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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 469 records · Page 26

Two years of on-orbit gallium arsenide performance from the LIPS solar cell panel experiment

The LIPS on-orbit performance of the gallium arsenide panel experiment was analyzed from flight operation telemetry data. Algorithms were developed to calculate the daily maximum power and associated solar array parameters by two independent methods. The first technique utilizes a least mean square polynomial fit to the power curve obtained with intensity and temperature corrected currents and voltages; whereas, the second incorporates an empirical expression for fill factor based on an open circuit voltage and the calculated series resistance. Maximum power, fill factor, open circuit voltage, short circuit current and series resistance of the solar cell array are examined as a function of flight time. Trends are analyzed with respect to possible mechanisms which may affect successive periods of output power during 2 years of flight operation. Degradation factors responsible for the on-orbit performance characteristics of gallium arsenide are discussed in relation to the calculated solar cell parameters. Performance trends and the potential degradation mechanisms are correlated with existing laboratory and flight data on both gallium arsenide and silicon solar cells for similar environments.

Francis, R. W.↗

A systolic architecture for the correlation and accumulation of digital sequences

A fully systolic architecture for the implementation of digital sequence correlator/accumulators is described. These devices consist of a two-dimensional array of processing elements that are conceived for efficient fabrication in Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits. A custom VLSI chip that was implemented using these concepts is described. The chip, which contains a four-lag three-level sequence correlator and four bits of accumulation with overflow detection, was designed using the Integrated UNIX-Based Computer Aided Design (CAD) System. Applications of such devices include the synchronization of coded telemetry data, alignment of both real time and non-real time Very Large Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) signals, and the implementation of digital filters and processes of many types.

Deutsch, L. J.↗

Ulysses - International exploration of the sun's poles

The objective of the Ulysses project is to explore the heliosphere within 1-2 AU of the sun at high latitudes. The spacecraft for the mission is spin stabilized, contains a large diameter parabolic high gain antenna, a Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG), and a 5.5 m radial boom. The spacecraft instruments used to measure the properties of the solar corona, the solar wind, the sun-wind interface, the heliospheric magnetic field, solar and nonsolar cosmic rays, solar radio bursts, plasma waves, and the interstellar/interplanetary neutral gas and dust are described. The roles of various organizations involved in the management of the Ulysses project are discussed. Particular attention is given to the composition and capabilities of the RTG, and the transmission of the spacecraft telemetry data.

Meeks, Willis G.↗

Dynamic stability and handling qualities tests on a highly augmented, statically unstable airplane

Novel flight test and analysis techniques in the flight dynamics and handling qualities area are described. These techniques were utilized at NASA Ames-Dryden during the initial flight envelope clearance of the X-29A aircraft. It is shown that the open-loop frequency response of an aircraft with highly relaxed static stability can be successfully computed on the ground from telemetry data. Postflight closed-loop frequency response data were obtained from pilot-generated frequency sweeps and it is found that the current handling quality requirements for high-maneuverability aircraft are generally applicable to the X-29A.

Gera, Joseph↗

Real-time space system control with expert systems

Many aspects of space system operations involve continuous control of real time processes. These processes include electrical power system monitoring, prelaunch and ongoing propulsion system health and maintenance, environmental and life support systems, space suit checkout, onboard manufacturing, and vehicle servicing including satellites, shuttles, orbital maneuvering vehicles, orbital transfer vehicles and remote teleoperators. Traditionally, monitoring of these critical real time processes has been done by trained human experts monitoring telemetry data. However, the long duration of future space missions and the high cost of crew time in space creates a powerful economic incentive for the development of highly autonomous knowledge based expert control procedures for these space systems.

Leinweber, David↗

Small expendable deployer system measurement analysis

The first on-orbit experiment of the Small Expendable Deployer System (SEDS) for tethered satellites will collect telemetry data for tether length, rate of deployment, and tether tension. The post-flight analysis will use this data to reconstruct the deployment history and determine dynamic characteristics such as tether shape and payload position. Linearized observability analysis has determined that these measurements are adequate to define states for a two-mass tether model, and two state estimators were written.

Carrington, Connie K.↗

Automated workstation for the operation of spacecraft engineering subsystems

This paper addresses the development of a workstation that exploits automated tools to enable an operator to monitor concurrently several engineering subsystems and/or several space missions. The use of artificial intelligence and advanced graphics capabilities to achieve fast prototypes is discussed. The monitoring of engineering telemetry data from the Power and Pyro Subsystem of the Galileo spacecraft is emphasized.

Bahrami, K. A.↗

Preliminary development of an intelligent computer assistant for engine monitoring

As part of the F-18 high-angle-of-attack vehicle program, an AI method has been developed for the real-time monitoring of the propulsion system and for the identification of recovery procedures for the F404 engine. The aim of the development program is to provide enhanced flight safety and to reduce the duties of the propulsion engineers. As telemetry data is received, the results are continually displayed in a number of different color graphical formats. The system makes possible the monitoring of the engine state and the individual parameters. Anomaly information is immediately displayed to the engineer.

Disbrow, James D.↗

Flight-test evaluation of civil helicopter terminal approach operations using differential GPS

A civil code differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) has been developed and flight-tested by the NASA Ames Research Center. The system was used to evaluate the performance of the DGPS for support of helicopter terminal approach operations. The airborne component of the DGPS was installed in a NASA helicopter. The ground-reference component was installed in a mobile van and equipped with a real-time VHF telemetry data link to transmit correction information to the aircraft system. An extensive series of tests was conducted to evaluate the performance of the system for several different configurations of the airborne navigation filter. This paper will describe the systems, the results of the flight tests, and the results of the posttest analysis.

Edwards, F. G.↗

Automatic Monitoring Of Complicated Systems

Collection of computer programs developed for expert computer system performing complicated, tedious, and repetitive portions of analysis of telemetry data from spacecraft. Provides nonstop, accurate surveillance of incoming data, also frees operators to concentrate their expertise on unexpected abnormal operating conditions. When unable to explain discrepancies with certainty resulting from data out of synchronization or other falso-alarm conditions, triggers alarm devices to request assistance from designated individuals. Concept useful in such terrestrial systems as production lines, power-distribution networks, chemical processes, large airplanes, and other assemblies of interdependent equipment.

Schwuttke, Ursula M.↗

Software For Three-Dimensional Space-Shuttle Imagery

Flight Dynamics/Space Transportation System Three-Dimensional Monitor System (3-D Mon) is real-time graphical mission-monitoring software tool. Main objective to compute and display realistic three-dimensional solid model image of Space Shuttle, remote-manipulator system, payload, and surroundings from real-time Space Shuttle telemetry data. Ability to support spacecraft other than Space Shuttle also incorporated. Display shows almost any desired perspective. Written in C programming language.

Pittarelli, Ernest J.↗

An experimental investigation of the aerodynamic characteristics of slanted base ogive cylinders using magnetic suspension technology

An experimental investigation is reported on slanted base ogive cylinders at zero incidence. The Mach number range is 0.05 to 0.3. All flow disturbances associated with wind tunnel supports are eliminated in this investigation by magnetically suspending the wind tunnel models. The sudden and drastic changes in the lift, pitching moment, and drag for a slight change in base slant angle are reported. Flow visualization with liquid crystals and oil is used to observe base flow patterns, which are responsible for the sudden changes in aerodynamic characteristics. Hysteretic effects in base flow pattern changes are present in this investigation and are reported. The effect of a wire support attachment on the 0 deg slanted base model is studied. Computational drag and transition location results using VSAERO and SANDRAG are presented and compared with experimental results. Base pressure measurements over the slanted bases are made with an onboard pressure transducer using remote data telemetry.

Alcorn, Charles W.↗

Kalman estimation for SEDS measurements

The first on-orbit experiment of the Small Expendable Deployer System (SEDS) for tethered satellites will collect telemetry data for tethered length, rate of deployment, and tether tension. The post-flight analysis will use this data to reconstruct the deployment history and determine payload position and tether shape. Two Kalman estimator algorithms were written, and output using simulated measurement data was compared. Both estimators exhibited the same estimated state histories, indicating that numerical instability in the traditional algorithm was not the cause of filter divergence. Estimation of acceleration biases was added, which reduced the error but did not correct the divergence. An add-a-bead estimator that adds lumped masses as the tether is deployed was written, which provides a state model that matches the BEADSIM simulation providing the true measurements and states. This twenty-one bead estimator produced state histories similar to those of the two-bead estimator, indicating that the filter divergence was not caused by a reduced-order model. The noise models used to date are relatively simple and may be the source of estimator divergence. The investigation of colored noise models, cross-correlated measurement and process covariances, and noise-adaptive filter techniques is recommended.

Carrington, Connie K.↗

Operational computer graphics in the flight dynamics environment

Over the past five years, the Flight Dynamics Division of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Goddard Space Flight Center has incorporated computer graphics technology into its operational environment. In an attempt to increase the effectiveness and productivity of the Division, computer graphics software systems have been developed that display spacecraft tracking and telemetry data in 2-d and 3-d graphic formats that are more comprehensible than the alphanumeric tables of the past. These systems vary in functionality from real-time mission monitoring system, to mission planning utilities, to system development tools. Here, the capabilities and architecture of these systems are discussed.

Jeletic, James F.↗

Preliminary development of an intelligent computer assistant for engine monitoring

As part of the F-18 high-angle-of-attack vehicle program, an AI method was developed for the real time monitoring of the propulsion system and for the identification of recovery procedures for the F404 engine. The aim of the development program is to provide enhanced flight safety and to reduce the duties of the propulsion engineers. As telemetry data is received, the results are continually displayed in a number of different color graphical formats. The system makes possible the monitoring of the engine state and the individual parameters. Anomaly information is immediately displayed to the engineer.

Disbrow, James D.↗

A new environment for multiple spacecraft power subsystem mission operations

The engineering analysis subsystem environment (EASE) is being developed to enable fewer controllers to monitor and control power and other spacecraft engineering subsystems. The EASE prototype has been developed to support simultaneous real-time monitoring of several spacecraft engineering subsystems. It is being designed to assist with offline analysis of telemetry data to determine trends, and to help formulate uplink commands to the spacecraft. An early version of the EASE prototype has been installed in the JPL Space Flight Operations Facility for online testing. The EASE prototype is installed in the Galileo Mission Support Area. The underlying concept, development, and testing of the EASE prototype and how it will aid in the ground operations of spacecraft power subsystems are discussed.

Bahrami, K. A.↗

Solar Constant (SOLCON) Experiment: Ground Support Equipment (GSE) software development

The Solar Constant (SOLCON) Experiment, the objective of which is to determine the solar constant value and its variability, is scheduled for launch as part of the Space Shuttle/Atmospheric Laboratory for Application and Science (ATLAS) spacelab mission. The Ground Support Equipment (GSE) software was developed to monitor and analyze the SOLCON telemetry data during flight and to test the instrument on the ground. The design and development of the GSE software are discussed. The SOLCON instrument was tested during Davos International Solar Intercomparison, 1989 and the SOLCON data collected during the tests are analyzed to study the behavior of the instrument.

Gibson, M. Alan↗

AFSCN command and control segment evolution

An overview is presented of the Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN). The AFSCN is a worldwide network providing DOD satellite control capability including satellite tracking and commanding, telemetry data processing, and communications. The network elements are listed including test center, space operations center, tracking stations, and network engineering and system development. Space Systems Div. responsibilities are given along with A.F. Space Command and Logistics Command responsibilities.

Whipple, Larry K.↗