Unmanned lunar logistics vehicle may support the astronauts
Unmanned lunar logistics vehicle for extended manned lunar exploration support, discussing general design, propulsion and control systems
Hendel, F. J.↗
SEARCH · Search NASA
Results for “unmanned”
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.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
A 5 kW/e/ radioisotope thermionic power supply for unmanned electric propulsion
Radioisotope thermionic power supply for unmanned electric propulsion missions to outer planets, using 69 modules consisting of thermionic converter and emitter heat pipe
Gietzen, A. J.↗
Planetary quarantine analysis for an unmanned Mars orbiter
Planetary quarantine analysis for unmanned Mars orbiter, considering accidental spacecraft impact, loose particles and gases used for attitude control and pressurization
Hall, L. B.↗
Communications implications of future unmanned planetary missions
Earth-spacecraft radio communication requirements for future unmanned planetary missions, emphasizing imaging experiments and sensors
Sinclair, K. F.↗
Objectives and requirements of unmanned rover exploration of the moon
Unmanned lunar rover exploration objectives and requirements, considering heterogeneous surface
Conel, J. E.↗
Guidance and navigation requirements for unmanned flyby and swingby missions to the outer planets. Volume 1: Summary report
Unmanned spacecraft missions to the outer planets are of current interest to planetary scientists, and are being studied for the post 1970 time period. Flyby, entry and orbiter missions are all being considered using both direct and planetary swingby trajectory modes. The navigation and guidance requirements for a variety of missions to the outer planets and comets including both the three and four planet Grand Tours, are summarized.
Source record↗
Guidance and Navigation Requirements for Unmanned Flyby and Swingby Missions to the Outer Planets: Low Thrust Missions, Phase B - Volume 3
The guidance and navigation requirements for unmanned missions to the outer planets, assuming constant, low thrust, ion propulsion are discussed. The navigational capability of the ground based Deep Space Network is compared to the improvements in navigational capability brought about by the addition of guidance and navigation related onboard sensors. Relevant onboard sensors include: (1) the optical onboard navigation sensor, (2) the attitude reference sensors, and (3) highly sensitive accelerometers. The totally ground based, and the combination ground based and onboard sensor systems are compared by means of the estimated errors in target planet ephemeris, and the spacecraft position with respect to the planet.
Source record↗
Support requirements for remote sensor systems on unmanned planetary missions, phase 3
The results of a study to determine the support requirements for remote sensor systems on unmanned planetary flyby and orbiter missions are presented. Sensors and experiment groupings for selected missions are also established. Computer programs were developed to relate measurement requirements to support requirements. Support requirements were determined for sensors capable of performing required measurements at various points along the trajectories of specific selected missions.
Source record↗
System safety in manned versus unmanned programs
The differences in applying system safety techniques to manned and unmanned spacecraft are outlined. The Skylab Earth Orbiting Laboratory and the Viking Mars Lander were compared. Common aspects, differences, and mission objectives are used as major criteria in developing a safety procedure.
George B. Mumma↗
Microbial burden prediction model for unmanned planetary spacecraft
The technical development of a computer program for predicting microbial burden on unmanned planetary spacecraft is outlined. The discussion includes the derivation of the basic analytical equations, the selection of a method for handling several random variables, the macrologic of the computer programs and the validation and verification of the model. The prediction model was developed to (1) supplement the biological assays of a spacecraft by simulating the microbial accretion during periods when assays are not taken; (2) minimize the necessity for a large number of microbiological assays; and (3) predict the microbial loading on a lander immediately prior to sterilization and other non-lander equipment prior to launch. It is shown that these purposes not only were achieved but also that the prediction results compare favorably to the estimates derived from the direct assays. The computer program can be applied not only as a prediction instrument but also as a management and control tool. The basic logic of the model is shown to have possible applicability to other sequential flow processes, such as food processing.
Hoffman, A. R.↗
Unmanned spacecraft for research
The applications of unmanned spacecraft for research purposes are discussed. Specific applications of the Communication and Navigation satellites and the Earth Observations satellites are described. Diagrams of communications on world-wide basis using synchronous satellites are developed. Photographs of earth resources and geology obtained from space vehicles are included.
Graves, C. D.↗
Single thrust period missions to Uranus for unmanned nuclear-electric propulsion systems
The effects of trip time, propulsion time, and specific powerplant mass are studied for optimized unmanned probe spacecraft on missions to Uranus with nuclear-electric propulsion systems. Electric propulsion is confined to a single thrust period at the beginning of each mission. Mission profiles include both high-thrust and electric-propulsion Earth-departure modes for planet flyby and orbital capture. Effects of propulsion time and propulsion system parameters are evaluated, and typical design features of the nuclear-electric spacecraft are outlined. Payload capability comparisons are made with systems employing ballistic transfer and solar-electric propulsion.
Zola, C. L.↗
Collection and measurement of atmospheric contaminants during Skylab AM/MDA unmanned altitude chamber test
The analytical data obtained from both cryogenic and grab sampling of the atmosphere of the Skylab AM/MDA during an 84 hour unmanned chamber run are reported. The level of contaminants found at different points of the test chamber are tabulated. The results indicate that there was no clear trend of increasing or decreasing contaminant levels during the test run.
Source record↗
An analysis of atmospheric entry trajectories for manned and unmanned missions to the planet Venus
A unified atmospheric density model is presented for the planet Venus, and this model is compatible with Russian and American data obtained during the 1967 Venus launch opportunity. Trajectory characteristics involved in atmospheric entry are discussed with reference to roll-control modulation and entry corridor. Subsequent to a trajectory-oriented discussion of potential Venus mission characteristics, a parametric analysis of manned and unmanned vehicle entry trajectories into the Venusian atmosphere is presented. A sensitivity analysis with reference to atmospheric density deviations is included to show the dependence of corridor depth on the atmospheric density profile.
Craig, M. K.↗
A study of unmanned mission opportunities to comets and asteroids
Several unmanned multiple-target mission opportunities to comets and asteroids were studied. The targets investigated include Grigg-Skjellerup, Giacobini-Zinner, Tuttle-Giacobini-Kresak, Borrelly, Halley, Schaumasse, Geographos, Eros, Icarus, and Toro, and the trajectories consist of purely ballistic flight, except that powered swingbys and deep space burns are employed when necessary. Optimum solar electric rendezvous trajectories to the comets Giacobini-Zinner/85, Borrelly/87, and Temple (2)/83 and /88 employing the 8.67 kw Sert III spacecraft modified for interplanetary flight were also investigated. The problem of optimizing electric propulsion heliocentric trajectories, including the effects of geocentric launch asymptote declination on launch vehicle performance capability, was formulated, and a solution developed using variational calculus techniques. Improvements were made to the HILTOP trajectory optimization computer program. An error analysis of high-thrust maneuvers involving spin-stabilized spacecraft was developed and applied to a synchronous meteorological satellite mission.
Mann, F. I.↗
Unmanned docking
An algorithm is developed which effects unmanned docking of two space vehicles. The docking is controlled by an onboard computer and sensor. Control laws are expressed in two phase-plane trajectories such that modest computer load results. Simulation reveals time-fuel trades and effects of orbit, noise, etc.
Pace, M.↗
Unmanned powered balloons
In the late 1960's several governmental agencies sponsored efforts to develop unmanned, powered balloon systems for scientific experimentation and military operations. Some of the programs resulted in hardware and limited flight tests; others, to date, have not progressed beyond the paper study stage. Balloon system designs, materials, propulsion units and capabilities are briefly described, and critical problem areas are pointed out which require further study in order to achieve operational powered balloon systems capable of long duration flight at high altitudes.
Korn, A. O.↗
Analytical study of electrical disconnect system for use on manned and unmanned missions
The objective of this contract is to establish an optimum electrical disconnect system design(s) for use on manned and unmanned missions. The purpose of the disconnect system is to electrically mate and demate the spacecraft to subsystem module interfaces to accomplish orbital operations. The results of Task 1 and Task 2 of the effort are presented. Task 1 involves the definition of the functional, operational, and environmental requirements for the connector system to support the leading prototype candidate concepts. Task 2 involves the documentation review and survey of available existing connector designs.
Rosener, A. A.↗