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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

NASA Headquarters/Kennedy Space Center: Organization and Small Spacecraft Launch Services

The objectives of the Kennedy Space Center's (KSC) Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV) Program are to provide safe, reliable, cost effective ELV launches, maximize customer satisfaction, and perform advanced payload processing capability development. Details are given on the ELV program organization, products and services, foreign launch vehicle policy, how to get a NASA launch service, and some of the recent NASA payloads.

Sierra, Albert↗
NASA NTRS1998

The X-33/VentureStar Program

The VentureStar reusable launch vehicle is discussed in this viewgraph presentation. The objectives of the VentureStar program are reviewed: (1) expendables cost too much, (2) commercial space market is growing (3) meets NASA's goals, (4) Users want fast ground turnaround, (5) users want quick access to space, (6) the offline payload processing saves time, (7) low cost access to space will enable new markets. Flight tests of the X-33, which was designed to test the technology and is pictured in several slides, built credibility for VentureStar. One slide shows the dimensions, weight, length, LEO payload capacity, and the propulsion, in comparison for the X-33, the VentureStar, the Space Shuttle, the Proton D-1e, and the Ariane V. Yet other slides outline the vehicle's features, the plan for the operation of the vehicle, from the runway, to the pad, to orbit. The planned containerized payload operation will allow for a 7 day turnaround for the system, which will allow for the planned 40 flights per year.

Laube, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Materials science

The first Spacelab space processing payload includes the following categories of hardware: (1) multiuser facilities, (2) common-support equipment, and (3) six autonomous experiments. All the hardware, with the exception of two elements (covering three experiments), will be integrated in a Spacelab double rack called the materials science double rack. The payload experimental facilities are intended to perform, during the first Spacelab mission, a number of significant pilot experiments in the fields of crystal growth, fluid physics and metallurgy, and, at the same time, to flight-verify the materials science hardware items developed (e.g., various furnaces, process chambers, etc.).

Huth, U.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Lessons learned from evaluating launch-site processing problems of Space Shuttle payloads

The authors discuss a trend analysis program that is being conducted on the problem reports written during the processing of Space Shuttle payloads at Kennedy Space Center. The program is aimed at developing lessons learned that can both improve the effectiveness of the current payload processing cycles as well as help to guide the processing strategies for Space Station Freedom. The payload processing reports from STS 26R and STS 41 are used. A two-tier evaluation activity is described, and some typical results from the tier one analyses are presented.

Flores, Carlos A.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Climate Change Adaptation Activities at the NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL., USA

In 2010, the Office of Strategic Infrastructure and Earth Sciences established the Climate Adaptation Science Investigators (CASI) program to integrate climate change forecasts and knowledge into sustainable management of infrastructure and operations needed for the NASA mission. NASA operates 10 field centers valued at $32 billion dollars, occupies 191,000 acres and employs 58,000 people. CASI climate change and sea-level rise forecasts focus on the 2050 and 2080 time periods. At the 140,000 acre Kennedy Space Center (KSC) data are used to simulate impacts on infrastructure, operations, and unique natural resources. KSC launch and processing facilities represent a valued national asset located in an area with high biodiversity including 33 species of special management concern. Numerical and advanced Bayesian and Monte Carlo statistical modeling is being conducted using LiDAR digital elevation models coupled with relevant GIS layers to assess potential future conditions. Results are provided to the Environmental Management Branch, Master Planning, Construction of Facilities, Engineering Construction Innovation Committee and our regional partners to support Spaceport development, management, and adaptation planning and design. Potential impacts to natural resources include conversion of 50% of the Center to open water, elevation of the surficial aquifer, alterations of rainfall and evapotranspiration patterns, conversion of salt marsh to mangrove forest, reductions in distribution and extent of upland habitats, overwash of the barrier island dune system, increases in heat stress days, and releases of chemicals from legacy contamination sites. CASI has proven successful in bringing climate change planning to KSC including recognition of the need to increase resiliency and development of a green managed shoreline retreat approach to maintain coastal ecosystem services while maximizing life expectancy of Center launch and payload processing resources.

plant communities↗
NASA NTRS1972

The ERTS wideband image communication system.

The ERTS payload includes a three camera return beam vidicon (RBV) television system and a four channel multispectral scanner system (MSS). The communications system described includes spacecraft wideband equipment plus unique payload processing equipment located at three NASA tracking stations. The RBV information, transmitted as analog FM with a baseband response of dc to 3.2 MHz, is telemetered, processed and recorded on a wideband video recorder. The MSS data, consisting of 24 analog sensor outputs, is digitized and encoded as 15 megabit per second PCM. The MSS data is then transmitted as analog FM, demultiplexed, and recorded on a 25 channel recorder. It is shown that bit error rate is an excellent indicator of MSS link performance while signal-to-noise ratio and distortion vs frequency adequately define RBV link performance.

Pandelides, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Life science payloads planning study

Preferred approaches and procedures were defined for integrating the space shuttle life sciences payload from experiment solicitation through final data dissemination at mission completion. The payloads operations plan was refined and expended to include current information. The NASA-JSC facility accommodations were assessed, and modifications recommended to improve payload processing capability. Standard format worksheets were developed to permit rapid location of experiment requirements and a Spacelab mission handbook was developed to assist potential life sciences investigators at academic, industrial, health research, and NASA centers. Practical, cost effective methods were determined for accommodating various categories of live specimens during all mission phases.

Nelson, W. G.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Operational factors affecting microgravity levels in orbit

Microgravity levels desired for proposed materials processing payloads are fundamental considerations in the design of future space platforms. Disturbance sources, such as aerodynamic drag, attitude control torques, crew motion and orbital dynamics, influence the microgravity levels attainable in orbit. The nature of these effects are assessed relative to platform design parameters such as orbital altitude and configuration geometry, and examples are presented for a representative spacecraft configuration. The possible applications of control techniques to provide extremely low acceleration levels are also discussed.

Olsen, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1983

TDRS-A - The pioneering payload

The first launch of a Tracking Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-A) on board the Shuttle Orbiter 'Challenger' of the Space Transportation System (STS) provided many pioneering events as a payload/user. The TDRS-A was launched as a payload of the STS as well as a payload of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) on April 4, 1983. This paper traces the payload processing flow of the TDRS-A from its arrival at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), through its launch on Challenger and its trans-orbit flight on the IUS to geosynchronous orbit. The TDRS-A, as a customer/user of these launch systems, is examined and reviewed and lessons learned are noted.

Browning, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Satellite servicing mission preliminary cost estimation model

The cost model presented is a preliminary methodology for determining a rough order-of-magnitude cost for implementing a satellite servicing mission. Mission implementation, in this context, encompassess all activities associated with mission design and planning, including both flight and ground crew training and systems integration (payload processing) of servicing hardward with the Shuttle. A basic assumption made in developing this cost model is that a generic set of servicing hardware was developed and flight tested, is inventoried, and is maintained by NASA. This implies that all hardware physical and functional interfaces are well known and therefore recurring CITE testing is not required. The development of the cost model algorithms and examples of their use are discussed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1987

An AI approach for scheduling space-station payloads at Kennedy Space Center

The Payload Processing for Space-Station Operations (PHITS) is a prototype modeling tool capable of addressing many Space Station related concerns. The system's object oriented design approach coupled with a powerful user interface provide the user with capabilities to easily define and model many applications. PHITS differs from many artificial intelligence based systems in that it couples scheduling and goal-directed simulation to ensure that on-orbit requirement dates are satisfied.

Castillo, D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Freedom pressurized element interior design process

The process used to develop the on-orbit working and living environment of the Space Station Freedom has some very unique constraints and conditions to satisfy. The goal is to provide maximum efficiency and utilization of the available space, in on-orbit, zero G conditions that establishes a comfortable, productive, and safe working environment for the crew. The Space Station Freedom on-orbit living and working space can be divided into support for three major functions: (1) operations, maintenance, and management of the station; (2) conduct of experiments, both directly in the laboratories and remotely for experiments outside the pressurized environment; and (3) crew related functions for food preparation, housekeeping, storage, personal hygiene, health maintenance, zero G environment conditioning, and individual privacy, and rest. The process used to implement these functions, the major requirements driving the design, unique considerations and constraints that influence the design, and summaries of the analysis performed to establish the current configurations are described. Sketches and pictures showing the layout and internal arrangement of the Nodes, U.S. Laboratory and Habitation modules identify the current design relationships of the common and unique station housekeeping subsystems. The crew facilities, work stations, food preparation and eating areas (galley and wardroom), and exercise/health maintenance configurations, waste management and personal hygiene area configuration are shown. U.S. Laboratory experiment facilities and maintenance work areas planned to support the wide variety and mixtures of life science and materials processing payloads are described.

Hopson, George D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Consort 1 flight results - A synopsis

All six experiments performed onboard Consort 1, the first low gravity materials processing payload to be launched by a commercially licensed rocket in the U.S., are evaluated. The six experiments were carried out as planned, during approximately seven minutes of suborbital, low gravity flight and returned in excellent condition within four hour of launch. Nearly 150 physical samples supported by measurements and photographs made during the flight were taken for analysis. The rocket flight and payload configuration is described, along with experiment objectives, methods, results, and conclusions.

Wessling, Francis C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Freedom pressurized element interior design process

The process used to develop the on-orbit working and living environment of the Space Station Freedom has some very unique constraints and conditions to satisfy. The goal is to provide maximum efficiency and utilization of the available space, in on-orbit, zero G conditions that establishes a comfortable, productive, and safe working environment for the crew. The Space Station Freedom on-orbit living and working space can be divided into support for three major functions: (1) operations, maintenance, and management of the station; (2) conduct of experiments, both directly in the laboratories and remotely for experiments outside the pressurized environment; and (3) crew related functions for food preparation, housekeeping, storage, personal hygiene, health maintenance, zero G environment conditioning, and individual privacy, and rest. The process used to implement these functions, the major requirements driving the design, unique considerations and constraints that influence the design, and summaries of the analysis performed to establish the current configurations are described. Sketches and pictures showing the layout and internal arrangement of the Nodes, U.S. Laboratory and Habitation modules identify the current design relationships of the common and unique station housekeeping subsystems. The crew facilities, work stations, food preparation and eating areas (galley and wardroom), and exercise/health maintenance configurations, waste management and personal hygiene area configuration are shown. U.S. Laboratory experiment facilities and maintenance work areas planned to support the wide variety and mixtures of life science and materials processing payloads are described.

Hopson, George D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Retrievable payload carrier. Next generation Long Duration Exposure Facility: Update 1992

Access to space and cost have been two major inhibitors of low Earth orbit research. The Retrievable Payload Carrier (RPC) Program is a commercial space program which strives to overcome these two barriers in space experimentation. The RPC Program's fleet of spacecraft, ground communications station, payload processing facility, and experienced integration and operations team will provide a convenient 'one stop shop' for investigators seeking to use the unique vantage point and environment of low Earth orbit for research. The RPC is a regularly launched and retrieved, free-flying spacecraft providing resources adequate to meet modest payload/experiment requirements, and presenting ample surface area, volume, mass, and growth capacity for investigator usage. Mission lengths of 6-18 months are envisioned. Presented here is an update on progress made on the RPC Program's development since the November 1991 LDEF Materials Workshop.

Perry, A. T.↗
NASA NTRS1990

The NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program - Preparing the way

Attention is given to the goals and methods adopted in the NASA Space Life Sciences Training Program (SLSTP) for preparing scientists and engineers for space-related life-sciences research and operations. The SLSTP is based on six weeks of projects and lectures which give an overview of payload processing and experiment flow in the space environment. The topics addressed in the course of the program include descriptions of space vehicles, support hardware, equipment, and research directions. Specific lecture topics include the gravity responses of plants, mission integration of a flight experiment, and the cardiovascular deconditioning. The SLSTP is shown to be an important part of the process of recruiting and training qualified scientists and engineers to support space activities.

Biro, Ronald↗
NASA NTRS1992

Applications of satellite technology to broadband ISDN networks

Two satellite architectures for delivering broadband integrated services digital network (B-ISDN) service are evaluated. The first is assumed integral to an existing terrestrial network, and provides complementary services such as interconnects to remote nodes as well as high-rate multicast and broadcast service. The interconnects are at a 155 Mbs rate and are shown as being met with a nonregenerative multibeam satellite having 10-1.5 degree spots. The second satellite architecture focuses on providing private B-ISDN networks as well as acting as a gateway to the public network. This is conceived as being provided by a regenerative multibeam satellite with on-board ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) processing payload. With up to 800 Mbs offered, higher satellite EIRP is required. This is accomplished with 12-0.4 degree hopping beams, covering a total of 110 dwell positions. It is estimated the space segment capital cost for architecture one would be about $190M whereas the second architecture would be about $250M. The net user cost is given for a variety of scenarios, but the cost for 155 Mbs services is shown to be about $15-22/minute for 25 percent system utilization.

Price, Kent M.↗