Search Add a publication

ID No : 773   Edit
Title: A Modular, Reusable Latch and Decking System for Securing Payloads During Launch and Planetary Surface Transport
Summary / Review : "Efficient handling of payloads destined for a planetary surface, such as the moon or Mars, requires robust systems to secure the payloads during transport on the ground, in-space and on the planetary surface. In addition, mechanisms to release the payloads need to be reliable to ensure successful transfer from one vehicle to another. An efficient payload handling strategy must also consider the devices available to support payload handling. Cranes used for overhead lifting are common to all phases of payload handling on Earth. Similarly, both recent and past studies have demonstrated that devices with comparable functionality will be needed to support lunar outpost operations. A first generation test-bed of a new high performance device that provides the capabilities of both a crane and a robotic manipulator, the Lunar Surface Manipulation System (LSMS), has been designed, built and field tested and is available for use in evaluating a system to secure payloads to transportation vehicles. National Institute of Aerospace, Hampton Va 23662 A payload handling approach must address all phases of payload management including: ground transportation, launch, planetary transfer and installation in the final system. In addition, storage may be required during any phase of operations. Each of these phases requires the payload to be lifted and secured to a vehicle, transported, released and lifted in preparation for the next transportation or storage phase. A critical component of a successful payload handling approach is a latch and associated carrier system. The latch and carrier system should minimize requirements on the: payload, carrier support structure and payload handling devices as well as be able to accommodate a wide range of payload sizes. In addition, the latch should; be small and lightweight, support a method to apply preload, be reusable, integrate into a minimal set of hard-points and have manual interfaces to actuate the latch should a problem occur. A latching system which meets these requirements has been designed and fabricated and will be described in detail. This latching system works in conjunction with a payload handling device such as the LSMS, and the LSMS has been used to test first generation latch and carrier hardware. All tests have been successful during the first phase of operational evaluations. Plans for future tests of first generation latch and carrier hardware with the LSMS are also described." (Author's abstract)
Author(s) : Doggett, William R.; Dorsey, John T.; Jones, Thomas C.; King, Bruce D.; Mikulas, Martin M., [Langley Research Center]
Publication Date: 2010
Category(s) : Transportation / Lunar launch and landers
Transportation / Lunar surface
Web URL : http://hdl.handle.net/2060/20100033218
If this link is broken, please Add Comment below.
We try to keep author contact details, and a backup copy in our offline library.
PERMANENT code(s) : L,U
(Explanation of the
last 3 rows above)
In the row above, there are up to 4 possibilities:
U = URL you can click on to get a copy instantly from another source on the internet, or request it from that source
D = Downloadable from PERMANENT (such as because no other URL known...)
L = LAN copy, PERMANENT has a digital copy but not downloadable from our website
P = Paper copy in the PERMANENT office
Typically, only 0 to 3 methods are available.
NTRS : 20100033218
Other Ref # : NF1676L-10205
Submitted by : MEP
Comments: Please add your thoughtful Comments to this paper after reading it.
All comments are reviewed and approved before being posted publicly below.
If you wish to submit a private comment to the curator, instead of a public comment, just write "Private" at the start of your comment.
Corrections and suggested additions to our records are appreciated.
  Add Comment 
Add Comment     Green is public,     Pink is private.
Screen Name: Either real name or anonymous alias are OK.
Real Name and
optional info:

Please provide at least your real name, and optionally additional information.
Email Address: We keep your email address private.
Date - Time Sorry, just click on the field, then on the popup calendar click "Now" then "Done".
Your Comment: (if private to curator, then just start with "Private:" or something like that.)