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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

Bayesian Approach for Reliability Assessment of Sunshield Deployment on JWST

Deployable subsystems are essential to mission success of most spacecraft. These subsystems enable critical functions including power, communications and thermal control. The loss of any of these functions will generally result in loss of the mission. These subsystems and their components often consist of unique designs and applications, for which various standardized data sources are not applicable for estimating reliability and for assessing risks. In this study, a Bayesian approach for reliability estimation of spacecraft deployment was developed for this purpose. This approach was then applied to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Sunshield subsystem, a unique design intended for thermal control of the observatory's telescope and science instruments. In order to collect the prior information on deployable systems, detailed studies of "heritage information", were conducted extending over 45 years of spacecraft launches. The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Spacecraft Operational Anomaly and Reporting System (SOARS) data were then used to estimate the parameters of the conjugative beta prior distribution for anomaly and failure occurrence, as the most consistent set of available data and that could be matched to launch histories. This allows for an emperical Bayesian prediction for the risk of an anomaly occurrence of the complex Sunshield deployment, with credibility limits, using prior deployment data and test information.

Kaminskiy, Mark P.↗

On-orbit checkout study

The spaceborne testing equipment carried by the orbiter and the measuring equipment onboard the satellite (telemetry) is tested to verify that each is operating satisfactorily. The satellite command system is also checked. Thermal stabilization with the satellite in the orbiter shadow is achieved in six to eight hours. Satellite subsystem tests are run, and thermal control by heaters is checked. Thermal stabilization with the satellite exposed to the sun (when the orbiter is in sunlight) is again achieved in an estimated six to eight hours. Subsystem tests are again run in the hot condition, and heat rejection tests are made.

Pritchard, E. I.↗

A model-based approach to the symbolic control of space subsystems

A multilayered approach to the symbolic control of complex electromechanical assemblies, such as spaceborne thermal, power, and life subsystems, is discussed. An example of this approach is given in some recent tests of the Thermal Expert System (TEXSYS) in control of the Boeing Aerospace Thermal Bus System (BATBS), a prototype two-phase Space Station Freedom thermal bus. The BATBS hardware requires read-update-act cycles of under a minute, and it is subject to dynamic reconfiguration while operating. These performance requirements are addressed by layering model-based expert system software on a conventional numerical data acquisition and control system. TEXSYS test results demonstrate both nominal control and fault recovery actions with the BATBS. Dynamic modification of the symbolic model used in this approach is compared to that of a classical numerical adaptive controller.

Glass, B. J.↗

Thermal design and test of a high power spacecraft transponder platform

The high power transponder subsystem on board the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) requires some unique thermal control techniques to maintain the required temperature limits throughout all mission phases. The transponder subsystem includes redundant 20-W output travelling wave tubes and a single 200-W output TWT with highly concentrated thermal dissipations of 70 W and 143 W, respectively. A thermal control system which maintains all components within the required temperature ranges has been designed and verified in thermal balance testing. Included in the design are second surface quartz mirrors on an aluminum honeycomb platform, high thermal conductivity aluminum doubler plates, commandable thermal control heaters and a Variable Conductance Heat Pipe System (VCHPS).

Stipandic, E. A.↗

NASA Systems Autonomy Demonstration Project - Development of Space Station automation technology

A 1984 Congressional expansion of the 1958 National Aeronautics and Space Act mandated that NASA conduct programs, as part of the Space Station program, which will yield the U.S. material benefits, particularly in the areas of advanced automation and robotics systems. Demonstration programs are scheduled for automated systems such as the thermal control, expert system coordination of Station subsystems, and automation of multiple subsystems. The programs focus the R&D efforts and provide a gateway for transfer of technology to industry. The NASA Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology is responsible for directing, funding and evaluating the Systems Autonomy Demonstration Project, which will include simulated interactions between novice personnel and astronauts and several automated, expert subsystems to explore the effectiveness of the man-machine interface being developed. Features and progress on the TEXSYS prototype thermal control system expert system are outlined.

Bull, John S.↗

Space environmental effects on spacecraft: LEO materials selection guide, part 2

This document provides performance properties on major spacecraft materials and subsystems that have been exposed to the low-Earth orbit (LEO) space environment. Spacecraft materials include metals, polymers, composites, white and black paints, thermal-control blankets, adhesives, and lubricants. Spacecraft subsystems include optical components, solar cells, and electronics. Information has been compiled from LEO short-term spaceflight experiments (e.g., space shuttle) and from retrieved satellites of longer mission durations (e.g., Long Duration Exposure Facility). Major space environment effects include atomic oxygen (AO), ultraviolet radiation, micrometeoroids and debris, contamination, and particle radiation. The main objective of this document is to provide a decision tool to designers for designing spacecraft and structures. This document identifies the space environments that will affect the performance of materials and components, e.g., thermal-optical property changes of paints due to UV exposures, AO-induced surface erosion of composites, dimensional changes due to thermal cycling, vacuum-induced moisture outgassing, and surface optical changes due to AO/UV exposures. Where appropriate, relationships between the space environment and the attendant material/system effects are identified. Part 2 covers thermal control systems, power systems, optical components, electronic systems, and applications.

Silverman, Edward M.↗

Space processing applications payload equipment study. Volume 2D: SPA supplemental power and heat rejection kit

The design and application of a supplementary power and heat rejection kit for the Spacelab are discussed. Two subsystems of electric power and thermal control were analyzed to define the requirements for the power and heat rejection kit (PHRK). Twelve exemplary experiments were defined and power timelines were developed. From these timeline, the experiment requirements for sustained power, peak power, and energy were determined. The electrical power subsystem of the PHRK will consist of two fuel cells, oxygen and hydrogen reactant tank assemblies, water storage tanks, plumbing, cabling, and inverters to convert the nominal 28 volt dc fuel cell output to ac power.

Hammel, R. L.↗

2nd & 3rd Generation Vehicle Subsystems

This paper contains viewgraph presentation on the "2nd & 3rd Generation Vehicle Subsystems" project. The objective behind this project is to design, develop and test advanced avionics, power systems, power control and distribution components and subsystems for insertion into a highly reliable and low-cost system for a Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV). The project is divided into two sections: 3rd Generation Vehicle Subsystems and 2nd Generation Vehicle Subsystems. The following topics are discussed under the first section, 3rd Generation Vehicle Subsystems: supporting the NASA RLV program; high-performance guidance & control adaptation for future RLVs; Evolvable Hardware (EHW) for 3rd generation avionics description; Scaleable, Fault-tolerant Intelligent Network or X(trans)ducers (SFINIX); advance electric actuation devices and subsystem technology; hybrid power sources and regeneration technology for electric actuators; and intelligent internal thermal control. Topics discussed in the 2nd Generation Vehicle Subsystems program include: design, development and test of a robust, low-maintenance avionics with no active cooling requirements and autonomous rendezvous and docking systems; design and development of a low maintenance, high reliability, intelligent power systems (fuel cells and battery); and design of a low cost, low maintenance high horsepower actuation systems (actuators).

Source record↗

Earth Radiation Budget Satellite

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) waqs designed to examine the thermal equilibrium between the sun, the earth, and space. The major space-based component of the experiment is the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) which was launched from Shuttle (Mission 41-G) on October 5, 1984. The ERBS is a three-axis momentum-biased spacecraft containing its own subsystems for attitude control, power generation, thermal control, and data handling. The satellite transmits data via the NASA Spacecraft Tracking and Data Network (STDN) and the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The ERBS instrument package includes eight channels in two sensor packages: a nonscanning radiometer and a scanning radiometer. The combined spectral range of the two instruments is 0.2-5.0 microns and the scale of the radiometer measurements can be changed to collect regional, zonal, or global data. A series of schematic diagrams of the ERBS spacecraft and its instrument package is provided.

Dezio, J. A.↗

Space environmental effects on spacecraft: LEO materials selection guide, part 1

This document provides performance properties on major spacecraft materials and subsystems that have been exposed to the low-Earth orbit (LEO) space environment. Spacecraft materials include metals, polymers, composites, white and black paints, thermal-control blankets, adhesives, and lubricants. Spacecraft subsystems include optical components, solar cells, and electronics. Information has been compiled from LEO short-term spaceflight experiments (e.g., space shuttle) and from retrieved satellites of longer mission durations (e.g., Long Duration Exposure Facility). Major space environment effects include atomic oxygen (AO), ultraviolet radiation, micrometeoroids and debris, contamination, and particle radiation. The main objective of this document is to provide a decision tool to designers for designing spacecraft and structures. This document identifies the space environments that will affect the performance of materials and components, e.g., thermal-optical property changes of paints due to UV exposures, AO-induced surface erosion of composites, dimensional changes due to thermal cycling, vacuum-induced moisture outgassing, and surface optical changes due to AO/UV exposures. Where appropriate, relationships between the space environment and the attendant material/system effects are identified. Part 1 covers spacecraft design considerations for the space environment; advanced composites; polymers; adhesives; metals; ceramics; protective coatings; and lubricants, greases, and seals.

Silverman, Edward M.↗

Mars global network mission

The status of a program aimed at placing a global network of small surface landers on Mars for direct surface and subsurface measurements is reviewed. A possible baseline mission concept to establish a global network is discussed with particular reference to mission and system requirements, lander entry design considerations, and orbit design. The principal lander subsystems are described, including attitude control, power, command and data handling, telecommunications, and thermal subsystems.

Mostert, R. N.↗

The Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE): Technical Overview II

The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) will add polarization to the properties (time, energy, and position) observed in x-ray astronomy. A NASA Astrophysics Small Explorer (SMEX) in partnership with the Italian Space Agency (ASI), IXPE will measure the 2–8-keV polarization of a few dozen sources during the first 2 years following its 2021 launch. The IXPE Observatory includes three identical x-ray telescopes, each comprising a 4-m-focal-length (grazingincidence) mirror module assembly (MMA) and a polarization-sensitive (imaging) detector unit (DU), separated by a deployable optical bench. The Observatory’s Spacecraft provides typical subsystems (mechanical, structural, thermal, power, electrical, telecommunications, etc.), an attitude determination and control subsystem for 3-axis stabilized pointing, and a command and data handling subsystem communicating with the science instrument and the Spacecraft subsystems.

X-ray astronomy↗

ERTS-1 flight evaluation report, 23 April - 23 July 1973

The flight performance of the ERTS-1 satellite is analyzed for orbits 3810 to 5100. Systems analyzed include: orbital parameters, power subsystem, attitude control, telemetry, orbit adjust, thermal control, and data collection. Documents and reports related to the evaluation are also included.

Source record↗

Spaceborne synthetic aperture radar pilot study

A pilot study of a spaceborne sidelooking radar is summarized. The results of the system trade studies are given along with the electrical parameters for the proposed subsystems. The mechanical aspects, packaging, thermal control and dynamics of the proposed design are presented. Details of the data processor are given. A system is described that allows the data from a pass over the U. S. to be in hard copy form within two hours. Also included are the proposed schedule, work breakdown structure, and cost estimate.

Source record↗

Preliminary Entry Trajectory for 1st Orbital Flight Test (OFT). Space Shuttle Engineering and Operations Support, Engineering Systems Analysis

A preliminary trajectory from entry interface to terminal area energy management interface for the first orbital flight test is presented based on information in the Strawman master flight test assignments document Reference A. The enclosed point-mass trajectory may be utilized for preliminary purposes, meeting the requirements of this document. The trajectory was derived utilizing the January 1975 analytic drag control guidance, the latest thermal protection subsystem model information from NASA ES and December 1974 Aerodynamics for a mid center-of-gravity location.

Frohme, K. R.↗

A review of electron bombardment thruster systems/spacecraft field and particle interfaces

Information on the field and particle interfaces of electron bombardment ion thruster systems was summarized. Major areas discussed were the nonpropellant particles, neutral propellant, ion beam, low energy plasma, and fields. Spacecraft functions and subsystems reviewed were solar arrays, thermal control systems, optical sensors, communications, science, structures and materials, and potential control.

Byers, D. C.↗

A review of electron bombardment thruster systems/spacecraft field and particle interfaces

This paper collates and summarizes information on the field and particle interfaces of electron bombardment ion thruster systems. Major areas discussed are the nonpropellant particles, neutral propellant, ion beam, low energy plasma, and fields. Spacecraft functions and subsystems reviewed are solar arrays, thermal control systems, optical sensors, communications, science, structures and materials, and potential control. An appendix is included to facilitate identification of specific interaction areas.

Byers, D. C.↗