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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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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

MER Field Geologic Traverse in Gusev Crater, Mars: Initial Results From the Perspective of Spirit

This report casts the initial results of the traverse and science investigations by the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Spirit at Gusev crater [1] in terms of data sets commonly used in field geologic investigations: Local mapping of geologic features, analyses of selected samples, and their location within the local map, and the regional context of the field traverse in terms of the larger geologic and physiographic region. These elements of the field method are represented in the MER characterization of the Gusev traverse by perspective-based geologic/morphologic maps, the placement of the results from Mossbauer, APXS, Microscopic Imager, Mini-TES and Pancam multispectral studies in context within this geologic/ morphologic map, and the placement of the overall traverse in the context of narrow-angle MOC (Mars Orbiter Camera) and descent images. A major campaign over a significance fraction of the mission will be the first robotic traverse of the ejecta from a Martian impact crater along an approximate radial from the crater center. The Mars Exploration Rovers have been conceptually described as 'robotic field geologists', that is, a suite of instruments with mobility that enables far-field traverses to multiple sites located within a regional map/image base at which in situ analyses may be done. Initial results from MER, where the field geologic method has been used throughout the initial course of the investigation, confirm that this field geologic model is applicable for remote planetary surface exploration. The field geologic method makes use of near-field geologic characteristics ('outcrops') to develop an understanding of the larger geologic context through continuous loop of rational steps focused on real-time hypothesis identification and testing. This poster equates 'outcrops' with the locations of in situ investigations and 'regional context' with the geology over distance of several kilometers. Using this fundamental field geologic method, we have identified the basic local geologic materials on the floor of Gusev at this site, their compositions and likely lithologies, origins, processes that have modified these materials, and their potential significance in the interpretation of the regional geology both spatially and temporally.

Crumpler, L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Mars: Detaching of the Free Water Signature (FWS) Presence Regions on the Base of HEND/ODYSSEY Data and Their Correlation with Some Permafrost Features from MOC Data

The first results from global mapping of the neutron albedo from Mars by HEND instrument have shown the noticeable deficit of both the epithermal (EN) and the fast (FN) neutrons counts rate in the high latitudes regions of both hemispheres of the planet. The deficit is indicative for high enriching of the surface regolith by hydrogen, which may correspond to amount of any water phases and forms. The objectives of our study are the spatial and temporal variations of the free water (ice) signature in the Martian surface layer on the base of HEND/ODYSSEY data and their correlation with spatial spreading of some permafrost features, mapped on the base of MOC images. For the study we used the results of the global mapping (pixel 5 x5 ) of EN and FN albedo, realized by HEND/ODYSSEY in the period from 17 February to 10 December 2002 year.

Kuzmin, R. O.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Applications of Skylab EREP photographs to mapping landforms and environmental geomorphology in the Great Plains and Midwest

The following evaluations of Skylab photographs were undertaken: (1) the 1290 Skylab S190A and S190B photographs of Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and South Dakota were evaluated in detail in terms of coverage, cloud cover, photographic quality, endlap, detectability of roads and stereorelief, and utility for geomorphologic mapping, and (2) the utility of the Skylab photos were tested for interpretive analytic mapping of geomorphologic features over large areas representative of different parts of this region. Photointerpretative maps of analytic geomorphology were obtained for various test areas representative of the varied landscapes in the region. These maps are useful for regional land-use planning, ground-water exploration, and other environmental geomorphologic-geologic applications. Compared with LANDSAT-1 MSS images, Skylab photos afford almost as extensive overviews of large areas but in considerably greater detail, and for many SL photos, moderate stereorelief. However, repetitive multiseasonal, cloud-free coverage by high-quality photos is very limited and many areas have no coverage at all.

Morrison, R. B.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Far infrared maps of the ridge between OMC-1 and OMC-2

Dust continuum emission from a 6 ft x 20 ft region surrounding OMC-1 and OMC-2 were mapped at 55 and 125 microns with 4 ft resolution. The dominant features of the maps are a strong peak at OMC-1 and a ridge of lower surface brightness between OMC-1 and OMC-2. Along the ridge the infrared flux densities and the color temperature decreases smoothly from OMC-1 to OMC-2. OMC-1 is heated primarily by several optical and infrared stars situated within or just at the boundary of the cloud. At the region of minimum column density between OMC-1 and OMC-2 the nearby B0.5 V star NU Ori may contribute significantly to the dust heating. Near OMC-2 dust column densities are large enough so that, in addition to the OMC-2 infrared cluster, the nonlocal infrared sources associated with OMC-1 and NU Ori can contribute to the heating.

Keene, J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Nonlinear transient analysis of joint dominated structures

A residual force technique is presented that can perform the transient analyses of large, flexible, and joint dominated structures. The technique permits substantial size reduction in the number of degrees of freedom describing the nonlinear structural models and can account for such nonlinear joint phenomena as free-play and hysteresis. In general, joints can have arbitrary force-state map representations but these are used in the form of residual force maps. One essential feature of the technique is to replace the arbitrary force-state maps describing the nonlinear joints with residual force maps describing the truss links. The main advantage of this replacement is that the incrementally small relative displacements and velocities across a joint are not monitored directly thereby avoiding numerical difficulties. Instead, very small and 'soft' residual forces are defined giving a numerically attractive form for the equations of motion and thereby permitting numerically stable integration algorithms. The technique was successfully applied to the transient analyses of a large 58 bay, 60 meter truss having nonlinear joints. A method to perform link testing is also presented.

Chapman, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The comparative evaluation of ERTS-1 imagery for resource inventory in land use planning

The author has identified the following significant results. Multidiscipline team interpretation and mapping of resources for Crook County is complete on 1:250,000 scale enlargements of ERTS imagery and 1:120,000 hi-flight photography. Maps of geology, soils, vegetation-land use and land resources units were interpreted to show limitations, suitabilities, and geologic hazards for land use planning. Mapping of lineaments and structures from ERTS imagery has shown a number of features not previously mapped in Oregon. A multistage timber inventory of Ochoco National Forest was made, using ERTS images as the first stage. Inventory of forest clear-cutting practices was successfully demonstrated with color composites. Soil tonal differences in fallow fields correspond with major soil boundaries in loess-mantled terrain. A digital classification system used for discriminating natural vegetation and geologic material classes was successful in separating most major classes around Newberry Caldera, Mt. Washington, and Big Summit Prairie.

Schrumpf, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A direct gravitational lensing test for 10 exp 6 solar masses black holes in halos of galaxies

We propose a method that will be able to detect or exclude the existence of 10 exp 6 solar masses black holes in the halos of galaxies. VLBA radio maps of two milliarcsecond jets of a gravitationally lensed quasar will show the signature of these black holes - if they exist. If there are no compact objects in this mass range along the line of sight, the two jets should be linear mappings of each other. If they are not, there must be compact objects of about 10 exp 6 solar masses in the halo of the galaxy that deform the images by gravitational deflection. We present numerical simulations for the two jets A and B of the double quasar 0957 + 561, but the method is valid for any gravitationally lensed quasar with structure on milliarcsecond scales. As a by-product from high-quality VLBA maps of jets A and B, one will be able to tell which features in the maps are intrinsic in the original jet and which are only an optical illusion, i.e., gravitational distortions by black holes along the line of sight.

Wambsganss, Joachim↗
DOE OSTI2026

Mapping the Perseus galaxy cluster with XRISM: Gas kinematic features and their implications for turbulence

We present extended gas kinematic maps of the Perseus cluster based on a combination of five new XRISM/Resolve pointings observed in 2025 with four performance verification datasets from 2024, totaling a net exposure of 745 ks. To date, Perseus remains the only cluster that has been extensively mapped out to ≃0.7 r 2500 by XRISM/Resolve, while simultaneously offering sufficient spatial resolution to resolve gaseous substructures driven by mergers and active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. Our observations cover multiple radial directions and a broad range of dynamical scales, enabling us to characterize the kinematic properties of the intracluster medium up to a scale of ∼500 kpc. In the measurements, we detected high-velocity dispersions (≃300km s −1 ) in the eastern region of the cluster that are spatially coincident with the extended X-ray surface brightness excess and correspond to a nonthermal pressure fraction of ≃7 − 13%. The velocity field outside the AGN-dominant region can be effectively described by a single, large-scale kinematic driver based on the velocity structure function, which statistically favors an energy injection scale of at least a few hundred kpc. The estimated turbulent dissipation energy is comparable to the gravitational potential energy released by a recent merger, implying a significant role of turbulent cascade in the merger energy conversion. In the bulk velocity field, we observed a dipole-like pattern along the east-west direction with an amplitude of ≃ ± 200 − 300 km s −1 , indicating rotational motions induced by the recent merger event. This feature constrains the viewing direction to ≃30° −50° relative to the normal of the merger plane. Our hydrodynamic simulations suggest that Perseus has experienced at least two energetic mergers since redshift z ∼ 1, the most recent of which is associated with the radio galaxy IC310, in agreement with recent SRG/eROSITA findings. This study showcases exciting scientific opportunities for future missions with high-resolution spectroscopic capabilities (e.g., HUBS, LEM, and NewAthena).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS1973

The comparative evaluation of ERTS-1 imagery for resource inventory in land use planning

The author has identified the following significant results. Multidiscipline team interpretation and mapping of resources for Crook County is nearly complete on 1:250,000 scale enlargements of ERTS-1 imagery. Maps of geology, landforms, soils and vegetation-land use are being interpreted to show limitations, suitabilities and geologic hazards for land use planning. Mapping of lineaments and structures from ERTS-1 imagery has shown a number of features not previously mapped in Oregon. A timber inventory of Ochoco National Forest has been made. Inventory of forest clear-cutting practices has been successfully demonstrated with ERTS-1 color composites. Soil tonal differences in fallow fields shown on ERTS-1 correspond with major soil boundaries in loess-mantled terrain. A digital classification system used for discriminating natural vegetation and geologic materials classes has been successful in separation of most major classes around Newberry Cauldera, Mt. Washington and Big Summit Prairie. Computer routines are available for correction of scanner data variations; and for matching scales and coordinates between digital and photographic imagery. Methods of Diazo film color printing of computer classifications and elevation-slope perspective plots with computer are being developed.

Simonson, G. H.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Implications of Viking color data for evolution of the Amenthes Region, Mars

In the Eastern Hemisphere of Mars, where the hemispheric dichotomy is not overlain by relatively recent flows from the Tharsis volcanoes, the Mars cratered terrain boundary (CTB) now exists as highly fractured terrain juxtaposed with the smooth plains of the Northern Hemisphere. Based on Mariner 9 photography, the southern cratered terrain in the Amenthes region (0 to 30 deg N, 225 to 270 deg W) is approximately 3 to 4 km above the northern plains, and the transition zone is marked by both broad plateaus and knobby terrain. In the Amenthes Southest quadrangle, in particular, the continuum between large detached plateaus, smaller smooth topped plateaus and knobby hills can be seen. To define the previous position and evolution of the boundary, the distribution of cratered terrain, characteristic landforms (knobby terrain and detached plateaus) have been mapped, as well as structural features across the boundary. Structural mapping indicates that geological formations parallel the boundary in the Eastern Hemisphere with the conclusion that CTB evolution involved normal faulting through extension perpendicular to the boundary.

Maxwell, Ted A.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interpretation of surface features of Europa obtained from occultations by Io

Light curves of occultations of Europa by Io were used to generate a crude map of albedo features on Europa. Impact parameters and magnitude ratios for each event were imposed on a model. Residuals between the observed and computed light curves were interpreted as albedo features on Europa. In order to improve the fit between the observations and the model a general polar brightening was employed. The effects of additional albedo features and alternate models are discussed.

Herzog, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Flight set 360L007 (STS-33R) case and seals, volume 2

The performance of the 360L007, Seventh Flight, redesigned Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) is assessed with respect to case hardware and joint sealing issues as seen from post-flight assessment of the case and seals. Potential anomalies are classified and summarized. The post-flight assessment of both motors showed the case segments to be in good condition. Field joint fretting indications on this flight set ranged from none on one joint through light (less than 0.003 inch deep) on most of the joints to locally medium (greater than 0.003, less than 0.005 inch deep) on two joints. No new fretting was found in old fretting locations. All fretting was mapped from the inner clevis leg. The capture feature fretting was not mapped due to the difficulty of measuring the fretting in the capture feature region, but it is assumed that the capture feature had similar damage as the inner clevis leg. Post-flight assessment of both motors showed the seal components to be in good condition.

Carlisle, Alan R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Flight set 360L009 (STS-36) case and seals component, volume 2

The performance of the 360L009, Ninth Flight, Redesigned Solid Rocket Motors (RSRM) is assessed in respect to case hardware and joint sealing issues as seen from post-fire assessment of the case and seals. In addition, all of the potential anomalies have been classified and summarized. The post-fire assessment of both motors showed the case segments to be in good condition. Field joint fretting of this flight set ranged from light on most of the joints to locally heavy on three of the joints. The LH aft field joint is the most heavily fretted joint to date; this joint had previously fretted areas from STS-27. No new fretting was found in old fretting locations. However, new frets were found at the edges of repaired areas on both the LH center and aft field joints. All fretting was mapped from the inner clevis leg. The capture feature fretting was not mapped due to the difficulty of measuring the fretting in the capture feature region. It is assumed that the capture feature had damage similar to that on the inner clevis leg.

Carlisle, Alan R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The exploration of Venus - A Magellan progress report

The salient features of the Magellan mission to Venus are described together with the radar system used for mapping the Venusian features. Three types of Venusian terrain observed on Magellan images are described in detail: impact craters and two highland regions. These are Ishtar Terra (which includes Maxwell Montes) and Aphrodite Terra. The manner in which Venus's high surface temperature and its thick atmosphere have affected the processes that shaped the Venus's surface is discussed.

Saunders, Steve↗
NASA NTRS1975

Interpretation of surface features of Europa obtained from occultations by Io

Light curves of occultations of Europa by Io have been used to generate a crude map of albedo features on Europa. The best values currently available for the impact parameters and magnitude ratios for each event have been imposed on our model. Residuals between the observed and computed light curves are interpreted as albedo features on Europa. In order to improve the fit between the observations and the model, it became necessary to impose a general polar brightening. The effects of additional albedo features and alternate models are discussed.

Herzog, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Map-guided interpretation of remotely-sensed imagery

A map-guided approach to interpretation of remotely sensed imagery is described, with emphasis on applications involving continuous monitoring of predetermined ground sites. Geometric correspondence between a sensed image and a symbolic reference map is established in an initial stage of processing by adjusting parameters of a sensor model so that image features predicted from the map optimally match corresponding features extracted from the sensed image. Information in the map is then used to constrain where to look in an image and what to look for. With such constraints, previously intractable remote sensing tasks can become feasible, even easy, to automate. Four illustrative examples are given, involving the monitoring of reservoirs, roads, railroad yards, and harbors.

Tenenbaum, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of crustal structure of Venus utilizing residual Line-of-Sight (LOS) gravity acceleration and surface topography data. A trial of global modeling of Venus gravity field using harmonic spline method

To construct Venus' gravity disturbance field (or gravity anomaly) with the spacecraft-observer line of site (LOS) acceleration perturbation data, both a global and a local approach can be used. The global approach, e.g., spherical harmonic coefficients, and the local approach, e.g., the integral operator method, based on geodetic techniques are generally not the same, so that they must be used separately for mapping long wavelength features and short wavelength features. Harmonic spline, as an interpolation and extrapolation technique, is intrinsically flexible to both global and local mapping of a potential field. Theoretically, it preserves the information of the potential field up to the bound by sampling theorem regardless of whether it is global or local mapping, and is never bothered with truncation errors. The improvement of harmonic spline methodology for global mapping is reported. New basis functions, a singular value decomposition (SVD) based modification to Parker & Shure's numerical procedure, and preliminary results are presented.

Fang, Ming↗
NASA NTRS1978

A scene-analysis approach to remote sensing

The author has identified the following significant results. Geometric correspondance between a sensed image and a symbolic map is established in an initial stage of processing by adjusting parameters of a sensed model so that the image features predicted from the map optimally match corresponding features extracted from the sensed image. Information in the map is then used to constrain where to look in an image, what to look for, and how to interpret what is seen. For simple monitoring tasks involving multispectral classification, these constraints significantly reduce computation, simplify interpretation, and improve the utility of the resulting information. Previously intractable tasks requiring spatial and textural analysis may become straightforward in the context established by the map knowledge. The use of map-guided image analysis in monitoring the volume of water in a reservoir, the number of boxcars in a railyard, and the number of ships in a harbor is demonstrated.

Tenenbaum, J. M.↗