SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL AEROSPACE REPORTS
A Biweekly Publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
VOLUME 44, ISSUE 14 - JULY 18, 2006
88 SPACE SCIENCES (GENERAL)
Includes general research topics related to the natural space sciences. For specific topics in space sciences see categories 89 through 93.
20060019703 Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH USA
Investigation of Aerobraking to Return the Space Maneuver Vehicle to Low Earth Orbit From Geotransfer Orbit
Berlin, Benjamin M; Mar 2005; 116 pp.; In English; Original contains color illustrations Report No.(s): AD-A446658; AFIT/GA/ENY/05-M01; No Copyright; Avail.: Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC)
This study investigated the use of ballistic and 'Double-Dip' aerobraking reentry to return the Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV) from geotransfer orbit in no more than two atmosphere passes. Lift and drag accelerations were applied to the two-body problem when either of their magnitudes exceeded 1/1000 g. Lift and drag coefficients, along with the SMV model, were taken from Investigation of Atmospheric Reentry for the Space Maneuver Vehicle by Captain McNabb, AFIT/GA/ENY/ 04-M03. Target perigees were formulated using the two-body problem. The orbit from each target perigee was numerically integrated around a planar earth model using a fourth order Runge-Kutta method. Ballistic and 'Double-Dip' reentry schemes were attempted with 45 and 70 km altitude floors. Ballistic reentry produced a near circular, low earth orbit when the SMV's true perigee altitude resided between 66.801 and 68.449 km for a one pass reentry and between 72.226 and 73.445 km for a two pass reentry. 'Double-Dip' reentry produced a near circular, low earth orbit when the SMV's perigee altitude rested between 62.416 and 64.962 km. The resulting perigee windows, their respective heating rates, and experienced accelerations were analyzed. Effects of uncertainty in the atmosphere model on successful perigee windows for each reentry scheme were analyzed by repeating the simulation with an increased atmospheric density. DTIC
Aerobraking; Atmospheric Entry; Low Earth Orbits; Reentry Vehicles
20060019785 Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH USA
| |
| Tools for Aviation/Aerospace |
| IHS sells products and services designed to meet the needs of today's engineers. To learn more, and for a free quote, please complete the form below. |
|
Covariance Estimation and Autocorrelation of NORAD Two-Line Element Sets
Osweiler, Victor P; Mar 2006; 130 pp.; In English Report No.(s): AD-A446817; AFIT/GSS/ENY/06-M09; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A07, Hardcopy
This thesis investigates NORAD two-line element sets (TLE) containing satellite mean orbital elements for the purpose of estimating a covariance matrix and formulating an autocorrelation relationship. Orbit propagation is performed using Simplified General Perturbations Number 4 (SGP4) analytical model as implemented within Satellite Took Kit. For a given satellite, TLEs from a span of two weeks are used to calculate position and velocity differences of estimated state vectors in order to characterize their variance behavior and compute a covariance matrix for the most recent TLE. Six satellites and eight time spans are investigated, with all state vector differences evaluated in satellite-based coordinate systems. An autocorrelation relationship for each satellite is generated to characterize confidence levels of the orbit predictions. Trends in the deterministic dynamics and errors in the model are observed and discussed. Covariance matrix estimates and associated TLEs are presented. DTIC
Artificial Satellites; Autocorrelation; Covariance; Data Acquisition; Earth Orbits; Estimates; Mathematical Models
20060020068 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Opening Remarks
Goldin, Daniel S.; [2005]; 6 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
In these opening remarks to a symposium reflecting on forty years of U.S. Human Spaceflight, NASA Administrator Daniel Goldin, reviews the impact that Alan Shepard had on him personally, to NASA, and to the whole idea of manned spaceflight. Mr Goldin cites Shepard as an example of the past and future of manned spaceflight.
CASI Manned Space Flight; Space Programs
20060020071 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Science in Orbit
Weber, Mary Ellen; [2005]; 6 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
This talk presents the excitement of doing science in space. It reviews some of the effects of the physical adaptations that the body undergoes to the lower gravity of space. It also discusses the role of the scientist in the space environment. It also discusses the potential uses of space development, particularly with the use of the space station. CASI
Aerospace Environments; Science
20060020189 NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL, USA
| |
| Aerospace Engineering Design |
| ESDU packages provide validated design data, methods and software, offering a valuable toolset to aerospace engineers. To learn more, and for a free quote, please complete the form below. |
|
Science and Technology Directorate Publications and Presentations, January 1-December 31, 2004
Summers, F. G., Compiler; December 2005; 56 pp.; In English Report No.(s): NASA/TM-2005-214219; M-1155; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A04, Hardcopy
This Technical Memorandum (TM) lists the significant publications and presentations of the Science and Technology Directorate during the period January 1-December 31, 2004. Entries in the main part of the document are categorized according to NASAReports (arranged by report number), Open Literature, and Presentations (arranged alphabetically by title). Most of the articles listed under Open Literature have appeared in refereed professional journals, books, monographs, or conference proceedings. Although many published abstracts are eventually expanded into full papers for publication in scientific and technical journals, they are often sufficiently comprehensive to include the significant results of the research reported. Therefore, published abstracts are listed separately in a subsection under Open Literature. Questions or requests for additional information about the entries in this report should be directed to Dr. A.F. Whitaker (SD01; 544 2481) or to one of the authors. Author
Astrophysics; Microgravity; Documents; Earth Sciences; Biophysics
20060020237 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
Lessons Learned from Two Years of On-Orbit Global Positioning System Experience on International Space Station
Gomez, Susan F.; Lammers, Michael L.; [2004]; 2 pp.; In English; Institute of Navigation Global Navigation Satellite Systems, 21-24 Sep. 2004, Long Beach, CA, USA Contract(s)/Grant(s): 336-34-01-AA; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A01, Hardcopy
The Global Positioning System Subsystem (GPS) for International Space Station (ISS) was activated April 12,2002 following the installation of the SO truss segment that included the GPS antennas on Shuttle mission STS-110. The ISS GPS receiver became the primary source for position, velocity, and attitude information for ISS two days after activation. The GPS receiver also provides a time reference for manual control of ISS time, and will be used for automatic time updates after problems are resolved with the output from the receiver. After two years of on-orbit experience, the GPS continues to be used as the primary navigation source for ISS; however, enough problems have surfaced that the firmware in the GPS attitude code has had to be totally rewritten and new algorithms developed, the firmware that processed the time output from the GPS receiver had to be rewritten, while the GPS navigation code has had minor revisions. The factors contributing to the delivery of a GPS receiver for use on ISS that requires extensive operator intervention to function are discussed. Observations from two years worth of GPS solutions will also be discussed. The technical solutions to the anomalous GPS receiver behavior will be discussed. Derived from text
Global Positioning System; Attitude (Inclination); International Space Station; Space Shuttle Missions; Navigation; Space Transportation System
20060020239 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
Lunar Extravehicular Activity Program
Heartsill, Amy Ellison; [2006]; 2 pp.; In English; University of North Dakota Capstone Week, StSp 595 Capstone, 30 Jul. - 6 Aug. 2004, Grand Forks, ND, USA; Original contains black and white illustrations; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A01, Hardcopy
Extravehicular Activity (EVA) has proven an invaluable tool for space exploration since the inception of the space program. There are situations in which the best means to evaluate, observe, explore and potentially troubleshoot space systems are accomplished by direct human intervention. EVAprovides this unique capability. There are many aspects of the technology required to enable a 'miniature spaceship' to support individuals in a hostile environment in order to accomplish these tasks. This includes not only the space suit assembly itself, but the tools, design interfaces of equipment on which EVA must work and the specific vehicles required to support transfer of humans between habitation areas and the external world. This lunar mission program will require EVA support in three primary areas. The first of these areas include Orbital stage EVA or micro-gravity EVA which includes both Low Earth Orbit (LEO), transfer and Lunar Orbit EVA. The second area is Lunar Lander EVA capability, which is lunar surface EVA and carries slightly different requirements from micro-gravity EVA. The third and final area is Lunar Habitat based surface EVA, which is the final system supporting a long-term presence on the moon. Derived from text
Extravehicular Activity; Space Exploration; Lunar Surface; Lunar Orbits; Low Earth Orbits; Aerospace Systems; Microgravity
20060020702 NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, USA
MISSE 1 and 2 Tray Temperature Measurements
Harvey, Gale A.; Kinard, William H.; [2006]; 10 pp.; In English; 2006 MISSE Post-Retrieval Conference, 26-30 Jun. 2006, Orlando, FL, USA; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): 23-614-50-05-11; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
The Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE 1 & 2) was deployed August 10,2001 and retrieved July 30,2005. This experiment is a co-operative endeavor by NASA-LaRC. NASA-GRC, NASA-MSFC, NASA-JSC, the Materials Laboratory at the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Boeing Phantom Works. The objective of the experiment is to evaluate performance, stability, and long term survivability of materials and components planned for use by NASA and DOD on future LEO, synchronous orbit, and interplanetary space missions. Temperature is an important parameter in the evaluation of space environmental effects on materials. The MISSE 1 & 2 had autonomous temperature data loggers to measure the temperature of each of the four experiment trays. The MISSE tray-temperature data loggers have one external thermistor data channel, and a 12 bit digital converter. The MISSE experiment trays were exposed to the ISS space environment for nearly four times the nominal design lifetime for this experiment. Nevertheless, all of the data loggers provided useful temperature measurements of MISSE. The temperature measurement system has been discussed in a previous paper. This paper presents temperature measurements of MISSE payload experiment carriers (PECs) 1 and 2 experiment trays. Author
Aerospace Environments; International Space Station; Temperature Measurement; Interplanetary Space; Channels (Data Transmission)
20060020747 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
Development of Pressure Swing Adsorption Technology for Spacesuit Carbon Dioxide and Humidity Removal
Papale, William; Paul, Heather; Thomas, Gretchen; [2006]; 6 pp.; In English; International Conference on Environmental Systems, 17-20 Jul. 2006, Norfolk, VA, USA; Original contains color illustrations Contract(s)/Grant(s): 288-04-04-04 Report No.(s): SAE-2006-01-2023; Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
Metabolically produced carbon dioxide (CO2) removal in spacesuit applications has traditionally been accomplished utilizing non-regenerative Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH) canisters. In recent years, regenerative Metal Oxide (MetOx) has been developed to replace the Extravehicular Mobility Unity (EMU) LiOH canister for extravehicular activity (EVA) missions in micro-gravity, however, MetOx may carry a significant weight burden for potential use in future Lunar or planetary EVA exploration missions. Additionally, both of these methods of CO2 removal have a finite capacity sized for the particular mission profile. Metabolically produced water vapor removal in spacesuits has historically been accomplished by a condensing heat exchanger within the ventilation process loop of the suit life support system. Advancements in solid amine technology employed in a pressure swing adsorption system have led to the possibility of combining both the CO2 and humidity control requirements into a single, lightweight device. Because the pressure swing adsorption system is regenerated to space vacuum or by an inert purge stream, the duration of an EVA mission may be extended significantly over currently employed technologies, while markedly reducing the overall subsystem weight compared to the combined weight of the condensing heat exchanger and current regenerative CO2 removal technology. This paper will provide and overview of ongoing development efforts evaluating the subsystem size required to manage anticipated metabolic CO2 and water vapor generation rates in a spacesuit environment. Author
Carbon Dioxide Removal; Space Suits; Humidity; Extravehicular Activity; Ventilation; Metal Oxides; Lithium Hydroxides; Life Support Systems
20060020766 NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA
Space Activism as an Epiphanic Belief System
Mendell, Wendell; [2006]; 1 pp.; In English; Societal Impact of Space Exploration, 1-3 Sep. 2006, Washington, DC, USA; No Copyright; Avail.: Other Sources; Abstract Only
Years of interaction with young people in the space industry and in space activists groups led to my observation that many such individuals can cite a quite specific life event that triggered a life-long interest in or commitment to creating a space future. I am particularly intrigued by parallels between such experiences and the phenomenon of epiphanic experiences among committed Christians. I see analogies between the puzzlement among space activists and among Christian groups as to the reasons for so many people being 'unbelievers.' At a small international meeting on lunar exploration in 2003, I hear two separate lunch speakers cite such personal experiences. At the beginning of a break in that meeting, I grabbed the microphone rom the chairman and asked each person to write down on a pad by his chair whether or not he (or she) had experienced a specific event that led to their involvement in space. If the answer was positive, I asked for a brief narrative, for their age at the time, and for their current age. I received 53 submissions, 20% of which simply stated that their involvement in space exploration was happenstance. (Apollo astronaut John Young was among these.) The other 80% of the submissions had specific stories. The ages at the time of the epiphany ranged from 4 to 47; and their current ages ranged from 22 to 78. I will present a high-level characterization of these inputs. Interest in space exploration as a form of belief system is consistent with choosing NASA goals for the purpose of inspiration and with phenomena such as the 'Overview Effect'. More research might explore what form the transcendent experience takes and whether it might be associated with feelings of universal connection such as the noosphere or 'The Force'. From a pragmatic point of view, outreach strategies for exploration should focus on giving individuals access to personal, potentially transformational experiences as opposed to astronaut talks at civic clubs. Author
Space Exploration; Lunar Exploration; Analogies; Sensory Feedback; Human Beings; Astronauts
20060021472 NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA, USA
Sulfur during the Transition from Anoxic to Oxic Atmospheres
Zahnle, Kevin; Catling, David; Claire, Mark; [2006]; 1 pp.; In English; Astrobiology Science Conference, 26-30 Mar. 2006, Washington, DC, USA; Copyright; Avail.: Other Sources; Abstract Only
The invention of oxygenic photosynthesis was likely accompanied by the introduction of large amounts of O2 and complementary reduced gases (chiefly CH4) into the atmosphere. To first approximation the venting of O2 and CH4 are stochiometrically linked. We therefore present a suite of numerical photochemical models that address the anoxic-oxic transition in an atmosphere driven by large linked inputs of biogenic 02 and CH4.We find in general that, in steady state, there are two solutions, one oxic and the other anoxic. The anoxic solution appears to be linearly stable. If volcanic SO2 fluxes are large, S disproportionates into oxidized (H2S04) and reduced (S8) exit channels. As elemental sulfur is insoluble it provides a means of preserving photochemical mass-independent fractionation (MIF). On the other hand, if the source of volcanic SO2 is smaller than today, all S can leave the atmosphere as S8. Under these conditions there would be no MIF signal. The oxic solution appears to be linearly unstable. In the oxic solutions S is invariably oxidized to sulfate, and the MIF signal would be absent. The transitional atmosphere is relatively unstable and is also the most photochemically active. Consequently it is the transitional atmosphere, not the oxic or anoxic atmospheres, that has the lowest CH4 levels and weakest greenhouse warming. As a practical matter we expect the transitional atmospheres to vary strongly in response to diurnal and seasonal biological forcing. Author
Photosynthesis; Sulfur Dioxides; Oxygen; Photochemical Reactions; Methane; Sulfates
20060021487 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Expanding the Frontiers of Knowledge
deGrasse Tyson, Neil; [2005]; 10 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
So space is supremely hostile, but we know this. But when we ask what is the cost of human space missions, we need to consider as many contingencies as possible. This is important because we want to do more than send people on one-way trips, we want to be able to bring astronauts back. So if exploration is what really matters and not just pride of nation, then perhaps we should genetically engineer a version of ourselves that can survive the hostile environments of space. We've got cloning. We're inside the genome. Let s just do it. Well in fact, we ve done that already. Yes, we have emissaries of ourselves that survive the hazards of space; they re called robots. You don t have to feed them or bring them back, and they dont complain if you lose them in space. So my concern is if costs turn out to be what they have historically been and the time to execute programs lasts as long as it historically has, then I am not convinced that economic cycles and political cycles will allow such programs to survive if they do not satisfy one of these three criteria. The record of history tells us this, unless somehow you want to believe that we are different today than 6,000 years of our predecessors. Derived from text
Astronauts; Space Missions; Space Exploration; Costs; Hazards
20060021488 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Pushing Human Frontiers
Zubrin, Robert; [2005]; 12 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
With human colonization of Mars, I think you will see a higher standard of civilization, just as America set a higher standard of civilization which then promulgated back into Europe. I think that if you want to maximize human potential, you need a higher standard of civilization, and that becomes an example that benefits everyone. Without an open frontier, closed world ideologies, such as the Malthus Theory, tend to come to the forefront. It is that there are limited resources; therefore, we are all in deadly competition with each other for the limited pot. The result is tyrannical and potentially genocidal regimes, and we've already seen this in the twentieth century. There s no truth in the Malthus Theory, because human beings are the creators of their resources. With every mouth comes a pair of hands and a brain. But if it seems to be true, you have a vector in this direction, and it is extremely unfortunate. It is only in a universe of infinite resources that all humans can be brothers and sisters. The fundamental question which affects humanity s sense of itself is whether the world is changeable or fixed. Are we the makers of our world or just its inhabitants? Some people have a view that they re living at the end of history within a world that s already defined, and there is no fundamental purpose to human life because there is nothing humans can do that matters. On the other hand, if humans understand their own role as the creators of their world, that s a much more healthy point of view. It raises the dignity of humans. Indeed, if we do establish a new branch of human civilization on Mars that grows in time and potency to the point where it cannot really settle Mars, but transforms Mars, and brings life to Mars, we will prove to everyone and for all time the precious and positive nature of the human species and every member of it. Derived from text
Mars Exploration; Space Missions; Space Exploration; Human Beings
20060021496 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Future Visions for Scientific Human Exploration
Garvin, James; [2005]; 14 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
Today, humans explore deep-space locations such as Mars, asteroids, and beyond, vicariously here on Earth, with noteworthy success. However, to achieve the revolutionary breakthroughs that have punctuated the history of science since the dawn of the Space Age has always required humans as 'the discoverers,' as Daniel Boorstin contends in this book of the same name. During Apollo 17, human explorers on the lunar surface discovered the 'genesis rock,' orange glass, and humans in space revamped the optically crippled Hubble Space Telescope to enable some of the greatest astronomical discoveries of all time. Science-driven human exploration is about developing the opportunities for such events, perhaps associated with challenging problems such as whether we can identify life beyond Earth within the universe. At issue, however, is how to safely insert humans and the spaceflight systems required to allow humans to operate as they do best in the hostile environment of deep space. The first issue is minimizing the problems associated with human adaptation to the most challenging aspects of deep space space radiation and microgravity (or non-Earth gravity). One solution path is to develop technologies that allow for minimization of the exposure time of people to deep space, as was accomplished in Apollo. For a mission to the planet Mars, this might entail new technological solutions for in-space propulsion that would make possible time-minimized transfers to and from Mars. The problem of rapid, reliable in-space transportation is challenged by the celestial mechanics of moving in space and the so-called 'rocket equation.' To travel to Mars from Earth in less than the time fuel-minimizing trajectories allow (i.e., Hohmann transfers) requires an exponential increase in the amount of fuel. Thus, month-long transits would require a mass of fuel as large as the dry mass of the ISS, assuming the existence of continuous acceleration engines. This raises the largest technological stumbling block to moving humans on site as deep-space explorers, delivering the masses required for human spaceflight systems to LEO or other Earth orbital vantage points using the existing or projected fleet of Earth-to-orbit (ETO) launch vehicles. Without a return to Saturn V-class boosters or an alternate path, one cannot imagine emplacing the masses that would be required for any deep-space voyage without a prohibitive number of Shuttle-class launches. One futurist solution might involve mass launch systems that could be used to move the consumables, including fuel, water, food, and building materials, to LEO in pieces rather than launching integrated systems. This approach would necessitate the development of robotic assembly and fuel-storage systems in Earth orbit, but could provide for a natural separation of low-value cargo (e.g., fuel, water).Derived from text
Mars (Planet); Consumables (Spacecraft); Mars Missions; Spacecraft Launching; Spacecrews; Lunar Surface; Low Earth Orbits
20060021503 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Going Commercial
Walker, Charles; [2005]; 10 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
while the conditions are more rigorous today for the ISS than they were in the very early days of space travel, opportunities still abound, and we just need to overcome the hurdles. As Pogo put it, 'By gosh, we seem to be surrounded by an insurmountable opportunity here.' This really is a great time in human spaceflight. We re doing marvelous things up there from an engineering standpoint. We now have to put them to good use. We need to optimize the 30 percent of the ISS that our federal government and the international partners have available in terms of the Station s power, volume, and crew time. Despite the recent issues with cost and schedule, as Mr. Goldin has said, this Agency will find a way. This country and the partners will find a way to restore the ISS s capability. We need help from this government, from our Congress, from our partners to do that, but it will be done, and then this facility is going to be world class--nah, it will out-of-this- world class. I m pleased to be a part of not only the history of spaceflight and the history of industry s participation in spaceflight, but I m also pleased to be a part of the future, the future applications, the future benefits that our spaceflight program is going to bring to our economy, to our careers, and to those of us that are both taxpayers and participants as well, to the great joy of seeing success as part of this country, as a part of our intellect, applied to the great beyond. Derived from text
Space Flight; Schedules; Industries; Costs; Commerce
20060021506 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Preparing for New Challenges
Shepherd, William; [2005]; 14 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
I think the biggest single issue in addressing any of the problems that I have mentioned is we do not have a way to marshal the adequate academic and intellectual resources in this country to solve these problems. So I would suggest that the country take a look at some of the national educational institutes that we have in the military. There are eight or nine of them The National War College, Industrial College of the Armed Services, and so forth. We need to have a National Space Institute that has some kind of Federal Charter. Its purpose would be to make available the intellectual resources necessary for the human exploration of space. It would have this as a single purpose. It would be a place where the appropriate knowledge, the experience, and the intellectual energy could be focused on this single goal. It would have the status of other national colleges. It would also be a virtual college or a university, and it would be collaborative with colleges and universities and other learning institutions all across the country and perhaps the world. Experts on space from almost any corridor could participate and contribute to what this institute would do. It also would have very strong business participation. We would have folks from industry come to this environment, learn, go back and work, and then come back and teach. It would be a means for individuals to become more proficient in the technical engineering operations, as well as the business and political aspects of space exploration. Such a national space institute also would need to establish and maintain close contact with ongoing development and operations in human space programs. Derived from text
Space Programs; Space Exploration; Commerce
20060021508 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Human Spaceflight and American Society: The Record So Far
Murray, Charles; [2005]; 14 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
This paper presents a look at the historical Apollo Program and it's comparisons to NASA's human spaceflight program today. The author gives three examples of how audacity began with the Apollo Program and explains how human spaceflight must continue with this audacity to do new things and take on large missions. CASI
Manned Space Flight; Histories; Space Missions
20060021509 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
The Spaceflight Revolution Revisited
Bainbridge, William Sims; [2005]; 26 pp.; In English; Original contains black and white illustrations; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A03, Hardcopy
This essay will first consider whether technological breakthroughs in space technology and the rational motives of ordinary institutions have the capacity to break out of this relatively static situation. Then we will survey the roles that social movements of various kinds might play and conclude with an examination of one particular nascent movement that might possibly build the foundation for a spacefaring civilization. A third of a century ago, practical nuclear fission rockets were under development, but this approach now seems environmentally unacceptable. It is hard to devise a more environmentally benign propellant than the hydrogen and oxygen used by the main engines of the Space Shuttle. There is some hope that nanotechnology will save the day with materials based on carbon nanotubes that are vastly stronger yet lighter than metals.6 However, the X-33 failure shows that it is not easy to work with radically new structural materials in demanding aerospace applications, and we may be many decades away from being able to manufacture propellant tanks, wings, and other large structures from carbon nanotubes. Satellites in low-Earth and synchronous orbit are of great importance in the collection and distribution of information, thus essential to the information economy. The wide range of civilian applications includes telephone, data transmission, television, navigation, weather observation, agriculture monitoring, and prospecting for natural resources.8 The technology is largely perfected, and incremental progress can be achieved by improvement in information systems and simply by investing in more relatively small satellites of the kinds we already have. Derived from text
Nanotechnology; Aerospace Engineering; Space Shuttles; Information Systems; Exploration
20060021510 NASA, Washington, DC, USA
Mutual Influences: U.S.S.R. - U.S. Interactions During the Space Race
Siddiqi, Asif; [2005]; 8 pp.; In English; Original contains black and white illustrations; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
This paper presents a broad historical view of the space race and its relationship between the Soviet Union and the USA in the early years of the space race. The author also adds some thoughts on the writing of history and how we evaluate space history. CASI
Histories; U.S.S.R.; United States; Aerospace Sciences; International Cooperation
20060021527 George Washington Univ., Washington, DC, USA
What If? Paths Not Taken
Logsdon, John M.; [2005]; 10 pp.; In English; No Copyright; Avail.: CASI: A02, Hardcopy
I think the point of this exercise in counterfactual thinking is two-fold first, to recognize that not only have choices been made in the past that defined the character of what has happened and that different choices were possible and would have led to different outcomes, and, second, that we are currently making similar choices for the future. Today s choices obviously will have significant long-term consequences for space development. Decision-makers have an image of a desirable future when they make choices, but they also realize that the link between current choice and desired result is always uncertain. As the philosopher Yogi Berra is often quoted as having said, 'making predictions is hard, especially when they are about the future.' Derived from text
Selection; International Space Station; Challenger (Orbiter); Space Shuttles; Prediction Analysis Techniques
Source: NASA
|
IHS sells products and services designed to meet the needs of today's aviation & aerospace engineers, including:
- Quick access to FAA, JAA, ICAO and UK-CAA information and regulations.
- Validated engineering methods, data, principles, worked examples, programs and related equations on over 1340 specific aerospace, process, structural and mechanical engineering topics.
- The IHS Fasteners eCatalog, providing decision support for the identification, specification and sourcing of aerospace & defense standard fasteners/hardware such as bolts, screws, nuts, washers, rivets, studs, etc.
- Standards documents and collections from the top aerospace & aviation standards development organizations, including SAE International, AIAA, AIA, FAA and NASA.
|