Solar cells: Outlook for improved efficiency
Technical feasibility of improving efficiency of solar cells for space programs
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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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Research and Applications Modules (RAM). Phase B study: Executive summary
The design, development, and characteristics of the Research and Applications Module (RAM) system is discussed. The RAM system is a family of payload carriers that can be delivered to and retrieved from low earth orbit by the space shuttle. The RAM payload carriers are used to support diverse technological and scientific investigations. The NASA study objectives, the relationship of the RAM payload carriers to other systems in the orbital space program, and recommendations for additional effort are presented.
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Safety in earth orbit study. Volume 1: Technical summary
A summary of the technical results and conclusions is presented of the hazards analyses of earth orbital operations in conjunction with the space shuttle program. The space shuttle orbiter and a variety of manned and unmanned payloads delivered to orbit by the shuttle are considered. The specific safety areas examined are hazardous payloads, docking, on-orbit survivability, tumbling spacecraft, and escape and rescue.
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Orbital operations study. Appendix C: Data sources and vehicle descriptions
A bibliography of published documents referred to throughout the orbital operations study is presented. A brief description of all of the space program elements included in the study vehicle inventory is developed.
Steinwachs, W. L.↗
Biomedical transducers.
Examples are given of some of the sensors and attachment techniques that have been developed during the last few years at the NASA centers for use in the space program. A detailed description is first given of the successive development of ECG electrodes, starting from their original simple form, that eventually resulted in the novel technology of spray-on electrodes. Finally, features of a new telemetering system under development, which is suitable for the recovery of ECG, respiration, body core temperature, and surface temperature, are outlined.
Stuart, J. L.↗
Mechanical systems readiness assessment.
Development of a methodology for applying structure-borne acoustics to the readiness assessment, fault isolation, and automatic checkout of mechanical devices. The twofold objective of the study was to determine the practical feasibility of implementing structure-borne acoustics on future space programs and to provide guidelines toward minimization of cost and effort in the implementation of this technique. It is concluded that the structure-borne acoustics technique lends itself to reducing checkout, operation, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of mechanical systems.
Kitchel, D.↗
NASA contributions to fluidic systems: A survey
A state-of-the art review of fluidic technology is presented. It is oriented towards systems applications rather than theory or design. It draws heavily upon work performed or sponsored by NASA in support of the space program and aeronautical research and development (R&D). Applications are emphasized in this survey because it is hoped that the examples described and the criteria presented for evaluating the suitability of fluidics to new applications will be of value to potential users of fluidic systems. This survey of the fluidics industry suggests some of the means whereby a company may use a fluidic system effectively either to manufacture a product or as part of the end product.
Weathers, T. M.↗
Manned space flight nuclear system safety. Volume 5: Nuclear System safety guidelines. Part 1: Space base nuclear safety
The design and operations guidelines and requirements developed in the study of space base nuclear system safety are presented. Guidelines and requirements are presented for the space base subsystems, nuclear hardware (reactor, isotope sources, dynamic generator equipment), experiments, interfacing vehicles, ground support systems, range safety and facilities. Cross indices and references are provided which relate guidelines to each other, and to substantiating data in other volumes. The guidelines are intended for the implementation of nuclear safety related design and operational considerations in future space programs.
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Manned space flight nuclear system safety. Voluem 5: Nuclear system safety guidelines. Part 2: Space shuttle/nuclear payloads safety
The design and operations guidelines and requirements developed in the study of space shuttle nuclear system transportation are presented. Guidelines and requirements are presented for the shuttle, nuclear payloads (reactor, isotope-Brayton and small isotope sources), ground support systems and facilities. Cross indices and references are provided which relate guidelines to each other, and to substantiating data in other volumes. The guidelines are intended for the implementation of nuclear safety related design and operational considerations in future space programs.
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Research at the Stanford Center for Radar Astronomy
The research is reported in the applications of radar and radio techniques to the study of the solar system, and to space programs. Experiments reported include: bistatic-radar on Apollo missions, development of an unmanned geophysical observatory in the Antartic, Bragg scattering probes of sea states, characteristics of dense solar wind disturbances, and satellite communications for Alaska.
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Economic impact of stimulated technological activity. Part 1: Overall economic impact of technological progress: Its measurement
Investigations were performed at the national economic level to explore the aggregate effects of technological progress on economic growth. Inadequacies in existing marco-economic yardsticks forced the study to focus on the cost savings effects achieved through technological progress. The central questions discussed in this report cover: (1) role of technological progress in economic growth, (2) factors determining the rate of economic growth due to technological progress; (3) quantitative measurements of relationships between technological progress, its determinants, and subsequent economic growth; and (4) effects of research and development activities of the space program. For Part 2, see N72-32174.
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Intrigue and potential of space exploration
A brief history of astronomy is presented. A chronology of events in the space program is summarized. The possibilities of interplanetary exploration are postulated. The accomplishments of astronomy in pointing the way to manned spaceflight and improved understanding of the solar system are examined.
Losh, H.↗
Space exploration and world peace
The possibility of using space exploration as an instrument in procuring world peace is studied. Suggestions for obtaining such a peace, utilizing space programs, include removal of worldwide educational and communication barriers, building of an emotionally and socially stable society, creation of a unit or whole world rather than the mine and yours concept, and reevaluation and reorientation of human relations and values.
Mercieca, C.↗
Expendable second stage reusable space shuttle booster. Volume 1: Executive summary
The development of an expendable second stage for use with a reusable space shuttle booster is discussed. The configuration of a low-cost, reusable multipurpose space transportation system for the 1980 time period is presented. A system capable of economically placing payloads in earth orbit which are larger and heavier than can be carried in the shuttle orbiter cargo bay is defined. The ESS/reusable shuttle system is complementary to the space shuttle system and provides mission flexibility to permit economical expansion of the overall space program.
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Facilities Engineering in NASA
An overview of NASA facilities is given outlining some of the more interesting and unique aspects of engineering and facilities associated with the space program. Outlined are some of the policies under which the Office of Facilities conducts its business. Included are environmental quality control measures.
Pagluiso, M. A.↗
Habitability issues in long duration undersea and space missions
The report reviews a number of studies in the area of habitability. Emphasis was placed on extracting from these studies that information most relevant to any long-term mission in confinement. It is concluded that, whereas the basic laws of habitability are known, there is much yet to be learned concerning development of social structures in small groups in relative isolation, planning for necessary hygiene needs, development of proper work spaces, and construction of internal and external communications systems. With respect to testing for habitability and the documentation of habitability principles, the space program was found to be considerably more advanced than was the program for undersea missions.
Parker, J. F., Jr.↗
Seminar presentation on the economic evaluation of the space shuttle system
The proceedings of a seminar on the economic aspects of the space shuttle system are presented. Emphasis was placed on the problems of economic analysis of large scale public investments, the state of the art of cost estimation, the statistical data base for estimating costs of new technological systems, and the role of the main economic parameters affecting the results of the analyses. An explanation of the system components of a space program and the present choice of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and instruments was conducted.
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Nuclear electric propulsion mission engineering study. Volume 2: Final report
Results of a mission engineering analysis of nuclear-thermionic electric propulsion spacecraft for unmanned interplanetary and geocentric missions are summarized. Critical technologies associated with the development of nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) are assessed, along with the impact of its availability on future space programs. Outer planet and comet rendezvous mission analysis, NEP stage design for geocentric and interplanetary missions, NEP system development cost and unit costs, and technology requirements for NEP stage development are studied.
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