Case Studies

Client Use Cases of ATA Engineering Services

ATA has a number of case studies detailing the successful engineering projects on which we've collaborated with clients. Browse the case studies below for examples of our breadth of skills and knowledge.

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Simulating Mars Rover Touchdown Dynamics

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) was launched by NASA in 2011 with the unique directive of investigating whether ancient conditions on Mars could have supported the existence of microbial life. This rover represents the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s largest and most advanced rover, requiring an all-new landing maneuver.


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Stowing and Random Analysis of a Deployable Antenna

CTD asked ATA to provide analysis support to simulate the stowing process to represent the preloaded stress state and perform a random vibration analysis to examine the stress due to the dynamic launch environment.


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Structural Analysis and Test of the Messenger Spacecraft

Launched in August of 2004, Messenger is the MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging mission designed to investigate six key scientific questions about Mercury’s characteristics and environment. The Messenger mission orbited Mercury after making two flybys of the planet, using data collected during the flybys as an initial guide to perform a more focused […]


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Structural Analysis of Electronics Racks

The Cooperative OUTBOARD Logistics Update (COBLU) system is an upgrade of the countermeasures detection and analysis system deployed on U.S. and British Royal Navy ships, which provides early warning and targeting of surface ships.


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Structural Analysis of MSL ChemCam Body Unit

As part of NASA’s unmanned planetary exploration program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory built a next-generation rover, called the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL). The largest Mars rover yet, MSL was sent to one of the most intriguing sites there to investigate whether ancient conditions would have favored the existence of microbial life.


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Structural Design, Analysis, and Test for the X-38

ATA supported Orbital ATK throughout the detailed design analysis of the X-38 DPS Forward Structural Adapter structure and provided engineering support for the static load test.


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Structural Dynamic Analysis of the COBRA Engine

Aerojet Rocketdyne (formerly Aerojet) was contracted to design and test a new booster for NASA’s Space Launch Initiative. One engine design was the Co-Optimized Booster for Reusable Applications (COBRA), a liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine designed to fire with 600,000 pounds of thrust.


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Test & Analysis of the Acoustic Performance & Dynamic Response of a Commercial Speaker

Sonos approached ATA to evaluate different materials for use in a new speaker system and to assess the acoustic characteristics. ATA performed an integrated test/analysis project to predict the dynamic response of the speaker system.


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Testing and Analysis of the X-34 System

OATK (formerly Orbital Sciences Corporation) develops a variety of advanced launch vehicles and satellites. ATA has supported OATK by developing structural-dynamic models and performing modal testing and analysis of most of their launch vehicles, including the Transfer Orbit Stage, Pegasus, and Taurus.


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Thermal Analysis of Solar Array Panels with Temperature-Varying Absorptivity

ATA was tasked with providing thermal analysis on SolAero Technologies Corp.’s (SolAero) solar array panel design that had temperature-dependent absorptivities. ATA supported SolAero by developing a necessary subroutine in Thermal Desktop® and performing the thermal analyses.


AWARD

George M. Low Award Recipient

ATA is a proud recipient of the prestigious George M. Low award, NASA’s premier quality
and performance award recognizing contractors for technical and business excellence.

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