Remote Access Observatories in Low Earth Orbit -A Low-Cost Concept for a Small Scientific Spacecraft

In parallel with the evolution of large observatory spacecraft such as the Einstein, Copernicus, and IUE, and the yet-to-be-Iaunched Hubble Space Telescope and Gamma Ray Observatory, Increasingly large ground telescopes are in construction which will allow ground astronomy to compete favorably with elaborate and expensive space systems in the quest for new discoveries. Sometimes overlooked in this pursuit of new discoveries, with the limited observational time on the space Instruments, or the oversubscribed large ground Instruments, Is the recent development of smaller, low-cost robotic ground observatories designed for routine - but vital - collection of synoptic data. High-quality stellar observations are now being made by exploitation of new computer and detector technologies in unattended remote ground observatories, typically by modest aperture Instruments tailored to the Job. These Instruments operate in modes similar to those employed in the observatory spacecraft. Recent developments In the small satellite technology, some being reported at this conference, allow a reduced cost of payload delivery Into orbit and suggest that another look Is deserved at the 1960s\u27 concept of small astronomical satellites, which would be operable by simple command systems to conduct monitoring of variable, flare, and cataclysmic stars, perhaps limited only to precision filter photometry or simple Imaging In wavelengths not accessible from the ground. These would allow conduct of bread-and-butter astronomy at and accuracies wavelengths available only In space on objects Identified by the larger research Instruments, undertaking science too costly to pursue over long periods with multi-billion dollar systems. This paper will explore small spacecraft provided with low-cost attitude systems (LCAS) for stabilization, modest telescope optics, and low-power communications and spacecraft computer sub-systems which could perform autonomous celestial acquisitions and photometric data collection

The engineering design integration (EDIN) system

A digital computer program complex for the evaluation of aerospace vehicle preliminary designs is described. The system consists of a Univac 1100 series computer and peripherals using the Exec 8 operating system, a set of demand access terminals of the alphanumeric and graphics types, and a library of independent computer programs. Modification of the partial run streams, data base maintenance and construction, and control of program sequencing are provided by a data manipulation program called the DLG processor. The executive control of library program execution is performed by the Univac Exec 8 operating system through a user established run stream. A combination of demand and batch operations is employed in the evaluation of preliminary designs. Applications accomplished with the EDIN system are described

Issues in development, evaluation, and use of the NASA Preflight Adaptation Trainer (PAT)

The Preflight Adaptation Trainer (PAT) is intended to reduce or alleviate space adaptation syndrome by providing opportunities for portions of that adaptation to occur under normal gravity conditions prior to space flight. Since the adaptation aspects of the PAT objectives involve modification not only of the behavior of the trainee, but also of sensiomotor skills which underly the behavioral generation, the defining of training objectives of the PAT utilizes four mechanisms: familiarization, demonstration, training and adaptation. These mechanisms serve as structural reference points for evaluation, drive the content and organization of the training procedures, and help to define the roles of the PAT instructors and operators. It was determined that three psychomotor properties are most critical for PAT evaluation: reliability; sensitivity; and relevance. It is cause for concern that the number of measures available to examine PAT effects exceed those that can be properly studied with the available sample sizes; special attention will be required in selection of the candidate measure set. The issues in PAT use and application within a training system context are addressed through linking the three training related mechanisms of familiarization, demonstration and training to the fourth mechanism, adaptation

High-speed civil transport flight- and propulsion-control technological issues

Technology advances required in the flight and propulsion control system disciplines to develop a high speed civil transport (HSCT) are identified. The mission and requirements of the transport and major flight and propulsion control technology issues are discussed. Each issue is ranked and, for each issue, a plan for technology readiness is given. Certain features are unique and dominate control system design. These features include the high temperature environment, large flexible aircraft, control-configured empennage, minimizing control margins, and high availability and excellent maintainability. The failure to resolve most high-priority issues can prevent the transport from achieving its goals. The flow-time for hardware may require stimulus, since market forces may be insufficient to ensure timely production. Flight and propulsion control technology will contribute to takeoff gross weight reduction. Similar technology advances are necessary also to ensure flight safety for the transport. The certification basis of the HSCT must be negotiated between airplane manufacturers and government regulators. Efficient, quality design of the transport will require an integrated set of design tools that support the entire engineering design team

Aerospace Medicine and Biology: A continuing bibliography, supplement 191

A bibliographical list of 182 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in February 1979 is presented

Aerospace Medicine and Biology: A continuing bibliography with indexes

This bibliography lists 253 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in October 1975

Application of advanced technology to space automation

Automated operations in space provide the key to optimized mission design and data acquisition at minimum cost for the future. The results of this study strongly accentuate this statement and should provide further incentive for immediate development of specific automtion technology as defined herein. Essential automation technology requirements were identified for future programs. The study was undertaken to address the future role of automation in the space program, the potential benefits to be derived, and the technology efforts that should be directed toward obtaining these benefits

Aeronautical engineering: A special bibliography with indexes, supplement 82, April 1977

This bibliography lists 311 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in March 1977

Energy efficient transport technology: Program summary and bibliography

The Energy Efficient Transport (EET) Program began in 1976 as an element of the NASA Aircraft Energy Efficiency (ACEE) Program. The EET Program and the results of various applications of advanced aerodynamics and active controls technology (ACT) as applicable to future subsonic transport aircraft are discussed. Advanced aerodynamics research areas included high aspect ratio supercritical wings, winglets, advanced high lift devices, natural laminar flow airfoils, hybrid laminar flow control, nacelle aerodynamic and inertial loads, propulsion/airframe integration (e.g., long duct nacelles) and wing and empennage surface coatings. In depth analytical/trade studies, numerous wind tunnel tests, and several flight tests were conducted. Improved computational methodology was also developed. The active control functions considered were maneuver load control, gust load alleviation, flutter mode control, angle of attack limiting, and pitch augmented stability. Current and advanced active control laws were synthesized and alternative control system architectures were developed and analyzed. Integrated application and fly by wire implementation of the active control functions were design requirements in one major subprogram. Additional EET research included interdisciplinary technology applications, integrated energy management, handling qualities investigations, reliability calculations, and economic evaluations related to fuel savings and cost of ownership of the selected improvements