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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 199 records · Page 11
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1997

Using Common Graphics Paradigms Implemented in a Java Applet to Represent Complex Scheduling Requirements

The experiments planned for the International Space Station promise to be complex, lengthy and diverse. The scarcity of the space station resources will cause significant competition for resources between experiments. The scheduling job facing the Space Station mission planning software requires a concise and comprehensive description of the experiments' requirements (to ensure a valid schedule) and a good description of the experiments' flexibility (to effectively utilize available resources). In addition, the continuous operation of the station, the wide geographic dispersion of station users, and the budgetary pressure to reduce operations manpower make a low-cost solution mandatory. A graphical representation of the scheduling requirements for station payloads implemented via an Internet-based application promises to be an elegant solution that addresses all of these issues. The graphical representation of experiment requirements permits a station user to describe his experiment by defining "activities" and "sequences of activities". Activities define the resource requirements (with alternatives) and other quantitative constraints of tasks to be performed. Activities definitions use an "outline" graphics paradigm. Sequences define the time relationships between activities. Sequences may also define time relationships with activities of other payloads or space station systems. Sequences of activities are described by a "network" graphics paradigm. The bulk of this paper will describe the graphical approach to representing requirements and provide examples that show the ease and clarity with which complex requirements can be represented. A Java applet, to run in a web browser, is being developed to support the graphical representation of payload scheduling requirements. Implementing the entry and editing of requirements via the web solves the problems introduced by the geographic dispersion of users. Reducing manpower is accomplished by developing a concise representation which eliminates the misunderstanding possible with verbose representations and which captures the complete requirements and flexibility of the experiments.

Jaap, John↗
NASA NTRS1972

Safety in earth orbit study

Safety aspects are studied of the space shuttle orbiter, the shuttle payloads, and space stations in earth orbital operations. The tasks generated safety requirements, guidelines, recommendations, and conceptual safety devices. The tasks studied were: hazardous payloads, docking, onboard survivability tumbling spacecraft, and escape and rescue operations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Universal Payload Information Management

As the overall manager and integrator of International Space Station (ISS) science payloads, the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) at Marshall Space Flight Center has a critical need to provide an information management system for exchange and control of ISS payload files as well as to coordinate ISS payload related operational changes. The POIC's information management system has a fundamental requirement to provide secure operational access not only to users physically located at the POIC, but also to remote experimenters and International Partners physically located in different parts of the world. The Payload Information Management System (PIMS) is a ground-based electronic document configuration management and collaborative workflow system that was built to service the POIC's information management needs. This paper discusses the application components that comprise the PIMS system, the challenges that influenced its design and architecture, and the selected technologies it employs. This paper will also touch on the advantages of the architecture, details of the user interface, and lessons learned along the way to a successful deployment. With PIMS, a sophisticated software solution has been built that is not only universally accessible for POIC customer s information management needs, but also universally adaptable in implementation and application as a generalized information management system.

Elmore, Ralph B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Ground Based Microgravity Emissions Testing Of Flight Hardware

To control microgravity environment on the International Space Station (ISS), NASA developed payloads have to meet the payload integration requirements of the Space Station Program, specifically a microgravity allocation plan. The Microgravity Emissions Laboratory (MEL) was developed at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) for verification of the payloads compliance with payload integration requirements. MEL is a 6 degree of freedom inertial measurement system capable of characterizing the microgravity emissions, generated by a disturber, down to a micro g. Microgravity Emissions tests provide a payload developer with a tool to assess payload's compliance with the requirements, i.e. forces and moments, generated by the payload at its center of gravity. Forces and moments are presented in time domain for both stationary and transient signals, and in frequency domain for the stationary signals. To date, MEL conducted over thirty tests of ISS hardware. The test results are being successfully used by the payload developers for design verification and improvement.

Samorezov, Sergey↗
NASA NTRS1990

Vibration environment - Acceleration mapping strategy and microgravity requirements for Spacelab and Space Station

In order to define the acceleration requirements for future Shuttle and Space Station Freedom payloads, methods and hardware characterizing accelerations on microgravity experiment carriers are discussed. The different aspects of the acceleration environment and the acceptable disturbance levels are identified. The space acceleration measurement system features an adjustable bandwidth, wide dynamic range, data storage, and ability to be easily reconfigured and is expected to fly on the Spacelab Life Sciences-1. The acceleration characterization and analysis project describes the Shuttle acceleration environment and disturbance mechanisms, and facilitates the implementation of the microgravity research program.

Martin, Gary L.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Creating a Prototype Web Application for Spacecraft Real-Time Data Visualization on Mobile Devices

Mobile devices (smart phones, tablets) have become commonplace among almost all sectors of the workforce, especially in the technical and scientific communities. These devices provide individuals the ability to be constantly connected to any area of interest they may have, whenever and wherever they are located. The Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) is attempting to take advantage of this constant connectivity to extend the data visualization component of the Payload Operations and Integration Center (POIC) to a person's mobile device. POIC users currently have a rather unique capability to create custom user interfaces in order to view International Space Station (ISS) payload health and status telemetry. These displays are used at various console positions within the POIC. The Software Engineering team has created a Mobile Display capability that will allow authenticated users to view the same displays created for the console positions on the mobile device of their choice. Utilizing modern technologies including ASP.net, JavaScript, and HTML5, we have created a web application that renders the user's displays in any modern desktop or mobile web browser, regardless of the operating system on the device. Additionally, the application is device aware which enables it to render its configuration and selection menus with themes that correspond to the particular device. The Mobile Display application uses a communication mechanism known as signalR to push updates to the web client. This communication mechanism automatically detects the best communication protocol between the client and server and also manages disconnections and reconnections of the client to the server. One benefit of this application is that the user can monitor important telemetry even while away from their console position. If expanded to the scientific community, this application would allow a scientist to view a snapshot of the state of their particular experiment at any time or place. Because the web application renders the displays that can currently be created with the POIC ground system, the user can tailor their displays for a particular device using tools that they are already trained to use.

Lang, Jeremy S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Astrometric Telescope Facility isolation and pointing study

The Astrometric Telescope Facility (ATF), an optical telescope designed to detect extrasolar planetary systems, is scheduled to be a major user of the Space Station's Payload Pointing System (PPS). However, because the ATF has such a stringent pointing stability specification and requires + or - 180 deg roll about its line of sight, mechanisms to enhance the basic PPS capability are required. The ATF pointing performance achievable by the addition of a magnetic isolation and pointing system (MIPS) between the PPS upper gimbal and the ATF, and separately, by the addition of a passive isolation system between the Space Station and the PPS base was investigated. The candidate MIPS can meet the ATF requirements in the presence of a 0.01 g disturbance. It fits within the available annular region between the PPS and the ATF while meeting power and weight limitations and providing the required roll motion, payload data and power services. By contrast, the passive base isolator system must have an unrealistically low isolation bandwidth on all axes to meet ATF pointing requirements and does not provide roll about the line of sight.

Hibble, William↗
NASA NTRS2003

International Cooperation of Payload Operations on the International Space Station

One of the primary goals of the International Space Station (ISS) is to provide an orbiting laboratory to be used to conduct scientific research and commercial products utilizing the unique environment of space. The ISS Program has united multiple nations into a coalition with the objective of developing and outfitting this orbiting laboratory and sharing in the utilization of the resources available. The primary objectives of the real- time integration of ISS payload operations are to ensure safe operations of payloads, to avoid mutual interference between payloads and onboard systems, to monitor the use of integrated station resources and to increase the total effectiveness of ISS. The ISS organizational architecture has provided for the distribution of operations planning and execution functions to the organizations with expertise to perform each function. Each IPP is responsible for the integration and operations of their payloads within their resource allocations and the safety requirements defined by the joint program. Another area of international cooperation is the sharing in the development and on- orbit utilization of unique payload facilities. An example of this cooperation is the Microgravity Science Glovebox. The hardware was developed by ESA and provided to NASA as part of a barter arrangement.

Melton, Tina↗
NASA NTRS1988

Expandable pallet for space station interface attachments

Described is a foldable expandable pallet for Space Station interface attachments with a basic square configuration. Each pallet consists of a series of struts joined together by node point fittings to make a rigid structure. The struts have hinge fittings which are spring loaded to permit collapse of the module for stowage transport to a Space Station in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle, and development on orbit. Dimensions of the pallet are selected to provide convenient, closely spaced attachment points between the node points of the relatively widely spaced trusses of a Space Station platform. A pallet is attached to a strut at four points: one close fitting hole, two oversize holes, and a slot to allow for thermal expansion/contraction and for manufacturing tolerances. Applications of the pallet include its use in rotary or angular joints; servicing of splints; with gridded plates; as instrument mounting bases; and as a roadbed for a Mobile Service Center (MSC).

Wesselski, Clarence J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Payload Planning for the International Space Station

A review of the evolution of the International Space Station (ISS) was performed for the purpose of understanding the project objectives. It was requested than an analysis of the current Office of Space Access and Technology (OSAT) Partnership Utilization Plan (PUP) traffic model be completed to monitor the process through which the scientific experiments called payloads are manifested for flight to the ISS. A viewing analysis of the ISS was also proposed to identify the capability to observe the United States Laboratory (US LAB) during the assembly sequence. Observations of the Drop-Tower experiment and nondestructive testing procedures were also performed to maximize the intern's technical experience. Contributions were made to the meeting in which the 1996 OSAT or Code X PUP traffic model was generated using the software tool, Filemaker Pro. The current OSAT traffic model satisfies the requirement for manifesting and delivering the proposed payloads to station. The current viewing capability of station provides the ability to view the US LAB during station assembly sequence. The Drop Tower experiment successfully simulates the effect of microgravity and conveniently documents the results for later use. The non-destructive test proved effective in determining stress in various components tested.

Johnson, Tameka J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

PIMS-Universal Payload Information Management

As the overall manager and integrator of International Space Station (ISS) science payloads and experiments, the Payload Operations Integration Center (POIC) at Marshall Space Flight Center had a critical need to provide an information management system for exchange and management of ISS payload files as well as to coordinate ISS payload related operational changes. The POIC's information management system has a fundamental requirement to provide secure operational access not only to users physically located at the POIC, but also to provide collaborative access to remote experimenters and International Partners. The Payload Information Management System (PIMS) is a ground based electronic document configuration management and workflow system that was built to service that need. Functionally, PIMS provides the following document management related capabilities: 1. File access control, storage and retrieval from a central repository vault. 2. Collect supplemental data about files in the vault. 3. File exchange with a PMS GUI client, or any FTP connection. 4. Files placement into an FTP accessible dropbox for pickup by interfacing facilities, included files transmitted for spacecraft uplink. 5. Transmission of email messages to users notifying them of new version availability. 6. Polling of intermediate facility dropboxes for files that will automatically be processed by PIMS. 7. Provide an API that allows other POIC applications to access PIMS information. Functionally, PIMS provides the following Change Request processing capabilities: 1. Ability to create, view, manipulate, and query information about Operations Change Requests (OCRs). 2. Provides an adaptable workflow approval of OCRs with routing through developers, facility leads, POIC leads, reviewers, and implementers. Email messages can be sent to users either involving them in the workflow process or simply notifying them of OCR approval progress. All PIMS document management and OCR workflow controls are coordinated through and routed to individual user's "to do" list tasks. A user is given a task when it is their turn to perform some action relating to the approval of the Document or OCR. The user's available actions are restricted to only functions available for the assigned task. Certain actions, such as review or action implementation by non-PIMS users, can also be coordinated through automated emails.

Elmore, Ralph↗
NASA NTRS1989

The Circumstellar Imaging Telescope image motion compensation system - Ultra-precise control on the Space Station platform

The Circumstellar Imaging Telescope (CIT) is a 1.9 m visible wavelength Cassegrain instrument whose primary mission is to locate extra-solar planets by direct imaging. The current reference concept calls for it to be deployed as a Space Station attached payload some time in the late 1990s. Mission and signal processing demands impose the following attitude control requirements: pointing accuracy - 250 nrad RMS, pointing stability - 50 nrad RMS over 30 minutes, roll accuracy - 1 mrad RMS, roll stability 1 mrad RMS over 30 minutes. This paper reports on the results of a recent design study in which it was determined that these requirements can be met on the Space Station by a three tiered control system consisting of a two degree of freedom mechanical gimbal for course pointing, a magnetically suspended roll bearing for roll accommodation, translational isolation and intermediate pointing control, and articulation of the secondary mirror for fine pointing.

Sevaston, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Dynamics formulations for the real-time simulation of constrained motion

The Space Shuttle program has relied heavily on simulation throughout all phases of development and operation. Real-time, man-in-the-loop simulation has served the NASA manned space flight program by providing the means to evaluate systems design and integrated systems performance in a simulated flight environment as well as provide a means to train flight crews. New challenges are presented by the development and operation of a permanently manned space station. The assembly of the space station, the transferral of payloads and the use of the space station manipulator to berth the Orbiter are operations critical to the success of the space station. All these operations are examples of constrained motion among the bodies associated with the Orbiter and space station system. The state of the art of formulating the governing dynamical equations of motion for constrained systems are described. The uses of the two basic problems in multibody dynamics are discussed. The most efficient formulations of the equations of motion are addressed from the point of view of completeness. The issues surrounding incorporating the constraints into the equation of motion are presented.

Kelly, Frederick A.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The ACCESS Mission: ISS Accommodation Study

ACCESS (Advanced Cosmic-ray Composition Experiment for Space Station) is a new mission concept payload for the International Space Station (ISS) which has undergone a preliminary accommodation study. ACCESS science goals include new measurements of the rare ultra-high energy and ultra-heavy components of the cosmic radiation above the Earth's atmosphere. The critical resource made available by the ISS is collecting power; up to 10,000 square meters-sr-days, for a four-year stay on-orbit, allows ACCESS to go beyond balloon-borne detectors. The instrument, consisting of a charge module, a transition radiation detector, and a calorimeter, measures nuclei throughout the periodic table. The study demonstrates that the ISS as a stable science platform at the threshold of space, can make improved cosmic-ray investigations possible in the next century.

Wefel, John P.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Space station needs, attributes, and architectural options study. Volume 1: Missions and requirements

Science and applications, NOAA environmental observation, commercial resource observations, commercial space processing, commercial communications, national security, technology development, and GEO servicing are addressed. Approach to time phasing of mission requirements, system sizing summary, time-phased user mission payload support, space station facility requirements, and integrated time-phased system requirements are also addressed.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1997

Applied Virtual Reality in Reusable Launch Vehicle Design, Operations Development, and Training

Application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology offers much promise to enhance and accelerate the development of Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) infrastructure and operations while simultaneously reducing developmental and operational costs. One of the primary cost areas in the RLV concept that is receiving special attention is maintenance and refurbishment operations. To produce and operate a cost effective RLV, turnaround cost must be minimized. Designing for maintainability is a necessary requirement in developing RLVs. VR can provide cost effective methods to design and evaluate components and systems for maintenance and refurbishment operations. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is beginning to utilize VR for design, operations development, and design analysis for RLVs. A VR applications program has been under development at NASA/MSFC since 1989. The objectives of the MSFC VR Applications Program are to develop, assess, validate, and utilize VR in hardware development, operations development and support, mission operations training and science training. The NASA/MSFC VR capability has also been utilized in several applications. These include: 1) the assessment of the design of the late Space Station Freedom Payload Control Area (PCA), the control room from which onboard payload operations are managed; 2) a viewing analysis of the Tethered Satellite System's (TSS) "end-of-reel" tether marking options; 3) development of a virtual mockup of the International Space Welding Experiment for science viewing analyses from the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System elbow camera and as a trainer for ground controllers; and 4) teleoperations using VR. This presentation will give a general overview of the MSFC VR Applications Program and describe the use of VR in design analyses, operations development, and training for RLVs.

Hale, Joseph P.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Stratospheric Aerosol & Gas Experiment III (SAGE III) on the International Space Station (ISS): Challenges and Successes of Operating an Optical Payload on ISS

The Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment III on the International Space Station (SAGE III/ISS) has been in operations since March of 2017. The primary objective of this passive remote sensing payload is to measure the vertical distribution of aerosol, ozone and other trace gases in the upper atmosphere. This measurement can be used to improve our understanding of the Earth’s ozone recovery and how climate change is affecting the stratosphere. Presented here are challenges of operating an optical Earth observation payload on the highly dynamic International Space Station platform during the extended mission phase of the SAGE III on ISS mission. SAGE III/ISS has continued to maintain its coverage of low and mid-latitude observations while working around the expansion of the ISS and the increase in visiting vehicles that has occurred over the past year. With the addition of the Multi-purpose Laboratory Module (MLM), the first expansion of ISS in over a decade, the SAGE III/ISS payload used its ability to measure contamination to determine how this would affect the optical components on our payload. The addition of the MLM also modified the yaw, pitch, and roll of the ISS which the SAGE III/ISS operations team have been able to use to our advantage as this has put the ISS in the optimal expected pitch range for SAGE III/ISS data acquisition. The SAGE III/ISS operations team will continue to work with the dynamic platform while striving to maintain the mission observation goals as the ISS moves into the new phase of its operational life. Highlights from the first 5-yrs of SAGE III/ISS observations are presented showcasing abrupt changes to the stratosphere by volcanic eruptions and extreme wildfires.

Jamie Nehrir↗