Aeronautics and astronautics – Spacecraft – Spacecraft formation – orbit – or interplanetary path
Patent
1986-09-26
1988-02-09
Barefoot, Galen
Aeronautics and astronautics
Spacecraft
Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path
134 2, 4272481, 156610, 118715, B64G 166
Patent
active
047237341
ABSTRACT:
A wake shield space processing facility (10) for maintaining ultra-high levels of vacuum is described. The wake shield (12) is a truncated hemispherical section having a convex side (14) and a concave side (24). Material samples (68) to be processed are located on the convex side of the shield, which faces in the wake direction in operation in orbit. Necessary processing fixtures (20) and (22) are also located on the convex side. Support equipment including power supplies (40, 42), CMG package (46) and electronic control package (44) are located on the convex side (24) of the shield facing the ram direction. Prior to operation in orbit the wake shield is oriented in reverse with the convex side facing the ram direction to provide cleaning by exposure to ambient atomic oxygen. The shield is then baked-out by being pointed directed at the sun to obtain heating for a suitable period.
REFERENCES:
Predmore et al., "Exospheric Cleaning of the Earth Radiation Budget Solar Radiometer during Solar Max.", SPIE, vol. 338, pp. 104, 110-112.
Oran et al., NASA Conference Publication, NASA-CP-2091, Jun. 1979, pp. I-1.fwdarw.I-2, II-1.fwdarw.II-56.
Barefoot Galen
Manning John R.
Sheehan William J.
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator
Wofford, Jr. Leon D.
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