Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Yardley, J. F..
The prelaunch mission operation report of the Fleet Satellite Communications System (FLTSATCOM-B) spacecraft is presented. The orbit requirements, mission profiles, parking orbit, and transfer orbit for the FLTSATCOM-B spacecraft are described.
The major Shuttle-related testing currently in progress includes: static testing of all major elements, full scale ground vibration testing, main propulsion system testing, software verification and validation, qualification testing of many components and subsystems, and SSME verification testing. This paper reviews the current status of the Shuttle program and gives attention to the transition to operations, near-term traffic plans, user-charge policies, and payload integration. It is concluded that the transition from individual space-research projects to a fully integrated Space Transportation System, providing low-cost routine access to space for many users, involves a complete rethinking of the role NASA and the user will play.
The Space Shuttle test program is described. Consideration is given to thermal vacuum testing, static testing, ground vibration testing, high temperature testing, propulsion system testing, etc. Emphasis is placed on the Shuttle test philosophy and how it differs from that of past programs.
Based on the Memorandum of Understanding which establishes the roles and responsibilities of NASA and ESA in the development and operation of the Spacelab, this paper covers briefly the unique management structure which has brought the program to its present state of development and the manner by which requirements were mutually developed. It then introduces the STS traffic model as it is now envisioned and discusses the trend of Spacelab utilization. The majority of the paper is devoted to description of the planning and execution of the operational phases of the Spacelab program, for which the United States has the sole responsibility. It discusses potential plans for mission planning, crew selection and training, payload integration, payload operations and preliminary data handling.
The status of the Space Transportation System (STS) is reviewed. The management structure and project planning status are discussed, including considerations of STS utilization, payloads, cost assessments, and pricing policy.
The Space Transportation System - Space Shuttle, Spacelab and Upper Stages - is described from the point of view of systems and operations. Future plans concerning the permanent occupancy of space are examined with emphasis on the Space Construction Base, Advanced Transportation Systems and Space Industrialization plans.