Planetary Base Inflatable Form Construction
The use of the inflatable form (IF) structure has been practiced in the concrete industry for more than a decade. This article proposes the use of a double-walled IF for the Phase I construction...
Progressive Impact Damage Assessment in Composite Pressure Vessels
At the present time, advanced composites have been widely accepted as engineering materials. Analysis techniques for the response of composite materials and structures to static loads...
Inflatable Form Construction in Space
In 1973, NASA launched Skylab 1 using a modified third stage of a Saturn V Rocket. This orbital workshop proved to be a success even though problems occurred. This article discusses the...
Spacecraft Environments: Design Considerations
Design, launch, assembly in orbit, and operation of large space-based systems involve much detailed analysis to ensure mission success. The area of contamination control and environmental...
Containerless Coating Processes for Large Space Structures
Large space structures (LSS) in low earth orbit (LEO) must be able to withstand the deleterious effects of in situ ultraviolet radiation, atomic oxygen, and thermal-cycling-induced microcracking....
Differential Gravitional Forces on Large Space Structures
Effects of the differential gravitational forces have been investigated simultaneously on the orbital motion, attitude motion, and axial deformation of a very large axially flexible space...
Thermal Effects on Large Space Structures with Fixed Attitude
Radiation thermal effects are studied simultaneously on the orbital motion and axial deformation of a very large axially flexible space structure executing planar pitch motion around the...
Robotic Space Construction
This paper touches briefly on some of the highlights of Langley's work in automated space construction. It shows that space trusses similar to those likely to be used on the...
Robotic Influence in the Conceptual Design of Mechanical Systems in Space and Vice Versa: A Survey
A survey is presented of the methods of constructing structural elements in space by the application of robotic devices. Two fundamentally different approaches to the solution of robotic...
Simulator for Telerobotic Assembly, Maintenance and Repair of Large Space Structures
A first approximation level computer simulator for telerobotic assembly of large space structures is described. Approach, methodology and initial results are presented. An example based...
An Overview of the Ease/Access Space Construction Demonstration
With the successful completion of the EASE/ACCESS demonstration, NASA took a significant step toward understanding construction in space. These experiments were performed on November 29...
Space Truss Construction Studies
The ACCESS Shuttle Flight Experiment, designed to evaluate EVA for on-orbit assembly of erectable truss structure, is reviewed and principal results are summarized. In addition, two on-going...
Space Artificial Gravity Facilities: An Approach to Their Construction
In the course of adaptation to a space microgravity environment, humans experience cardiovascular deconditioning, loss of muscle mass, and loss of bone minerals. One possible solution...
Adaptable Crew Facilities for Future Space Modules
This paper discusses life-size studies recently carried out on advanced crew accommodation features for future space module utilization. The studies are based on exploratory designs for...
Planar Space Structures
This paper describes a construction system which has a number of practical advantages for the development of space structures. It uses relatively thin materials folded into interpenetrated...
The Planar Truss - An Active Control Test Bed
The authors have developed a laboratory planar truss and structural dynamic models which correlate well. The inherent fraction critical damping (? = .004 for the first mode) is very low...
The Role of a Mobile Transporter in Large Space Structures Assembly and Maintenance
Large space structures require a vehicle to support assembly, operations, and maintenance. These vehicles may be designed for specific tasks or for general use throughout the life of the...
Logistics Support of Space Facilities
The logistic support of space facilities is described, with especial attention given to the problem of sizing the inventory of ready spares kept at the space facility. Where possible,...
Preliminary Analysis of Fire Suppression Methods for the Space Station
The choice of a fire suppression system for the space station remains open. Several alternatives have been suggested, each with particular advantages and disadvantages. The problem is...
Survey of Soviet Space Welding Technology Development
Soviet engineers clearly recognize the potential value of welding for maintenance, repair, and fabrication of structures in space. The development of this technology has followed a steady...
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