Engineering topics

Bonometti, Joseph

Publications and source records attributed to Bonometti, Joseph.

5 records

NASA NTRS2005

REUSABLE PROPULSION ARCHITECTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE LOW-COST ACCESS TO SPACE

Two transportation architecture changes are presented at either end of a conventional two-stage rocket flight: 1) Air launch using a large, conventional, pod hauler design (i.e., Crossbow)ans 2) Momentum exchange tether (i.e., an in-space asset like MXER). Air launch has ana analytically justified cost reduction of approx. 10%, but its intangible benefits suggest real-world operations cost reductions much higher: 1) Inherent launch safety; 2) Mission Risk Reduction; 3) Favorable payload/rocket limitations; and 4) Leveraging the aircraft for other uses (military transport, commercial cargo, public outreach activities, etc.)

Bonometti, Joseph↗

NASA NTRS2005

Analysis of The Interaction of Space Tethers with Catalogued Space Objects

The potential for collisions or close passes with other space objects presents a significant issue for many space tether applications, representing a potential risk both to the integrity of the tether system and t o the safety of other spacecraft. Potential collisions between tethers and other space objects may be possible to avoid if close encounters can be predicted with sufficient precision and advance notice. In order to provide a method for predicting the frequency with which a tether must be maneuvered to avoid collisions, and to provide a resource for accurate close-encounter prediction during tether flight experiments, we have developed a software tool that compares the trajectory of a tether object with that of all of the objects in the NORAD space catalogue. In this paper we describe the models and algorithms used in this tool, and discuss results of test cases conducted to predict the close-encounter frequency of a tether systems ranging from a short nanosatellite-based tether experiment to a hundred-kilometer long MXER tether system.

Bonometti, Joseph↗

NASA NTRS2003

MSFC MXER Tether Study

This viewgraph presentation provides an overview of the proposed Momentum-eXchange/Electrodynamic Reboost (MXER) space hardware system. The tether system would be position cart-wheeling cables above the Earth and then, rotating like a giant sling, would capture spacecraft or payloads from space shuttles in low Earth orbits and launch them into higher orbits. This study focuses on system validation and structural design issues for MXER. Topics examined include: tether facility design, ED tether system, payload capture/catch mechanism, payload accomodations assembly (PAA), PAA rendezvous capability, and PAA capability to correct tether misthrows.

Polsgrove, Tara↗

NASA NTRS2002

Planetary Defense: Options for Deflection of Near Earth Objects

In FY 2002 a team of engineers and scientists at MSFC conducted a preliminary investigation of the options for deflecting a Near Earth Object (NEO) fiom a collision course with the earth. A general discussion of the current threat facing the earth from NEO s is outlined. A suite of tools were developed to model inbound and outbound trajectories, propulsive options, and assessment of threat. Propulsive options considered included; staged chemical, nuclear ablation and deflagration, mass driver and solar sail concepts. Trajectory tools plotted the outbound course to intercept the NE0 and the deflection requirements to cause the inbound NE0 to miss the earth. Threat assessment tools estimated the number of lives saved over a given time frame by deploying a system capable of deflecting an NE0 of a certain size and velocity. All of these tools were integrated into a routine to find the most effective vehicle for a given mission mass and mission time. Discussion of desired future efforts is given. This work was funded under the Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts activity from NASA HQ.

Adams, Robert B.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Solar Thermal Propulsion Optical Figure Measuring and Rocket Engine Testing

Solar thermal propulsion has been an important area of study for four years at the Propulsion Research Center. Significant resources have been devoted to the development of the UAH Solar Thermal Laboratory that provides unique, high temperature, test capabilities. The facility is fully operational and has successfully conducted a series of solar thruster shell experiments. Although presently dedicated to solar thermal propulsion, the facility has application to a variety of material processing, power generation, environmental clean-up, and other fundamental research studies. Additionally, the UAH Physics Department has joined the Center in support of an in-depth experimental investigation on Solar Thermal Upper Stage (STUS) concentrators. Laboratory space has been dedicated to the concentrator evaluation in the UAH Optics Building which includes a vertical light tunnel. Two, on-going, research efforts are being sponsored through NASA MSFC (Shooting Star Flight Experiment) and the McDonnell Douglas Corporation (Solar Thermal Upper Stage Technology Ground Demonstrator).

Bonometti, Joseph↗