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At least 55 records · Page 3

Performance of the 12 GHz, 200 watt Transmitter Experiment Package for the Hermes Satellite

Performance characteristics from on-orbit tests of the Transmitter Experiment Package (TEP) for the Hermes Satellite are presented. The tests were conducted from February 8, 1976 through August 8, 1977. The TEP consists of a Power Processing System (PPS), an Output Stage Tube (OST) and a Variable Conductance Heat Pipe System (VCHPS), all of which are described. The OST is a coupled-cavity traveling wave tube with a multistage depressed collector and a stepped velocity-tapered slow wave structure for efficiency enhancement. It has an RF output power of 233 W and overall efficiency of 50.75% at a center band frequency of 12.080 GHz. The PPS provides the required operating voltages, regulation, control and protection for the OST. The VCHPS consists of a fin radiator and three dual-artery stainless steel heat pipes using methanol and a mixture of inert gases. Test results presented include efficiencies, RF output power and body current. A discussion of thermal anomalies which occurred is presented.

Alexovich, R. E.↗

A digitally implemented communications experiment utilizing the Hermes /CTS/ satellite

Attention is given to an investigation being conducted by NASA-Lewis and Comsat Laboratories which uses the Hermes (CTS) satellite to explain digital link implementation and the advantages it provides over conventional analog systems. The experiment concentrates on developing several video, audio, and data digital communications techniques.

Jackson, H. D.↗

Utilization of NASA Lewis mobile terminals for the Hermes satellite

The paper describes the portable earth terminal (PET) and the transportable earth terminal (TET) which enable two-way television and voice communication. Both terminals were developed by NASA and utilize the high power of the Hermes satellite. PET is a bus-type vehicle which has receiving equipment for full duplex color television and which can transmit programs originating in either the on-board PET studio or in nearby buildings. PET has a collapsible 2.4-m diameter parabolic antenna interfacing with a 500-watt 14-GHz wideband TV transmitter and a 12-GHz wideband TV receiver system. TET uses two parabolic reflector antennas, 3 m and 1.2 m in diameter, mounted on a flat trailer towed by a truck. TET can receive and relay color TV signals, and its narrowband transmitter can serve as a return audio link permitting a question-and-answer format. Also described are uplink and downlink performance characteristics, operation procedures, and field demonstrations which enabled personnel at several hospitals to participate in a distant medical conference.

Edelman, E. A.↗

A digitally implemented communications experiment utilizing the communications technology satellite, Hermes

Developments which will reduce the costs associated with the distribution of satellite services are considered with emphasis on digital communication link implementation. A digitally implemented communications experiment (DICE) which demonstrates the flexibility and efficiency of digital transmission of television video and audio, telephone voice, and high-bit-rate data is described. The utilization of the DICE system in a full duplex teleconferencing mode is addressed. Demonstration teleconferencing results obtained during the conduct of two sessions of the 7th AIAA Communication Satellite Systems Conference are discussed. Finally, the results of link characterization tests conducted to determine (1) relationships between the Hermes channel 1 EIRP and DICE model performance and (2) channel spacing criteria for acceptable multichannel operation, are presented.

Jackson, H. D.↗

Two-Way Time Transfer via Geostationary Satellites NRC/NBS, NRC/USNO and NBS/USNO via Hermes and NRC/LPTF (France) via Symphonie

In most of the experiments, 1 pps pulses of the station atomic clocks were exchanged between the partners, and a cubic equation was fitted to the 1000 to 2000 second measurements. The equations were exchanged and substracted to obtain the time difference of the stations. The standard deviation in the fit of the equations varied, depending on conditions, from 1.5 ns to 16 ns. For the last month of the Hermes experiment, a 1 MHz signal was used, giving a standard deviation of 0.18 ns. The comparison of the time scales via satellite and via Loran-C (BIH Circular D) show clearly that some Loran-C links are very good, but that the NBS link varies by 1 micron s. Via the satellite the frequencies of the time scales can be compared with an accuracy of 2 x 10 to the minus 14 power.

Costain, C.↗

Hypersonic aerodynamic coefficients and convection flow estimation in a HERMES type project

An analysis of all the experimental and computation requirements of the HERMES project is presented. The discussion includes the influence of the upper atmosphere composition and possible chemical reactions, the information collected in Orbiter experiments, the possibility of utilizing plasma generators and CF4 in wind tunnel tests, the development of parabolized Navier-Stokes models and solutions, and the computing capacity requirements.

Pollak, C.↗

A multipurpose model of Hermes-Columbus docking mechanism

One of the foreseen missions of the HERMES spacevehicle is the servicing to the Columbus Free Flying Laboratory (MTFF). Docking between the two spacecraft is a critical operation in which the Docking Mechanism (DM) has a major role. In order to analyze and assess robustness of initially selected concepts and to identify suitable implementation solutions, through the investigation of main parameters involved in the docking functions, a multipurpose model of DM was developed and tested. This paper describes the main design features as well as the process of calibrating and testing.

Gonzalez-Vallejo, J. J.↗

Hermes CX-7: Air transport system design simulation

The Hermes CX-7 has been designed to service the overnight parcel package delivery needs of the cities of Aeroworld as determined in the G-Dome Enterprises market survey. The design optimization centers on the prime goal of servicing the needs of these cities as efficiently and profitably as possible. The greatest factors which affect the design of an aircraft for the mission outlined in the Request for Proposal are cost, construction feasibility and effectiveness of the design. Other influencing factors are given by the constraints of the market, including a maximum takeoff and landing distance of 60 feet, storage capability in a container of size 5 ft. x 3 ft. x 2 ft., cargo packages of 2 inch and 4 inch cubes, and ability to turn with a radius no larger than 60 feet. Safety considerations such as flying at or below Mach one (30 ft/s) and controllability and maintainability of the aircraft must also be designed into the aircraft. Another influential factor is the efficiency of the aircraft which involves optimizations and tradeoffs of such factors as weight, lifting surface sizing, structural redundancy, and material costs.

Amer, Brian↗

Mission activities planning for a Hermes mission by means of AI-technology

Mission Activities Planning is a complex task to be performed by mission control centers. AI technology can offer attractive solutions to the planning problem. This paper presents the use of a new AI-based Mission Planning System for crew activity planning. Based on a HERMES servicing mission to the COLUMBUS Man Tended Free Flyer (MTFF) with complex time and resource constraints, approximately 2000 activities with 50 different resources have been generated, processed, and planned with parametric variation of operationally sensitive parameters. The architecture, as well as the performance of the mission planning system, is discussed. An outlook to future planning scenarios, the requirements, and how a system like MARS can fulfill those requirements is given.

Pape, U.↗

Longitudinal Aerodynamic Characteristics and Effect of Rocket Jet on Drag of Models of the Hermes A-3A and A-3B Missiles in Free Flight at Mach Numbers From 0.6 to 2.0

A free-flight investigation over a Mach number range from 0.6 to 2.0 has been conducted to determine the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics and effect of rocket jet on zero-lift drag of 1/5-scale models of two ballistic-type missiles, the Hermes A-3A and A-3B. Models of both types of missiles exhibited very nearly linear normal forces and pitching moments over the angle-of-attack range of 8 deg to -4 deg and Mach number range tested. The centers of pressure for both missiles were not appreciably affected by Mach number over the subsonic range; however, between a Mach number of 1.02 and 1.50 the center of pressure for the A-3A model moved forward 0.34 caliber with increasing Mach number. At a trim angle-of-attack of approximately 30 deg, the A-3A model indicated a total drag coefficient 30% higher than the power-off zero-lift drag over the subsonic Mach number range and 10% higher over the supersonic range. Under the conditions of the present test, and excluding the effect of the jet on base drag, there was no indicated effect of the propulsive jet on the total drag of the A-3A model. The propulsive jet operating at a jet pressure ratio p(sub j)/p(sub o) of 0.8 caused approximately 100% increase in base drag over the Mach number range M = 0.6 to 1.0. This increase in base drag amounts to 15% of the total drag. An underexpanded jet operating at jet pressure ratios corresponding approximately to those of the full-scale missile caused a 22% reduction in base drag at M = 1.55 (p(sub j)/p(sub o) = 1.76) but indicated no change at M = 1.30 (p(sub j)/p(sub o) = 1.43). At M = 1.1 and p(sub j)/p(sub o) = 1.55, the jet caused a 50% increase in base drag.

Jackson, H. Herbert↗

Effect of Rocket-Motor Operation on the Drag of Three 1/5-Scale Hermes A-3A Models in Free Flight

Three 1/5-scale models of the Hermes A-3A missile have been flown to determine the effect of rocket-motor operation on the drag corresponding to various altitude and Mach number combinations. The flights covered a Mach number range from 0.5 to 1.8, and ratios of jet-exit static pressure to free-stream static pressure from 0.8 to 1.8. The results indicate that the power-on drag of the missile should be the same as the power-off drag at Mach number 1.3 and slightly less than the power-off drag at Mach number 1.55.

Jackson, H. Herbert↗

Tests of a Hermes A-2 Missile Body at Mach Number 4.04

Force tests on a proposed body shape of the Hermes A-2 missile with and without longitudinal spoilers were made at Mach number 4.04. Values of normal force coefficient, pitching-moment coefficient, and center-of-pressure position were obtained.

Ulmann, Edward F.↗

Wind-Tunnel Investigation of the Static Longitudinal Stability Characteristics of a 0.15-Scale Model of the Hermes A-1E2 Missile at High Subsonic Mach Numbers

The static longitudinal stability characteristics of a 0.15-scale model of the Hermes A-lE2 missile have been determined in the Langley high-speed 7- by 10-foot tunnel over a Mach number range of 0.50 to 0.98, corresponding to Reynolds numbers, based on body length, of 12.3 x 10(exp 6) to 17.1 x 10(exp 6). This paper presents results obtained with body alone and body-fins combinations at 0 degrees (one set of fins vertical and the other set horizontal) and 45 degree angle of roll. The results indicate that the addition of the fins to the body insures static longitudinal stability and provides essentially linear variations of the lift and pitching moment at small angles of attack throughout the Mach number range. The slopes of the lift and pitching-moment curves vary slightly with Mach number and show only small effects due to the angle of roll.

Alford, William J., Jr.↗

Hermes Global Orbiter: A Discovery Mission in Gestation

The hermes Global Orbiter (HGO) is a Discovery class mission under study, which is investigating the possibility of placing a small spacecraft in highly elliptical polar orbit about mercury. The purpose of the mission is to conduct observations of the planet's surface, atmosphere and magnetosphere.

spacecraft Mercury orbit payload Delta II Venus fl↗

Investigation in the Ames Supersonic Free-Flight Wind Tunnel of the Static Longitudinal Stability of the Hermes A-3B Missile at a Mach Number of 5.0

Models of the Hermes A-3B missile were tested in the Ames supersonic free-flight wind tunnel to determine the static-longitudinal-stability characteristics at a Mach number of 5.0 and a Reynolds number based on body length of 10 million. The results indicated that the model center of pressure was 45.3 percent of the body length aft of the nose and the lift-curve slope based on body frontal area was 0.064 per degree. Estimates indicated that the effect on these characteristics of aeroelastic twisting of the model fins was small but important if a precise location of center of pressure is required. A comparison of the test results with predictions based on available theory showed that the theory was useful only for rough estimates, The drag coefficient at zero lift, based on body frontal area, was found to be 0.155.

Denardo, Billy Pat↗

Performance, Stability, and Plume Characterization of the HERMeS Thruster with Boron Nitride Silica Composite Discharge Channel

NASA's Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5kW Technology Demonstration Unit-3 (TDU-3) has been the subject of extensive technology maturation in preparation for flight system development. Detailed performance, stability, and plume characterization tests of the thruster were performed at NASA GRC's Vacuum Facility 5 (VF-5). The TDU-3 thruster implements a magnetic topology that is identical to TDU-1. The TDU-3 boron nitride silica composite discharge channel material is different than the TDU-1 heritage boron nitride discharge channel material. Performance and stability characterization of the TDU-3 thruster was performed at discharge voltages between 300V and 600V and at discharge currents between 5A and 21.8A. The thruster performance and stability were assessed for varying magnetic field strength, cathode flow fractions between 5% and 9%, varying harness inductance, and for reverse magnet polarity. Performance characterization test results indicate that the TDU-3 thruster performance is in family with the TDU-1 levels. TDU-3's thrust efficiency of 65% and specific impulse of 2,800sec at 600V and 12.5kW exceed performance levels of SOA Hall thrusters. Thruster stability regimes were characterized with respect to the thruster discharge current oscillations (discharge current peak-to-peak and root mean square magnitudes), discharge current waveform power spectral density analysis, and maps of the current-voltage-magnetic field. Stability characterization test results indicate a stability profile similar to TDU-1. Finally, comparison of the TDU-1 and TDU-3 plume profiles found that there were negligible differences in the plasma plume characteristics between the TDU with heritage boron nitride versus the boron nitride silica composite discharge channel.

ion engines↗

Long Duration Wear Test of the NASA HERMeS Hall Thruster

The NASA Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5-kW Hall thruster is the subject of extensive technology maturation by NASA GRC and JPL in preparation for development into a flight propulsion system. As part of this on-going effort, a series of three wear tests have been conducted to identify erosion phenomena and the accompanying failure modes as well as to validate service-life models for magnetically-shielded thrusters. This paper presents an overview and summary of the results obtained over the first 1715 hours of the third wear test, which has the overall goal of serving as a pathfinder to identify and correct design or facility issues prior to the flight qualification campaign. Overall, negligible changes in performance and stability are observed as a function of operating time as well as relative to previous wear tests. Erosion of the inner and outer front pole covers is shown to vary by 76-300 percent as a function of discharge voltage and by up to 40 percent as a function of magnetic field strength. Shifting the cathode position upstream relative to the pole covers is shown to reduce keeper erosion rates by 84 percent, which supports this approach for mitigating the elevated keeper wear observed during previous wear tests.

Frieman, Jason D.↗

Long Duration Wear Test of the NASA HERMeS Hall Thruster

The NASA Hall Effect Rocket with Magnetic Shielding (HERMeS) 12.5-kW Hall thruster is the subject of extensive technology maturation by NASA GRC (Glenn Research Center) and JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) in preparation for development into a flight propulsion system. As part of this on-going effort, a series of three wear tests have been conducted to identify erosion phenomena and the accompanying failure modes as well as to validate service-life models for magnetically-shielded thrusters. This paper presents an overview and summary of the results obtained over the first 1715 hours of the third wear test, which has the overall goal of serving as a pathfinder to identify and correct design or facility issues prior to the flight qualification campaign. Overall, negligible changes in performance and stability are observed as a function of operating time as well as relative to previous wear tests. Erosion of the inner and outer front pole covers is shown to vary by 76-300 percent as a function of discharge voltage and by up to 40 percent as a function of magnetic field strength. Shifting the cathode position upstream relative to the pole covers is shown to reduce keeper erosion rates by 84 percent, which supports this approach for mitigating the elevated keeper wear observed during previous wear tests.

Frieman, Jason D.↗