SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS

A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 11 - MAY 30, 2006

14 GROUND SUPPORT SYSTEMS AND FACILITIES (SPACE)
Includes launch complexes, research and production facilities; ground support equipment, e.g., mobile transporters; and test chambers and simulators.

Also includes extraterrestrial bases and supporting equipment.

For related information see also 09 Research and Support Facilities (Air).

20060013242 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

Radio Frequency (RF) Attenuation Measurements of the Space Shuttle Vehicle

Scully, R. C.; Kent, B. M.; Kempf, D. R.; Johnk, R. T.; [2006]; 4 pp.; In English; 2006 IEEE Symposium on EMC, 14-18 Aug. 2006, Portland, OR, USA; Original contains color and black and white illustrations; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A01, Hardcopy

Following the loss of Columbia, the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) provided recommendations to be addressed prior to Return To Flight (RTF). As a part of CAIB Recommendation 3.4.1 - Ground Based Imagery, new C-band and X-band radars were added to the array of ground-based radars and cameras already in-situ at Kennedy Space Center. Because of higher power density considerations and new operating frequencies, the team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) assembled to investigate the technical details of introducing the new radars recommended a series of radio frequency (RF) attenuation tests be performed on the Space Shuttle vehicle to establish the attenuation of the vehicle outer mold line structure with respect to its external RF environment. Because of time and complex logistical constraints, it was decided to split the test into two separate efforts. The first of these would be accomplished with the assistance of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), performing RF attenuation measurements on the aft section of OV-103 (Discovery) while in-situ in Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) 3, located at Kennedy Space Center. The second would be accomplished with the assistance of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) laboratory out of the Naval Air Warfare Center, Patuxent River, Maryland (PAX River), performing RF attenuation measurements on OV-105 (Endeavour) in-situ inside the Space Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) hangar, also located at Kennedy Space Center. This paper provides a summary description of these efforts and their results. Author

Radio Frequencies; Superhigh Frequencies; Space Shuttles; Imagery; Electromagnetic Interference; Microwave Frequencies

Source: NASA