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Space Shuttle Main Engine radio frequency emissionsSeveral approaches to develop a diagnostics system for monitoring the operational health of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) are being evaluated. The ultimate goal is providing protection for the SSME as well as improving ground and flight test techniques. One scenario with some potential is measuring radio frequency (RF) emissions (if present) in the exhaust plume and correlating the data to engine health. An RF emissions detection system was therefore designed, the equipment leased, and the components integrated and checked out to conduct a quick-look investigation of RF emissions in the SSME exhaust plume. The system was installed on the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center, MS, and data were successfully acquired during SSME firings from May 3 to September 15, 1988. The experiments indicated that emitted radiation in the RF (20 to 470 MHz) spectrum definitely exists in the SSME exhaust plume, and is of such magnitude that it can be distinguished during the firing from background noise. Although additional efforts are necessary to assess the merit of this approach as a health monitoring technique, the potential is significant, and additional studies are recommended.
Document ID
19890017525
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Rester, A. W. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Bay Saint Louis, MS, United States)
Valenti, E. L. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Bay Saint Louis, MS, United States)
Smith, L. R. (Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Bay Saint Louis, MS, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
November 1, 1988
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:184707
NASA-CR-184707
Accession Number
89N26896
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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