Space, Aeronautics, Transportation Symposium Chair:
Space, Aeronautics, Transportation Symposium Peer Reviewer:
| Session Codes | ||
|---|---|---|
| *xxxnn | Both an oral presentation and a poster | |
| xxxPnn | Poster Only |
SAT01
Lifting Body Flight Vehicles
Chris Barret, PhD, Aerospace Engineer, NASA , Marshall Space Flight Center
Wednesday, 8:00am–8:25am
NASA has a technology program in place to build the X-33 test vehicle and the full size VentureStar Reusable Launch Vehicle. VentureStar is a Lifting Body (LB) flight vehicle that will carry our future payloads to orbit. There were three design concept contenders for the new Reusable Launch Vehicle: a winged vehicle, a vertical lander, and the LB. The LB design won the competition. The LB design derives its lift solely from the shape of its body, and has the unique advantages of volumetric efficiency, better aerodynamic efficiency at high angles-of-attack and hypersonic speeds, and reduced thermal protection system weight. LB's were originally used for low reentry deceleration, cross-range capability, and horizontal landing, all of which were lacking in the ballistic capsule.
This paper outlines our LB heritage that was utilized in the design of the VentureStar.
NASA and the US Air Force have a rich heritage of LB experience. Of all the LB's that
were designed and tested, three series were the most significant in the advancement of LB
technology: the M2-F; HL-10; and X-24 series. In this series, eight LB's were built and
225 LB flights were conducted through 1970. The M2-F series was designed by NASA Ames
Research Center, the HL-10 series by NASA Langley Research Center, and the X-24 series
by the Air Force.
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SAT02
Commercial US Reusable Launch Vehicles:
The Challenges and the Payoffs
Lynn Mary Stodghill, Aerospace Engineer, Analytic Services, Inc (ANSER)
Wednesday, 8:30am–8:55am
In recent years commercial spending on satellites and space launch services has increased
to exceed the Department of Defense space purchasing levels. The push for cheaper, faster,
and more reliable access to space has increased with the large number of communications
satellites being readied for launch. Several US companies have noticed this market
niche and have independently begun a race to design and build a Reusable Launch Vehicle
(RLV), citing a much lower cost to low-earth orbit (LEO) than found in current expendable
launch vehicles. Four of the most viable companies, Kistler Aerospace, Pioneer
Rocketplane, Kelly Space and Technology, and Rotary Rocket, are hoping to design, build,
and profit from a spaceplane which captures the proverbial lion's share of the small
satellite launch market. The four companies' RLV concepts will be described in detail
and a brief technical and economic analysis of their likelihood of success will be performed.
A short summary of what the government and the American public stand to gain from these
independent endeavors is given.
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SAT03
Generation of an Aerothermal Data Base for the X33 Spacecraft
Cathy Roberts, Software Specialist, Sterling Software, Inc.
Loc Huynh, Aerospace Engineer, Eloret Institute
Wednesday, 9:00am–9:25am
The X-33 experimental program is a cooperative program between industry and NASA,
managed by Lockheed-Martin Skunk Works to develop an experimental vehicle to demonstrate
new technologies for a single-stage-to-orbit, fully reusable launch vehicle (RLV).
One of the new technologies to be demonstrated is an advanced Thermal Protection System
(TPS) being designed by BF Goodrich (formerly Rohr, Inc.) with support from NASA.
The calculation of an aerothermal database is crucial to identifying the critical design
environment data for the TPS. The NASA Ames X-33 team has generated such a database
using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses, engineering analysis methods and various
programs to compare and interpolate the results from the CFD and the engineering analyses.
This database, along with a program used to query the database, is used extensively by
several X-33 team members to help them in designing the X-33. This paper will describe
the methods used to generate this database, the program used to query the database, and
will show some of the aerothermal analysis results for the X-33 aircraft.
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SAT04
Reflight of the First Microgravity Science Laboratory:
Quick Turnaround of a Space Shuttle Mission
Yvonne L. Simms, Principal Engineer, Spacelab Systems, The Boeing Company
Wednesday, 10:00am–10:25am
Due to the short flight of Space Shuttle Columbia, STS-83, in April 1997, NASA chose
to refly the same crew, shuttle, and payload on STS-94 in July 1997. This was the first
reflight of an entire mission complement. The reflight of the First Microgravity Science
Laboratory (MSL-1) on STS-94 required an innovative approach to Space Shuttle payload
ground processing. Ground processing time for the Spacelab module, which served as the
laboratory for MSL-1 experiments, was reduced by seventy-five percent. The Spacelab module
is a pressurized facility with avionics and thermal cooling and heating accommodations.
Boeing-Huntsville, formerly McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, has been the Spacelab Integration
Contractor since 1977. The first Spacelab module flight was in 1983. An experienced team
determined what was required to refurbish the Spacelab module for reflight. Team members
had diverse knowledge, skills, and background. An engineering assessment of subsystems,
including mechanical, electrical power distribution, command and data management, and
environmental control and life support, was performed. Recommendations for resolution
of STS-83 Spacelab in-flight anomalies were provided. Inspections and tests that must
be done on critical Spacelab components were identified. This assessment contributed
to the successful reflight of MSL-1, the fifteenth Spacelab module mission.
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SAT05
Construction of the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory,
A Training Facility for Astronauts
Dorothy Rasco, PE, Facility Program Manager, NASA, Johnson Space Center
Wednesday, 10:30am–10:55am
The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL) is a facility located near the Johnson Space Center,
Houston, Texas and is used for training astronauts to support the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA). The NBL simulates the zero-g condition which is experienced
by the crew and spacecraft hardware during space flight. This report intends to show the
complexity of building a new multi-million dollar research and development facility to
support human space exploration. It will provide an overview of what is involved in the
facility planning, budgeting, design, construction and activation of the facility. The
information presented will provide an understanding how the changes of the political
climate can effect the construction of a facility project that supports NASA. It will
show how a diverse group of people including planners, scientists, astronauts, aeronautical
engineers, flight directors, facility engineers and environmentalists can team together
and produce a unique facility which enables us to expand human capabilities for living
and working in space. In an era of downsizing, changing environment, and unprecedented
challenges, this report will highlight how diversity can promote innovative concepts and
improve creativity, to achieve progress in science and technology.
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SAT06
The Space Instrument Command and Data Handling System Life Cycle Cost Model
Simona Errico, Systems Engineer, Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp.
Wednesday, 11:00am–11:25am
NASA's "better, cheaper, faster" approach to space programs introduces a new challenge
of controlling program costs while continuing to provide full mission performance.
Modeling cost as an independent variable (CAIV) demonstrates a "best value" solution to
a program despite changes in technology, user needs, and funding. The CAIV methodology
is to develop cost vs performance relationships, via integration of cost and performance
models, to outline the impacts from system architectural changes on a program. There are
several CAIV methodology implementations, the CAIV methodology presented in this paper
incorporates just one of the available Life Cycle Cost (LCC) model techniques. This paper
discusses the LCC for a space instrument Command and Data System (CDS), specifically
defining the approach for developing LCC bottom-up inputs. These CDS inputs are formulated
into a series of transfer functions which model the CDS impacts on the system driving
requirements and hence the cost.
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SAT07
Engine Optimization for a Solar Thermal Orbit Transfer Vehicle
Stephanie Renee Chenault, Aerospace Engineer, Air Force Research Laboratory,
Solar Thermal Rocket Propulsion Group
Wednesday, 11:30am-11:55am
The analysis of engine performance becomes critical with recent technological
advancements in rocket propulsion and orbit transfer vehicles. Several flight
demonstrations are eminent for the National Solar Thermal Program and space flight
hardware component testing has been initiated at the Air Force Rocket Propulsion
Laboratory Edwards AFB, California. Research is currently being conducted on engine
and nozzle configuration for a solar orbit transfer vehicle. The optimal design must
produce 1-10 pounds thrust, create high Isp and be efficiently used in a hybrid of
spiral, perigee, and apogee burn configurations. The material used for the nozzle must
not ablate when subjected to extreme thermal loading and must be durable enough to
withstand widely varying temperature differential during frequent thermal cycling.
This paper addresses propulsive needs in the orbit transfer arena and defines and
produces governing equations for this type of upper stage vehicle.
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SAT08
International Cooperation of the International Space Station
- Look How Far We Have Come
Cynthia L. Philistine, Environmental Control and
Life Support System Engineer, The Boeing Company
Wednesday, 1:00pm–1:25pm
Space exploration is a human desire for all to share in. The contributions to Space Technology is world-wide and cannot be attributed to any one nation. So, it is only fitting that together we build the International Space Station.
The evolution of the Space Station has taken many paths before becoming the design that will be assembled beginning in 1998. This paper will discuss the chronology and history surrounding international partner participation. As the Space Station has developed, more and more international contributions have been incorporated. This trend is expected to continue.
This paper will discuss the international partner's missions and visions for International
Space Station, as well as, the scientific research they plan to explore. A specific example
of international cooperation exists in the Environmental Control and Life Support system
design for the Space Station. Many of the International partners contributes to achieve
an operational end-to-end system. System robustness has been enhanced as additional
international contributions are included in the design. The International Space Station
cooperation sets the stage for future projects and endeavors.
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SAT09
Increasing Customer Satisfaction in an R&D Environment
Anita Alexander, Program Manager of Wireless Networking Projects,
NASA Lewis Research Center
Wednesday, 1:30pm–1:55pm
This paper focuses on identifying the needs of internal customers who contract for engineering services in a research and development (R&D) environment. This paper also identifies critical performance measures that are predicted to improve the engineering supplier's service delivery process and thereby increase internal customer satisfaction. The research was conducted at NASA Lewis Research Center (LeRC) in Cleveland, Ohio under the sponsorship of the Engineering Directorate (ED).
ED is an internal engineering service supplier to internal R&D customers from the Aeronautics, Aerospace and Space Directorates. ED sponsored this research because key evidence indicated that more internal customers were increasing their use of these external engineering services.
Specific goals of this research included: a prioritized list of customer requirements, a list of service performance measures, and a competitive performance assessment of ED and its competitors. Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was used to collect, organize and analyze customer and supplier data.
As a result of this study, ED gained important customer information and baseline
competitive performance data. The results and techniques are applicable to other
internal engineering and design organizations that seek to improve their service
delivery processes.
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SAT10
MIS - Today's Roadway in Tomorrow's Transportation System
Shelley A.M. Wolff, PE, Department Manager, HNTB Corporation
Wednesday, 2:00pm–2:25pm
Major Investment Studies (MIS) are being completed around the nation in order to
better program today's roadways and infrastructure into tomorrow's transportation system.
MIS problem definitions encompass system preservation, personal mobility, quality of life,
land use, safety and system efficiency. Conceptual strategies are formulated considering
a full-range of multi-modal options. These system investment options often include roadway
improvements, transit improvements, construction of new infrastructure, transportation
demand management and intelligent transportation systems. Investment strategies are
evaluated to determine the best method of achieving system effectiveness in accomplishing
study goals and objectives established in the problem definition. Its cost-effectiveness
is measured by the savings to the transportation users relative to the implementation costs
of the strategy and its financial feasibility. MIS will assure that today's roadways will
remain a viable part of tomorrow's transportation system.
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SAT11
Comprehension of Truck-Related Signs in Texas Border Areas
Rachel A. Donovan, MS Candidate, Texas A&M University
Dale L. Picha, Assistant Research Scientist, Texas Transportation Institute,
Texas A&M University
Wednesday, 2:30pm–2:55pm
Once the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is fully implemented, more commercial trucks from Mexico are expected to begin traveling on Texas roadways. Some Mexican truck drivers may have trouble understanding the English-language sign legends, the United States Customary system of measurement, and the shapes and symbols used in US standard signs. The objective of this research was to improve comprehension of critical traffic signs for truck drivers in Texas border areas by developing and evaluating new alternatives to the standard signs.
An interview survey of 260 truck drivers in Laredo, Texas, was conducted to determine
comprehension rates of truck-related standard and alternative signs. The results showed
that truck drivers in Laredo understood Spanish-language better than English-language
sign legends. The results also showed that some truck drivers better understood vertical
height limits on metric signs expressed with the Mexican convention of two decimal places.
However, the overall effectiveness of traffic signs is a function of many different factors,
some of which are not evaluated in the effort described in this paper. The results
described herein are being used as part of a larger research study evaluating the use of
traffic control devices in Texas border areas.
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SAT12
Comparison of Russian and US Training Techniques and Philosophies
as They Relate to the International Space Station
Allison L. McIntyre, ISS Increment Training Integrator, NASA, Johnson Space Center
Wednesday, 3:00pm–3:25pm
This paper provides an analysis and comparison of the NASA and Russian Space Agency training programs and plans for the International Space Station. The two programs have developed simultaneously and independently and must now come together, along with other international partners for the International Space Station (ISS). These two partners have extensive experience in space flight training share the vast majority of the total training required for ISS. Training philosophies and methodologies differ between the two partners because of the various experiences and programs each has trained for in the past. Other differences include crew member expectations, organizational structure, and evaluation methods.
These differences are causing many challenges for ISS training. The shear volume of
training required for the crews that will live on ISS is the initial challenge. This
is magnified by language issues, travel requirements, program start up challenges, and
international negotiations. Both partners will have to adjust their philosophies to
accommodate the other. This process should result in a more efficient and effective
training program for all ISS partners. Some of the methods, compromises, cooperative
efforts and advanced learning technologies such as distance learning and on-board training
are highlighted.
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SATP01
Laboratory Simulation of Off-Beam Cloud Lidar
Cheryl Vorvick, MSEE student, Washington State University at Tri-Cities,
Student Internship Program, Goddard Space Flight Center
The laboratory simulation of off-beam lidar is a culmination of recent research on cloud structure and cloud-radiation interaction at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. This project seeks to test and develop the radiative transfer theory that implies that off-beam cloud lidar returns can be used to determine the physical and optical thickness of clouds. Current applications of ground-based lidars are limited to the determination of cloud base height, and cloud top for their airborne counterparts. Off-beam cloud lidar modifies the design of standard lidar to measure multiply-scattered radiance in clouds. Physical and optical thickness can be derived from this information.
Measurements determine flux and radiance escaping from a uniform suspension of polystyrene
microspheres in water (the cloud) irradiated by a CW laser beam. Since laser beams are close
approximations to Dirac delta-functions, these measurements will enable us to verify our
computational and analytical models of the cloud's radiative Green's function. The long
term benefits of this research will be to improve cloud radiative parameterizations in
Global Climate Models, and cloud property retrievals from remote sensing.
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