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Thermal and Alignment Analysis of the Instrument-Level ATLAS Thermal Vacuum TestThis paper describes the thermal analysis and test design performed in preparation for the ATLAS thermal vacuum test. NASA's Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) will be flown as the sole instrument aboard the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2). It will be used to take measurements of topography and ice thickness for Arctic and Antarctic regions, providing crucial data used to predict future changes in worldwide sea levels. Due to the precise measurements ATLAS is taking, the laser altimeter has very tight pointing requirements. Therefore, the instrument is very sensitive to temperature-induced thermal distortions. For this reason, it is necessary to perform a Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance (STOP) analysis not only for flight, but also to ensure performance requirements can be operationally met during instrument-level thermal vacuum testing. This paper describes the thermal model created for the chamber setup, which was used to generate inputs for the environmental STOP analysis. This paper also presents the results of the STOP analysis, which indicate that the test predictions adequately replicate the thermal distortions predicted for flight. This is a new application of an existing process, as STOP analyses are generally performed to predict flight behavior only. Another novel aspect of this test is that it presents the opportunity to verify pointing results of a STOP model, which is not generally done. It is possible in this case, however, because the actual pointing will be measured using flight hardware during thermal vacuum testing and can be compared to STOP predictions.
Document ID
20120013639
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Presentation
Authors
Bradshaw, Heather (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 26, 2013
Publication Date
August 13, 2012
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
GSFC.ABS.6855.2012
Meeting Information
Meeting: Thermal Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS)
Location: Pasadena, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: August 13, 2012
End Date: August 17, 2012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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