Poole, H. E. | Search NASA

NASA NTRS1986

A lidar technology experiment from Space Shuttle - Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE)

Plans to conduct a technology experiment with a Shuttle-based lidar instrument are described. The design of the Lidar In-Space Technology Experiment (LITE) is presented, including performance goals for the laser transmitter, telescope, optical receiver, and associated electronics. Experimental results from space flight of the LITE instrument are used to define performance criteria and designs for future atmospheric sounding experiments planned for the Space Station, Earth Observing System platform, and for more complex scientific lidar experiments.

Poole, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Development and flight tests of a gyro-less wing leveler and directional autopilot

A gyro-less wing leveler and directional autopilot were developed and flight tested in a single-engine light airplane. The primary purpose of the project was to develop a simple, reliable, low-cost stability augmentation and autopilot system for light aircraft. The wing leveler used a fluidic inertial rate sensor, electronic signal processing circuitry, and vacuum operated servos. A strap-down magnetic heading reference of simple design provided the wing leveler with directional autopilot capability. Flight tests indicated that the performance of the gyro-less wing leveler was equal to that of a commercial wing leveler using a gyroscopic rate sensor. Drift-free, long-term, heading-hold capability of the magnetic heading reference was demonstrated.

Garner, H. D.↗