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NASA NTRS2004

A Study to Compare the Failure Rates of Current Space Shuttle Ground Support Equipment with the New Pathfinder Equipment and Investigate the Effect that the Proposed GSE Infrastructure Upgrade Might Have to Reduce GSE Infrastructure Failures

The purposes of this study are to compare the current Space Shuttle Ground Support Equipment (GSE) infrastructure with the proposed GSE infrastructure upgrade modification. The methodology will include analyzing the first prototype installation equipment at Launch PAD B called the "Pathfinder". This study will begin by comparing the failure rate of the current components associated with the "Hardware interface module (HIM)" at the Kennedy Space Center to the failure rate of the neW Pathfinder components. Quantitative data will be gathered specifically on HIM components and the PAD B Hypergolic Fuel facility and Hypergolic Oxidizer facility areas which has the upgraded pathfinder equipment installed. The proposed upgrades include utilizing industrial controlled modules, software, and a fiber optic network. The results of this study provide evidence that there is a significant difference in the failure rates of the two studied infrastructure equipment components. There is also evidence that the support staff for each infrastructure system is not equal. A recommendation to continue with future upgrades is based on a significant reduction of failures in the new' installed ground system components.

Kennedy, Barbara J.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Estimation of Airline Benefits from Avionics Upgrade under Preferential Merge Re-sequence Scheduling

Modernization of the airline fleet avionics is essential to fully enable future technologies and procedures for increasing national airspace system capacity. However in the current national airspace system, system-wide benefits gained by avionics upgrade are not fully directed to aircraft/airlines that upgrade, resulting in slow fleet modernization rate. Preferential merge re-sequence scheduling is a best-equipped-best-served concept designed to incentivize avionics upgrade among airlines by allowing aircraft with new avionics (high-equipped) to be re-sequenced ahead of aircraft without the upgrades (low-equipped) at enroute merge waypoints. The goal of this study is to investigate the potential benefits gained or lost by airlines under a high or low-equipped fleet scenario if preferential merge resequence scheduling is implemented.

air traffic management↗

NASA NTRS2014

Upgrading Custom Simulink Library Components for Use in Newer Versions of Matlab

The Spaceport Command and Control System (SCCS) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is a control system for monitoring and launching manned launch vehicles. Simulations of ground support equipment (GSE) and the launch vehicle systems are required throughout the life cycle of SCCS to test software, hardware, and procedures to train the launch team. The simulations of the GSE at the launch site in conjunction with off-line processing locations are developed using Simulink, a piece of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software. The simulations that are built are then converted into code and ran in a simulation engine called Trick, a Government off-the-shelf (GOTS) piece of software developed by NASA. In the world of hardware and software, it is not uncommon to see the products that are utilized be upgraded and patched or eventually fade away into an obsolete status. In the case of SCCS simulation software, Matlab, a MathWorks product, has released a number of stable versions of Simulink since the deployment of the software on the Development Work Stations in the Linux environment (DWLs). The upgraded versions of Simulink has introduced a number of new tools and resources that, if utilized fully and correctly, will save time and resources during the overall development of the GSE simulation and its correlating documentation. Unfortunately, simply importing the already built simulations into the new Matlab environment will not suffice as it will produce results that may not be expected as they were in the version that is currently being utilized. Thus, an upgrade execution plan was developed and executed to fully upgrade the simulation environment to one of the latest versions of Matlab.

Matlab Simulation↗

NASA NTRS2015

Improved Discrete Ordinate Solutions in the Presence of an Anisotropically Reflecting Lower Boundary: Upgrades of the DISORT Computational Tool

A successor version 3 of DISORT (DISORT3) is presented with important upgrades that improve the accuracy, efficiency, and stability of the algorithm. Compared with version 2 (DISORT2 released in 2000) these upgrades include (a) a redesigned BRDF computation that improves both speed and accuracy, (b) a revised treatment of the single scattering correction, and (c) additional efficiency and stability upgrades for beam sources. In DISORT3 the BRDF computation is improved in the following three ways: (i) the Fourier decomposition is prepared "off-line", thus avoiding the repeated internal computations done in DISORT2; (ii) a large enough number of terms in the Fourier expansion of the BRDF is employed to guarantee accurate values of the expansion coefficients (default is 200 instead of 50 in DISORT2); (iii) in the post processing step the reflection of the direct attenuated beam from the lower boundary is included resulting in a more accurate single scattering correction. These improvements in the treatment of the BRDF have led to improved accuracy and a several-fold increase in speed. In addition, the stability of beam sources has been improved by removing a singularity occurring when the cosine of the incident beam angle is too close to the reciprocal of any of the eigenvalues. The efficiency for beam sources has been further improved from reducing by a factor of 2 (compared to DISORT2) the dimension of the linear system of equations that must be solved to obtain the particular solutions, and by replacing the LINPAK routines used in DISORT2 by LAPACK 3.5 in DISORT3. These beam source stability and efficiency upgrades bring enhanced stability and an additional 5-7% improvement in speed. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate and quantify the improvements in accuracy and efficiency of DISORT3 compared to DISORT2.

Lin, Z.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Upgrades to the International Space Station Urine Processor Assembly

The ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) began operations in November 2008. Though the UPA has successfully generated distillate from crew urine, several modifications and upgrades have been implemented to improve overall system performance throughout the years. Current and future upgrades to the UPA will continue to focus on improved system performance and reliability, focusing primarily on the Distillation Assembly and upgrades to the UPA vacuum pump. Work towards a flight demonstration experiment of a vacuum pump utilizing scroll pump technologies has also continued forward. The following paper discusses progress on these various concepts, including the implementation of a more reliable drive belt, improved methods for managing condensate in the stationary bowl of the Distillation Assembly, installation of improved centrifuge bearings, implementation of a liquid level sensor, and upgrades to the UPA vacuum pump.

Williamson, Jill P.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Upgrades to the International Space Station Urine Processor Assembly

The ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) began operations in November 2008. Though the UPA has successfully generated distillate from crew urine, several modifications and upgrades have been implemented to improve overall system performance throughout the years. Current and future upgrades to the UPA will continue to focus on improved system performance and reliability, focusing next on a flight demonstration experiment of a vacuum pump utilizing scroll pump technologies. The upgraded Distillation Assembly, described in further detail in previous publications, will also be available for on-orbit integration within the year. The following paper discusses progress on the Purge Pump and Separator Assembly (PPSA), and concept considerations for future UPA upgrades.

Jill P Williamson↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Upgrades to the Single Stage Axial Compressor and Fan Facility For Low Pressure Ratio and Boundary Layer Ingesting Fan Research

Next generation aircraft engine efficiency goals will be met through high bypass ratio engines. To achieve these goals, a combination of small core and low pressure ratio fan technologies will be necessary. Additionally, advanced propulsion airframe integration concepts, such as boundary layer propulsion, and distributed electrically driven fans with short inlets or wing integration strategies, are beginning to be investigated for their potential fuel burn savings. In order to realize the potential fuel savings from these technologies, it is necessary to have testing capabilities for the components. The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Single Stage Axial Fan and Compressor Facility (also called the GRC W-8 Facility) has recently undergone several significant upgrades in order to effectively test low pressure ratio fans and various inlet distortions. This paper will outline various challenges to testing low pressure ratio fans and the methods implemented to ensure that the W-8 facility is capable of performing these tests and acquiring high quality data. The upgrades include significant piping upgrades to reduce pressure loss and turbulence, capability for inlet total pressure and swirl distortion, increased test section length including a longer shaft, a two component balance, an upgraded rotating data system, and a new temperature characterization to reduce uncertainties in thermocouple measurements.

W-8 facitlity↗

NASA NTRS2005

The systems engineering upgrade intiative at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

JPL is implementing an initiative to significantly upgrade our systems engineering capabilities. This Systems Engineering Upgrade Initiative [SUI] has been authorized by the highest level technical management body of JPL and is sponsored with internal funds. The SUI objective is to upgrade system engineering at JPL to a level that is world class, professional and efficient compared to the FY04/05 baseline. JPL system engineering, along with the other engineering disciplines, is intended to support optimum designs; controlled and efficient implementations; and high quality, reliable, cost effective products. SUI technical activities are categorized into those dealing with people, process and tools. The purpose of this paper is to describe the rationale, objectives/plans and current status of the JPL SUI.

Systems Engineering Upgrade Initiative (SUI)↗

NASA NTRS1973

An evaluation of upgraded boron fibers in epoxy-matrix composites

An initial evaluation of upgraded boron fibers in an epoxy matrix is performed. Data generated on the program show that fiber strength does increase as a consequence of the upgrading treatment. However, the interlaninar shear strength of upgraded fiber composites is lower than that for an untreated fiber composite. In the limited tests performed, the increased fiber strength failed to translate into the composite.

Rhodes, T. C.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Performance of the upgraded Orroral laser ranging system

The topics discussed include the following: upgrade arrangements, system prior to 1991, elements of the upgrade, laser performance, timing system performance, pass productivity, system precision, system accuracy, telescope pointing and future upgrades and extensions.

Luck, John M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Optical attenuation mechanism upgrades, MOBLAS, and TLRS systems

This poster presentation describes the Optical Attenuation Mechanism (OAM) Upgrades to the MOBLAS and TLRS Crustal Dynamics Satellite Laser Ranging (CDSLR) systems. The upgrades were for the purposes of preparing these systems to laser range to the TOPEX/POSEIDON spacecraft when it will be launched in the summer of 1992. The OAM permits the laser receiver to operate over the expected large signal dynamic range from TOPEX/POSEIDON and it reduces the number of pre- and post-calibrations for each satellite during multi-satellite tracking operations. It further simplifies the calibration bias corrections that had been made due to the pass-to-pass variation of the photomultiplier supply voltage and the transmit filter glass thickness. The upgrade incorporated improvements to the optical alignment capability of each CDSLR system through the addition of a CCD camera into the MOBLAS receive telescope and an alignment telescope onto the TLRS optical table. The OAM is stepper motor and microprocessor based; and the system can be controlled either manually by a control switch panel or computer controlled via an EIA RS-232C serial interface. The OAM has a neutral density (ND) range of 0.0 to 4.0 and the positioning is absolute referenced in steps of 0.1 ND. Both the fixed transmit filter and the daylight filter are solenoid actuated with digital inputs and outputs to and from the OAM microprocessor. During automated operation, the operator has the option to overide the remote control and control the OAM system via a local control switch panel.

Eichinger, Richard↗

NASA NTRS1994

The Network Operations Control Center upgrade task: Lessons learned

This article synthesizes and describes the lessons learned from the Network Operations Control Center (NOCC) upgrade project, from the requirements phase through development and test and transfer. At the outset, the NOCC upgrade was being performed simultaneously with two other interfacing and dependent upgrades at the Signal Processing Center (SPC) and Ground Communications Facility (GCF), thereby adding a significant measure of complexity to the management and overall coordination of the development and transfer-to-operations (DTO) effort. Like other success stories, this project carried with it the traditional elements of top management support and exceptional dedication of cognizant personnel. Additionally, there were several NOCC-specific reasons for success, such as end-to-end system engineering, adoption of open-system architecture, thorough requirements management, and use of appropriate off-the-shelf technologies. On the other hand, there were several difficulties, such as ill-defined external interfaces, transition issues caused by new communications protocols, ambivalent use of two sets of policies and standards, and mistailoring of the new JPL management standard (due to the lack of practical guidelines). This article highlights the key lessons learned, as a means of constructive suggestions for the benefit of future projects.

Sherif, J. S.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Criteria development for upgrading computer networks

Being an infrastructure system, the computer network has a fundamental role in the day to day activities of personnel working at KSC. It is easily appreciated that the lack of 'satisfactory' network performance can have a high 'cost' for KSC. Yet, this seemingly obvious concept is quite difficult to demonstrate. At what point do we say that performance is below the lowest tolerable level? How do we know when the 'cost' of using the system at the current level of degraded performance exceeds the cost of upgrading it? In this research, we consider the cost and performance factors that may have an effect in decision making in regards to upgrading computer networks. Cost factors are detailed in terms of 'direct costs' and 'subjective costs'. Performance factors are examined in terms of 'required performance' and 'offered performance.' Required performance is further examined by presenting a methodology for trend analysis based on applying interpolation methods to observed traffic levels. Offered performance levels are analyzed by deriving simple equations to evaluate network performance. The results are evaluated in the light of recommended upgrade policies currently in use for telephone exchange systems, similarities and differences between the two types of services are discussed.

Efe, Kemal↗

NASA NTRS1997

Thermal System Upgrade of the Space Environment Simulation Test Chamber

The paper deals with the refurbishing and upgrade of the thermal system for the existing thermal vacuum test facility, the Space Environment Simulator, at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The chamber is the largest such facility at the center. This upgrade is the third phase of the long range upgrade of the chamber that has been underway for last few years. The first phase dealt with its vacuum system, the second phase involved the GHe subsystem. The paper describes the considerations of design philosophy options for the thermal system; approaches taken and methodology applied, in the evaluation of the remaining "life" in the chamber shrouds and related equipment by conducting special tests and studies; feasibility and extent of automation, using computer interfaces and Programmable Logic Controllers in the control system and finally, matching the old components to the new ones into an integrated, highly reliable and cost effective thermal system for the facility. This is a multi-year project just started and the paper deals mainly with the plans and approaches to implement the project successfully within schedule and costs.

Desai, Ashok B.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Marshall Space Flight Center's Tower Vector Magnetograph: Upgrades, Hardware, and Operations for the HESSI Mission

The Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC) solar group announces the successful upgrade of our tower vector magnetograph. In operation since 1973, the last major alterations to the system (which includes telescope, filter, polarizing optics, camera, and data acquisition computer) were made in 1982, when we upgraded from an SEC Vidicon camera to a CCD. In 1985, other changes were made which increased the field-of-view from 5 x 5 arc min (2.4 arc sec per pixel) to 6 x 6 arc min with a resolution of 2.81 arc sec. In 1989, the Apollo Telescope Mount H-alpha telescope was coaligned with the optics of the magnetograph. The most recent upgrades (year 2000), funded to support the High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI) mission, have resulted in a pixel size of 0.64 arc sec over a 7 x 5.2 arc min field-of-view (binning 1x1). This poster describes the physical characteristics of the new system and compares spatial resolution, timing, and versatility with the old system. Finally, we provide a description of our Internet web site, which includes images of our most recent observations, and links to our data archives, as well as the history of magnetography at MSFC and education outreach pages.

Adams, M. L.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Habitat Demonstration Unit Medical Operations Workstation Upgrades

This paper provides an overview of the design and fabrication associated with upgrades for the Medical Operations Workstation in the Habitat Demonstration Unit. The work spanned a ten week period. The upgrades will be used during the 2011 Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) field campaign. Upgrades include a deployable privacy curtain system, a deployable tray table, an easily accessible biological waste container, reorganization and labeling of the medical supplies, and installation of a retractable camera. All of the items were completed within the ten week period.

Trageser, Katherine H.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Detection Performance of Upgraded "Polished Panel" Optical Receiver Concept on the Deep-Space Network's 34 Meter Research Antenna

Initial optical communications experiments with a Vertex polished aluminum panel have been described. The polished panel was mounted on the main reflector of the DSN's research antenna at DSS-13. The PSF was recorded via remotely controlled digital camera mounted on the subreflector structure. Initial PSF generated by Jupiter showed significant tilt error and some mechanical deformation. After upgrades, the PSF improved significantly, leading to much better concentration of light. Communications performance of the initial and upgraded panel structure were compared. After the upgrades, simulated PPM symbol error probability decreased by six orders of magnitude. Work is continuing to demonstrate closed-loop tracking of sources from zenith to horizon, and better characterize communications performance in realistic daytime background environments.

polished panel optical receiver↗

NASA NTRS2019

Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) Upgrades

The inability to test planetary spacecraft in the flight environment prior to a mission requires engineers to rely on ground-based testing and models of the vehicle and expected environments. One of the most widely used engineering models of the Martian atmosphere is the Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Mars-GRAM) developed and maintained by the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has provided funding support to upgrade the planetary GRAMs in Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019. This poster summarizes the upgrades that have been made to Mars-GRAM, the release status of Mars-GRAM, the new GRAMs that are under development, and future Mars-GRAM upgrade plans.

Justh, H. L.↗