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At least 235 records · Page 13

Agent independent task planning

Agent-Independent Planning is a technique that allows the construction of activity plans without regard to the agent that will perform them. Once generated, a plan is then validated and translated into instructions for a particular agent, whether a robot, crewmember, or software-based control system. Because Space Station Freedom (SSF) is planned for orbital operations for approximately thirty years, it will almost certainly experience numerous enhancements and upgrades, including upgrades in robotic manipulators. Agent-Independent Planning provides the capability to construct plans for SSF operations, independent of specific robotic systems, by combining techniques of object oriented modeling, nonlinear planning and temporal logic. Since a plan is validated using the physical and functional models of a particular agent, new robotic systems can be developed and integrated with existing operations in a robust manner. This technique also provides the capability to generate plans for crewmembers with varying skill levels, and later apply these same plans to more sophisticated robotic manipulators made available by evolutions in technology.

Davis, William S.↗

The Space Station Freedom - International cooperation and innovation in space safety

The Space Station Freedom (SSF) being developed by the United States, European Space Agency (ESA), Japan, and Canada poses novel safety challenges in design, operations, logistics, and program management. A brief overview discloses many features that make SSF a radical departure from earlier low earth orbit (LEO) space stations relative to safety management: size and power levels; multiphase manned assembly; 30-year planned lifetime, with embedded 'hooks and scars' forevolution; crew size and skill-mix variability; sustained logistical dependence; use of man, robotics and telepresence for on-orbit maintenance of station and free-flyer systems; closed-environment recycling; use of automation and expert systems; long-term operation of collocated life-sciences and materials-science experiments, requiring control and segregation of hazardous and chemically incompatible materials; and materials aging in space.

Rodney, George A.↗

Dynamic characteristics of a Space Station Freedom Mars evolution reference configuration

One concept for a manned mission to Mars uses as a transportation mode an evolutionary version of Space Station Freedom (SSF), termed the Mars Evolution Reference Configuration (MERC). The MERC is configured by adding to SSF dual keels, an upper and lower boom, additional laboratory and habitation modules, increased power, and an assembly platform. A finite-element model of the MERC was formulated to investigate the expected low frequency modes, and its variations with the addition of large payload. A basic reboost procedure using near-continuous firing of reaction control system jets is described with the closed-loop attitude control system. The elastic dynamic behavior at critical points during a reboost of the MERC, both with and without the Mars piloted vehicle installed, is examined.

Ayers, J. Kirk↗

Space Station in the 21st century - Introduction

The benefits of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) are described, and implementation paths are considered. Particular attention is given to the SSF infrastructure, option study comparisons, the program integration challenge, the Space Station assembly sequence, increment definition, supportability, Space Station R&D evolution, and the human-expedition-to-Mars concept.

Moser, Thomas L.↗

Development of the Space Station Freedom Environmental Health System

The Environmental Health System (EHS), a subsystem of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) Crew Health Care System, was established to ensure that crewmembers will have a safe and healthy environment in which to live and work. EHS is comprised of six subsystems: Microbiology, Toxicology, Water Quality, Radiological Health, Vibroacoustics, and Barothermal Physiology. Each subsystem contributes to the overall functions of the EHS including environmental planning, environmental monitoring, environmental monitoring, environmental health assessments, and operations support. The EHS will provide hardware for monitoring the air, water, and internal surfaces of Freedom, including capabilities for inflight sample collection, processing, and analysis. The closed environment of SSF, and its dependence on recycled air and water, will necessitate a reliable monitoring system to alert crewmembers if contamination levels exceed the maximum allowable limits established to ensure crew health and safety. This paper describes the functions and hardware design status of the EHS.

Richard, Elizabeth E.↗

IVA the robot: Design guidelines and lessons learned from the first space station laboratory manipulation system

The first interactive Space Station Freedom (SSF) lab robot exhibit was installed at the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, and has been running daily since. IntraVehicular Activity (IVA) the robot is mounted in a full scale U.S. Lab (USL) mockup to educate the public on possible automation and robotic applications aboard the SSF. Responding to audio and video instructions at the Command Console, exhibit patrons may prompt IVA to perform a housekeeping task or give a speaking tour of the module. Other exemplary space station tasks are simulated and the public can even challenge IVA to a game of tic tac toe. In anticipation of such a system being built for the Space Station, a discussion is provided of the approach taken, along with suggestions for applicability to the Space Station Environment.

Konkel, Carl R.↗

The flight telerobotic servicer and technology transfer

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project at the Goddard Space Flight Center is developing an advanced telerobotic system to assist in and reduce crew extravehicular activity (EVA) for Space Station Freedom (SSF). The FTS will provide a telerobotic capability in the early phases of the SSF program and will be employed for assembly, maintenance, and inspection applications. The current state of space technology and the general nature of the FTS tasks dictate that the FTS be designed with sophisticated teleoperational capabilities for its internal primary operating mode. However, technologies such as advanced computer vision and autonomous planning techniques would greatly enhance the FTS capabilities to perform autonomously in less structured work environments. Another objective of the FTS program is to accelerate technology transfer from research to U.S. industry.

Andary, James F.↗

Astromag phase A assembly and servicing operations report

Operations concepts for the assembly and servicing of the Astromag Attached Payload on the Space Station Freedom (SSF) are presented. Scenario scripts and graphical representations of the installation of the core facility (CF) on the SSF, installation of experiment hardware on the CF, and the changeout of experiments on the CF are also presented.

Parikh, Link A.↗

Network interface unit design options performance analysis

An analysis is presented of three design options for the Space Station Freedom (SSF) onboard Data Management System (DMS) Network Interface Unit (NIU). The NIU provides the interface from the Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) local area network (LAN) to the DMS processing elements. The FDDI LAN provides the primary means for command and control and low and medium rate telemetry data transfers on board the SSF. The results of this analysis provide the basis for the implementation of the NIU.

Miller, Frank W.↗

Radiation risk predictions for Space Station Freedom orbits

Risk assessment calculations are presented for the preliminary proposed solar minimum and solar maximum orbits for Space Station Freedom (SSF). Integral linear energy transfer (LET) fluence spectra are calculated for the trapped proton and GCR environments. Organ dose calculations are discussed using the computerized anatomical man model. The cellular track model of Katz is applied to calculate cell survival, transformation, and mutation rates for various aluminum shields. Comparisons between relative biological effectiveness (RBE) and quality factor (QF) values for SSF orbits are made.

Cucinotta, Francis A.↗

Minor surgery in microgravity

The purpose is to investigate and demonstrate equipment and techniques proposed for minor surgery on Space Station Freedom (SSF). The objectives are: (1) to test and evaluate methods of surgical instrument packaging and deployment; (2) to test and evaluate methods of surgical site preparation and draping; (3) to evaluate techniques of sterile procedure and maintaining sterile field; (4) to evaluate methods of trash management during medical/surgical procedures; and (4) to gain experience in techniques for performing surgery in microgravity. A KC-135 parabolic flight test was performed on March 30, 1990 with the goal of investigating and demonstrating surgical equipment and techniques under consideration for use on SSF. The flight followed the standard 40 parabola profile with 20 to 25 seconds of near-zero gravity in each parabola.

Billica, Roger↗

Evaluation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques in microgravity

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques were investigated in microgravity with specific application to planned medical capabilities for Space Station Freedom (SSF). A KC-135 parabolic flight test was performed with the goal of evaluating and quantifying the efficacy of different types of microgravity CPR techniques. The flight followed the standard 40 parabola profile with 20 to 25 seconds of near-zero gravity in each parabola. Three experiments were involved chosen for their clinical background, certification, and practical experience in prior KC-135 parabolic flight. The CPR evaluation was performed using a standard training mannequin (recording resusci-Annie) which was used in practice prior to the actual flight. Aboard the KC-135, the prototype medical restraint system (MRS) for the SSF Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) was used for part of the study. Standard patient and crew restraints were used for interface with the MRS. During the portion of study where CPR was performed without MRS, a set of straps for crew restraint similar to those currently employed for the Space Shuttle program were used. The entire study was recorded via still camera and video.

Billica, Roger↗

Evaluation of prototype air/fluid separator for Space Station Freedom Health Maintenance Facility

A prototype air/fluid separator suction apparatus proposed as a possible design for use with the Health Maintenance Facility aboard Space Station Freedom (SSF) was evaluated. A KC-135 parabolic flight test was performed for this purpose. The flights followed the standard 40 parabola profile with 20 to 25 seconds of near-zero gravity in each parabola. A protocol was prepared to evaluate the prototype device in several regulator modes (or suction force), using three fluids of varying viscosity, and using either continuous or intermittent suction. It was felt that a matrixed approach would best approximate the range of utilization anticipated for medical suction on SSF. The protocols were performed in one-gravity in a lab setting to familiarize the team with procedures and techniques. Identical steps were performed aboard the KC-135 during parabolic flight.

Billica, Roger↗

Expendable launch vehicles in Space Station Freedom logistics resupply operations

The projected Space Station Freedom (SSF) annual logistics resupply requirements were predicted to exceed the 1988 baseline Shuttle resupply system capability. This paper examines the implications of employing a 'mixed fleet' of Shuttles and ELVs to provide postassembly, steady-state logistics resupply. The study concluded that ELVs supported by the OMV could provide the additional required resupply capability with one to three launches per annum. However, the study determined that such a capability would require significant programmatic commitments, including baseline SSF OMV accommodations, on-orbit OMV monoprop replenishment capability, and substantial economics investments. The study also found the need for a half-size pressurized logistics module for the increase in the efficiency of logistics manifesting on the Shuttle as well as ELVs.

Newman, J. Steven↗

High rate science data handling on Space Station Freedom

A study by NASA's User Information System Working Group for Space Station Freedom (SSF) has determined that the proposed onboard Data Management System, as initially configured, will be incapable of handling the data-generation rates typical of numerous scientific sensor payloads; many of these generate data at rates in excess of 10 Mbps, and there are at least four cases of rates in excess of 300 Mbps. The SSF Working Group has accordingly suggested an alternative conceptual architecture based on technology expected to achieve space-qualified status by 1995. The architecture encompasses recorders with rapid data-ingest capabilities and massive storage capabilities, optical delay lines allowing the recording of only the phenomena of interest, and data flow-compressing image processors.

Handley, Thomas H., Jr.↗

Interoperability among Space Station Freedom data systems - A field test of standards

A development status evaluation is presented for NASA efforts toward the achievement of interoperability among Space Station Freedom (SSF) data systems, despite the complexity created by the number and wide distribution of such systems, the intensive international participation, and the use of time-phased development cycles. Four areas have been identified as essential: communications interoperability, data interoperability, and crew and payload interface interoperability. Accelerated efforts are needed to define and refine detailed interface designs before developments by each of the SSF's international partners come to take fundamentally incompatible courses.

Whitelaw, Virginia A.↗

Requirements and concept for an on-orbit construction facility for phase 1 Space Station Freedom

A construction facility attached to NASA's Space Station Freedom (SSF) will be required for the accommodation of assembly activities for large payloads, as well as demonstration of the on-orbit construction of future spacecraft. This facility's capabilities must be sufficiently flexible to address the wide variety of future spacecraft needs without compromising the SSF's phase 1 configuration. The proposed construction facility concept will incorporate a storage module, a construction turntable, equipment-attachment platforms, a surrogate payload bay structure, and a portable workstation. Attention is given to this configuration's resulting mass properties and control characteristics.

Buchan, Robert W.↗

Space Station Freedom attached payloads and commercialization

NASA's Space Station Freedom (SSF) attaches external payloads to its main truss structure via Attached Payload Accommodation Equipment (APAE); this equipment also provides access to such SSF resources as electrical power, command/control, and data handling. In orbit, APAE payloads are installed and maintained by a teleoperated robot or by an astronaut in EVA. Commercialization of EPAE will be accomplished by private companies concerned with the development of materials processing, earth resources and ocean resources monitoring, telecommunications, and industrial services. Attention is given to APAE user-integration activity.

Furio, N.↗