UPDATED OCTOBER 2011

Pagnotta Engineering Supports Lockheed Martin to Develop New Deep Space Mission Power Source

Pagnotta Engineering is supporting the development of the next generation electrical power source for interplanetary spacecraft. We recently completed final design review in August 2011 for the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for Lockheed Martin Valley Forge, NASA Glenn, and the Department of Energy. Pagnotta Engineering completed all the dynamic analyses (random vibration, sine transient pulse vibration, modal transient disturbance, and shock) as well as quasi-static stress and fracture analyses. The end product will provide power for all instrumentation and communication equipment on interplanetary spacecraft and rovers where solar power is not a viable option. The advantage of the ASRG over previous RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators) is the system's higher conversion efficiency and improved power to weight ratio. Both ASRG and RTG's are powered using Plutonium-238 as the heat source, a radioactive isotope that the U.S. currently has no production capacity. Since the ARG would require a reduced quantity of fuel for the same power output as an RTG, this technology is a prime candidate to supplement and potentially replace the older RTG.

ASRG is currently a candidate power source under investigation by the NASA Discovery Program.
Three potential missions include:
• Comet Hopper (CHopper)
• Venus Balloon
• Titan Mare Explorer (TiME)

Pagnotta Engineering Supports Next Generation of Spacecraft and Aircraft Simulators

Simulating high acceleration through space isn't an easy job, but someone has to do it. Pagnotta Engineering is supporting Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC) in the development of the ATFS-400 flight simulator by performing structural analysis of major components and designing the arm, hub, and payload interface. This next generation centrifuge-based simulator will aid in research and assist in pilot training for both spacecraft and high performance aircraft. The main difference between the ATFS-400 and previous generation centrifuge trainers is that the ATFS-400 has a longer arm. This change allows pilots to feel a more realistic motion by generating variable G onset/offset rates and G forces of an actual spacecraft or fighter jet. Pagnotta Engineering has been working on this project for the past year. With the design phase complete, our engineers are now working on a complex static load test fixture and mechanism. Upon completion, the simulator will be used to train both military jet and spacecraft pilots, providing invaluable experience in preparation for the real thing, when the stakes are much higher.

Pagnotta Engineering Ensures Safe Flight Simulator

When Opinicus needed a team of engineers to check its design of an Airbus A300 flight simulator, it chose Pagnotta Engineering, Inc. Our company has a unique experience base in this type of work, having performed stress analysis on dozens of motion based flight simulation systems. The project required three engineers and three months to complete. We analyzed the commercial-pilot simulator to ensure the structure could withstand the stress of motion-based operation. To accomplish this, our team constructed a detailed finite element model of the system using FEMAP and performed the structural analysis using NX/NASTRAN. The calculations showed minimal redesign was necessary to ensure safe simulator operation. We recommended reinforcement in some places, and saved weight in others. In the end, we eliminated all potential deficiencies in the structure. (In addition, Pagnotta engineers analyzed the cosmetic panels attached to the aft portion of the structure for JRL Ventures.) Pagnotta Engineering takes time to explain each necessary design change so our customers understand the science behind it. After all, flight simulation is one of our specialties.

Pagnotta Engineering: ICE Sat Component Structural Analysis

Critical components for NASA's ICESat-2 Satellite are housed in several structural chassis that contain sensitive data-collecting equipment. It is Pagnotta Engineering's job to make sure the equipment can withstand the satellite's launch loads and extreme temperatures. More specifically, the company that designed the equipment, Fibertek, asked our engineers to analyze the Start Pulse Detector (SPD), the Detector Electronics Module (DEM), and the Detector Optics Module (DOM). Eventually the satellite will monitor environmental changes such as sea-ice thickness. But for now, Pagnotta Engineering is completing the complex calculations that will ensure the satellite can perform its intended functions. ICESat-2 is scheduled to launch in 2016.

Pagnotta Engineering Helps Lockheed Martin with Latest GPS Satellite System Ground Support Equipment

GPS is nothing new. But Pagnotta Engineering's work with Lockheed Martin is ushering in the latest generation of Global Positioning Satellites, also known as GPS-3. Our engineers are completing thermal, acoustic, and transportation analyses of GPS-3 Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE). In addition, when the satellite L-Fixture lift beam cables interfered with a large satellite antenna, Pagnotta Engineering re-designed and analyzed the L-Fixture lift beams to accommodate larger structures. Assisting companies with mechanical ground support equipment accounts for a significant percentage of our work.