Spacecraft mechanism testing in the Molsink facility
Space molecular sink simulator facility /Molsink/ for extreme high vacuum outer space environment simulation, discussing Mariner Mars 1969 spacecraft components tests
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Space molecular sink simulator facility /Molsink/ for extreme high vacuum outer space environment simulation, discussing Mariner Mars 1969 spacecraft components tests
Matrix algebra translator and executor /MATE/ takes equations describing structural control system environmental interaction problem for flexible spacecraft components and loads them into self programming computer.
Measuring shear-creep compliance of solid and liquid materials used in spacecraft components
Intermittent type silica gel adsorption refrigerator for providing temperature control for spacecraft components
Omnidirectional anisotropic molecular trap, used with vacuum pump to simulate space environments for testing spacecraft components
Analysis of spacecraft components and systems with potential for failures similar to Apollo 13 flight emergency
Design and development of release mechanism for spacecraft components, releasable despin weights, and extensible gravity booms
Space environment simulator for testing spacecraft components under aerospace conditions
Investigation of variables affecting joint preload properties of installed structural bolts and nuts used in fabrication and construction of spacecraft components
Electronic detection system for peak acceleration limits in vibrational testing of spacecraft components
Development of solid state polymer coating for obtaining thermal balance in spacecraft components
Decontamination of spacecraft components with ethylene oxide as function of parameters of gas concentration, time, temperature, and relative humidity
Microbiological contamination of Apollo spacecraft components
The internal structure of painted and unpainted aluminum alloy sheet samples from the TV camera shrouds were examined by high-voltage transmission electron microscopy. No clear-cut evidence of radiation damage effects was observed. Noticeable differences in microstructures between the upper visor and the sides and bottom of the lower shroud suggest different thermal histories, and the maximum temperatures due to solar heating are estimated to be between 164 and 319 C. Some correlation between microstructures and maximum estimated temperature is noted. It is felt that the apparent temperature rise due to solar heating will not affect the structural integrity of spacecraft components except possibly for very long periods of exposure. However, substantial thermal diffusion could affect interpretation of solar wind rare gas studies.
Two approaches that are used for determining the modes and frequencies of space shuttle structures are discussed. The first method, direct numerical analysis, involves finite element mathematical modeling of the space shuttle structure in order to use computer programs for dynamic structural analysis. The second method utilizes modal-coupling techniques of experimental verification made by vibrating only spacecraft components and by deducing modes and frequencies of the complete vehicle from results obtained in the component tests.
Developed methodologies and procedures for the reduction of microbial burden on an assembled spacecraft at the time of encapsulation or terminal sterilization are reported. This technology is required for reducing excessive microbial burden on spacecraft components for the purposes of either decreasing planetary contamination probabilities for an orbiter or minimizing the duration of a sterilization process for a lander.
The development of low-profile flat conductor cable (FCC) connecting device and FCC permanent splice methods are discussed. The design goal for the low-profile connecting device was to mate and unmate FCC harness to a typical spacecraft component with a maximum height of 3/8 in. The results indicate that the design, fabrication, and processing of the low-profile connecting device are feasible and practical. Some redesign will be required to achieve the goal of 3/8 in. Also, failures were experienced subsequent to salt spray and humidity exposure. Five different FCC permanent splice methods were considered. Subsequent to evaluation of these five methods, two design concepts were chosen for development tests.
Planetary quarantine analyses performed for recent unmanned Mars and Venus missions assumed that the probability of contamination by a spacecraft given accidental impact was equivalent to one. However, in the case of the gaseous outer planets, the heat generated during the inadvertent entry of a spacecraft into the planetary atmosphere might be sufficient to cause significant microbial burden reduction. This could affect navigation strategy by reducing the necessity for biasing the aim point away from the planets. An effort has been underway to develop the tools necessary to predict temperature histories for a typical spacecraft during inadvertent entry. In order that the results have general applicability, parametric analyses were performed. The thermal response of the spacecraft components and debris resulting from disintegration was determined. The temperature histories of small particles and composite materials, such as thermal blankets and an antenna, were given special attention. Guidelines are given to indicate the types of components and debris most likely to contain viable organisms, which could contaminate the lower layers of the Jovian atmosphere (approximately one atmosphere of pressure).