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Heuristic Modeling for TRMM Lifetime PredictionsAnalysis time for computing the expected mission lifetimes of proposed frequently maneuvering, tightly altitude constrained, Earth orbiting spacecraft have been significantly reduced by means of a heuristic modeling method implemented in a commercial-off-the-shelf spreadsheet product (QuattroPro) running on a personal computer (PC). The method uses a look-up table to estimate the maneuver frequency per month as a function of the spacecraft ballistic coefficient and the solar flux index, then computes the associated fuel use by a simple engine model. Maneuver frequency data points are produced by means of a single 1-month run of traditional mission analysis software for each of the 12 to 25 data points required for the table. As the data point computations are required only a mission design start-up and on the occasion of significant mission redesigns, the dependence on time consuming traditional modeling methods is dramatically reduced. Results to date have agreed with traditional methods to within 1 to 1.5 percent. The spreadsheet approach is applicable to a wide variety of Earth orbiting spacecraft with tight altitude constraints. It will be particularly useful to such missions as the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission scheduled for launch in 1997, whose mission lifetime calculations are heavily dependent on frequently revised solar flux predictions.
Document ID
19960035777
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jordan, P. S.
(Computer Sciences Corp. Lanham, MD United States)
Sharer, P. J.
(Computer Sciences Corp. Lanham, MD United States)
DeFazio, R. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1996
Publication Information
Publication: Flight Mechanics/Estimation Theory Symposium 1996
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
96N30516
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-31500
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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