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Past Conference Papers:
Responsive Missions - Science
| Paper Number RS2-2004-5006: Lessons Learned From A Rapid Response Payload Development | |
| G. Murphy (Design_Net Engineering), T. Adams (Design_Net Engineering), K. Stewart (Design_Net Engineering) | |
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| Abstract: Responsive Space requires Responsive Payloads! This paper tells the story of just such a payload and examines the lessons that were learned from that development. Starting with the Space Shuttle flight 4A (Nov. 30, 2000), the International Space Station (ISS) power system employed large, high voltage, solar arrays with the negative ground tied to chassis. An intense study by a NASA sponsored Tiger Team in the early ‘90s determined that this configuration leads to the structure being at a high negative potential relative to the local plasma (approximately 140V negative without any intervention) and, that at any potential greater than around 70V negative, the anodized aluminum structure and its components will undergo destructive arcing. A set of plasma contactor units (PCUs) were deployed to provide a conductive xenon plasma path for remitting electrons collected by the arrays and thus bring the potential closer to zero and mitigate the arcing danger. In late July 2000, the ISS program office at JSC issued an engineering change notice that directed the development of some means to independently assess the performance of the PCU’s, and to have hardware available for launch on STS-97 (ISS Flight 4A) the very mission scheduled to deliver and install the first set of large Station solar arrays on November 30th. This was needed to meet safety requirements for EVA. Such a schedule allowed only 4.5 months to design, build, test, manifest, complete EVA training, and deliver for launch. This set the stage for one of the most rapid payload developments since the early days of NASA. NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), and Design_Net Engineering (DNet) formed a unique team to try to accomplish the directive. The subject of this paper is to describe the Floating Potential Probe (FPP) and the fast-track program approach used to quickly develop this autonomous system for measuring the electrical potential between the ISS and the surrounding space plasma. At the time, most people involved with the Floating Potential Probe (FPP) project believed that there was less than a 10% chance of successfully making it onboard Flight 4A and an even lesser chance that it would work. Although there are aspects of this program unique to ISS, many of the lessons learned are being applied by DNet to rapid response payloads for ELVs. | |
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| Paper Number RS2-2004-A006: NASA Requirements & Needs and their Relationship to Responsive Space | |
| Jaime Esper (GSFC) | |
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| Paper Number RS3-2005-1003: On-Demand Science Missions | |
| John J. Webb, Jr. (Instarsat) | |
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| Abstract: Over the last four decades, robotic space explorers have yielded a wealth of scientific discoveries about our solar system and its origins. However, the resources required to design, develop, launch, and operate such missions is enormous. The highly prohibitive nature of established design practices and long development cycles significantly precludes responsive science investigations. Historically, robotic science missions flown in the last forty years have been highly limited in scope and capability. This paper briefly reviews the current practices in use for developing science missions, including; mission design, spacecraft design, and cost estimating. In contrast, today’s science missions must be more responsive to changing circumstances. The advances in space related technologies make ondemand science missions even more relevant and desirable. The spacecraft capabilities, capacity, and cost effectiveness are essential deterministic factors enabling successful on-demand science missions. This paper will focus on defining these factors within the context of a responsive space system. This paper discusses the emergence of new space-related technologies that will accelerate the development of on-demand science missions. This discussion includes an overview of current advances in materials, communications, propulsion, and onboard autonomous systems that can play a critical role in the successful design, development, and operation of on-demand science missions. Finally, this paper discusses an on-demand science mission life cycle scenario. | |
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| Paper Number RS4-2006-5001: SciBox Based Uplink Operations Planning Concepts for Responsive Space | |
| Andy McGovern (Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory) | |
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| Abstract: Time sensitive targeting is of keen interest in the C2 arena. Implementations of this concept also appear in civilian space missions in the form “responsive targeting,” meaning an unexpected event warrants a rapid response. The goal in both C2 and civilian arenas is to quickly produce the desired effect at minimal cost and low risk. Techniques that greatly simplify and streamline the processes of mission planning, command sequence generation and command upload have been developed in the civilian space arena by the Applied Physics Laboratory of Johns Hopkins University. We have developed innovative mission operations techniques and software tools for the CRISM instrument on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). CRISM is a gimbaled visible/infrared spectrometer for analyzing the Martian surface and atmosphere. CRISM’s gimbaled platform and MRO’s roll capabilities make responsive targeting and pointing a challenge that we have addressed. We streamline the process of planning, command sequence generation and upload by linking flight software with planning software via a macro library and a visualization tool. Our approach enables the scientist (or the field commander) to directly task the instrument without the need of an operations support center. Part of CRISM’s mission is to target dust storms which form and dissipate rapidly during one season. Our approach, which enables the scientist to command the instrument at a high level and visualize predicted results, is critical for these time sensitive observations. This presentation provides an overview of our approach to responsive targeting in the context of the CRISM mission and how it may be implemented for responsive space systems. | |
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