Digital Commons Network^™

Performance Evaluation Of Weapon Systems Procurement Offices: A Relative Efficiency Measurement Approach, Gary L. Delaney

Space Congress® Proceedings

Performance evaluation of service organizations requires better efficiency measurement techniques than simple ratios or regression. This paper reports on a new and powerful linear programming based multi-input, multioutput model, Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and its application in an Air Force Systems Conma.nd product division's twenty-one procurement offices.

Spacehab: A Manned Space Station Test Bed, Robert Citron, Thomas C. Taylor

Space Congress® Proceedings

SPACEHAB, Inc. is a Commercial Space Venture creating a manned Space Station Testbed based in the Shuttle. It is creating a near term pressurized equipment test bed module and developmental scenario for Space Station. SP ACEHAB, Inc. is committing early to Space Station with a pressurized module built with private financing. The Spacehab Module research capability simulating the Space Station interior environment will be available three to five years before IOC. Other emerging space commercialization companies and government organizations planning research and development at the Space Station are confronted with the cost and development risk barriers associated with evolving a …

Columbus: Attached Pressurized Module Configuration-Mtff Pressurized Module Configuration, L. D'Emiliano, A. J. Thirkettle

Space Congress® Proceedings

The first part of this paper describes the main technical features of the European Space Agency's Columbus Attached Pressurized Module. The Module is an integral part of the manned core of the International Space Station, and is a development of the ESA Spacelab Module. As such it is a modular 4 segment construction of 12 m length, 4 m diameter which will be launched on an NSTS flight, currently scheduled in 1994 as Station assembly flight 16.

Its internal configuration is a doubly symmetric cross section of 4 identical rack envelopes separated by standoffs carrying utilities. Being a part of …

Satellite Servicing In The Space Station Era, Thomas A. Lavigna, Helmut P. Cline

Space Congress® Proceedings

Repair and serv1c1ng of orbiting satellites in the Space Station era will realize significant enhancements to the capabilities available to date. The first on-orbit repair of an orbiting satellite was demonstrated in 1972 on the Skylab mission using makeshift tools, procedures, and Extravehicular Activity (EVA) techniques. Subsequently, in 1984, the repair and resultant extension of the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM) took full advantage of the spacecraft's having been designed at the outset to be repaired and modified on orbit. Although this mission, among others performed by the Space Transportation System (STS) (Westar 6, Palapa 8-2, and Leasat F3), testified to …

Electric Field Mill Network Products To Improve Detection Of The Lightning Hazard, Launa M. Maier

Space Congress® Proceedings

An electric field mill network has been used at Kennedy Space Center for over 10 years as part of the thunderstorm detection system. Several algorithms are currently available to improve the informational output of the electric field mill data. The charge distributions of roughly 50% of all lightning can be modeled as if they reduced the charged cloud by a point charge or a point dipole. Using these models, the spatial differences in the lightning induced electric field changes, and a least squares algorithm to obtain an optimum solution, the 3-dimensional locations of the lightning charge centers can be located. …

Rdv Technology For Future European Space Missions, I. Widjaja, J. Sommer

Space Congress® Proceedings

The development of a prototype on board software package for autonomous rende~vous operations belongs to one bf the key elements of ESA sponsored rendez~vous development activities in which MBB/ERNO is strongly involved. General guidelines~ control algorythms and the software.architecture, were principal tasks which have been completed before detailed de~ign,coding and. verification tests were started. lt is expected that the Columbus missions with enhanced EURECA, MTFF (Man tended free flyer) and HERMES will benefit from the experience gained from thi~ ESA RVD technology ~rogram.

On orbit ser~icing of EURECA at the USSS or at the station . vicinity by NSTS will …

Air Force Space Requirements: Can Industry Meet The Challenge For Space Systems?, Edward S. Houston, Mark W. Phillips

Space Congress® Proceedings

A major issue in achieving the optimum employment of aerospace forces in space is the capability and capacity of the industrial base to produce the space systems necessary. The increasing number of space vehicles required by the Air Force arrl other U.S. Government, civilian, and foreign programs will have a profound impact on the industrial base. This paper presents the findings, conclusions, and recorrmendations resulting from an analysis of the space industrial base. The analysis, titled United States Air Force Production Base Analysis (PBA), is an ongoing assessment of the health and surge/mobilization capabilities of the defense industrial base. This …

Orbit Design For A Space Ambulance Vehicle, Walter C. Nelson

Space Congress® Proceedings

A variety of rendezvous maneuvers are examined between space stations in geocentric orbits at altitudes ranging between 200 kilometers and geosynchronous altitude. Minimum times to complete rendezvous are studied for purposes of expediting crew patient transfer to an orhiting Medical ·sase Station (MBS). Stabilization of trauma and definitive care can be provided on the MBS for serious medical/surgical problems occurring during the course of space operations on some Space Station (SS) with less medical care capability remote from the MBS. The MBS to which the crew patient is to be transferred is assumed to incorporate the most advanced medical care …

Erm, The Deployable Mast For Columbus, Hermann Rieger

Space Congress® Proceedings

For the application in the European Columbus project~ the ERM (extendable and retractable mast) has been selected as the most universal concept. Both; Resource Module and Polar Platform require large solar generators of differ~nt sizes up to 16 kW. The mo du 1 ar design of the ERM can be easily adopted to different dep 1 oyment lengths. Though the ro 11 able array type has been chosen u the baseline, the ERM is also able to deploy rigid panel arrays. In addition the ERM will be used to position reflector antennas away from the module.

The ERM has been …

Atmospheric Science Field Laboratory - A Feasibility Study, William Jafferis

Space Congress® Proceedings

The Kennedy Space Center is located in an area of the highest frequency of thunderstorms and lightning activity in the United States. Outdoor operations involve space vehicles, towers, explosives, fuel storage, aerial/buried cabling which connects widely distributed sensitive electronic and mechanical equipment; all subject to critical schedules making lightning a serious hazard. For this reason KSC has through the years conducted extensive studies of lightning phenomena, its characteristics and effects, and methods of protection against it as well as methods to locate/ forecast thunderstorms/lightning. An ongoing program with the Eastern Space Missile Center (ESMC} weather group has resulted in one …

The Canadian Mobile Servicing System For Space Station Servicing, Dev M. Gossain

Space Congress® Proceedings

The Mobile Servicing System (MSS) concept is being developed as the Canadian contribution to the Space Station Program. The MSS is a major element of the servicing architecture in the Space Station Program and complements the role of U.S. developed Servicing Facility on the Station. This paper describes the servicing functions performed by MSS. These functions include servicing of attached payloads as well as assembly and maintenance of the Station. Robotic servicing requirements have also been addressed. The architecture and concepts of MSS and its constituent systems are described.

The Use Of Transputers In Processing Telemetry Data, Hugo M. Delgado

Space Congress® Proceedings

Parallelism will be an essential ingredient of high performance systems of the future. The Inmos transputer is a high performance single-chip computer whose architecture facilitates the construction of parallel processing systems. Occam is a high level language developed for use with the Inmos transputer. This paper describes a project to evaluate the feasibility of using the transputer to implement real time processing of telemetry data.

An Overview Of Computer Graphics Industry Standards., Geraldine R. Cuthbert

Space Congress® Proceedings

This paper presents the status of the family of computer graphics standards that have been under development in recent years. In order to take advantage of the graphics standards, the industrial communities should be aware of what standards exist, and the relationship of the standards to each other. Since it is also beneficial to understand the process for the development of standards, the role of organizations in the standards-making field and the standardization process is presented.

This discussion will provide an introduction and reference source for the computer graphics standards for those who have a need to understand the emerging …

Common Dms Technology For European In-Orbit Infrastructure, P. Jourdan

Space Congress® Proceedings

Europe is involved in 3 major space programs, ARIANE 5-COLUMBUS-HERMES, which will achieve operational use in the second half of year$ 90.

These new pograms are requiring considerable technology inveatments and it is necessary to optimize them in view of available European funds. Data Management System (OMS) and associated technoloiies are one of the key areas of optimization.

Transitioning From Space Shuttle To Space Station On-Orbit Servicing, Stephen J. Hoffman, Gordon Rysavy

Space Congress® Proceedings

On-orbit satellite serv1 c mg has been demonstrated on a variety of missions using the Space Shuttle. This capability is also a stated goa 1 of the Space Station and other unmanned vehicles. Serviceable spacecraft should be able to take advantage of all these servic~ng facilities. This paper will discuss one effort to document currently available or nearly operational servicing interfaces. Availability of this. type of compiled information will assist in a smooth transition from Shuttle-based satellite serv1c1ng to serv1c1ng at a wider range of locations and by different servicing vehicles.

Columbus Space Segment Definition, Sami Gazey, Frank Longhurst

Space Congress® Proceedings

This paper .describes the Columbus Space Segment definition process as implement~d by European industry during Phases Bl and B2 in response to the requirements established by the European Space Agency. The development of· the .overall industrial structure during these phases is described, together with key roles and responsibilities. The approach being followed by industry to establish and implement the necessary management functions and procedures required by the European Space Agency to ensure adequate visibility and control of the programme are also addressed, as are key technical and managerial aspects related to commonality and overall system coherence ..

Omv Servicing Missions From Space Station, Jeny L. Jennings, Jerome L. Wright, A. W. Deaton

Space Congress® Proceedings

'!he Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV) will provide a means of bringing large observatories to the Space station for servicing and redeployment to their operating altitudes. However, there are many constraints which must be met in mission planning. '!he missions must be designed so that propellant consumption is within the usable allowance, but contingency operations can still be accomplished. '!he vehicle was designed specifically to accommodate such missions, with emphasis upon servicing the Hubble Space Telescope.

'!he OMV has been designed for operations from the Shuttle Orbiter and the Space Station. It will readily accommodate basing at the Space Station and …

Camera Expert System For Space Station Communications And Tracking System Management, Michael Crone, Paul Julich

Space Congress® Proceedings

This paper descrihcs Harris research into the use of Expert System technology for the management of the Communications and Tracking System for the Space Station. Harris Corporation hac; developed the CAMERA (Control and Monitor Equipment Resource Allocation) Expert System to minimize crew workload in managing the communications of the Space Station. The system ha~ heen implemented (under NASA contract) for use on a testbed at JSC. The system utilizes a state of the art man-machine interface to allow high level end-toend service requests.

Advanced Tethered Application And Related Technologies, E. Vallerani, G. Viriglio, F. Bevilacqua

Space Congress® Proceedings

APPLICATION OF TETHERED SYSTEMS ARE SUBJECT OF A NUMBER OF FEASIBILITY STUDIES AGlNG ACTUALLY PERFORMED BOTH IN US AND IN ITALY.

THE ITALIAN PSN (PIANO SPAZIALE NAZIONALE) HAS AWARDED TO AERITALIA A LARGE STUDY FDR THE IDENTIFICATION OF THESE APPLICATIONS THAT lNDICATE PROMISES OF SCIENTIFIC AND APPLIED R~SEARCH AND FOR THE DEFINITION OF THE GOALS OF DEMONSTRATION FLIGHTS FOR TESTING THE FUNDAMENTAL FEATURES OF TH~ SELECTED POTENTIAL CONCEPTS.

Advanced Air Conditioning Systems Developed From Nasa Heat-Pipe Technology, Author Not Available

Space Congress® Proceedings

This project exemplifies how NASA technology can be transferred to the market place in the scope of a Technology Utilization contract. In 1983, Dinh Company, a small R~D business, was trying to develop a S~lar Air Conditioner. Dinh Company conceived a Heat-Pipe system to increase the dehumidification of air conditioners therefore increasing their efficiency in providing comfort in humid climates. This l'esearch work attracted the attention of the TU officers at NASA/KSC who contacted Khanh Dinh, President of Dinh Company and started negotiations which resulted in a research contract whereas Dinh Company received from NASA technical support in the fields …

Enhanced Eureca Configuration/Operations, Wolfgang Nellessen, Jurgen Lippe

Space Congress® Proceedings

The European Retrievable Carrier is currently undergoing its development phase and Will be launched and deployed by the Shuttle in early 1991. After having performed its 6 months mis-· s ion EURE CA wi 11 descend from its operat i ona 1 a 1 ti tude of 500 km and wi 11 rendez-vous with the Shutt 1 e at 300 km to be returned to the earth. The EURECA payload for its first mission is primarily dedicated to the field of microgravity sciences a 1 though it al so carries astrophysics experiments and technological experiments in the field of electrical …

Future European Ground Segment, R. Grun, H. Michaelis

Space Congress® Proceedings

lhe existing European ground infrastructure is capable to support earth observation satellites, the present ARIANE program and scientific manned spaceflight missions as demonstrated during the first German Spacelab D 1 mission flown as payload onboard NSTS in October 85.

Future European space program like EURECA, COLUMBUS, HERMES, ARIANE 5, DRS and scientifi~ satellites will require a ground based end-to-end o~eration and verification infrastructure (GEOVI) of a new order of magnitude.

Individual program needs and required user support ground segments exceed the very tight budgetary frame available for the European space com~unity (agencies and i ndust.ry) . Investments are' necessary for …

Simulated And Rocket-Triggered Lightning Testing Of The Lightning- Invulnerable Device System (Lids), Richard T. Hasbrouck

Space Congress® Proceedings

We have developed a Lightning Invulnerable Device System (LIDS) to protect nuclear explosive test device systems at the U.S. Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site (NTS) against accidental detonation by lightning. In a series of full threat-level tests of a prototype LIDS canister, we used high-energy storage capacitor banks to generate high current rate of rise (di/dt = 200 kA/μs) and high-peak-current (200 kA), simulated-lightning, transient inputs to the LIDS. Subsequently, we participated in the NASA Rocket-Triggered Lightning Program (RTLP). In these experiments, a grounded wire is carried into a highly electrified cloud by a small rocket, causing the canister …

A Model For Enveloping Space Station Logistics Requirements, K. M. Seiser, R. E. Giuntini

Space Congress® Proceedings

Since the inception of the Space Station customer Logistics study, it became apparent that a modeling process was needed to provide insight into the many sensitivities and relationships which exist among the numerous variables which impact Space Station Customer Accommodations and Logistics Support Requirements with regard to their associated design requirements. such a model would provide the necessary and timely support to the Space Station designers and planners during the program's early development. This paper will address the current design and operations of the Space Station in particular the Manufacturing and Technology Laboratory (MTL) which is the primary focus of …

Design And Development Of A Computer Assisted Ground Control Technique For Space Station Robotics, Carl R. Konkel

Space Congress® Proceedings

Recent design activities for the International Space Station have included studies of the operations and productivity of the U.S. Laboratory module. A major finding was that the most 1 imi ted resource on the Station will be crew time. A ground-controlled robot has been proposed by Teledyne Brown Engineering that will help alleviate these constraints and allow around-the-clock U.S. Laboratory operations. However, the ground contra l of a mechanism in Earth orbit imposes command and feedback delays because of the distance and communicat i ans network involved. A unique predictive display for use by the ground operator in the presence …

Open System Interconnection (Ois): Nasa Program Communications Of The Future, Charles D. Brady

Space Congress® Proceedings

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards are being developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Consultative Committee on International Telephone and Telegraph (CCITT) with the support of industry. These standards are being developed to· allow the interconnecting of computer systems and the interworking of applications such that the applications can be independent of any equipment manufacturer. Significant progress has been made, and the establishment of government OSI standards is being considered.

There is considerable interest within NASA in the potential benefits of OSI and in communications standards in general. The OSI standards are being considered for possible application …

Industrial Modernization Incentives Program: Uses In Space System Producing Industry, Mark W. Phillips

Space Congress® Proceedings

The findings of past and present Air Force Production Base Analyses acknowledge the existence of numerous production bottlenecks and constraints within the defense industrial base. These impediments to the successful fielding of weapon systems are often caused by inefficient manufacturing techniques and obsolescent plant equiμnent. In an effort to correct these deficiencies, the Air Force has embarked upon a unique program to induce contractors to invest in factory modernization projects utilizing the latest in production technology. The program is known in the Department of Defense as the Industrial Modernization Incentives Program (IMIP) .

This paper discusses IMIP and how Air …

Technology Advancements To I Mp Rove Crew Productivity In Space, Melanie M. Mankamyer

Space Congress® Proceedings

Crew productivity will be a key factor in establishing a cost-effective Space Station design, and considerable effort has been dil(ected over the last several years to make advancements in those technologies that will improve crew productivity and enhance crew comfort. These new technologies include the development of computer. tools to allow system designers to optimize the crew work places in the Space Station (e.g., solid modeling and interior layout evaluation programs) as wel~ as technology· advancements in Space Station eqmpment to minimize or eliminate tedious and/or time-intensive tasks. These latter advancements include: automated inventory management and equipment controls; galley oven, …

Improving The Acquisition Process - The Role Of Congress, Colleen A. Preston

Space Congress® Proceedings

It has been said innumerable times over the past three years that Congress is micromanaging the acquisition process -- from its examination of particular im;,grams to the adoption of detailed legislative provisions regulating the process the Department of Defense uses to acquire its goods and services and the way in which the defense industry fulfills its contJ"acts.. The purpose of this paper is to: (1) analyze the role that Congress has played through adoption of the Competition in Contracting Act of 1984, the Defense Procurement Reform Act of 1984, the Small Business and Federal Competition Enhancement Act of 1984, and …

Debarment And Suspension, Thomas J. Whelan

Space Congress® Proceedings

The Government's attitude toward contractor debarment and suspension can be compared to the sleeping giant - if you provoke him enough he'll wake up. For years the Government took relatively few debarment or suspension actions, comfortable in the belief that routine audits would catch mistakes, mischarges or improper claims. Criminal violations were suspected in only extreme cases. this attitude empowis changing. Contract specialists, cost/price analysts, auditors, quality/reliability specialists, and program personnel are all more alert to contract irregularities. Increased awareness of the three sisters--fraud, waste and abuse--together with a significant increase in Agency Inspector· General investigations, has brought to light …