Digital Commons Network^™

Space Station Gas-Grain Simulation Facility: Microgravity Particle Research, Glenn C. Carle, Guy Fogleman, Judith L. Huntington

Space Congress® Proceedings

A wide variety of experiments significant to Exobiology, Planetary Science, Astrophysics, Atmospheric Science, and basic Chemistry and Physics involves the physical interactions of small particles (micrometer to centimeter in size). In many astro-geophysical systems (atmospheric clouds, interstellar clouds, planetary rings, Titan's organic aerosols, Martian dust storms, lightning, etc.), processes involving small particles determine the overall behavior of the system. Condensation of particles from a gas, aggregation of small particles into larger ones, low velocity collisions, and charge accumulation are a few of the processes that influence particles in these systems. Examples of particles undergoing these processes include interstellar grains, protoplanetary …

Modelling Of The Microgravity Environment Of The Man Tended Free Flyer (Mtff), W. Wohlke

Space Congress® Proceedings

One of the major purposes of the International Space Station (ISS) and MTFF is the performance of experiments and processes in a very low gravity environment. Considering the user's demands upon the microgravity quality, it appears more and more difficult to meet the corresponding requirements under worst case constraints. In this situation, the availability of an overall model as a tool for the assessment of the microgravity quality is of utmost importance. Based upon a critical review of the microgravity requirement in the time and frequency domain the present paper describes the development of an overall microgravity model to analyse …

Ada And Knowledge-Based Systems: A Prototype Combining The Best Of Both Worlds, David C. Brauer, Patrick P. Roach, Michael S. Frank, Richard P. Knackstedt

Space Congress® Proceedings

We describe a software architecture based on Ada tasking and packaging which facilitates the construction of distributed knowledge-based systems. We used this architecture to build the Knowledge-Based Maintenance Expert System (KNOMES) prototype for the Remote Manipulator System (RMS) of the NASA Space Station Mobile Service Center. Each module of the system contains Ada packages of standard systems services, which interface with an artificial intelligence/ knowledge-based system (AI/KBS) language component that performs knowledge-based reasoning. By using Ada as the fundamental structure, we achieved a well-structured, maintainable program; by retaining the AI/KBS language component, we were able to capture the knowledge needed …

Real-Time Fault Management For Large-Scale Systems, H. Biglari, C. Cheng, G. Vachtsevanos

Space Congress® Proceedings

Aprion knowledge of failure modes of a system is an indispensable information for design of robust decentralized hierarchical control schemes. In particular inclusion of system faults as part of the process under control provides greater flexibility for self diagnosis and maintenance of real-time systems. By assigning discrete states to the process under control, an "artificial consciousness" can be created within the controller which allows the controller to exercise selective actions for each given discrete state. This concept has been implemented to control the utility systems of the Space Station Laboratory Simulator.

Launch Team Training System, J. T. Wrbb

Space Congress® Proceedings

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Conceptual Model-Based Reasoning For Knowledge-Based Software Project Management, Kent D. Bimson, Linda B. Burris

Space Congress® Proceedings

This paper presents a conceptual model for software project management and the power derived from using a conceptual model-based reasoning approach in building intelligent decision-support systems. The Software Project Manager (SPM) has been prototyped in Inference Corporation's Automated Reasoning Tool (ART) on Symbolics artificial intelligence (Al) workstations. This prototype conceptual model is an outgrowth of research con- ducted under the Knowledge-Based Software Project Management project at Lockheed Software Technology Center in Austin, Texas. In this paper, we present an overview of the management model underlying SPM and define the essential concepts and relationships needed to model the project management domain. …

Technology Advances For Space Shuttle Processing, M. J. Wiskerchen, C. L. Mollakarimi

Space Congress® Proceedings

The Space Systems Integration and Operations Research Applications (SIORA) Program was initiated in late 1986 as a cooperative applications research effort between Stanford University, NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and Lockheed Space Operations Company (LSOC). One of the major initial SIORA tasks was the application of automation and robotics technology to all aspects of the Shuttle tile processing and inspection system. This effort has adopted a systems engineering approach consisting of an integrated set of rapid prototyping testbeds in which a government/university/industry team of users, technologists, and engineers test and evaluate new concepts and technologies within the operational world of …

Understanding Of And Applications For Robot Vision Guidance At Ksc, Lawrence M. Shawaga

Space Congress® Proceedings

The primary thrust of robotics at KSC is for the"servicing of Space Shuttle remote umbilical docking functions. In order for this to occur, robots performing servicing operations must be capable of tracking a swaying Orbiter in Six Degrees of Freedom (6-DOF) . Currently, in NASA KSC's Robotic Applications Development Laboratory (RADL) , an ASEA IRB-90 industrial robot is being equipped with a real-time computer vision (hardware and software) system to allow it to track a simulated Orbiter interface (target) in 6-DOF. The real-time computer vision system effectively becomes the eyes for the lab robot, guiding it through a closed loop …

Commercial Aspects Of Epitaxial Thin Film Growth In Outer Space, Alex Ignatiev, C. W. Chu

Space Congress® Proceedings

A new concept for materials processing in space exploits the ultra vacuum component of space for thin film epitaxial growth. The unique low earth orbit space environment is expected to yield 10~14 torr or better pressures, semi-infinite pumping speeds and large ultra vacuum volume (~100 m3) without walls. These space ultra vacuum properties promise major improvement in the quality, unique nature, and the throughput of epitaxially grown materials especially in the area of semiconductors for microelectronics use. For such thin film materials there is expected a very large value added from space ultra vacuum processing, and as a result the …

Producibility Of Advanced Launch Transportation System, L. F. West

Space Congress® Proceedings

Before this century ends the aerospace industry will meet the national goal of high quality, reliable and affordable access to space.

Key to achieving these goals is the integration of producibility into the design process. The understanding of producibility and its role, its close relationship with the design, operations, logistics and the quality disciplines are essential to the success of any new space transportation program.

Conestoga Launch Vehicles, Mark H. Daniels, James E. Davidson

Space Congress® Proceedings

Several major applications for commercial and government markets have developed recently which will make use of small satellites. A launch vehicle designed specifically for small satellites brings many attendant benefits. Space Services Incorporated has developed the Conestoga family of launch vehicles to meet the needs of five major markets: low orbiting communication satellites, positioning satellites, earth sensing satellites, space manufacturing prototypes, and scientific experiments. The Conestoga provides low cost, rapid schedules, one-stop shopping, flexible launch sites, multiple satellite deplo

Automated Analysis Of Shuttle Wiring Using Scan, John Wilkinson, Jim Tulley

Space Congress® Proceedings

The integrity of the electrical wiring within the Space Shuttle is of critical importance. Proper operation of all computer controlled elements in the Shuttle and therefore, the safety of the crew is dependent upon it. And yet, our nation's Space Shuttle is an extremely versatile and dynamically changing vehicle. It was designed from its inception to be readily adaptable to varying payload cargo requirements from mission to mission. On a typical mission, over 1000 electrical connectors must physically undergo demating and remating in order to prepare the Shuttle for the unique functions to be carried out on a particular flight. …

Hydrogen-Air-Steam Combustion Regimes In Large Volumes, M. P. Sherman, S. E. Slezak

Space Congress® Proceedings

Dangerous pressure waves can be generated by the combustion of H2-air-steam mixtures if ordinary deflagrations accelerate to high speed or undergo deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT). The purpose of this paper is to estimate the potentially dangerous mixtures in large volumes. There is a limited experimental data base for flame acceleration and DDT of EL-airsteam mixtures in smaller geometries. There is concern about the possible explosive combustion in the Space Shuttle main engine exhaust duct at Vandenberg AFB. There are no relevant experimental data or valid theories at this large scale (duct width, W, ~ 10 m) to predict flame acceleration and …

Shuttle-C: A Shuttle Derived Launch Vehicle, Terry R. Mitchell

Space Congress® Proceedings

The Shuttle-C will usher in a new era of transportation capability for the United States. It will provide a nearterm, unmanned heavy lift launch capability based upon existing, in-place technology. Shuttle-C (for cargo) uses the main engines, solid rocket boosters, external tanks, and launch facilities of the present space shuttle. The shuttle orbiter is replaced by an unmanned cargo carrier. Shuttle-C is designed to place payloads weighing 100,000 to 150,000 pounds into low earth orbit, compared to the space shuttle's design capacity of 65,000 pounds. It is intended for launch and assembly of large space structures such as the Space …

Lrs-Ii: A Specialized Knowledge System For Launch Resource Scheduling, James E. Crawford, Gregory S. Parnell

Space Congress® Proceedings

This research used the Level 5 expert system software to develop a specialized knowledge system called the Launch Resource Scheduling system (LRS-II). LRS-II will be used as a decision aid by USSPACECOM to determine if there is sufficient launch capability to meet future satellite requirements and to quickly assess the impact of contingencies such as launch or on-orbit failures. LRS-II uses multiple knowledge bases to match satellite launch requirements to available launch vehicles, launch pads, and upper stages. Specialized knowledge about resources are stored in dBase III files, specific fields of the satellite record records to schedule the earliest launch …

Space Station Rapid Sample Return Revisited, Carl M. Case, Benjamin J. Harman

Space Congress® Proceedings

Rapid feedback of experiment results helps investigators to fine tune experiments, shorten experiment cycle times, and reduce development costs for new products. A rapid sample return (RSR) system was studied early in the Phase B Space Station Preliminary Design effort as a means of providing rapid feedback to increase station experimental productivity and reduce mission costs. However sufficient justification for baselining a RSR concept was not found. RSR was deemed nonessential because the Space Station would be serviced by a NSTS flight every 45 days and the design included thorough onboard analytical capabilities.

Efforts at cost reduction have since reduced …

Technology Development Missions Concept Definition Study Tdmx 2066 Large Inflatable/ Rigidized Structures, R. E. Giuntini, K. M. Seiser

Space Congress® Proceedings

The advent of the Space Station will require the development and advancement of many new technologies. One of which is the development of Inflatable/ Rigidized Structures. This paper addresses the concept definition, feasibility and requirements for a Large Inflatable/Rigidized Hangar for Payload Servicing on the Space Station. Inflatable/Rigidized Structure Technology has existed for .many years, but applications of this technology to Space Based Elements has only begun during the past decade. Inflatable/Rigidized Structures offer a variety of benefits and applications to the Space Station, key of which is their low weight and volume requirements for transfer to the Station. A …

Simplex: A Program Of Inexpensive Planetary Exploration, George A. Bunk, Rick C. Vargo

Space Congress® Proceedings

During the 1960's and 70 's the United States sent a multitude of small spacecraft on interplanetary and lunar flights. These early probes were used as simple precursors for the larger more sophisticated interplanetary vehicles that followed. Although the larger vehicles were extremely successful and scientifically rewarding, they were also very costly. Today, there are fewer planetary missions and even these have come under tight budgetary restrictions. Although the National Commission on Space and the NASA- Solar System Exploration Committee have identified a series of goals for the planetary exploration program, some of those goals could be compromised due to …

Design Knowledge Capture: Preserving Engineering Knowledge For Future Applications, R. B. Purves, James R. Carnes

Space Congress® Proceedings

A new problem beginning to challenge the artificial intelligence community is "design knowledge capture." There has been an increased desire to construct systems with inherent built-in evolvability toward more advanced technologies and machine intelligence. Success in this evolution process depends on being able to capture "as-built" design knowledge from the outset. Requirements and objectives for such systems are reviewed and an application to capture design knowledge within a combined data and knowledge environment is presented.

Design knowledge and rationale are implemented as design objects. Knowledge represented within an object can be physical, conceptual, functional, or structural. Storage and retrieval of …

Robots Refurbish Space Shuttle Hardware Usbi, Tony S. Humble, Alan R. Fertig

Space Congress® Proceedings

USBI, a division of United Technologies Corporation (UTC ), was awarded a contract by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to refurbish the non-motor sections (nosecap, frustum, forward skirt, and aft skirt) of the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB) used in the space shuttle program. As NASA's major contractor for processing and refurbishment of the SRB's, our company has successfully refurbished all the SRB's flight hardware to date. The planned insulation refurbishment process of the SRB's consists of thermal protection system (TPS) removal; surface preparation; reapplication of Marshall Sprayable Ablative (MSA-2), a thermal ablative material developed at Marshall Space Flight …

Navares: A Prototype Expert System For Navastar Anomoly Resolution, Michael A. Rampino, Gregory S. Parnell

Space Congress® Proceedings

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate the applicability of expert systems to the domain of satellite command and control, specifically, NAVSTAR Global Positioning System anomaly resolution. A prototype expert system was developed which successfully diagnoses many Attitude, Velocity and Control Subsystem and Electrical Power Subsystem anomalies. The project was sponsored by Air Force Space Command's 2nd Space Wing and was developed at the Air Force Institute of Technology.

A Resupply Scenario For The Columbus Mantended Freeflyer (Mtff), H. J. Koopman

Space Congress® Proceedings

Within the long-term framework of establishing a coherent system that supports permanent and autonomous European presence in space , the MTFF as an integrated flight configuration assumes a major role among the other COLUMBUS elements and joins Ariane V, HERMES, EDRS and Ground Segment facilities as an important building block, leading to a coherent European space capability.

The MTFF is designed for an operational on-orbit period of 30 years, which will be made possible by periodic in-orbit servicing activities.

The in-orbit servicing activities are to be made possible by a resupply system, which will have to provide and prepare all …

Mars Mission Profile Options And Opportunities, Archie C. Young

Space Congress® Proceedings

Mars Mission profile options and mission requirements data are presented for Earth-Mars opposition and conjunction class round-trip flyby and stopover mission opportunities. The opposition class flyby and sprint mission uses direct transfer trajectories to and on return from Mars. The opposition class stopover mission employs the gravitational field of Venus to accelerate the space vehicle on either the outbound or inbound leg in order to reduce the propulsion requirement associated with the opposition class mission. The conjunction class, mission minimizes propulsion requirements by optimizing the stopover time at Mars. Representative interplanetary space vehicle systems are sized to compare and show …

Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle Support To The Space Station, William E. Galloway

Space Congress® Proceedings

This paper describes the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) and its intended role as a key element of .the National Space Transportation System. Various types of missions, operating modes, and performance capabilities for the OMV are described as are typical mission scenarios, with the OMV based at the Shuttle and at the Space Station (SS). Particular emphasis is placed on OMV missions in support of the SS. Retrieval of a spacecraft to the SS for servicing, followed by redeployment of the spacecraft to its operational orbit is typical of SS-based projected missions.

Heat Pipes For Terrestical Applications In Dehumidification Systems, Mukesh K. Khattar

Space Congress® Proceedings

A novel application of heat pipes which greatly enhances dehumidification performance of air-conditioning systems is presented. When an air-to-air heat pipe heat exchanger is placed between the warm return air and cold supply air streams of an air conditioner, heat is efficiently transferred from the return air to the supply air. As the warm return air precools during this process, it moves closer to its dew-point temperature. Therefore, the cooling system works less to remove moisture. This paper discusses the concept, its benefits, the challenges of incorporating heat pipes in an air-conditioning system, and the preliminary results from a field …

Orion: A Small, Full Capability, General Purpose, Low Earth Orbit Satellite Bus, A. E. Fuhs, M. R. Mosier, S. Michael

Space Congress® Proceedings

A low cost general purpose satellite bus has been designed to support a wide variety of small scientific and commercial payloads. The design provides a number of launch options, including the new NASA extended Get- Away-Special * (GAS) canister and several small expendable launch vehicles. The satellite is 48 cm. (19 in,) in diameter, 89 cm. (35 in.) high and weighs approximately 123 kg. (270 Ibs.). The satellite bus provides telemetry, attitude control, orbital boost/station keeping, electrical power, microprocessor and data storage for up to 23 kg. (50 Ibs.) of user payload. The satellite. has a hydrazine propulsion system, with …

Space Launch Systems Resiliency, Harry Bernstein

Space Congress® Proceedings

For several years, space transportation system and architecture (the total set of space transportation launch and support systems) studies have been underway having as a principal focus a substantial reduction in recurring and life cycle costs. Cost reductions are essential if the nation is to economically handle the substantially increased space traffic levels projected for the mid-1990s and beyond. However, in the aftermath of the Challenger tragedy it became apparent that there was another factor which also needed emphasis — that of architecture and system resiliency, the ability to readily recover from misfortune. The long post-failure standdown time which the …

Space-Based Occupational Ergonomics, Jim Stramler

Space Congress® Proceedings

A significant amount of work has been done on earth toward understanding man's physical capabilities in the working environment. Little work has been done toward understanding how well man will be able to perform work in zero-g or on the Moon or Mars, which are the two most likely candidates for manned exploration in the foreseeable future of man's explorations of space.

Some insight can be gained from the Apollo program. Astronauts performed some lifting, bending, and other tasks on the moon. However, no provision for systematic study was done on these activities. As a result, we know very little …

Loft-1 Mission: New Concepts For Educational And Commercial Spaceflight, Jack R. Walker, Matt Steele, J. W. Mccain, Scott Dixon

Space Congress® Proceedings

The Launch Operations Flight Test One (LOFT-1) was originally conceived by E'Prime Aerospace Corporation (EPAC) of Titusville, Florida, as strictly an administrative pathfinder toward satisfying all governmental requirements for conducting commercial spaceflight activities from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS). As the program progressed from early June 1987 toward the original launch date set in the Fall, the complexion of the flight changed dramatically to one of a bonafide scientific mission. Four individual educational/commercial organizations agreed to provide experiments. As such, LOFT-1 would mark the first launch of a privately developed and funded suborbital vehicle carrying payloads from the …

Insights Into The Negotiation Strategies And Tactics Employed By U.S. Air Force Contract Negotiators, Gary L. Delaney

Space Congress® Proceedings

Negotiation of contract terms, conditions, and prices is an oft-used but little studied activity in the Department of Defense (DoD). Several recent research projects undertaken by graduate students and faculty at the Air Force Institute of Technology have focused on learning more about the negotiation process as practiced by Government (primarily Air Force) contract negotiators. This paper summarizes some of the more interesting findings of two of these research efforts in the area of strategies and tactics employed during negotiations.