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At least 685 records · Page 38

Space Station services and design features for users

The operational design features and services planned for the NASA Space Station will furnish, in addition to novel opportunities and facilities, lower costs through interface standardization and automation and faster access by means of computer-aided integration and control processes. By furnishing a basis for large-scale space exploitation, the Space Station will possess industrial production and operational services capabilities that may be used by the private sector for commercial ventures; it could also ultimately support lunar and planetary exploration spacecraft assembly and launch facilities.

Kurzhals, Peter R.↗

Cost-effective intersatellite link applications to the fixed satellite services

Potential cost-effective applications of intersatellite links (ISLs) to domestic, regional, and global fixed satellite services are presented, addressing traffic forecast and service demands for the year 2001. To determine the cost advantages and other systems benefits of ISLs, selected satellite network architectures were derived for ISL and corresponding non-ISL systems. The cost analysis was performed using payload sizing based on state-of-the-art ISL technology, both optical and microwave.

Lee, Y. S.↗

High time service evaluation of thermal barrier coatings on the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine

One of the main concerns of airline operators for the use of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) in the turbine is that the coating will spall and cause a premature engine removal. Even though much cyclic data is available on TBCs, high time data is much harder and expensive to come by. The typical 150 h type test used to qualify hardware, or modifications, falls far short of the 5 to 10,000 hour experience desired. One way to obtain data demonstrating the longevity of TBCs is through a service evaluation program on a commercial engine. For a meaningful evaluation of the TBC system it must be applied to a component which operates in a typical hot end environment. In addition the component performance should not suffer if the coating is lost. For these reasons Rolls-Royce chose to coat the IP turbine nozzle guide vanes, and run these in an RB211 engine. Two ceramic top coats and several different bond coats were tested in a rainbow fashion on several engines. Three layer magnesium zirconate was used as a base line. Various yttria stabilized zirconia ceramics were used. Top MCrAlY bond coats were applied by various techniques. Some of the coated vanes have now accumulated ofer 5000 hours. The results are presented from the first sets with 2500 and 4200 hours of service respectively.

Toriz, F. Chris↗

A methodology for automation and robotics evaluation applied to the space station telerobotic servicer

The efforts of a recent study aimed at identifying key issues and trade-offs associated with using a Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) to aid in Space Station assembly-phase tasks is described. The use of automation and robotic (A and R) technologies for large space systems would involve a substitution of automation capabilities for human extravehicular or intravehicular activities (EVA, IVA). A methodology is presented that incorporates assessment of candidate assembly-phase tasks, telerobotic performance capabilities, development costs, and effect of operational constraints (space transportation system (STS), attached payload, and proximity operations). Changes in the region of cost-effectiveness are examined under a variety of systems design assumptions. A discussion of issues is presented with focus on three roles the FTS might serve: (1) as a research-oriented testbed to learn more about space usage of telerobotics; (2) as a research based testbed having an experimental demonstration orientation with limited assembly and servicing applications; or (3) as an operational system to augment EVA and to aid the construction of the Space Station and to reduce the programmatic (schedule) risk by increasing the flexibility of mission operations.

Smith, Jeffrey H.↗

Space Station flight telerobotic servicer functional requirements development

The Space Station flight telerobotic servicer (FTS), a flight robotic system for use on the first Space Station launch, is described. The objectives of the FTS program include: (1) the provision of an alternative crew EVA by supporting the crew in assembly, maintenance, and servicing activities, and (2) the improvement of crew safety by performing hazardous tasks such as spacecraft refueling or thermal and power system maintenance. The NASA/NBS Standard Reference Model provides the generic, hierarchical, structured functional control definition for the system. It is capable of accommodating additional degrees of machine intelligence in the future.

Oberright, John↗

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer Project and systems overview

As part of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) project an advanced telerobotic system is being developed to assist in and reduce crew extravehicular activity (EVA) for the U.S. Space Station. The FTS will be used for assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection throughout the lifetime of the Space Station. A brief overview of the FTS program is given, and some of the technical and system engineering issues associated with the development of the FTS are explored. A key to the evolutionary capability of the FTS design is the NASREM (NASA Standard Reference Model for telerobot control system) architecture. This architecture provides the framework for future growth and permits a logical blend of teleoperation and autonomous operations as required.

Mccain, Harry G.↗

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer Program

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) Program, initiated by NASA to provide new capabilities for task accomplishment in the space environment, is described. The FTS Program includes the following: a series of test flights, a ground-based supporting infrastructure, and a technology utilization and transfer process. The FTS Program strives to reduce Space Station dependence on crew EVA, improve crew safety, enhance crew utilization, provide remote servicing capabilities for platforms, and accelerate technology transfer from research to U.S. industry.

Townsend, John W., Jr.↗

Development of an automated checkout, service and maintenance system for a Space Station EVAS

The development of a new operational system for the Space Station will minimize the time normally spent on performing on-orbit checkout, servicing, and maintenance of an extravehicular activity system of the Space Station. This system, the Checkout, Servicing, and Maintenance System (COSM), is composed of interactive control software interfacing with software simulations of hardware components. The major elements covered in detail include the controller, the EMU simulator and the regenerative life support system. The operational requirements and interactions of the individual elements as well as the protocols are also discussed.

Abeles, Fred J.↗

Radiation thermometry at NIST: An update of services and research activities

An overview of activities at the National Institute of Standards and Terminology (NIST) in radiation thermometry and related temperature scale research is presented. An expansion of calibration services for pyrometers will be described as well as efforts to develop calibration services for blackbody simulators. Research relevant to the realization of the new international temperature scale (ITS 90) will be discussed.

Hillard, G. Barry↗

Distributed user services for supercomputers

User-service operations at supercomputer facilities are examined. The question is whether a single, possibly distributed, user-services organization could be shared by NASA's supercomputer sites in support of a diverse, geographically dispersed, user community. A possible structure for such an organization is identified as well as some of the technologies needed in operating such an organization.

Sowizral, Henry A.↗

Satellite servicer system flight demonstration program

A program to develop the capability of servicing satellites in remote locations, where a series of flight that will demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking, supervised autonomous Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) exchange, supervised autonomous fluid transfer and, proximity operations for Space Station Freedom were planned, is described. The flight demonstrations are the results of several mission scenarios with complex technical objectives. Three Shuttle flights are planned to complete the multi-objective program. The major hardware elements of the program are described and discussed. Demonstration objectives and technical approaches to the flight demonstrations are discussed. Existing and developing technologies are assessed for applicability to the Satellite Servicer System (SSSFD) program.

James S. Moore↗

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) NASA's first operational robotic system

NASA has completed the preliminary definition phase of the Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) and is now preparing to begin the detailed design and fabrication phase. The FTS will be designed and built by Martin Marietta Astronautics Group in Denver, CO, for the Goddard Space Flight Center, in support of the Space Station Freedom Program. The design concepts for the FTS are discussed, as well as operational scenarios for the assembly, maintenance, servicing and inspection tasks which are being considered for the FTS. The upcoming Development Test Flight (DTF-1) is the first of two shuttle test flights to test FTS operations in the environment of space and to demonstrate the FTS capabilities in performing tasks for Space Station Freedom. Operational planning for DTF-1 is discussed as well as development plans for the operational support of the FTS on the space station.

Andary, J.↗

Research and development activities at the Goddard Space Flight Center for the flight telerobotic servicer project

The Flight Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) is being developed by the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) for performing a variety of assembly, servicing, inspection and maintenance tasks on the Space Station. The Project Office at GSFC has tasked the Engineering Directorate to assemble a robotics research and development program which will support the FTS project. The activities center around support for the Development Test Flight (DTF) on the Space Shuttle and investigations of operational problems associated with the FTS on Space Station Freedom. For the DTF, areas such as control algorithms, safety systems, and end-effectors will be developed. For FTS operations, the emphasis will be to develop a dual-arm bi-lateral force-reflecting teleoperator and use it as an FTS Operational Simulator (FTSOS). The simulator will be used to investigate operational techniques, camera configurations, operator interfacing, orbital replacement unit (ORU) designs, end-effector designs, and training techniques. After a series of test activities, reports will be generated for input to the DTF and FTS designs.

Ollendorf, Stanford↗

Test and training simulator for ground-based teleoperated in-orbit servicing

For the Post-IOC(In-Orbit Construction)-Phase of COLUMBUS it is intended to use robotic devices for the routine operations of ground-based teleoperated In-Orbit Servicing. A hardware simulator for verification of the relevant in-orbit operations technologies, the Servicing Test Facility, is necessary which mainly will support the Flight Control Center for the Manned Space-Laboratories for operational specific tasks like system simulation, training of teleoperators, parallel operation simultaneously to actual in-orbit activities and for the verification of the ground operations segment for telerobotics. The present status of definition for the facility functional and operational concept is described.

Schaefer, Bernd E.↗

A comparison of the Shuttle remote manipulator system and the Space Station Freedom mobile servicing center

The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System is a mature system which has successfully completed 18 flights. Its primary functional design driver was the capability to deploy and retrieve payloads from the Orbiter cargo bay. The Space Station Freedom Mobile Servicing Center is still in the requirements definition and early design stage. Its primary function design drivers are the capabilities: to support Space Station construction and assembly tasks; to provide external transportation about the Space Station; to provide handling capabilities for the Orbiter, free flyers, and payloads; to support attached payload servicing in the extravehicular environment; and to perform scheduled and un-scheduled maintenance on the Space Station. The differences between the two systems in the area of geometric configuration, mobility, sensor capabilities, control stations, control algorithms, handling performance, end effector dexterity, and fault tolerance are discussed.

Taylor, Edith C.↗

AI, automation and the Flight Telerobotic Servicer

A NASA study for the preliminary definition of a teleoperated robotic device has been recently completed. The Fligt Telerobotic Servicer (FTS) will be used to assist astronauts in many of the on-board tasks of assembly, maintenance, servicing, and inspection of the Space Station. The role of artificial intelligence (AI) in furthering the FTS automation capabilities and, hence, extending its capacity for growth and evolution is discussed. Relevant system engineering issues are identified, and an approach for insertion of AI technology is presented in terms of the NASA/NBS Standard Reference Model control architecture NASREM.

Goforth, Andre↗

NASA spinoffs to public service

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Technology Utilization (TU) Division of the Office of Commercial Programs has been quite successful in directing the transfer to technology into the public sector. NASA developments of particular interest have been those in the areas of aerodynamics and aviation transport, safety, sensors, electronics and computing, and satellites and remote sensing. NASA technology has helped law enforcement, firefighting, public transportation, education, search and rescue, and practically every other sector of activity serving the U.S. public. NASA works closely with public service agencies and associations, especially those serving local needs of citizens, to expedite technology transfer benefits. A number of examples exist to demonstrate the technology transfer method and opportunities of NASA spinoffs to public service.

Ault, L. A.↗

Demonstrating system for servicing satellites

NASA has initiated a program to demonstrate a Satellite Servicer System prototype in a series of flight tests with the Space Shuttle. When the commitment to an operational system has been demonstrated, it is anticipated that a variety of missions will develop that can productively use the servicing capability. Rendezvous and proximity operations contain key enabling technologies needed for an effective operational system. Guidance, navigation and control hardware and operational techniques must be integrated into the program. Supporting sensor technology may limit or enhance the capability of the system depending on its readiness. Requirements for docking the spacecraft in the system concept development and technology requirements are reviewed. Examples of the initial assessment of technology readiness and applications opportunities are discussed. The degree of autonomy is of particular interest.

Jenkins, Lyle M.↗