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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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Manual on procedural requirements for performing certain environmental tests on space flight equipment provides information for test equipment designers, quality control and production engineers. Contents of manual are summarized.
Results of theoretical analyses of 12 problems are presented and comparisons of theoretical and experimental results are given. The investigations covered were: (1) techniques for improving the Saturn radar altimeter, (2) performance of the phase lock loop of the offset Doppler transponder, (3) signal processing equipment design for an orbital altitude radar return experiment, (4) spectral studies of signals present in the command and communication system (CCS) up-link transmitter, (5) intermodulation in the CCS down-link data demodulators, (6) error rate performance of the CCS transponder command demodulator, (7) flame attenuation effects on telemetry transmissions during Saturn launches, (8) design of a digital television system which converts a standard monochrome picture to a slow-scan picture, (9) methods of obtaining an additional CCS 72-kilobit/sec telemetry channel, (10) computation of the CCS S-band down-link spectra, (11) modeling of portions of the communications systems, and (12) modeling of a telemetry transmitter.
Events leading to the development of the San Marco Equatorial Range are presented. Included are background information leading to the cooperative space program between the United States and Italy, conceptual planning, training activities, equipment design and fabrication, and range utilization. The technical support provided the San Marco Program by Scout Project Office, and other NASA installations is described.
The electronic equipment design and function are discussed for the solar neutron counter experiment. Circuit diagrams are included.
Drawings are presented for equipment designed and fabricated to affect the integration of controllers, displays and manipulators with a remote maneuvering unit. Schematic diagrams of the master and level controllers are also included for reference.
The general anatomy and function of the human respiratory system is summarized. Breathing movements, control of breathing, lung volumes and capacities, mechanical relations, and factors relevant to respiratory support and equipment design are discussed.
Results of an investigation of verifying the capabilities of space processes in ground based experiments at low-g periods are presented. Limited time experiments were conducted with the processes. A valid representation of the complete process cycle was achieved at low-g periods ranging from 40 to 390 seconds. A minimum equipment inventory, is defined. A modular equipment design, adopted to assure low cost and high program flexibility, is presented as well as procedures and data established for the synthesis and definition of dedicated and mixed rocket payloads.
Guidelines are provided on probable climatic extremes and terrestrial environment data applicable to space vehicle and associated equipment design and development. Operational criteria for ground support sites are emphasized.
An evaluation of the radio frequency interference (RFI) conditions which would affect operating frequency band selections and data communications equipment design approaches for the Tracking Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) is presented. The subjects discussed are: (1) the scope of the investigation, (2) relative RFI in the frequency bands considered, (3) radar RFI power and duty factor, (4) radio relay communications RFI, (5) radio frequency band usage recommendations, and (6) radar RFI impact areas.
Extensive antenna-noise temperature measurements at 1.6 GHz (L-band) were made using a 1.2 m (4 ft. diameter) parabolic dish antenna mounted on the flying bridge of a modern 15,690-ton, commercial-container ship. Both in-harbor and at-sea radiometer measurements were made that indicated a steady background, antenna-noise temperature value slightly less than 70 degrees Kelvin (K) at elevation angles of 5 percent, and greater, at 1.6 GHz. A comparison of theoretical and measured values indicate excellent agreement within about 5K for at-sea data. These measurements are helpful to RF equipment designers of maritime, L-band shipboard terminals for operation with the two, geostationary, maritime satellites, Marisat-A and -B.
A dual flyby mission to the planets and satellite systems of Jupiter and Saturn is being planned for Fall 1977 launch. Two Mariner spacecraft, fully attitude-stabilized and carrying about 90 kg of instruments to support some eleven experiments, will make interplanetary measurements for a minimum of about four years. They will spend several weeks investigating the planets and several of their satellites at close range, using TV cameras, ultraviolet and infrared spectrometers, and a variety of other scanning instruments, field and particle sensors, and radio devices. The mission and equipment designs are described in terms of the integrated plan for a thorough and coordinated scientific exploration of the two planetary systems.
Four areas relating to free-flow electrophoresis in space were investigated. The first was the degree of improvement over earthbound operations that might be expected. The second area of investigation covered the problems in developing a flowing buffer electrophoresis apparatus. The third area of investigation was the problem of testing on the ground equipment designed for use in space. The fourth area of investigation was the improvement to be expected in space for purification of biologicals. The results of some ground-based experiments are described. Other studies included cooling requirements in space, fluid sealing techniques, and measurement of voltage drop across membranes.
A parametric approach is developed to analyze and evaluate the performance of any link or links of a satellite relay system. The approach factors into the calculations the constraints of coherent radio frequency interference, multipath, and equipment design. The report is divided into three sections dealing with Spread Spectrum Techniques (Section 1), Power Budget Calculations (Section 2), and Required Capabilities and Design Factors for Tracking and Data Relay Systems TDRS (Section 3).
Satellite communications, space manufacturing, remote sensing, and environmental observation are discussed. In the field of satellite communications, the special requirements of a military satellite communication system are explained, the use of satellites for mobile communications service is considered, and public service programs using NASA's ATS-6 and CTS satellites are discussed. Space stations and space manufacturing are examined with attention to equipment design, prospective products, and economic feasibility. Other topics include satellite power stations and the monitoring of crops and forests from space.
Too often the equipment used to move difficult to handle powdery material from a hopper to process creates a complex of devices whose end result falls short on good performance...simply because equipment design, in many cases, has not kept up with advanced technological concepts in fine powder handling. The Feeder, being the key to an efficient feed system, must be assured a continuous flow from the storage tank...without bridging, arching, spasmodic flow or uncontrolled flushing. The causes and effects of flow problems are discussed and also solutions are offered based on the combination of theoretical and practical experience.
The operational and performance criteria for civil CTOL passenger-carrying airplanes landing in low visibilities depend upon the characteristics of the airplane, the nature and use of the ground and airborne guidance and control systems, and the geometry and lighting of the landing field. Based upon these criteria, FAA advisory circulars, airplane and equipment design characteristics, and airline operational and maintenance procedures were formulated. The documents are selected, described, and discussed in relationship to the potential low weather minima operation of STOL aircraft. An attempt is made to identify fundamental differences between CTOL and STOL aircraft characteristics which could impact upon existing CTOL documentation. Further study and/or flight experiments are recommended.
The status of the Air Force Electrochemical program was reviewed. The performance characteristics of the system was attributed to the use of an electrochemical impregnation process. The electrode improvements, the prototype equipment designs, and the actual construction of a production facility are discussed.
The how, why and where the Army is applying lithium batteries are addressed. The Army is committing its efforts to the utilization of lithium batteries in new equipment that will be going into the field possibly from FY-80 and thereafter. The Army's philosophy is to guide their users and the equipment designers, to use battery packs are opposed to singel cells. After a detailed description of the battery types that are being considered, a discussion is presented in which questions and comments are exchanged among the Workshop participants.