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At least 1,585 records · Page 88

Viking mission support

On April 26, 1976, the network operations control center was declared available for planetary operations in support of the Viking project. This final capability in the network configuration for Viking had been delayed since February with hardware and software problems both in the control center and at the Deep Space stations. The effect of these problems, particularly insofar as they affected production of intermediate data records, the resolution of the problems, and the current status of the network operations control center in the Viking environment, are given in this article. Also discussed are the operational verification tests performed to check out the new capabilities and associated procedures. The Viking project tests supported by the DSN and finally the DSN support of Viking cruise operations, along with some statistics on performance, are included.

Mudgway, D. J.↗

Viking mission support

The final operations tests prior to Mars orbit insertion for Viking 1 are discussed together with the real-time operations support for the two months preceding this event. Several special operational strategies and procedures designed to optimize the DSN support during the critical planetary phases of the mission are described. The final phases of Network implementation for Viking and the support afforded to the radio science experiments and Mars radar observations are also included.

Mudgway, D. J.↗

Advanced space system concepts and their orbital support needs (1980 - 2000). Volume 1: Executive summary

The likely system concepts which might be representative of NASA and DoD space programs in the 1980-2000 time period were studied along with the programs' likely needs for major space transportation vehicles, orbital support vehicles, and technology developments which could be shared by the military and civilian space establishments in that time period. Such needs could then be used by NASA as an input in determining the nature of its long-range development plan. The approach used was to develop a list of possible space system concepts (initiatives) in parallel with a list of needs based on consideration of the likely environments and goals of the future. The two lists thus obtained represented what could be done, regardless of need; and what should be done, regardless of capability, respectively. A set of development program plans for space application concepts was then assembled, matching needs against capabilities, and the requirements of the space concepts for support vehicles, transportation, and technology were extracted. The process was pursued in parallel for likely military and civilian programs, and the common support needs thus identified.

Bekey, I.↗

Payload/orbiter contamination control requirement study: Preliminary contamination mission support plan

Progress is reported on the mission support plan and those support activities envisioned to be applicable and necessary during premission and postmission phases of the Spacelab program. The purpose, role, and requirements of the contamination control operations for the first two missions of the Spacelab equipped Space Transportation System are discussed. The organization of the contamination control operation and its relationship to and interfaces with other mission support functions is also discussed. Some specific areas of contamination to be investigated are treated. They are: (1) windows and viewports, (2) experiment equipment, (3) thermal control surfaces, (4) the contaminant induced atmosphere (as differentiated from the normal ambient atmosphere at the orbit altitude), and (5) optical navigation instruments.

Bareiss, L. E.↗

DSN research and technology support

Continuing remote controlled pulsar observations are noted, along with routine observations of 22 pulsars. Preliminary installation of equipment for planned unattended operation of the Venus Station is reported, along with extensive measurements and performance evaluation of the 26-m antenna. Support of the X-band radar at the Mars Station (DSS 14), and stability and reliability testing of the DSS 13 receiving system is reported. Klystron testing and other DSN support activities of the DSN High-Power Transmitter Maintenance Facility are noted, along with energy conservation modifications to two buildings at DSS 13. Radio Science experiment support included Planetary Radio Astronomy, Pulsar Rotation Constancy, Interstellar Microwave Spectroscopy, and Very Long Baseline Interferometry observations. An increased schedule of clock synchronization transmissions, planned on five-day centers, is noted, as 39 transmissions were made to Australia, DSS 43, and Spain, DSS 63.

Jackson, E. B.↗

Jet exhaust and support interference effects on the transonic aerodynamic characteristics of a fighter model with two widely spaced engines

Jet exhaust, nozzle installation, and model support interference effects on the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of a twin-engine fighter model were determined. Realistic jet exhaust nozzle configurations and a reference configuration with a simulated vertical-tail support were tested. Free-stream Mach number was varied from 0.6 to 1.2, and model angle of attack from 0 deg to 9 deg. The jet exhaust affected drag more than it affected lift and pitching moment. The largest effects occurred at a Mach number of 0.9 and for the afterburning mode of exhaust nozzle operation. The combined differences between the aerodynamic characteristics of the realistic and reference configurations (which were due to afterbody and nozzle contours, jet operation, and simulated reference support interference) were considerably different from those for the jet interference alone.

Compton, W. B., III↗

Atmosphere, Magnetosphere and Plasmas in Space (AMPS). Spacelab payload definition study. Volume 7, book 3: Supporting Research and Technology (SR and T) report

The items identified as required to support the AMPS mission and requiring SR and T support and further work are: (1) a general purpose Experiment Pointing Mount; (2) a technique for measuring the attitude of the pallet-mounted or deployed experiments; (3) the development of a common optics cryogenically cooled interferometer spectrometer; (4) the development of a differential absorption lidar system for the measurement of ozone densitites in the earth's atmosphere; (5) the development of dc to dc power processors which are capable of converting energy stored in a capacitor system at 500 V to energy supplied to equipment operating at 40 kV and at 20 kW (eventually up to 100 kW); and (6) the development of a magnetic or possibly electrostatic deflection system capable of bending the beam of an electron accelerator. A data sheet is included for each item, briefly describing the background and need for each item, and the general objectives of the required development, and identifying the schedule requirements in support of the AMPS program.

Source record↗

Hydrostatic bearing support

A hydrostatic bearing support system is provided which comprises a bearing housing having a polygonally configured outer surface which defines at least three symmetrically disposed working faces and a plurality of pressure plates, each of which is disposed relatively opposite a corresponding working face and spaced therefrom to define a gap therebetween. A hydrostatic support film is created in the gap for supporting the housing in spaced relationship to the pressure plates.

Cunningham, R. E.↗

Durability testing at one atmosphere of advanced catalysts and catalyst supports for automotive gas turbine engine combustors, part 1

The durability of catalysts and catalyst supports in a combustion environment was experimentally demonstrated. A test of 1000 hours duration was completed with two catalysts, using diesel fuel and operating at catalytically supported thermal combustion conditions. The performance of the catalysts was determined by monitoring emissions throughout the test, and by examining the physical condition of the catalyst core at the conclusion of the test. The test catalysts proved to be capable of low emissions operation after 1000 hours diesel aging, with no apparent physical degradation of the catalyst support.

Heck, R. M.↗

Viking extended mission support

The period 1 March 1977 through 30 April 1977 is reported and includes Deep Space Network (DSN) Mark III data system testing. Status of the Viking DSN discrepancy reporting system as well as the status of Viking related tracking and command support were also considered. Operations support of Viking events and radio science activities were examined. Current progress on the major reconfiguration of the Network is presented in the context of support for the Viking extended mission.

Howe, T. W.↗

The Shuttle Orbiter Airlock Support Subsystem /ALSS/

The Orbiter Airlock Support Subsystem (ALSS) is designed to provide shirtsleeve intervehicular transfer (IVA) between the orbiter and payload spacelab. Also, the airlock provides for extravehicular transfer (EVA) of two crewman to space and/or unpressurized payload from a pressurized cabin environment. The orbiter airlock design permits three planned EVA's for periods up to 6 hr. The airlock is designed to be interchangeable in three different locations, in the crew cabin, attached to the cabin aft bulkhead or attached to transfer tunnel adapter both which are located in the cargo bay. The Orbiter Airlock Support Subsystem described herein provides ventilation, pressurization, depressurization, prebreathing, personnel oxygen system supply (POS), and Extravehicular Mobility Unit support (EMU). This paper defines the system configuration for each airlock location and the commonality between them. Emphasis is also placed on the design data used to define repressurization and depressurization requirements, ventilation, water cooling, wastewater discharge, flow rates, and valve sizing.

Brown, J. T.↗

Foil bearings for axial and radial support of high speed rotors: Design, development, and determination of operating characteristics

Flexible surface thrust and journal foil bearings were fabricated, and their performance was demonstrated, both individually and jointly as a unified rotor support system. Experimental results are documented with graphs and oscilloscopic data of trajectories, waveforms, and scans of amplitude response. At speeds of 40,000 to 45,000 rpm and a mean clearance of the order of 15 to 20 micrometers (600 to 800 micrometers, the resilient, air lubricated, spiral groove thrust bearings support a load of 127 N (29 lb; 13 kgf), equivalent to 3.0 N/sq cm (4.5 lb/sq in 0.31 kgf sq cm). Journal bearings with polygonal sections provided stable and highly damped supports at speeds up to 50,000 rpm.

Licht, L.↗

Systems engineering overview for regenerative life-support systems applicable to space habitats

The Life-Support Systems Group of the 1977 NASA Ames Summer Study conducted analyses initially to identify areas where partial or complete closure of the life-support system, for various types of space habitats, should be considered, and to develop a sound methodology for identifying, screening, and evaluating alternative closure schemes. Results of these analyses, including the systems engineering considerations that affect technology-development planning and management for regenerative life-support systems, are discussed. A recommended methodology is also presented as a basis for future technology-development activities in this area.

Spurlock, J.↗

Structural cost optimization of photovoltaic central power station modules and support structure

The results of a comprehensive study of photovoltaic module structural support concepts for photovoltaic central power stations and their associated costs are presented. The objective of the study has been the identification of structural cost drivers. Parametric structural design and cost analyses of complete array systems consisting of modules, primary support structures, and foundations were performed. Area related module cost was found to be constant with design, size, and loading. A curved glass module concept was evaluated and found to have the potential to significantly reduce panel structural costs. Conclusions of the study are: array costs do not vary greatly among the designs evaluated; panel and array costs are strongly dependent on design loading; and the best support configuration is load dependent

Sutton, P. D.↗

A Preliminary Research Plan for Development of a Photosynthetic Link in a Closed Ecological Life Support System

The use of higher plants in a closed ecological life support system for long duration space missions involving large numbers of people is considered. The approach to planning and developing both the habitat for a long term space mission and closed ecological life support systems are discussed with emphasis on environmental compatibility and integrated systems design. The requirements of photosynthetic processes are summarized and evaluated in terms of their availability within a closed ecological life support environment. Specific references are recommended as a data base for future research on this topic.

Morgan, P. W.↗

Viking Mars mission support investigations in the Langley transonic dynamics tunnel

Six experimental investigations conducted in the transonic dynamics tunnel, which supported elements of the entry and the landed phases of the Viking mission, are described. The objective of each investigation and selected experimental results are presented. How these particular wind tunnel results contributed to spacecraft development and ultimately to the success of the Viking mission is indicated. Experimental studies applicable to the entry phase of the mission included parachute environment and performance definition, aerodynamic characteristics exhibited by two separating bodies, and pressure measurements in the transonic range to optimize the location and orientation of a stagnation-pressure sensor on the Lander. The experimental investigations which supported the landed phase of the mission included a convective heat transfer test to establish the requirements for wind covers for the radioisotope thermoelectric generators and two tests which supported the development and calibration of the meteorological science experiment.

Foughner, J. T., Jr.↗

Deflections of beam columns on multiple supports

Lateral deflections of beam columns on multiple equally spaced supports are calculated using the STAGS nonlinear structural analysis computer program. Three lateral loadings are considered, uniform, linear, and uniform over only the center bay. Two types of boundary conditions are considered at the end supports, clamped, and simple support. The effect of an initial sinusoidal imperfection are considered. Deflections in the center and end bays of the beam columns are presented as a function of applied axial compressive load. As the number of bays becomes large, the effect of boundary conditions on the deflections in the center bays diminishes. For cases involving a uniform or linearly varying load, imperfections can have a much larger effect on deflections in the center bays than can lateral pressure.

Stroud, W. J.↗

Stabilization of aerodynamically excited turbomachinery with hydrodynamic journal bearings and supports

A method of analyzing the first mode stability and unbalance response of multimass flexible rotors is presented whereby the multimass system is modeled as an equivalent single mass modal model including the effects of rotor flexibility, general linearized hydrodynamic journal bearings, squeeze film bearing supports and rotor aerodynamic cross coupling. Expressions for optimum bearing and support damping are presented for both stability and unbalance response. The method is intended to be used as a preliminary design tool to quickly ascertain the effects of bearing and support changes on rotor-bearing system performance.

Barrett, L. E.↗