Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Macdonald, J. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Macdonald, J. M..

4 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Mission considerations for multidiscipline applications payloads

Special considerations in the planning of Space Shuttle missions for multidiscipline applications are summarized. Selection of orbits and launch times, the optimum operations schedule and viewing opportunities for a given mission are discussed. Trade-offs between the limitations of a mission-peculiar sensor mount and time requirements for sensor retraction/deployment operations in the planning of the payload mounting design are considered. It is suggested that payloads which are largely automated or whose operation is not orbit-time sensitive be considered as possible 'fill-ins' between opportunity-constrained operations. Sequential scheduling of payload operations and delayed real-time data transmission may be means of avoiding RF interference between payloads and with Orbiter communications links, and of maintaining resource demands within manageable levels.

Macdonald, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Research and applications modules /RAM/

RAM, a family of payload carriers that operate in conjunction with the Space Shuttle, is shown to provide flexible and economical laboratories and facilities for the conduct of manned and man-tended scientific and applications investigations in near-earth orbit. Two primary mission modes of RAM are discussed in terms of capability provided, and major advantages and constraints. The Sortie mission mode uses the Shuttle orbiter as the space platform and RAM as the scientific equipment carrier to provide a flexible and economical means for conducting short-duration manned investigations. The man-tended observatory mode uses Shuttle for delivery, periodic on-orbit update and service, and retrieval of the observatory, with RAM providing the interface with the Shuttle for servicing and the space platform functions for operation.

Macdonald, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1970

Experiment module concepts study. Volume 2: Experiments and mission operations

The baseline experiment program is concerned with future space experiments and cover the scientific disciplines of astronomy, space physics, space biology, biomedicine and biotechnology, earth applications, materials science, and advanced technology. The experiments within each discipline are grouped into functional program elements according to experiments that support a particular area of research or investigation and experiments that impose similar or related demand on space station support systems. The experiment requirements on module subsystems, experiment operating modes and time profiles, and the role of the astronaut are discussed. Launch and rendezvous with the space station, disposal, and on-orbit operations are delineated. The operational interfaces between module and other system elements are presented and include space station and logistic system interfaces. Preliminary launch and on-orbit environmental criteria and requirements are discussed, and experiment equipment weights by functional program elements are tabulated.

Macdonald, J. M.↗