Engineering topics

Abrahamson, J. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Abrahamson, J. A..

4 records

NASA NTRS1984

Status of the National Space Transportation System

The National Space Transportation System is a national resources serving the government, Department of Defense and commercial needs of the USA and others. Four orbital flight tests were completed July 4, 1982, and the first Operational Flight (STS-5) which placed two commercial communications into orbit was conducted November 11, 1982. February 1983 marked the first flight of the newest orbiter, Challenger. Planned firsts in 1983 include: use of higher performance main engines and solid rocket boosters, around-the-clock crew operations, a night landing, extra-vehicular activity, a dedicated DOD mission, and the first flight of a woman crew member. By the end of 1983, five commercial payloads and two tracking and data relay satellites should be deployed and thirty-seven crew members should have made flights aboard the space shuttle.

Abrahamson, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

RCA-E/Delta post launch report

The RCA-E spacecraft launch is summarized. Performance of the three stage Delta launch vehicle was nominal and placed the payload in a transfer orbit as planned. The ABM firing is also summarized.

Abrahamson, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Telesat-G/Delta post launch report

The Canadiari Telesat-G (ANIK-D1) commercial communications satellite was launched successfully from the Eastern space and Missile Center (ESMC) at 7:10 p.m., EDT, on August 25, 1982, by a Delta 3920 Vehicle, Mission Number 164. Performance of the two stage Delta launch vehicle was nominal and placed the payload in a low circular orbit as planned. The Payload Assist Module (PAM-D), which is part of the payload, also performed nominally. The synchronous transfer orbital elements achieved by Delta/PAM, compared with the nominal expected, are provided. The satellite performed satisfactorily during the transfer orbit, and the ABM was fired successfully at 5:29 p.m., EDT, on August 29, 1982. The satellite was maneuvered to a position 104 degrees West Longitude above the equator. Satellite status is satisfactory and it has entered service.

Mahon, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Shuttle operational expectations

The results of orbital flight tests (OFT) of the Space Shuttle are reviewed, and modifications planned for upcoming operational flights are discussed. The performance of the solid rocket boosters, external tank, main engines, structural system, propulsion system, reaction control system, electric power system, heat rejection system, hydraulic system, avionics, and other systems is described and evaluated as generally highly satisfactory. Payload servicing and deployment were also successfully demonstrated by OFT. Additional facilities planned for the operational flights are briefly described, and improvements that will make the Challenger spacecraft lighter than Columbia, provide it with more thrust, and give it a larger payload are summarized. Some software modifications being introduced are also mentioned.

Abrahamson, J. A.↗