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Mccarthy, D. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Mccarthy, D. K..

6 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Solar array system for solar maximum mission

The paper describes the design of the solar array system (SAS) for the Solar Maximum Mission, the unique features of the SAS, and the results of its successful in-orbit operation. It is noted that the array was unique in that: (1) major weight concessions were made to produce a dynamically stiff array; (2) it was the first array designed to be compatible with the NASA Multimission Modular Spacecraft; (3) it is the first jettisonable solar array; and (4) it represents the first use of FEP-bonded overslides on a prime power array. It is concluded that the array performed as predicted with no evidence of the FEP causing any unusual array power degradations. In addition, the deployment and telemetry systems performed as designed.

Meese, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Mission design for a ballistic slow flyby Comet Encke 1980

Preliminary mission analyses for a proposed 1980 slow flyby (7-9 km/s) of comet Encke are presented. Among the topics covered are science objectives, Encke's physical activity and ephemeris accuracy, trajectory and launch-window analysis, terminal guidance, and spacecraft concepts. The nominal mission plan calls for a near-perihelion intercept with two spacecraft launched on a single launch vehicle. Both spacecraft will arrive at the same time, one passing within 500 km from Encke's nucleus on its sunward side, the other cutting through the tail region. By applying a small propulsive correction about three weeks after the encounter, it is possible to retarget both spacecraft for a second Encke intercept in 1984. The potential science return from the ballistic slow flyby is compared with other proposed mission modes for the 1980 Encke flyby mission, including the widely advocated slow flyby using solar-electric propulsion. It is shown that the ballistic slow flyby is superior in every respect.

Farquhar, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Mission design for a ballistic slow-flyby of comet Encke 1980

Preliminary mission analyses for a proposed 1980 slow flyby (7 to 9 km/sec) of comet Encke are presented. Among the topics covered are: science objectives, Encke's physical activity and ephemeris accuracy, trajectory and launch-window analysis, terminal guidance, and spacecraft concepts. The nominal mission plan calls for a near-perihelion intercept with two spacecraft using a single launch vehicle. Both spacecraft arrive at the same time, one passing within 500 km from Encke's nucleus on its sunward side, the other cutting through the tail region. By applying a small propulsive correction about three weeks after the encounter, it is possible to retarget both spacecraft for a second Encke intercept in 1984. The potential science return from the ballistic slow flyby is compared with other proposed mission modes for the 1980 Encke flyby mission including the widely advocated slow flyby using solar-electric propulsion. It is shown that the ballistic slow flyby is superior in every respect.

Farquhar, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Cometary Explorer to Grigg-Skjellerup 1977

The mission analysis and technical summary of the spacecraft and its subsystems are presented for an Explorer flight to investigate the solar wind interaction with the Grigg-Skjellerup coma. The basic spacecraft system is the same as Explorer 43 and 47, and the mission characteristics which distinguish this mission from previous IMP missions are discussed. The physical and chemical characteristics of the comet's nucleus and coma are described, and the spacecraft trajectory and scientific payloads required to study the solar wind-cometary atmospheric interaction are considered.

Ness, N. F.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The Goddard helical tape recorder

A spacecraft recorder was developed with the objective of functioning continuously for 5 years. The resulting design employed a metallic tape wound in a 200-turn helix. A direct drive, brushless dc torquer and servo speed control drove the recorder at 3 rpm for recording and 54 rpm for playback.

Martin, F. T.↗