Dynamic Influence of Flexible Payloads on Space Shuttle RMS

Abstract

As NASA progresses toward the construction and assembly of the international space station, the dynamic influence of massive, highly flexible payloads becomes more and more of an important consideration. In particular, attention must be focused on the robotic manipulation of these payloads and their effect on the space shuttle's remote manipulator system, which will place and assemble them in orbit. While the payloads of the past were considered as rigid for analysis purposes, the dynamic influence of a new generation of payloads will begin to play a more important role in predicting the overall system's dynamic response. This paper presents the results of a study performed to show the effects of these new payloads on the shuttle's remote manipulator system. The supporting data is presented along with recommendations as to the dynamic influence they can have on response predictions.