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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

Thermal Control of the Scientific Instrument Package in the Large Space Telescope

The general thermal control system philosophy was to utilize passive control where feasible and to utilize active methods only where required for more accurate thermal control of the SIP components with narrow temperature tolerances. A thermal model of the SIP and a concept for cooling the SIP cameras are presented. The model and cooling concept have established a rationale for determining a Phase A baseline for SIP thermal control.

Hawks, K. H.↗

Literature survey for suppression of scattered light in large space telescopes

A literature survey is presented of articles dealing with all aspects of predicting, measuring, and controlling unwanted scattered (stray) light. The survey is divided into four broad classifications: (1) existing baffle/telescope designs; (2) computer programs for the analysis/design of light suppression systems; (3) the mechanism, measurement, and control of light scattering; and (4) the advantages and problems introduced by the space environment for the operation of diffraction-limited optical systems.

Tifft, W. G.↗

Large space telescope engineering scale model optical design

The objective is to develop the detailed design and tolerance data for the LST engineering scale model optical system. This will enable MSFC to move forward to the optical element procurement phase and also to evaluate tolerances, manufacturing requirements, assembly/checkout procedures, reliability, operational complexity, stability requirements of the structure and thermal system, and the flexibility to change and grow.

Facey, T. A.↗

The Large Space Telescope program.

The 1980's should see the establishment of the first major observatory in space. This observatory will contain a long-lifetime reflecting telescope of about 120 inches clear aperture. Advantages of an orbiting telescope include the elimination of astronomical seeing effects and improvements in resolving power. The small images and darker sky will permit low-dispersion spectrographs to avoid more of the contaminating background. The crispness of the images also has potential for very efficient high-dispersion spectroscopy. A further advantage lies in the accessibility of all the sky and nearly around-the-clock observing.

O'Dell, C. R.↗

Offset guiding through large space telescopes.

Discussion of the merits of various space telescope system designs, both of the Ritchey-Chretien and Gregorian kinds. In particular design data for an f/2.2 to f/12.0 Ritchey-Chretien system with a five-element telecentric field corrector and for another f/3.3 to f/15.0 similar system with a two-cylindrical-element telecentric field corrector are reviewed, along with data for an f/2.5 to f/15.0 Ritchey-Chretien system with a fold mirror corrector and for an f/2.2 to f/12.0 coma-corrected Gregorian system with a five-element telecentric field corrector. The transverse aberrations, optical path differences, and other characteristics of these system design varieties are examined.-

Schulte, D. H.↗

Photocathodes for use in the large space telescope program

Photocathode materials are discussed in terms of those that are presently available and those that are becoming available. Charts are given which illustrate the response curves of the representative photocathodes. It can be seen from the curves that a relatively new class of photocathodes has been developed with responses equal to or much better than commercially available photocathodes over a very wide spectral range. In particular, the solid gallium arsenide photocathode has an increased efficiency over the standard S-1 in the infrared region of almost two orders of magnitude. A table is presented which describes the principle photocathodes and lists some of the important characteristics of each.

Spicer, W. E.↗

Large space telescope television sensor development

Studies conducted towards the development of space astronomy television sensors are reported. The SEC vidicon tubes being utilized in the development effort are described. The operational characteristics of these tubes are given in tables and charts together with discussions of their significance.

Lowrance, J. L.↗

Research study on stabilization and control: Modern sampled-data control theory. Design of the large space telescope system

Conditions of self-sustained oscillations in a two-axis model of the nonlinear LST system are studied. The describing function of the CMG frictional nonlinearity of the LST system is used for the analysis, as well as continuous-data and discrete-data models of the simplified LST control system. A numerical-iterative method is described for the analysis of the two-axis system. Approximation methods and the direct plotting of the stability equation are implemented in the study. It is shown that although the dynamics of the two axes are identical, the amplitudes of self-sustained oscillations in the two axes may in principle be different. Analysis shows that the LST systems are of equal amplitudes but with 180-degree phase shift.

Kuo, B. C.↗

Research study on stabilization and control. Modern sampled-data control theory. Analysis and design of the digital large space telescope system

Dynamic modeling of a low cost single axis LST system and the pointing stability of that system are investigated. The effects of nonlinear friction of the bearings of the reaction wheels, quantization, and sensor noise on the pointing error are covered. In addition, data are given on self sustained oscillations of the system induced by quantization and methods of evaluating attitude error of the digital LST.

Kuo, B. C.↗

Research study on stabilization and control. Modern sampled-date control theory. Stability analysis of the low cost large space telescope system

A mathematical model employing Fourier series is used to show quantization and reaction wheel friction nonlinearity in a telescope system for use in space. Block diagrams are used to illustrate the system. A discrete describing function of a quantizer also is given, and input and output signal waveforms, with illustrative examples, are shown.

Kuo, B. C.↗

Large space telescope control moment gyro test program

The underlying theory and design of test instrumentation and computer techniques used to determine the power spectral density (PSD) of the third generation gyro are described in detail. Acceptance test results on the completed instrument are presented as well as composite PSD plots. The measured RMS noise over the frequency band 0.0025 - 10 Hz was 0.012 arc seconds. Results obtained at Martin Company indicate an RMS noise of 0.009 arc seconds (0.05 - 10 Hz). The results obtained showed the TGG performance was close to the proposed LST requirements but that additional development work would be needed to reduce the TGG noise to within more desirable limits.

Salamin, E.↗

Design of a graphite/epoxy metering truss for the Large Space Telescope

This paper presents the design development of a truss-type structure which utilizes graphite/epoxy as the primary material system. A review is given of an on-going NASA sponsored program to develop a structural assembly which is required to have a very high degree of dimensional stability. Methods of material characterization and selection are given along with property data such as strength, stiffness, outgassing and thermal expansion. Finite element (NASTRAN) analysis will be discussed and deflection plots of the lowest mode frequencies will be presented. Proposed full scale tests: static, dynamic, and thermal/vacuum will be described.

Oken, S.↗

Preliminary design report, Large Space Telescope OTA/SI Phase B study: High speed area photometer

A photometer is examined which combines several features from separate instruments into a single package. The design presented has both point and area photometry capability with provision for inserting filters to provide spectral discrimination. The electronics provide for photon counting mode for the point detectors and both photon counting and analog modes for the area detector. The area detector also serves as a target locating device for the point detectors. Topics discussed include: (1) electronic equipment requirements, (2) optical properties, (3) structural housing for the instrument, (4) motors and other mechanical components, (5) ground support equipment, and (6) environment control for the instrument. Engineering drawings and block diagrams are shown.

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An Evaluation of Reaction Wheel Emitted Vibrations for Large Space Telescope

Emitted force and torque vibration were measured in three axes for three Sperry reaction wheels. Data were taken for both hard and soft mounts; tests were conducted at constant speeds and during runup-rundown over a 0 to 5000 rpm range. A FSC, 7 ft-lb-sec and HEAO, 30 ft-lb-sec ball bearing reaction wheel and a model magnetic bearing were tested. Data analysis was conducted to identify the principal resonances in the 10 to 120 Hz region. Although some particular phenomena remain unexplained, in general good agreement is attained between the analytical predictions and test data. Predictions were also made of the expected emitted vibrations for an LST sized ball bearing and magnetic bearing reaction wheel using engineering judgment and the test data obtained. Additional tests were also run on the 101H duplex bearing pairs used in the reaction wheel suspension to determine bearing stiffness characteristics in the pre-breakaway zero speed region.

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Large Space Telescope external interfaces

Key interfaces are described for all LST mission phases: ground test and integration, prelaunch and launch operations, ascent, deployment, operations, on-orbit maintenance, retrieval, deorbit and landing, and refurbishment. These interfaces can be categorized as test and integration, launch operations, Shuttle, data, and mission operations. The interface with the Shuttle and the Shuttle crew is emphasized here because the Shuttle allows a new capability: on-orbit maintenance and ground return. The LST will communicate with the ground elements of the LST system through a space link by means of the Tracking Data Relay Satellite System or directly to the stations of the Space Tracking and Data Network.

Collart, R. E.↗