SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “site operations”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1973

The Launch Processing System for Space Shuttle.

In order to reduce costs and accelerate vehicle turnaround, a single automated system will be developed to support shuttle launch site operations, replacing a multiplicity of systems used in previous programs. The Launch Processing System will provide real-time control, data analysis, and information display for the checkout, servicing, launch, landing, and refurbishment of the launch vehicles, payloads, and all ground support systems. It will also provide real-time and historical data retrieval for management and sustaining engineering (test records and procedures, logistics, configuration control, scheduling, etc.).

Springer, D. A.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Humidity

The glossary contains atmospheric and ground vapor concentration data on the various NASA space vehicle development and operation sites for consideration by the vehicle design engineer.

Daniels, G. E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Impact of scintillation of transionospheric communications

Analyses of AGC analog data from the Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS) at VHF (136 MHz) have shown amplitude fluctuations in the signals received at several equatorial tracking sites operated by NASA. Coincident digital telemetry data, transmitted from SAS at 1 kbps, has also been analyzed. Errors in data are shown to increase markedly for nighttime satellite passes around the periods of the two equinoxes as compared to the errors observed during other periods. This paper establishes the qualitative and quantitative correlations between the ionospheric scintillation phenomenon and the occurrence of errors. Strong time and geographic cause and effect relationships are established by determining the statistical correlation between scintillation indices and bit error rates.

Blank, H. A.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Burst-error characteristics of the equatorial transionospheric channel

Analyses of AGC analog data from the Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS) at VHF (136 MHz) have shown amplitude fluctuations in the signals received at several equatorial tracking sites operated by NASA. Errors in data are shown to increase markedly for nighttime satellite passes around the periods of the two equinoxes as compared to the errors observed during other periods. Qualitative and quantitative correlations are established between the ionospheric scintillation phenomenon and the occurrence of errors. Strong time and geographic cause-and-effect relationships are established by determining the statistical correlation between scintillation indices and bit error rates. Detailed analyses of the AGC fading statistics and the fine grain error statistics, such as the block-error distribution and the bit-error autocorrelation function, establish the strong correlation between deep fades and their effects on the burst error structure associated with the transionospheric channel and the communication receiver being employed.

Blank, H. A.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Launch Processing System - A system to support the Space Shuttle

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is designing and acquiring a Launch Processing System (LPS), an important part of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), to Support launch site operations in a more efficient way than was done on previous programs. LPS will provide (1) automatic control of GSE and Shuttle systems for test and operations, (2) real time data analysis and information display, and (3) efficient recall of test data and engineering files to support Shuttle ground operations. Modern automation techniques, off-the-shelf components, and modular design are being employed to the maximum to achieve these goals. The cost of acquisition, operations, and maintenance of LPS is of great importance and is considered with each engineering trade.

Paul, H. C.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Tissue macerating instrument

A surgical tissue macerating and removal tool is described which has a rotating rod with a cutting member at one end and which disposed in a tube which is then contained in an extension of the tool handle. A frusto-conical member extends into the extension at the cutter member end of the rotating rod with its small end engaging the tube. The portion of the frusto-conical member outside of the extension forms a tissue engaging member and may be cut-off at an angle to the axis of the rod to form a tissue engaging edge. Apertures are provided in the extension adjacent the frusto-concial member so that treatment fluid supplied in the annular space between the tube and the extension may flow to the operative site. An aperture is provided in the frustoconical member between the extension and the tube so that fluid may also flow into the tube where it mixes with macerated tissue being directed through an aperture in the tube to a passageway which may have suction applied to help remove macerated material.

Baehr, E. F.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Safety aspects of nuclear waste disposal in space

Safety issues involved in the disposal of nuclear wastes in space as a complement to mined geologic repositories are examined as part of an assessment of the feasibility of nuclear waste disposal in space. General safety guidelines for space disposal developed in the areas of radiation exposure and shielding, containment, accident environments, criticality, post-accident recovery, monitoring systems and isolation are presented for a nuclear waste disposal in space mission employing conventional space technology such as the Space Shuttle. The current reference concept under consideration by NASA and DOE is then examined in detail, with attention given to the waste source and mix, the waste form, waste processing and payload fabrication, shipping casks and ground transport vehicles, launch site operations and facilities, Shuttle-derived launch vehicle, orbit transfer vehicle, orbital operations and space destination, and the system safety aspects of the concept are discussed for each component. It is pointed out that future work remains in the development of an improved basis for the safety guidelines and the determination of the possible benefits and costs of the space disposal option for nuclear wastes.

Rice, E. E.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Shuttle derived vehicle analysis solid booster unmanned launch vehicle concept definition study, volume 2

The technical effort associated with the selection and definition of the recommended SRB-X concept is documented. Included are discussions concerning the trades leading to the selected concept, the analysis that established the concept's basic subsystem characteristics, selected configuration description and performance capabilities, launch site operations and facility needs, development schedule, cost characteristics, risk assessment, and a cursory comparison with other launch systems.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1983

An analysis of propulsion options for transport of lunar materials to earth orbit

This paper describes the results of analyses of space-based transportation systems for the transport of extraterrestrial materials from their point of origin on the lunar surface to final delivery point in earth orbit and transport of equipment and supplies for extraterrestrial processing to the operational site. The emphasis has been on the use of near-term (pre-year 2000) propulsion systems, such as advanced chemical (H2, O2) and nuclear-electric systems. More exotic systems (mass drivers, nuclear-thermal rockets, etc.) were also considered to evaluate the potential to be gained by use of post-year 2000 technologies. Finally, the effects of using extraterrestrial propellants (e.g., H2 from lunar polar water-ice for chemical systems) were compared to those of propulsion systems deriving all or part of their propellants from the earth.

Frisbee, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Mod-5A wind turbine generator program design report. Volume 4: Drawings and specifications, book 2

The design, development and analysis of the 7.3 MW MOD-5A wind turbine generator is documented. There are four volumes. This volume contains the drawings and specifications that were developed in preparation for building the MOD-5A wind turbine generator. This is the second book of volume four. Some of the items it contains are specs for the emergency shutdown panel, specs for the simulator software, simulator hardware specs, site operator terminal requirements, control data system requirements, software project management plan, elastomeric teeter bearing requirement specs, specs for the controls electronic cabinet, and specs for bolt pretensioning.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1990

A laboratory breadboard system for dual-arm teleoperation

The computing architecture of a novel dual-arm teleoperation system is described. The novelty of this system is that: (1) the master arm is not a replica of the slave arm; it is unspecific to any manipulator and can be used for the control of various robot arms with software modifications; and (2) the force feedback to the general purpose master arm is derived from force-torque sensor data originating from the slave hand. The computing architecture of this breadboard system is a fully synchronized pipeline with unique methods for data handling, communication and mathematical transformations. The computing system is modular, thus inherently extendable. The local control loops at both sites operate at 100 Hz rate, and the end-to-end bilateral (force-reflecting) control loop operates at 200 Hz rate, each loop without interpolation. This provides high-fidelity control. This end-to-end system elevates teleoperation to a new level of capabilities via the use of sensors, microprocessors, novel electronics, and real-time graphics displays. A description is given of a graphic simulation system connected to the dual-arm teleoperation breadboard system. High-fidelity graphic simulation of a telerobot (called Phantom Robot) is used for preview and predictive displays for planning and for real-time control under several seconds communication time delay conditions. High fidelity graphic simulation is obtained by using appropriate calibration techniques.

Bejczy, A. K.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Lightning protection for shuttle propulsion elements

The results of lightning protection analyses and tests are weighed against the present set of waivers to the NASA lightning protection specification. The significant analyses and tests are contrasted with the release of a new and more realistic lightning protection specification, in September 1990, that resulted in an inordinate number of waivers. A variety of lightning protection analyses and tests of the Shuttle propulsion elements, the Solid Rocket Booster, the External Tank, and the Space Shuttle Main Engine, were conducted. These tests range from the sensitivity of solid propellant during shipping to penetration of cryogenic tanks during flight. The Shuttle propulsion elements have the capability to survive certain levels of lightning strikes at certain times during transportation, launch site operations, and flight. Changes are being evaluated that may improve the odds of withstanding a major lightning strike. The Solid Rocket Booster is the most likely propulsion element to survive if systems tunnel bond straps are improved. Wiring improvements were already incorporated and major protection tests were conducted. The External Tank remains vulnerable to burn-through penetration of its skin. Proposed design improvements include the use of a composite nose cone and conductive or laminated thermal protection system coatings.

Goodloe, Carolyn C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Generic Techniques for the Calibration of Robots with Application of the 3-D Fixtures and Statistical Technique on the PUMA 500 and ARID Robots

A relatively simple, inexpensive, and generic technique that could be used in both laboratories and some operation site environments is introduced at the Robotics Applications and Development Laboratory (RADL) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). In addition, this report gives a detailed explanation of the set up procedure, data collection, and analysis using this new technique that was developed at the State University of New York at Farmingdale. The technique was used to evaluate the repeatability, accuracy, and overshoot of the Unimate Industrial Robot, PUMA 500. The data were statistically analyzed to provide an insight into the performance of the systems and components of the robot. Also, the same technique was used to check the forward kinematics against the inverse kinematics of RADL's PUMA robot. Recommendations were made for RADL to use this technique for laboratory calibration of the currently existing robots such as the ASEA, high speed controller, Automated Radiator Inspection Device (ARID) etc. Also, recommendations were made to develop and establish other calibration techniques that will be more suitable for site calibration environment and robot certification.

Tawfik, Hazem↗

NASA NTRS1989

Digital imaging technology assessment: Digital document storage project

An ongoing technical assessment and requirements definition project is examining the potential role of digital imaging technology at NASA's STI facility. The focus is on the basic components of imaging technology in today's marketplace as well as the components anticipated in the near future. Presented is a requirement specification for a prototype project, an initial examination of current image processing at the STI facility, and an initial summary of image processing projects at other sites. Operational imaging systems incorporate scanners, optical storage, high resolution monitors, processing nodes, magnetic storage, jukeboxes, specialized boards, optical character recognition gear, pixel addressable printers, communications, and complex software processes.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1990

Human Exploration Initiative

The planning and development of elements of the Human Exploration Initiative (HEI) program are described including mission designs, launch vehicles, and program phasing. Attention is given to the objective of the lunar and Martian projects as well as to the phased exploration strategy involving the Space Station Freedom, the lunar surface, and ultimately permanently manned bases on the moon and Mars. Mission profiles are illustrated for piloted and cargo missions, and the development of earth-to-orbit launch vehicles is reviewed emphasizing the uses of the Shuttle-C and the heavy-lift launch vehicle. Launch-site operations flow concepts are described for the lunar and lunar/Mars phases, and the baseline ground-processing scenarios are shown to define the preliminary facility requirements. The overview demonstrates the areas of development required for achieving the goals of the HEI program.

Goldsby, William D.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Technology for national asset storage systems

An industry-led collaborative project, called the National Storage Laboratory, was organized to investigate technology for storage systems that will be the future repositories for our national information assets. Industry participants are IBM Federal Systems Company, Ampex Recording Systems Corporation, General Atomics DISCOS Division, IBM ADSTAR, Maximum Strategy Corporation, Network Systems Corporation, and Zitel Corporation. Industry members of the collaborative project are funding their own participation. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory through its National Energy Research Supercomputer Center (NERSC) will participate in the project as the operational site and the provider of applications. The expected result is an evaluation of a high performance storage architecture assembled from commercially available hardware and software, with some software enhancements to meet the project's goals. It is anticipated that the integrated testbed system will represent a significant advance in the technology for distributed storage systems capable of handling gigabyte class files at gigabit-per-second data rates. The National Storage Laboratory was officially launched on 27 May 1992.

Coyne, Robert A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

National Media Laboratory

A review of the National Media Laboratory (NML) is presented. The mission of the NML is to support current government user data storage needs and assist them in getting the most efficient 'commercial' solutions in the future. The motivation for a National Media Laboratory is as follows: recording systems are the major government image and data exploitation bottleneck; government data recording performance and storage requirements lead commercial practice by 3-5 years; the supporting commercial recorder industry is large but principally focused on video not data formats; lack of standards; and lack of transfer of commercial knowledge base to program offices and operational sites.

Clark, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1995

Major weapon system environmental life-cycle cost estimating for Conservation, Cleanup, Compliance and Pollution Prevention (C3P2)

The Titan 4 Space Launch Vehicle Program is one of many major weapon system programs that have modified acquisition plans and operational procedures to meet new, stringent environmental rules and regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) mandate to reduce the use of ozone depleting chemicals (ODC's) is just one of the regulatory changes that has affected the program. In the last few years, public environmental awareness, coupled with stricter environmental regulations, has created the need for DOD to produce environmental life-cycle cost estimates (ELCCE) for every major weapon system acquisition program. The environmental impact of the weapon system must be assessed and budgeted, considering all costs, from cradle to grave. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has proposed that organizations consider Conservation, Cleanup, Compliance and Pollution Prevention (C(sup 3)P(sup 2)) issues associated with each acquisition program to assess life-cycle impacts and costs. The Air Force selected the Titan 4 system as the pilot program for estimating life-cycle environmental costs. The estimating task required participants to develop an ELCCE methodology, collect data to test the methodology and produce a credible cost estimate within the DOD C(sup 3)P(sup 2) definition. The estimating methodology included using the Program Office weapon system description and work breakdown structure together with operational site and manufacturing plant visits to identify environmental cost drivers. The results of the Titan IV ELCCE process are discussed and expanded to demonstrate how they can be applied to satisfy any life-cycle environmental cost estimating requirement.

Hammond, Wesley↗