A study of techniques for the automated verification of redundancy
Checkout and verification of space shuttle system redundant components without disrupting systems
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Checkout and verification of space shuttle system redundant components without disrupting systems
The maintenance and development of NASTRAN has been centralized at the Langley Research Center in the NASTRAN Systems Management Office (NSMO ). Several important system improvements are in progress which will result in a significant reduction of average computer run time. The maintenance contractor, MacNeal-Schwendler, is also engaged in the addition of comprehensive substructuring capability. A dummy element capability which allows the test, evaluation, checkout, and temporary use of a new element in the NASTRAN environment is also underway and planned for inclusion in Level 15. Several new elements and a comprehensive heat transfer capability are in development under a contract with the Bell Aerospace Company. These enhancements are planned for inclusion in Level 16. In summary, NASTRAN has emerged as a powerful , generalized facility for the analysis of complex aerospace structures and is rapidly gaining acceptance from the community of aerospace and industrial users. NASA is, therefore, committed to manage and maintain the NASTRAN system as a valuable national resource.
NASTRAN program for input data checkout and undeformed structure plotting
Design, development, fabrication, test, checkout, and support activities for delivery of integrated X ray and alpha particle spectrometer systems for lunar orbiter
Skylab checkout and launch facilities and operations, describing modifications required for Apollo lunar missions facilities utilization at Cape Kennedy
Nuclear safety considerations for ground checkout, launch and in-orbit operations of reactors for earth orbital manned space stations
A program was defined which consists of extended ground-based manned tests of regenerative life support systems. The tests are to evaluate prototypes of advanced life support systems under operational, integrated conditions, thus providing data for the design of efficient environmental control and life support systems for use in long-duration space missions. The requirements are defined for test operations to provide a simulation of an orbiting space laboratory. The features of Phase A and B programs are described. These tests use proven backup equipment to ensure successful evaluation of the advanced subsystems. A pre-tests all-systems checkout period is provided to minimize equipment problems during extended testing and to familiarize all crew and operating staff members with test equipment and procedures.
The initial checkout of the control moment gyro system for the astronaut stabilizer maneuvering unit is described, and the test results are presented. The life test proceeded smoothly to its completion, and problem areas encountered in the engineering tests are described. These tests included command rate and torquer current transfer, cage and lock, static inverter and signal noise, dynamic response, closed loop drift rate, and gimbal disturbance torque evaluation tests.
The basic requirements for a standard test and checkout language applicable to all phases of the space shuttle test and ground operations are determined. The general characteristics outlined here represent the integration of selected ideas and concepts from operational elements within Kennedy Space Center (KSC) that represent diverse disciplines associated with space vehicle testing and launching operations. Special reference is made to two studies conducted in this area for KSC as authorized by the Advanced Development Element of the Office of Manned Space Flight (MSF). Information contained in reports from these studies have contributed significantly to the final selection of language features depicted in this technical report.
Based on an analysis of previously developed test oriented languages and a study of test language requirements, a high order language was designed to enable test and flight engineers to checkout and operate the proposed space shuttle and other NASA vehicles and experiments. The language is called ALOFT (a language oriented to flight engineering and testing). The language is described, its terminology is compared to similar terms in other test languages, and its features and utilization are discussed. The appendix provides the specifications for ALOFT.
Alternate reusable nuclear shuttle configurations were synthesized and evaluated. Particular attention was given to design factors which reduced tank exposure to direct and scattered radiation, increased payload-engine separation, and improved self-shielding by the LH2 propellant. The most attractive RNS concept in terms of cost effectiveness consists of a single conical aft bulkhead tank with a high fineness ratio. Launch is accomplished by the INT-21 with the tank positioned in the inverted attitude. The NERVA engine is delivered to orbit separately where final stage assembly and checkout are accomplished. This approach is consistent with NERVA definition criteria and required operating procedures to support an economically viable nuclear shuttle transportation program in the post-1980 period.
The methods, techniques, and devices used in testing various electrical and electronic apparatus are presented. The items described range from semiconductor package leak detectors to automatic circuit analyzer and antenna simulators for system checkout. In many cases the approaches can result in considerable cost savings and improved quality control. The testing of various electronic components, assemblies, and systems; the testing of various electrical devices; and the testing of cables and connectors are explained.
A functional description of the environmental control subsystem is presented. Development, tests, checkout, and flight experiences of the subsystem are discussed; and the design fabrication, and operational difficulties associated with the various components and subassemblies are recorded. Detailed information is related concerning design changes made to, and problems encountered with, the various elements of the subsystem, such as the thermal control water sublimator, the carbon dioxide sensing and control units, and the water section. The problems associated with water sterilization, water/glycol formulation, and materials compatibility are discussed. The corrective actions taken are described with the expection that this information may be of value for future subsystems. Although the main experiences described are problem oriented, the subsystem has generally performed satisfactorily in flight.
Detailed configuration and subsystems preliminary design data are presented for the modular space station concept. Each module comprising the initial space station is described in terms of its external and internal configuration, its functional responsibilities to the initial cluster, and its orbital build up sequence. Descriptions of the subsequent build up to the growth space station are also presented. Analytical and design techniques, tradeoff considerations, and depth of design detail are discussed for each subsystem. The subsystems include the following: structural/mechanical; crew habitability and protection; experiment support; electrical power; environmental control/life support; guidance, navigation, and control; propulsion; communications; data management; and onboard checkout subsystems. The interfaces between the station and other major elements of the program are summarized. The rational for a zero-gravity station, in lieu of one with artificial-gravity capability, is also summarized.
This operation manual is also the final report of the program to design, assemble, checkout, and deliver to the customer three MX-290 transmitters and two MX-291 companion receivers. These equipments are designed and assembled to provide for maximum flexibility with respect to making changes in electrical circuits which may be required for future applications. A number of test points for monitoring and troubleshooting are provided along with easy access to subunits.
The decision to accomplish the lunar landing mission by use of the lunar orbit rendezvous technique required that a docking system be developed to allow: (1) spacecraft modules to be structurally joined, (2) intravehicular transfer of the crew and equipment, and (3) separation of the modules. The basic design criteria of the docking system, the evolution process, and the various docking concepts considered for the Apollo program are presented. Docking systems that were considered for the Apollo program included both impact and nonimpact systems; a probe and drogue impact system was selected. Physical and functional descriptions of the probe and drogue, the crew transfer tunnel, and docking ring latches are presented for both the early configuration and the present configuration as influenced by the development and qualification test programs. In addition, preflight checkout activity and mission performance of the system are discussed.
The criteria for cargo handling at the operational site of space shuttles are presented, based on assumed program requirements. The concepts for the following functions are described: maintenance and checkout facility, transfer to launch pad, and launch pad. The requirements for the ground equipment are given along with the general sequences for cargo loading.
A fuel cell technology program which was established to advance the state-of-the-art of hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells using the P and WA PC8B technology as the base is reported. The major tasks of this program consisted of (1) fuel cell system studies of a space shuttle powerplant conceptual design (designated engineering model -1, EM-1) supported by liaison with the space shuttle prime contractors; (2) component and subsystem technology advancement and; (3) a demonstrator powerplant test. Fuel cell system studies, with the EM-1 as the focal point of design activities, included determination of voltage regulation, specific reactant consumption, weight, voltage level and performance characteristics. These studies provided the basis for coordination activities with the space shuttle vehicle prime contractor. Interface information, on-board checkout and in-flight monitoring requirements, and development cost data were also provided as part of this activity. Even though the two vehicles primes had different voltage requirements (115 volts in one case and 28 volts in the other), it was concluded that either option could be provided in the fuel cell power system by the electrical hook-up of the cells in the stack.