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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 NTRS2001

Flight Manifesting Process for NASA Microgravity Payloads

The objective of NASA's Microgravity Research Program is to utilize the low gravity environment of space to explore the nature of physical phenomena that contributes to progress in science and technology on Earth. Under the oversight of NASA Headquarters, the Microgravity Research Program Office (MRPO) at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) assumes all program management responsibilities associated with Microgravity Research and Space Product Development. One program management responsibility that plays a vital role to the success of the MRPO is the flight manifesting process for MRPO-sponsored payloads. In this paper, the authors will examine the various processes utilized by MRPO personnel in acquiring flight opportunities for MRPO-sponsored payloads.

Matisak, Brian↗
NASA NTRS1992

A process for prototyping onboard payload displays for Space Station Freedom

Significant advances have been made in the area of Human-Computer Interface design. However, there is no well-defined process for going from user interface requirements to user interface design. Developing and designing a clear and consistent user interface for medium to large scale systems is a very challenging and complex task. The task becomes increasingly difficult when there is very little guidance and procedures on how the development process should flow from one stage to the next. Without a specific sequence of development steps each design becomes difficult to repeat, to evaluate, to improve, and to articulate to others. This research contributes a process which identifies the phases of development and products produced as a result of each phase for a rapid prototyping process to be used to develop requirements for the onboard payload displays for Space Station Freedom. The functional components of a dynamic prototyping environment in which this process can be carried out is also discussed. Some of the central questions which are answered here include: How does one go from specifications to an actual prototype? How is a prototype evaluated? How is usability defined and thus measured? How do we use the information from evaluation in redesign of an interface? and Are there techniques which allow for convergence on a design?

Moore, Loretta A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Ground processing of the McDonnell Douglas Payload Assist Module (PAM)

The payload assist module (PAM) ground processing operations which have evolved since they were started in 1982 are described. The objective of the changes was to reduce the prelaunch testing of the airborne support equipment to increase the throughput of PAM systems while not compromising the reliability of the system when functioned on-orbit. The changes that resulted from the initial cargo element ground processing, the on-orbit performance of the systems, plus the postflight refurbishment and recertification of the airborne support equipment resulted in significant reductions in labor expenditures and work shifts required to prepare a PAM system for flight.

Bryan, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

MAX '91: An advanced payload for the exploration of high energy processes on the active sun

The results of a NASA science working group established to study a follow-on to the Solar Maximum Mission are given. A complement of instruments is suggested, with the primary objective of studying the physics of energetic processes in cosmic plasmas by observing high-energy phenomena in solar flares. High-quality flare observations will be possible with these instruments during the next peak in solar activity expected to last from 1990 through at least 1995. The primary objective of MAX '91 is to study energetic processes in cosmic plasmas by observing high-energy phenomena in solar flares. These processes, which are of general astrophysical importance, include energy release, particle acceleration, and energy transport. Results from comprehensive observing programs conducted during the last solar cycle have demonstrated the great scientific potential of high-energy emissions for addressing these central physical processes. Consequently, a payload optimized for observations of high-energy solar flare phenomena is suggested for MAX '91. It consists of the following four specific instruments: (1) a Fourier-transform X-ray and gamma-ray imager covering the energy range from a few keV to 1 MeV with arcsecond spatial resolution; (2) a cooled germanium X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometer with keV spectral resolution covering the energy range from 10 keV to 50 MeV; (3) Bragg spectrometers with high spectral resolution at wavelengths between 1 and 9 angstrons; and (4) a soft X-ray, EUV, or UV imaging instrument with arcsecond spatial resolution.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

Environmental monitoring of the orbiter payload bay and Orbiter Processing Facilities

Contamination control in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) is studied. The clean level required in the OPF is generally clean, which means no residue, dirt, debris, or other extraneous contamination; various methods of maintaining this level of cleanliness are described. The monitoring and controlling of the temperature, relative humidity, and air quality in the OPF are examined. Additional modifications to the OPF to improve contamination control are discussed. The methods used to maintain the payload changeout room at a level of visually clean, no particulates are to be detected by the unaided eye, are described. The payload bay (PLB) must sustain the cleanliness level required for the specific Orbiter's mission; the three levels of clean are defined as: (1) standard, (2) sensitive, and (3) high sensitive. The cleaning and inspection verification required to achieve the desired cleanliness level on a variety of PLB surface types are examined.

Bartelson, D. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Payload/orbiter signal-processing and data-handling system evaluation

Incompatibilities between orbiter subsystems and payload communication systems to assure that acceptable and to end system performamce will be achieved are identified. The potential incompatabilities are associated with either payloads in the cargo bay or detached payloads communicating with the orbiter via an RF link. The payload signal processing and data handling systems are assessed by investigating interface problems experienced between the inertial upper stage and the orbiter since similar problems are expected for other payloads.

Teasdale, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Materials processing in Space/Spacelab. FES/VCGS payload critical design review

A 25 mW He-Ne laser holographic recorder for recording the solution growth of triglycine sulfate crystals under low-zero gravity conditions is described. A systems engineering and design analysis, and mechanical and electrical design analyses of the equipmentation are presented. The equipment, fabricated for the Sl-3 flight on the space shuttle, was designed to take 300 holograms (two orthogonal views) on 50-235 film of each growth experiment. Specifications and capabilities for support module mechanical assemblies are lso presented.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1985

Payload transportation at KSC

Cargo ground processing at John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) involves either a horizointal or vertical mode of assembly and processing of the STS payloads. Consequently, cargos are commonly referred to as horizontal or vertical payloads. The process flow for each mode requires different facilities and transportation requirements. Occasionally, a mixed mission cargo containing both horizontal and vertical payload elements will require a combination of horizontal and vertical transportation between facilities. Some of the engineering challenges and innovative solutions to satisy the unique on-site payload transportation requirements at KSC. In particular, some of the more demanding design requirements of the multiuse mission support equipment are presented, and the resulting engineering designs and unique solutions are outlined.

Donahue, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Mission Integration Overview

This briefing provides a basic understanding of the ISS Payload Integration Process, including ISS-provided support to the payload and payload-provided data for the ISS.

Norris, George↗
NASA NTRS2000

Space Shuttle Payload Information Source

The Space Shuttle Payload Information Source Compact Disk (CD) is a joint NASA and USA project to introduce Space Shuttle capabilities, payload services and accommodations, and the payload integration process. The CD will be given to new payload customers or to organizations outside of NASA considering using the Space Shuttle as a launch vehicle. The information is high-level in a visually attractive format with a voice over. The format is in a presentation style plus 360 degree views, videos, and animation. Hyperlinks are provided to connect to the Internet for updates and more detailed information on how payloads are integrated into the Space Shuttle.

Griswold, Tom↗
NASA NTRS1984

Shuttle operations era planning for flight operations

The Space Transportation System (STS) provides routine access to space for a wide range of customers in which cargos vary from single payloads on dedicated flights to multiple payloads that share Shuttle resources. This paper describes the flight operations planning process from payload introduction through flight assignment to execution of the payload objectives and the changes that have been introduced to improve that process. Particular attention is given to the factors that influence the amount of preflight preparation necessary to satisfy customer requirements. The partnership between the STS operations team and the customer is described in terms of their functions and responsibilities in the development of a flight plan. A description of the Mission Control Center (MCC) and payload support capabilities completes the overview of Shuttle flight operations.

Holt, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Canadian Space Agency Space Station Freedom utilization plans

Under the terms of the NASA/CSA Memorandum of Understanding, Canada will contribute the Mobile Servicing System and be entitled to use 3 percent of all Space Station utilization resources and user accommodations over the 30 year life of the Station. Equally importantly Canada, like NASA, can begin to exploit these benefits as soon as the Man-Tended Capability (MTC) phase begins, in early 1997. Canada has been preparing its scientific community to fully utilize the Space Station for the past five years; most specifically by encouraging, and providing funding, in the area of Materials Science and Applications, and in the area of Space Life Sciences. The goal has been to develop potential applications and an experienced and proficient Canadian community able to effectively utilize microgravity environment facilities such as Space Station Freedom. In addition, CSA is currently supporting four facilities; a Laser Test System, a Large Motion Isolation Mount, a Canadian Float Zone Furnace, and a Canadian Protein Crystallization Apparatus. In late April of this year CSA sent out a Solicitation of Interest (SOI) to potential Canadian user from universities, industry, and government. The intent of the SOI was to determine who was interested, and the type of payloads which the community at large intended to propose. The SOI will be followed by the release of an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) following governmental approval of the Long Term Space plan later this year, or early next year. Responses to the AO will be evaluated and prioritized in a fair and impartial payload selection process, within the guidelines set by our international partners and the Canadian Government. Payload selection is relatively simple compared to the development and qualification process. An end-to-end user support program is therefore also being defined. Much of this support will be provided at the new headquarters currently being built in St. Hubert, Quebec. It is recognized that utilizing the Space Station could be expensive for users; costing in many cases millions of dollars to get a payload from conception to retrieval. It is also recognized that some of the potential users cannot or will not invest a lot of money or effort into Space Station utilization, unless there is a perceived significant commercial potential. How best to fund Space Station payloads is under study. Space Station Freedom will provide the first opportunity for Canada to conduct experiments in a long-duration microgravity environment. CSA have been developing and funding potential users for some time, and considerable interest has been shown by the response to our SOI earlier this year. Canada can be one of the two earliest users for the Space Station, along with NASA. We hope to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Faulkner, James↗
NASA NTRS1977

Space transportation system payload safety policy

A brief description of the Space Transportation System (STS) is given, and the evolution of a payload safety policy for it is described. The policy adopted in June, 1976, minimizes STS involvement in the payload design process while maintaining the assurance of a safe operation. The payload developer is responsible for assurance of safety and verification of compliance with the requirements. The STS will exercise reviews to ensure that interaction between payloads does not create hazards.

Scheller, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station transportation node concepts and analysis

Accommodation of the new Human Exploration Initiative being developed by NASA requires Space Station Freedom to serve three major roles: first, as a facility for precursory technology development and life sciences research for both transportation systems and lunar/Mars outpost systems; second, as a transportation node capable of processing both lunar- and Mars-class transportation vehicles and their accompanying payloads. This processing includes all required initial vehicle assembly, mating, servicing, refurbishment, and repair. In addition, some amount of mission propellant may be stored and transferred on Freedom. Third, Freedom provides an ideal test bed for developing operational techniques that are applicable to the Human Exploration Initiative missions. The work performed under this task and presented in this briefing serves to define and prepare Space Station Freedom evolution in keeping with the mission needs stated above by: defining Freedom transportation node evolution configurations consistent with user requirements and program constraints; defining and incorporating baseline design accommodations (hardware 'scars' and software 'hooks') to satisfy evolution requirements; and identifying advanced technology that will enhance Freedom's capabilities and enables its evolution.

Cirillo, William↗
NASA NTRS1980

The payload connection - Approaches to onboard data processing for scientific systems on the Space Shuttle

The integration of payload instruments into the Command and Data Management Subsystem (CDMS) of the Space Shuttle Spacelab is discussed. Specific emphasis is on the distributed (self-contained processor) vs centralized (Spacelab Computer) approach to science payload utilization of these control and data handling capabilities. An overview of the Spacelab CDMS is first given. A synopsis of the integration process for Spacelab Missions 1, 2, and 3 is discussed. Three different hardware approaches to payload command and data handling are then categorized from which Spacelab implementations to date are derived. The different types of Spacelab Mission 3 payload CDMS hardware and software being used are discussed, including examples of microprocessors and data acquisition systems. Preliminary costs for Spacelab application software vs other flight software approaches are compared. A standard RAU interface that would permit a range of ECOS services to be provided, yet be implemented as a mass-produceable unit for incorporation into payloads, is proposed, in keeping with the trend toward simplifying the integration effort, standardizing CDMS interfaces, and ultimately lowering cost.

Konkel, C. R.↗