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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Airborne imaging spectrometer - A new tool for remote sensing

The first of a new class of remote sensing instruments is described. The Airborne Imaging Spectrometer represents the first use of two-dimensional area arrays in a scientific application. The instrument images 32 cross-track pixels simultaneously, each in 128 spectral bands in the 1.2 to 2.4 micro region. The IFOV of the instrument is 1.9 mrad and the spectral sampling interval is 9.6 nanometers. Plans include upgrading the detector from the current 32 x 32 element HgCdTe CCD array to a 64 x 64 element array in 1984. Science and engineering data are currently being actively gathered with the instrument.

Vane, G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Midinfrared spectral investigations of carbonates: Analysis of remotely sensed data

Recent airborne thermal infrared observations of Mars from the Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) have provided evidence for the presence of carbonates, sulfates, and hydrates. Using the optical properties of calcite and anhydrite, it was estimated that CO3's and SO4's constituted about 1 to 3 and 10 to 15 wt. percent, repectively of the materials composing the atmospheric dust. Using the derived value as an estimate of total CO3 abundance, and making an assumption that the CO3's were uniformly distributed within the Martian regolith, it was estimated that such a CO3 reservoir could contain roughly 2 to 5 bars of CO2. While the results indicate that several volatile-bearing materials are present on Mars, the observations from the KAO are inherently limited in their ability to determine the spatial distributions of these materials. However, previous spacecraft observations of Mars provide both the spectral coverage necessary to identify these materials, as well as the potential for investigating their spatial variability. This has prompted us to pursue a reinvestigation of the Mariner 6 and 7 infrared spectrometer and Mariner 9 infrared interferometer spectrometer observations. The former data have been recently made available in digital format and calibration of wavelengths and intensities are almost complete. Additionally, we are pursuing the derivation of optical constants of more appropriate carbonates and sulfates.

Roush, T.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermal sensing for characterizing the contents of waste storage drums

The present investigation is concerned with the feasibility to employ remote sensing for the characterization of the contents of liquid chemical waste storage drums. Philipson et al. (1981) had found that, when the air temperature is changing rapidly, differences in the thermal inertia of the drum contents can lead to detectable differences in the skin temperature of the drums. Thus, postsunset, airborne thermal remote sensing could potentially provide some level of discrimination among chemical storage drums. Discrimination should be possible among steel drums filled largely with: (1) aqueous solvents, (2) organic solvents, or (3) clay packing materials. The response of a drum filled with clay packing materials should be similar to that of an empty drum. The reported study had the objective to verify the theoretical findings, taking into account the use of a hand-held infrared radiometer. It was found that under the proper conditions the temperature differences among drums with the three different types of contents will be significant and consistent.

Philpot, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Active and passive microwave measurements in Hurricane Allen

The NASA Langley Research Center analysis of the airborne microwave remote sensing measurements of Hurricane Allen obtained on August 5 and 8, 1980 is summarized. The instruments were the C-band stepped frequency microwave radiometer and the Ku-band airborne microwave scatterometer. They were carried aboard a NOAA aircraft making storm penetrations at an altitude of 3000 m and are sensitive to rain rate, surface wind speed, and surface wind vector. The wind speed is calculated from the increase in antenna brightness temperature above the estimated calm sea value. The rain rate is obtained from the difference between antenna temperature increases measured at two frequencies, and wind vector is determined from the sea surface normalized radar cross section measured at several azimuths. Comparison wind data were provided from the inertial navigation systems aboard both the C-130 aircraft at 3000 m and a second NOAA aircraft (a P-3) operating between 500 and 1500 m. Comparison rain rate data were obtained with a rain radar aboard the P-3. Evaluation of the surface winds obtained with the two microwave instruments was limited to comparisons with each other and with the flight level winds. Two important conclusions are drawn from these comparisons: (1) the radiometer is accurate when predicting flight level wind speeds and rain; and (2) the scatterometer produces well behaved and consistent wind vectors for the rain free periods.

Delnore, V. E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Airborne Microwave Imaging of River Velocities

The objective of this project was to determine whether airborne microwave remote sensing systems can measure river surface currents with sufficient accuracy to make them prospective instruments with which to monitor river flow from space. The approach was to fly a coherent airborne microwave Doppler radar, developed by APL/UW, on a light airplane along several rivers in western Washington state over an extended period of time. The fundamental quantity obtained by this system to measure river currents is the mean offset of the Doppler spectrum. Since this scatter can be obtained from interferometric synthetic aperture radars (INSARs), which can be flown in space, this project provided a cost effective means for determining the suitability of spaceborne INSAR for measuring river flow.

Plant, William J.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Multi-Use Airborne Research Facility

Much of our progress in understanding the Earth system comes from measurements made in the atmosphere. Aircraft are widely used to collect in situ measurements of the troposphere and lower stratosphere, and they also serve as platforms for many remote sensing instruments. Airborne field measurement campaigns require a capable aircraft, a specially trained support team, a suite of basic instrumentation, space and power for new instruments, and data analysis and processing capabilities (e.g. Veal et al., 1977). However, these capabilities are expensive and there is a need to reduce costs while maintaining the capability to perform this type of research. To this end, NASA entered a Cooperative Agreement with the University of North Dakota (UND) to help support the operations of the UND Cessna Citation research aircraft. This Cooperative Agreement followed in form and substance a previous agreement. The Cooperative Agreement has benefited both NASA and UND. In part because of budget reductions, the NASA Airborne Science Office has elected to take advantage of outside operators of science research platforms to off-load some science requirements (Huning, 1996). UND has worked with NASA to identify those requirements that could be met more cost effectively with the UND platform. This has resulted in significant cost savings to NASA while broadening the base of researchers in the NASA science programs. At the same time, the Agreement has provided much needed support to UND to help sustain the Citation research facility. In this report, we describe the work conducted under this Cooperative Agreement.

Poellot, Michael R.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Satellite Remote-Sensing Capability to Assess Tropospheric-Column Ratios of Formaldehyde and Nitrogen Dioxide: Case Study During the Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study 2018 (LISTOS 2018) Field Campaign

Satellite retrievals of tropospheric-column formaldehyde (HCHO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) are frequently used to investigate the sensitivity of ozone (O 3 ) production to emissions of nitrogen oxides and volatile organic carbon compounds. This study inter-compared the systematic biases and uncertainties in retrievals of NO 2 and HCHO, as well as resulting HCHO–NO 2 ratios (FNRs), from two commonly applied satellite sensors to investigate O 3 production sensitivities (Ozone Monitoring Instrument, OMI, and TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument, TROPOMI) using airborne remote-sensing data taken during the Long Island Sound Tropospheric Ozone Study 2018 between 25 June and 6 September 2018. Compared to aircraft-based HCHO and NO 2 observations, the accuracy of OMI and TROPOMI were magnitude-dependent with high biases in clean environments and a tendency towards more accurate comparisons to even low biases in moderately polluted to polluted regions. OMI and TROPOMI NO 2 systematic biases were similar in magnitude (normalized median bias, NMB = 5 %–6 %; linear regression slope ≈ 0.5–0.6), with OMI having a high median bias and TROPOMI resulting in small low biases. Campaign-averaged uncertainties in the three satellite retrievals (NASA OMI; Quality Assurance for Essential Climate Variables, QA4ECV OMI; and TROPOMI) of NO 2 were generally similar, with TROPOMI retrievals having slightly less spread in the data compared to OMI. The three satellite products differed more when evaluating HCHO retrievals. Campaign-averaged tropospheric HCHO retrievals all had linear regression slopes ∼0.5 and NMBs of 39 %, 17 %, 13 %, and 23 % for NASA OMI, QA4ECV OMI, and TROPOMI at finer (0.05° x 0.05°) and coarser (0.15° x 0.15°) spatial resolution, respectively. Campaign-averaged uncertainty values (root mean square error, RMSE) in NASA and QA4ECV OMI HCHO retrievals were ~9.0 x 10 15 molecules cm –2 (∼ 50 %–55 % of mean column abundance), and the higher-spatial-resolution retrievals from TROPOMI resulted in RMSE values ∼30 % lower. Spatially averaging TROPOMI tropospheric-column HCHO, along with NO 2 and FNRs, to resolutions similar to the OMI reduced the uncertainty in these retrievals. Systematic biases in OMI and TROPOMI NO 2 and HCHO retrievals tended to cancel out, resulting in all three satellite products comparing well to observed FNRs. However, while satellite-derived FNRs had minimal campaign-averaged median biases, unresolved errors in the indicator species did not cancel out in FNR calculations, resulting in large RMSE values compared to observations. Uncertainties in HCHO retrievals were determined to drive the unresolved biases in FNR retrievals.

Matthew S. Johnson↗
NASA NTRS2019

The Arctic-Boreal vulnerability experiment model benchmarking system

NASA's Arctic-Boreal Vulnerability Experiment (ABoVE) integrates field and airborne data into modeling and synthesis activities for understanding Arctic and Boreal ecosystem dynamics. The ABoVE Benchmarking System (ABS) is an operational software package to evaluate terrestrial biosphere models against key indicators of Arctic and Boreal ecosystem dynamics, i.e.: carbon biogeochemistry, vegetation, permafrost, hydrology, and disturbance. The ABS utilizes satellite remote sensing data, airborne data, and field data from ABoVE as well as collaborating research networks in the region, e.g.: the Permafrost Carbon Network, the International Soil Carbon Network, the Northern Circumpolar Soil Carbon Database, AmeriFlux sites, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory 2, and the Soil Moisture Active Passive mission. The ABS is designed to be interactive for researchers interested in having their models accurately represent observations of key Arctic indicators: a user submits model results to the system, the system evaluates the model results against a set of Arctic-Boreal benchmarks outlined in the ABoVE Concise Experiment Plan, and the user then receives a quantitative scoring of model strengths and deficiencies through a web interface. This interactivity allows model developers to iteratively improve their model for the Arctic-Boreal Region by evaluating results from successive model versions. We show here, for illustration, the improvement of the Lund–Potsdam–Jena-Wald Schnee und Landschaft (LPJwsl) version model through the ABoVE ABS as a new permafrost module is coupled to the existing model framework. The ABS will continue to incorporate new benchmarks that address indicators of Arctic-Boreal ecosystem dynamics as they become available.

ABoVE↗
NASA NTRS2000

An Airborne A-Band Spectrometer for Remote Sensing Of Aerosol and Cloud Optical Properties

Atmospheric remote sensing with the O2 A-band has a relatively long history, but most of these studies were attempting to estimate surface pressure or cloud-top pressure. Recent conceptual studies have demonstrated the potential of spaceborne high spectral resolution O2 A-band spectrometers for retrieval of aerosol and cloud optical properties. The physical rationale of this new approach is that information on the scattering properties of the atmosphere is embedded in the detailed line structure of the O2 A-band reflected radiance spectrum. The key to extracting this information is to measure the radiance spectrum at very high spectral resolution. Instrument performance requirement studies indicate that, in addition to high spectral resolution, the successful retrieval of aerosol and cloud properties from A-band radiance spectra will also require high radiometric accuracy, instrument stability, and high signal-to-noise measurements. To experimentally assess the capabilities of this promising new remote sensing application, the NASA Langley Research Center is developing an airborne high spectral resolution A-band spectrometer. The spectrometer uses a plane holographic grating with a folded Littrow geometry to achieve high spectral resolution (0.5 cm-1) and low stray light in a compact package. This instrument will be flown in a series of field campaigns beginning in 2001 to evaluate the overall feasibility of this new technique. Results from these campaigns should be particularly valuable for future spaceborne applications of A-band spectrometers for aerosol and cloud retrievals.

Pitts, Michael↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Geophysical Retrievals and Cloud Analyses from Merged Airborne Radiometer Datasets Covering 10–684 GHz

Airborne microwave radiometers provide insight about numerous aspects of Earth’s atmosphere and yield critical validation datasets for spaceborne radiometers. Three radiometers that are important to NASA’s airborne remote-sensing arsenal include: the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR), covering 10–85 GHz; the Conical Scanning Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR), covering 50–183 GHz; and the Compact Scanning Submillimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSSIR), covering 170–684 GHz. The NASA field campaigns of interest to this study include: the Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment (IPHEx) in 2014, the Olympic Mountains Experiment and Radar Definition Experiment (OLYMPEX/RADEX) in 2015–2016, the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS) in 2020–2023, and the Airborne Lightning Observatory for FEGS and TGFs (ALOFT) in 2023. To provide a more comprehensive perspective on clouds and precipitation observed during these airborne field campaigns, AMPR data were merged spatiotemporally with CoSMIR data for IPHEx, OLYMPEX/RADEX, and IMPACTS (2020 and 2022), while considering differences in instrument characteristics and operations, providing brightness temperature (Tb) values from 10–183 GHz in a common background grid throughout each flight. AMPR and CoSSIR data were similarly merged for IMPACTS (2023) and ALOFT, providing a common background grid with Tb values covering 10–684 GHz throughout each flight. These merged Tb data were employed in geophysical retrievals using the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM), an Eddington radiative transfer model, and a one-dimensional variational (1DVAR) inversion method. Retrievals of cloud liquid water path were of primary interest. This presentation will include an overview of the methods for the radiometer data mergers, the radiative transfer methods, the geophysical retrievals, and detailed results from examining trends in Tb and cloud liquid water path in clouds, precipitation, and cloud-to-precipitation transition zones.

Corey G Amiot↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Cloud and Precipitation Analyses using Merged Datasets from Two Airborne Microwave Radiometers Covering 10–183 GHz

Microwave radiometers provide valuable insight into the structure and characteristics of clouds and precipitation. In NASA’s airborne remote-sensing arsenal, the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR) and the Conical Scanning Millimeter-wave Imaging Radiometer (CoSMIR) have been used extensively in field campaigns throughout the world. AMPR operates with four channels between 10.7 and 85.5 GHz, while CoSMIR operates with nine channels ranging from 50.3 to 183.31 GHz. Although these datasets provide key information when used separately, the combination of these radiometers covers virtually the full range of frequencies used by the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI), enabling suborbital observations to compare with GPM spaceborne measurements. This presentation will detail the merger of AMPR and CoSMIR data during two NASA airborne field campaigns: the Integrated Precipitation and Hydrology Experiment (IPHEx) and the Olympic Mountains Experiment / Radar Definition Experiment (OLYMPEX/RADEX). Other field campaigns, such as the Investigation of Microphysics and Precipitation for Atlantic Coast-Threatening Snowstorms (IMPACTS), may be included as well. Using the merged brightness temperature dataset, features of precipitating and non-precipitating clouds containing liquid and/or ice hydrometeors will be discussed from selected flight segments. Geophysical retrievals derived from these brightness temperatures using a one-dimensional variational (1DVAR) technique and/or multi-linear regression equations will also be employed in these analyses. Observed transitions between precipitating and non-precipitating systems will be explored in greater detail. Dropsonde data will be used to provide environmental contexts throughout each flight, and additional observations (e.g., from airborne and/or land-based radar) will be incorporated to supplement the radiometer-based results. The broader implications of these results and pathways for future work will also be discussed.

Corey G. Amiot↗
NASA NTRS1987

Land cover/use classification of Cairns, Queensland, Australia: A remote sensing study involving the conjunctive use of the airborne imaging spectrometer, the large format camera and the thematic mapper simulator

In an attempt to improve the land cover/use classification accuracy obtainable from remotely sensed multispectral imagery, Airborne Imaging Spectrometer-1 (AIS-1) images were analyzed in conjunction with Thematic Mapper Simulator (NS001) Large Format Camera color infrared photography and black and white aerial photography. Specific portions of the combined data set were registered and used for classification. Following this procedure, the resulting derived data was tested using an overall accuracy assessment method. Precise photogrammetric 2D-3D-2D geometric modeling techniques is not the basis for this study. Instead, the discussion exposes resultant spectral findings from the image-to-image registrations. Problems associated with the AIS-1 TMS integration are considered, and useful applications of the imagery combination are presented. More advanced methodologies for imagery integration are needed if multisystem data sets are to be utilized fully. Nevertheless, research, described herein, provides a formulation for future Earth Observation Station related multisensor studies.

Heric, Matthew↗
NASA NTRS1976

Electromagnetic reflection and transmission at interfaces involving graded dielectrics with applications to planetary radar astronomy

Reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves at an interface between two homogeneous materials is modified when a transition zone of linearly increasing permittivity is inserted between the half spaces. Mathematical expressions for reflection and transmission coefficients are derived for waves at arbitrary incidence angles and polarized either in or perpendicular to the plane of incidence. Discontinuities in permittivity at the transition-zone boundaries are allowed. There is efficient transmission between the two half-spaces for transition-zone thicknesses of a wavelength or greater. For sharper changes, the matching layer has diminishing effect and the wave-interface interaction is characterized by the difference in properties between the two half-spaces. Examples applicable to lunar radar astronomy and airborne terrestrial remote sensing are used to illustrate the relationship between wavelength and thickness of the transition layer.

Simpson, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Convective storm downdraft outflows detected by NASA/MSFC's Airborne 10.6 micron pulsed Doppler Lidar System

The capability of a unique Airborne Doppler Lidar System to measure the horizontal winds in the vicinity of severe storm activity is demonstrated. The Airborne Doppler Lidar System (ADLS), developed at NASA/MSFC, was flown on a CV990 research aircraft during the CCOPE (Cooperative Convective Precipitation Experiments, Montana, Summer 1981). Flown between 400 and 600 m AGL, the lidar probed the subcloud regions of several deep convection storms. ADLS data collected near storms on 21 and 23 July 1981 are presented along with satellite imagery, radar echo maps and surface station measurements. These case studies are evidence of the successful performance of an airborne remote wind sensing system and the advantages of two dimension flow visualization of storm outflow structures and interactions.

Emmitt, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Spectroscopy of Moses Rock Kimberlite Diatreme

Three types of remote sensing data (Airborne Imaging Spectroscopy (AIS), NS001, Zeiss IR-photographs) were obtained for the Moses Rock kimberlite dike in southern Utah. The goal is to identify and characterize the mantle derived mafic component in such volcanic features. The Zeiss and NS001 images provide information on the regional setting and allow units of the dike to be distinguished from surrounding material. A potential unmapped satellite dike was identified. The AIS data provide characterizing information of the surface composition of the dike. Serpentized olivine-bearing soils are (tentatively) identified from the AIS spectra for a few areas within the dike.

Pieters, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

MARA (Multimode Airborne Radar Altimeter) system documentation. Volume 1: MARA system requirements document

The Multimode Airborne Radar Altimeter (MARA), a flexible airborne radar remote sensing facility developed by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is discussed. This volume describes the scientific justification for the development of the instrument and the translation of these scientific requirements into instrument design goals. Values for key instrument parameters are derived to accommodate these goals, and simulations and analytical models are used to estimate the developed system's performance.

Parsons, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Far-Infrared Imaging Radiometer

Inexpensive far-infrared imaging radiometer contains 128 X 128-picture-element array of AlxGa1-xAs quantum-well detectors. Potentially useful in remote sensing from airborne platforms. Industrial applications include rapid thermal imaging of heat-sensitive components. Astronomical applications include imaging of planets and Sun.

Forrest, Kathrine↗