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At least 127 records · Page 7

SOFIA: Flying the Telescope

The primary focus of this paper is how the flight test team for the Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) re-cast an extensive developmental test program to meet key milestones while simultaneously ensuring safe certification of the airframe and delivery of an operationally relevant platform, ultimately saving the overall program from financial demise. Following a brief introduction to the observatory and what it is designed to do, SOFIAs planned developmental test program is summarized, including analysis and design philosophy, envelope expansion, model validation and airframe certification. How NASA used lessons learned from other aircraft that employed open cavities in flight is explained as well as how and why the chosen design was selected. The approach to aerodynamic analysis, including bare airframe testing, wind tunnel testing, computational fluid dynamics and finite element modeling proved absolutely critical. Despite a solid analytical foundation, many unknowns remained. History provides several examples of disastrous effects on both systems and flight safety if cavity design is not approached properly. For these reasons, an extensive test plan was developed to ensure a safe and thorough build-up for envelope expansion, airframe certification and early science missions. Unfortunately, as is often the case, because of chronic delays in overall program execution, severe schedule and funding pressures were present. If critical milestones were not met, domestic as well as international funding was in serious jeopardy, and the demise of the entire program loomed large. Concentrating on rigorous model validation, the test team challenged certification requirements, increased test efficiency and streamlined engineering analysis. This resulted in the safe reduction of test point count by 72%, meeting all program milestones and a platform that soundly satisfied all operational science requirements. Results from early science missions are shown and a proof of concept mission for which SOFIA was opportunely positioned is showcased. Success on this time-critical mission to observe a rare astronomical event proved the usefulness of an airborne observatory and the value in waiting for the capability provided by SOFIA. Finally, lessons learned in the test program are presented with emphasis on how lessons from previous aircraft and successful test programs were applied to SOFIA. Effective application of these lessons was crucial to the success of the SOFIA flight test program. SOFIA is an international cooperative program between NASA and the German Space Agency, DLR. It is a 2.5 meter (100-inch) telescope mounted in a Boeing 747SP aircraft used for astronomical observations at altitudes above 35,000 feet. SOFIA will accommodate a host of scientific instruments from the international science community and has a planned operational lifespan of more than 20 years.

Asher, Troy A.↗

Progress in natural laminar flow research

For decades, since the earliest attempts to obtain natural laminar flow (NLF) on airplanes, three classical objections to its practicality have been held in the aeronautical community. These objectives concerned first, the capability to manufacture practical airframe surfaces smooth enough for NLF; second, the apparent inherent instability and sensitivity of NLF; and third, the accumulation of contamination such as insect debris in flight. This paper explains recent progress in our understanding of the achieveability and maintainability of NLF on modern airframe surfaces. This discussion explains why previous attempts to use NLF failed and what has changed regarding the three classical objections to NLF practicality. Future NASA research plans are described concerning exploring the limits of NLF usefulness, production tolerances, operational considerations, transition behavior and measurement methods, and NLF design applications.

Holmes, B. J.↗

Possible signatures of nonlinear MHD waves in the solar wind: UVCS observations and models

Recent ultraviolet coronagraph spectrometer (UVCS) white light channel observations are discussed. These data indicated quasi-periodic variations in the polarized brightness in the polar coronal holes. The Fourier power spectrum analysis showed significant peaks at about six minutes and possible fluctuations on longer time scales. The observations are consistent with the predictions of the nonlinear solitary-like wave model. The purpose of a planned study on plume and inter-plume regions of coronal holes, motivated by the result of a 2.5 magnetohydrodynamic model (MHD), is explained.

Ofman, L.↗

Delay-Tolerant Networking for Space Flight Operations: Design and Development

Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) is an implementation of the Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) architecture that is specifically intended to be usable for interplanetary communications. As such, its design differs in several ways from that of other implementations including DTN2, the reference implementation of the DTN Bundle Protocol. This paper briefly reviews the constraints on interplanetary communication that argue against the suitability not only of most off-the-shelf Internet technology but also of many DTN implementations. It then describes the operational components of ION, including its implementations of both the Bundle Protocol and the Licklider Transmission Protocol, noting the ways in which they address those constraints. Features of the system are explained with reference to their counterparts in the Internet architecture. The paper concludes with some notes on ION testing experience to date and plans for additional development in the future.

Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION)↗

Rings of Uranus - A review of occultation results

The structure and orbits of the nine confirmed rings of Uranus are reviewed based on occultation observations from ring discovery in March 1977 through April 1981. Observations of stellar occultations by Uranus have revealed the rings to be characterized by narrow widths (up to 100 km) and sharp edges, with possible internal structure, and to have orbits fitting the coplanar precession model, and showing a decreasing eccentricity with semimajor axis. Occultation results have also allowed the determination of the J2 and J4 coefficients of the Uranian gravity potential, the coordinates of the ring plane pole, planetary equatorial radius and ellipticity and the rotation period. The sharp edges and narrow widths of the rings may be explained by small satellites orbiting near the rings, and the uniform precession of three of the rings is attributed to self-gravity. Future plans for Uranus ring observations include further occultation studies, the Voyager 2 fly-by, and Space Telescope data.

Elliot, J. L.↗

NASA's Space Launch System: Building a New Capability for Discovery

Designed to enable human space exploration missions, including eventually landings on Mars, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) represents a unique launch capability with a wide range of utilization opportunities, from delivering habitation systems into the lunar vicinity to high-energy transits through the outer solar system. Substantial progress has been made toward the first launch of the initial configuration of SLS, which will be able to deliver more than 70 metric tons of payload into low Earth orbit (LEO). The vehicle will then be evolved into more powerful configurations, culminating with the capability to deliver more than 130 metric tons to LEO. The initial configuration will be able to deliver greater mass to orbit than any contemporary launch vehicle, and the evolved configuration will have greater performance than the Saturn V rocket that enabled human landings on the moon. SLS will also be able to carry larger payload fairings than any contemporary launch vehicle, and will offer opportunities for co-manifested and secondary payloads. Because of its substantial mass-lift capability, SLS will also offer unrivaled departure energy, enabling mission profiles currently not possible. The basic capabilities of SLS have been driven by studies on the requirements of human deep-space exploration missions, and continue to be validated by maturing analysis of Mars mission options. Early collaboration with science teams planning future decadal-class missions have contributed to a greater understanding of the vehicle's potential range of utilization. As this paper will explain, SLS is making measurable progress toward becoming a global infrastructure asset for robotic and human scouts of all nations by providing the robust space launch capability to deliver sustainable solutions for exploration.

Creech, Stephen D.↗

CdTe Focal Plane Detector for Hard X-Ray Focusing Optics

The demand for higher resolution x-ray optics (a few arcseconds or better) in the areas of astrophysics and solar science has, in turn, driven the development of complementary detectors. These detectors should have fine pixels, necessary to appropriately oversample the optics at a given focal length, and an energy response also matched to that of the optics. Rutherford Appleton Laboratory have developed a 3-side buttable, 20 millimeter x 20 millimeter CdTe-based detector with 250 micrometer square pixels (80 x 80 pixels) which achieves 1 kiloelectronvolt FWHM (Full-Width Half-Maximum) @ 60 kiloelectronvolts and gives full spectroscopy between 5 kiloelectronvolts and 200 kiloelectronvolts. An added advantage of these detectors is that they have a full-frame readout rate of 10 kilohertz. Working with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and Marshall Space Flight Center, 4 of these 1 millimeter-thick CdTe detectors are tiled into a 2 x 2 array for use at the focal plane of a balloon-borne hard-x-ray telescope, and a similar configuration could be suitable for astrophysics and solar space-based missions. This effort encompasses the fabrication and testing of flight-suitable front-end electronics and calibration of the assembled detector arrays. We explain the operation of the pixelated ASIC readout and measurements, front-end electronics development, preliminary X-ray imaging and spectral performance, and plans for full calibration of the detector assemblies. Work done in conjunction with the NASA Centers is funded through the NASA Science Mission Directorate Astrophysics Research and Analysis Program.

X-ray↗

Mars Observer Orbit Insertion Briefing

Steve Wall is the host of this video entitled, "Return to the Red Planet". Live animation of the Mars Observer orbiting Mars is presented. Steve Wall explains the spacecraft insertion maneuver and also explains the purpose for the Mars Observer launch. Live coverage of the Cape Canaveral launch of the Mars Observer is also presented. Suzanne Dodd, Chief of the Mission Planning team describes the burn start and how the spacecraft will be captured by Mars' gravity. Glenn Cunningham, Mars Observer Project Manager, gives background information on the Mars Observer and describes the organizations behind the Mars Observer Spacecraft, such as the Deep Space Network, the Mission Operation Support Office, Science Investigators, the Flight Engineering Office, Operations Office, and the Ground Data System Office. Dr. William Piotrowski, Acting Director, Solar System Exploration Division, NASA, talks about the purpose of the Mars Pathfinder which is to develop the technology and systems for landing small science packages on Mars. Mr. Roger Gibbs, Former Mars Observer Spacecraft Systems Engineer, tells us how the Mars Observer was built and describes the structural elements on the Mars Observer. The 11-month cruise period for the spacecraft is given by Joseph Beerer, Manager of the Engineering office. The thrust for the Mars Orbit Insertion is described by Ronald Klemetson, Technical Manager, Propulsion Subsystem Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). George Chen, Lead Engineer Attitude and Articulation Subsystem Spacecraft Team, explains the importance of the attitude control engines on the Spacecraft. Marvin Traxler, Manager of Tracking and Data Acquisition, describes how searching for a signal from the Mars Observer works. See NONP-NASA-VT-2000081555 for a continuation of this discussion with Marvin Traxler.

Source record↗

Europa Clipper Payload Verification and Validation: Early Architecture and Implementation

NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will investigate the Jovian icy moon Europa with a sophisticated payload consisting of a suite of nine instruments. Clipper’s observations will help provide answers to a broad range of scientific objectives related to Europa’s habitability. As the project proceeds through Phase C, we are building confidence in the system’s ability to achieve these science goals by implementing a rigorous payload verification and validation (V&V) program. This paper details the planned structure and implementation of the Europa Clipper payload V&V program as it exists leading up to the project critical design review (CDR), before the bulk of instrument- or payload- level V&V activities have begun. We first explain the context for payload V&V on Europa Clipper, including its interfaces with other parts of the project system. We then describe the taxonomy of V&V concepts and their interrelationships, followed by a discussion on how this framework allows us to codify interfaces, processes, and ideas that are key to a successful V&V program. We focus on key aspects of the planning phases of V&V, especially establishing a complete set of verification items and accurately mapping them into appropriate verification activities. The second half of the paper describes the logistics of implementing this framework onto our actual payload system, including the processes and tools we use to manage and communicate agreements, changes, and risks across the project. We conclude with a reflection on the unique drivers and challenges of the V&V program concept development so far and the work that is planned for phase D implementation.

Srivastava, Priyanka↗

Evaluation of CFD Predictions of CobraMRV Control Surface Effectiveness at the NASA Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel

The ability of CFD simulations to serve as a surrogate for wind tunnel testing at high supersonic speeds has been evaluated for a sub-scale model of the Co-Optimization Blunt-body Re-entry Analysis-Mid-lift-to-drag Rigid Vehicle (CobraMRV) human Mars entry vehicle concept. The vehicle was tested at the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) at the NASA Langley Research Center under flow conditions and surface control configurations relevant to the entry stage of a flight mission. The CFD simulations were performed prior to gaining access to test results in order to assess how blind predictions obtained using best practices compare to experiments. Solutions of empty tunnel simulations were used as inflow boundary condition for the CobraMRV simulations in a truncated portion of the test section. Different solvers and turbulence models were used by separate teams to assess sensitivity to numerical methods, physics, and users. After release of the test results, the pre-test computations were compared to the experimental results, and additional analyses have been conducted to explain observed discrepancies. The amount of time and resources dedicated to each phase of the computational work was logged for comparison to that required for wind tunnel tests, and to inform planning of future CFD data base development projects.

ARMD↗

Aeronautical satellite system test and implementation

This contribution reports on various aspects of the test and implementation of the new worldwide aeronautical satellite system. The system will be implemented in 1990 following several years of system design and equipment development. The full range of services and equipment will not be available immediately, but rather there will be a progressive phase-in over the first two years of service. Data services using low gain aircraft antennas are planned to be introduced first. Voice service, requiring high gain antennas is expected to begin on a full scale basis about May/June 1990. This contribution explains Inmarsat's approach to testing and authorization of equipment intended to make use of its satellites in this evolving situation. The approach is designed to permit progressive implementation of services while avoiding the need for large scale retrofitting of equipment which has already been introduced into service.

Smith, Keith↗

In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Development Program

The question "Why In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)?" is addressed in this presentation. The reasons given concentrate on Cost reduction, Mass reduction, Risk reduction, the expansion of human exploration and presence and the enabling of industrial exploitation. A review of the Martian and Lunar resources available for ISRU is presented. Other ISRU concepts (i.e., In-Situ Consumable production (ISCP) and In-Situ Propellant Production (ISPP)) are introduced and further explained. The objectives of a Mars ISRU System Technology (MIST) include (1) the characterization of technology and subsystem performance for mission modeling and technology funding planning, (2) reduce risk and concerns arising from sample return and human missions utilizing ISRU, and (3) demonstrate the environmental suitability of ISRU components/processes and systems. A proof of concept demonstration schedule and a facility overview for MIST is presented.

Sanders, Jerry↗

Optimisation of the Future Routine Orbit for Mars Express

Mars Express (MEX), the first planetary mission of the European Space Agency (ESA), reached Mars on December 25th 2003. Since then it is performing routine operations. Its operational phase had to cover one Martian year, with the possibility of an extension for a second Martian year (i.e. until November 2007). The end of the mission extension is approaching but, given the good health of the payload instruments and the high science return of the mission, there is a strong will to achieve further extensions. Mars Express is also seen as an important asset, capable to provide relay functions for future Martian missions. The ESA Science Program Committee has recently approved a second extension of the MEX mission until May 2009 and even further extensions are possible. Mars Express has an eccentric quasi-polar orbit with a period of approximately 6.72 hours and a pericentre height of about 300 km. Science observations are mainly performed at pericentre (but not only). In addition the orbit has a resonance of 11 revolutions per 3 Martian days. This means that ground tracks corresponding to orbits separated by 11 revolutions are adjacent, such that a given area can be covered by the on-board camera without leaving gaps. The J2 effect of Mars causes a drift of both ascending node and argument of pericentre. The drift of argument of pericentre makes it possible to observe periodically all Mars latitudes from close distance. Illumination conditions at pericentre are influenced by both the drift of the argument of pericentre and the drift of ascending node, as well as by the rotation of Mars around the Sun. The original MEX routine orbit was optimized for the duration of the nominal mission and extension, such that it produced a balanced share of day-side observations (for the optical instruments) and night-side observations (for the radar). The orbit was thus not optimized for the time beyond the assumed extension. Indeed, the evolution of the ascending node and argument of pericentre would cause in the following years a drift of the pericentre towards night-side observation conditions, hence uninteresting for the optical instruments. In order to prevent this an optimisation process for the future routine orbit has taken place. The share between day-side and night-side observations can be controlled by adjusting the drift of argument of pericentre and ascending node. This can in particular be achieved by changing the semimajor axis, eccentricity and/or inclination. A change of inclination is inefficient compared to a change in semimajor axis and eccentricity, and has therefore been discarded. An in-plane maneuvre can be performed to change both semi-major axis and eccentricity, and thus the period of the orbit. Although an apocentre manoeuvre is cheaper in terms of deltaV, it would result in raising the pericentre height, which is unfavourable for close observations. Hence a pericentre manoeuvre is proposed, which will increase the apocentre height. A repeat cycle is still required to allow mapping areas with adjacent ground tracks, so the change of semimajor axis must result in a new resonance. Resonances 18:5, 25:7 and 7:2 have been considered as potential candidates. The resulting long term evolution of the observation conditions has been analysed. Finally it has been decided to perform a change of orbit to reach the 18:5. Another aspect of the optimisation process is the control of the ground track. The previous MEX reference trajectory included regular maneuvres at every apocentre in order to adjust the orbital period, such that the separation of the ground tracks would be optimal, regardless of the latitude of pericentre. The implementation of the actual delatVs on-board was done partly by optimizing the attitude of reaction-wheel desaturation activities. Despite of it, this strategy has a significant propellant cost, because it prevents to optimize reaction wheel de-saturation activities to minimize propellant consumption. Therore, with the aim at preserving propellant resources for a long time extension it has been agreed to stop the ground-track control. This requires now a more accurate science operation planning, with improved attitude pointing control. Finally, the approach to phase Mars Express to provide back-up relay functions for NASA Phoenix landing is explained. In the context of the routine trajectory optimisation a new requirement for close fly-bys at Phobos, with different observation geometries, has been specified. The approach to fulfill this requirement is explained.

Carranza, Manuel↗

ISIS and META projects

ISIS and META are two distributed systems projects at Cornell University. The ISIS project, has developed a new methodology, virtual synchrony, for writing robust distributed software. This approach is directly supported by the ISIS Toolkit, a programming system that is distributed to over 300 academic and industrial sites. Several interesting applications that exploit the strengths of ISIS, including an NFS-compatible replicated file system, are being developed. The META project, is about distributed control in a soft real time environment incorporating feedback. This domain encompasses examples as diverse as monitoring inventory and consumption on a factory floor and performing load-balancing on a distributed computing system. One of the first uses of META is for distributed application management: the tasks of configuring a distributed program, dynamically adapting to failures, and monitoring its performance. Recent progress and current plans are presented. This approach to distributed computing, a philosophy that is believed to significantly distinguish the work from that of others in the field, is explained.

Birman, Kenneth↗

Transitioning from Free-Flight to TRACON Airspace: The Ground Perspective of User-Preferred Descents

Free-flight is considered to play a major role in the future air traffic environment. Studies are underway addressing different concepts for free-flight and self separation in enroute airspace. One common opinion throughout the different concepts is that the airspace surrounding major airports, the Terminal Radar Approach CONtrol (TRACON) will not be a free flight area. This means that aircraft in this area are completely controlled by air traffic controllers, who may be supported by decision support system like the Center TRACON Automation System (CTAS). How the transition from the free-flight area (enroute airspace) to the terminal area will take place is currently unclear, This paper describes a study at NASA Ames Research Center addressing the perspective of air traffic controllers handling user-preferred (FMS-optimized) descent trajectories during this transition phase. Two major issues in enabling user preferred descents from the controllers' point of view are predictability and controllability. In an environment in which the air traffic services are highly responsive to user preferences controllers need to know, where and when aircraft will change their trajectory and they need to have appropriate means and procedures at hand to control the aircraft according to the overall traffic situation. Predictability shall be enhanced by: 1) Indicating airspace corridors for descending aircraft; 2) Modify the controller interface; 3) Using a ground based conflict probe; 4) Making use of downlinked intent information from the aircraft FMS; and 5) Requiring to fly pilots on user preferred trajectories coupled to the FMS in the lateral and vertical axis. Additional controllability shall be achieved by supporting the controllers with CTAS center tools: 1) Traffic Management Advisor (TMA); 2) Conflict Probing and Trial Planning (CP/TP); and 3) Enroute Descent Advisor (E/DA). The paper describes the general concept and the modifications to current systems required to enable the concept. It explains the experiment design and discusses the results with regard to controller acceptability and usability. Potential benefits and drawbacks of the overall concept are indicated.

Prevot, Thomas↗

To the North Coast of Devon: Collaborative Navigation While Exploring Unfamiliar Terrain

Navigation-knowing where one is and finding a safe route-is a fundamental aspect of all exploration. In unfamiliar terrain, one may use maps and instruments such as a compass or binoculars to assist, and people often collaborate in finding their way. This paper analyzes a group of people driving a humvee from a base camp to the north coast of Devon Island in the High Canadian Arctic. A complete audio recording and video during most stops allows a quantitative and semantic analysis of the conversations when the team stopped to take bearings and replan a route. Over a period of 2 hours, the humvee stopped 20 times, with an average duration of 3.15 min/pause and 3.85 min moving forward. The team failed to reach its goal due to difficult terrain causing mechanical problems. The analysis attempts to explain these facts by considering a variety of complicating factors, especially the navigation problem of relating maps and the world to locate the humvee and to plan a route. The analysis reveals patterns in topic structure and turn-taking, supporting the view that the collaboration was efficient, but the tools and information were inadequate for the task. This work is relevant for planning and training for planetary surface missions, as well as developing computer systems that could aid navigation.

Clancey, William J.↗

Navigation for the ACS3 Solar Sail Mission

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission consists of a spacecraft that plans to be launched in early 2024. The spacecraft carries an 80 m2 solar sail that can produce effective thrust to alter the initial 1000 km sun-synchronous orbit. The main objective of the mission is to demonstrate the capabilities of the solar sail to effectively change various orbital parameters such as the semi-major axis and the inclination. Various composite materials were used to produce the sail, together with lightweight booms that will deploy from a 12U CubeSat bus. The astrodynamics team at NASA Ames Research Center has built a Flight Dynamics System (FDS) to provide mission navigation and to produce regular ephemeris once in orbit. The FDS can compute the trajectories that the spacecraft will perform once the sail is deployed. To achieve that, GPS data is obtained from the spacecraft telemetry and then is used with a Kalman filter and a smoother to obtain an orbit determination solution. The outcome of this process reduces the position and velocity uncertainty in a daily cadence. After that, the state vector output is used to feed a propagation model that includes the updated attitude and orbit of the spacecraft at that given moment. The trajectory model considers the updated attitude plan of the spacecraft as well as the environment conditions such as the solar weather to compute the associated drag and solar radiation pressure. This paper explains in detail the implementation of the FDS, as well as the solar sail solar radiation pressure trajectory model. We also present the results of several potential trajectory models under various assumptions of orbit parameters, attitude, environment, and material properties. In addition, we introduce a trajectory model for potential interplanetary use of an equivalent solar sail in the future. The outcome of this process will be critical to achieving the objective of determining effective altitude change produced by the solar sail.

Andres Dono Perez↗

Navigation for the ACS3 Solar Sail Mission

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) mission consists of a spacecraft that plans to be launched no earlier than April 2024. The spacecraft carries an 81 m2 solar sail that can produce effective ΔV to alter the initial 1000 km sun-synchronous orbit. The main objective of the mission is to demonstrate the capabilities of the solar sail to effectively change the semi-major axis of its initial orbit. Various composite materials were used to produce the sail, together with lightweight booms that will deploy from a 12U CubeSat bus. The ACS3 navigation team at NASA Ames Research Center has built a Flight Dynamics System (FDS) to provide mission navigation and to produce regular ephemeris once in orbit. The FDS can compute the orbit transfers that the spacecraft will perform once the sail is deployed. To achieve that, GPS data is obtained from the spacecraft telemetry and then is used with a Kalman filter and a smoother to obtain an orbit determination solution. The outcome of this process reduces the position and velocity uncertainty in a daily cadence. After that, the state vector output is used to feed a propagation model that includes the updated attitude and orbit of the spacecraft at that given moment. The trajectory model considers the updated attitude plan of the spacecraft as well as the environment conditions such as the solar weather to compute the associated drag and solar radiation pressure. This paper explains in detail the implementation of the FDS, as well as the solar sail solar radiation pressure trajectory model. We also present the results of several potential trajectory models under various assumptions of orbit parameters, attitude, environment, and material properties. In addition, we introduce a trajectory model for potential interplanetary use of an equivalent solar sail in the future. The outcome of this process will be critical to achieving the objective of determining effective semi-major axis change produced by the solar sail.

Andres Dono↗