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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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1972

Services provided in support of the planetary quarantine requirements of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

The efficiency of a biodetection grinder, used to recover buried contamination, was tested using spacecraft components and laminated polystyrene strips containing Bacillus subtilis var. niger spores. The surfaces were decontaminated before tests. Results are given in tabular form. Tables are also given for heat resistance of bacteria spores, prevalence of bacteria in spacecraft before launch, and the types of bacteria found in Apollo 15 spacecraft components and command modules.

Favero, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Application of DOT-MORSE coupling to the analysis of three-dimensional SNAP shielding problems

The use of discrete ordinates and Monte Carlo techniques to solve radiation transport problems is discussed. A general discussion of two possible coupling schemes is given for the two methods. The calculation of the reactor radiation scattered from a docked service and command module is used as an example of coupling discrete ordinates (DOT) and Monte Carlo (MORSE) calculations.

Straker, E. A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experimental active and passive dosimetry systems for the NASA Skylab program

Active and passive dosimetry instrumentation to measure absorbed dose, charged particle spectra, and linear energy transfer spectra inside the command module and orbital workshop on the Skylab program were developed and tested. The active dosimetry system consists of one integral unit employing both a tissue equivalent ionization chamber and silicon solid state detectors. The instrument measures dose rates from 0.2 millirad/hour to 25 rads/hour, linear energy transfer spectra from 2.8 to 42.4 Kev/micron, and the proton and alpha particle energy spectra from 0.5 to 75 Mev. The active dosimeter is equipped with a portable radiation sensor for use in astronaut on-body and spacecraft shielding surveys during passage of the Skylab through significant space radiations. Data are transmitted in real time or are recorded by onboard spacecraft tape recorder for rapid evaluation of the radiation levels. The passive dosimetry systems consist of twelve (12) hard-mounted assemblies, each containing a variety of passive radiation sensors which are recoverable at the end of the mission for analysis.

Schneider, M. F.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Bistatic-radar investigation

A bistatic-radar study during the Apollo 15 flight is reviewed, with the orbiting command module as one terminal. Bistatic-radar slopes are compared to geological maps of Copernicus and Riphaeus mountain regions and Kepler region. Basic theory is discussed, including the radar echoes composed of the sum of the reflections from the moon area that is mutually visible from the spacecraft and earth. A signal receiving system and data processing system are outlined schematically.

Howard, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Apollo 15 mission main parachute failure

The failure of one of the three main parachutes of the Apollo 15 spacecraft was investigated by studying malfunctions in the forward heat shield, broken riser, and firing the fuel expelled from the command module reaction control system. It is concluded that the most probable cause was the burning of raw fuel being expelled during the latter portion of depletion firing. Recommended corrective actions are included.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Apollo experience report: Aerothermodynamics evaluation

The Apollo program offered the first opportunity to obtain aerothermodynamic measurements at superorbital velocities on full-scale spacecraft. Four unmanned flight tests were conducted to qualify the Apollo command module heat shield. Aerothermodynamic measurements were made, and data are presented to illustrate the comparison of the flight data with the ground-test results and theoretical predictions.

Lee, D. B.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Surveyor 3: Bacterium isolated from lunar retrieved television camera

Microbial analysis was the first of several studies of the retrieved camera and was performed immediately after the camera was opened. The emphasis of the analysis was placed upon isolating microorganisms that could be potentially pathogenic for man. Every step in the retrieval of the Surveyor 3 television camera was analyzed for possible contamination sources, including camera contact by the astronauts, ingassing in the lunar and command module during the mission or at splashdown, and handling during quarantine, disassembly, and analysis at the Lunar Receiving Laboratory

Mitchell, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Zero-gravity open-type urine receptacle

The development of the zero-gravity open-type urine receptacle used in the Apollo command module is described. This type receptacle eliminates the need for a cuff-type urine collector or for the penis to circumferentially contact the receptacle in order to urinate. This device may be used in a gravity environment, varying from zero gravity to earth gravity, such as may be experienced in a space station or space base.

Girala, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Inflight dynamics testing of the Apollo spacecraft

Response of the Apollo command module, service and lunar module airframe while in a docked configuration in the flight environment was measured in a frequency band encompassing the first two bending modes. Transfer characteristics from thrust-application point to control-system sensor were examined. The frequency and the stability margins of the first two predominant structural resonances were verified by the test. This report describes the flight test that was performed and the postflight data analysis.

Peters, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Safety in earth orbit study. Volume 3: Analysis of tumbling spacecraft, escape and rescue

Detailed and supporting analyses of the hazards of a disabled spacecraft in a tumbling mode and of crew escape, rescue, and survivability are presented for earth orbital operations of the space shuttle program. Tumbling conditions, arresting tumbling by external means, and escape from a tumbling vehicle are discussed. Details on design concepts for the modular space station, integral tank orbiter, drop tank orbiter, and a small space vehicle are included. Results of the crew safety study indicate that the shuttle orbiter should be the primary vehicle for dealing with emergencies and one vehicle should be available for rapid emergency rescue. An Apollo command module should be carried in the orbiter cargo bay in case an orbiter is not available. Approaches for a quicker escape or rescue capability are also recommended.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Apollo guidance, navigation and control: Guidance system operations plan for manned CM earth orbital and lunar missions using Program COLOSSUS 3. Section 3: Digital autopilots (revision 14)

Digital autopilots for the manned command module earth orbital and lunar missions using program COLOSSUS 3 are discussed. Subjects presented are: (1) reaction control system digital autopilot, (2) thrust vector control autopilot, (3) entry autopilot and mission control programs, (4) takeover of Saturn steering, and (5) coasting flight attitude maneuver routine.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Lunar orbital photography of astronomical phenomena.

This paper reports further progress on photography of faint astronomical and geophysical phenomena accomplished during the recent Apollo missions. Command module pilots have been able to photograph such astronomical objects as the solar corona, zodiacal light-corona transition region, lunar libration region, and portions of the Milky Way. The methods utilized for calibration of the film by adaptation of the High Altitude Observatory sensitometer are discussed. Kodak 2485 high-speed recording film was used in both 35-mm and 70-mm formats. The cameras used were Nikon f/1.2 55-mm focal length and Hasselblad f/2.8 80-mm focal length. Preflight and postflight calibration exposures were included on both the flight and control films, corresponding to luminances extending from the inner solar corona to as faint as 1/10 of the luminance of the light of the night sky. The photographs obtained from unique vantage points available during lunar orbit are discussed.

Mercer, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A programmable computer interface for CAMAC

An interface has been developed for CAMAC instrumentation systems that implements data transfers controlled either by the computer CPU or by an autonomous (data-channel) processor in the interface unit. The data channel processor executes programs stored in the computer memory. These programs consist of standard CAMAC module commands plus special control characters and commands for the processor itself. The interface was built for the PDP-15 computer, which has an 18-bit word structure, but both 18- and 24-bit data transfers can be made. A software system has been written that exploits the many features of the processor.

Bercaw, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Services provided in support of the planetary quarantine requirements of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Heat studies with the highly resistant bacterial spore isolated from Cape Kennedy soil were continued, and the D130C was determined. The interior surfaces of the command module of the Apollo 17 spacecraft were studied for microbial contamination during assembly and testing. The thermal resistance of naturally occurring airborne bacterial spores was determined, using the heating times of 2, 4, 6, and 8 hr. at 125 C. The evaluation of a terminal sterilization process for unmanned lander spacecraft is also continuing.

Favero, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Physiology of chimpanzees in orbit. Part 2: Interface document

Interface requirements are presented for the design and development of an earth orbiting experiment to be known as POCO, Physiology of Chimpanzees in Orbit. The POCO experiment may be designed to operate within an orbiting space station (provided artificial gravity measures are not employed), a Saturn 4-B workshop, an Apollo command module or service module, a Saturn-1B spacecraft LM adapter, or aboard one of the presently conceived appendages connected by an umbilical to a space station. This document sets forth the experiment definition and requirements and describes the hardware under development to accomplish these objectives.

Firstenberg, A.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Apollo window meteoroid experiment

The Apollo window meteoroid experiment is described which uses the Apollo command module heat shield window surfaces to obtain information about the flux of meteoroids with masses of 10 to the minus 7th power g and less; to examine the residue and the morphology of the craters produced by these meteoroid; to obtain information regarding the dynamic and physical properties of the meteoroids; and to discover possible correlations with the lunar-rock-crater studies. Photographs are included.

Cour-Palais, B. G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Microbial response to space environment, part B

The performance of the microbial response to space environment experiment is considered excellent by all investigators. For most microbial systems, only preliminary survival data are available at this time. None of the available data indicate space flight-mediated changes in cell viability or recovery. One quite important observation has been made at this early date, however. The eggs produced after mice had been infected with N. dubius larvae demonstrated a significant decrease in hatchability when compared to identical ground controls. Except for the fact that the Apollo 16 flight larvae had been on board the command module, treatment of the flown larvae and ground control larvae was the same; neither had been exposed to UV irradiation. The significance and implications of this finding are currently being studied.

Taylor, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Observations and impressions from lunar orbit

On Apollo 16, the command module pilot made observations of particular surface features and processes to complement photographic and other remotely sensed data. Emphasis was placed on geological problems that required the extreme dynamic range and color sensitivities of the human eye; repetitive observations of varying sun angles and viewing directions; and, in some cases, on-the-scene interpretations. Visual observations and impressions recorded during the mission verified the effectiveness of the hardware and techniques used. The orbiting observer functioned both as a sensor, in otherwise inaccessible areas such as earthshine and shadows, and as a designator of potentially significant data that were acquired on the photographic record.

Mattingly, T. K.↗