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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Space Station Freedom advanced photovoltaics and battery technology development planning

Space Station Freedom (SSF) usable electrical power is planned to be built up incrementally during assembly phase to a peak of 75 kW end-of-life (EOL) shortly after Permanently Manned Capability (PMC) is achieved in 1999. This power will be provided by planar silicon (Si) arrays and nickel-hydrogen (NiH2) batteries. The need for power is expected to grow from 75 kW to as much as 150 kW EOL during the evolutionary phase of SSF, with initial increases beginning as early as 2002. Providing this additional power with current technology may not be as cost effective as using advanced technology arrays and batteries expected to develop prior to this evolutionary phase. A six-month study sponsored by NASA Langley Research Center and conducted by Boeing Defense and Space Group was initiated in Aug. 1991. The purpose of the study was to prepare technology development plans for cost effective advanced photovoltaic (PV) and battery technologies with application to SSF growth, SSF upgrade after its arrays and batteries reach the end of their design lives, and other low Earth orbit (LEO) platforms. Study scope was limited to information available in the literature, informal industry contacts, and key representatives from NASA and Boeing involved in PV and battery research and development. Ten battery and 32 PV technologies were examined and their performance estimated for SSF application. Promising technologies were identified based on performance and development risk. Rough order of magnitude cost estimates were prepared for development, fabrication, launch, and operation. Roadmaps were generated describing key issues and development paths for maturing these technologies with focus on SSF application.

Brender, Karen D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Space Station Freedom cupola definition

Following the realization that adequate Space Station Freedom viewing could not be achieved without breaking the plane of the modules, a conceptual design phase for the development of a cupola progressed from the idea of a small, bubble-type canopy to a much larger, two crewmember cupola. The evolving cupola conceptual designs were each evaluated against the requirements for providing a large field-of-view, a complete proximity control workstation with flexible and relocatable restraints, and sufficient volume for two, 95th percentile crewmembers to operate while still maintaining reasonable weight and size restrictions. As the SS Freedom program Preliminary Design Review draws closer, the cupola development phase shifts toward evaluation of viewing and operational capability. The appropriate balance of viewing, structures and operations must be achieved before the program can place confidence in a cupola design providing SS Freedom with a direct viewing workstation capable of supporting the great variety of tasks projected for the life of the station.

Weaver, Laurie A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The dynamic effects of internal robots on Space Station Freedom

Many of the planned experiments of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) will require acceleration levels to be no greater than microgravity (10 exp -6 g) levels for long periods of time. Studies have demonstrated that without adequate control, routine operations may cause disturbances which are large enough to affect on-board experiments. One way to both minimize disturbances and make the SSF more autonomous is to utilize robots instead of astronauts for some operations. The present study addresses the feasibility of using robots for microgravity manipulation. Two methods for minimizing the dynamic disturbances resulting from the robot motions are evaluated. The first method is to use a robot with kinematic redundancy (redundant links). The second method involves the use of a vibration isolation device between the robot and the SSF laboratory module. The results from these methods are presented along with simulations of robots without disturbance control.

Miller, Jeffrey H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Requirements and concept for an on-orbit construction facility for phase 1 Space Station Freedom

A construction facility attached to NASA's Space Station Freedom (SSF) will be required for the accommodation of assembly activities for large payloads, as well as demonstration of the on-orbit construction of future spacecraft. This facility's capabilities must be sufficiently flexible to address the wide variety of future spacecraft needs without compromising the SSF's phase 1 configuration. The proposed construction facility concept will incorporate a storage module, a construction turntable, equipment-attachment platforms, a surrogate payload bay structure, and a portable workstation. Attention is given to this configuration's resulting mass properties and control characteristics.

Buchan, Robert W.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Assessing availability of Space Station Freedom

An availability assessment process developed by the Space Station Freedom Program Office Operations Organization is reviewed. The process under consideration is aimed at highlighting design attributes which hamper operations for development of appropriate design alternatives.

Gizinski, Stephen J., III↗
NASA NTRS1991

The dynamic effects of internal robots on Space Station Freedom

Many of the planned experiments of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) will require acceleration levels to be no greater than microgravity (10 exp -6 g) levels for long periods of time. Studies have demonstrated that without adequate control, routine operations may cause disturbances which are large enough to affect on-board experiments. One way to both minimize disturbances and make the SSF more autonomous is to utilize robots instead of astronauts for some operations. The present study addresses the feasibility of using robots for microgravity manipulation. Two methods for minimizing the dynamic disturbances resulting from the robot motions are evaluated. The first method is to use a robot with kinematic redundancy (redundant links). The second method involves the use of a vibration isolation device between the robot and the SSF laboratory module. The results from these methods are presented along with simulations of robots without disturbance control.

Miller, Jeffrey H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Beyond the Baseline 1991: Proceedings of the Space Station Evolution Symposium. Volume 2: Space Station Freedom, part 2

Individual presentations delivered at the Space Station Evolution Symposium in League City, Texas, on August 6, 7, and 8, 1991 are given in viewgraph form. Personnel responsible for Advanced Systems Studies and Advanced Development within the Space Station Freedom Program reported on the results of their work to date. Special attention is given to highlighting changes made during restructuring; a description of the growth paths through the follow-on and evolution stages; identification of the minimum impact provisions to allow flexibility in the baseline; and identification of enhancing and enabling technologies.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1991

Space Station Freedom regenerative water recovery system configuration selection

The Space Station Freedom (SSF) must recover water from various waste water sources to reduce 90 day water resupply demands for a four/eight person crew. The water recovery system options considered are summarized together with system configuration merits and demerits, resource advantages and disadvantages, and water quality considerations used to select the SSF water recovery system.

Reysa, R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dark-cycle monitoring of biological subjects on Space Station Freedom

The operational environment for biological research on Space Station Freedom will incorporate video technology for monitoring plant and animal subjects. The video coverage must include dark-cycle monitoring because early experiments will use rodents that are nocturnal and therefore most active during the dark part of the daily cycle. Scientific requirements for monitoring during the dark cycle are exacting. Infrared (IR) or near-IR sensors are required. The trade-offs between these two types of sensors are based on engineering constraints, sensitivity spectra, and the quality of imagery possible from each type. This paper presents results of a study conducted by the Biological Flight Research Projects Office in conjunction with the Spacecraft Data Systems Branch at ARC to investigate the use of charged-coupled-device and IR cameras to meet the scientific requirements. Also examined is the effect of low levels of near-IR illumination on the circadian rhythm in rats.

Chuang, Sherry↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Freedom central thermal control system evolution

Viewgraphs on Space Station Freedom central thermal control system (CTCS) evolution are presented. Topics covered include: (1) growth requirements and basic features of research and development and transportation nodes; (2) identifying the principal CTCS hooks and scars at assembly complete to accommodate growth; and (3) describing the general provisions for growth and identifying pertinent design issues.

Olsson, Eric↗
NASA NTRS1992

Thermal control system for Space Station Freedom photovoltaic power module

The electric power for Space Station Freedom (SSF) is generated by the solar arrays of the photovoltaic power modules (PVM's) and conditioned, controlled, and distributed by a power management and distribution system. The PVM's are located outboard of the alpha gimbals of SSF. A single-phase thermal control system is being developed to provide thermal control of PVM electrical equipment and energy storage batteries. This system uses ammonia as the coolant and a direct-flow deployable radiator. This paper presents the description and development status of the PVM thermal control system.

Hacha, Thomas H.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Dark cycle monitoring of biological specimens on Space Station Freedom

The operational environment for biological research on Space Station Freedom will incorporate video technology for monitoring plant and animal subjects. The video coverage must include dark-cycle monitoring because early experiments will use rodents that are nocturnal and therefore most active during the dark part of the daily cycle. Scientific requirements for monitoring during the dark cycle are exacting. Infrared (IR) or near-IR sensors are required. The trade-offs between these two types of sensors are based on engineering constraints, sensitivity spectra, and the quality of imagery possible from each type. This paper presents results of a study conducted by the Biological Flight Research Projects Office in conjunction with the Spacecraft Data Systems Branch at ARC to investigate the use of charged-coupled-device and IR cameras to meet the scientific requirements. Also examined is the effect of low levels of near-IR illumination on the circadian rhythm in rats.

Mian, Arshad↗
NASA NTRS1993

A feasibility study of a microgravity enhancement system for Space Station Freedom

The current low frequency microgravity requirements for Space Station Freedom (SSF) call for a level of less than 1 micro-g over 50 percent of all the laboratory racks for continuous periods of 30 days for at least 180 days per year. While this requirement is attainable for some of the laboratory modules for the Permanently Manned Configuration (PMC), it cannot be met for the Man-Tended Configuration (MTC). To improve the microgravity conditions in the laboratory modules, the Microgravity Enhancement System (MESYS) will apply a continuous thrust to SSF, to negate the disturbing gravity gradient and drag forces. The MESYS consists of a sensor, continuous throttle-able thrusters, and a control system. Both a proof mass system and nano-g accelerometer were evaluated for use as the sensor. The net result of the MESYS will be to shift the microgravity contours from the center of mass to a chosen location. Results indicate the MESYS is not feasible for the MTC since it will require 5073 kg of hydrazine fuel and 7660 watts of electrical power for 30 days of operation during average atmospheric conditions. For the PMC, the MESYS is much more practical, since only 4008 kg of fuel and 5640 watts of electrical power will be required for 30 days of operation during average atmospheric conditions.

Diamond, Preston S.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A feasibility study of a microgravity enhancement system for Space Station Freedom

The current low frequency microgravity requirements for Space Station Freedom (SSF) call for a level of less than 1 micro-g over 50 percent of all the laboratory racks for continuous periods of 30 days for at least 180 days per year. While this requirement is attainable for some of the laboratory modules for the Permanently Manned Configuration (PMC), it can not be met for the Man-Tended Configuration (MTC). In addition, many experiments would prefer even lower acceleration levels. To improve the microgravity environment, the Microgravity Enhancement System (MESYS) will apply a continuous thrust to SSF, to negate the disturbing gravity gradient and drag forces. The MESYS consists of a sensor, throttle-able thrusters and a control system. Both a proof mass system and accelerometer were evaluated for use as the sensor. The net result of the MESYS will be to shift the microgravity contours from the center of mass to a chosen location. Results indicate the MESYS is not feasible for MTC since it will require 5,073 kg of hydrazine fuel and 7,660 watts of power for 30 days of operation during average atmospheric conditions. For PMC, the MESYS is much more practical since only 4,008 kg of fuel and 5,640 watts of power are required.

Diamond, Preston S.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Thermal control system for Space Station Freedom photovoltaic power module

The electric power for Space Station Freedom (SSF) is generated by the solar arrays of the photovoltaic power modules (PVM's) and conditioned, controlled, and distributed by a power management and distribution system. The PVM's are located outboard of the alpha gimbals of SSF. A single-phase thermal control system is being developed to provide thermal control of PVM electrical equipment and energy storage batteries. This system uses ammonia as the coolant and a direct-flow deployable radiator. The description and development status of the PVM thermal control system is presented.

Hacha, Thomas H.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Space Station Freedom NiH2 cell testing program

Testing for the Space Station Freedom Nickel Hydrogen Cell Test Program began in 1990 at Crave Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center. The program has included receipt inspection, random vibration, acceptance, characterization, and life cycle testing of Ni-H2 cells in accordance with the NASA LeRC Interagency Order C-31001-J. A total of 400 Ni-H2 cells have been received at NAVSURFWARCENDIV Crane from three separate manufacturers; Yardney Technical Products (Yardney), Eagle Picher Industries (Eagle Picher), and Gates Energy Products (Gates). Of those, 308 cells distributed among 39 packs have undergone life cycle testing under a test regime simulating low earth orbit conditions. As of 30 September 1993, there are 252 cells assembled into 32 packs still on life cycle test. Since the beginning of the program, failed cells have been detected in all phases of testing. The failures include the following; seven 65 AmpHr and 81 AmpHr Yardney cells were found to be leaking KOH on receipt, one 65 AmpHr Eagle Picher cell failed the acceptance test, one 65 AmpHr Gates cell failed during the characterization test, and six 65 AmpHr Gates cells failed the random vibration test. Of the 39 life cycle packs, testing on seven packs, 56 cells, has been suspended because of low end of discharge voltages. All of the failed life cycle packs were cycled at 60% depth of discharge.

Moore, Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1989

Microbial identification system for Space Station Freedom

The Environmental Health System (EHS) and Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) on Space Station Freedom will require a comprehensive microbiology capability. This requirement entails the development of an automated system to perform microbial identifications on isolates from a variety of environmental and clinical sources and, when required, to perform antimicrobial sensitivity testing. The unit currently undergoing development and testing is the Automated Microbiology System II (AMS II) built by Vitek Systems, Inc. The AMS II has successfully completed 12 months of laboratory testing and evaluation for compatibility with microgravity operation. The AMS II is a promising technology for use on Space Station Freedom.

Brown, Harlan D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Overview of environmental test plans for Space Station Freedom work package 4

The generation and distribution of electric power for Space Station Freedom (SSF) is critical to the station's success. Work Package 4 (WP-04) has the responsibility for the design, development, test, and delivery of the Electric Power System (EPS) for the SSF. During launch, assembly, and operation, the EPS will be subjected to various environments. A test and verification approach has been developed to assure that the EPS will function in these environments. An overview of that test program is presented with emphasis on environmental testing of hardware. Two key areas of the test program are highlighted in the overview. One area is the verification of the Solar Power Module (SPM) and associated cargo element hardware. This area includes detailing the plans for development and qualification testing of the SPM hardware. One series of tests, including modal and acoustic, has been completed on a development cargo element. Another area highlighted is the acceptance testing of high-power Orbital Replacement Units (ORU). The environmental test equipment plans are presented and reviewed in light of an aggressive production rate, which delivers ORU's to the WP-04 and other Space Station Work Packages. Through implementing the test program as outlined, the EPS hardware will be certified for flight and operation on the Space Station Freedom.

Peterson, Tom J.↗