Abstract: A radiation-hardened cable which has a central conductor and a first trap-electron reducer surrounding the central conductor. The first trapped electron reducer is an aluminum layer on a dielectric film whereby the aluminum layer is in electrical contact with the central conductor. A dielectric insulator surrounds the first trapped-electron reducer and a second trapped-electron reducer surrounds the dielectric insulator. The second trapped-electron reducer is an aluminum layer on a dielectric film which is in electrical contact with the dielectric insulator. A metal shield surrounds the second trapped-electron reducer and is in electrical contact with the aluminum layer of the second trapped-electron reducer.

Abstract: A variable vectored architecture digital computer provides real-time cont computations for a rocket control system by executing efficient variable-length instructions optimized for such an application by means of a microprogrammed processor and variable length fields within each instruction concept. A parallel architecture with two streams of commands is used with a new command structure. A new, more powerful instruction set was implemented to increase the throughput. Included in these new instructions are a series of block type moves which allow large amounts of data to be moved by loops within the microprogram instead of loops of firmware instructions which are fetched over and over again for each memory address. The new mechanization allows the firmware instruction fields to vary in length from 1 to 16 bits instead of the fixed 4 bit or 12 bit bytes found in the prior art.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a space vehicle at a constant temperature including llular sandwich on the outer surface of the space vehicle, the cellular sandwich having two outer layers and translucent cells between the two outer layers, the translucent cells containing phase change material, the outer layer that is more distant from the space vehicle able to transmit sunlight to the translucent cells and able to transmit radiation away from the translucent cells, the phase change material absorbing sunlight and radiating energy to maintain the space vehicle at a constant temperature in sunlight and darkness.

Abstract: Apparatus that controls its cable on its cable take-up drum, the apparatus ncluding pressure rollers supported by flexible spring steel members, a flexible spring steel member around each end of the cable take-up drum, two ends of each flexible member being pulled together by a pair of adjustable links, the pressure rollers applying pressure on the cable as the cable is being wound on to or off of the cable take-up drum.

Abstract: A maneuver for minimizing perturbations on a released re-entry body due to ases exhausted from the nozzles of the post-boost control system in which after release of the re-entry body from a position compatible accomplishing with the maneuver, a flip turn is initiated in a near-nozzle-off configuration. The turn is preferably executed in a direction to the side of the direction of the velocity gain required for the platform to reach the next release location. The flip turn is stopped at a lateral escape angle, preferably after turning through an angle of 90 degrees or greater, by initiating an oppositely directed body-axis turn. After being accelerated for a lateral escape time, the platform is oriented in the direction of the required gain in velocity to reach the next release location and coarse thrust is activated. Prior to arrival at the release location, a body-axis turn is accomplished to orient the platform in the proper position for the next release event.

Abstract: A grid system for stabilizing an underlayer and providing a support surface ncludes 60 longitudinally extending polyethylene strips which are bonded one to another in an offset manner and are adapted for providing a grid. The grid has a first collapsed orientation wherein the strips are generally linearly aligned and substantially contiguous and a second expanded orientation wherein the strips are generally longitudinally sinusoidal for providing a plurality of cells. The cells are filled with compacted naturally occurring beach sand. An asphalt layer is applied to the upper surface of the grid and penetrates the cells to a predetermined depth for thereby providing a roadway surface adapted for vehicler traffic.