Mixed-Use Business Park Developments in Space: A Real-Estate Paradigm
Standard terrestrial business-park development practice is proffered as a realistic organizational model for expanding human activity in Earth orbit. The histories, methods and biases...
Dynamic Optimization by Small Variation of the System Layout
Dynamic problems have been usually considered in the speed for frequency domain. However, most machines, structures or mechanisms are usually interconnected subsystems, overconstrained...
Strategic Ship Routing Impacts of Temporal Coverage with Real-time Satellite Altimeter-Based Current Information
We investigate strategic ship routing impacts of temporal coverage with real-time satellite altimeter-based current information. We sample underlying daily `true' current patterns along...
Evaluating Lunar Base Conceptual Designs
A large number of competing lunar base conceptual designs have been proposed in recent years. The range of assumptions and technologies used in these designs makes comparison difficult....
Directions for Lunar Construction: A Derivation of Requirements from a Construction Scenario Analysis
This paper provides an initial trade-off study among several lunar construction options available to the Space Exploration Initiative. The relative time effectiveness of Extra-Vehicular...
On-Orbit Chipless Cutting and Tube Welding in Space Station Freedom
Micro-gravity and strict environmental constraints of the laboratory, Habitation and other manned structures which comprise Space Station Freedom demand investigation into innovative processes...
The Affordable Space Platform: The STS External Tank
Future development of space requires establishing affordable work platforms in orbit. This paper surveys possible uses of the Space Transportation System's External Tank (ET) to provide...
Back to the Future: A Saturn V-Based Low Earth Orbital Transportation Node
The Space Exploration Initiative requires a heavy-lift launch vehicle to succeed. Reviving the Saturn V represents the best option for regaining heavy-lift. Utilizing the Saturn V's two-stage-to-orbit...
Orbital Construction of a NTR Mars Transfer Vehicle
This paper examines a reference Nuclear Thermal Mars Transfer Vehicle (NTMTV) in terms of on-orbit construction. The identification of subassemblies, payload manifesting, on-orbit connections,...
Structural Design Methodology of Large Space Structures
This paper discusses considerations and outlines a methodology for structural design of large space structures (LSS) deployed in low earth orbit. It includes definition of mission requirements,...
On-Orbit Robotics Assembly and Operations of a Nuclear Mars Transfer System
This paper presents an operations concept and associated scenarios for assembly in Earth orbit of a manned Mars vehicle. The assembly of a Rockwell-Spar reference spacecraft configuration...
Robotic On-Orbit Fueling of SEI Vehicles
Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) missions may involve the assembly and then fueling of vehicles in locations other than on the surface of the Earth. For example, fueling of the Mars...
Space-Based Assembly Sequence Formulation for Evaluation of Large Orbital Assemblies
The challenges associated with constructing interplanetary spacecraft and space platforms in low earth orbit are such that it is imperative that comprehensive, preliminary process planning...
Advances in Ground Operations for the Next Generation Space Launch Vehicle Programs
For over thirty years, large launch vehicles such as Saturn, Delta, Atlas, and Titan have successfully provided the world with access to space. The emphasis of each of those programs was...
EVA Operational Guidelines and Considerations for Use During the Space Station Freedom Design Review Process
The Space Station Freedom Program (SSFP) has started to conduct many design reviews (DR's) of its elements, systems, and subsystems. These varied systems cross work packages (WP's), international...
LIAC: A Closed Ecosystem Research Facility
A preliminary design for a closed research facility capable of supporting multispecies and ecosystem level experiments is presented. This project will support NASA's Controlled Ecological...
Developing Technologies for Lunar-Based Astronomy
The Moon is probably the best place in the inner solar system to locate a new generation of astronomical observatories. The thrust of space program planning is toward a return to the Moon...
Lunar Transit Telescope Lander Design
The lunar surface offers a unique platform for telescopes to observe distant planets. The absence of significant atmosphere provides clarity that is of orders of magnitude better when...
Low Frequency Astronomy from Lunar Orbit
The Radio Astronomy Explorer satellite verified that the far-side of the Moon is well shielded from manmade and natural Earth-based interference at frequencies below 30 MHz. Above a few...
Reappraising the Space Shuttle Program
This paper argues that the experience of the Space Shuttle program has been misinterpreted. Conventional wisdom holds that the shuttle is an example of a weak national commitment. This...
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