The Crew and Equipment Translation Aid (CETA) Space Shuttle flight experiment hardware is designed to demonstrate techniques and equipment for propelling and restraining crew during Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA). The CETA transportation system will carry an astronaut from one end of the Shuttle payload bay to the other. The CETA experiment consists of a track mounted in the Shuttle payload bay, a truck which rolls along the track, and handrails running parallel and adjacent to the track. The CETA experiment is currently manifested for an April, 1991 launch on the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Detailed TRASYS and SINDA thermal math models of the CETA experiment have been developed and results obtained for a wide range of mission scenarios. Typical track and truck temperatures for the nominal tail-to-earth gravity gradient attitude are presented. Results from the integrated thermal analysis indicate that the CETA hardware temperatures can be controlled using passive thermal control paints and coatings. Cryo-cycling tests have been performed on the CETA subsystems to ensure adequate operation at flight temperatures. A manned thermal vacuum test was performed to gain flight acceptance of the hardware. This paper discusses the design and operation of the CETA assembly and focuses on the thermal analysis of the CETA hardware, including thermal design trade-offs, modelling assumptions, temperature predictions, and testing activities.
Thermal design, Analysis, and Testing of the CETA Space Shuttle Flight Experiment
Sae Technical Papers
Aerospace Technology Conference and Exposition ; 1990
01.09.1990
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch