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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 811 records · Page 45

Execution-error modeling and analysis of the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft through 2007

The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft arrived at Saturn in 2004, beginning a four-year tour. Much of mission’s continued success at Saturn can be attributed to the excellent performance of the propulsion systems and attitude control. In order to better understand this performance, the Cassini Navigation Team has continued to analyze and refine the execution-error models for the propulsion systems. This paper documents the evolution of the execution-error models employed for maneuvers, along with the analysis, procedures, and software associated with the model development.

Goodson, Troy D.↗

Assurance Equations: A Cost and Criticality Model for Optimizing Quality Assurance Surveillance

The cost of quality vs cost of failure correction has been a long-running topic of discussion within the Aerospace community. It leads directly to concepts of “risk tolerance”, and risk-based decision-making. It would be valuable if there was a way to compute the optimal investment in customer-executed quality assurance activities using defect significance with respect to performance objectives, the activities’ defect detection effectiveness, and the cost-penalty for late discovery of impactful defects. This optimization is particularly of interest to projects whose budget constraints significantly limit their risk management options.The cost to fix defects (i.e., failure correction) escalates as the project matures. There have been studies attempting to determine the relative cost of fixing defects discovered during various phases of a project life cycle with important implications, all of which suggest growth factors are large. The commonly referred to 1:10:100 rule represents a cost multiplier for repair/rework across the Design to Fab to Test hardware development phases. Cost premiums for QA activities also accumulate when they are treated as mandatory (due to schedule drag) or are performed later than their assigned phase.This paper describes the modeling of development phase -dependencies in the conduct of typical customer-executed quality assurance activities. Our initial modeling encompasses:• Distinct phases of the production lifecycle• Multiple kinds of Defects, each with some a-priori likelihood of being present• Each defect’s impact on performance Objectives for a type of hardware• The cost and efficacy of assurance techniques at detecting such Defects• The costs of fixing those Defects detected in a given phase of the production lifecycleThe model captures assurance activities’ abilities to Detect defects. Upon detection it is assumed that the Defect is immediately fixed. Defects that “escape” detection by some activity may thereafter be detected by a later activity, but by then the cost of fixing the Defect may have escalated. Defects are related to the performance Objectives they would detract from, were those Defects to remain present in the operating system.We have constructed and are exploring, a model that relates the importance of hardware system elements to mission objectives, the impact of types of Defects on those hardware types, the cost of customer-executed assurance activities (i.e., supplier controls) and their effectiveness towards reducing an impactful quality escape, and the cost of Defect correction across production phase. We describe the approach taken to select the key model aspects, why they are relevant to our NASA mission, and our efforts to populate it with relevant and contemporary data. We use a notional example to illustrate model design and function.

Plante, Jeannette↗

Go with the Radflow: Thermal radiation experiments in the high energy-density regime [Slides]

Los Alamos National Laboratory is a nuclear weapons laboratory supporting our nation's defense. In support of the mission is a high energy-density physics program in which we design and execute experiments to study radiation-hydrodynamics phenomena and improve the predictive capability of our large-scale multi-physics software codes on our supercomputers. The Radflow Project is maturing a unique spectroscopic measurement that yields a spatially dependent supersonic radiation wavefront profile. The spectroscopic measurement is much more constraining than the typically used radiography, which measures the density changes due to the shock as the radiation wave goes subsonic. Recently, the spectroscopic measurement has been applied to advanced targets with a detailed heterogeneity representing a single realization of a stochastic medium. The Radflow Project also conducts opacity experiments to explain the current conundrum of the experimental iron opacity differing from theory, which is important in modeling the sun. More than that, though, we need to be able to answer these science questions and be able to validate our theory and codes.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Report from Mars - Mariner IV, 1964-1965

The successful mission of Mariner IV is a most gratifying conclusion to the first generation of lunar and planetary exploration, which has been based on lightweight automatic unmanned spacecraft in constant communication with Earth, designed for lunar impact or planetary encounter. The flight of this first Mars probe is noteworthy not only for the outstanding quantity and quality of scientific data but also as the verification of large and useful advances in a number of technological areas. The Mariner Mars Project of 1964-1965 was conducted for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; it was made possible by the valued assistance and support of many government agencies, scientific institutions, and industrial concerns. Among these are NASA's Lewis Research Center (Launch Vehicle Systems Manager) and their prime contractors, Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation and General Dynamics/Convair; Goddard Space Flight Center (Launch Operations) and other agencies at Cape Kennedy; the agencies of the Australian, South African, and Spanish governments which operate overseas tracking stations; many hundreds of American industrial contractors and vendors; and a number of scientists in various fields of endeavor. The Project was established in late 1962 with the objective of conducting scientific observations near the planet Mars and returning the data to Earth for study and analysis; secondary objectives were to develop and study the equipment and techniques involved and to make certain scientific measurements of the interplanetary environment on the way to Mars. Successful accomplishment of these objectives under the severe constraints which were a part of the mission is a tribute to every single individual who shared in the preparation and execution of the Mariner Mars Project.

MARINER IV SPACE PROBE↗

Shuttle free-flying teleoperator system experiment definition. Volume 1: Executive summary

The applicability and utility of a free-flying teleoperator system were evaluated to support future earth orbital missions, specific emphasis on the early missions of the space shuttle. In-flight experiments and tests were specified, which will provide sufficient experience and data applicable to the development of future operational systems. The difinition of a useful early experimental system is presented, which will be checked out and used with early shuttle missions.

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System design of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 13: Preliminary development plans

This Pioneer Venus Study final report describes the following baseline configurations: (1) Thor/Delta Spacecraft Baseline is the baseline presented at the midterm review on 26 February 1973, (2) Atlas/Centaur Spacecraft Baseline is the baseline resulting from studies conducted since the midterm, but prior to receipt of the NASA execution phase RFP, and subsequent to decisions to launch both the multiprobe and orbiter missions in 1978 and use the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, and (3) Atlas/Centaur Spacecraft Midterm Baseline is the baseline presented at the 26 February 1973 review and is only used in the launch vehicle utilization trade study.

Mixon, M. S.↗

Feasibility study of modern airships. Phase 2: Executive summary

A feasibility study of modern airships has been completed. Three promising modern airship systems' concepts and their associated missions were studied; (1) a heavy-lift airship, employing a non-rigid hull and a significant amount of rotor lift, used for short-range transport and positioning of heavy military and civil payloads, (2) a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing), metalclad, partially buoyant airship used as a short-haul commercial transport; and (3) a class of fully-buoyant airships used for long-endurance Navy missions. The heavy-lift airship concept offers a substantial increase in vertical lift capability over existing systems and is projected to have lower total operating costs per ton-mile. The VTOL airship transport concept appears to be economically competitive with other VTOL aircraft concepts but can attain significantly lower noise levels. The fully-buoyant airship concept can provide an airborne platform with long endurance that satisfies many Navy mission requirements.

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Phase 3 study of selected tether applications in space. Volume 1: Executive summary

A tethered launch assist from the Shuttle for payloads with up to 10,000 kg mass for the mission model and the tethering of a 15,000 kg science platform for the space station were addressed. Also encompassed was the design and cost analysis for a variable g device that could be placed on the tether and allow ultralow g or other types of experiments to be conducted. Numerous tether applications were examined and their theoretical feasibility and technology requirements were assessed.

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Spacecraft crew procedures from paper to computers

Described here is a research project that uses human factors and computer systems knowledge to explore and help guide the design and creation of an effective Human-Computer Interface (HCI) for spacecraft crew procedures. By having a computer system behind the user interface, it is possible to have increased procedure automation, related system monitoring, and personalized annotation and help facilities. The research project includes the development of computer-based procedure system HCI prototypes and a testbed for experiments that measure the effectiveness of HCI alternatives in order to make design recommendations. The testbed will include a system for procedure authoring, editing, training, and execution. Progress on developing HCI prototypes for a middeck experiment performed on Space Shuttle Mission STS-34 and for upcoming medical experiments are discussed. The status of the experimental testbed is also discussed.

Oneal, Michael↗

Assessment of atomic oxygen erosion of silver interconnects on Intelsat 6, F3

Intelsat 6 F-3 was launched from Cape Canaveral on a Titan 3 launch vehicle. Failure of the launch vehicle resulted in the satellite being marooned in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). During its sojourn in LEO, Intelsat 6 is exposed to an unanticipated environment consisting primarily of atomic oxygen, which will subject the unprotected silver interconnects (nominally 12.5 microns thick) on the solar panel to oxidation and erosion. Rescue by Space Shuttle is being examined. Consequently, Intelsat and Comsat have joined in an effort to determine the condition of the silver interconnects at the anticipated time of reboost and to assess the long term risks to the intended geostationary mission. Ground based tests, theoretical analysis, and a flight experiment aboard STS-41 were executed, and new software was written to calculate the expected total atomic oxygen fluence on the interconnects.

A. Dunnet↗

The 1987-1988 advanced space design projects: Results from the fall semester of 1987 and the spring semester of 1988

Students in Aerospace Engineering (ASE) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) at the University of Texas at Austin completed eight separate design projects under the sponsorship of the NASA/USRA Advanced Space Design Program. During the Fall semester of 1987, ASE and ME students worked on various aspects of a 'bootstrap' lunar base. ASE students concentrated on the overall definition of the base while the ME team designed a convertible lunar lander lower stage. Six design projects were executed during the spring semester of 1988. Aerospace engineering students designed a fast Mars mission crew transfer vehicle, an Earth-orbiting transportation node to support the lunar base, a lunar base construction shack/initial habitat vehicle, and carried out a systems assessment aimed at arresting ozone depletion in the Earth's atmosphere. The ME students designed a lunar surface personnel navigation system and investigated radiation shielding structures for a lunar base. The design objectives, a summary of the results, and selected comments are given concerning each of the projects. Due to the number of projects completed, the reader should refer to the text of the final project reports for additional and detailed information.

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Spacelab Science Results Study: Executive Summary

Beginning with OSTA-1 in November 1981, and ending with Neurolab in March 1998, thirty-six shuttle missions are considered Spacelab missions because they carried various Spacelab components such as the Spacelab module, the pallet, the Instrument Pointing System (IPS), or the MPESS. The experiments carried out during these flights included astrophysics, solar physics, plasma physics, atmospheric science, Earth observations, and a wide range of microgravity experiments in life sciences, biotechnology, materials science, and fluid physics which includes combustion and critical point phenomena. In all, some 764 experiments were conducted by investigators from the United States, Europe, and Japan. These experiments resulted in several thousand papers published In refereed journals, and thousands more in conference proceedings, chapters in books, and other publications. The purpose of this Spacelab Science Results Study is to document the contributions made in each of the major research areas by giving a brief synopsis of the more significant experiments and an extensive list of the publications that were produced. We have also endeavored to show how these results impacted the existing body of knowledge, where they have spawned new fields, and, if appropriate, where the knowledge they produced has been applied.

Naumann, Robert J.↗

Study on the Station Keeping Maintenance for the TPF Mission

The main goal of this paper is to extend the results of Gomez et al, 2001, related to the execution of the formation manoeuvres of the TPF constellation, including the controls for the station keeping and allowing a greater flexibility in the basic manoeuvres to be done by the formation.

terrestrial planet finder (TPF)↗

NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Program: Recommendations for Technical Requirements for Inclusion in Aerospace Battery Procurements

This NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Working Group was chartered within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC). The Battery Working Group was tasked to complete tasks and to propose proactive work to address battery related, agency-wide issues on an annual basis. In its first year of operation, this proactive program addressed various aspects of the validation and verification of aerospace battery systems for NASA missions. Studies were performed, issues were discussed and in many cases, test programs were executed to generate recommendations and guidelines to reduce risk associated with various aspects of implementing battery technology in the aerospace industry. This document contains Part 2 - Volume I: Recommendations for Technical Requirements for Inclusion in Aerospace Battery Procurements of the program's operations.

Jung, David S.↗

NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Program: Wet Life of Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) Batteries

This NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Working Group was chartered within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC). The Battery Working Group was tasked to complete tasks and to propose proactive work to address battery related, agency-wide issues on an annual basis. In its first year of operation, this proactive program addressed various aspects of the validation and verification of aerospace battery systems for NASA missions. Studies were performed, issues were discussed and in many cases, test programs were executed to generate recommendations and guidelines to reduce risk associated with various aspects of implementing battery technology in the aerospace industry. This document contains Part 3 - Volume I: Wet Life of Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) Batteries of the program's operations.

Jung, David S.↗

NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Program: Generic Safety, Handling and Qualification Guidelines for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries; Availability of Source Materials for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries; Maintaining Technical Communications Related to Aerospace Batteries (NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop)

This NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Working Group was chartered within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC). The Battery Working Group was tasked to complete tasks and to propose proactive work to address battery related, agency-wide issues on an annual basis. In its first year of operation, this proactive program addressed various aspects of the validation and verification of aerospace battery systems for NASA missions. Studies were performed, issues were discussed and in many cases, test programs were executed to generate recommendations and guidelines to reduce risk associated with various aspects of implementing battery technology in the aerospace industry. This document contains Part 1 - Volume I: Generic Safety, Handling and Qualification Guidelines for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries, Availability of Source Materials for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries, and Maintaining Technical Communications Related to Aerospace Batteries (NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop).

Manzo, Michelle A.↗

NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Program: Generic Safety, Handling and Qualification Guidelines for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries; Availability of Source Materials for Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries; Maintaining Technical Communications Related to Aerospace Batteries (NASA Aerospace Battery Workshop)

This NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Working Group was chartered within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC). The Battery Working Group was tasked to complete tasks and to propose proactive work to address battery related, agency-wide issues on an annual basis. In its first year of operation, this proactive program addressed various aspects of the validation and verification of aerospace battery systems for NASA missions. Studies were performed, issues were discussed and in many cases, test programs were executed to generate recommendations and guidelines to reduce risk associated with various aspects of implementing battery technology in the aerospace industry. This report contains the Appendices to the findings from the first year of the program's operations.

Manzo, Michelle A.↗

NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Program: Wet Life of Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) Batteries: Appendices - Volume 2, Part 3

This NASA Aerospace Flight Battery Systems Working Group was chartered within the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC). The Battery Working Group was tasked to complete tasks and to propose proactive work to address battery related, agency-wide issues on an annual basis. In its first year of operation, this proactive program addressed various aspects of the validation and verification of aerospace battery systems for NASA missions. Studies were performed, issues were discussed and in many cases, test programs were executed to generate recommendations and guidelines to reduce risk associated with various aspects of implementing battery technology in the aerospace industry. This document contains Part 3 - Volume II Appendices to Part 3 - Volume I.

Jung, David S,↗