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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 325 records · Page 18

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NASA NTRS1977

Ion Drive multi-asteroid rendezvous trajectories

The general characteristics of multiasteroid rendezvous missions are examined, taking into account a use of an improved solar electric propulsion system, called Ion Drive. The improvements are related to the development of light-weight solar cells, extensions to high thruster power levels with high exhaust velocity, and the attachment of solar concentrators to increase the power available beyond 1.5 AU. Flight times on the order of 500-800 days are generally required. It is assumed that a stay time of about 60 days at each asteroid is adequate. Attention is given to launch and spacecraft parameters, the search technique, and multiasteroid tours involving Ceres and Vesta. It is found that at least four asteroids in the main belt, generally selected from those with known characteristics, may be reached on a single mission with a 100-kg separable probe landed on each one.

Bender, D. F.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Solar heating, cooling, and hot water systems installed at Richland, Washington

The project described is part of the U. S. Department of Energy's solar demonstration program, and became operational in April 1978. The solar system uses 6,000 square feet of flat-plate liquid collectors in a closed loop to deliver solar energy through a liquid-liquid heat exchanger to the building heat-pump duct work or 9,000-gallon thermal energy storage tank. A 25-ton Arkla solar-driven absorption chiller provides the cooling, in conjunction with a 2,000 gallon chilled water storage tank and reflective ponds on three sides of the building surplus heat. A near-by building is essentially identical except for having conventional heat-pump heating and cooling, and can serve as an experimental control. An on-going public relations program was provided from the beginning of the program, and resulted in numerous visitors and tour groups.

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NASA NTRS1979

Multiple asteroid rendezvous missions

Asteroid missions, centered on multiple asteroid rendezvous missions to main belt asteroids, are discussed and the required solar electric propulsion for these missions as well as the current performance estimates are examined. A brief statistical analysis involving asteroid availability transfer requirements and propulsion system capabilities is given, leading to a prediction that 5 to 8 asteroids can be encountered with a single launch. Measurement techniques include visual imaging, radio tracking, magnetometry, and in the case of landers, seismometry. The spacecraft will be propelled by a solar electric system with a power level of 25 kW to 40 kW and tour possibilities for 13 different asteroids have been developed. Preliminary estimates of asteroid triaxiality are made to calculate the effect of close orbits.

Bender, D. F.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Optimization of multiple flyby trajectories

A procedure has been developed which minimizes total delta-V (instantaneous velocity change) for a multiple flyby trajectory with constraints on flyby altitude and orientation. The solution is found by varying the locations of maneuver points between each flyby to minimize the delta-Vs at the maneuver points. Each trajectory segment connecting consecutive maneuver points is found by solving an N-body analog to Lambert's problem. Multiconic techniques are used for trajectory propagation and for computation of the state transition matrix. The constrained parameter optimization problem is converted to an unconstrained problem by means of penalty functions and then solved with a quasi-Newton algorithm utilizing analytic first derivatives. This procedure has been successfully applied to Galileo satellite tour trajectories.

Damario, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Application of the pseudostate theory to the three-body Lambert problem

The pseudostate theory, which approximates three-body trajectories by overlapping the conic effects of both massive bodies on the third body, has been used to solve boundary value problems. Frequently, the approach to the secondary is quite close, as in interplanetary gravity assist trajectories or satellite tour trajectories. In this case the orbit with respect to the primary is radically changed so that perturbation techniques are time consuming, yet higher accuracy than point-to-point conics (V-infinity matching) is necessary. This method reduces the solution of the three-body Lambert problem to solving two conic Lambert problems and inverting a 7 x 7 matrix, the components of which are all found analytically. Typically 90-95% of the point-to-point conic error with respect to an integrated trajectory is eliminated.

Byrnes, D. V.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Exploring the outer planets

Initial, current and planned United States projects for the spacecraft exploration of the outer planets of the solar system are presented. Initial plans were developed in the mid-1960's for the exploration of the outer planets by utilizing the gravity-assist technique during a fortuitous alignment of the outer planets in the Grand Tour Project, however although state-of-the-art space technology could have supported the project, it was considered too expensive, therefore politically infeasible. Subsequently, the Pioneer Project was undertaken to explore the asteroid belt and the environment around Jupiter and the Voyager Project was undertaken to send two spacecraft to fly by Jupiter and utilize its gravity assist to reach Saturn. The successful Pioneer 10 and 11 missions have provided important information on the effects of the asteroid belt and the severe radiation environment around Jupiter, and Voyager 1 has collected information about Jupiter, its magnetic fields and radiation zones, and its satellites. Project Galileo is intended to be launched in January 1982 to conduct an intensive investigation of Jupiter, its satellites and immediate environment and a Saturn Orbiter dual probe mission and a Uranus orbiter are also under consideration.

Parks, R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

This is NASA

Highlights of NASA's first 20 years are described including the accomplishments of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics from its creation in 1915 until its absorption into NASA in 1958. Current and future activities are assessed in relation to the Federal R&D research plan for FY 1980 and to U.S. civil space policy. A NASA organization chart accompanies descriptions of the responsibilities of Headquarters, its various offices, and field installations. Directions are given for contacting the agency for business activities or contracting purposes; for obtaining educational publications and other media, and for tours. Manpower statistics are included with a list of career opportunities. Special emphasis is given to manned space flight, space launch vehicles, space shuttle, planetary exploration, and investigations of the stars and the solar system.

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NASA NTRS1979

Small planetary missions for the Space Shuttle

The paper deals with the concept of a small planetary mission that might be described as one which: (1) focuses on a narrow set of discovery-oriented objectives, (2) utilizes largely existing and proven subsystem capabilities, (3) does not tax future launch vehicle capabilities, and (4) is flexible in terms of mission timing such that it can be easily integrated with launch vehicle schedules. Three small planetary mission concepts are presented: a tour of earth-sun Lagrange regions in search of asteroids which might be gravitationally trapped, a network of spacecraft to search beyond Pluto for a tenth planet; and a probe which could be targeted for infrequent long period 'comets of opportunity' or for a multitude of shorter period comets.

Staehle, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Interplanetary optical navigation using Charge Coupled Devices

Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) will be used as optical navigation image detectors in space missions planned for the 1980's. This paper presents analyses directed at assessing the performance of an imaging system employing a CCD (i.e., a solid state imager (SSI)), for a Jovian satellite tour environment. CCD operating principles are summarized and methods of calculating theoretical dynamic range presented. Methods of analyzing the SSI's ability to perform the fundamental optical navigation function of imaging a target body and one or more stars, are presented. This capability is expressed as a function of SSI optical and electronic parameters and of astrophysical parameters. The influence of these factors and pointing control errors on navigation picture budgets is analyzed. The effect of the sun's glare is analyzed from the standpoint of its reduction of SSI dynamic range and increase of navigation picture budget. Radiation effects on SSI navigation imaging performance are discussed and a method of analyzing probabilities of distinguishing real from false stars presented.

Davis, R. P.↗

NASA NTRS1980

A new method for optimizing multiple flyby trajectories

A new procedure has been developed which minimizes total impulsive Delta V for multiple flyby trajectories with constraints on flyby parameters and maneuver times. The method involves solving a bounds-constrained parameter optimization problem with a Newton algorithm utilizing analytic first and second derivatives. Each trajectory segment connecting consecutive maneuver points is found by first targeting from the preceding maneuver point to the parameters of the upcoming flyby and then propagating the resulting trajectory to the next maneuver point. Multi-conic techniques are used for trajectory propagation and for computation of the state transition matrix. This procedure has successfully optimized Galileo satellite tours containing up to 11 flybys.

Damario, L. A.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Project Galileo mission design

The mission design for Project Galileo is described. Details are presented on the design of the trajectory from launch through completion of the satellite tour, with emphasis on how this design is influenced both by science requirements on the mission and by the interaction of this design with the various elements of the Project. A number of features contribute to the uniqueness of the mission design for this Project. Among the more salient of these that are described in this paper are the use of numerous planetary or satellite encounters for gravity assisted trajectory shaping, and closely related to this, the threading of a trajectory through the Galilean satellite system which meets the mission objectives with a minimum of propulsive trajectory corrections.

Mitchell, R. T.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Education and training of personnel in space simulation

The training program and procedures developed and implemented at the space simulation laboratory at Martin Marietta Aerospace in Denver are discussed. The training of technicians and professionals as well as preparation for instructors is covered. Training manuals and their compilation are reported as applicable to the specific needs of the laboratory. The development of a space simulation course as part of the Martin Marietta Continuing Education Night School approaching space simulation from an academic viewpoint is presented. Finally, public relations tours of the facility as an informational/educational tool are discussed.

Rempt, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The Voyager flights to Jupiter and Saturn

The results of the mini-Grand Tour to Jupiter and Saturn by the Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft are highlighted. Features of the spacecraft are depicted including the 11 instruments designed to probe the planets and their magnetic environments, the rings of Saturn, the fleets of satellites escorting the planets, and the interplanetary medium. Major scientific discoveries relating to these phenomena are summarized.

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NASA NTRS1983

Navigation of the Galileo mission

An overview of the navigation of the Galileo mission is given. Predicted navigation performance for the various mission phases is discussed with particular emphasis given to the tour phase. Orbit determination strategies and resulting accuracies are discussed for various data types. In particular, the results of combining a new Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) data type called Differential One-Way Range (DOR) with conventional radio and optical data types are presented. Maneuver strategy results include the effects of maneuver placement and various targeting methods on propellant consumption and delivery accuracy. Emphasis is placed on new results obtained using asymptote and split targeting.

Miller, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Galileo 1986 on Centaur

The mission, flight profile, instrumentation, and developmental program for the Galileo Jupiter probe, scheduled for Shuttle launch in 1986, are discussed. Gravity assists from each Galilean satellite at spacecraft periapsis will be used in order to configure for approaching the next satellite after a swingby past Jupiter. The process will continue for twenty months, and will yield data on the Jovian magnetosphere and tail, as well as on the satellites. A probe will be released 150 days from Jupiter orbit, followed by a course adjustment for the main instrumentation payload. The dual-spin spacecraft will proceed on its mission and act as a relay for the atmospheric entry probe, which is expected to broadcast data for one hour. Instrumentation on the Galileo will perform imaging, IR and UV spectrometry, radiometry, magnetometry, particle and dust detection, as well as plasma measurements, and celestial mechanics and radio propagation experiments. The direct trajectory to Jupiter, including a plane change maneuver, will be powered by a Centaur upper stage, and will encompass a journey taking over two years. The key constraints on the satellite tour are propellant and radiation tolerance.

Diaz, A.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Automatic Coal-Mining System

Coal cutting and removal done with minimal hazard to people. Automatic coal mine cutting, transport and roof-support movement all done by automatic machinery. Exposure of people to hazardous conditions reduced to inspection tours, maintenance, repair, and possibly entry mining.

Collins, E. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Life test performance of a Philips rhombic-drive refrigerator with bellows seals

In February 1979, tour Stirling cycle cryogenic refrigerators, developed by Philips Laboratories for the John Hopkins University/Applied Physics Laboratory, were launched into orbit aboard the P78-1 spacecraft. The refrigerators were designed to cool the detectors of two identical gamma-ray spectrometers to 77 K reliably for one year. Since launch, the refrigerators, still in orbit, have individually accumulated from 5,000 to over 20,000 hours of operation. As part of those efforts, a refrigerator identical to those in orbit was built, with one significant modification: flexible metal bellows between the crankcase and the working volume to prevent possible contaminants from migrating into the cold region. During the life test of the modified refrigerator, the temperature increase during the first three month run was 0.022 k/day, a negligible level. As of October 1982, the unit has accumulated over 12,300 hours of operation.

Lindale, E.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Foreign technology summary of flight crucial flight control systems

A survey of foreign technology in flight crucial flight controls is being conducted to provide a data base for planning future research and technology programs. Only Free World countries were surveyed, and the primary emphasis was on Western Europe because that is where the most advanced technology resides. The survey includes major contemporary systems on operational aircraft, R&D flight programs, advanced aircraft developments, and major research and technology programs. The information was collected from open literature, personal communications, and a tour of several companies, government organizations, and research laboratories in the United Kingdom, France, and the Federal Republic of Germany. A summary of the survey results to date is presented.

Rediess, H. A.↗