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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Evolving Ka-band Network Capabilities to Meet Mission Demand

Space missions are increasingly demanding higher data rates to support the growth in information-intensive mission operations. This growth is reflected in planned and operational missions from low Earth orbit, such as the upcoming NASA-Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) and Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud and Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) missions, to the future Artemis lunar campaign, and the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope orbiting at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point. JWST was the first L2 mission to be defined as a high data rate mission transmitting at 8 Mbps, or 270 gigabits of science data per day. ISRO and PACE anticipate achieving data throughputs of 5-40 terabits per day. These data rates exceed the capabilities of S-band and X-band frequency allocations and are a key driver for migrating to the 26 GHz Ka-band frequency allocation. The NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program has been preparing the networks to support this demand by pursuing critical Ka-band infrastructure. The status of current and evolving network capability, including the Near Space Network’s Initiative for Ka-band Advancement (NIKA), and the Deep Space Network’s Lunar Exploration Upgrades (DLEU), as well as profiling mission usage of Ka-band services, are discussed in detail. The push toward Ka-band, is not only an opportunity for increased performance, but alleviates current challenges with contentious and cluttered spectrum access in S- and X-band. The paper provides an overview of these advantages and advanced techniques that optimize its use before the transition to optical communications becomes an imperative. The challenges and potential mitigations for missions considering selection of Ka-band network services are also discussed.

space communications↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Evolving Ka-Band Network Capabilities to Meet Mission Demand

Space missions are increasingly demanding higher data rates to support the growth in information-intensive mission operations. This growth is reflected in planned and operational missions from low Earth orbit, such as the upcoming NASA-Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) and Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud and Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) missions, to the future Artemis lunar campaign, and the recently launched James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) orbiting at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point. JWST was the first L2 mission to be defined as a high data rate mission transmitting at 28 Megabits per second (Mbps), or 270 Gigabits of science data per day. ISRO and PACE anticipate achieving data throughputs of 5-40 Terabits per day. These data rates exceed the capabilities of S-band and X-band frequency allocations and are a key driver for migrating to the 26 GHz Ka-band frequency allocation. The NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program has been preparing the networks to support this demand by pursuing critical Ka-band infrastructure. The status of current and evolving network capability, including the Near Space Network’s Initiative for Ka-band Advancement (NIKA), and the Deep Space Network’s Lunar Exploration Upgrades (DLEU), as well as profiling mission usage of Ka-band services, are discussed in detail. The push toward Kaband, is not only an opportunity for increased performance, but alleviates current challenges with contentious and cluttered spectrum access in S- and X-band. The paper provides an overview of these advantages and advanced techniques that optimize its use before the transition to optical communications becomes an imperative. The challenges and potential mitigations for missions considering selection of Ka-band network services are also discussed.

Ka-band↗
NASA NTRS2002

Demonstrating Acquisition of Real-Time Thermal Data Over Fires Utilizing UAVs

A disaster mitigation demonstration, designed to integrate remote-piloted aerial platforms, a thermal infrared imaging payload, over-the-horizon (OTH) data telemetry and advanced image geo-rectification technologies was initiated in 2001. Project FiRE incorporates the use of a remotely piloted Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle (UAV), thermal imagery, and over-the-horizon satellite data telemetry to provide geo-corrected data over a controlled burn, to a fire management community in near real-time. The experiment demonstrated the use of a thermal multi-spectral scanner, integrated on a large payload capacity UAV, distributing data over-the-horizon via satellite communication telemetry equipment, and precision geo-rectification of the resultant data on the ground for data distribution to the Internet. The use of the UAV allowed remote-piloted flight (thereby reducing the potential for loss of human life during hazardous missions), and the ability to "finger and stare" over the fire for extended periods of time (beyond the capabilities of human-pilot endurance). Improved bit-rate capacity telemetry capabilities increased the amount, structure, and information content of the image data relayed to the ground. The integration of precision navigation instrumentation allowed improved accuracies in geo-rectification of the resultant imagery, easing data ingestion and overlay in a GIS framework. We focus on these technological advances and demonstrate how these emerging technologies can be readily integrated to support disaster mitigation and monitoring strategies regionally and nationally.

Ambrosia, Vincent G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of improved hydrogen recombination in sealed nickel-cadmium aerospace cells

The identification and measurement of a hydrogen recombination mechanism in nickel-cadmium cells has made deep reconditioning on a battery basis safe and feasible. Deep reconditioning has been shown to improve performance and increase life of nickel-cadmium batteries in geosynchronous orbit applications. The hydrogen recombination mechanism and data supporting the mechanism are presented. Parameteric cell design experiments are described which have lead to the definition of nickel-cadmium cells capable of high rate overdischarge. Nickel-cadmium cells with optimum hydrogen recombination capability were successfully cycled for 7 seasons in simulation of the geosynchronous orbit regime at 75 percent depth-of-discharge with extensive midseason and end-of-season overdischarge at rates ranging from C/4 to C/20.

Ritterman, P. F.↗
NASA NTRS2013

The NASA Meter Class Autonomous Telescope: Ascension Island

The Meter Class Autonomous Telescope (MCAT) is the newest optical sensor dedicated to NASA s mission to characterize the space debris environment. It is the successor to a series of optical telescopes developed and operated by the JSC Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) to monitor and assess the debris environment in (1) Low Earth Orbit (LEO), (2) Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and (3) Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), with emphasis on LEO and GEO altitudes. A joint NASA-Air Force Research Labs project, MCAT is a 1.3m optical telescope dedicated to debris research. Its optical path and sensor yield a large survey fence at the cutting edge of current detector performance. It has four primary operational observing modes, two of which were not computationally feasible a decade ago. Operations are supported by a sophisticated software suite that monitors clouds and weather conditions, and controls everything from data collection to dome rotation to processing tens of GB of imagery data nightly. With fainter detection limits, precision detection, acquisition and tracking of targets, multi-color photometry, precision astrometry, automated reacquisition capability, and the ability to process all data at the acquisition rate, MCAT is capable of producing and processing a volume and quality of data far in excess of any current (or prior) ODPO operations. This means higher fidelity population inputs and eliminating the multi-year backlog from acquisition-to-product typical of optical campaigns. All of this is possible given a suitable observing location. Originally planned for the island of Legan, part of the Kwajalein Atoll Islands, recent developments have led to a change in venue. Specifically, the Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance, or GEODSS, System of telescopes is the United States major tracking system for deep space. This network consists of telescopes in Maui, Hawaii; Diego Garcia (Indian Ocean), and Socorro, New Mexico. A fourth optical telescope, though smaller in size, has been operating in conjunction with this effort until recently in M.ron, Spain. With the M.ron site closing, a significant gap in longitude exists between the New Mexico and Diego Garcia sites. This longitudinal gap is well covered by placing a telescope on Ascension Island (7degrees 58'20" S, 14degrees 24'4"W), in the Atlantic Ocean. Ascension Island offers the benefits of both location and weather. The near equatorial location affords the opportunity to access under-sampled low-inclination orbits and new GEO longitudes, while simultaneously filling in the GEODSS longitudinal gap. Ascension Island is a volcanic, desert island, receiving only 7" of rain per year on average. With consistent trade winds blowing from the SSE direction off Africa, the combination of an island location with consistent winds will create the smooth laminar flow sought after by all astronomical sites, which creates stable atmospheric ('seeing') conditions. Finally, this low population island has minimal lighting, resulting in very dark skies, ideal for an observatory.

Lederer, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS2013

The NASA Meter Class Autonomous Telescope: Ascension Island

The Meter Class Autonomous Telescope (MCAT) is the newest optical sensor dedicated to NASA's mission to characterize the space debris environment. It is the successor to a series of optical telescopes developed and operated by the JSC Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) to monitor and assess the debris environment in (1) Low Earth Orbit (LEO), (2) Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and (3) Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO), with emphasis on LEO and GEO altitudes. A joint NASA - Air Force Research Labs project, MCAT is a 1.3m optical telescope dedicated to debris research. Its optical path and sensor yield a large survey fence at the cutting edge of current detector performance. It has four primary operational observing modes, two of which were not computationally feasible a decade ago. Operations are supported by a sophisticated software suite that monitors clouds and weather conditions, and controls everything from data collection to dome rotation to processing tens of gigabytes of image data nightly. With fainter detection limits, precision detection, acquisition and tracking of targets, multi-color photometry, precision astrometry, automated re-acquisition capability, and the ability to process all data at the acquisition rate, MCAT is capable of producing and processing a volume and quality of data far in excess of any current (or prior) ODPO operations. This means higher fidelity population inputs and eliminating the multi-year backlog from acquisition-to-product typical of optical campaigns. All of this is possible given a suitable observing location. Ascension Island offers numerous advantages. As a British overseas territory with a US Air Force base presence, the necessary infrastructure and support already exists. It is located mid-way between Brazil and Africa at 7.93S latitude and 14.37 W longitude. With the Ground-based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) asset in Moron, Spain shutting down, this presents access to the sky from a unique latitude/longitude for an optical telescope. Constant trade winds from the SSE, originating from Africa, give promise to a steady laminar airflow over an island, a trait sought after to create stable atmospheric and good astronomical 'seeing' conditions with very low annual rainfall values. This combination of attributes created the necessary compelling argument to redirect MCAT to its final destination: Ascension Island.

Lederer, S. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The performance of VLA as a telemetry receiver for Voyager planetary encounters

The Very Large Array (VLA) was proposed for use as a supplement to the Deep Space Network (DSN) for telemetry reception at Voyager 2 Uranus and Neptune encounters. The main problem with the use of VLA for telemetry is that it is not capable of producing a continuous stream of data. Gaps of one millisecond follow every 51 milliseconds of data. The effect of these millisecond gaps on coded telemetry is investigated. An upgapped system of the same aperture as the VLA would be capable of handling data rates of 38.4 kbps at Uranus encounter and 19.2 kbps at Neptune encounter. It is shown that VLA with (7, 1/2) convolutional coding (the baseline coding scheme for Voyager) will support a data rate of 10.8 kbps but not 19.2 kbps at both Uranus and Neptune. It is also shown that by implementing Voyager's concatenated Reed-Solomon/convolutional coding capability, data rates of 38.4 kbps and 19.2 kbps would be achievable at Uranus and Neptune respectively. Concatenation also offers a factor of 2 improvement in overall throughput.

Deutsch, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A flight investigation of static stability, control augmentation, and flight director influences on helicopter IFR handling qualities

A flight experiment was conducted using the NASA-Army V/STOLAND UH-1H variable-stability helicopter to investigate the influence of several longitudinal-static-stability, control-augmentation, and flight-director parameters on helicopter flying qualities during terminal area operations in instrument conditions. This experiment, which was part of a joint NASA/FAA program pertaining to helicopter IFR airworthiness, was designed to corroborate and extend previous ground simulation results obtained in this program. Variations examined included stable and neutral longitudinal control position gradients, rate-damping and attitude-command augmentation, and raw data versus flight-director displays. Pilot rating results agreed excellently with the ground simulation data, indicating an adequate instrument capability with rate-damping augmentation and neutral statics and the need for pitch-roll attitude augmentation to achieve a satisfactory system.

Lebacqz, J. V.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Space vehicle Viterbi decoder

The design and fabrication of an extremely low-power, constraint-length 7, rate 1/3 Viterbi decoder brassboard capable of operating at information rates of up to 100 kb/s is presented. The brassboard is partitioned to facilitate a later transition to an LSI version requiring even less power. The effect of soft-decision thresholds, path memory lengths, and output selection algorithms on the bit error rate is evaluated. A branch synchronization algorithm is compared with a more conventional approach. The implementation of the decoder and its test set (including all-digital noise source) are described along with the results of various system tests and evaluations. Results and recommendations are presented.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Effect of external disturbances and data rate on the response of an automatic landing system capable of curved trajectories

The effects of steady wind, turbulence, data sample rate, and control-actuator natural frequency on the response of a possible automatic landing system were investigated in a nonstatistical study. The results indicate that the system, which interfaces with the microwave landing system, functions well in winds and turbulence as long as the guidance law contains proper compensation for wind. The system response was satisfactory down to five data samples per second, which makes the system compatible with the microwave landing system. No adverse effects were observed when actuator natural frequency was lowered. For limiting cases, those cases where the roll angle goes to zero just as the airplane touches down, the basic method for computing the turn-algorithm gains proved unsatisfactory and unacceptable landings resulted. Revised computation methods gave turn-algorithm gains that resulted in acceptable landings. The gains provided by the new method also improved the touchdown conditions for acceptable landings over those obtained when the gains were determined by the old method.

Sherman, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Evaluation of Mesoscale Model Phenomenological Verification Techniques

Forecasters at the Spaceflight Meteorology Group, 45th Weather Squadron, and National Weather Service in Melbourne, FL use mesoscale numerical weather prediction model output in creating their operational forecasts. These models aid in forecasting weather phenomena that could compromise the safety of launch, landing, and daily ground operations and must produce reasonable weather forecasts in order for their output to be useful in operations. Considering the importance of model forecasts to operations, their accuracy in forecasting critical weather phenomena must be verified to determine their usefulness. The currently-used traditional verification techniques involve an objective point-by-point comparison of model output and observations valid at the same time and location. The resulting statistics can unfairly penalize high-resolution models that make realistic forecasts of a certain phenomena, but are offset from the observations in small time and/or space increments. Manual subjective verification can provide a more valid representation of model performance, but is time-consuming and prone to personal biases. An objective technique that verifies specific meteorological phenomena, much in the way a human would in a subjective evaluation, would likely produce a more realistic assessment of model performance. Such techniques are being developed in the research community. The Applied Meteorology Unit (AMU) was tasked to conduct a literature search to identify phenomenological verification techniques being developed, determine if any are ready to use operationally, and outline the steps needed to implement any operationally-ready techniques into the Advanced Weather Information Processing System (AWIPS). The AMU conducted a search of all literature on the topic of phenomenological-based mesoscale model verification techniques and found 10 different techniques in various stages of development. Six of the techniques were developed to verify precipitation forecasts, one to verify sea breeze forecasts, and three were capable of verifying several phenomena. The AMU also determined the feasibility of transitioning each technique into operations and rated the operational capability of each technique on a subjective 1-10 scale: (1) 1 indicates that the technique is only in the initial stages of development, (2) 2-5 indicates that the technique is still undergoing modifications and is not ready for operations, (3) 6-8 indicates a higher probability of integrating the technique into AWIPS with code modifications, and (4) 9-10 indicates that the technique was created for AWIPS and is ready for implementation. Eight of the techniques were assigned a rating of 5 or below. The other two received ratings of 6 and 7, and none of the techniques a rating of 9-10. At the current time, there are no phenomenological model verification techniques ready for operational use. However, several of the techniques described in this report may become viable techniques in the future and should be monitored for updates in the literature. The desire to use a phenomenological verification technique is widespread in the modeling community, and it is likely that other techniques besides those described herein are being developed, but the work has not yet been published. Therefore, the AMIU recommends that the literature continue to be monitored for updates to the techniques described in this report and for new techniques being developed whose results have not yet been published. 111

Lambert, Winifred↗
NASA NTRS1967

Bacteriostatic conformal coating for electronic components

Coating for electronic components used in space applications has bacteriostatic qualities capable of hindering bacterial reproduction, both vegetative and sporulative viable microorganisms. It exhibits high electrical resistivity, a low outgassing rate, and is capable of restraining electronic components when subjected to mechanical vibrations.

Bland, C.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Composite Cathodes for Dual-Rate Li-Ion Batteries

Composite-material cathodes that enable Li-ion electrochemical cells and batteries to function at both high energy densities and high discharge rates are undergoing development. Until now, using commercially available cathode materials, it has been possible to construct cells that have either capability for high-rate discharge or capability to store energy at average or high density, but not both capabilities. However, both capabilities are needed in robotic, standby-power, and other applications that involve duty cycles that include long-duration, low-power portions and short-duration, high-power portions. The electrochemically active ingredients of the present developmental composite cathode materials are: carbon-coated LiFePO4, which has a specific charge capacity of about 160 mA h/g and has been used as a high-discharge-rate cathode material and Li[Li(0.17)Mn(0.58)Ni(0.25)]O2, which has a specific charge capacity of about 240 mA h/g and has been used as a high-energy-density cathode material. In preparation for fabricating the composite material cathode described, these electrochemically active ingredients are incorporated into two sub-composites: a mixture comprising 10 weight percent of poly(vinylidine fluoride); 10 weight percent of carbon and 80 weight percent of carbon coated LiFePO4; and, a mixture comprising 10 weight percent of PVDF, and 80 weight percent of Li[Li(0.17)Mn(0.58)Ni(0.25)]O2. In the fabrication process, these mixtures are spray-deposited onto an aluminum current collector. Electrochemical tests performed thus far have shown that better charge/discharge performance is obtained when either 1) each mixture is sprayed on a separate area of the current collector or (2) the mixtures are deposited sequentially (in contradistinction to simultaneously) on the same current-collector area so that the resulting composite cathode material consists of two different sub-composite layers.

Whitacre, Jay↗
NASA NTRS1971

Development of a plan for automating integrated circuit processing

The operations analysis and equipment evaluations pertinent to the design of an automated production facility capable of manufacturing beam-lead CMOS integrated circuits are reported. The overall plan shows approximate cost of major equipment, production rate and performance capability, flexibility, and special maintenance requirements. Direct computer control is compared with supervisory-mode operations. The plan is limited to wafer processing operations from the starting wafer to the finished beam-lead die after separation etching. The work already accomplished in implementing various automation schemes, and the type of equipment which can be found for instant automation are described. The plan is general, so that small shops or large production units can perhaps benefit. Examples of major types of automated processing machines are shown to illustrate the general concepts of automated wafer processing.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Tracking and data relay satellite system configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 1: TDRS system summary, part 1

A Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) concept for service of low and medium data rate user spacecraft has been defined. The TDRS system uses two geosynchronous dual spin satellites compatible with Delta 2914 to provide command, tracking, and telemetry service between multiple low earth orbiting users and a centrally located ground station. The low data rate user service capability via each TDRS is as follows: (1) forward link at UHF: voice to one user, commands to 20 users (sequential), range and range rate service, and (2) return link at VHF: voice from one user, data from 20 users (simultaneous), range and range rate return signals. The medium data rate user service via each TDRS is as follows: (1) forward link at S band: voice or command and tracking signals to one user, and (2) return link at S band: voice, data and tracking signals from one user "order wire" for high priority service requests (implemented with an earth coverage antenna).

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1984

Micromolecular modeling

A reaction kinetics based model of the photodegradation process, which measures all important rate constants, and a computerized model capable of predicting the photodegradation rate and failure modes of a 30 year period, were developed. It is shown that the computerized photodegradation model for polyethylene correctly predicts failure of ELVAX 15 and cross linked ELVAX 150 on outdoor exposure. It is indicated that cross linking ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) does not significantly change its degradation rate. It is shown that the effect of the stabilizer package is approximately equivalent on both polymers. The computerized model indicates that peroxide decomposers and UV absorbers are the most effective stabilizers. It is found that a combination of UV absorbers and a hindered amine light stabilizer (HALS) is the most effective stabilizer system.

Guillet, J. E.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Current Test Capabilities of NASA Langley’s Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility

The Arc-Heated Scramjet Test Facility at NASA Langley Research Center has demonstrated itself repeatedly as a key contributor to fundamental hypersonic research and scramjet engine technology development in the Mach 4.7 to 8 range. Since its inception in the 1970’s, the facility has hosted numerous scramjet engine configurations that explored the performance and operability of airframe-integrated hydrogen-fueled scramjet flow path concepts, successfully maturing both analysis tools and design technique and methodology for hypersonic propulsion. Contributions to major programs include extensive tests of the hydrogen-fueled NASP and Hyper-X scramjet engines, and the hydrocarbon-fueled HIFiRE Flight 2 scramjet flow path, in addition to fundamental in-house research. The facility capabilities have expanded to include direct-connect flow path support, gaseous hydrocarbon fuels, dynamic trajectory simulation and extension of flight simulation down to Mach 2.2. The low-Mach upgrades include increased air flow rate and controls capability and two new low-Mach nozzles (Mach 2.2 and 3.5). The facility recently completed verification of the new operational range through successful envelope expansion tests with the Mach 2.2 nozzle. With these new modifications, the operating envelope for the facility is now Mach 2.2 – 8.0(+), with a demonstrated dynamic pressure simulation of 2000 psf at the low end, and margin available for even more. Lastly, a continuous run time of over 5 minutes has been demonstrated, indicating that run time is limited only by test hardware or back-pressure requirements. This paper will provide a detailed description of these previously unreported upgrades and expanded simulation capabilities.

Hypersonic↗
NASA NTRS1992

Vapor Deposition Of Metal From Gas/Tungsten Arc

Vacuum gas/tungsten-arc vapor-deposition process yields highly reflective, smooth films reproducing contours of surfaces on which deposited. Rate of deposition controlled precisely, and surface texture varied. Capable of deposition at rates double those of standard sputtering. Useful in making thin metallic coats to serve as electrical conductors, radio reflectors or antenna elements, or optical mirrors of partial or ultrahigh reflectivity, and in making semiconductor devices.

Weeks, Jack L.↗