NASA/TM-2002-212047, Johnston, A.S. and Ahmed, R. and Garrison, J.C. and Gaines, J.L. and Waggoner, J.D., X-38 Bolt Retractor Subsystem Separation Demonstration, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center , Marshall Space Flight Center, AL 35812, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC 20546-0001, September 2002, pp. 36, Format(s): PDF 43144k |
The Flight Robotics Laboratory (FRL) successfully demonstrated the X-38 bolt retractor subsystem (BRS). The BRS design was proven safe by testing in the Pyrotechnic Shock Facility (PSF) before being demonstrated in the FRL. This Technical Memorandum describes the BRS, FRL, PSF, and interface hardware. Bolt retraction time, spacecraft simulator acceleration, and a force analysis are also presented. The purpose of the demonstration was to show the FRL capability for spacecraft separation testing using pyro-technics. Although a formal test was not performed due to schedule and budget constraints, the data will show that the BRS is a successful design concept and the FRL is suitable for future separation tests.
| Keywords: | x-38, flight robotics laboratory, bolt retractor subsystem, deorbit propulsion stage, pyrotechnic, shock, spacecraft separation, large mobility base, acceleration |
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| Subjects: | Astronautics: Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance |
| ID Code: | 604 |
| Deposited On: | 12 January 2004 |