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At least 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Space station needs, attributes, and architectural options: Commercial opportunities in space

The roles of government and industry in the commercialization of space are examined and an approach for stimulating the interests of potential users is described. Several illustrative examples of potential commercial developments are presented. The role of manned space systems in space commercialization is discussed as well as some of the issues and opportunities that are likely to be encountered in the commercial exploitation of the unique characteristics of space. Results suggest that interest in space facilities can be found among a number of commercially oriented users. In order to develop and maintain the involvement of these potential users, however, space demonstrations are required, and commercial growth or evolution depends on the results of the initial in situ experience. Manned facilities are required for the conceptual research and development phases and for maintenance and servicing operations during production or operational missions. Space facilities must be easily accessible by dependable and regularly scheduled means.

Wolbers, H. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Manned spaceflight activity planning with knowledge-based systems

An on-board expert system, capable of assisting with crew-activity planning and platform-status monitoring, could provide unprecedented autonomy to the crew of a permanently manned space station. To demonstrate this concept's feasibility, an existing knowledge-based system is adapted to support Space Shuttle crew-activity timeline planning. Proposed timeline changes are to be checked for compliance with crew capabilities and mission operating guidelines, so that a nonexpert can be guided through a successful plan modification. Early lessons that have been learned about the scope of the adaptation needed to achieve this objective are presented.

Mogilensky, J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Spacelab - Ten years of international cooperation

The history, current status, and future plans of the Spacelab program are reviewed, with a focus on the cooperative relationship between ESA and NASA. The initial decision to undertake the program and the three agreements signed to begin its implementation are examined, and the division of responsibilities and financial contributions is discussed insofar as it affected the management structure. Consideration is given to the major facilities, the 50-mission operational cycle, communications, the currently scheduled activities (through 1985), the prospective later uses, and the ten dedicated discipline laboratories. The importance of continuous mutual support during the planning and development phases is stressed. The program so far is considered a success, in terms of the goals set by the participants and in terms of the resolution of the problems inherent in international technological endeavors.

Bignier, M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Thermal response of advanced high temperature ceramic-composite insulation to a convectively heated environment

The Space Shuttle uses currently fibrous high temperature, reusable surface insulation (HRSI) as a Thermal Protection System (TPS) at 1260 C for normal-design mission operation. Higher density material of a similar type extended the maximum temperature to 1480 C. However, a surface temperature capability exceeding 1540 C is desired for future space vehicles, such as the Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV). A TPS providing such a capability would permit future entry vehicles to enter the atmosphere at a much higher velocity than the Space Shuttle. The present investigation is concerned with arc-jet test data obtained from a family of fibrous refractory-composite insulation (FRCI) materials developed to meet the future TPS requirements. FRCI materials containing between 20 and 80 percent aluminoborosilicate fibers with the balance composed of silica fibers were studied.

Stewart, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Human factors dimensions in the evolution of increasingly automated control rooms for near-earth satellites

The NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center is responsible for the control and ground support for all of NASA's unmanned near-earth satellites. Traditionally, each satellite had its own dedicated mission operations room. In the mid-seventies, an integration of some of these dedicated facilities was begun with the primary objective to reduce costs. In this connection, the Multi-Satellite Operations Control Center (MSOCC) was designed. MSOCC represents currently a labor intensive operation. Recently, Goddard has become increasingly aware of human factors and human-machine interface issues. A summary is provided of some of the attempts to apply human factors considerations in the design of command and control environments. Current and future activities with respect to human factors and systems design are discussed, giving attention to the allocation of tasks between human and computer, and the interface for the human-computer dialogue.

Mitchell, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Overview of the Planetary Observer Program

An overview of the Planetary Observer Program formulated by the Solar System Exploration Committee, including the key assumptions intended to constrain the cost of each program mission, is presented. Several candidate missions for the program and their scientific objectives and launch opportunities are described. A missions operations concept for controlling the operations costs of these projects is presented.

Blume, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The Mars Geoscience/Climatology Orbiter 1990 mission

The fundamental objectives of the Mars Geoscience/Climatology Orbiter (MGCO) 1990 mission are related to the determination of the surface composition and topography of the planet Mars, its gravitational and intrinsic magnetic fields, and the seasonal behavior of volatiles, dust, and the atmosphere of Mars. These objectives would be achieved through a global mapping of the planet over a Martian year. For the baseline mission, a single spacecraft would be launched in August 1990, arrive at Mars in August 1991, and map the planet from a Sun-synchronous, near-circular, polar orbit for one Martian year. Attention is given to a science rationale and objectives, a mission description, the flight system, and mission operations.

Low, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Environmental control and life support system analysis tools for the Space Station era

This paper describes the concept of a developing emulation, simulation, sizing, and technology assessment program (ESSTAP) which can be used effectively for the various functional disciplines (structures, power, ECLSS, etc.) beginning with the initial system selection and conceptual design processes and continuing on through the mission operation and growth phases of the Space Station for the purpose of minimizing overall program costs. It will discuss the basic requirements for these tools, as currently envisioned for the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), identifying their intended and potential uses and applications, and present examples and status of several representative tools. The development and applications of a Space Station Atmospheric Revitalization Subsystem (ARS) demonstration model to be used for concent verification will also be discussed.

Blakely, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Simulation and analysis of differential GPS

NASA is conducting a research program to evaluate differential Global Positioning System (GPS) concepts for civil helicopter navigation. It is pointed out that the civil helicopter community will probably be an early user of GPS because of the unique mission operations in areas where precise navigation aids are not available. However, many of these applications involve accuracy requirements which cannot be satisfied by conventional GPS. Such applications include remote area search and rescue, offshore oil platform approach, remote area precision landing, and other precise navigation operations. Differential GPS provides a promising approach for meeting very demanding accuracy requirements. The considered procedure eliminates some of the common bias errors experienced by conventional GPS. This is done by making use of a second GPS receiver. A simulation process is developed as a tool for analyzing various scenarios of GPS-referenced civil aircraft navigation.

Denaro, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Extending the capabilities of sounding rocket class experiments

A low cost, Shuttle launched short duration free-flyer, known as Spartan that can accommodate sounding rocket class experiments for up to 40 hr of data collection time was developed. A family of retrievable carriers is under construction to accommodate payloads from X-ray astronomy, solar physics, UV astronomy, and studies of Halley's comet. The capabilities, rationale, design, and mission operations of the carriers is discussed.

Glaab, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby project

The Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) spacecraft will be provided by the first Mariner Mark II (MMII). The MMII is a modular spacecraft which can be inexpensively reconfigured for different missions beyond the inner solar system. The rationale for a comet rendezvous mission are discussed, taking into account the probability that comets alone retain evidence of the chemical and physical conditions under which all solar system bodies were formed. A description of the rationale for the study of asteroids on the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby Mission is also presented. On its way to the rendezvous with a comet, the spacecraft will fly by one or more asteroids. It is assumed that the target asteroids will include moderately large main-belt objects several tens to perhaps 100 kilometers in diameter. Attention is also given to mission details, the spacecraft system, and the missions operations system.

Draper, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

National space transportation systems planning

In the fall of 1984, the DOD and NASA had been asked to identify launch vehicle technologies which could be made available for use in 1995 to 2010. The results of the studies of the two groups were integrated, and a consumer report, dated December 1984, was forwarded to the President. Aspects of mission planning and analysis are discussed along with a combined mission model, future launch system requirements, a launch vehicle planning background, Shuttle derivative vehicle program options, payload modularization, launch vehicle technology implications, a new engine program for the mid-1990's. Future launch systems goals are to achieve an order of magnitude reduction in future launch cost and meet the lift requirements and launch rates. Attention is given to an advanced cryogenic engine, advanced LOX/hydrocarbon engine, advanced power systems, aerodynamics/flight mechanics, reentry/recovery systems, avionics/software, advanced manufacturing techniques, autonomous ground and mission operations, advanced structures/materials, and air breathing propulsion.

Lucas, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The earth observing system

This paper summarizes concepts for an Earth Observing System (EOS) for the 1990s that will provide the observational capabilities and an information system needed to understand how the earth works as a system. The concept diverges somewhat from past practices in that it considers EOS as an information system, where mission operation, EOS data bases and information about other relevant data sets are tied together by an information network. Three EOS instrument packages were chosen on the basis of synergistic groupings of instruments to make simultaneous observations of selected phenomena over a variety of wavelengths.

Hartle, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

X-ray satellite (ROSAT)

With regards to technical performance, the project is running according to plan. An increase in total cost outlay was required. The new Dornier Systems schedule projects ROSAT launch readiness for April 27, 1988. However, as a result of the Challenger accident, no binding launch date has been received from NASA. The thirteenth status review was conducted at the prime contractor in March, 1986. Assembly of the FM mirror system has been interrupted due to irregularities in the gold damping; in addition, mission operation and simulator development are effected by understaffing. Postponements have been announced in the data transmission and components acquisition subsystems.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1986

Manned Mars mission cost estimate

The potential costs of several options of a manned Mars mission are examined. A cost estimating methodology based primarily on existing Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) parametric cost models is summarized. These models include the MSFC Space Station Cost Model and the MSFC Launch Vehicle Cost Model as well as other modes and techniques. The ground rules and assumptions of the cost estimating methodology are discussed and cost estimates presented for six potential mission options which were studied. The estimated manned Mars mission costs are compared to the cost of the somewhat analogous Apollo Program cost after normalizing the Apollo cost to the environment and ground rules of the manned Mars missions. It is concluded that a manned Mars mission, as currently defined, could be accomplished for under $30 billion in 1985 dollars excluding launch vehicle development and mission operations.

Hamaker, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1987

Galilean satellite tour orbit determination assessment

Results are given which demonstrate the ability of the orbit determination system to satisfy accuracy requirements in support of the Galileo Project's planned tour of Jupiter's satellites. The results are derived through the application of mission operation strategies and assumptions. It is shown that the achievement of the requisite orbit determination accuracies is predicated on the availability of optical navigation data. It is further demonstrated that the unavailability of tour optical navigation data yields not only degraded orbit determination accuracies which fail to meet propellant budget and science instrument pointing requirements, but also produces, for the planned 200 km flyby of Europa, an approximate 0.02 risk of having the spacecraft collide with the satellite.

Moultrie, B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

FDMA system design and analysis for Space Station

Space Station FDMA communications system requirements, design, and analysis are addressed. The analysis is primarily based on numerical results generated by a computer simulation system called SCSS. The time-line communications performance during real time mission operation is also discussed. The purpose of this paper is three-fold: introduction to Space Station multiple access communications system requirements, demonstration of system analysis by a computer tool, and design of an FDMA communications system for the Space Station.

Tsang, Chit-Sang↗
NASA NTRS1987

A distributed architecture for intelligent monitoring and anomaly diagnosis of the Hubble Space Telescope

Lockheed, the Hubble Space Telescope mission operations contractor, is currently engaged in a project to develop a distributed architecture of communicating expert systems to support vehicle operations. This architecture, called Telemetry Analysis for Lockheed Operated Spacecraft (TALOS), has potentially wide applicability to spacecraft operations. The architecture mirrors the organization of the human experts within an operations control center. The prototype analyzes telemetry from a history tape to determine the state of the vehicle with respect to on-board safemode events. The prototype is currently being expanded along two fronts. One consists of expert systems modules which perform deeper level diagnostics and which operate in an off-line mode. The other is a high speed front-end expert system which will monitor real time telemetry for anomalies and spacecraft status and send activation and initialization messages to the off-line modules when an anomaly is detected.

Cruse, Bryant G.↗