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Materials Experiment Carrier - An approach to expanded space processing capabilityConceptual design studies and mission analyses within the NASA Materials Processing in Space (MPS) program of the Materials Experiment Carrier (MEC) approach to conducting near-term as well as future free-flying experiments in materials processing in space are discussed. The experimental background of the MPS program is reviewed, and it is pointed out that the use of the MEC coupled with the 25-kW power system can provide an order-of-magnitude cost savings over conventional Shuttle-based systems, as well as increased orbital stay time and microgravity stability. The determination of the physical and engineering requirements for future MEC scientific/commercial candidate payloads is then discussed, and two proposed candidates for the MEC configuration, which is intended to be a self-contained, general-purpose, versatile and reusable carrier, are illustrated. Possible MEC operations are considered, including mission profiles, deployment sequences, on-orbit payload/sample change-out, optimal power system utilization, the use of real-time, ground-based control and advanced automatic payload operation. Areas in which technology development could benefit the MEC project are also identified.
Document ID
19810049135
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Taylor, K. R.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, Ala., United States)
Meissinger, H. F.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Waltz, D. M.
(TRW Defense and Space Systems Group Redondo Beach, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1980
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AAS PAPER 80-249
Meeting Information
Meeting: Annual Meeting on Space Enhancing Technological Leadership
Location: Boston, MA
Country: US
Start Date: October 20, 1980
End Date: October 23, 1980
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Astronautical Society
Accession Number
81A33539
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-33688
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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