SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Skylab”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1973

Skylab's photographic workhorse

There are ten Data Acquisition Cameras (DAC) aboard the Skylab workshop, and one additional is aboard each of the three command modules that ferry astronauts to Skylab. These cameras will transport approximately 40,000 feet of 16-mm film at frame rates from time exposures to 24 frames per second (fps). The heart of the 16-mm DAC system is a unique sequence camera. Approximately 80% of the Skylab 16-mm film will be exposed at 2 fps to maximize data acquisition time and remain within spacecraft return weight limitations. Of the approximately 225 accessories, the most unique item is the 400-foot magazine system.-

Gerlach, R.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Skylab medical experiments program

With the completion of the historic Apollo Program, the significant medical findings will be reviewed and the medical results summarized. The medical objectives of Skylab will be presented. The medical experiments which will be conducted and their relationship to the Apollo medical findings and Skylab objectives will be discussed. The interrelationship of the Skylab medical experiments will be described and the anticipated information to be obtained will be postulated.

Hessberg, R. R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The potable water system in Skylab

Description of the medical requirements, development, system operation, and in-flight performance of the Skylab potable water system. Emphasized is the description of the unique features involving new space-flight concepts, procedures, and design incorporated in Skylab. The water supplied to the three Skylab missions was preloaded in stainless-steel tanks. These tanks were fitted with positive expulsion stainless-steel bellows. In-flight iodination of the water, for bacterial control, was accomplished as required. An in-flight bactericide monitor was used periodically to determine the level of bactericide in the water. Prior to the delivery of the water to the crewmen for consumption, the water was passed through a cation exchange resin for metallic ion removal and then heated for food reconstitution or chilled for drinking.

R. L. Sauer↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab vibroacoustic test program

Vibroacoustic testing was performed on the orbital workshop dynamic test article and the payload assembly, the two major elements of the Skylab payload. The testing was conducted on each of the Skylab elements separately in the reverberation chamber at the Johnson Space Center. The two test configurations were high fidelity flight article simulations. The testing was conducted in two phases; in the first phase, acoustic tests were performed at levels simulating the lift-off and atmospheric flight acoustic criteria. In the second phase, low frequency sinusoidal vibration tests were conducted to obtain modal response data. The objectives of the Skylab vibroacoustic test program were to: verify the vibration design and test criteria; qualify selected flight components to the vibroacoustic criteria; and verify analytical models used for dynamic load analyses. This paper describes the vibroacoustic testing and discusses the results.

Jewell, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Experiment planning during the Skylab missions

The objectives of the Skylab Program included observations of the earth, the sun, the stars, and a comet in addition to a variety of engineering and medical experiments. Attention is given to mission planning activities accomplished before the launch of the orbital workshop, during the manned missions, and between manned missions. Two major purposes of early experiments planning were related to the establishment of reasonable potential goals in terms of accomplishment and the discovery of potential problems in scheduling. Planning during the mission proceeded according to a scheme in which the planning was done on a daily basis. Experiences from the three Skylab missions are discussed separately. The results of the Skylab Program demonstrate the value of the daily experiment planning system that was capable of reacting to changing constraints.

Sevier, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab facilities modifications at KSC

The facilities required at KSC to support Skylab were largely those facilities used by Apollo, modified for Skylab's particular needs. The one exception is the series of modifications to permit launching a Saturn IB from Complex 39. This new capability not only supported Skylab, but also supports the upcoming Apollo Soyuz, and any further S-IB launches that might be undertaken.

Phillips, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab checkout and launch operations at KSC

Checkout and launch operations for the four Skylab flights, plus checkout for a fifth vehicle on rescue status during the last mission, were complex and demanding. Preparations began well before the launch of the last Apollo moon mission in December 1972, and had to be performed without interference with the ongoing program. Three major new flight modules were used in Skylab, each of which imposed specific requirements on Kennedy Space Center. A major facilities modification program resulted in the ability to launch the three Saturn IB Skylab vehicles from Saturn V facilities. This provided large cost savings, but imposed the usual problems caused by first-time use of a new system.

Moser, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Development innovations for Skylab student experiments

The Skylab Student Science Program was an effort on the part of NASA and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to provide the youth of America an opportunity to directly participate in space research. Students across the nation submitted proposed experiments which were scientifically evaluated by the NSTA. From the more than three thousand experiments submitted, twenty-five of the most innovative and novel experiments were selected for flight. Many of these required the development of flight hardware in order to perform the experiments aboard Skylab. The requirements placed on the hardware in terms of cost, development time, weight, volume, and crew training represented a unique challenge to the NASA engineers and scientists involved in the design, development, fabrication and testing of this hardware. To meet these stringent requirements required innovative changes in the classic Skylab approach to experiment development.

Gause, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab food system

The Skylab food program was a major effort involving a complex spectrum of activities necessary for the preparation of a crew feeding system. Approximately 17,000 individual food packages and support items, weighing more than 1225 kg, were launched into space as a single unit on board the orbital workshop. This unit provided the three (three-man) Skylab crews with nourishing foods and beverages for a total of 156 days, as well as with eating utensils and accessory items. Additionally, provisions for 5 days (15 man-days) were provided in each of the three command and service modules in a manner similar to that of the Apollo flights. The Skylab food system not only provided the crew with a palatable balanced diet in a familiar and acceptable manner but also supported the formidable mineral balance medical experiment series (M070).

Bush, W. H.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Retention and application of Skylab experiences to future programs

The problems encountered and special techniques and procedures developed on the Skylab program are described along with the experiences and practical benefits obtained for dissemination and use on future programs. Three major topics are discussed: electrical problems, mechanical problems, and special techniques. Special techniques and procedures are identified that were either developed or refined during the Skylab program. These techniques and procedures came from all manufacturing and test phases of the Skylab program and include both flight and GSE items from component level to sophisticated spaceflight systems.

Gillespie, V. G.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Mechanical properties of Skylab thermal shield materials after prolonged ultraviolet irradiation

In response to an emergency request, the mechanical properties of two complex laminate materials, used as thermal shields on the Skylab spacecraft, were investigated. Concern over the prolonged use of these materials in the space environment prompted this investigation. Shields made of both of these materials, popularly called the parasol and the sail types, were taken to the Skylab spacecraft by the original Skylab astronauts. Both were used to restore thermal control after the original control surfaces were damaged during launch. During the tests the tensile properties were measured at anticipated service temperature and after prolonged exposure to increasing degrees of ultraviolet radiation at intensities approaching two solar constants. Some samples received exposures equivalent to 2,350 hours. The performance and degradation of the two materials are presented in terms of orientation, vacuum, and degree of irradiation. In general, the 75-micron (3-mil) parasol laminate showed a decrease in tensile properties as a function of exposure time, while the 200-micron (8-mil) sail laminate was little affected by exposure to the ultraviolet radiation.

Haehner, C. L.↗

NASA NTRS1974

The Proceedings of the Skylab Life Sciences Symposium, Volume 1

The three manned Skylab missions resulted in biomedical experiment data in the areas of neurophysiology, musculoskeletal physiology, biochemistry, hematology, cytology, cardiovascular and respiratory metabolic functions: as well as detailed test objectives involving crew health and environment procedures. Major emphasis was placed on results from the last mission, Skylab 4, which covered 84 days of in-flight data collection. Many new norms were defined for normal man living and operating in a unique environment. While man is quite adaptable to this unique environment, many of the changes observed in Skylab require additional research for future flights lasting very long periods of time such as a Mars mission requiring 18 months.

Johnston, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1974

The Proceedings of the Skylab Life Sciences Symposium, volume 2

Johnston, R. S.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Biochemical responses of the Skylab crewman

The biochemical investigations of the Skylab crewmen were designed to study the physiological changes that were observed on flight crews returning from previous space flight missions as well as to study those changes expected to result from prolonged weightless exposure. These studies can be divided into two broad categories. One category included routine blood studies similar to those used in clinical medical practice. The second included research-type endocrine analyses used to investigate more thoroughly the metabolic/endocrine responses to the space flight environment. The premission control values indicated that all Skylab crewmen were healthy and were free from biochemical abnormalities. The routine results during and after flight showed slight but significant changes in electrolytes, glucose, total protein, osmolality, uric acid, cholesterol, and creatinine. Plasma hormal changes included adrenocorticotrophic hormone, cortisol, angiotensin I, aldosterone, insulin, and thyroxine. The 24-hour urine analyses results revealed increased excretion of cortisol, catecholamines, antidiuretic hormone, and aldosterone as well as excretion of significant electrolyte and uric acid during the Skylab flights.

Leach, C. S.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Faults on Skylab imagery of the Salton Trough area, Southern California

The author has identified the following significant results. Large segments of the major high angle faults in the Salton Trough area are readily identifiable in Skylab images. Along active faults, distinctive topographic features such as scarps and offset drainage, and vegetation differences due to ground water blockage in alluvium are visible. Other fault-controlled features along inactive as well as active faults visible in Skylab photography include straight mountain fronts, linear valleys, and lithologic differences producing contrasting tone, color or texture. A northwestern extension of a fault in the San Andreas set, is postulated by the regional alignment of possible fault-controlled features. The suspected fault is covered by Holocene deposits, principally windblown sand. A northwest trending tonal change in cultivated fields across Mexicali Valley is visible on Skylab photos. Surface evidence for faulting was not observed; however, the linear may be caused by differences in soil conditions along an extension of a segment of the San Jacinto fault zone. No evidence of faulting could be found along linears which appear as possible extensions of the Substation and Victory Pass faults, demonstrating that the interpretation of linears as faults in small scale photography must be corroborated by field investigations.

Merifield, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Research and operational efforts in support of Skylab experiment M093

The objectives of Skylab Experiment M093 were to measure electrocardiographic signals during spaceflight, to elucidate the electrophysiological basis for the changes observed, and to assess the effect of the change on the human cardiovascular system. Vectorcardiographic methods were used to quantitate changes, standardize data collection, and to facilitate reduction and statistical analysis of data. In this report the authors describe the M093 experiment design, the data transmission system, data reduction methods, and the analysis of data from the three Skylab missions. The report also includes clinical applications of the techniques developed for Skylab Experiment M093.

Smith, R. F.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Analysis of changes in leg volume parameters, and orthostatic tolerance in response to lower body negative pressure during 28-days exposure to zero gravity Skylab 2

The design of the leg volume measuring system employed for the M092 portion of the Skylab missions required the development of a system sensitive to large and small volume changes at the calf of the leg. These changes in volume were produced in response to the orthostatic stress of a Lower Body Negative Pressure Device (LBNPD) or by venous occlusion. The cardiovascular responses of the Apollo crewman associated with the postflight evaluations indicate varying decrements of orthostatic tolerance. The postflight changes indicate a slightly diminished ability of the cardiovascular system to function effectively against gravity following exposure to weightlessness. The objective of the Skylab LBNP experiments (M092) was to provide information about the magnitude and time course of the cardiovascular changes associated with prolonged periods of exposure to weightlessness. The equipment, signal processing, and analysis of the leg volume data obtained from the M092 experiment of the Skylab 2 Mission are described.

Barnett, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Planning and management of science programs on Skylab

Discussion of the experience gained in experiment operation planning during the Skylab mission. The Skylab flight planning activity allowed the experimenters to interact with the system and provided the flexibility to respond to contingencies both major and minor. Both these aspects contributed to make efficient use of crew time thus helping to increase the science return from the mission. Examples of the need for real time scheduling response and of the tradeoffs considered between conflicting experiment requirements are presented. General management principles derived from this experience are developed. The Skylab mission experiences, together with previous Apollo mission experiences, are shown to provide a good background for Shuttle flight planning.

Parker, R. A. R.↗