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At least 307 records · Page 17

Analysis of Noise Exposure Measurements Made Onboard the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique workplace environment for U.S. astronauts and Russian cosmonauts to conduct research and live for a period of six months or more. Noise has been an enduring environmental physical hazard that has been a challenge for the U.S. space program since before the Apollo era. Noise exposure in ISS poses significant risks to the crewmembers, such as; hearing loss (temporary or permanent), possible disruptions of crew sleep, interference with speech intelligibility and communication, possible interference with crew task performance, and possible reduction in alarm audibility. Acoustic measurements are made aboard ISS and compared to requirements in order to assess the acoustic environment to which the crewmembers are exposed. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the noise exposure monitoring program as well as an assessment of the acoustic dosimeter data collected to date. The hardware currently being used for monitoring the noise exposure onboard ISS will be discussed. Acoustic data onboard ISS has been collected since the beginning of ISS (Increment 1, November 2000). Noise exposure data analysis will include acoustic dosimetry logged data from crew-worn during work and sleep periods and also fixed-location measurements from Increment 1 to present day. Noise exposure levels (8-, 16- and 24-hr), LEQ, will also be provided and discussed in this paper. Discussions related to hearing protection will also be included. Future directions and recommendations for the noise exposure monitoring program will be highlighted. This acoustic data is used to ensure a safe and healthy working and living environment for the crewmembers aboard the ISS.

Limardo, Jose G.↗

Analysis of Noise Exposure Measurements Acquired Onboard the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique workplace environment for U.S. astronauts and Russian cosmonauts to conduct research and live for a period of six months or more. Noise has been an enduring environmental physical hazard that has been a challenge for the U.S. space program since before the Apollo era. Noise exposure in ISS poses significant risks to the crewmembers, such as; hearing loss (temporary or permanent), possible disruptions of crew sleep, interference with speech intelligibility and communication, possible interference with crew task performance, and possible reduction in alarm audibility. Acoustic measurements were made onboard ISS and compared to requirements in order to assess the acoustic environment to which the crewmembers are exposed. The purpose of this paper is to describe in detail the noise exposure monitoring program as well as an assessment of the acoustic dosimeter data collected to date. The hardware currently being used for monitoring the noise exposure onboard ISS will be discussed. Acoustic data onboard ISS has been collected since the beginning of ISS (Increment 1, November 2001). Noise exposure data analysis will include acoustic dosimetry logged data from crew-worn dosimeters during work and sleep periods and also fixed-location measurements from Increment 1 to present day. Noise exposure levels (8-, 16- and 24-hr), LEQ, will also be provided and discussed in this paper. Future directions and recommendations for the noise exposure monitoring program will be highlighted. This acoustic data is used to ensure a safe and healthy working and living environment for the crewmembers onboard the ISS.

Limardo, Jose G.↗

Space Cold Chain: From Ground to the International Space Station and Back

Johnson Space Center uses a specialized Cold Box (Space Cooler) to keep items cool for delivery to and from the International Space Station. The Space Cooler is constructed out of several vacuum panels with aerogel cores. These panels are designed and constructed into a box shape for cold stowage purposes. The Space Cooler is optionally packed with cold bricks (phase-change material) as shown in the figure. This Space Cooler needs to perform without active refrigeration (passive only).

cryogenic engineering↗

Omics Research on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is an orbiting laboratory whose goals include advancing science and technology research. Completion of ISS assembly ushered a new era focused on utilization, encompassing multiple disciplines such as Biology and Biotechnology, Physical Sciences, Technology Development and Demonstration, Human Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Educational Activities. The research complement planned for upcoming ISS Expeditions 45&46 includes several investigations in the new field of omics, which aims to collectively characterize sets of biomolecules (e.g., genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic products) that translate into organismic structure and function. For example, Multi‐Omics is a JAXA investigation that analyzes human microbial metabolic cross‐talk in the space ecosystem by evaluating data from immune dysregulation biomarkers, metabolic profiles, and microbiota composition. The NASA OsteoOmics investigation studies gravitational regulation of osteoblast genomics and metabolism. Tissue Regeneration uses pan‐omics approaches with cells cultured in bioreactors to characterize factors involved in mammalian bone tissue regeneration in microgravity. Rodent Research‐3 includes an experiment that implements pan‐omics to evaluate therapeutically significant molecular circuits, markers, and biomaterials associated with microgravity wound healing and tissue regeneration in bone defective rodents. The JAXA Mouse Epigenetics investigation examines molecular alterations in organ specific gene expression patterns and epigenetic modifications, and analyzes murine germ cell development during long term spaceflight. Lastly, Twins Study ("Differential effects of homozygous twin astronauts associated with differences in exposure to spaceflight factors"), NASA's first foray into human omics research, applies integrated analyses to assess biomolecular responses to physical, physiological, and environmental stressors associated with spaceflight.

Love, John↗

Structural performance of orthogonal tetrahedral truss Space-Station configurations

Two 150 kW space station configurations constructed with the orthogonal tetrahedral truss concept are described. One space station consists of a large central platform and two rotating solar wing arrays and the other consists of a long central keel with two rotating arrays. The dynamic characteristics of each configuration are obtained with and without nonstructural components present. The variation in frequencies and mass moments of inertia due to rotation of the two solar wing arrays are given for the long keel space station configuration. The structural performance of the solar wing array is assessed for cases where individual critical struts fail in the array support truss.

Dorsey, J. T.↗

Carbon Dioxide Management on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is a manned laboratory operating in orbit around the Earth that was built and is currently operated by several countries across the world. The ISS is a platform for novel scientific research as well as a testbed for technologies that will be required for the next step in space exploration. In order for astronauts to live on ISS for an extended period of time, it is vital that on board systems consistently provide a clean atmosphere. One contaminant that must be removed from the atmosphere is carbon dioxide (CO2). CO2 levels on ISS are higher than those on Earth and can cause crew members to experience symptoms such as headaches, lethargy and mental slowness. A variety of systems exist on ISS to remove carbon dioxide, including adsorbent technologies which can be reused and testbed technologies for future space vehicles.

Burlingame, Katie↗

Concrete: Potential material for Space Station

To build a permanent orbiting space station in the next decade is NASA's most challenging and exciting undertaking. The space station will serve as a center for a vast number of scientific products. As a potential material for the space station, reinforced concrete was studied, which has many material and structural merits for the proposed space station. Its cost-effectiveness depends on the availability of lunar materials. With such materials, only 1 percent or less of the mass of a concrete space structure would have to be transported from earth.

Lin, T. D.↗

Development of a model of space station solar array

Space structures, such as the space station solar arrays, must be extremely lightweight, flexible structures. Accurate prediction of the natural frequencies and mode shapes is essential for determining the structural adequacy of components, and designing a control system. The tension preload in the blanket of photovoltaic solar collectors, and the free/free boundary conditions of a structure in space, causes serious reservations on the use of standard finite element techniques of solution. In particular, a phenomena known as grounding, or false stiffening, of the stiffness matrix occurs during rigid body rotation. The grounding phenomena is examined in detail. Numerous stiffness matrices developed by others are examined for rigid body rotation capability, and found lacking. Various techniques are used for developing new stiffness matrices from the rigorous solutions of the differential equations, including the solution of the directed force problem. A new directed force stiffness matrix developed by the author provides all the rigid body capabilities for the beam in space.

Bosela, Paul A.↗

Radiation measurements on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is becoming a reality with the docking of the Russian Service module (Zarya) with the Unity module (Zaveda). ISS will be in a nominal 51.65-degree inclination by 400 km orbit. This paper reviews the currently planned radiation measurements, which are in many instances, based on experiments previously flown on the Space Shuttle. Results to be expected based on Shuttle measurements are presented.

NASA Center JSC↗

Overview of Materials International Space Station Experiment 7B

Materials International Space Station Experiment 7B (MISSE 7B) is the most recent in a series of experiments flown on the exterior of International Space Station for the purpose of determining the durability of materials and components in the space environment. A collaborative effort among the Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, industry, and academia, MISSE 7B will be flying a number of NASA experiments designed to gain knowledge in the area of space environmental effects to mitigate risk for exploration missions. Consisting of trays called Passive Experiment Containers, the suitcase sized payload opens on hinges and allows active and passive experiments contained within to be exposed to the ram and wake or zenith and nadir directions in low Earth orbit, in essence, providing a test bed for atomic oxygen exposure, ultraviolet radiation exposure, charged particle radiation exposure, and thermal cycling. New for MISSE 7B is the ability to monitor experiments actively, with data sent back to Earth via International Space Station communications. NASA?s active and passive experiments cover a range of interest for the Agency. Materials relevant to the Constellation Program include: solar array materials, seal materials, and thermal protection system materials. Materials relevant to the Exploration Technology Development Program include: fabrics for spacesuits, materials for lunar dust mitigation, and new thermal control coatings. Sensors and components on MISSE 7B include: atomic oxygen fluence monitors, ultraviolet radiation sensors, and electro-optical components. In addition, fundamental space environmental durability science experiments are being flown to gather atomic oxygen erosion data and thin film polymer mechanical and optical property data relevant to lunar lander insulation and the James Web Space Telescope. This paper will present an overview of the NASA experiments to be flown on MISSE 7B, along with a summary of the thermal environment to be expected during the 1 yr mission scheduled for launch in 2009.

Jaworske, Donald A.↗

Technical aspects of the United States Space Station

The design and development of the Space Station are described. The proposed design of the Station is a dual keel configuration which will include manned facilities and unmanned free flying platforms. The Station is to be utilized as a space-based laboratory for basic research and observations, a depot for repair and servicing of spacecraft, a strorage area, and a manufacturing facility. International participation in the Space Station program and technological developments applicable for the Station are discussed. A diagram of the Space Station configuration and a Space Station development schedule are provided.

Herman, D. H.↗

Space station task force perspective

Space station planning quidelines; architecture; functions; preliminary mission data base; scope for international and commercial participation; schedules; servicing capability; technology development; and space station program interfaces are discussed.

Hicks, C.↗

Closed Loop Water Purification System Utilizing an Algae Membrane Photobioreactor for the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) currently operates on an open-loop water purification and distribution system. This system is only 75% efficient with a 25% water loss that must be resupplied on a quarterly basis through cargo resupply missions (Pickett, M.). This system is not feasible for long-duration spaceflight missions. A closed-loop water purification system aboard the ISS can benefit water reclamation and become the water purification system for long-term space flight. The primary sub-systems integrated within the proposed closed loop system include an anaerobic digestion membrane bioreactor and an algae membrane photobioreactor. The processes mimics the abilities of natural biological systems naturally. The water that flows from the algal membrane photobioreactor is rich in nutrients providing a feed source for plants aboard the ISS or can be further processed for potable water.

photobioreactor↗

Electrodynamic Tether Reboost of the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) will require periodic reboost due to atmospheric aerodynamic drag. This is nominally achieved through the use of thruster firings by the attached Progress M spacecraft. Many Progress Flights to the ISS are required annually. Electrodynamic tethers provide an attractive alternative in that they can provide periodic reboost or continuous drag cancellation using no consumables, propellant nor conventional propulsion elements. The system could also serve as an emergency backup reboost system used only in the event resupply and reboost are delayed. Electrodynamic tethers have been demonstrated in space previously with the Plasma Motor Generator (PMG) experiment and the Tethered Satellite System (TSS-IR). The advanced electrodynamic tether proposed for this application has significant advantages over previous systems in that higher thrust is achievable with significantly shorter tethers and without the need for an active current collection device, hence making the system simpler and much less expensive.

Johnson, Les↗

Electrodynamic Tethers for Reboost of the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) will require periodic reboost due to atmospheric aerodynamic drag. This is nominally achieved through the use of thruster firings by the attached Progress M spacecraft. Many Progress flights to the ISS are required annually. Electrodynamic tethers provide an attractive alternative in that they can provide periodic reboost or continuous drag cancellation using no consumables, propellant nor conventional propulsion elements. The system could also serve as an emergency backup reboost system used only in the event resupply and reboost are delayed for some reason. The system also has direct application to spacecraft and upper stage propulsion. Electrodynamic tethers have been demonstrated in space previously with the Plasma Motor Generator (PMG) experiment and the Tethered Satellite System (TSS-IR). The advanced electrodynamic tether proposed for ISS reboost has significant advantages over previous systems in that hi-her thrust is achievable with significantly shorter tethers and without the need for an active current collection device, hence making the system simpler and much less expensive.

Johnson, Les↗

High-Rate Communications Outage Recorder Operations for Optimal Payload and Science Telemetry Management Onboard the International Space Station

All International Space Station (ISS) Ku-band telemetry transmits through the High-Rate Communications Outage Recorder (HCOR). The HCOR provides the recording and playback capability for all payload, science, and International Partner data streams transmitting through NASA's Ku-band antenna system. The HCOR is a solid-state memory recorder that provides recording capability to record all eight ISS high-rate data during ISS Loss-of-Signal periods. NASA payloads in the Destiny module are prime users of the HCOR; however, NASDA and ESA will also utilize the HCOR for data capture and playback of their high data rate links from the Kibo and Columbus modules. Marshall Space Flight Center's Payload Operations Integration Center manages the HCOR for nominal functions, including system configurations and playback operations. The purpose of this paper is to present the nominal operations plan for the HCOR and the plans for handling contingency operations affecting payload operations. In addition, the paper will address HCOR operation limitations and the expected effects on payload operations. The HCOR is manifested for ISS delivery on flight 9A with the HCOR backup manifested on flight 11A. The HCOR replaces the Medium-Rate Communications Outage Recorder (MCOR), which has supported payloads since flight 5A.1.

Shell, Michael T.↗

Selected OAST/OSSA space experiment activities in support of Space Station Freedom

The Space Experiments Division at NASA Lewis Research Center is developing technology and science space experiments for the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST) and the Office of Space Sciences and Applications (OSSA). Selected precursor experiments and technology development activities supporting the Space Station Freedom (SSF) are presented. The Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE) is an OAST-funded cryogenic fluid dynamics experiment, the objective of which is to determine the effectiveness of jet mixing as a means of equilibrating fluid temperatures and controlling tank pressures, thereby permitting the design of lighter cryogenic tanks. The information from experiments such as this will be utilized in the design and operation of on board cryogenic storage for programs such as SSF. The Thermal Energy Storage Flight Project (TES) is an OAST-funded thermal management experiment involving phase change materials for thermal energy storage. The objective of this project is to develop and fly in-space experiments to characterize void shape and location in phase change materials used in a thermal energy storage configuration representative of an advanced solar dynamic system design. The information from experiments such as this will be utilized in the design of future solar dynamic power systems. The Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE) is an OAST-funded experiment to determine the environmental effects of the low earth orbit (LEO) space plasma environment on state-of-the-art solar cell modules biased to high potentials relative to the plasma. Future spacecraft designs and structures will push the operating limits of solar cell arrays and other high voltage systems. SAMPIE will provide key information necessary for optimum module design and construction. The Vibration Isolation Technology (VIT) Advanced Technology Development effort is funded by OSSA to provide technology necessary to maintain a stable microgravity environment for sensitive payloads on board spacecraft. The proof of concept will be demonstrated by laboratory tests and in low-gravity aircraft flights. VIT is expected to be utilized by many SSF microgravity science payloads. The Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS) is an OSSA-funded instrument to measure the microgravity acceleration environment for OSSA payloads on the shuttle and SSF.

Delombard, Richard↗

Air Quality in the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) gives a 7-member astronaut crew the ability to live and work in low Earth orbit. It is a unique indoor environment, which has served as both home and workplace to over 250 people since the year 2000. In this low gravity environment, smoke does not rise and cookie crumbs do not settle the way they do on Earth, causing aerosols to behave differently and pose unique hazards for crew members. In its existence, virtually the same volume of ISS air has been continuously conditioned and ‘revitalized,’ including the removal of particles by filtration. Particles have been sampled and measured in real-time through ISS technology demonstration payloads, and the results differ vastly from typical terrestrial indoor spaces. This presentation will cover particle types, quantities and sources in the unique ISS environment.

Marit E. Meyer↗