, analytical modeling of specific scenarios, as well as the determination of launch-on-time probabilities. Finally, an extensive bibliography is provided to indicate further levels of depth and detail of the operational availability parameter.

Nelson, J. H.↗

Functional states of the operator

A study was made of the changes that occur in the functional state of the operator as he does his job. The functional state of the operator is understood to mean the available characteristics of his functions and qualities which, directly or indirectly, determine how he receives, processes, and reads out information. These characteristics change, depending on many conditions found on the job, and can be higher or lower, than those values which exist in the so-called operator rest state, when the person is doing nothing, but is ready to act. A number of environmental factors, directly or indirectly related to the job, act on the operator controlling a system. Analysis of the causes of changes in the functional state suggests they can be broken down into two main groups: those associated with the physical characteristics of the influencing factors, and those attributable to the informational structure of the signals. There are as well many internal causes, primarily changes in the basic properties of those functions on which operator performance depends for the most part, that affect the functional state.

Medvedev, V. I.↗

Operation of small rocket engines in the JPL high-vacuum molecular space simulator (Molsink)

The feasibility of operating small rocket engines in the Molsink facility was demonstrated. A 0.44-N (0.1-lbf) hydrazine engine and a 0.18-N (0.04-lbf) thruster using cold gas from a hydrazine plenum system were operated for both flight duty cycles and off-nominal conditions. The exhaust gases from these thrusters contain NH3, N2, and H2. The chamber was also calibrated for larger bipropellant engines using nitrogen tetroxide/monomethyl hydrazine (NTO/MMH). The exhaust products of these engines contain CO2, CO, H2, H2O, and H2. A mixture of cold gases simulating the engine exhaust was injected through a nozzle under conditions simulating thrust levels up to 26.7-N (6 lbf). Pulsing and continuous operations were investigated. The chamber background pressure traces were compared with the traces obtained for the same thrusters operated with pure nitrogen at approximately equivalent thrust. Satisfactory recuperation times were encountered in all the pulsing modes. Test times greater than 20s were obtained in steady state operation before the vacuum chamber back pressure climbed to prohibitive values.

Chirivella, J. E.↗

Space Shuttle flight operations.

The current flight operations concepts for the Space Shuttle are outlined, with emphasis on vehicle and ground support functions in actual missions exclusive of initial tests. The Space Shuttle sortie and delivery-retrieval mission profiles are described along with crew nomenclature and duties, vehicle launch-to-insertion operations, systems operation, correction measures for noncritical malfunctions, management of consumables, payload operations, radiation and contamination monitoring, reentry and landing procedures, and ground support operations.

Carlton, R. L.↗

Bio-isolated dc operational amplifier

A bio-isolated dc operational amplifier is described for use in making bioelectrical measurements of a patient while providing isolation of the patient from electrical shocks. The circuit contains a first operational amplifier coupled to the patient with its output coupled in a forward loop through a first optic coupler to a second operational amplifier. The output of the second operational amplifier is coupled to suitable monitoring circuitry via a feedback circuit including a second optic coupler to the input of the first operational amplifier.

Lee, R. D.↗

Operational aspects of Skylab Student Project experiments

The activities associated with the operational aspects ot the Skylab Student Project experiments began with the participation of flight operations personnel on the National Science Teachers Association Selection Board and ended with the performance of the student experiments by the Skylab flightcrews. The operational criteria used during the compatibility analysis to determine which of the 25 national winners could be flown on board the Skylab vehicle are reviewed, the factors involved in the assignment of the experiments to Skylab missions are discussed, the activities associated with training the flightcrews in the operation of the student experiments are described, and the actual performance of the experiments during the mission and the associated ground operations in the Mission Control Center are detailed.

Macleod, J. B.↗

IUS/TUG Orbital Operations and Mission Support Study: Executive Summary - Volume 1

The space transportation system (STS) is discussed which will include a propulsive stage that is carried into low earth orbit by the space shuttle. Data were accumulated from the analyses of various stage concepts, operating modes, and projected missions (space tug systems studies, growth stage studies, engine studies, and critical area studies). The foundation formulated by these studies aided in establishing a tentative two-phase approach for the extension of the STS operating regime beyond the space shuttle including plane changes, higher orbits, geosynchronous orbits and beyond. The orbital operations study, was conducted to provide the generation and analysis of operational plans, requirement, and concepts for the utilization of these vehicles. Primary emphasis was placed on methods and techniques to provide a sound technical approach to operations at reduced cost for the STS mission period.

Source record↗

Design and operation of a Loran-C time reference station

Some of the practical questions that arise when one decides to use Loran-C in a time reference system are explored. An extensive effort is made to provide basic, practical information on establishing and operating a reference station. Four areas were covered: (1) the design, configuration and operational concepts which should be considered prior to establishing and operating a reference station using Loran-C, (2) the options and tradeoffs available regarding capabilities, cost, size, versatility, ease of operation, etc., that are available to the designer, (3) what measurements are made, how they are made and what they mean, and (4) the experience the U.S. Naval Observatory Time Service Division has had in the design and operation of such stations.

Putkovich, K.↗

NASA/ESA CT-990 Spacelab simulation. Appendix A: The experiment operator

A joint NASA/ESA endeavor was established to conduct an extensive spacelab simulation using the NASA CV-990 airborne laboratory. The scientific payload was selected to perform studies in upper atmospheric physics and infrared astronomy with principal investigators from France, the Netherlands, England, and several groups from the United States. Two experiment operators from Europe and two from the U.S. were selected to live aboard the aircraft along with a mission manager for a six-day period and operate the experiments in behalf of the principal scientists. This appendix discusses the experiment operators and their relationship to the joint mission under the following general headings: selection criteria, training programs, and performance. The performance of the proxy operators was assessed in terms of adequacy of training, amount of scientific data obtained, quality of data obtained, and reactions to problems that arose in experiment operation.

Reller, J. O., Jr.↗

Payload crew interface design criteria and techniques. Task 1: Inflight operations and training for payloads

Guidelines are developed for use in control and display panel design for payload operations performed on the aft flight deck of the orbiter. Preliminary payload procedures are defined. Crew operational concepts are developed. Payloads selected for operational simulations were the shuttle UV optical telescope (SUOT), the deep sky UV survey telescope (DUST), and the shuttle UV stellar spectrograph (SUSS). The advanced technology laboratory payload consisting of 11 experiments was selected for a detailed evaluation because of the availability of operational data and its operational complexity.

Carmean, W. D.↗

Operating cost model for local service airlines

Several mathematical models now exist which determine the operating economics for a United States trunk airline. These models are valuable in assessing the impact of new aircraft into an airline's fleet. The use of a trunk airline cost model for the local service airline does not result in representative operating costs. A new model is presented which is representative of the operating conditions and resultant costs for the local service airline. The calculated annual direct and indirect operating costs for two multiequipment airlines are compared with their actual operating experience.

Anderson, J. L.↗

Significance of operator variation and the angle of illumination in lineament analysis on synoptic images

The significance of operator variation and the angle of illumination in acquired imagery is analyzed for lineament analysis. Five operators analyzed a LANDSAT image and four photographs of a plastic relief map illuminated at a low angle from varying directions of the Prescott, Arizona region. Significant differences were found in both number and length of the lineaments recognized by the different investigators for the images. The actual coincidence of lineaments recognized by the investigators for the same image is exceptionally low. Even the directional data on lineament orientation is significantly different from operator to operator and from image to image. Cluster analysis of the orientation data displays a clustering by operators rather than by images. It is recommended that extreme caution be taken before attempting to compare different investigators' results in lineament analysis.

Siegal, B. S.↗

STS upper stage operations

Several design/development and operational approaches for STS upper stages are being pursued to realize maximum operational and economic benefits upon the introduction of the STS in the 1980s. The paper focuses special attention on safety operations, launch site operations and on-orbit operations.

Kitchens, M. D.↗

Utility operational experience on the NASA/DOE MOD-0A 200-kW wind turbine

The Mod-0A 200 wind turbine was designed and fabricated as part of the Federal Wind Energy Program. Early wind turbine operation and performance data were obtained while gaining initial experience in the operation of large, horizontal axis wind turbines in typical utility environments. The Mod-0A wind turbine was turned over to the Town of Clayton Light and Water Plant, Clayton, NM, for utility operation and on December 31, 1978, the machine had completed ten months of utility operation. The machine is described and the recent operational experience at Clayton, NMis documented.

Glasgow, J. C.↗