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At least 1,549 records · Page 86

ECLSS consumables analysis: ALT captive/active 1 and captive/active 3

A consumables analysis of the environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) was performed for approach and landing test (ALT) captive/active missions 1 through 3 and is also applicable to missions 4 and 5. The ECLSS configuration analyzed and the guidelines and assumptions used in performing the analysis are presented. A projection of ammonia temperatures and pressures during the captive/active 1 mission is also included. The resulting consumables, budgets are presented in tabular and graphic form. Adequate margins were obtained for all systems.

Steines, G. J.↗

Space Shuttle Orbiter approach and landing program status

The space shuttle approach and landing test (ALT) program is being conducted in four phases. The first phase, completed in March of 1977, consisted of verifying the airworthiness of the mated B-747 shuttle carrier aircraft and orbiter. The second phase consists of checking the orbiter systems in captive flight. The third phase is to be confined to launching the orbiter with and without the tail cone installed to evaluate the final landing phase of the shuttle operations through the verification of the automatic landing system. The fourth and final phase of the program is to document the mated configuration's performance relative to the ferry operations to be conducted between the return from the orbiter's landing sites and launch sites. This paper presents the results of the SCA inert orbiter flight testing and the program plans up to the completion of the ALT program.

Andrews, W. H.↗

Evaluating the GPSS simulation model for the Viking batch computer system

In anticipation of extremely heavy loading requirements by the Viking mission during the post-landing periods, a GPSS model has been developed for the purpose of simulating these requirements on the Viking batch computer system. This paper presents the effort pursued in evaluating such a model and results thereby obtained. The evaluation effort consists of selecting the evaluation approach, collecting actual test run data, making comparisons and deriving conclusions.

Lee, J.-J.↗

Summary of emissions reduction technology programs

The NASA emissions reduction contract programs for EPA aircraft engine classes P2 (turboshaft engines), T1 (jet engines with thrust under 8000 lb), T4 (JT8D) engines), and T2 (jet engines with thrust over 8000 lb) are discussed. The most important aspects of these programs, the commonality of approaches used, the test results, and assessments regarding applications of the derived technology are summarized.

Niedzwiecki, R. W.↗

Independent Evaluation of Shuttle Flight Control System

A brief summary of the work performed on the Approach and Landing Test (ALT) shuttle flight control system is presented. (FCS) and a bibliography of the formal reports are included which document the activities in detail. In general, the activities were grouped in four categories: (1) independent evaluation of ALT FCS software design; (2) independent evaluation of Software Development Laboratory (SDL) testing of ALT FCS software; (3) independent evaluation of Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL) ALT FCS testing; and (4) independent evaluation of ALT flight test results.

Lee, R.↗

On the use of relative velocity exponents for jet engine exhaust noise

The effect of flight on jet engine exhaust noise has often been presented in terms of a relative velocity exponent, n, as a function of radiation angle. The value of n is given by the OASPL reduction due to relative velocity divided by 10 times the logarithm of the ratio of relative jet velocity to absolute jet velocity. In such terms, classical subsonic jet noise theory would result in a value of n being approximately 7 at 90 degree angle to the jet axis with n decreasing, but remaining positive, as the inlet axis is approached and increasing as the jet axis is approached. However, flight tests have shown a wide range of results, including negative values of n in some cases. In this paper it is shown that the exponent n is positive for pure subsonic jet mixing noise and varies, in a systematic manner, as a function of flight conditions and jet velocity.

Stone, J. R.↗

ALT space shuttle barometric altimeter altitude analysis

The accuracy was analyzed of the barometric altimeters onboard the space shuttle orbiter. Altitude estimates from the air data systems including the operational instrumentation and the developmental flight instrumentation were obtained for each of the approach and landing test flights. By comparing the barometric altitude estimates to altitudes derived from radar tracking data filtered through a Kalman filter and fully corrected for atmospheric refraction, the errors in the barometric altitudes were shown to be 4 to 5 percent of the Kalman altitudes. By comparing the altitude determined from the true atmosphere derived from weather balloon data to the altitude determined from the U.S. Standard Atmosphere of 1962, it was determined that the assumption of the Standard Atmosphere equations contributes roughly 75 percent of the total error in the baro estimates. After correcting the barometric altitude estimates using an average summer model atmosphere computed for the average latitude of the space shuttle landing sites, the residual error in the altitude estimates was reduced to less than 373 feet. This corresponds to an error of less than 1.5 percent for altitudes above 4000 feet for all flights.

Killen, R.↗

Space shuttle separation mechanisms

The development of space shuttle separation devices is reviewed to illustrate the mechanisms involved in separating the Orbiter from the Boeing 747 carrier aircraft and from the externally mounted propellant tank. Other aspects of the separation device development discussed include design evolution, operational experience during the orbiter approach and landing tests, and the work required to produce an operational system.

Rogers, W. F.↗

Space Shuttle Orbiter approach and landing program status

The approach and landing test (ALT) phase of the Space Shuttle program aims at assessing the Orbiter's subsonic aerodynamic flight and landing characteristics along with the support equipment, ground facilities, and the approximate hardware and software to be used in the terminal phase of orbital missions. The program also evaluates the performance of the Shuttle carrier aircraft (SCA) as related to the transport of the Orbiter to the launch sites during the stages of Space Shuttle operations. Results are presented for the SCA inert Orbiter flight testing and the program plans up to the completion of the ALT program. Emphasis is placed on testing the airworthiness of the mated B-747 Shuttle carrier aircraft and Orbiter, checkout of the Orbiter systems in captive flight, and launching the Orbiter with and without the tail cone installed. Major program milestones before the first manned orbital flight are summarized in graphic form.

Andrews, W. H.↗

Purification and cultivation of human pituitary growth hormone secreting cells

The maintainance of actively secreting human pituitary growth hormone cells (somatotrophs) in vitro was studied. The primary approach was the testing of agents which may be expected to increase the release of the human growth hormone (hGH). A procedure for tissue procurement is described along with the methodologies used to dissociate human pituitary tissue (obtained either at autopsy or surgery) into single cell suspensions. The validity of the Biogel cell column perfusion system for studying the dynamics of GH release was developed and documented using a rat pituitary cell system.

Hymer, W. C.↗

Space Shuttle separation mechanisms

The development of space shuttle separation devices is reviewed to illustrate the mechanisms involved in separating the orbiter from the Boeing 747 carrier aircraft and from the externally mounted propellant tank. Other aspects of the separation device development discussed include design evolution, operational experience during the orbiter approach and landing tests, and the work to be accomplished before an operational system becomes a reality.

Rogers, W. F.↗

Purification and cultivation of human pituitary growth hormone secreting cells

Efforts were directed towards maintenance of actively secreting human pituitary growth hormone cells (somatotrophs) in vitro. The production of human growth hormone (hGH) by this means would be of benefit for the treatment of certain human hypopituitary diseases such as dwarfism. One of the primary approaches was the testing of agents which may logically be expected to increase hGH release. The progress towards this goal is summarized. Results from preliminary experiments dealing with electrophoresis of pituitary cell for the purpose of somatotroph separation are described.

Hymer, W. C.↗

Simulation study of the effect of fuel-conservative approaches on ATC procedures and terminal area capacity

Fuel-conservative procedures have been investigated using real-time air traffic control simulations linked to two piloted simulators. The fuel-conservative procedures studied were profile descents and two types of landing approaches. The investigation determined the effect of these procedures on the ATC system and terminal area capacity. It examined the mixing of aircraft executing fuel-conservative approaches with those executing conventional approaches. The results indicate a systems fuel savings for the landing approaches under all tested conditions except at, or near, maximum system capacity. Also, there is a fuel savings and reduced controller workload for the profile descent procedures.

Tobias, L.↗

Digital adaptive controllers for VTOL vehicles. Volume 2: Software documentation

The VTOL approach and landing test (VALT) adaptive software is documented. Two self-adaptive algorithms, one based on an implicit model reference design and the other on an explicit parameter estimation technique were evaluated. The organization of the software, user options, and a nominal set of input data are presented along with a flow chart and program listing of each algorithm.

Hartmann, G. L.↗

Orbiter Landing Loads Math Model Description and Correlation with ALT Flight Data

Results of the space shuttle approach and landing test are examined in order to assess landing gear characteristics and performance and verify landing dynamic analyses. The landing gears were instrumented with load-calibrated strain gages, a wheel-speed sensor, and strut stroke measurement devices. The mathematical procedure used in predicting the shuttle touchdown loads and dynamics is presented together with the comparisons between measured flight data and the analytical predictions. Conclusions from these data are also presented.

Hamilton, D. A.↗

Control of the Earth's electric field intensity through solar wind modulation of galactic cosmic radiation: Support for a proposed atmospheric electrical sun-weather mechanism

The ionospheric potential and galactic cosmic radiation, found to be inversely correlated with the solar wind velocity are examined as being germane to weather modification. Since the ionospheric potential is proportional to the fair weather electric field intensity and cosmic radiation is the dominant source of atmospheric ionization, it is concluded that the Earth's overall electric field varies in phase with atmospheric ionization and that the latter is modulated by the solar wind. A proposed mechanism, in which solar control of ionizing radiation influences atmospheric electrification and thus possibly cloud physical processes is discussed. An experimental approach to critically test the proposed mechanism through comparison of the temporal variation of the Earth's electric field with conditions in the interplanetary medium is outlined.

Markson, R.↗

Annual report to the NASA Administrator by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel on the space shuttle program. Part 1: Observations and conclusions

The panel reviewed the following areas of major significance for the Approach and Landing Test program: mission planning and crew training, flight-readiness of the Carrier Aircraft and the Orbiter, including its flight control and avionics system, facilities, and communications and ground support equipment. The management system for risk assessment was investigated. The Orbital Flight Test Program was also reviewed. Observations and recommendations are presented.

Source record↗

Annual Report to the NASA Administrator by the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel on the Space Shuttle Program. Part 2: Summary of Information Developed in the Panel's Fact-Finding Activities

The panel focused its attention on those areas that are considered most significant for flight success and safety. Elements required for the Approach and Landing Test Program, the Orbital Flight Test Program, and those management systems and their implementation which directly affect safety, reliability, and quality control, were investigated. Ground facilities and the training programs for the ground and flight crews were studied. Of special interest was the orbiter thermal protection subsystems.

Source record↗