Engineering topics

Gardner, D. A.

Publications and source records attributed to Gardner, D. A..

2 records

NASA NTRS1987

Mechanism for Retrieving Satellites From Orbit

Pair of documents describe mechanism allowing astronaut to capture in extravehicular activity small artificial satellite for retrieval and return to Earth. Mechanism operates by insertion of probe in nozzle of rocket motor on satellite, followed by expansion of inserted probe end to grasp motor inside nozzle and thereby capture satellite. Designed for specific satellite, but operating principle adapted to almost any satellite equipped with rocket motor or possibly used in retrieval of hollow-shaped objects in marine and other salvage operations.

Harwell, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Space salvage - A report on Shuttle mission STS 51-A

The success of the Space Shuttle Orbiter and Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) in the rendezvous and capture of the Westar and Palapa satellites was largely attributable to the availability and fidelity of numerous simulators, which facilitated real time development and verification of satellite rescue procedures and hardware. This complex Space Shuttle mission, STS 51-A, was developed and executed in only 8 months; by contrast, the Solar Maximum repair mission was developed over a period of three years. Attention is presently given to Orbiter sensors, satellite night stationkeeping, satellite stabilization tasks, MMU tasks, and preparatory simulations.

Hauck, F. H.↗