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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 55 records · Page 3

Design of a 7kW power transfer solar array drive mechanism

With the availability of the Shuttle and the European launcher, Ariane, there will be a continuing trend towards large payload satellite missions requiring high-power, high-inertia, flexible solar arrays. The need arises for a solar array drive with a large power transfer capability which can rotate these solar arrays without disturbing the satellite body pointing. The modular design of such a Solar Array Drive Mechanism (SADM) which is capable of transferring 7kW of power or more is described. Total design flexibility has been achieved, enabling different spacecraft power requirements to be accommodated within the SADM design.

Sheppard, J. G.↗

European X-ray observatory satellite (Exosat)

Initially planned to be launched on the Ariane L6, the 510 kilogram European X-Ray Observatory Satellite (EXOSAT) is to be placed into orbit from Space Launch Complex 2 West by NASA's Delta 3914 launch vehicle. Objectives of the mission are to study the precise position, structure, and temporal and spectral characteristics of known X-ray sources as well as search for new sources. The spacecraft is described as well as its payload, principal subsystems, and the stages of the Delta 3914. The flight sequence of events, land launch operations are discussed. The ESA management structure for EXOSAT, the NASA/industry team, and contractors are listed.

Source record↗

Space Phase III - The commercial era dawns

After the 'Phase I' of space activities, the period bounded by Sputnik and Apollo, 'Phase II', has been entered, a phase in which concerns over the use and the protection of space assets which support national security predominate. However, it is only when the commercial motive becomes prominent that human activity in new regions truly prospers and enters periods of exponential growth. It is believed that there are increasing signs that such a period, called 'Space Phase III', may be coming soon. A description is presented of developments and results upon which this conclusion is based. Since 1980, there have been three developments of great importance for the future of space activities. Six highly successful flights have demonstrated that the Space Shuttle concept works. A series of Soviet missions are related to the emergence of a capability to construct and service modular space stations. Successful tests of the European Ariane 1 indicate an end to U.S. monopoly with respect to the provision of launch services to the Western World.

Allnutt, R. F.↗

Exosat/Delta - Demonstrated short-term backup launcher capability through international cooperation

The instrumentation, performance parameters, Delta launch implementation, and development program of the Exosat, launched in February 1983 are described. The X ray satellite was integrated into the Delta vehicle over a three month period, and will survey mainly previously observed X ray objects by directing its detectors at them just before they are occulted by the moon. The 120 kg science package, powered by 260 W of power from solar panels, include low- and medium-energy imaging devices. The spacecraft was originally intended for Ariane launch, but scheduling conflicts, plus the need for a polar-type orbit, dictated the use of the Western Space and Missile Center. Maintenance of Delta compatibility throughout the development of the Exosat facilitated the transfer of launch vehicles, as did full existing documentation of the spacecraft and familiarity between the ESA and NASA managers of the development and launch programs, respectively.

Ganoung, J. K.↗

Dynamic analysis of evolutive conservative systems. Discussion of eigenmode crossings

After an analysis of the close connection between the symmetries of a dynamical system and the multiplicity of its vibrational natural frequencies, it is proved by variational arguments that for a system of invariable symmetry the eigenfrequencies associated with the eigenmodes of a given symmetry type do not cross, in general, during the evolution of this system. The theory is implemented by some numerical calculations applied to the analysis of the evolution of the axisymmetric hydroelastic modes of the Ariane launch vehicle during burning of the first stage.

Morand, H. J. P.↗

Modular experimental platform for science and applications

A modularized, standardized spacecraft bus, known as MESA, suitable for a variety of science and applications missions is discussed. The basic bus consists of a simple structural arrangement housing attitude control, telemetry/command, electrical power, propulsion and thermal control subsystems. The general arrangement allows extensive subsystem adaptation to mission needs. Kits provide for the addition of tape recorders, increased power levels and propulsion growth. Both 3-axis and spin stabilized flight proven attitude control subsystems are available. The MESA bus can be launched on Ariane, as a secondary payload for low cost, or on the STS with a PAM-D or other suitable upper stage. Multi-spacecraft launches are possible with either booster. Launch vehicle integration is simple and cost-effective. The low cost of the MESA bus is achieved by the extensive utilization of existing subsystem design concepts and equipment, and efficient program management and test integration techniques.

Hill, A. S.↗

An air-breathing ballistic space transporter for Europe

With increasing transport requirements, reusable space transporters again receive serious consideration in Europe as successors to the Ariane family. The paper deals with a hydrogen-ramjet-propelled, 1-1/2-stage reusable ballistic space transporter with vertical take-off and landing and using liquid hydrogen/oxygen rockets. This novel concept was developed in a theoretical study at the University of Stuttgart. The results are compared with recently published studies of several other European space transporter concepts. The data derived for the Istra - concept are: 15.4 Mg payload into low Earth-orbit, 155 Mg gross lift-off mass, 10% payload ratio, which represents a 57% propellant saving, and 44% reduction in dry mass (structure and engines) compared with comparable two-stage pure rocket concepts.

Kramer, P. A.↗

International cooperation in the commercial era of space

NASA plans permitting international participation in space activities are reviewed, with an emphasis on the increasing commercialization of these endeavors. The potential indicated by the recent success of the STS, long-term and large-scale Soviet missions, and the Ariane launcher is discussed; the development of the Space Station concept is traced; the increasing use of remote-sensing and telecommunications satellites is documented; currently planned space science missions are listed; and the NASA policy on international cooperation (full payment by the second nation, clean payload-spacecraft interfaces to prevent technology transfer, and open availability of scientific results) is outlined. It is argued that space activity, having passed through first and second phases dominated by exploration and military goals, respectively, will now soon enter a primarily commercial phase, with competition in telecommunications and remote-sensing services and private investment in space processing, manufacturing, and even launchers.

Allnutt, R. F.↗

Commercial launch vehicles and upper stages

Since the beginning of the space age in October 1957, a family of expendable launch vehicles, capable of launching a wide range of payloads, was developed along with the Space Shuttle and a number of upper stages. A brief description is presented of selected orbits which have proved to be most useful for initial or conceptual understanding of space operations, taking into account direct injection and Hohman transfers, and synchronous and sun-synchronous orbits. Early American boosters are discussed along with current expendable launch vehicles, giving attention to the Vanguard, Redstone and Juno, Saturn 1B and Saturn V, Scout, the Atlas booster, Atlas Centaur, Delta, Titan IIIC, and Ariane. Details regarding the Space Shuttle are considered along with PAM-D, PAM-A, PAM-DII, TOS, IUS, Centaur-G, and Syncom-IV and Intelsat-VI.

Mahon, J.↗

Cartographic potential of SPOT image data

In late 1985, the SPOT (Systeme Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre) satellite is to be launched by the Ariane rocket from French Guiana. This satellite will have two High Resolution Visible (HRV) line array sensor systems which are capable of providing monoscopic and stereoscopic coverage of the earth. Cartographic applications are related to the recording of stereo image data and the acquisition of 20-m data in a multispectral mode. One of the objectives of this study involves a comparison of the suitability of SPOT and TM image data for mapping urban land use/cover. Another objective is concerned with a preliminary assessment of the potential of SPOT image data for map revision when merged with conventional map sheets converted to raster formats.

Welch, R.↗

An overview of European space transportation systems

With the completion of the launch rocket series Ariane 1 to 4, Europe will have reached the same capacity to transport commercial payloads as the USA has with the Space Shuttle and the kick stages which are presently operative. The near term development of these capacities would require Europe to develop a larger launch rocket, Araine 5. Further motivations for this rocket are access to manned spaceflight, the development of an European space station, and the demand for shuttle technology. Shuttle technology is the subject of research being done in France on the winged re-entry vehicle Hermes. Operation of the European space station Columbus will require development of an interorbital transport system to facilitate traffic between the various segments of the space station. All European space transportation systems will have to match their quality to that of the other countries involve in space flight. All areas of development are marked not only by possible cooperation but also by increased competition because of increasing commercialization of space flight.

Lo, R. E.↗

Technology programs and related policies - Impacts on communications satellite business ventures

The DOMSAT II stochastic communication satellite business venture financial planning simulation model is described. The specification of business scenarios and the results of several analyses are presented. In particular, the impacts of NASA on-orbit propulsion and power technology programs are described. The effects of insurance rates and self-insurance and of the use of the Space Shuttle and Ariane transportation systems on a typical fixed satellite service business venture are discussed.

Greenberg, J. S.↗

TOPEX/POSEIDON - A proposed joint NASA/CNES altimetry mission

A dedicated altimetry mission has been proposed to be conducted jointly by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the French Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES). The mission goal would be focused on advancing the understanding of the general circulation of the global oceans. The mission would involve a U.S. satellite carrying U.S. and French sensors and launched by a French Ariane launch vehicle. Launch would occur in 1990, and the mission would be planned as an integral part of oceanographic programs being proposed under the auspices of the World Climate Research Program.

Wilson, W. S.↗

Europe/United States space activities

Among the topics discussed are: the Olympus satellite program; trends in the Italian space technology; and ESA Space Station planning. Consideration is also given to cooperative international programs, including the Eurostar platform, the Tethered Satellite System, and the SPAS system; space science and applications programs; and the development of next generation space propulsion systems. Among the specific propulsion technologies discussed are: LOX/LR2 engines; the Ariane 5 solid propellant booster; and propulsion systems for earth-to-orbit vehicles.

Bainum, P. M.↗

The evolution of space mechanisms in the ESA R and D program

The status of recently completed and already ongoing technology developments, as well as some of the most important future developments of the European Space Agency are discussed. Among the subjects considered are Scientific Satellites, Columbus space station development, applications spacecraft for communications, Earth observation and meteorology, and the Ariane V and Hermes space transportation systems.

Wyn-Roberts, D.↗

Expendable launch vehicle transportation for the Space Station

ELVs are presently evaluated as major components of the NASA Space Station's logistics transportation system, augmenting the cargo capacity of the Space Shuttle in support of Station productivity and operational flexibility. The ELVs in question are the Delta II, Atlas II, Titan III, Titan IV, Shuttle-C (unmanned cargo development), European Ariane 5, and Japanese H-II, as well as smaller launch vehicles and OTVs. Early definition of ELV program impacts will preclude the potentially excessive costs of future Space Station modifications.

Corban, Robert R.↗

Potential SPOT-1 R/B-Cosmos 1680 R/B collision

Detailed NORAD data have revealed updated orbital elements for the Ariane third-stage rocket body that underwent breakup on November 13, 1986, as well as for the Cosmos 1680 rocket body. Applying the maximum expected error due to the extrapolation of orbital elements to the date of the possible collision between the two bodies shows the smallest possible distance between bodies to have been 380 km, thereby precluding collision.

Henize, Karl G.↗

Space Station Freedom avionics technology

The Space Station Freedom Program (SSFP) encompasses the design, development, test, evaluation, verification, launch, assembly, and operation and utilization of a set of spacecraft in low earth orbit (LEO) and their supporting facilities. The spacecraft set includes: the Space Station Manned Base (SSMB), a European Space Agency (ESA) provided Man-Tended Free Flyer (MTFF) at an inclination of 28.5 degrees and nominal attitude of 410 km, a USA provided Polar Orbiting Platform (POP), and an ESA provided POP in sun-synchronous, near polar orbits at a nominal altitude of 822 km. The SSMB will be assembled using the National Space Transportation System (NSTS). The POPs and the MTFF will be launched by Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELVs): a Titan 4 for the US POP and an Ariane for the ESA POP and MTFF. The US POP will for the most part use derivatives of systems flown on unmanned LEO spacecraft. The SSMB portion of the overall program is presented.

Edwards, A.↗