Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Hook, W. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Hook, W. R..

11 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

A summary of mission and system performance requirements for large space antennas

Mission definition studies and system analyses have been described for a number of potential civilian missions and a few military missions. In this paper, an attempt is made to summarize the most formidable mission and system performance requirements for large space antennas. The emphasis will be on the civilian systems; only those aspects of military mission and system requirements that are unclassified are included.

Keafer, L. S., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Systems and operations - Living with complexity and growth

Since the space station concept currently being developed by NASA calls for system updates and additions over a period of at least ten years following launch, attention must be given to the interfaces between station elements. Efforts have begun to develop generic fault detection, isolation, and correction techniques that could simplify on-orbit operations, maintenance and repair. An integrated hydrogen-oxygen system has been identified as the feature promising the greatest reduction in resupply costs. Scavenging excess fuel from the Space Shuttle's internal and external tanks, and using leftover Shuttle payload for fluid tankage, could supply hydrogen and oxygen for consumption in the form of propellants, fuel cell electricity, and life support gases. Advancements in cryogenic fluid management and storage technology are the keys to the design of this integrated system. Attention is given to the Interactive Design and Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft computer-aided design and analysis system, which allows system engineers to study the integration problems presented by 40 technical modules.

Hook, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

An alternate concept for expanding man's presence in space

A logical next step after shuttle is a manned orbital service system (MOSS) consisting of a two-man crew module mated with a propulsion module. The resulting spacecraft would remain in low Earth orbit for months or years at a time conducting civil or military satellite servicing, experimental, or applications missions while being periodically supplied and refueled by Shuttle flights from the ground. The system would accumulate experience invaluable to the design of future large and more expensive spacecraft. Key features of the vehicle are versatility and mobility. With Centaur-type propulsion and a large payload, the MOSS could leave an initial orbit of 370 km (200 nmi) altitude and inclinations up to 56 deg, make a plane change of up to + or - 14 deg, reach altitudes to 5500 km (2970 nmi), and then return the payload to the original orbit altitude and inclination. Obviously, the size of the performance envelope varies with the payload and propulsion-unit selected. The MOSS can reach orbits and perform tasks not possible with Shuttle alone or with the much larger space stations currently being proposed.

Hook, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Historical review and current plans

A space station concept published in Colliers Magazine in 1952 was the result of a proposal made by a group of visionary scientists and engineers. NASA began studies regarding the concepts and technology needed for a space station in 1959 during its first year of existence. Formative studies regarding the design and the construction of a space station are discussed, taking into account the 1960 space station design of an American aerospace company, the scale model of a hexagonal self-deploying space station, the concept of the Manned Orbiting Research Laboratory (MORL), MORL with Apollo Logistics System, the MORL Brayton Cycle power system, MORL with nuclear power, a manned orbiting telescope, the 1967 Large Space Station concept, the phase B modular space station, the MOSC configuration 1975, a basic manned platform with resupply, and a concept for a space operations center studied in 1979. A Soviet space station program began with Salyut 1 in April 1971. The U.S. Skylab was launched in May 1973. Attention is also given to military stations and current planning.

Hook, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Future large space systems opportunities: A case for space-to-space power?

Applications and options for beaming power to near-earth space users from a central space power platform are examined. The cost effectiveness of on-board versus remote power transfer is examined for orbital transfer propulsion systems. Performance characteristics are projected for advanced power generation, transmission, and receiver systems for the 1990's. Major technological development needs are identified with particular emphasis on large space systems technology.

Garrett, L. B.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Shuttle and Spacelab - The promise for advanced technology

Plans are being developed at NASA's Langley Research Center to use the United States Shuttle and European Spacelab to routinely extend ground-based research programs into space. Operational modes and design features of systems capitalizing on the advantages of a laboratory environment in space flight will be highlighted through examples of proposed experiments.

Hook, W. R.↗