Friday, March 31, 2017

Facts re Shuttle

Facts are :
1. Shuttle had unique & needed capabilities.
2. None of replacements are even close in so far as capabilities. Shuttle retired in 2011, none of replacements are near a manned flight.  
3. All experts said get a replacement prior to retiring.
4. Meanwhile our manned capabilities relative to orbital operations have significantly declined.
5. SLS not economically viable.
Re The Case to Save the Shuttle
Nasaproblems.com
Lost in Space, Washington Examiner




Sent from my iPad

Thursday, March 30, 2017

What made NASA shut down the Shuttle program? - Space Exploration Stack Exchange

As stated in The Case to Save Shuttle & nasaproblems.com, none of new approaches have the Shuttle capabilities & SLS not the answer for mars----need a STS-- space transportation system! Bm


Sent from my iPad

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Saving Hubble

The fortunate requirement that enabled the successful repair of Hubble was the telescope's original design philosophy that provided for periodic visits by space shuttle astronauts performing space walks to maintain, repair and upgrade the telescope. The designers of the telescope had planned ahead and provided for orbital replacement units and instruments with standardized and space walk-compatible interfaces. And the telescope itself was designed with built-in astronaut crew aids, such as handrails and tether points, sockets for attaching portable foot-restraint platforms to provide secure work sites, standardized access doors, electrical connector maps and instruction labels.

Sunday, March 26, 2017

American Space Renaissance Act – To permanently secure the United States as the preeminent spacefaring nation.

http://spacerenaissanceact.com/


Sent from my iPad

Space power

http://www.jamesoberg.com/space-power-theory.pdf

USATODAY.com - U.S. vulnerability in space deserves attention now

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/comment/2001-05-17-ncguest2.htm


Sent from my iPad

Fwd: supersonic X-plane



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Robert Hooi" <rwlh21@sbcglobal.net>
Date: March 25, 2017 at 10:33:35 PM CDT
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>
Subject: supersonic X-plane
Reply-To: "Robert Hooi" <rwlh21@sbcglobal.net>

Lockheed and NASA move toward design review for supersonic X-plane

Lockheed Martin should complete a preliminary design review of its quiet supersonic X-plane by June and will move onto a critical design review with NASA, a Skunk Works programme lead says.

NASA just released the initial call for proposals for the demonstrator phase for the quiet supersonic technology (QueSST) aircraft programme, says Charles Chase, who manages the revolutionary programmes group at Lockheed Skunk Works. NASA dodged President Donald Trump's axe in the fiscal year 2018 budget, with just a slight decrease to its overall budget and specific assurances for future over-land commercial supersonic flights. The president's proposed budget provides $624 million for NASA aeronautics research and development. Both houses of Congress have also thrown their support behind QueSST, Chase says.

Lockheed's characterisation of the low-boom supersonic demonstrator appears lighter than NASA's earlier descriptions, which sketch a 25,000lb prototype. Lockheed and NASA will demonstrate a 9% scale model plane, weighing about 20,000lb and 90-feet long, in a high speed wind tunnel at NASA's Glenn Research Center. The X-plane, powered by an existing GE F414 engine, will fly at Mach 1.4 at 55,000 feet, Chase says.

Lockheed will compete to build the demonstrator in the programme's next phase.

"The idea there is to build a demonstrator we can fly around and gauge people's annoyance by this new level of sonic boom," he says.

Flight demonstrations will begin at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center near Edwards Air Force Base, California, but NASA is planning to test the X-plane in communities across the country to gain a representative set of data and gauge people's reactions to the sound, he says.

Skunk Works' design promises to reduce the size of the sonic boom by more than 1000 times, reducing the effect of a window rattling burst to something closer to a car door slamming a few houses down the block, Chase says. Conventional aircraft create a sharp change in pressure over the vehicle, but the X-plane's long, skinny fuselage and canards control the waves across the aircraft.

"We have tailored the lift distribution and the pressure that goes over the airplane so that the shockwaves no longer coalesce into this strong wave," he says. "I must say coming up with this design was not easy. It took thousands of optimization runs with tools that we worked with NASA to validate over the years. We have the tools now in place that enable us to develop these sort of radical configurations."

Saturday, March 25, 2017

All progress involves risk


Disgusted with this attitude--- all progress involves risk!

For the risk averse, shuttle must be retired immediately----I am disgusted with this attitude!

But as Krantz points out there are risks & we can't always have all the answers.  Does that mean we should be so risk averse that we cease making progress?  

Krantz stated the following & it is on target----

TO read and listen to the coverage about the space shuttle, you would think NASA's mission team has taken careless risks with the lives of the seven astronauts who went into space on the Discovery last Tuesday. During the launching, foam fell off the external tank. For the risk-averse, the only acceptable thing to do now is retire the shuttle program immediately and wait for the divine arrival of the next generation of spacecraft. I am disgusted at the lack of courage and common sense this attitude shows.

All progress involves risk. Risk is essential to fuel the economic engine of our nation. And risk is essential to renew American's fundamental spirit of discovery so we remain competitive with the rest of the world.

My take on the current mission is very straightforward. The shuttle is in orbit. To a great extent mission managers have given the spacecraft a clean bill of health. Let us remember that this is a test flight. I consider it a remarkably successful test so far.

The technical response to the Columbia accident led to a significant reduction in the amount of debris striking this shuttle during launching. Mission managers have said that the external tank shed 80 percent less foam this time than on previous launchings. Only in the news media, apparently, is an 80 percent improvement considered a failure. Rather than quit, we must now try to reduce even more the amount of foam that comes off the tank.



Sent from my iPad

No comments:

Post a Comment


Sent from my iPad

Thursday, March 23, 2017

A needed capability-- re X37C & G.Abbey-- lost in Space , Washington Examiner

Needed capability

2 hrs

Needed capability!

Money spent on human exploration should be used to develop capabilities needed for a meaningful program. Research into long space flights can be done at the International Space Station, which should therefore be vigorously supported. Abundant launch vehicles are already on the commercial market, and yet a new and very expensive launch vehicle, with undefined payload and mission, is being developed. Three spacecraft are being developed to carry astronauts to space. Does the nation need three space capsules with limited capabilities? The capability that is lacking is the one that saved Hubble and built the largest structure ever assembled and flown in space. A redesigned X-37 that can carry astronauts could provide such a capability.

Abbey, lost in space, Washington examiner
re boeing proposal x3
7c


Sent from my iPad

Monday, March 20, 2017

Air Force's Mysterious X-37B Space Plane Nears Orbital Record

http://www.space.com/36101-x-37b-military-space-plane-nears-record.html


Sent from my iPad

Shuttle retirement & potential

"Slide Back To Cave"-----DeGrasse. Avoided with Vibrant Space Shuttle----Richardson, Cernan, Aldrin
Read the Case to Save the Shuttle to get an idea of the potential of the system. With a vibrant shuttle utilizing its ability to place heavy payloads in EO we could maximize the ISS, insert new systems, explore the universe, establish moon settlements, mine astroids, conduct manned mission to mars, increase research in all science & engineering fields, and improve economies on the earth & Improve the lives of people all around the planet!!

AND give our youth goals to aspire to as has been the case in the last 5 decades with shuttle operations, Apollo, Gemini & Mercury.

All that is required is the use & improvement of what we have already designed , fabricated and operated for 50 years.

Mankind would have benefited significantly in all fields of science, the world economy and a general alleviation of human suffering, if our leaders would listen to knowledgeable scientific leaders & were more critical/thorough in assessing/following recommendations to retire shuttle.

The decision to retire shuttle, not evolve & improve & use it as Aldrin said is a very profound decision and has & will have profound impact on mankind.

References:DeGrasse website

Sent from my iPad


Sent from my iPad

Sunday, March 19, 2017

Not unsafe, but not safe ---- ASAP after CAIB

Friday, November 21, 2014

Not unsafe, but not safe


NOT UNSAFE, IT'S NOT SAFE---Adm. Dyer ASAP --& NASA DC Morons

? Read these about Shuttle, US WASTES BILLIONS–PUTS SHUTTLE IN MUSEUMPEOPLE, WAKE UP, SAVE Shuttle, CAN'T leave in Museum ?
CAIB– Though it is not unsafe, it's not safe, needs more studies–Shuttle in museum based on this stupidity–Disgusting
Posted on January 17, 2012 by Bob
Americans, are you going to put up with this ignorance and arrogance? The Shuttle is the greatest vehicle the USA has ever constructed. It should be used and improved. We are loosing this capability, throwing away 100?s of billions, disbanding this large workforce, placing orbital assets in jeopardy and the new designs (years/ decades away) are not as capable as the shuttle–not even close.

Does this reveal anything about Adm/NASA? ?
Shuttle "Not Unsafe" but not Safe" ??
Posted on December 29, 2011 by Bob
Americans, we have shut down this shuttle program based on this kind of thinking. We need an emergency session of the House and Senate space committees to reassess this situation .
We are in a crisis situation, if any of you know anyone with influence, please get them to help.
Please get this to all your Congressmen and senators.  This ought to awaken all of you to the gross mismanagement of the space program by the adm and NASA.

Read this,         
 it is not unsafe, but not safe, needs more studies.
We believe it would be unwise.  DOD aircraft extensions have not turned out well.
The shuttle is risky and becoming more so.  More risk than folks should shoulder.
We don't think there is full transparency to that risk.
These people adm Dyrer and Gehman have essentially put a Safe multi- billion program in the TRASH, based on their emotions.
Gehman–to be safe we should fly as few missions as possible before retirement.

  John Shannon , SPM states that Dryer utterances are disturbing based on the recent (flights from Columbia to present) have been very clean.
Shannon comments below—

.
ASAP—-comments
"The ASAP does not, I'll emphasize that, does not support extending the shuttle beyond its current manifest," noted Admiral Dyer in his opening remarks to the House hearing to discuss the initial findings of the Augustine Review into the forward path for Human Space Flight.

That comment was specific to safety, as cited in the Admiral's opening statement, which gained the opening question from Mr Bart Gordon, a Democrat representative from Tennessee – who chaired the hearing.

"In your comments, you made a very definitive statement concerning no extension of the shuttle," Mr Gordon asked. "Now is that period, or is that or is that in context to 2020 (likely 2015), and would you extend it if it was recertified, or if there was a mission – or two missions – that came up in the next short period that seemed to be very important? Is there still a period where you wouldn't go one more?"

"Three quick comments: The thing that scares us the most is that kind of serial extension," responded Admiral Dyer. "Point number 2: We take this position because we think the risk is more than what we should ask folks to shoulder – and we don't think there is full transparency to that risk.

"Thirdly, the time to extend the shuttle in the panel's opinion was several years ago when the supply chain was still intact and when there was an opportunity to go forward with a (inaudible) program. A number of folks, who participated on the (ASAP) panel, have lived through an extension of number of Department of Defense aircraft programs after they were supposed to terminate. It is never a good experience.

"I will also offer one other caution. Could you, with significant money and with recertification, extend the shuttle? Yes. The money would be impressive, it would have to go well through the supply chain, and the risk of finding things that demand even more resources during recertification is a real risk."

With the heavy tone on the risk, and with six shuttle missions still to be launched, Mr Gordon asked if NASA should be looking at one less flight – if the risk was as bad as the ASAP was portraying. That led to an astonishing claim from Admiral Dyer.

"We say in the military world that the operational commander always has the authority to proceed in the face of absolute requirements – and it would be an equivalent position in the opinion of the panel. The shuttle is risky, it is becoming more so, and extension beyond what is planned through the current manifest we believe would be unwise."

Regarding Hubble repair (sts125, 2009)

Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md., was not happy with the decision. Last spring she asked the head of the CAIB, retired Navy Adm. Hal Gehman, to review the decision and address the issue of shuttle safety. He responded on March 5.

Reviewing the actual risk posed during a shuttle mission, Gehman said, for now, and in the foreseeable future, by far most of the risk in space flight is the launch, ascent, entry and landing phases. So, he said, to be safe, NASA should launch the shuttle as few times as possible before it is retired. Though he said it was not unsafe, he also said it was not safe, either, and he called for more studies.

John Shannon SPM comments
"There were some disturbing remarks from the head of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP). We are working to understand these concerns from a Shuttle risk standpoint," Mr Shannon noted. "We are flying safer now, and have a better safety culture and integrated team approach with many checks and balances to ensure that we are flying as safely as absolutely possible."

Mr Shannon also cited the recent Flight Readiness Review (FRR) and Mission Management Team (MMT) decisions not to launch a mission until they were absolutely sure the shuttle was safe to carry it out.

These decisions are well documented, from the continuous External Tank foam modifications from STS-114 onwards, to the Engine Cut Off (ECO) sensor/LH2 Feedthrough connector issues surrounding STS-122, to the extensive Flow Control Valve (FCV) discussions, to the GUCP (Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate) misalignment, and right through to STS-128?s LH2 Fill and Drain Valve indications – to name but a few.

Also, as noted by Mr Shannon as safety culture, internal memos have shown major efforts to welcome dissent from throughout the shuttle engineering team, even when such dissent was proven to be unfounded. A "no stone left unturned" attitude was how one source described the current culture to this site.

Each time a problem has been noted, it has been proven that managers have stepped back, listened to the engineering community, before making absolutely sure they both understand the problem and are in a comfortable position to launch.

"We have demonstrated over the last several flows that when we are not ready to fly, we stop and take the necessary time to understand the situation before we proceed," added Mr Shannon, who added he wasn't even sure if Admiral Dyer was speaking of the current program, given how alien his representations were to the reality of the program since Columbia.

"(I am) extremely proud of how the team has worked through recent problems. (I am) not sure if the concerns of the ASAP chairman were echoes of the past, but they do not accurately reflect the current environment. We will work to understand these comments and to be sure that we have not forgotten anything."

The reality of the actual risk – a risk that is obvious and never underestimated throughout manned space flight – was shown in the extension study report that NASA filed with the White House back in May of this year.

Those findings revealed a 98.7 percent probability of safely executing each flight, which painted a very different picture when compared to Mr Griffin's alarming 1 in 8 chance of a disaster.

"The latest Space Shuttle probabilistic risk assessment (PRA) indicates that the single mission risk for loss of crew and vehicle (LOCV) is 1 in 77; stated another way, there is a 98.7 percent probability of safely executing each flight," noted the NASA study into extending the shuttle past 2010 (available on L2).

Interestingly, that study based its figures on the SSP since 1987. Had the study was based on post Return To Flight findings, it would be highly likely resulted in a risk ratio would be significantly lower – simply due to the flight history since the loss of Columbia, and the numerous modifications made since the fleet returned to action with STS-114.

However, even based on the conservative study findings, the risk is not deemed to a ratio that would increase, which directly counters the Admiral's claims.

"The average risk of LOCV has remained fairly consistent over that time. This risk is predicted to remain consistent over the remaining life of the program. The primary drivers for LOCV are, in order of the magnitude of their contribution to the overall risk: micro-meteoroid/orbital debris (MMOD), ascent debris, and Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) malfunctions.

"In addition, NASA will continue to evolve its PRA tools to address anomalies encountered during flight operations. By monitoring anomaly trends across different categories (for example, by whether an anomaly is due to design issues, age, operations or procedurally-induced effects, or unknown or random phenomena), NASA gains both near-term insights into Space Shuttle performance opportunities for potential safety improvements during ongoing operations as well as longer-term benefit in applying experience-based risk models to future programs like Constellation.

"NASA's safety and mission assurance strategy emphasizes the need for rigorous program and independent safety reviews, as well as continual safety improvements throughout a program's life cycle. Improvements to both processes and hardware are made for each Space Shuttle flight, and NASA will continue to invest in prudent safety enhancements through the last mission."

The latest SSP Top Risks Review presentation on L2 shows the vehicle is becoming safer, with the latest ratio updated to 1 in 81 LOV/C, from the previous 1 in 77. 

The SSP also earned praise at the preceding meeting with the Senate side of Hearing from both the politicians in attendance and Mr Norm Augustine himself – who spoke of his "astonishment" at the morale and professionalism of the program's workforce.

Such comments are a good reflection of the highly respected SSP team. However, the continued uncertainty surrounding the future of both the Shuttle Program and NASA itself is understandably starting to pay a toll, as the program is forced to press ahead of a cull of its workforce based on the current plan to end the program after STS-133.

This entry was posted in Space news. Bookmark the permalink. Edit
? Read these about Shuttle, US WASTES BILLIONS–PUTS SHUTTLE IN MUSEUMPEOPLE, WAKE UP, SAVE Shuttle, CAN'T leave in Museum ?


Sent from my iPad

X37C

And those in Congress specializing in space are well aware that, had getting independent access to ISS for our nation really been Job #1 for NASA's leadership, then the Administration would have approved Boeing's proposal for the X-37B follow-on, the 5 crew X-37C. We are talking about a dependable spacecraft that can sit in orbit for over a year and NASA said no to making it a crewed vehicle. Why?

http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2013/03/x-37b-expanded-capabilities-iss-missions/


Sent from my iPad

Monday, March 13, 2017

Trump advisers' space plan: To moon, Mars and beyond - POLITICO

http://www.politico.com/story/2017/02/donald-trump-space-war-234829


Sent from my iPad

Fwd: Major Legal Action



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: Bobby G Martin <bobbygmartin1938@gmail.com>
Date: March 13, 2017 at 8:03:37 AM CDT
To: Jerry Babbitt <medicinecreek73501@yahoo.com>
Subject: Fwd: Major Legal Action



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Jay Sekulow, ACLJ Chief Counsel" <jay.sekulow@email.aclj.org>
Date: March 13, 2017 at 7:05:43 AM CDT
To: <bobbygmartin1938@gmail.com>
Subject: Major Legal Action
Reply-To: "American Center for Law and Justice" <reply-fe9115757763027970-88_HTML-468316-6234688-2@email.aclj.org>

E-mail | American Center for Law and Justice
President Trump reissued his Executive order. Today we're in court . . .
ACLJ
 

Share    
f
  Share this on Facebook
 

Bobby,

President Trump reissued his Executive order. Today we're in court.

First, this new order is legally bulletproof. It implements many of our legal proposals aimed at withstanding judicial review.

But the ACLU and their leftist state allies have already begun filing new lawsuits. We're ready to defeat them and defend our national security.

Here's what the new order does: 1) Pauses entry of foreign nationals from 6 terrorist hotbeds; 2) Pauses the refugee program to keep America safe; and 3) Orders thorough vetting standards be put in place.

It is legal. It is constitutional. And it is the right thing to protect America from jihad.

The fact is 300 of the 1,000 ongoing terrorism investigations are of potential jihadist refugees.

Hawaii's lawsuit makes absurd allegations, and the ACLU calls protecting our national security "bogus."

We're fighting back. In just hours, we're filing a major legal brief in federal court to defend this Executive order and our national security. We can win, but we urgently need your Tax-Deductible support. Chip in $5 or more and have your gift DOUBLED through our Matching Challenge today.

Double Your Impact: $5 Becomes $10. $20 Becomes $40.

Jay Sekulow
ACLJ Chief Counsel


Contribute Now
Double Your Gift



Share    
f
  Share this on Facebook
 

To ensure that you continue to receive e-mails from the ACLJ,
please add jay.sekulow@email.aclj.org to your address book.

 
Connect to ACLJ on:
Facebook   Twitter   YouTube
Connect to Jay Sekulow on:
Facebook   Twitter   Periscope
The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law.
American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555.
As always, let us know of threats to freedom in your area by calling (757) 226-2489. And tune in to our daily radio program, "Jay Sekulow Live."
Do not send a response message to this e-mail for any reason. Legal requests will not be answered through jsekulow@aclj.org. Legal requests must be submitted at ACLJ.org.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE?
Make a secure online donation.
For other ways to support the ACLJ at no additional cost to you, go here.
Copyright © 2017, ACLJ | Privacy & Security Policy | Unsubscribe

To view the email as a web page click here.

Fwd: Aviation Week Article - a New Space Paradigm is BornExplore the Connected World



Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Info@Launchspace.com" <info@launchspace.com>
Date: March 13, 2017 at 8:04:10 AM CDT
To: Bobbygmartin1938@gmail.com
Subject: Aviation Week Article - a New Space Paradigm is BornExplore the Connected World
Reply-To: info@launchspace.com

         
Aviation Week Article - a New Space Paradigm Is Born
By Launchspace Staff Writers
Bethesda, MD - Last week's issue of Aviation Week and Space Technology included a story on how the space debris problem is being approached from two directions. There have been dozens of suggestions, ideas and proposals that call for the removal of large debris objects such as expired upper stages and satellites, appendages such as solar arrays and other large free-floating structures that once had a purpose. Most debris removal proponents feel that the debris threat is the possible collision between operational satellites and these debris items. However, most agree that the individual removal of large objects is extremely complex and expensive. But, the history of known collisions indicates that such events rarely happen. Most debris damage occurs when small debris pieces hit satellites. We do not know exactly how often this happens, although data has been gathered over the decades based on recovered satellites and a number focused experiments designed to measure the density of untrackable objects. These data indicate that it is the small and untracked items that cause the most damage.
As it turns out, it is the small, undetectable debris that has created the major threat to satellites in low-Earth orbits. In fact, there are two distinct types of threats to satellites and constellations. First, there is the direct collision possibility that can result in a process of satellite disintegration over a period of time. In addition, the small debris items are thought to be increasing in density to the point that it could clog low orbits, preventing any satellite from operating in the near-Earth zone of space. It appears that one day soon the small debris population will have to be reduced. However, this debris is too small to be individually removed. So, the other direction for debris cleanup is the wholesale collection of small objects.
No serious approach to wholesale collection has been suggested, until now. The implications are overwhelming. If wholesale collection is possible, this approach may also change the way we use space:
Positive environmental control of near-Earth space
Improved safety for satellites and constellations
Enabled space traffic management
National security enhancements
New commercial applications      
Thus, the underlying mission of debris cleanup may well change the paradigm for space usage. Launchspace Technologies Corporation is spearheading the wholesale collection technology for low-Earth orbits. Important findings will be exposed at the 33rd Space Symposium in early April. Stay tuned.

____________________________________________________________________________________________
Special Course offering Available at Your Site
Space Vehicle Mechanisms: Elements of Successful Design
DURATION: THREE DAYS
LOCATION: AT YOUR FACILITY
LAUNCHSPACE COURSE NO.: 1135
 
COURSE SUMMARY
This course explores the technologies required for the successful design of moving mechanical assemblies in the space environment and offers a detailed look at many of the key components common to most mechanisms, such as ball bearings, motors and feedback devices. With this background, the high-performance materials required for operation in space are reviewed, emphasizing compatibility with the space environment and offering some background in the metallurgy, chemistry, and fabrication of those materials. Examples of some of the many types of mechanism will be included for illustration. In addition, the mechanisms relationship and interface with other vehicle systems will be explored, as a mechanism usually becomes an important part of the vehicles structural, thermal, contamination, survivability, and pointing subsystems. The course includes design and analysis examples to demonstrate principles involved in understanding how mechanisms should work, and how design margins should be evaluated during the evolution of a program. Finally, some important underlying techniques, such as reliability analysis and digital simulation, are covered.
 
COURSE MATERIALS:
Include the handbook Space Vehicle Mechanisms: Elements of Successful Design, edited by P.L. Conley, plus notes and reference materials.
 
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This course is intended for mechanisms engineers who wish to expand their knowledge and for system engineers and program managers who need a working knowledge of mechanism design and application.
 
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Understanding a mechanism requires a working knowledge of dozens of specialties, such as motors, lubrication, structural metals, and feedback devices. You will acquire this knowledge and become conversant with the many components, materials, and technologies that go into a successful design. In addition, successful application of a mechanism requires a familiarity with the various vehicle subsystems of which a mechanism is often a crucial part, such as the pointing, contamination or structural system. The design and analysis of these subsystems, and their interfaces with the mechanism, are introduced.
 
COURSE OUTLINE:
1.  Introduction.  
Overview of how all types of mechanisms are used in spacecraft.


 

2.    Pointing Subsystems. 
Design and requirements considerations common to pointing systems. High and low precision consideration for bearings, motors and feedback devices.

3.    Motors. 
Stepper motors, DC brush and brushless motor characteristics and behavior. Different motors for suitability against various mechanism applications.

4.    Feedback Devices. 
Optical encoder, inductosyn, resolver and potentiometer characteristics and precision. Selection of feedback devices for suitability against various mechanism applications.

5.    Bearings and Gears. 
Fundamentals of high-precision ball bearings and proper lubrication techniques for long life. Overview of gears with a focus on harmonic drives.

6.    Lubrication Fundamentals.
Wet and Dry Lubricants. Fundamental behavior, performance and life characteristics of liquid and dry lubricants for space. Different lubrication choices for suitability against various mechanism applications.

7.    Release Systems and Deployment Systems.
Pyrotechnic and non-pyrotechnic release mechanisms operation and characteristics. Deployment system elements and basics.

8.    Rotating Signal and Power Transfer Systems. 
Slip ring characteristics, operation and behavior.

9.    Electrical Interfaces. 
Interfaces between mechanisms and the spacecraft to give the mechanism designer insight into the implications of important interfaces.

10.  Structural Dynamics. 
Spacecraft and general structural dynamics to give the mechanism designer insight into the structural aspect of mechanisms and into interfaces with larger spacecraft structure developments.

11.  Structural Metals. 
Common structural metals for mechanisms including stainless steel, titanium, beryllium and others. Characteristics of most interest for mechanisms.  Materials for springs and bearings.

12.  Composite Materials. 
Common composite materials for mechanisms and characteristics of interest.

13.  Reliability and Simulation Techniques. 
Mechanism simulation techniques and reliability assessment methods.

14.  Contamination. 
Contamination considerations between mechanism and satellite.

15.  Radiation and Survivability. 
Radiation environment and survivability implications for the mechanisms.

 
Instructor: Bill Purdy
Bill Purdy has 22 years of hands-on experience in the space engineering field with wide-ranging involvement in both spacecraft mechanisms and systems engineering disciplines. Mr. Purdy has been one of the leaders of the space mechanism industry's transition from explosive release mechanisms to non-explosive devices. His involvement in numerous space endeavors includes key roles on over 25 successfully flown spacecraft, work on over 30 flown mechanisms including gimbals, release mechanisms, deployables and many other types of mechanisms.  As an educator and space industry consultant to both government and industry, Mr. Purdy applies this broad experience to bring out a clear understanding of the space mechanisms, definition, resolution and integration of mechanism requirements and their relationship to the overall system program success.  Mr. Purdy was the Associate Editor of the industry-standard handbook Space Vehicle Mechanisms - Elements of Successful Design and the author of the chapter on non-explosive release mechanisms.   He has published seven Aerospace Mechanisms Symposia Papers and was the 1999 winner of the Herzl Award.  Mr. Purdy holds a BSME from the University of Maryland.
  info@launchspace.com 
(202) 258-6133
_____________________________________________________________________

Got One of These?
Launchspace Training personnel have been providing special short courses to the space community since 1970. Early in his career, Dr. Marshall H. Kaplan realized that space professionals had limited resources in advancing their own space-related knowledge base and on-the-job training options. Over the last few decades this company has created and delivered hundreds of focused courses to thousands of engineers, managers and support personnel in the space community. All training subject matter and supporting materials are designed to increase knowledge and improve productivity associated with space technologies, systems and operations. These topics are not offered in a university setting.
Over the past 20 years, Launchspace has been offering company-specific courses that are tailored to the requirements of any given company to train its own personnel. These courses are presented on-site by experts in the particular subject areas. Such offerings have proven to be very cost-effective and efficient. Every major space organization in North America and Europe has taken advantage of Launchspace's Training programs. This includes government agencies such as NASA, USAF and several other offices of the Department of Defense.
Course topics cover almost every aspect of space flight from launch vehicle technologies to orbital mechanics to spacecraft design. Our customized courses are offered at client locations in support of mission requirements and to expand the expertise of professional staff members. In addition, a few high-demand public classes are presented for open registration at selected conference locations. Contact us to discuss a customized training program for your professionals:
  info@launchspace.com 
(202) 258-6133
See our website for a partial listing of possible course offerings
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
  
LAUNCHSPACE is an educational and consulting organization dedicated to training and continuing education for space professionals and to supporting the space community.  
We offer the largest array of customized client-site courses to government agencies and industry, and a full spectrum of technical and management expertise in support of space programs. Click on www.Launchspace.com to sign up to receive our weekly articles of timely space events and advances. Also, see our extensive catalog of course offerings. Any of these can be customized for your needs, or we can create a new course for you.
Through our training programs we have helped thousands of engineers and managers become more productive in their careers. Our courses and programs are unique and tailored to our clients' needs. We focus on critical skills in all areas of spaceflight, spacecraft and launch systems.
Our consulting activities include technical innovation, problem solving, program management, proposal development, systems engineering and litigation expertise. We have been involved with many major space programs over the past 40 years. Our experts span the full spectrum of space challenge areas. We are available to address your needs now and in the future.
Please contact us for more information about our services at info@launchspace.com
or +1.202.258.6133.  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________





Launchspace Training   Phone: 202 258 6133 | Email: Info@launchspace.com
Copyright © 2014. All Rights Reserved.