Central Station power switching characteristics

This ATM summarizes the conditions which led to the ALSEP Central Station Discrepancy Report AA 7344 and analyzes the results of trouble shooting steps performed to isolate and define the anomaly. Recommendations are made regarding proper operational procedures.prepared by D. Douthat, O. Neau, W. Tosh

CASTAway : An asteroid main belt tour and survey

CASTAway is a mission concept to explore our Solar System's main asteroid belt. Asteroids and comets provide a window into the formation and evolution of our Solar System and the composition of these objects can be inferred from space-based remote sensing using spectroscopic techniques. Variations in composition across the asteroid populations provide a tracer for the dynamical evolution of the Solar System. The mission combines a long-range (point source) telescopic survey of over 10,000 objects, targeted close encounters with 10-20 asteroids and serendipitous searches to constrain the distribution of smaller (e.g. 10 m) size objects into a single concept. With a carefully targeted trajectory that loops through the asteroid belt, CASTAway would provide a comprehensive survey of the main belt at multiple scales. The scientific payload comprises a 50 cm diameter telescope that includes an integrated low-resolution (R = 30-100) spectrometer and visible context imager, a thermal (e.g. 6-16 mu m) imager for use during the flybys, and modified star tracker cameras to detect small (similar to 10 m) asteroids. The CASTAway spacecraft and payload have high levels of technology readiness and are designed to fit within the programmatic and cost caps for a European Space Agency medium class mission, while delivering a significant increase in knowledge of our Solar System. (C) 2017 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.Peer reviewe

Enabling planetary science across light-years. Ariel Definition Study Report

Ariel, the Atmospheric Remote-sensing Infrared Exoplanet Large-survey, was adopted as the fourth medium-class mission in ESA's Cosmic Vision programme to be launched in 2029. During its 4-year mission, Ariel will study what exoplanets are made of, how they formed and how they evolve, by surveying a diverse sample of about 1000 extrasolar planets, simultaneously in visible and infrared wavelengths. It is the first mission dedicated to measuring the chemical composition and thermal structures of hundreds of transiting exoplanets, enabling planetary science far beyond the boundaries of the Solar System. The payload consists of an off-axis Cassegrain telescope (primary mirror 1100 mm x 730 mm ellipse) and two separate instruments (FGS and AIRS) covering simultaneously 0.5-7.8 micron spectral range. The satellite is best placed into an L2 orbit to maximise the thermal stability and the field of regard. The payload module is passively cooled via a series of V-Groove radiators; the detectors for the AIRS are the only items that require active cooling via an active Ne JT cooler. The Ariel payload is developed by a consortium of more than 50 institutes from 16 ESA countries, which include the UK, France, Italy, Belgium, Poland, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Estonia, and a NASA contribution

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package long term operational planning

This document provides engineering information relative to the long term operating characteristics of the five ALSEP systems presently active on the lunar surface. The information includes a current summary of the operational status of each of the systems and an assessment of the predicted life from both hardware reliability calculations and RTG power availability. Additionally, recommendations are given for managing each system in terms of power utilization for maximum life. Finally, some suggestions are provided for obtaining useful engineering data at the end of life of the respective systems.prepared by D. Perkins, W. Tosh ; approved by R. Wallace.Introduction -- Operational summary -- Operating life -- Recommendation

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package automatic switchable load study final report

A study was conducted to establish feasibility of adding a feature which automatically adjusts power subsystem loading. This ATM reports the results of this study.prepared by A. Marsh, prepared by W. M. Tosh

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package long term operational planning

This document provides engineering information relative to the long term operating characteristics of the five ALSEP systems presently active on the lunar surface. The information includes a current summary of the operational status of each of the systems and an assessment of the predicted life from both hardware reliability calculations and RTG power availability. Additionally, recommendations are given for managing each system in terms of power utilization for maximum life. Finally, some suggestions are provided for obtaining useful engineering data at the end of life of the respective systems.prepared by D. Perkins, W. Tosh ; approved by D. Fithian.Introduction -- Operational summary -- Operating life -- Recommendation

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package long term operational planning

This document provides engineering information relative to the long term operating characteristics of the five ALSEP systems presently active on the lunar surface. The information includes a current summary of the operational status of each of the systems and an assessment of the predicted life from both hardware reliability calculations and RTG power availability. Additionally, recommendations are given for managing each system in terms of power utilization for maximum life. Finally, some suggestions are provided for obtaining useful engineering data at the end of life of the respective systems.prepared by D. Perkins, W. Tosh ; approved by D. Fithian.Introduction -- Operational summary -- Operating life -- Recommendation

Apollo Lunar Surface Experiments Package long term operational planning

This document provides engineering information relative to the long term operating characteristics of the five ALSEP systems presently active on the lunar surface. The information includes a current summary of the operational status of each of the systems and an assessment of the predicted life from both hardware reliability calculations and RTG power availability. Additionally, recommendations are given for managing each system in terms of power utilization for maximum life. Finally, some suggestions are provided for obtaining useful engineering data at the end of life of the respective systems.prepared by D. Perkins, W. Tosh ; approved by R. Wallace.Introduction -- Operational summary -- Operating life -- Recommendation

Moon positions relative to Earth-Sun line.

Charts depicting the Moon positions relative to the Earth-Sun line for 1971-1977. Table gives Midnight, Sunrise, Lunation/Noon, and Sunset for Apollo ALESP 12, 14, 15, 16, and 17 for the month

CASTAway: An asteroid main belt tour and survey.

CASTAway is a mission concept to explore our Solar System’s main asteroid belt. Asteroids and comets provide a window into the formation and evolution of our Solar System and the composition of these objects can be inferred from space-based remote sensing using spectroscopic techniques. Variations in composition across the asteroid populations provide a tracer for the dynamical evolution of the Solar System. The mission combines a long-range (point source) telescopic survey of over 10,000 objects, targeted close encounters with 10 – 20 asteroids and serendipitous searches to constrain the distribution of smaller (e.g. 10 m) size objects into a single concept. With a carefully targeted trajectory that loops through the asteroid belt, CASTAway would provide a comprehensive survey of the main belt at multiple scales. The scientific payload comprises a 50 cm diameter telescope that includes an integrated low-resolution (R = 30 – 100) spectrometer and visible context imager, a thermal (e.g. 6 – 16 μm) imager for use during the flybys, and modified star tracker cameras to detect small (~10 m) asteroids. The CASTAway spacecraft and payload have high levels of technology readiness and are designed to fit within the programmatic and cost caps for a European Space Agency medium class mission, whilst delivering a significant increase in knowledge of our Solar System