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At least 145 records · Page 8

Intelligent systems for KSC ground processing

The ground processing and launch of Shuttle vehicles and their payloads is the primary task of Kennedy Space Center. It is a process which is largely manual and contains little inherent automation. Business is conducted today much as it was during previous NASA programs such as Apollo. In light of new programs and decreasing budgets, NASA must find more cost effective ways in which to do business while retaining the quality and safety of activities. Advanced technologies including artificial intelligence could cut manpower and processing time. This paper is an overview of the research and development in Al technology at KSC with descriptions of the systems which have been implemented, as well as a few under development which are promising additions to ground processing software. Projects discussed cover many facets of ground processing activities, including computer sustaining engineering, subsystem monitor and diagnosis tools and launch team assistants. The deployed Al applications have proven an effectiveness which has helped to demonstrate the benefits of utilizing intelligent software in the ground processing task.

Heard, Astrid E.↗

STS-56, RSRM-031, 360L031 KSC processing configuration and data report

KSC Processing Configuration and Data Report is being provided as a historical document and as an enhancement to future RSRM manufacturing and processing operations. The following sections provide information on segment receipt, aft booster build-up, booster assembly, and closeout for STS-56, RSRM flight set 36OL031. Section 2.0 contains a summary of RSRM-031 processing. Section 3.0 discusses any significant problems or special issues that require special attention. Sections 4.0 through 6.0 contain narrative descriptions of all key events, including any related processing problems. Appendix A provides engineering specifications and changes. A list and matrix of all problem reports (PR's) pertinent to this flight set is provided in Appendix B. The matrix was provided by the Thiokol LSS Quality Engineering office. Copies of the PR's generated during the processing of RSRM-031 will be provided upon request. Appendix C contains the motor set status matrix, which provides milestone dates for the RSRM-031 flow. Section 7.0 provides recommendations, if any, for the improvement of flight hardware processing. Section 8.0 contains data sheets that provide flight hardware parts and consumables information installed during the booster build-up and stacking operations by location, lot/serial number, expiration and cure dates/times, and installation dates.

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STS-51, RSRM-033, 360T033 KSC processing configuration and data report

KSC Processing Configuration and Data Report is being provided as a historical document and as an enhancement to future RSRM manufacturing and processing operations. The following sections provide information on segment receipt, aft booster build up, motor assembly, and closeout for STS-51, RSRM flight set 360T033. Section 2.0 contains a summary of RSRM-033 processing. Section 3.0 discusses any significant problems or special issues that require special attention. Sections 4.0 through 6.0 contain narrative descriptions of all key events, including any related processing problems. Appendix A provides engineering specifications and changes. A list and matrix of all problem reports (PR's) pertinent to this flight set is provided in Appendix B. The matrix was provided by the Thiokol LSS Quality Engineering office. Copies of the PR's generated during the processing of RSRM-033 will be provided upon request. Appendix C contains the motor set status matrix, which provides milestone dates for the RSRM-033 flow. Section 7.0 provides recommendations for the improvement of flight hardware processing. Section 8.0 contains data sheets that provide flight hardware parts and consumable information installed during the booster build-up and stacking operations by location, lot/serial number, expiration and cure dates/times, and installation dates.

Hillard, Robert C.↗

Analysis of magnetic field levels at KSC

The scope of this work is to evaluate the magnetic field levels of distribution systems and other equipment at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Magnetic fields levels in several operational areas and various facilities are investigated. Three dimensional mappings and contour are provided along with the measured data. Furthermore, the portion of magnetic fields generated by the 60 Hz fundamental frequency and the portion generated by harmonics are examined. Finally, possible mitigation techniques for attenuating fields from electric panels are discussed.

Christodoulou, Christos G.↗

Dispersion Compensation of Fiber Optic Systems for KSC Applications

Installed fibers such as those at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are optimized for use at 1310 nm because they have zero dispersion at that wavelength. An installed fiber system designed to operate at 1310 nm will operate at a much lower data rate when operated at 1550 nm because the dispersion is not zero at 1550 nm. Using dispersion measurements of both installed and dispersion compensating fibers, we compensated a 21.04 km length of installed fiber with 4.25 km of dispersion compensating fiber. Using the compensated fiber-optic link, we reduced the dispersion to 0.494 ps/nm-km, from an uncompensated dispersion of 16.8 ps/nm-km. The main disadvantage of the compensated link using DC fiber was an increase in attenuation. Although the increase was not necessarily severe, it could be significant when insertion losses, connector losses, and fiber attenuation are taken into account.

Kozaitis, Samuel P.↗

Hubble Space Telescope - First Servicing Mission: Down to Earth Logistics - From GSFC to KSC and Back

The Hubble Space Telescope First Servicing Mission is a major accomplishment for NASA and has drawn world-wide attention and interest. The extravehicular servicing and repair activities performed by the STS-61 crew were the most ambitious ever undertaken. Their unprecedented success in performing on-orbit repair and maintenance, particularly in correcting the aberration in the primary mirror, has enabled the HST to provide sensational images and the anticipation of exciting scientific discoveries. Although the whole world watched the televised logistics activities (on-orbit maintenance) that took place in space, few are aware of the time and effort that went into planning and executing the space logistics that takes place with our feet on the ground. This paper addresses a major part of that effort - the packaging, handling, and transportation (PH&T) activities required to ship the GSFC HST space flight hardware and ground support equipment to KSC for launch and the post launch return to GSFC. It addresses the logistics and transportation planning for the containers for the Solar Array Carrier, the Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier, and the Flight Support System and their transporters, and the over land and water portions of the shipments.

Kubicko, Richard M.↗

Predictive Engineering Implementation at KSC

This paper provides an overview of what the primary contractors at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are doing in the field of predictive engineering. The technologies employed by each of the contractors and the cost savings associated with the implementation of these predictive engineering methods are discussed. The sources include predictive engineering implementation plans, published by each of the contractors and interviews with the authors of these implementation plans.

Mosconi, Jane↗

Protocol Development for the NASA-JSC Lunar-Mars Life Support Test Project (LMLSTP) Phase 3 Project: A Report on Baseline Studies at KSC for Continuous Salad Production

The Phase 3 Lunar-Mars Life Support Test Project (LMLSTP) was conducted in a 20-foot chamber at Johnson Space Center. The overall objective of the Phase 3 project was to conduct a 90-day regenerative life support system test involving 4 human subjects to demonstrate an integrated biological and physicochemical life support system. A secondary objective of the Phase 3 LMLSTP was to demonstrate the ability to produce salad-type vegetable by integration of a small benchtop growth chamber located within the crew habitat area. This small chamber, commercially manufactured as the Controlled Environment Research Ecosystem (CERES 2010(TM)), functioned as a means to continuously provide fresh lettuce crops for crew members. The CERES 2010(TM) growth chamber utilized hardware components developed for effective plant biomass production in spaceflight applications. These components included: (1) LED lighting; (2) Astroculture(TM) Root Trays; and (3) Zeoponic media. In planning for the LMLSTP Phase 3, a request was put forward for KSC scientists to generate a protocol for successful continuous planting, culturing, and harvesting of the salad-crop, lettuce. By conducting baseline tests with components of the CERES 2010(TM), a protocol was developed.

Goins, G. D.↗

KSC ISS Payload Processing and Facilities

KSC International Space Station (ISS) payload processing and facilities have changed significantly from what was utilized for many years to prepare Spacelab experiment payloads for the Shuttle. Presented will be an overview of the processes and facilities to be used for preparing payloads to be launched on the Shuttle to the ISS.

Zari, Kevin↗

STS-39: Landing at KSC

The Space Shuttle Discovery landed on May 6, 1991, 2:55:35 p.m. EDT at the Shuttle Landing Facility after traveling more than 3,500,000 miles on a successful eight-day mission. Rollout distance and time were 9,235 feet and 56 secs respectively. The landing weight was 211,512 lbs. Landing was diverted to KSC because of unacceptably high winds at the planned landing site, Edwards Air Force Base, California. Aboard were: Commander Michael L. Coats; Pilot L. Blaine Hammond, Jr.; and Mission Specialists Guion S. Bluford Jr., Gregory J. Harbaugh, Richard J. Hieb, Donald R. McMonagle, and Charles L. Veach. This was the 40th flight in the Space Shuttle program and the 12th for the orbiter Discovery. The landing was the 7th Shuttle landing in Florida. After landing at the Shuttle Landing Facility, the STS-39 crew posed for a photo in front of Discovery.

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STS-56 Landing Replays at KSC

The landing of the Discovery Orbiter at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is shown from many different vantage points, including footage of the landing taken with infrared cameras.

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STS-57 Landing at KSC

Footage shows the landing of STS-57 Endeavour at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and the ground crew meeting the orbiter on the runway.

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NASA-KSC/Florida Dual Use Technology Partnership

This document constitutes the Technological Research and Development Authority's (TRDA) Final Reports for the NASA-KSC/Florida Dual Use Technology Partnership grant covering the period December 1, 1999 through November 30, 2000. The NASA Grant and Cooperative Agreement Handbook requires the TRDA to provide NASA with a final report on Subject Inventions, Federal Cash Transactions, Summary Research, and Federally-Owned Property. This report contains those requirements as well as a description of the TRDA's grant performance related to activities undertaken, difficulties incurred, remedial actions, and the current financial status of the contract.

Kershaw, David↗

Evaluating Education and Science in the KSC Visitor Complex Exhibits

The continuing development of exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex is an excellent opportunity for NASA personnel to promote science and provide insight into NASA programs and projects for the approximately 3 million visitors that come to KSC annually. Stated goals for the Visitor Complex, in fact, emphasize science awareness and recommend broadening the appeal of the displays and exhibits for all age groups. To this end, this summer project seeks to evaluate the science content of planned exhibits/displays in relation to these developing opportunities and identify specific areas for enhancement of existing or planned exhibits and displays. To help expand the educational and science content within the developing exhibits at the Visitor Complex, this project was structured to implement the goals of the Visitor Center Director. To accomplish this, the exhibits and displays planned for completion within the year underwent review and evaluation for science content and educational direction. Planning emphasis for the individual displays was directed at combining the elements of effective education with fundamental scientific integrity, within an appealing format.

Erickson, Lance K.↗

Sensors and Data Acquisition Development Efforts at KSC

This viewgraph presentation describes efforts at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to develop spacecraft sensors and instruments which meet the expected needs of potential clients on a budget. Sensors are profiled, and the topics covered include systems health monitoring, smart structures, software algorithms, and testing.

Perotti, Jose M.↗

Latest Sensors and Data Acquisition Development Efforts at KSC

This viewgraph presentation summarizes the characteristics required on sensors by consumers desiring access to space, a long term plan developed at KSC (Kennedy Space Center) to identify promising technologies for NASA's own future sensor needs, and the characteristics of several smart sensors already developed. Also addressed are the computer hardware and architecture used to operate sensors, and generic testing capabilities. Consumers desire sensors which are lightweight, inexpensive, intelligent, and easy to use.

Perotti, Jose M.↗

KSC Education Technology Research and Development Plan

Educational technology is facilitating new approaches to teaching and learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Cognitive research is beginning to inform educators about how students learn providing a basis for design of more effective learning environments incorporating technology. At the same time, access to computers, the Internet and other technology tools are becoming common features in K-20 classrooms. Encouraged by these developments, STEM educators are transforming traditional STEM education into active learning environments that hold the promise of enhancing learning. This document illustrates the use of technology in STEM education today, identifies possible areas of development, links this development to the NASA Strategic Plan, and makes recommendations for the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Education Office for consideration in the research, development, and design of new educational technologies and applications.

Odell, Michael R. L.↗

Lightning Instrumentation at KSC

This report summarizes lightning phenomena with a brief explanation of lightning generation and lightning activity as related to KSC. An analysis of the instrumentation used at launching Pads 39 A&B for measurements of lightning effects is included with alternatives and recommendations to improve the protection system and upgrade the actual instrumentation system. An architecture for a new data collection system to replace the present one is also included. A novel architecture to obtain lightning current information from several sensors using only one high speed recording channel while monitoring all sensors to replace the actual manual lightning current recorders and a novel device for the protection system are described.

Colon, Jose L.↗