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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 253 records · Page 14

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NASA NTRS1992

The past as prologue - A look at historical flight qualifications for space nuclear systems

Currently the U.S. is sponsoring production of radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for the Cassini mission to Saturn; the SP-100 space nuclear reactor power system for NASA applications; a thermionic space reactor program for DoD applications as well as early work on nuclear propulsion. In an era of heightened public concern about having successful space ventures it is important that a full understanding be developed of what it means to 'flight qualify' a space nuclear system. As a contribution to the ongoing work this paper reviews several qualification programs, including the general-purpose heat source radioisotope thermoelectric generators (GPHS-RTGs) as developed for the Galileo and Ulysses missions, the SNAP-10A space reactor, the Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Applications (NERVA), the F-1 chemical engine used on the Saturn-V, and the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). Similarities and contrasts are noted.

Gary L Bennett↗

NASA NTRS1992

Stellar occultation experiment with the CASSINI VIMS instrument

The VIMS instrument (Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer) will be flown in the late 1990s on the CASSINI mission to Saturn and its moons. VIMS is designed to generate two-dimensional multispectral images of planetary surfaces and their features in the visible and infrared spectra. Compared to earth-based instruments, the stellar occultation experiment will provide unprecedented thickness resolution and chemical composition of planetary atmospheres. It will also gather high SNR optical depth profiles and particle size distribution of the Saturnian rings. The stellar occultation mode ideally requires continuous data acquisition for periods of up to several hours as the instrument stares at a star. This presents a sizeable challenge to the instrument's operational mode: processes that normally occur during mirror retrace must be shifted to data acquisition cycles, thereby creating timing difficulties in the sequencing of these cycles. The presentation focuses on the analysis of the stellar occultation mode and presents solutions to the challenge of an uninterrupted data stream. Several options will be presented that minimize any possible degradation of the experiment's science content.

Walch, Marc↗

NASA NTRS1993

Feasibility of determining haze properties during high-speed Titan entry

An international cooperative project between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the European Space Agency (ESA) is planning to send a probe into the atmosphere of Titan (a moon of Saturn) as part of the Cassini Mission to Saturn. This paper analyzes the feasibility of measuring the intensity of atomic carbon and hydrogen line emission in the shock layer during the high velocity portion of the entry to determine the number density and composition of the organic haze particles in the Titan atmosphere. Analysis indicates that the line radiation signal-to-noise ratios are high enough so that determination of the haze particle number density and composition appears to be feasible. The analysis may be applicable to other future planetary missions.

Nelson, H. F.↗

NASA NTRS1994

A Spectral Atlas of the Nu(sub 12) Fundamental of (13)C(12)CH6 in the 12 Micron Region

The recent discovery of the minor isotopomer of ethane, (13)C(12)CH6, in the planetary atmospheres of Jupiter and Neptune, added ethane to the molecules which can be used to determine isotopic (12)C(12)C ratios for the jovian planets. The increased spectral resolution and coverage of the IR and far-IR instruments to be carried on the Cassini mission to Saturn and Titan may enable the detection of the minor isotopomer. Accurate frequency and cross-section measurements of the nu(sub 12) fundamental under controlled laboratory condition are important to interpret current and future planetary spectra. High resolution spectra of the minor isotopomer (13)C(12)CH6 have been recorded in the 12.2 micron region using the Kitt Peak Fourier Transform (FTS) and the Goddard Tunable Diode Laser spectrometer (TDL). In a global fit to 19 molecular constants in a symmetric top Hamiltonian, transition frequencies of the nu(sub 12) fundamental ranging up to J=35 and K=20 have been determined with a standard deviation of less than 0.0005 cm(exp -1). From selected line intensity measurements, a vibrational dipole moment for the nu(sub 12) fundamental has been derived. Observed and calculated spectra covering the region from 740 cm(exp -1) and to 910 cm(exp -1) are presented. A compilation of transition frequencies, line intensities, and lower state energies are included for general use in the astronomical community.

Weber, Mark↗

NASA NTRS1994

Matrix evaluation of science objectives

The most fundamental objective of all robotic planetary spacecraft is to return science data. To accomplish this, a spacecraft is fabricated and built, software is planned and coded, and a ground system is designed and implemented. However, the quantitative analysis required to determine how the collection of science data drives ground system capabilities has received very little attention. This paper defines a process by which science objectives can be quantitatively evaluated. By applying it to the Cassini Mission to Saturn, this paper further illustrates the power of this technique. The results show which science objectives drive specific ground system capabilities. In addition, this process can assist system engineers and scientists in the selection of the science payload during pre-project mission planning; ground system designers during ground system development and implementation; and operations personnel during mission operations.

Wessen, Randii R.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Chemical models of the deep atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn

New and updated chemical kinetic data, elemental abundances, and thermodynamic data are used for thermochemical equilibrium and, where relevant, thermochemical kinetic calculations of gas abundances and condensate stability in the hot, deep atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn. Over 2000 compounds of all naturally occurring elements in the periodic table are considered. The calculations range from 298 to 2000 K and are done for adiabatic models of the two planetary atmospheres. The results predict the abundances of many gases which are potentially observable by the Galileo probe to Jupiter, by the Cassini mission to Saturn, and by Earth-based and Earth-orbital telescopes. In addition, the results also predict many new species which are potentially observable by a new generation of entry probes capable of penetrating deeper into the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn.

Fegley, Bruce, Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Accuracy of wet troposphere radio path delay estimated from infrared emission

Several radio science applications require determination of the excess radio-propagation path delay caused by the Earth's atmosphere. These include very long baseline interferometry, spacecraft tracking, and potentially, detection of gravitational waves utilizing a link to a distant interplanetary spacecraft. At Ka band, the major source of variability of path delay is the fluctuations in the moisture content of the troposphere. The path delay characterization requirements for a planned gravitational wave experiment are novel and challenging. the error contribution to the phase observations due to path delay variation must be reduced by nearly two orders of magnitude over that occurring naturally on time scales of 100 to 10,000 seconds. Current approaches relying on microwave water vapor radiometry with ancillary data can deliver one order of magnitude calibration of these fluctuations, and more advanced systems are under development within the 2001-2002 time frame of the Cassini Mission to Saturn. The current work evaluates the potential for an alternative observational approach, using a ground-based Fourier transform spectrometer.

Parker, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1996

A prototype Ka-/Ka-band dichroic plate with stepped rectangular apertures

A prototype five-layer Ka-/Ka-band dichroic plate was fabricated and measured. This dichroic plate was designed to pass Ka-band uplink (34.2-34.7 GHz) and to reflect Ka-band downlink (31.8-32.3 GHz) for dual-frequency operation in the Deep Space Network to support the future Cassini mission. The theoretical calculation and the experimental measurement of the reflected resonant frequencies were within 0.24 percent for circular polarization. The computer program, which was used to design the dichroic plate with stepped apertures, was then verified.

Chen, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Cassini/Titan-4 Acoustic Blanket Development and Testing

NASA Lewis Research Center recently led a multi-organizational effort to develop and test verify new acoustic blankets. These blankets support NASA's goal in reducing the Titan-4 payload fairing internal acoustic environment to allowable levels for the Cassini spacecraft. To accomplish this goal a two phase acoustic test program was utilized. Phase One consisted of testing numerous blanket designs in a flat panel configuration. Phase Two consisted of testing the most promising designs out of Phase One in a full scale cylindrical payload fairing. This paper will summarize this highly successful test program by providing the rationale and results for each test phase, the impacts of this testing on the Cassini mission, as well as providing some general information on blanket designs.

Hughes, William O.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Force limited vibration testing of Cassini spacecraft cosmic dust analyser

The testing of the cosmic dust analyzer for the Cassini mission using the force limited method in order to avoid overtesting and to verify the ability of the specimen design to withstand the loads during launch and cruise, is reported on. In order to implement the method, force gages, fixtures and a test controller are required and the test specimen is subjected to sine vibration, random vibration and half sine shock. The practical aspects of the use of the force limited method are described. Due to the high loads and the weak design of the structural element, a notching method is used which provides the possibility of limiting the excitation to flight expected levels.

Jahn, Heiko↗

NASA NTRS1993

An Effective Secondary Electron Emission Suppression Treatment For Copper MDC

Untreated oxygen-free, high-conductivity (OFHC) copper, commonly used for MDC electrodes, exhibits relatively high secondary electron emission characteristics. This paper describes a specialized ion-bombardment procedure for texturing copper surfaces which sharply reduces the emission properties relative to untreated copper. The resulting surface is a particle-free, robust, uniformly highly-textured all-metal structure. The use of this process requires no modifications to copper machining, brazing, or other MDC normal fabrication procedures. The flight TWT for a planned NASA deep space probe, the Cassini Mission, will incorporate copper MDC electrodes treated with the method described here.

Curren, Arthur N.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Updating Gimbal Actuators for the Long Journey to Saturn

The Cassini mission requires extraordinary life and reliability from the linear servo-actuators which position the spacecraft's redundant rocket engines. Both commercial actuators and existing in-house actuator designs were studied for this application. Ultimately a device inherited from JPL's Mariner and Viking missions to Mars was selected because of its close match to functional requirements and its flight pedigree. However, several design improvements were necessary to meet life and reliability goals. Special attention was focused on reliability testing of the motor and mechanism at all stages of procurement and assembly because a brush type of DC motor was retained from the old design. These improvements and, in particular, efforts to develop new component sources are discussed in this paper.

Iskenderian, Theodore↗

NASA NTRS1996

A Prototype Ka-/Ka-Band Dichroic Plate With Stepped Rectangular Apertures

Chen, J. C.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Reference Interferometer Using a Semiconductor Laser/LED Reference Source in a Cryogenic Fourier-Transform Spectrometer

A combination of a single mode AlGaAs laser diode and broadband LED was used in a Michelson interferometer to provide reference signals in a Fourier transform spectrometer, the Composite Infrared Spectrometer, on the Cassini mission to Saturn. The narrowband light from the laser produced continuous fringes throughout the travel of the interferometer, which were used to control the velocity of the scan mechanism and to trigger data sampling. The broadband light from the LED produced a burst of fringes at zero path difference, which was used as a fixed position reference. The system, including the sources, the interferometer, and the detectors, was designed to work both at room temperature and instrument operating temperature of 170 Kelvin. One major challenge that was overcome was preservation, from room temperature to 170 K, of alignment sufficient for high modulation of fringes from the broadband source. Another was the shift of the source spectra about 30 nm toward shorter wavelengths upon cooldown.

Martino, Anthony J.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Maintaining Flatness of a Large Aperture Potassium Bromide Beamsplitter Through Mounting and Vibration

The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) instrument on the Cassini Mission launched in October of 1997. The CIRS instrument contains a mid-infrared (MIR) and a far-infrared interferometer (FIR) and operates at 170 Kelvin. The MIR is a Michelson Fourier transform spectrometer utilizing a 76 mm (3 inch) diameter potassium bromide beamsplitter and compensator pair. The potassium bromide elements were tested to verify effects of cooldown and vibration prior to integration into the instrument. The instrument was then aligned at ambient temperatures, tested cryogenically and re-verified after vibration. 'Me stringent design optical figure requirements for the beamsplitter and compensator included fabrication errors, mounting stresses and vibration load effects. This paper describes the challenges encountered in mounting the elements to minimize distortion and to survive vibration.

Losch, Patricia↗

NASA NTRS1998

Effects of Shear, Defocus, and Wavefront Error on the Theoretical Performance of the Composite Infrared Spectrometer for Cassini

The combined effects on performance of shear between the two arms, defocus of die detector, and difference in wavefront between the two arms of a Fourier transform spectrometer using cube corner retroreflectors were investigated. Performance was characterized by the amplitude of the fringe signals coming from a detector as the path-length difference was scanned. A closed-form expression was found for the combined effects of shear and defocus, and it was found that defocus had no effect in the absence of shear. The effect of wavefront error was modeled numerically and assumed to be independent of shear and defocus. Results were compared with measurements made on the breadboard and engineering model of the Composite Infrared Spectrometer for the Cassini mission to Saturn, and good agreement was found.

Martino, Antonio J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Launch Collision Probability

This report analyzes the probability of a launch vehicle colliding with one of the nearly 10,000 tracked objects orbiting the Earth, given that an object on a near-collision course with the launch vehicle has been identified. Knowledge of the probability of collision throughout the launch window can be used to avoid launching at times when the probability of collision is unacceptably high. The analysis in this report assumes that the positions of the orbiting objects and the launch vehicle can be predicted as a function of time and therefore that any tracked object which comes close to the launch vehicle can be identified. The analysis further assumes that the position uncertainty of the launch vehicle and the approaching space object can be described with position covariance matrices. With these and some additional simplifying assumptions, a closed-form solution is developed using two approaches. The solution shows that the probability of collision is a function of position uncertainties, the size of the two potentially colliding objects, and the nominal separation distance at the point of closest approach. ne impact of the simplifying assumptions on the accuracy of the final result is assessed and the application of the results to the Cassini mission, launched in October 1997, is described. Other factors that affect the probability of collision are also discussed. Finally, the report offers alternative approaches that can be used to evaluate the probability of collision.

Bollenbacher, Gary↗

NASA NTRS1998

Maintaining Flatness of a Large Aperture Potassium Bromide Beamsplitter through Mounting and Vibration

The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) instrument on the Cassini Mission launched in October of 1997. The CIRS instrument contains a mid-infrared and a far-infrared interferometer and operates at 170 Kelvin. The mid-infrared interferometer is a Michelson- type Fourier transform spectrometer utilizing a 3 inch diameter potassium bromide beamsplitter/compensator pair. The potassium bromide elements were tested to verify effects of cooldown and vibration prior to integration into the instrument. The instrument was then aligned at ambient temperatures, tested cryogenically and re-verified after vibration. The stringent design optical figure requirements for the beamsplitter and compensator included fabrication errors, mounting stresses and vibration load effects. This paper describes the challenges encountered in mounting the elements to minimize distortion and to survive vibration.

Losch, Patricia↗