Engineering topics

Loughead, T. E.

Publications and source records attributed to Loughead, T. E..

7 records

NASA NTRS1984

Development of robotics facility docking test hardware

Design and fabricate test hardware for NASA's George C. Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) are reported. A docking device conceptually developed was fabricated, and two docking targets which provide high and low mass docking loads were required and were represented by an aft 61.0 cm section of a Hubble space telescope (ST) mockup and an upgrading of an existing multimission modular spacecraft (MSS) mockup respectively. A test plan is developed for testing the hardware.

Loughead, T. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Satellite retrieval system

A satellite retrieval system with first and second pairs of coacting parallel bars are separately mounted in spaced parallel planes on the front of a spacecraft. The bars of one pair are at right angles to bars of the other pair, and together the two pairs of bars effect a variable aperture adapted to close around a rod extending from a second spacecraft to effect the capture of the latter.

Pruett, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Fabrication of Essex EVA ratchet wrenches

The extravehicular activity (EVA) ratchet wrench was developed. Shortly after Space Telescope (ST) maintenance simulations began, the need for a specialized maintenance tool arose. With inputs of tool requirements and design recommendations, several development model wrenches were tested in conjunction with ST neutral buoyancy simulations. The wrench design was modified and refined.

Vanvalkenburgh, C. N.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Structural attachments for large space structures

The feasibility of fabricating beams in space and using them as components of a large, crew assembled structure, was investigated. Two projects were undertaken: (1) design and development of a ground version of an automated beam builder capable of producing triangular cross section aluminum beams; and (2) design and fabrication of lap joints to connect the beams orthogonally and centroidal end caps to connect beams end to end at any desired angle. The first project produced a beam building machine which fabricates aluminum beams suitable for neutral buoyancy evaluation. The second project produced concepts for the lap joint and end cap. However, neither of these joint concepts was suitable for use by a pressure suited crew member in a zero gravity environment. It is concluded that before the beams can be evaluated the joint designs need to be completed and sufficient joints produced to allow assembly of a complex structure.

Pruett, E. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

EVA manipulation and assembly of space structure columns

Assembly techniques and hardware configurations used in assembly of the basic tetrahedral cell by A7LB pressure-suited subjects in a neutral bouyancy simulator were studied. Eleven subjects participated in assembly procedures which investigated two types of structural members and two configurations of attachment hardware. The assembly was accomplished through extra-vehicular activity (EVA) only, EVA with simulated manned maneuvering unit (MMU), and EVA with simulated MMU and simulated remote manipulator system (RMS). Assembly times as low as 10.20 minutes per tetrahedron were achieved. Task element data, as well as assembly procedures, are included.

Loughead, T. E.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The assembly of large structures in space - An evaluation of hardware configurations and assembly techniques through neutral buoyancy simulation

The implementation of NASA's Space Transportation System (STS) presents the opportunity for the on-orbit assembly of structures which, before the advent of multi-launch missions, were not possible because of their physical size. This report presents the results of an eight-month effort in the investigation of assembly techniques and hardware configurations used in assembly of the basic tetrahedral cell by A7LB pressure-suited subjects in Marshall Space Flight Center's Neutral Buoyancy Simulator. Eleven subjects participated in assembly procedures which investigated two types of structural members and two configurations of attachment hardware. The assembly was accomplished through extra-vehicular activity (EVA) only, EVA with simulated manned maneuvering unit (MMU), and EVA with simulated MMU and simulated remote manipulator system (RMS). Assembly times as low as 10.20 minutes per tetrahedron were achieved.

Loughead, T. E.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Development of concepts for satellite retrieval devices

The teleoperator being developed to augment the Space Transportation System (STS) for satellite placement, retrieval, or servicing at altitudes or orbital planes where it would be impractical to use the shuttle is primarily a general purpose propulsion stage that can be fitted with manipulator arms, automated servicers and satellite retrieval devices for particular missions. Design concepts for a general purpose retrieval device for docking with a satellite to which a grappling fixture has been attached, and for a retrieval device for docking with the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) spacecraft were defined. The mechanical aspects of these two devices are discussed as well as the crew operations involved and problems created by the requirement for remote control. Drawings for the two retrieval device concepts are included.

Pruett, E. C.↗