Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Karlmann, P..
This paper will discuss the mechanical systems design of the cameras, including fabrication tolerances of the lenses, thermal issues, radiation shielding, planetary protection, detector mounting, electronics, the modularity achieved, and how the 10 different locations were accommodated on the very tight real estate of the Rovers and Landers.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Human exploration of Mars as well as unmanned sample return missions from Mars can benefit greatly from the use of propellants produced from the resources available from the atmosphere of Mars.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
A novel system is described for Sorption Cryocooling to 10 K, using hydrogen as refrigerant fluid, sorbent beds of metal hydride powders, and thermal compression and expansion. Current status is summarized of sorption cryocooler development for space applications requiring cooling of infrared and submillimeter sensors to 10 K and below. Several design variations, challenges, and predictions are discussed.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The Brilliant Eyes Ten-Kelvin Sorption Cryocooler Experiment (BETSCE) is a Space Shuttle side-wall-mounted flight experiment designed to demonstrate 10 K sorption cryocooler technology in a space environment. The BETSCE objectives are to: (1) provide a thorough end-to-end characterization and space performance validation of a complete, multistage, automated, closed-cycle hydride sorption cryocooler in the 10 to 30 K temperature range, (2) acquire the quantitative microgravity database required to provide confident engineering design, scaling, and optimization, (3) advance the enabling technologies and resolve integration issues, and (4) provide hardware qualification and safety verification heritage. BETSCE ground tests were the first-ever demonstration of a complete closed-cycle 10 K sorption cryocooler. Test results exceeded functional requirements. This paper summarizes functional and environmental ground test results, planned characterization tests, important development challenges that were overcome, and valuable lessons-learned.
This paper summarizes ongoing experiments characterizing the ability of critical sorption cryocooler components to achieve highly reliable operation for long-life space missions. Test data obtained over the past several years at JPL are entirely consistent with achieving ten year life for sorption compressors, electrical heaters, container materials, valves, and various sorbent materials suitable for driving 8 to 180 K refrigeration stages. Test results for various compressor systems are reported. Planned future tests necessary to gain a detailed understanding of the sensitivity of cooler performance and component life to operating constraints, design configurations, and fabrication, assembly and handling techniques, are also discussed.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.