Engineering topics

Andary, James F.

Publications and source records attributed to Andary, James F..

8 records

NASA NTRS2008

Systems Engineering Technical Authority: A Path to Mission Success

The systems engineering of space missions to study planet Earth has been an important focus of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) since its inception. But all space missions are becoming increasingly complex and this fact, reinforced by some major mishaps, has caused NASA to reevaluate their approach to achieving safety and mission success. A new approach ensures that there are adequate checks and balances in place to maximize the probability of safety and mission success. To this end the agency created the concept of Technical Authority which identifies a key individual accountable and responsible for the technical integrity of a flight mission as well as a project-independent reporting path. At the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) this responsibility ultimately begins with the Mission Systems Engineer (MSE) for each satellite mission. This paper discusses the Technical Authority process and then describes some unique steps that are being taken at the GSFC to support these MSEs in meeting their responsibilities.

Andary, James F.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Characteristics and requirements of robotic manipulators for space operations

A robotic manipulator, DTF-1, developed as part of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project at Goddard Space Flight Center is discussed focusing on the technical, operational, and safety requirements. The DTF-1 system design, which is based on the manipulator, gripper, cameras, computer, and an operator control station incorporates the fundamental building blocks of the original FTS, the end product of which was to have been a light-weight, dexterous telerobotic device. For the first time in the history of NASA, space technology and robotics were combined to find new and unique solutions to the demanding requirements of flying a sophisticated robotic manipulator in space. DTF-1 is considered to be the prototype for all future development in space robotics.

Andary, James F.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Safety issues of manipulator systems under computer control

An overview of the development test flight (DTF-1) mission is presented, and the system design, safety requirements, and safety features are described. The lessons that were learned during the design and early development stages are also presented. The DTF-1 mission objectives are to evaluate: the overall man-machine performance in zero G, Flight Telerobotic Service manipulator design, and workstation design, including handcontrollers and displays. The payload bay and aft flight deck elements, and computer control of the DTF-1 are described. Recommendations for developing and implementing a safety system are presented, and some design alternatives for the next space-qualified telerobotic system are suggested.

Andary, James F.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The flight telerobotic servicer and technology transfer

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project at the Goddard Space Flight Center is developing an advanced telerobotic system to assist in and reduce crew extravehicular activity (EVA) for Space Station Freedom (SSF). The FTS will provide a telerobotic capability in the early phases of the SSF program and will be employed for assembly, maintenance, and inspection applications. The current state of space technology and the general nature of the FTS tasks dictate that the FTS be designed with sophisticated teleoperational capabilities for its internal primary operating mode. However, technologies such as advanced computer vision and autonomous planning techniques would greatly enhance the FTS capabilities to perform autonomously in less structured work environments. Another objective of the FTS program is to accelerate technology transfer from research to U.S. industry.

Andary, James F.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The Space Station Freedom Flight Telerobotic Servicer - The design and evolution of a dexterous space robot

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) will provide a telerobotic capability to the Space Station in the early assembly phases of the program and will be used for assembly, maintenance, and inspection throughout the lifetime of the Station. Here, the FTS design approach to the development of autonomous capabilities is discussed. The FTS telerobotic workstations for the Shuttle and Space Station, and facility for on-orbit storage are examined. The rationale of the FTS with regard to ease of operation, operational versatility, maintainability, safety, and control is discussed.

Mccain, Harry G.↗

NASA NTRS1990

FTS operations

The first planned use of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) in the Space Station Freedom program is for the initial assembly of the station. Before the station is permanently manned, the FTS will operate out of the Shuttle bay. After initial assembly is complete, the 60-ft-long arm of the Canadian Mobile Servicing Center (MSC) will transport the FTS to the worksites. The FTS has three operating modes: dependent, transporter attached, and independent. Further details are given for each of these modes. In analyzing assembly operations, potential tasks were examined for their similarity to the six baseline FTS tasks. Operations will also include ground support for the servicer. Future tasks are being analyzed and verified by hardware performance in the lab.

Andary, James F.↗

NASA NTRS1988

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer Project and systems overview

As part of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project an advanced telerobotic system is being developed to assist in and reduce crew extravehicular activity (EVA) for the U.S. Space Station. The FTS will be used for assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection throughout the lifetime of the Space Station. A brief overview of the FTS program is given, and some of the technical and system engineering issues associated with the development of the FTS are explored. A key to the evolutionary capability of the FTS design is the NASREM (NASA Standard Reference Model for telerobot control system) architecture. This architecture provides the framework for future growth and permits a logical blend of teleoperation and autonomous operations as required.

Mccain, Harry G.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) - A focus for automation and robotics on the Space Station

The concept, fundamental design principles, and capabilities of the FTS, a multipurpose telerobotic system for use on the Space Station and Space Shuttle, are discussed. The FTS is intended to assist the crew in the performance of extravehicular tasks; the telerobot will also be used on the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle to service free-flyer spacecraft. The FTS will be capable of both teleoperation and autonomous operation; eventually it may also utilize ground control. By careful selection of the functional architecture and a modular approach to the hardware and software design, the FTS can accept developments in artificial intelligence and newer, more advanced sensors, such as machine vision and collision avoidance.

Hinkal, Sanford W.↗