Formulation of detailed consumables management models for the development (preoperational) period of advanced space transportation system. Volume 5: Flight operations processor requirements

The functional requirements for the Flight Operations Processor are defined. The Flight Operations Processor is that element of the Consumables Management System providing support during the flight operations

MAST flight system operations

The integration process of the MAST flight system is surveyed. Insight is given into the planned orbital experiment process. The data flow necessary to support the flight operation is outlined

Formulation of consumables management models, executive summary

Future manned space programs that have increased launch frequencies and reusable systems require an implementation of new consumables and systems management techniques that relieve both the operations support personnel and flight crew activities. Analytical models and techniques were developed which consist of a Mission Planning Processor (MPP) with appropriate consumables data base, methods of recognizing potential constraint violations in both the planning and flight operations functions, and flight data files for storage/retrieval of information over extended periods interfacing with flight operations processors for monitoring of the actual flights. Consumables subsystems considered in the MPP were electrical power, environmental control and life support, propulsion, hydraulics and auxiliary power

STS payloads mission control study phase A-1, volume 1, phases A and A-1

The Space Transportation System (STS) Payloads Mission Control Phase A-1 Study results are summarized. The composite resources required to accomplish Joint STS-Payload preflight preparation for joint flight operations, including flight planning, training, and simulations are presented. The Standard Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) concept was developed

Space flight operations

Under contract to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of the California Institute of Technology manages and operates the ground facilities required to support unmanned spacecraft in missions to the moon, the planets, and beyond. A worldwide network of tracking stations, known as the Deep Space Network (DSN), was established to communicate with spacecraft. The Mission Control and Computing Center at JPL houses the mission control personnel and the computer facilities that command and control spacecraft in flight. Communications between the MCCC and the tracking stations, as well as communications among the stations, are the responsibility of the DSN Ground Communications Facility, which connects all parts of the ground system with telephone, teletype, and high-speed data lines. The operation of the ground system is outlined, and the various missions which were successfully supported are described

Modifications to the NASA Ames Space Station Proximity Operations (PROX OPS) Simulator

As the United States is approaching an operational space station era, flight simulators are required to investigate human design and performance aspects associated with orbital operations. Among these are proximity operations (PROX OPS), those activities occurring within a 1-km sphere of Space Station including rendezvous, docking, rescue, and repair. The Space Station Proximity Operations Simulator at NASA Ames Research Center was modified to provide the capability for investigations into human performance aspects of proximity operations. Accurate flight equations of motion were installed to provide the appropriate visual scene to test subjects performing simulated missions. Also, the flight control system was enhanced by enabling pilot control over thruster acceleration values. Currently, research is under way to examine human performance in a variety of mission scenarios

An evaluation of head-up displays in civil transport operations

To determine the advantages and disadvantages of head-up displays (HUD) in civil transport approach and landing operations, an operational evaluation was conducted on the flight simulator for advanced aircraft at Ames. A non-conformal HUD concept which contained raw data and Flight Director command information, and a conformal, flight path HUD concept was designed to permit terminal area maneuvering, intercept, final approach, flare, and landing operations. Twelve B-727 line pilots (Captains) flew a series of precision and non-precision approaches under a variety of environmental and operational conditions, including wind shear, turbulence and low ceilings and visibilities. A preliminary comparison of various system and pilot performance measures as a function of display type (Flight Director HUD, Flight Path HUD, or No HUD) indicates improvements in precision and accuracy of aircraft flight path control when using the HUDs. The results also demonstrated some potentially unique advantages of a flight path HUD during non-precision approaches

Shuttle remote manipulator system mission preparation and operations

The preflight planning, analysis, procedures development, and operations support for the Space Transportation System payload deployment and retrieval missions utilizing the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System are summarized. Analysis of the normal operational loads and failure induced loads and motion are factored into all procedures. Both the astronaut flight crews and the Mission Control Center flight control teams receive considerable training for standard and mission specific operations. The real time flight control team activities are described

Spacecraft contamination experience

Effective contamination control must encompass all aspects of ground and flight from design of the system through the end of mission life. Design systems are needed to minimize sensitivity to contamination, ease of cleaning, and contaminant production. Facilities and procedures are critical to maintaining cleanliness during ground operations. Flight operations should be planned so as to minimize contamination. More data from flights are required to assess the adequacy of designs and operations. Standards and specifications should include contamination control requirements

Knowledge representation in space flight operations

In space flight operations rapid understanding of the state of the space vehicle is essential. Representation of knowledge depicting space vehicle status in a dynamic environment presents a difficult challenge. The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory has pursued areas of technology associated with the advancement of spacecraft operations environment. This has led to the development of several advanced mission systems which incorporate enhanced graphics capabilities. These systems include: (1) Spacecraft Health Automated Reasoning Prototype (SHARP); (2) Spacecraft Monitoring Environment (SME); (3) Electrical Power Data Monitor (EPDM); (4) Generic Payload Operations Control Center (GPOCC); and (5) Telemetry System Monitor Prototype (TSM). Knowledge representation in these systems provides a direct representation of the intrinsic images associated with the instrument and satellite telemetry and telecommunications systems. The man-machine interface includes easily interpreted contextual graphic displays. These interactive video displays contain multiple display screens with pop-up windows and intelligent, high resolution graphics linked through context and mouse-sensitive icons and text