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At least 991 records · Page 55

A solar activity monitoring platform for SCADM

The adaptation of proven space probe technology is proposed as a means of providing a solar activity monitoring platform which could be injected behind the Earth's orbital position to give 3 to 6 days advanced coverage of the solar phenomenon on the backside hemisphere before it rotates into view and affects terrestrial activities. The probe would provide some three dimensional discrimination within the ecliptic latitude. This relatively simple off-Earth probe could provide very high quality data to support the SCADM program, by transmitting both high resolution video data of the solar surface and such measurements of solar activity as particle, X-ray, ultraviolet, and radio emission fluxes. Topics covered include the orbit; constraints on the spacecraft; subsystems and their embodiments; optical imaging sensors and their operation; and the radiation-pressure attitude control system are described. The platform would be capable of mapping active regions on an hourly basis with one arc-second resolution.

Kissell, K. E.↗

Strawman payload data for science and applications space platforms

The need for a free flying science and applications space platform to host compatible long duration experiment groupings in Earth orbit is discussed. Experiment level information on strawman payload models is presented which serves to identify and quantify the requirements for the space platform system. A description data base on the strawman payload model is presented along with experiment level and group level summaries. Payloads identified in the strawman model include the disciplines of resources observations and environmental observations.

Source record↗

Space platform utilities distribution study

Generic concepts for the installation of power data and thermal fluid distribution lines on large space platforms were discussed. Connections with central utility subsystem modules and pallet interfaces were also considered. Three system concept study platforms were used as basepoints for the detail development. The tradeoff of high voltage low voltage power distribution and the impact of fiber optics as a data distribution mechanism were analyzed. Thermal expansion and temperature control of utility lines and ducts were considered. Technology developments required for implementation of the generic distribution concepts were identified.

Lefever, A. E.↗

The use of geostationary platforms for future U.S. domestic satellite communications

Quantitative analyses of the relative costs and utilization of the available geostationary orbital arc and radio spectrum allocations between large spacecraft platforms and future individual satellites used for communications in the U.S. and the Atlantic Basin are presented. Attention is given to the high capacity and the switching capabilities of the platforms, and the frequency ranges (6/4, 14/12, and 30/20 GHz) at which they can operate. In addition, characteristics of conventional satellites, earth station design, and the connectivity of satellite systems are discussed.

Fordyce, S.↗

Space Platform concepts

Preliminary conceptual approaches for both low earth orbit and geostationary Space Platforms have been developed in response to user requirements. These requirements include payload needs for: operational autonomy, power, size, environmental control (including dynamic, electromagnetic, gaseous, and particulates), on-orbit accessibility, communication and pointing. The concepts developed include both multipurpose and discipline dedicated platforms. In this paper these concepts, their evolution, and their relationship to the needs of the user are presented and discussed.

Snoddy, W. C.↗

Four-Degree-of-Freedom Platform

Hydraulic actuators make a new motion control system more compact and more efficient than previous designs that use gimbals. System moves a platform in four degrees of freedom--simultaneous pitch, roll, yaw, and displacement. Developed for flight simulators, kinematic concept may also be useful in stabilizing platforms for shipboard equipment, material-handling machinery, and construction equipment.

Chou, R. C.↗

Advanced control technology for LSST platform

Basic technology in the design, mechanization, and analysis of control systems for large flexible space structures was examined. The focus of the platform control effort was on pointing control. The reason for this emphasis was because of the unique problems in this area posed by multiple independent experiment packages operating simultaneously on a single platform. Attitude control and stationkeeping were also addressed for future consideration.

Edmunds, R. S.↗

Space Platform advanced technology study

The development of mechanical systems for space platforms which have universal application regardless of what platform configuration is built is discussed. The design requirements and fabrication of the orbiter berthing systems, berthing latch interface, berthing umbilical interface, and adaptive end effector are described.

Burns, G. C.↗

Automated installation of large platform utilities

The capabilities of the assembler in installing nonstructural platform systems were assessed. These systems include electrical power distribution, heat transport, command and data signal transmission, and payload data transmission. The effects of including installation of utilities on the assembly process and on the design, operation, and performance of the assembler were evaluated. In addition, any special requirements on the assembler and/or the platform due to the installation of utilities were identified. The procedure followed was to define a set of candidate utility characteristics and installation requirements, define and design installation concepts, and perform an assessment of impacts on the assembler and its operation.

Vernon, R. M.↗

The Manned Space Platform as an evolutionary means to achieve a permanent manned orbital operations facility

An evolutionary approach to permanently manned on-orbit facilities is discussed, and it is noted that the Science and Applications Manned Space Platform, which is the first step in this evolution, can be based primarily on existing and currently planned hardware. It is shown how by upgrading the systems capabilities of the Spacelab modules, the platform can be reconfigured to provide a permanent manned research and operations facility. The facility can grow in size and capability to accommodate increases in user requirements, more experiment modules, and larger crews and to provide additional power and heat rejection. It is noted that the Growth-Permanently Manned Facility can be used for science activities and/or to support various operations functions such as space construction, servicing and maintaining space systems, and vehicle assembly.

Schwartz, J. M.↗

The use of a thermal utility with space-platform-mounted instruments

A thermal utility is a high-capacity heat transport system that serves as a common, temperature-controlled heat sink or source to more than one payload. The feasibility of using a thermal utility for space-platform-mounted instruments which have a range of temperature level and heat rejection requirements is examined and significant design parameters are identified. A baseline, pumped, two-phase heat transport system has been defined for NASA's proposed Space Platform, and its capability to satisfy the thermal requirements of a range of multidisciplinary instruments has been assessed.

Almgren, D. W.↗

LSS reference platform control

The long range objective of this task is to develop basic technology in the design, mechanization, and analysis of control systems for large flexible space structures. The focus of the FY'81 platform control effort was on the pointing control problems associated with multiple independently controlled experiment packages operating simultaneously on a single platform. Particular emphasis was placed on obtaining a quantitative comparison of controller performance with and without base motion compensation.

Edmunds, R. S.↗

Modular attitude control of a large space platform

The modular attitude control of a large space platform is studied using a three axis five body model of a flexible spacecraft. Three degree of freedom hinges are considered. A three axis four body model of a truss and a three axis ten body model of a space platform are presented. A state variable rotational dynamics model and a multilevel state variable model are shown. A decomposed performance index and decomposed Hamiltonian are also presented. A subproblem hierarchy for hybrid multilevel LQR attitude control of a three axis model is described.

Chichester, F. D.↗

Thermal management for large space platforms

This paper provides an evaluation of heat rejection techniques applicable to multihundred-kilowatt space platforms. A number of promising heat rejection concepts were parametrically weight-optimized over a wide range of conditions to provide a 99% reliability of achieving a 10-yr life for the multihundred-kilowatt space platform. Three panel designs were considered: (1) an advanced meteoroid-bumpered hybrid heat pipe concept, (2) a bumpered liquid concept, and (3) a space constructable heat pipe radiator. The following are some of the significant findings from the study: (1) A single subsystem approach can be used with the heat pipe system, whereas several smaller subsystems are required for the pumped fluid systems. (2) The space constructable radiator approach offers a 10% weight reduction and operational advantages over the conventionally deployed panels.

Oren, J. A.↗