ALBERT

Description: The Jet Propulsion Laboratory Contamination Analysis Program (CAP) is a generalized transient executive analysis computer code which solves realistic mass transport problems in the free molecular flow environment. These transport problems involve mass flux from surface source emission and re-emission, venting, and engine emission. CAP solution capability allows for one-bounce mass reflections if required. CAP was developed to solve thin-film contamination problems in the free molecular flow environment, the intent being to provide a powerful analytic tool for evaluating spacecraft contamination problems. The solution procedure uses an enclosure method based on a lumped-parameter multinodal approach with mass exchange between nodes. Transient solutions are computed by the finite difference Euler method. First-order rate theory is used to represent surface emission and reemission (user care must be taken to insure the problem is appropriate for such behavior), and all surface emission and reflections are assumed diffuse. CAP does not include the effects of post-deposition chemistry or interaction with the ambient atmosphere. CAP reads in a model represented by a multiple-block data stream. CAP allows the user to edit the input data stream and stack sequential editing operations (or cases) in order to make complex changes in behavior (surface temperatures, engine start-up and shut-down, etc.) in a single run if desired. The eight data blocks which make up the input data stream consist of problem control parameters, nodal data (area, temperature, mass, etc.), engine or vent distribution factors (based upon plume definitions), geometric configuration factors (diffuse surface emission), surface capture coefficient tables, source emission rate constant tables, reemission rate constant tables, and partial node to body collapse capability (for deposition rates only). The user must generate this data stream, since neither the problem-specific geometric relationships, the constituents involved, nor plume distribution functions are a part of CAP. Instead, these are used to generate the data stream model CAP solves. Outputs vary from individual deposition rates of exchange, on an internodal basis and on a constituent basis as a function of time, to deposition on each surface on a constituent basis as a function of time. The type of outputs may be user-specified by control parameters. CAP allows the user to select output intervals within the solution interval and to generate restart nodal data blocks. CAP is composed of several FORTRAN subroutines which serve specific functions and can be easily edited. The code is relatively small (2152 statements), and contains comment statements for all operations. It is written in relatively generic FORTRAN to be adaptable to a variety of computers. CAP was implemented on a DEC VAX 11/780 computer, and is distributed on a 9-track DEC VAX BACKUP format magnetic tape. Virtual memory required is 4.6 MB, which corresponds to a 900 node model capacity. CAP was originally developed under contract for NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center in 1979 by JPL, and was subsequently modified as required for project support at JPL. CAP is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA.

Description: The Cassini spacecraft will fly by Saturn's largest moon, Titan, forty-five times during its science tour. Twenty-five of the flybys will have a relatively low closest approach target altitude in Titan's atmosphere and are of thermal concern. The Thermal Devices Team on the Cassini Project in Mission Operations at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has designed an operational thermal control strategy for these flybys. The challenge was to provide flyby operational thermal control that enabled science and remained within design limitations and Project constraints.

Description: This paper focuses on the technical thermal control evaluation and strategy, the systems-level approach taken, and lessons learned and recommendations in an operations environment.

Description: Mission planning documents were used to analyze the radiator design and thermal control surface requirements for both space station and 25-kW power module, to analyze the missions, and to determine the thermal control technology needed to satisfy both sets of requirements. Parameters such as thermal control coating degradation, vehicle attitude, self eclipsing, variation in solar constant, albedo, and Earth emission are considered. Four computer programs were developed which provide a preliminary design and evaluation tool for active radiator systems in LEO and GEO. Two programs were developed as general programs for space station analysis. Both types of programs find the radiator-flow solution and evaluate external heat loads in the same way. Fortran listings are included.

Description: The U.S. space program goals for long-duration manned missions place particular demands on thermal-control systems. The objective of this program is to develop plans which are based on the present thermal-control technology, and which will keep pace with the other space program elements. The program tasks are as follows: (1) requirements analysis, with the objectives to define the thermal-control-surface requirements for both space station and 25 kW power module, to analyze the missions, and to determine the thermal-control-surface technology needed to satisfy both sets of requirements; (2) technology assessment, with the objectives to perform a literature/industry survey on thermal-control surfaces, to compare current technology with the requirements developed in the first task, and to determine what technology advancements are required for both the space station and the 25 kW power module; and (3) program planning that defines new initiative and/or program augmentation for development and testing areas required to provide the proper environment control for the space station and the 25 kW power module.

Description: The mission goals, flight trajectory, and material durability requirements for the NASA Starprobe spacecraft are reviewed. The spacecraft will use a Jovian gravity assist to pass within four solar radii of the sun to study fields and particles near the sun, perform experiments dealing with relativity and gravity, and observe the structure of the solar atmosphere from the photosphere to the corona. Constraints on the system size and mass design are given, and the system is noted to be required to withstand 2500 K at perihelion, thermally insulate the instrument payload, have a tube for optical measurements, and provide protection from meteorite damage. A secondary shield is also required to dispense thermal radiation that passes the primary shield and could endanger the payload. Design options are discussed, along with temperature control requirements and a conical carbon-carbon primary shield with mass-loss rate characteristics sufficient to meet a 2.5 mg/sec criterion.

Description: Analytical tools together with a good data base are necessary to predict the transport of plume contaminants and their effects on spacecraft surfaces. The present paper describes an assessment of bipropellant thrusters, the production and transport of plume contaminants from these thrusters, and the use of the JPL contamination analysis program to assess the effects of plume contamination on the Galileo spacecraft. It is shown that, in the case of the Galileo mission, contamination from the liquid engines has been effectively reduced to nothing by the use of predictive tools. Plume shields together with precise scan platform stowage have been designed to protect the optical instruments.