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At least 1,477 records · Page 82
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Tug and payload-to-Orbiter interface requirements

This paper presents results of a study to identify, evaluate, and develop Tug plus payload-to-Orbiter accommodation requirements. Interface areas include structural, mechanical, fluids, environmental, avionics, and safety. Each interface area was investigated to determine the best physical and operational method of accomplishing the required functions with an overriding goal of establishing sample and flexible interface requirements suitable for Tug, Tug payloads, and other cargo. The recommended system for supporting the Tug and its payload from the Orbiter employs a cylindrical load-carrying structure called a deployment adapter that has a rotational capability for Tug deployment. The design and operation of the deployment adapter and other peripheral interface equipment such as crew compartment monitor and control panels and cargo bay fluid and electrical interface panels are discussed.

Bock, E. H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

An orbiting molecular shield vacuum facility - A materials laboratory in space

Certain classes of materials processing experiments require a combination of near zero gravity and ultrahigh vacuum. This combination of environmental requirements can be obtained within a molecular shield vacuum facility deployed from the Space Shuttle Orbiter. To avoid degradation by Orbiter effluents, it is necessary to deploy the facility from the Orbiter's immediate vicinity to a distance of about 100 meters. This may be achieved with an extendable/retractable boom, so that power and other resources are supplied by the Orbiter. Alternatively, the facility may be deployed as a free-flyer satellite and retrieved on a subsequent Orbiter mission. Preliminary results of boom design and dynamics analyses are presented.

Youngblood, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The dynamics and optimal control of spinning spacecraft and movable telescoping appendages, part B: Effect of gravity-gradient torques on the dynamics of a spinning spacecraft with telescoping appendages

The effects of gravity gradient torques during boom deployment maneuvers of a spinning spacecraft are examined. Configurations where the booms extended only along the hub principal axes and where one or two booms are offset from the principal axes were considered. For the special case of symmetric deployment (principal axes booms) the stability boundaries are determined, and a stability chart is used to study the system behavior. Possible cases of instability during this type of maneuver are identified. In the second configuration an expression for gravity torque about the hub center of mass was developed. The nonlinear equations of motion are solved numerically, and the substantial influence of the gravity torque during asymmetric deployment maneuvers is indicated.

Bainum, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Shuttle orbiter - IUS/DSP satellite interface contamination study

The results of a contamination analysis on the Defense Support Program (DSP) satellite during launch and deployment by the Space Transportation System (STS) are presented. Predicted contaminant deposition was also included on critical DSP surfaces during the period soon after launch when the DSP is in the shuttle orbiter bay with the doors closed, the bay doors open, and during initial deployment. Additionally, a six sided box was placed at the spacecraft position to obtain directional contaminant flux information for a general payload while in the bay and during deployment. The analysis included contamination sources from the shuttle orbiter, IUS and cradle, the DSP sensor and the DSP support package.

Rantanen, R. O.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Extravehicular activity translation arm (EVATA) study

The preliminary design of a deployable Extravehicular Activity Translation Arm (EVATA) assembly which will allow an EVA crewman to perform tasks in the vicinity of the External TNK (ET) umbilical doors and to inspect most of the underside of the shuttle spacecraft is reported. The concept chosen for the boom structure was the Astro Extendable Support Structure (ESS) which formed the main structure for the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Antenna System on the SEASAT A spacecraft. This structure is a deployable triangular truss. A comparison of the EVATA and the SEASAT A ESS is shown. The development of status of the ESS is shown. The satellite configuration, the stowed truss load path, and the envelope deployment sequence for the ESS are also shown.

Preiswerk, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

GEOS axial booms

A booms and mechanisms subsystem was designed, developed, and qualified for the geostationary scientific satellite GEOS. Part of this subsystem consist of four axial booms consisting of one pair of 1 m booms and one pair of 2.5 m booms. Each of these booms is carrying one bird cage electric field sensor. Alignment accuracy requirements led to a telescopic type solution. Deployment is performed by pressurized nitrogen. At deployment in orbit two of these booms showed some anomalies and one of these two deployed only about 80%. Following this malfunction a detailed failure investigation was performed resulting in a design modification of some critical components as release mechanism, guide sleeves of the telescopic elements, and pressure system.

Schmidt, G. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Space-based radio telescopes and an orbiting deep-space relay station

Foremost among the candidates for early utilization of the Shuttle-launched self-deployable structures are the space-based radio telescopes. Several space-based telescopes are examined including an orbiting VLBI terminal, an orbiting submillimeter telescope, and a large ambient deployable IR telescope. Particular consideration is given to the high-gain Orbiting Deep-Space Relay Station for communication with deep-space probes. Details of deployable antenna technology are discussed.

Powell, R. V.↗
NASA NTRS1979

NASA technology for large space antennas

Technology developed by NASA in conjunction with industry for potential large, deployable space antennas with applications in communication, radio astronomy and earth observation is reviewed. Concepts for deployable antennas that have been developed to the point of detail design are summarized, including the advanced sunflower precision antenna, the radial rib antenna, the maypole (hoop/column) antenna and the parabolic erectable truss antenna. The assessment of state-of-the-art deployable antenna technology is discussed, and the approach taken by the NASA Large Space Systems Technology (LSST) Program to the development of technology for large space antenna systems is outlined. Finally, the further development of the wrap-rib antenna and the maypole (hoop/column) concept, which meet mission model requirements, to satisfy LSST size and frequency requirements is discussed.

Russell, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Study of foldable elastic tubes for large space structure applications, phase 1

Structural members that might be suitable for strain energy deployable structures, are discussed with emphasis on a thin-walled cylindrical tube with a cross-section that is called 'bi-convex'. The design of bi-convex tube test specimens and their fabrication are described as well as the design and construction of a special purpose testing machine to determine the deployment characteristics. The results of the first series of tests were quite mixed, but clearly revealed that since most of the specimens failed to deploy completely, due to a buckling problem, this type of tube requires some modification in order to be viable.

Jones, I. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Large space structures - Fantasies and facts

A review of large space structures activities from 1973 to 1979 is presented. Long-range studies of space colonies, gigantic solar power stations and projected earth applications revived interest in space activities. Studies suggest opportunities for advanced antenna and platform applications. Matching low-thrust propulsion to large flexible vehicles will be a key technology. Current structures technology investigations include deployable and erectable structures and assembly techniques. Based on orbited structures experience, deployment reliability is a critical issue for deployable structures. For erectable structures, concepts for earth-fabricated and space-fabricated memb

Card, M. F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

NASA technology for large space antennas

Some leading concepts for deployable antennas are described and an assessment of the state of the art in deployable antennas is presented. The advanced sunflower precision antenna, the radial rib antenna and the maypole (hoop/column) antenna, the wrap rib antenna and the parabolic erectable truss antenna are covered. In addition, a discussion on the technology development program for two deployable antenna concepts that are responsive to the antenna mission requirements as defined in the NASA mission model is presented.

Russell, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Structural requirements and technology needs of geostationary platforms

To identify structural requirements and technology needs of the geostationary platforms, two design alternatives are analyzed with respect to utilities accommodation, interface, and strength and stiffness requirements. Alternative 1 is comprised of 6,800 kg (15,000 lb) platform modules, each delivered to low earth orbit (LEO) with an attached orbit transfer vehicle (OTV) in a single Shuttle flight, deployed, and transferred to a geostationary constellation of platforms. Alternative 2 is made up of 16,800 kg (37,000 lb) platform modules, each delivered to LEO, deployed, mated to a 2 stage OTV (delivered to LEO in two additional Shuttle flights) and transferred to GEO for docking with other modules to form a single large platform. The top candidates for deployable structure elements are the expandable truss beam and the Astromast. The beam, fabricated of graphite/epoxy with a designed coefficient of thermal expansion of zero, provides good packaging density and high strength and stiffness per unit weight. The Astromast provides the best packaging density, but lacks the strength and stiffness required for the platform payloads. A graphite/epoxy mast with the Astromast packaging density is an advancement in technology needed for optimizing the geostationary platform designs.

Stone, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

JPL antenna technology development

Plans for evaluating, designing, fabricating, transporting and deploying cost effective and STS compatible offset wrap rib antennas up to 300 meters in diameter for mobile communications, Earth resources observation, and for the orbiting VLBI are reviewed. The JPL surface measurement system, intended for large mesh deployable antenna applications will be demonstrated and validated as part of the antenna ground based demonstration program. Results of the offset wrap rib deployable antenna technology development will include: (1) high confidence structural designs for antennas up to 100 meters in diameter; (2) high confidence estimates of functional performance and fabrication cost for a wide range of antenna sizes (up to 300 meters in diameter); (3) risk assessment for fabricating the large size antennas; and (4) 55 meter diameter flight quality hardware that can be cost effectively completed toto accommodate a flight experiment and/or application.

Freeland, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Modular reflector concept study

A study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of space erecting a 100 meter paraboloidal radio frequency reflector by joining a number of individually deployed structural modules. Three module design concepts were considered: (1) the deployable cell module (DCM); (2) the modular paraboloidal erectable truss antenna (Mod-PETA); and (3) the modular erectable truss antenna (META). With the space shuttle (STS) as the launch system, the methodology of packaging and stowing in the orbiter, and of dispensing, deploying and joining, in orbit, were studied and the necessary support equipment identified. The structural performance of the completed reflectors was evaluated and their overall operational capability and feasibility were evaluated and compared. The potential of the three concepts to maintain stable shape in the space environment was determined. Their ability to operate at radio frequencies of 1 GHz and higher was assessed assuming the reflector surface to consist of a number of flat, hexagonal facets. A parametric study was performed to determine figure degradation as a function of reflector size, flat facet size, and f/D ratio.

Vaughan, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Modular antenna design study

The mechanical design of a modular antenna concept was developed sufficiently to allow manufacture of a working demonstration model of a module, to predict mass properties, and to make performance estimates for antenna reflectors composed of these modules. The primary features of this concept are: (1) each module is an autonomous structural element which can be attached to adjacent modules through a three point connection; (2) the upper surface is a folding hexagonal truss plate mechanism which serves as the supporting structure for a reflective surface; and (3) the entire truss and surface can be folded into a cylindrical envelope in which all truss elements are essentially parallel. The kinematic studies and engineering demonstration model fully verified the deployment kinematics, stowing philosophy, and deployment sequencing for large antenna modules. It was established that such modules can be stowed in packages as small as 25 cm in diameter, using 1.27 cm diameter structural tubes. The development activity indicates that this deployable modular approach towards building large structures in space will support erection of 450 m apertures for operation up to 3 GHz with a single space shuttle flight.

Ribble, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

LSST (Hoop/Column) Maypole Antenna Development Program, phase 1, part 1

The first of a two-phase program was performed to develop the technology necessary to evaluate, design, manufacture, package, transport and deploy the hoop/column deployable antenna reflector by means of a ground based program. The hoop/column concept consists of a cable stiffened large diameter hoop and central column structure that supports and contours a radio frequency reflective mesh surface. Mission scenarios for communications, radiometer and radio astronomy, were studied. The data to establish technology drivers that resulted in a specification of a point design was provided. The point design is a multiple beam quadaperture offset antenna system wich provides four separate offset areas of illumination on a 100 meter diameter symmetrical parent reflector. The periphery of the reflector is a hoop having 48 segments that articulate into a small stowed volume around a center extendable column. The hoop and column are structurally connected by graphite and quartz cables. The prominence of cables in the design resulted in the development of advanced cable technology. Design verification models were built of the hoop, column, and surface stowage subassemblies. Model designs were generated for a half scale sector of the surface and a 1/6 scale of the complete deployable reflector.

Sullivan, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Development of a high altitude Spin Parachute

A specially configured 16.6 foot (5.1 meter) Disc Gap Band (DGB) Spin Parachute has been designed, developed, integrated with a sounding rocket, and qualified by flight testing. Design requirements include (1) stable parachute should successfully deploy in the altitude region of 260,000 feet (80 kilometers) from a Super Arcas launch vehicle; (2) after deployment, parachute and payload spin rate should be greater than three rpm; (3) four electric field sensors should be mounted on parachute shroud lines and have provisions to be electrically connected to the suspended payload; and (4) time above 100,000 feet (30 kilometers) should exceed five minutes. The successful meeting of these requirements provided the first known high-altitude deployment of a Spin Parachute.

Silbert, M. N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Large diameter astromast development, phase 1

Coilable-longeron lattice columns called Astromasts (trademark) were manufactured for a variety of spacecraft missions. These flight structures varied in diameter from 0.2 to 0.5 meter (9 to 19 in.), and the longest Astromast of this type deploys to a length of 30 meters (100 feet). A double-laced diagonal Astromast design referred to as the Supermast (trademark) which, because it has shorter baylengths than an Astromast, is approximately four times as strong. The longeron cross section and composite material selection for these structures are limited by the maximum strain associated with stowage and deployment. As a result, future requirements for deployable columns with high stiffness and strength require the development of both structures in larger diameters. The design, development, and manufacture of a 6.1-m-long (20-ft), 0.75-m-diameter (30-in.), double-laced diagonal version of the Astromast is described.

Preiswerk, P. R.↗