Accelerated testing of tribological components – Uncertainties and solutions

A fundamental requirement of any spacecraft mechanism development is to demonstrate the integrity of the selected lubricant system by means of an appropriate life test. As mechanism lifetimes are often long, and development times compressed some form of accelerated test procedure may be required for programmatic reasons though the strict tribological validity of such tests both for fluid-lubricants and for mechanisms employing solid lubricants or self-lubricating bearing is often a point of concern. This paper discusses the current state of knowledge and limitations regarding accelerated testing, including the influences on lifetime, torque and material wear of the accelerated conditions. The uncertainties of presently available acceleration techniques and limitations of available data and methods are highlighted together with some potential future solutions

44th Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium

The Aerospace Mechanisms Symposium (AMS) provides a unique forum for those active in the design, production and use of aerospace mechanisms. A major focus is the reporting of problems and solutions associated with the development and flight certification of new mechanisms

Commercial lunar propellant architecture : a collaborative study of lunar propellant production

This paper is the result of an examination by industry, government, and academic experts of the approach, challenges, and payoffs of a private business that harvests and processes lunar ice as the foundation of a lunar, cislunar (between the Earth and the Moon), and Earth-orbiting economy. A key assumption of this analysis is that all work--construction, operation, transport, maintenance and repair--is done by robotic systems. No human presence is required.Funded by the United Launch AllianceAuthors: David Kornuta, United Launch Alliance, CisLunar Project Lead [and 29 other authors]Executive Summary -- Introduction -- Prospecting -- Mining Operations -- Propellant Storage -- Power -- Robotic Services -- Robotic Services -- Transportation -- Business Case -- Legal -- Benefits -- Recommendations