Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “space data systems standards”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,117 records · Page 62

A generic expert system for materials processing in space

A generic expert system is described for inspecting materials processed in space (MPS). The system may be applied, with the appropriate knowledge base, to any of the nondestructive testing methods (NDT) which are appropriate to MPS. Regardless of the method being used, the inspection process consists of three tasks: (1) signal or image processing of the NDT output and feature extraction, (2) interpretation of features in terms of MPS discontinuities, and (3) evaluation of the quality of the MPS based upon industry standards. In contrast to rule based systems, this system represents its knowledge as multidimensional vectors and appropriate functions on them. Currently, the expert system accepts manual input of observed features. Once the expert system has been tested and compared to human expert inspectors, a vision front-end will be developed to complete automation of the expert MPS inspection system, based on visual discontuities. Then the data base will be extended to include a variety of other NDT methods. In addition to functional performance, ease of use was established through menu window driven input as well as flexibility in building, using and modifying data bases for different applications.

Andersen, Kristinn↗

Taking a Position

"TerrAvoid" and "Position Integrity" combine Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) data with high-resolution maps of the Earth's topography. Dubbs & Severino, Inc., based in Irvine, California, has developed software that allows the system to be run on a battery-powered laptop in the cockpit. The packages, designed primarily for military sponsors and now positioned to hit the consumer market in coming months, came about as the result of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Technology Affiliates Program. Intended to give American industry assistance from NASA experts and to facilitate business use of intellectual property developed for the space program, the Technology Affiliates Program introduced the start-up company of Dubbs & Severino to JPL's Dr. Nevin Bryant four years ago. GeoTIFF is now in the public domain, and its use for commercial product development has evolved into an industry standard over the last year.

Source record↗

Medical Optimization Network for Space Telemedicine Resources

INTRODUCTION: Long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit introduce new constraints to the space medical system. Beyond the traditional limitations in mass, power, and volume, consideration must be given to other factors such as the inability to evacuate to Earth, communication delays, and limitations in clinical skillsets. As NASA develops the medical system for an exploration mission, it must have an ability to evaluate the trade space of what resources will be most important. The Medical Optimization Network for Space Telemedicine Resources (MONSTR) was developed over the past year for this reason, and is now a system for managing data pertaining to medical resources and their relative importance when addressing medical conditions. METHODS: The MONSTR web application with a Microsoft SQL database backend was developed and made accessible to Tableau v9.3 for analysis and visualization. The database was initially populated with a list of medical conditions of concern for an exploration mission taken from the Integrated Medical Model (IMM), a probabilistic model designed to quantify in-flight medical risk. A team of physicians working within the Exploration Medical Capability Element of NASA's Human Research Program compiled a list diagnostic and treatment medical resources required to address best- and worst-case scenarios of each medical condition using a terrestrial standard of care and entered this data into the system. This list included both tangible resources (e.g. medical equipment, medications) and intangible resources (e.g. clinical skills required to perform a procedure). The physician team then assigned criticality values to each instance of a resource, representing the importance of that resource to diagnosing or treating its associated condition(s). Medical condition probabilities of occurrence during a Mars mission were pulled from the IMM and imported into the MONSTR database for use within a resource criticality-weighting algorithm. DISCUSSION: The MONSTR tool is a novel approach to assess the relative value of individual resources needed for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Future work will add resources for prevention and long term care of these conditions. Once data collection is complete, MONSTR will provide the operational and research communities at NASA with information to support informed decisions regarding areas of research investment, future crew training, and medical supplies manifested as part of any exploration medical system.

Rubin, D.↗

Exposure Limits for Hydrogen Sulfide in Spaceflight

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) has not historically been detected in spacecraft, but the possible evolution of volatile components from polar ice on the lunar surface is a potential concern for NASA’s planned Artemis missions. Numerous case reports and occupational epidemiological studies document that exposure to H 2 S at high concentrations has effects on the respiratory system, potentially leading to unconsciousness followed by debilitating neurological effects. Studies in rodents demonstrate sensitivity of the respiratory system to lower concentrations of H 2 S. Adverse respiratory effects have also been indicated in workers chronically exposed to H 2 S. The objective of the present publication is to develop Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations (SMACs) for H 2 S for all current standard durations of exposure for spaceflight (1-hour, 24-hours, 7-days, 30-days, 180-days, and 1000-days). Summary sources and literature review were used to identify relevant studies to inform SMAC development. Space flight mission specific activities and most probable exposure scenarios were used to determine the relevant toxicity endpoints and supporting studies. SMACs were established for hydrogen sulfide of 5 ppm for 1-hour, 1.3 ppm for 24-hours, 1.3 ppm for 7-days, 1.3 ppm for 30-days, and 0.3 ppm for 180-days. Data are not sufficient currently to establish a 1000-day SMAC value. SMACs for H 2 S will support development of handling protocols and proper containment for lunar sample collection.

hydrogen sulfide↗

GeneLab: The NASA Systems Biology Platform for Space Omics Repository, Analysis and Visualization

The NASA GeneLab project capitalizes on multi-omic technologies to maximize the return on spaceflight experiments. To do this, GeneLab maintains a publicly accessible database (GLDS) that houses spaceflight and spaceflight relevant multi-omics data, and collaborates with NASA principal investigators and projects to generate additional omics data. GeneLab houses more than 220 transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic and epigenomic datasets from plant, animal and microbial experiments, with a growing number of these having been produced by the GeneLab sample processing lab. The GLDS contains rich metadata about each experiment and has recently integrated radiation dosimetery data from experiments flown on the Space Shuttle. GeneLab has also recently implemented an effort to present processed data in the GLDS in addition to the raw omics data. The processed data will enable interpretation of the data by a larger group of students, scientists and the general public. Standard pipelines for the transformation of raw data into visualizations were developed by four GeneLab Analysis Working Groups (animals, plants, microbes, multi-omics) comprised of over 120 scientists from NASA, industry, and academia. To explore the data, the GLDS provides users various tools for data analysis, collaborative workspace for file storage and sharing, and a visualization portal. The analysis platform built using the Galaxy toolshed provides access to a broad variety of users including those with limited bioinformatics experience and students to learn how to analyze spaceflight omics data. The visualization portal takes GeneLab one step closer to data democratization by removing all bioinformatics requisites to interpret transcriptomics data hosted in the repository. Discoveries made using GeneLab have begun and will continue to deepen our understanding of biology, advance the field of genomics, and help to discover cures for diseases, create better diagnostic tools, and ultimately allow astronauts to better withstand the rigors of long-duration spaceflight.

Samrawit Gebre↗

Earth Science Data Archive and Access at the NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC)

The Goddard Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC), as an integral part of the Earth Observing System Data and Information System (EOSDIS), is the official source of data for several important earth remote sensing missions. These include the Sea-viewing Wide-Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) launched in August 1997, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) launched in November 1997, and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) scheduled for launch in mid 1999 as part of the EOS AM-1 instrumentation package. The data generated from these missions supports a host of users in the hydrological, land biosphere and oceanographic research and applications communities. The volume and nature of the data present unique challenges to an Earth science data archive and distribution system such as the DAAC. The DAAC system receives, archives and distributes a large number of standard data products on a daily basis, including data files that have been reprocessed with updated calibration data or improved analytical algorithms. A World Wide Web interface is provided allowing interactive data selection and automatic data subscriptions as distribution options. The DAAC also creates customized and value-added data products, which allow additional user flexibility and reduced data volume. Another significant part of our overall mission is to provide ancillary data support services and archive support for worldwide field campaigns designed to validate the results from the various satellite-derived measurements. In addition to direct data services, accompanying documentation, WWW links to related resources, support for EOSDIS data formats, and informed response to inquiries are routinely provided to users. The current GDAAC WWW search and order system is being restructured to provide users with a simplified, hierarchical access to data. Data Browsers have been developed for several data sets to aid users in ordering data. These Browsers allow users to specify spatial, temporal, and other parameter criteria in searching for and previewing data.

Leptoukh, Gregory↗

Environmental noise assessment STS-1 Columbia launch

An environmental noise assessement of the initial launch of the Space Transportation System, STS-1 Columbia was conducted. The principal objective of the environmental noise assessment was to measure the noise generated during the initial launch of the space shuttle to ascertain the validity of the levels predicted in the 1979 environmental impact statement. In the 1979 study information obtained for expendable launch vehicles, Titan, Saturn and Atlas was used to predict the noise levels that would be generated by the simultaneous firing of the two solid rocket boosters and the three space shuttle main engines. Fifteen monitoring sites were established in accessable areas located from 4,953 to 23,640 meters from the launch pad. Precision sound level meters were used to capture the peak level during the launch. Data obtained was compared to the predicted levels and were also compared to the identified levels, standards and criteria established by the federal agencies with noise abatement and control responsibilities.

Putnicki, G. J.↗

Anthropometric data from launch and entry suited test subjects for the design of a recumbent seating system

Returning space crews to Earth in a recumbent position requires the design of a new seating system. Current anthropometric data are based on measurements taken while the subjects were unsuited and sitting. To be most accurate, it is necessary to design by measurements of subjects in the launch and entry suit in a recumbent position. Since the design of the recumbent seating system must meet the requirements of both 5th percentile Japanese female and 95th percentile American male crew members, a delta is reported rather than absolute measurements of the test subjects. This delta is the difference in the measurements taken with the subjects unsuited and sitting and those taken with the subjects suited and recumbent. This delta, representative of the change due to the suit, can be added to the existing Man-Systems Integration Standards (NASA-STD-3000) anthropometric data to project the measurements for 5th percentile Japanese female and 95th percentile American male crew members. A delta accounting for the spinal elongation caused by prolonged exposures to microgravity is added as well. Both unpressurized and pressurized suit conditions are considered. Background information, the test protocol and procedure, analysis of the data, and recommendations are reported.

Stoycos, Lara E.↗

Pre-Flight Testing of Spaceborne GPS Receivers using a GPS Constellation Simulator

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Global Positioning System (GPS) applications test facility has been established within the GSFC Guidance Navigation and Control Center. The GPS test facility is currently housing the Global Simulation Systems Inc. (GSSI) STR2760 GPS satellite 40-channel attitude simulator and a STR4760 12-channel navigation simulator. The facility also contains a few other resources such as an atomic time standard test bed, a rooftop antenna platform and a radome. It provides a new capability for high dynamics GPS simulations of space flight that is unique within the aerospace community. The GPS facility provides a critical element for the development and testing of GPS based technologies i.e. position, attitude and precise time determination used on-board a spacecraft, suborbital rocket balloon. The GPS simulation system is configured in a transportable rack and is available for GPS component development as well as for component, spacecraft subsystem and system level testing at spacecraft integration and tests sites. The GPS facility has been operational since early 1996 and has utilized by space flight projects carrying GPS experiments, such as the OrbView-2 and the Argentine SAC-A spacecrafts. The SAC-A pre-flight test data obtained by using the STR2760 simulator and the comparison with preliminary analysis of the GPS data from SAC-A telemetry are summarized. This paper describes pre-flight tests and simulations used to support a unique spaceborne GPS experiment. The GPS experiment mission objectives and the test program are described, as well as the GPS test facility configuration needed to verify experiment feasibility. Some operational and critical issues inherent in GPS receiver pre-flight tests and simulations using this GPS simulation, and test methodology are described. Simulation and flight data are presented. A complete program of pre-flight testing of spaceborne GPS receivers using a GPS constellation simulator is detailed.

Kizhner, Semion↗

The NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model 3.1: Development, Verification, and Validation

The NASA Orbital Debris Program Office has developed the Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) primarily as a tool for spacecraft designers and other users to understand the long-term risk of collisions with orbital debris. The newest version, ORDEM 3.1, incorporates the latest and highest fidelity datasets available to build and validate representative orbital debris populations encompassing low Earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous orbit (GEO) altitudes for the years 2016-2050. ORDEM 3.1 models fluxes for object sizes > 10 μm within or transiting LEO and > 10 cm in GEO. The deterministic portion of the populations in ORDEM 3.1 is based on the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN) catalog, which provides coverage down to approximately 10 cm in LEO and 1 m in GEO. Observational datasets from radar, in situ, and optical sources provide a foundation from which the model populations are statistically extrapolated to smaller sizes and orbit regions that are not well-covered by the SSN catalog, yet may pose the greatest threat to operational spacecraft. Objects in LEO ranging from approximately 5 mm to 10 cm are modeled using observational data from ground-based radar, namely the Haystack Ultrawideband Satellite Imaging Radar (HUSIR – formerly known as Haystack). The LEO population smaller than approximately 3 mm in size is characterized based on a reanalysis of in situ data from impacts to the windows and radiators of the U.S. Space Transportation System orbiter vehicle, i.e., the Space Shuttle. Data from impacts on the Hubble Space Telescope are also used to validate the sub-millimeter model populations in LEO. Debris in GEO with sizes ranging from 10 cm to 1 m is modeled using optical measurement data from the Michigan Orbital DEbris Survey Telescope (MODEST). Specific, major debris-producing events, including the Fengyun-1C, Iridium 33, and Cosmos 2251 debris clouds, and unique populations, such as sodium-potassium droplets, have been re-examined and are modeled and added to the ORDEM environment separately. The debris environment greater than 1 mm is forecast using NASA’s LEO-to- GEO ENvironment Debris model (LEGEND). Future explosions of intact objects and collisions involving objects greater than 10 cm are assessed statistically, and the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model is used to generate fragments from these events. Fragments smaller than 10 cm are further differentiated based on material density categories, i.e., high-, medium-, and low-density, to better characterize the potential debris risk posed to spacecraft. The future projection of the sub-millimeter environment is computed using a special small-particle degradation model where small particles are created from intact spacecraft and rocket bodies. This work discusses the development, features, and capabilities of the ORDEM 3.1 model; the ne new data analyses used to build the model populations; and sample verification and validation results.

Matney, M.↗

Additional Trials & Tribulations in Synthesizing a Sulfide Standard

Well-characterized sulfide reference materials that can serve as matrix-matched calibrants for in-situ trace element analyses via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) remain elusive. Here, we describe the creation an in-house sulfide standard at NASA JSC that will be used to measure siderophile and chalcophile trace elements in low pressure experimental products, specifically pentlandite ([FeNi]9S8) and pyrrhotite ([FeNi]1-xS), as well as natural sulfides in terrestrial and meteoritic mineral assemblages. Recent methods in creating a homogenous sulfide standard include pressed pellets, synthesized chips, or fused glass [e.g. 1-3]. Other studies, however, have had success in forming homogenous FeS standards via synthesization methods [e.g. 4-6]. We present a variation of the method described in [4], in which we create a pyrrhotite standard doped with a variety of trace elements (Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ru, Rh, Pd, Sn, Sb, Te, W, Os, Ir, Pt, Au) at ~10-40 ppm and Cu at ~200 ppm. Sulfide compositions were constructed using Fe and Ni metal and elemental sulfur powders. Trace elements were added to elemental sulfur from Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) elemental standards as either nitrate or chloride solutions to prevent oxidation of the metal powders. The dried sulfur mixture was mixed with Fe and Ni powders and mechanically mixed before two aliquots were placed in separate SiO2 tubes. Each tube was held under vacuum for ~30 minutes, sealed under vacuum, and then heated at 800C for 48 hours. Like [4], the synthesis products were composed of pourous sulfide crystals. Major element analyses of both experimental aliquots, collected using an Electron Probe Microanalyser (EPMA), yield indistinguishable major element compositions (uncertainties in 2SE & 2RSE[%]), with an average of 57.90  0.09 (0.16 %), 4.95  0.03 (0.55 %), and 39.70  0.14 (0.34 %), for Fe, Ni, and S, respectively. Trace element data were measured using a Photon Machines 193nm laser ablation system coupled to a Thermo-Scientific Element-XR ICP-MS. Spot sizes were limited to 50 μm due to the porous nature of the sulfide target material. Trace element abundances, normalized to Fe as an internal standard, were also found to be homogenous between the two aliquots, with weighted mean 2RSE (%) values of <3.0 for all trace elements. Synthesized products were re-powdered and absolute concentrations measured via solution ICP-MS. Although the sulfide appears to be homogenous, sintering experiments will be performed to more closely match the standard density to natural sulfides and minimize differences in ablation behavior. Improved density also allows for higher sensitivity (i.e. more compact target material) and larger spot sizes or traverses, as void space is eliminated. Additional major and trace element analyses on the products of the sintering experiments will be undertaken.

Jacob B Setera↗

The CLVTOPS Toolchain for NASA Space Launch System Liftoff Analysis and Post Flight Validation

This paper showcases the unique technical capabilities of the CLVTOPS multi-body flight dynamics toolchain developed by Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for analyzing NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) liftoff events. The CLVTOPS toolchain integrates high-fidelity simulations, geometric algorithms, advanced data analytics, and post-flight telemetry to demonstrate positive clearance between separating bodies and inform design decisions that enhance mission reliability. Proper liftoff separation is crucial to the success of the launch vehicle’s mission; vehicle impacts with the launch tower and supporting components incur a heightened risk of mission failure. For liftoff analysis, the CLVTOPS toolchain enables the integration of vehicle, launch pad, and environmental input models for the investigation of key clearance effectors. Furthermore, recent enhancements to the CLVTOPS toolchain allow for validation via photogrammetric trajectory reconstruction and plume pressure impingement estimation on the tower. The following sections will walk through the tool-chain, SLS liftoff ground rules and assumptions, key models, standard analysis, recent enhancements, and post-flight validation of the Artemis I mission liftoff event.

CLVTOPS↗

Direct Probe of Dark Energy Interactions with a Solar System Laboratory: NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) - Phase 1 Final Report

In this NIAC (NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts) study, we embrace the challenge of direct detection of the galileon dark energy field in the Vainshtein model. We developed a mission concept to directly measure the galileon field using the solar system as a laboratory. The experiment scheme involves precise measurements of the trace of the total scalar force gradient tensor. A tetrahedral constellation off our spacecraft measures the "local" traces while orbiting about 1 AU (Astronomical Unit) away from the Sun and faraway from planets (Figure 1). The trace measurement is insensitive to the much stronger gravity field which satisfies the inverse square law and thus is traceless. Atomic test masses and atom interferometer measurement techniques are used as precise drag-free inertial references while laser ranging interferometers are employed to connect among atom interferometer pairs in spacecraft for the differential gradient force measurements. We conclude that such a mission is scientifically and technologically feasible. We show that a mission of 3-year measurement time would be able to provide high confidence statements (over 3 standard deviations) about the existence and strength of the cubic galileon field of the Sun. In addition, such a mission would also provide rich and diverse scientific data for testing any gravitational theory in general beyond the Newtonian gravity, hunting for ultra-light fields of dark matter, and detecting gravitational waves in the mid-frequency band between those of LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) and LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna). For these reasons, we will term the mission concept Gravity Observation and Dark energy Detection Explorer in the Solar System (GODDESS).

Dark Energy↗

Achievements and Prospects of Global Broadband Seismographic Networks After 30 Years of Continuous Geophysical Observations

Global seismographic networks (GSNs) emerged during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, facilitated by seminal international developments in theory, technology, instrumentation, and data exchange. The mid- to late-twentieth century saw the creation of the World-Wide Standardized Seismographic Network (1961) and International Deployment of Accelerometers (1976), which advanced global geographic coverage as seismometer bandwidth increased greatly allowing for the recording of the Earth's principal seismic spectrum. The modern era of global observations and rapid data access began during the 1980s, and notably included the inception of the GEOSCOPE initiative (1982) and GSN (1988). Through continual improvements, GEOSCOPE and the GSN have realized near-real time recording of ground motion with state-of-art data quality, dynamic range, and timing precision to encompass 180 seismic stations, many in very remote locations. Data from GSNs are increasingly integrated with other geophysical data (e.g., space geodesy, infrasound and Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar). Globally distributed seismic data are critical to resolving crust, mantle, and core structure; illuminating features of the plate tectonic and mantle convection system; rapid characterization of earthquakes; identification of potential tsunamis; global nuclear test verification; and provide sensitive proxies for environmental changes. As the global geosciences community continues to advance our understanding of Earth structure and processes controlling elastic wave propagation, GSN infrastructure offers a springboard to realize increasingly multi-instrument geophysical observatories. Here, we review the historical, scientific, and monitoring heritage of GSNs, summarize key discoveries, and discuss future associated opportunities for Earth Science.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Advanced data management design for autonomous telerobotic systems in space using spaceborne symbolic processors

The use of computers in autonomous telerobots is reaching the point where advanced distributed processing concepts and techniques are needed to support the functioning of Space Station era telerobotic systems. Three major issues that have impact on the design of data management functions in a telerobot are covered. It also presents a design concept that incorporates an intelligent systems manager (ISM) running on a spaceborne symbolic processor (SSP), to address these issues. The first issue is the support of a system-wide control architecture or control philosophy. Salient features of two candidates are presented that impose constraints on data management design. The second issue is the role of data management in terms of system integration. This referes to providing shared or coordinated data processing and storage resources to a variety of telerobotic components such as vision, mechanical sensing, real-time coordinated multiple limb and end effector control, and planning and reasoning. The third issue is hardware that supports symbolic processing in conjunction with standard data I/O and numeric processing. A SSP that currently is seen to be technologically feasible and is being developed is described and used as a baseline in the design concept.

Goforth, Andre↗

Advancing the Standards for Unmanned Air System Communications, Navigation and Surveillance

Under NASA program NNA16BD84C, new architectures were identified and developed for supporting reliable and secure Communications, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) needs for Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) operating in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. An analysis of architectures for the two categories of airspace and an implementation technology readiness analysis were performed. These studies produced NASA reports that have been made available in the public domain and have been briefed in previous conferences. We now consider how the products of the study are influencing emerging directions in the aviation standards communities. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Communications Panel (CP), Working Group I (WG-I) is currently developing a communications network architecture known as the Aeronautical Telecommunications Network with Internet Protocol Services (ATN/IPS). The target use case for this service is secure and reliable Air Traffic Management (ATM) for manned aircraft operating in controlled airspace. However, the work is more and more also considering the emerging class of airspace users known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which refers to certain UAS classes. In addition, two Special Committees (SCs) in the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) are developing Minimum Aviation System Performance Standards (MASPS) and Minimum Operational Performance Standards (MOPS) for UAS. RTCA SC-223 is investigating an Internet Protocol Suite (IPS) and AeroMACS aviation data link for interoperable (INTEROP) UAS communications. Meanwhile, RTCA SC-228 is working to develop Detect And Avoid (DAA) equipment and a Command and Control (C2) Data Link MOPS establishing LBand and C-Band solutions. These RTCA Special Committees along with ICAO CP WG/I are therefore overlapping in terms of the Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) alternatives they are seeking to provide for an integrated manned- and unmanned air traffic management service as well as remote pilot command and control. This paper presents UAS CNS architecture concepts developed under the NASA program that apply to all three of the aforementioned committees. It discusses the similarities and differences in the problem spaces under consideration in each committee, and considers the application of a common set of CNS alternatives that can be widely applied. As the works of these committees progress, it is clear that the overlap will need to be addressed to ensure a consistent and safe framework for worldwide aviation. In this study, we discuss similarities and differences in the various operational models and show how the CNS architectures developed under the NASA program apply.

Ponchak, Denise S.↗

Pre-Flight Testing of Spaceborne GPS Receivers Using a GPS Constellation Simulator

The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Global Positioning System (GPS) applications test facility has been established within the GSFC Guidance Navigation and Control Center. The GPS test facility is currently housing the Global Simulation Systems Inc. (GSSI) STR2760 GPS satellite 40-channel attitude simulator and a STR4760 12-channel navigation simulator. The facility also contains a few other resources such as an atomic time standard test bed, a rooftop antenna platform and a radome. It provides a new capability for high dynamics GPS simulations of space flight that is unique within the aerospace community. The GPS facility provides a critical element for the development and testing of GPS based technologies i.e. position, attitude and precise time determination used on-board a spacecraft, suborbital rocket or balloon. The GPS simulator system is configured in a transportable rack and is available for GPS component development as well as for component, spacecraft subsystem and system level testing at spacecraft integration and test sites. The GPS facility has been operational since early 1996 and has been utilized by space flight projects carrying GPS experiments, such as the OrbView-2 and the Argentine SAC-A spacecrafts. The SAC-A pre-flight test data obtained by using the STR2760 simulator and the comparison with preliminary analysis of the GPS data from SAC-A telemetry are summarized. This paper describes pre-flight tests and simulations used to support a unique spaceborne GPS experiment. The GPS experiment mission objectives and the test program are described, as well as the GPS test facility configuration needed to verify experiment feasibility. Some operational and critical issues inherent in GPS receiver pre-flight tests and simulations using this GPS simulator, and test methodology are described. Simulation and flight data are presented. A complete program of pre-flight testing of spaceborne GPS receivers using a GPS constellation simulator is detailed.

Kizhner, Semion↗

First heated jettison test on the Centaur standard shroud

The first in a planned series of heated jettison tests on the Centaur Standard Shround was conducted at NASA Plum Brook Station's Space Power Facility on November 19, 1973. The first 250-second portion of the test sequence involved heating the shroud with a specially-built fixture designed to provide a simulation of the heating environment encountered by the shroud during its ascent through the earth's atmosphere. The two heater halves, which were mounted on a rail system, were then retracted. This was followed by the jettison of the two shroud halves into catch nets positioned at 90 deg to the heater rails. The condition which made this test unique compared to the planned subsequent tests was the location of the maximum thermal line at 32 deg from the shroud separation plane. Information on the test hardware, configuration, and sequence is presented. Shroud thermal and deflection data encountered during the heating portion of the test sequence is compared with free-skin design temperatures in various graphical formats.

Source record↗