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At least 595 records · Page 33

Amateur Radio on the International Space Station - Phase 2 Hardware System

The International Space Station (ISS) ham radio system has been on-orbit for over 3 years. Since its first use in November 2000, the first seven expedition crews and three Soyuz taxi crews have utilized the amateur radio station in the Functional Cargo Block (also referred to as the FGB or Zarya module) to talk to thousands of students in schools, to their families on Earth, and to amateur radio operators around the world. Early on, the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) international team devised a multi-phased hardware development approach for the ISS ham radio station. Three internal development Phases. Initial Phase 1, Mobile Radio Phase 2 and Permanently Mounted Phase 3 plus an externally mounted system, were proposed and agreed to by the ARISS team. The Phase 1 system hardware development which was started in 1996 has since been delivered to ISS. It is currently operational on 2 meters. The 70 cm system is expected to be installed and operated later this year. Since 2001, the ARISS international team have worked to bring the second generation ham system, called Phase 2, to flight qualification status. At this time, major portions of the Phase 2 hardware system have been delivered to ISS and will soon be installed and checked out. This paper intends to provide an overview of the Phase 1 system for background and then describe the capabilities of the Phase 2 radio system. It will also describe the current plans to finalize the Phase 1 and Phase 2 testing in Russia and outlines the plans to bring the Phase 2 hardware system to full operation.

Bauer, F.↗

Ground test experiment for large space structures, appendix I

Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a Large Space Structure (LSS) ground test verification experiment facility having adequate fidelity and flexibility to accommodate the demands of LSS control theory testing. The first experiment is in the subsystem verification and integration phase. This test employs the ASTROMAST, a lightweight S glass composite deployable beam structure, as the test article and is cited to prove out centralized and distributed sensor control strategies.

Tollison, D. K.↗

Improvements in safety testing of lithium cells

A systematic approach was developed for evaluating the basic safety parameters of high power lithium soluble cathode cells. This approach consists of performing a series of tests on each cell model during the design, prototype and production phases. Abusive testing is performed in a facility where maximum protection is given to test personnel.

Stinebring, R. C.↗

STA-2A NDT testing

The nondestructive testing (NDT) on the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) filament wound case (FWC) short stact structural test articles 2 (STA-2A) during test of phases 1B-9C is described. The primary objective of this testing was to verify the structural integrity of the SRB-FWC for critical design loads. Another objective was to quantify the effect of load distributions in the aft skirt. The NDT objectives were to determine the acoustic emission characteristics of the FWC-SRB and to identify possible design deficiencies or defect growth. The results from the posttest inspection of the samples shows the depth measurements taken were accurate until exceeding .260 inches thickness. The data then show that pulse echo measurements exceeded actual part thickness by 10 to 14 percent. The mapping of forward boundaries of delaminations proved to be within the tolerance of the equipment. Using the ZIP probe, the maximum difference between the pulse echo boundary and the visual boundary was expected to be no greater than one half the diameter of the probe. The NDT performance on STA-2A shows how NDT can be used to assist design engineering in evaluating the structural integrity of composite test articles.

Lewis, T. J.↗

Facility for generating crew waste water product for ECLSS testing

An End-use Equipment Facility (EEF) has been constructed which is used to simulate water interfaces between the Space Station Freedom Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) and man systems. The EEF is used to generate waste water to be treated by ECLSS water recovery systems. The EEF will also be used to close the water recovery loop by allowing test subjects to use recovered hygiene and potable water during several phases of testing. This paper describes the design and basic operation of the EEF.

Buitekant, Alan↗

Flight Measurements of the Flying Qualities of a Lockheed P-80A Airplane (Army No. 44-85099): Lateral- and Directional-Stability and Control Characteristics

This report contains the flight-test results of the lateral and directional-stability and control phase (including tests with wing-tip tanks) of a general flying-qualities investigation of the Lockheed P-80A airplane (Army No. 44-85099). These tests were conducted at indicated airspeeds up to 494 miles per hour (0.691 Mach number) at low altitude and up to 378 miles per hour (0.816 Mach number) at high altitude. These tests showed that the flying qualities of the airplane were for the most part in accordance with the requirements of the Army Air Forces Stability and Control Specifications. The only major deficiency noted was the negative lateral stability with the wing-tip tanks installed.

Anderson, Seth B.↗

A Comparison of Three Catastrophic On-Orbit Collisions

Orbital debris environment models, such as NASA's LEGEND model, show that accidental collisions between satellites will begin to be the dominant cause for future debris population growth within the foreseeable future. The collisional breakup models employed are obviously a critical component of the environment models. The Chinese Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test which destroyed the Fengyun-1C weather satellite provided a rare, but not unique, chance to compare the breakup models against an actual on-orbit collision. Measurements from the U.S. Space Surveillance Network (SSN), for debris larger than 10-cm, and from Haystack, for debris larger than 1-cm, show that the number of fragments created from Fengyun significantly exceeds model predictions using the NASA Standard Collisional Breakup Model. However, it may not be appropriate to alter the model to match this one, individual case. Two other on-orbit collisions have occurred in the past which have produced significant numbers of debris fragments. In September 1985, the U.S. conducted an ASAT test against the Solwind P-78 spacecraft at an altitude of approximately 525 km. A year later, in September 1986, the Delta 180 payload was struck by its Delta II rocket body in a planned collision at 220 km altitude. Although no Haystack data is available in 1985-6 and very few debris pieces were cataloged from Delta 180 due to its low altitude, measurements were collected in dedicated tests by phased array radars in the SSN in the days after each test. This paper will examine the available radar data from each test and compare and contrast the results with model predictions and with the results from the more recent Fengyun ASAT test.

Stansbery, Gene↗

Three-Man Solid Electrolyte Carbon Dioxide Electrolysis Breadboard

The development of the Three-Man (2.2 lb CO2/man-day) Solid Electrolyte CO2 Electrolysis Breadboard consisted of a Phase 1 and 2 effort. The Phase 1 effort constituted fabrication of three electrolysis cell types and performing parametric testing, off-design testing, and cell life testing. The Phase 2 consisted of the preliminary design, incorporation of palladium (Pd) tubes for hydrogen separation from the electrolyzer cathode feed gases, design support testing, final design, fabrication, and performance testing of the breadboard system. The results of performance tests demonstrated that CO2 electrolysis in an oxygen reclamation system for long duration space-based habitats is feasible. Closure of the oxygen system loop, therefore, can be achieved by CO2 electrolysis. In a two step process the metabolic CO2 and H2O vapor are electrolyzed into O2, H2, and CO. The CO can subsequently be disproportionated into carbon and CO2 in a carbon deposition reactor and the CO2 in turn be recycled and electrolyzed for total O2 recovery. The development effort demonstrated electrolyzer system can be designed and built to operate safely and reliably and the incorporation of Pd tubes for hydrogen diffusion can be integrated safely with predictable performance.

Isenberg, Arnold O.↗

Apollo experience report: The role of flight mission rules in mission preparation and conduct

The development of flight mission rules from the mission development phase through the detailed mission-planning phase and through the testing and training phase is analyzed. The procedure for review of the rules and the coordination requirements for mission-rule development are presented. The application of the rules to real-time decision making is outlined, and consideration is given to the benefit of training ground controllers and flightcrews in the methods of determining the best response to a nonnominal in-flight situation for which no action has been preplanned. The Flight Mission Rules document is discussed in terms of the purpose and objective thereof and in terms of the definition, the development, and the use of mission rules.

Keyser, L. W.↗

The modular power subsystem for the multimission modular spacecraft

The block diagram, subsystems, and components of the modular power subsystem for the multimission modular spacecraft (MMS) are described. The basic design studies were guided by considerations of cost, efficiency, simplicity, and flexibility to serve a variety of missions. Components discussed are the power regulator unit, the power control unit, the signal conditioning assembly, bus protection assembly, and the 20 Ah and 50 Ah batteries. The plan for the modular power subsystem protoflight module tests is shown. The testing has four phases: (1) component level tests, (2) subsystem integration and initial performance test, (3) subsystem protoflight environmental tests, and (4) subsystem final performance tests, qualification/acceptance review and delivery.

Harris, D. W.↗

Measurement of external forces and torques on a large pointing system

Methods of measuring external forces and torques are discussed, in general and as applied to the Large Pointing System wind tunnel tests. The LPS tests were in two phases. The first test was a preliminary test of three models representing coelostat, heliostat, and on-gimbal telescope configurations. The second test explored the coelostat configuration in more detail. The second test used a different setup for measuring external loads. Some results are given from both tests.

Morenus, R. C.↗

Space Station thermal test bed status and plans

The accomplishments, current status, and future plans of the thermal test bed program for Space Station thermal management are discussed. This program is intended to support the design and development of the thermal control systems for the Space Station. The topics discussed include heat pipe radiator evaluation, modular panel tests, two-phase heat transport, and testing of thermal buses using ammonia as the working fluid.

Brady, Timothy K.↗

Computer aided system engineering and analysis (CASE/A) modeling package for ECLS systems - An overview

An overview of the CASE/A-ECLSS series modeling package is presented. CASE/A is an analytical tool that has supplied engineering productivity accomplishments during ECLSS design activities. A components verification program was performed to assure component modeling validity based on test data from the Phase II comparative test program completed at the Marshall Space Flight Center. An integrated plotting feature has been added to the program which allows the operator to analyze on-screen data trends or get hard copy plots from within the CASE/A operating environment. New command features in the areas of schematic, output, and model management, and component data editing have been incorporated to enhance the engineer's productivity during a modeling program.

Dalee, Robert C.↗

Methyl Chloroform Elimination from the Production of Space Shuttle Sold Rocket Motors

Thiokol Space Operations manufactures the Reusable Solid Rocket Motors used to launch America's fleet of Space Shuttles. In 1989, Thiokol used more than 1.4 Mlb of methyl chloroform to produce rocket motors. The ban placed by the Environmental Protection Agency on the sale of methyl chloroform had a significant effect on future Reusable Solid Rocket Motor production. As a result, changes in the materials and processes became necessary. A multiphased plan was established by Thiokol in partnership with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to eliminate the use of methyl chloroform in the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor production process. Because of the extensive scope of this effort, the plan was phased to target the elimination of the majority of methyl chloroform use (90 percent) by January 1, 1996, the 3 Environmental Protection Agency deadline. Referred to as Phase I, this effort includes the elimination of two large vapor degreasers, grease diluent processes, and propellant tooling handcleaning using methyl chloroform. Meanwhile, a request was made for an essential use exemption to allow the continued use of the remaining 10 percent of methyl chloroform after the 1996 deadline, while total elimination was pursued for this final, critical phase (Phase II). This paper provides an update to three previous presentations prepared for the 1993, 1994, and 1995 CFC/Halon Alternative Conferences, and will outline the overall Ozone Depleting Compounds Elimination Program from the initial phases through the final testing and implementation phases, including facility and equipment development. Processes and materials to be discussed include low-pressure aqueous wash systems, high-pressure water blast systems- environmental shipping containers, aqueous and semi-aqueous cleaning solutions, and bond integrity and inspection criteria. Progress toward completion of facility implementation and lessons learned during the scope of the program, as well as the current development efforts and basic requirements of future methyl chloroform handcleaning elimination, will also be outlined.

Golde, Rick P.↗

Behavioral consequences of low dose radiation and sex differences in MCAT mouse model

Our study used 1-year old C57BL/6NJ male and female mice (astronaut-relevant age) that underwent exposure to 0.5 gray of gamma radiation and were euthanized 12 weeks after. In this study, we used an MCAT mouse model for mitochondrial ROS quenching, which overexpress human catalase. MCAT mice were shown to live longer and age better. Hence, in this study we determined whether quenching ROS in the mitochondria will mitigate the adverse effects of ionizing radiation exposure on spaceflight-relevant tissues. As part of the analysis, we have completed 5 different behavioral tests which focus on memory, physical stance, stress, anxiety, and other mission relevant behaviors. In the Neuro-score battery, performed after both 1and 8 weeks post IR we saw that all female groups had significantly higher scores compared to males. When comparing the baseline vs 8 weeks of radiation, we saw that all the male groups (including the sham) had lower neuro-score, pointing out to aging effect in addition to IR. In the female groups only the female IR group had lower neuro-score and the MCAT group was protected from this effect. In the Nestlet building test we saw similarly that only females were affected by radiation, having lower scores and this effect was mitigated in the MCAT animals as well. In the Catwalk test we saw that females were faster, had higher swing speed and stride length in all four paws. Males had higher stand, step cycle and max contact area. Aging is associated with slowing of gait speed, swing speed and shortening of stride length which we see in males, this is consistent with physical appearance where males look markedly older. In the Light-Dark Box test we saw that females were more frequently present in the light side and altered zones more frequently, pointing out to a more exploratory and less anxious pattern of behavior. Similarly, to what was detected in the Nest building and Neuro-score test, in the Barnes maze test, during the acquisition phase (learning) we saw that IR affected more the females who did not do better in the maze after 4 days. On the other hand, during the probe phase of the test (spatial memory) the females visited the target hole and the box quadrant more often, but also had more errors vs males, which points out to possible serial escape vs spatial escape strategy. Overall, we see that older females look physically better are faster and perform better almost in all behavioral tests compared to their male counterparts. On the other hand, they are more sensitive to low dose radiation in many cases, in some cases this effect was mitigated in the MCAT model pointing out to the importance of ROS in these stressors. In the near future we will focus on corelating these behavioral tests with molecular findings such as for example brain IHC, plasma and hippocampal cytokines in order to find specific biomarkers for behavioral deficits.

radiation↗

Experimental Studies on the Effect of Inlet Liquid Subcooling on the Chilldown Characteristics of Stainless Steel Tubes

Understanding transfer line chilldown process under microgravity is important for the efficient transfer of cryogenic propellants in space fuel depots to facilitate future long duration space missions. The present work is part of the ongoing efforts to develop and test a two-phase flow chilldown test section to study the complete chilldown process under sustained microgravity conditions onboard the International Space Station. In this study, ground-based chilldown experiments are carried out on a 60 cm long SS-316 test section with PF-5060 as the working fluid. The complete chilldown curve was obtained including the film, transition and nucleate boiling regimes along with the temperature transition points. The effect of inlet liquid subcooling on the behavior of the chilldown curves are presented. Further, the chilldown and heat flux curves are analyzed to obtain re-wetting/Leidenfrost and onset of nucleate boiling temperature transition points as well as the critical heat flux values. The effect of inlet liquid subcooling on regime-specific heat flux and heat transfer coefficients are also examined.

CFD↗

Results of phase change paint heat transfer tests utilizing 0.040 scale 50% forebody models (No. 82-0) of the Rockwell International space shuttle orbiter in AEDC VKF hypersonic tunnel B (test OH54A)

Results of aerodynamic heating tests conducted in October 1974 on a space shuttle orbiter model using the phase change paint technique are presented. The model was a 0.040 scale representation of the forward 50 percent of the orbiter. Surface roughness effects on boundary layer transition were investigated. Roughness was simulated by using steel balls varying in diameter from 0 (no balls) to 0.039 inch with 0.040 inch wide by 0.080 inch deep gaps. A nominal Mach number of 8 was tested with Reynolds number varying from 0.75 through 3.5 million per foot. Angle of attack was varied from 20 deg to 40 deg.

Dye, W. H.↗