For Release: August 30, 1995
Catherine E. Watson
(757) 864-6122
Release No. 95-87
NOTE TO EDITORS/NEWS DIRECTORS
Space Structure Vibration Experiment to Fly Aboard Space
Shuttle
The Joint Dynamics Experiment (JDX) is scheduled to be launched
aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-69) August 31. JDX will
provide information on how one type of joint used in space
structures, a pin-joint, is able to dampen (dissipate) vibrations
while in space. Understanding how the absence of gravity changes
the way components of a structure respond to vibrations is
essential to the design of control systems that will actively
control undesirable motions in future space structures, such as the
International Space Station.
The JDX test structure will be carried in the payload bay of the
Space Shuttle. The test structure has sensors that will measure the
magnitude and frequency of any movements. A unique arrangement of
mechanical levers and electro-magnetic latches apply bending and
twisting forces to the test structure. These movements are
controlled by a battery powered system that automatically conducts
the tests and stores the test data for post-mission analysis.
Though JDX is managed by NASA Langley, it is primarily a
student-developed and executed space flight experiment at Utah
State University in Ogden, Utah. Seven undergraduates and seven
graduate engineering students have been directly involved in all
aspects of the project since it was selected by NASA in 1991. Four
of those students have already received their master's degrees for
their analysis of the JDX ground- and aircraft-based test data.
Three other graduate students will receive master's degrees based
on their analysis of the JDX/STS-69 flight data.
For more information on the JDX project, please contact the NASA
Langley Office of Public Affairs at (757) 864-6123. A JDX fact sheet, and photos of
the JDX test structure and an example of an erectable space
structure built during a previous Space Shuttle mission are
available. Interviews with the JDX project manager are also
available.
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