A spacecraft may be unable to communicate critical data associated with a serious or catastrophic failure. A brief report proposes a system, somewhat like a commercial aircraft "black box," for retrieving these data. A microspacecraft attached to the prime spacecraft would continually store recent critical data from that spacecraft. If either spacecraft detected certain serious conditions of the prime spacecraft, the microspacecraft would separate from the prime spacecraft and independently transmit the stored data to Earth. Supplemental data, acquired from sensors onboard the microspacecraft, could be added to this transmission. For example, the orientation and angular rates of the prime spacecraft immediately before separation as well as pictures taken of the prime spacecraft after separation could be included. Functional enhancements over aircraft black boxes include the separation from the prime vehicle (which gains independence from the fate of that vehicle), wireless transmission of data (making physical black box recovery unnecessary), and the optional acquisition of supplemental sensor data.
This work was carried out by John Carraway and David Collins of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report "Spacecraft 'Black Box' Flight Recorder," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Computers/Electronics category. NPO-20842
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Survivable Failure Data Recorders for Spacecraft
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Overview
The document discusses innovative technologies developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) aimed at improving spacecraft safety and functionality. It highlights two key reports: one on a "Survivable Failure Data Recorder" and another on "Soft Landing of Spacecraft on Energy-Absorbing Self-Deployable Cushions."
The "Survivable Failure Data Recorder" proposes a system akin to a commercial aircraft's black box. This system involves a microspacecraft that is attached to a primary spacecraft. It continuously records critical data from the main spacecraft. In the event of a serious failure, the microspacecraft can detach and transmit the stored data back to Earth, ensuring that vital information is not lost. This system enhances safety by allowing for the independent transmission of data, including the spacecraft's orientation and angular rates before separation, as well as images taken post-separation. This capability provides a significant functional improvement over traditional black boxes, as it does not rely on physical recovery and can wirelessly transmit data.
The second report focuses on the use of cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) foam structures for cushioning the impacts of small exploratory spacecraft (weighing between 1 to 50 kg) during landings on remote planets. Traditional airbags, used for larger spacecraft, are deemed too complex and ineffective for smaller models. The CHEM foam pad is designed to expand upon heating during atmospheric entry, absorbing kinetic energy during impact through inelastic crushing. This innovative cushioning method not only protects the spacecraft's payload from damaging shocks but also provides a stable and thermally insulating platform for scientific observations after landing.
Both reports emphasize the importance of developing reliable technologies for future space missions, addressing challenges such as impact protection and data preservation during failures. The findings and proposals outlined in these reports are crucial for enhancing the safety and effectiveness of spacecraft operations in various environments.
For further details, copies of the reports can be accessed through the Technical Support Package (TSP) available online at NASA's website. The work was conducted by teams from Caltech and JPL, showcasing the collaborative efforts in advancing aerospace technology.
