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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 613 records · Page 34

Systems design study of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 2. Preliminary program development plan

The preliminary development plan for the Pioneer Venus program is presented. This preliminary plan treats only developmental aspects that would have a significant effect on program cost. These significant development areas were: master program schedule planning; test planning - both unit and system testing for probes/orbiter/ probe bus; ground support equipment; performance assurance; and science integration Various test planning options and test method techniques were evaluated in terms of achieving a low-cost program without degrading mission performance or system reliability. The approaches studied and the methodology of the selected approach are defined.

Source record↗

Checking the parameters of AFS in spacecraft in flight

The use of elements for remote testing of matching of on-board spacecraft antennas, required by the need to receive timely telemetry information on the quality of operation of antenna-feeder systems (AFS) during long flights, is discussed. Information on the traveling wave ratio deficiency to the AFS allowed improvement of quality and reliability of communications with spacecraft and developed telemetric information on the matching of on-board antennas, the efficiency of the feeder system and power of transmitters during long flights.

Vlasov, Y. A.↗

Mutual assistance in space

Operating principles, system functions, and technological problems associated with developing compatible spacecraft, station approach, and docking facilities between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. are reported. Two designs, the probe cone and the androgynous docking device are examined.

Bushuev, K.↗

Electrochemical air revitalization system optimization investigation

A program to characterize a Breadboard of an Electrochemical Air Revitalization System (BEARS) was successfully completed. The BEARS is composed of three components: (1) a water vapor electrolysis module (WVEM) for O2 production and partial humidity control, (2) an electrochemical depolarized carbon dioxide concentrator module (EDCM) for CO2 control, and (3) a power-sharing controller, designed to utilize the power produced by the EDCM to partially offset the WVEM power requirements. It is concluded from the results of this work that the concept of electrochemical air revitalization with power-sharing is a viable solution to the problem of providing a localized topping force for O2 generation, CO2 removal and partial humidity control aboard manned spacecraft. Continued development of the EARS concept is recommended, applying the operational experience and limits identified during the BEARS program to testing of a one-man capacity system and toward the development of advanced system controls to optimize EARS operation for given interfaces and requirements. Successful completion of this development will produce timely technology necessary to plan future advanced environmental control and life support system programs and experiments.

Woods, R. R.↗

Improved method of signature extraction

System promises capability of rapidly processing large amounts of data generated by currently available and planned multispectral sensors, such as those utilized on aircraft and spacecraft. Techniques developed for system, greatly decrease operator time required for signature extraction from multispectral data base.

Christianson, D.↗

Pioneer Venus 1978 multiprobe spacecraft simulator

A test which duplicates the signals of the four probes to be deployed by the PV 78 multiprobe spacecraft was developed. It will be used for receiver operator training prior to the mission. This article describes the operation and characteristics of the test set.

Friedenburg, S. E.↗

Development of an advanced combined iodine dispenser/detector

Injection of iodine into water is widely used to control microbial growth. An entirely automated device for I2 injection has been developed for spacecraft application. Transfer of I2 into the water from a concentrated form is controlled electrochemically via feedback from an integrated photometric I2 level detector. All components are contained within a package weighing only 1.23 kg (2.7 lb) dry, which occupies only 1213 cu cm (74 cu in) of space, and which has the capacity to iodinate 10,900 kg (24,000 lb) of water of 5 ppm. These features exceed design specifications. The device performed satisfactorily during extended testing at variable water flow rates and temperatures. Designed to meet specifications of the Shuttle Orbiter, the device will find application in the regenerative water systems of advanced spacecraft.

Lantz, J. B.↗

Proceedings of the Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference

Over 50 papers from the spacecraft charging conference are included on subjects such as: (1) geosynchronous plasma environment, (2) spacecraft modeling, (3) spacecraft materials characterization, (4) spacecraft materials development, and (5) satellite design and test.

Pike, C. P.↗

A review of performance characteristics of satellite antennas and some observations on future directions in satellite antenna design

A general review of the state-of-the-art and new directions in research and development of spacecraft antennas is presented. Three general classes of antennas are discussed: phased arrays, lenses (dielectric and waveguide), and reflector antennas. Presently, the antenna with most applications is the reflector with considerable research being performed to improve its scan and multiple beam characteristics. Future applications for spacecraft antennas and research goals to meet these projected needs also are discussed.

Mittra, R.↗

Design, development, and flight of a spacecraft charging sounding rocket payload

Results of the flight of the spacecraft charging sounding rocket payload are given. The payload was designed to create charging by the emission of both positive ions and electrons. The relationship between environmental parameters and changes in vehicle potential during periods of emission was also studied.

Cohen, H. A.↗

A unique approach to the development of adaptive sensor systems for future spacecraft

In the Shuttle era, it should be possible to develop adaptive remote sensor systems serving more directly specific researcher and user needs and at the same time alleviating the data management problem via intelligent sensor capabilities. The present paper provides a summary of such an approach, wherein specific capabilities have been developed for future global monitoring applications. A detailed description of FILE-I (Feature Identification and Location Experiment) is included along with a summary of future experiments currently under development.

Schappell, R. T.↗

Sealed-cell nickel-cadmium battery applications manual

The design, procurement, testing, and application of aerospace quality, hermetically sealed nickel-cadmium cells and batteries are presented. Cell technology, cell and battery development, and spacecraft applications are emphasized. Long term performance is discussed in terms of the effect of initial design, process, and application variables. Design guidelines and practices are given.

Scott, W. R.↗

Environmental impact statement for the Kennedy Space Center, 1978 - 1979 revision

The ongoing operation of KSC for expendable launch vehicles and automated spacecraft, continued development of facility capabilities, and the approved follow-on operations of the Space Transportation System and associated payloads are described. Emphasis is placed on the expendable launch vehicle and space shuttle traffic projected as of January, 1979. The maximum potential effect on the environment is addressed. Site specific environmental effects are summarized. It is indicated that all potential impacts will be localized, of short duration, controllable, and of minimum severity. The impact on land use, air and water quality, weather, and noise effects is covered.

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A new phase for NASA's communications satellite program

NASA's research in communications satellite technology is discussed, including orbit-efficient techniques and applications by the commercial sector. Attention is given to expanding the capacities of the C-band (6-4 GHz) and the Ku-band (14-11 GHz), opening the Ka-band (30/20 GHz), broadly applied 're-use' of the spectrum, and developing multibeam spacecraft antennas with on-board switching. Increasing wideband services in video, high-speed data, and voice trunking is considered, as are narrow-band systems that may be used for data collection or public safety, with possible expansion to a thin-route satellite system. In particular, communication for medical, disaster, or search-and-rescue emergencies may be met by the integration of a satellite service with land mobile communications via terrestrial radio links. Also considered is a large geostationary platform providing electrical power, thermal rejection, and orbital station-keeping for many communications payloads.

Dement, D. K.↗

Rotary Transformer Seals Power In

Rotary transformer originally developed for spacecraft transfers electrical power from stationary primary winding to rotating secondary without sliding contacts and very little leakage of electromagnetic radiation. Transformer has two stationary primary windings connected in parallel. Secondary, mounted on a shaft that extends out of housing, rotates between two windings of primary. Shaft of secondary is composed of electrically conducting inner and outer parts separated by an insulator. Electrical contact is made from secondary winding, through shaft, to external leads.

Studer, P. A.↗

A Fourier transform with speed improvements for microprocessor applications

A fast Fourier transform algorithm for the RCA 1802microprocessor was developed for spacecraft instrument applications. The computations were tailored for the restrictions an eight bit machine imposes. The algorithm incorporates some aspects of Walsh function sequency to improve operational speed. This method uses a register to add a value proportional to the period of the band being processed before each computation is to be considered. If the result overflows into the DF register, the data sample is used in computation; otherwise computation is skipped. This operation is repeated for each of the 64 data samples. This technique is used for both sine and cosine portions of the computation. The processing uses eight bit data, but because of the many computations that can increase the size of the coefficient, floating point form is used. A method to reduce the alias problem in the lower bands is also described.

Lokerson, D. C.↗

Padded Allen Wrench Grips Fastener

Addition of PTFE pressure pad increases utility of hexagonal socket wrench. Pad presses against opposing inside socket walls, causing frictional force that retains socket-head screw against gravitational and handling forces. Developed for spacecraft repairs, tool is useful wherever tight clearance prevents insertion or removal of screw by hand.

Salisbury, M. K.↗