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NASA directory of observation station locations, volume 1

Geodetic information is presented for NASA tracking stations and observation stations in the NASA geodetic satellites program. A geodetic data sheet is provided for each station, giving the position of the station and describing briefly how it was established. Geodetic positions and geocentric coordinates of these stations are tabulated on local or major geodetic datums, and on selected world geodetic systems when available information permits.

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Modular space station detailed preliminary design. Volume 1: Sections 1 through 4.4

Detailed configuration and subsystems preliminary design data are presented for the modular space station concept. Each module comprising the initial space station is described in terms of its external and internal configuration, its functional responsibilities to the initial cluster, and its orbital build up sequence. Descriptions of the subsequent build up to the growth space station are also presented. Analytical and design techniques, tradeoff considerations, and depth of design detail are discussed for each subsystem. The subsystems include the following: structural/mechanical; crew habitability and protection; experiment support; electrical power; environmental control/life support; guidance, navigation, and control; propulsion; communications; data management; and onboard checkout subsystems. The interfaces between the station and other major elements of the program are summarized. The rational for a zero-gravity station, in lieu of one with artificial-gravity capability, is also summarized.

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A shuttle and space station manipulator system for assembly, docking, maintenance cargo handling and spacecraft retrieval (preliminary design). Volume 1: Management summary

A preliminary design is established for a general purpose manipulator system which can be used interchangeably on the shuttle and station and can be transferred back and forth between them. Control of the manipulator is accomplished by hard wiring from internal control stations in the shuttle or station. A variety of shuttle and station manipulator operations are considered including servicing the Large Space Telescope; however, emphasis is placed on unloading modules from the shuttle and assembling the space station. Simulation studies on foveal stereoscopic viewing and manipulator supervisory computer control have been accomplished to investigate the feasibility of their use in the manipulator system. The basic manipulator system consists of a single 18.3 m long, 7 degree of freedom (DOF), electrically acutated main boom with an auxiliary 3 DOF electrically actuated, extendible 18.3 m maximum length, lighting, and viewing boom. A 3 DOF orientor assembly is located at the tip of the viewing boom to provide camera pan, tilt, and roll.

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Modular space station Phase B extension preliminary performance specification. Volume 2: Project

The four systems of the modular space station project are described, and the interfaces between this project and the shuttle project, the tracking and data relay satellite project, and an arbitrarily defined experiment project are defined. The experiment project was synthesized from internal experiments, detached research and application modules, and attached research and application modules to derive a set of interface requirements which will support multiple combinations of these elements expected during the modular space station mission. The modular space station project element defines a 6-man orbital program capable of growth to a 12-man orbital program capability. The modular space station project element specification defines the modular space station system, the premission operations support system, the mission operations support system, and the cargo module system and their interfaces.

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Earth's gravity field to the eighteenth degree and geocentric coordinates for 104 stations from satellite and terrestrial data

Geodetic parameters describing the earth's gravity field and the positions of satellite-tracking stations in a geocentric reference frame were computed. These parameters were estimated by means of a combination of five different types of data: routine and simultaneous satellite observations, observations of deep-space probes, measurements of terrestrial gravity, and surface-triangulation data. The combination gives better parameters than does any subset of data types. The dynamic solution used precision-reduced Baker-Nunn observations and laser range data of 25 satellites. Data from the 49-station National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration BC-4 network, the 19-station Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory Baker-Nunn network, and independent camera stations were employed in the geometrical solution. Data from the tracking of deep-space probes were converted to relative longitudes and distances to the earth's axis of rotation of the tracking stations. Surface-gravity data in the form of 550-km squares were derived from 19,328 1 deg X 1 deg mean gravity anomalies.

Gaposchkin, E. M.↗

ATS-F ground station integration

The ATS ground stations were described, including a system description, operational frequencies and bandwidth, and a discussion of individual subsystems. Each station configuration is described as well as its floor plan. The station performance, as tested by the GSI, is displayed in chart form providing a summary of the more important parameters tested. This chart provides a listing of test data, by site, for comparison purposes. Also included is a description of the ATS-6 experiments, the equipment, and interfaces required to perform these experiments. The ADP subsystem and its role in the experiments is also described. A description of each program task and a summary of the activities performed were then given. These efforts were accomplished at the Rosman II Ground Station, located near Rosman N.C., the Mojave Ground Station, located near Barstow Ca., and the GSI Contractors plant located near Baltimore, Md.

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Space power demonstration stations

NASA major planning decisions from 1955 to date are summarized and new concepts connected with the advent of the Space Transportation Systems (STS) are set forth. The future Shuttle utilizations are considered, from 'manned booster' function for space transportation to such operations as deployment of modules and stations and assembly of large structures in space. The permanent occupancy of space will be a major goal of the space systems development in the 1980's with the following main phases: (1) achievement of easy access to earth orbit by means of the Shuttle and Spacelab; (2) achievement of permanent occupancy (Space Stations); (3) self-sufficiency of man in space. New techniques of space operation will become possible, using much larger, complicated satellites and simplified ground stations. Orbital assembly of large stations, using a permanent base in orbit, will enable practical utilization of space systems for everyday needs. Particular attention is given to the space solar power concept, involving the location in space of large satellite systems. Results of the studies on Manned Orbital Systems Concept (MOSC) and some future possibilities of Space Stations are analyzed.

Freitag, R. F.↗

Estimate of procession and polar motion errors from planetary encounter station location solutions

Jet Propulsion Laboratory Deep Space Station (DSS) location solutions based on two JPL planetary ephemerides, DE 84 and DE 96, at eight planetary encounters were used to obtain weighted least squares estimates of precession and polar motion errors. The solution for precession error in right ascension yields a value of 0.3 X 10 to the minus 5 power plus or minus 0.8 X 10 to the minus 6 power deg/year. This maps to a right ascension error of 1.3 X 10 to the minus 5 power plus or minus 0.4 X 10 to the minus 5 power deg at the first Voyager 1979 Jupiter encounter if the current JPL DSS location set is used. Solutions for precession and polar motion using station locations based on DE 84 agree well with the solution using station locations referenced to DE 96. The precession solution removes the apparent drift in station longitude and spin axis distance estimates, while the encounter polar motion solutions consistently decrease the scatter in station spin axis distance estimates.

Pease, G. E.↗

Central station market development strategies for photovoltaics

Federal market development strategies designed to accelerate the market penetration of central station applications of photovoltaic energy system are analyzed. Since no specific goals were set for the commercialization of central station applications, strategic principles are explored which, when coupled with specific objectives for central stations, can produce a market development implementation plan. The study includes (1) background information on the National Photovoltaic Program, photovoltaic technology, and central stations; (2) a brief market assessment; (3) a discussion of the viewpoints of the electric utility industry with respect to solar energy; (4) a discussion of commercialization issues; and (5) strategy principles. It is recommended that a set of specific goals and objectives be defined for the photovoltaic central station program, and that these goals and objectives evolve into an implementation plan that identifies the appropriate federal role.

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Current NASA space station planning

Design considerations, trials, and actions both taken and necessary in the future which lead to the establishment of a space station by NASA are reviewed. Human performance on board Skylab demonstrated the feasibility and benefits of continuous operation of a space station. The manned orbital systems concept (MOSC) program, keeping in close contact with potential users, resulted in station requirements which included support for 720 day missions, up to four specialists per payload, 8-10 kW power, a 230 x 200 n mi altitude orbit, orbit change capability of 28.5 deg, all attitude orientation, and stability to within 1,100,000 g. Although the concept will not be funded, it provides a guide for incremental growth of a manned station from previously unmanned science platforms. Initiation of hardware development is projected for 1984-85. The agencies, both domestic and international, and missions for which the station will be built, are discussed.

Culbertson, P. E.↗

Requirements for a space station

Near-term requirements which will guide the design of a manned space station in near-earth orbit are considered. A primary focus will be establishing a base for astronomical observations which demand long term integration times. Earth observation systems such as the thematic mappers and SAR can be utilized by a free flyer in sunsynchronous orbit. Biological experiments can be carried out only with pressurized modules, ultimately large enough for humans habitation. At first, expendables would be ferried up from earth, while over time the space station would become a closed-loop system. An orbital transfer vehicle is necessary for the repair of satellites stationed in higher energy orbits. The operations of the station would include checking out communications satellites before boost into GEO. Finally, the station would be the final staging point for interplanetary and/or asteroid intercept missions.

Herman, D. H.↗

Targeting space station technologies

NASA's Space Station Technology Steering Committee has undertaken the definition of the level of technology that is desirable for use in the initial design and operation of an evolutionary, long service life space station, as well as the longer term technology required for the improvement of capabilities. The technology should initially become available in 1986, in order to support a space station launch as early as 1990. Toward this end, the committee seeks to assess technology forecasts based on existing research and testing capacity, and then plan and monitor a program which will move current technology to the requisite level of sophistication and reliability. The Space Shuttle is assumed to be the vehicle for space station delivery, assembly, and support on a 90-day initial cycle. Space station tasks will be military, commercial, and scientific, including on-orbit satellite servicing.

Olstad, W. B.↗

Space-station crew-safety requirements

Baseline rescue and survival concepts for future space station crews are described. Preliminary studies are being carried out to identify potential threats to crew safety and means to counteract the dangers. Significant factors being considered include the type of threat, the warning time, the number of crewmembers, strategies for protection of the crew (including life-support measures redundancy), and the dependence of space station crews on ground personnel. Attention is being given to the impact of safety devices on the space station geometry and cost, as well as the equipment necessary to maintain the crew in a psychological status positive enough to cope with emergencies. Typical threats would be fire, crewmember illness or injury, and abandonment of the station. A Shuttle launch could take up to 12 days, while equipping the space station with an emergency return capsule would permit return on the same day as the capsule was occupied.

Witcofski, R. D.↗

Space station architectural issues - The view from science

The evolution from current missions in space from Shuttle-directed to space station-directed is projected, with consideration given to space station missions that will affect the station architecture. The Shuttle science mission is basically to support astronomy and astrophysics work into the 1990s, particularly in launching and refurbishing satellites such as the SMM, the Space Telescope, and the Gamma Ray Observatory. Various new observational facilities are being planned and may be carried by the Shuttle for assembly in orbit. The assembly crews could live on a space station if sufficient capabilities and size were built into the station. The construction of large instruments in orbit, instruments that cannot be launched by any current booster, could permit enough data to be gathered to successfully characterize the evolution of the Universe.

Mcdonald, F. B.↗

Space station architectural concepts and functional capability

Space program goals that NASA can best achieve by the construction of a space station in keeping with the 1958 directive to maintain U.S. pre-eminence in space technology are discussed. Science goals that can be satisfied by a suitable equipped space station include a deeper understanding of the earth/sun system and the earth as a planet, the acquisition of new data on the evolution of the solar system, of life, and of the universe, and the extended study of the laws governing the state of matter and energy. Application goals that can be pursued with a space station include assaying all renewable and nonrenewable earth resources, predicting environment, weather, and climatic changes, studying ocean dynamics, using space to develop new processes and materials, and using space for information transmission on a global basis. The space station can serve as a waypoint for voyages by manned or unmanned spacecraft, as a laboratory, observation platform, and technology proving station, and as a base for deployment and repair of other spacecraft.

Herman, D. H.↗

Energy consumption analysis of the Venus Deep Space Station (DSS-13)

This report continues the energy consumption analysis and verification study of the tracking stations of the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, and presents an audit of the Venus Deep Space Station (DSS 13). Due to the non-continuous radioastronomy research and development operations at the station, estimations of energy usage were employed in the energy consumption simulation of both the 9-meter and 26-meter antenna buildings. A 17.9% decrease in station energy consumption was experienced over the 1979-1981 years under study. A comparison of the ECP computer simulations and the station's main watt-hour meter readings showed good agreement.

Hayes, N. V.↗

A study of space station needs, attributes and architectural options. Midterm briefing, executive summary

The approach used to develop a broad interest in the space station within the commercial and DoD communities is outlined. Areas of maximum benefit from a space station were identified and the associated economic benefits were quantified. Results show that the space station can provide major performance benefits for 82 man-operated missions, 18 man-tended free flyer missions, and 46 OTV missions. The man-operated OVT-based benefits are $800 M per year. The cost of shuttle flights of all STS users can be reduced by $7 M per flight. The economic benefits quantified to date exceed 1.3 B per year. Combined NASA/DoD utilization of an initial space station provided economic and technical benefits. Preliminary studies of operational missions indicate a possible need for separate stations.

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Space station: Cost and benefits

Costs for developing, producing, operating, and supporting the initial space station, a 4 to 8 man space station, and a 4 to 24 man space station are estimated and compared. These costs include contractor hardware; space station assembly and logistics flight costs; and payload support elements. Transportation system options examined include orbiter modules; standard and extended duration STS fights; reusable spacebased perigee kick motor OTV; and upper stages. Space station service charges assessed include crew hours; energy requirements; payload support module storage; pressurized port usage; and OTV service facility. Graphs show costs for science missions, space processing research, small communication satellites; large GEO transportation; OVT launch costs; DOD payload costs, and user costs.

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