Ground Simulation Experiments Research Articles

Radiation effects in materials

In contrast to electronic components, materials are, in general, quite resistant to the conditions encountered in space from the point of view of radiation effects. There exist however some groups of materials which can cause concern, particularly when they are used on the outside of spacecraft. These include fluorinated polymers, oxide glasses and paints. Normally only very sensitive properties like the thermo-optical ones may be significantly degraded in near earth space. The extremely used geostationary orbit is the most dangerous in this respect. Another characteristic of materials is that degration is a complex phenomenon, of which particulate radiation is not the only cause. Synergistic effects are the rule and the influence of the complete space environment including temperature, UV radiation, particles, contamination, etc. must be assessed. This strongly complicates the ground simulation experiments.

Microorganisms in the Space Environment

Preliminary results of the Spacelab 1 experiment on the response of Bacillus subtilis spores to conditions of free space are presented. Exposure to the vacuum of space on the Spacelab pallet reduced viability counts about 50 percent and increased mutation frequencies by a factor of about 10. Interpretation of apparent differences in the photobiological and photochemical data between flight and ground simulation experiments will require more statistical analyses and data from actual fluence measurements.

A Summary of NASA/FAA Experiments Concerning Helicopter IFR Airworthiness Criteria

A sequence of ground and flight simulation experiments was conducted to investigate helicopter instrument-flight-rules airworthiness criteria. The first six of these experiments and major results are summarized. Five of the experiments were conducted on large-amplitude motion base simulators. The NASA-Army V/STOLAND UH-1H variable-stability helicopter was used in the flight experiment. Artificial stability and control augmentation, longitudinal and lateral control, and in pitch and roll attitude augmentation were investigated. Previously announced in STAR as N82-23219