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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 NTRS1972

Detection of ocean chlorophyll from earth orbit

Calculations were made of the magnitude of the optical signature of ocean chlorophyll available to any remote sensor in earth orbit. It was desired to ascertain whether commercially significant concentrations of chlorophyll-A pigments in the ocean would produce a sufficient optical signal at orbital altitudes to operate optical remote sensors, such as those planned for the earth observatory satellite, on clear and hazy days. It was also desired to explore the effect of solar altitude on these optical signals. The best orientation was desired for the field of view for a remote sensor in orbit in order to optimize its ability to detect ocean chlorophyll.

Duntley, S. Q.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Airport Remote Tower Sensor Systems

Networks of video cameras, meteorological sensors, and ancillary electronic equipment are under development in collaboration among NASA Ames Research Center, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These networks are to be established at and near airports to provide real-time information on local weather conditions that affect aircraft approaches and landings. The prototype network is an airport-approach-zone camera system (AAZCS), which has been deployed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and San Carlos Airport (SQL). The AAZCS includes remotely controlled color video cameras located on top of SFO and SQL air-traffic control towers. The cameras are controlled by the NOAA Center Weather Service Unit located at the Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center and are accessible via a secure Web site. The AAZCS cameras can be zoomed and can be panned and tilted to cover a field of view 220 wide. The NOAA observer can see the sky condition as it is changing, thereby making possible a real-time evaluation of the conditions along the approach zones of SFO and SQL. The next-generation network, denoted a remote tower sensor system (RTSS), will soon be deployed at the Half Moon Bay Airport and a version of it will eventually be deployed at Los Angeles International Airport. In addition to remote control of video cameras via secure Web links, the RTSS offers realtime weather observations, remote sensing, portability, and a capability for deployment at remote and uninhabited sites. The RTSS can be used at airports that lack control towers, as well as at major airport hubs, to provide synthetic augmentation of vision for both local and remote operations under what would otherwise be conditions of low or even zero visibility.

Maluf, David A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Portable remote laser sensor for methane leak detection

A portable laser system for remote detection of methane gas leaks and concentrations is disclosed. The system transmitter includes first and second lasers, tuned respectively to a wavelength coincident with a strong absorption line of methane and a reference wavelength which is weakly absorbed by methane gas. The system receiver includes a spherical mirror for collecting the reflected laser radiation and focusing the collected radiation through a narrowband optical filter onto an optial detector. The filter is tuned to the wavelength of the two lasers, and rejects background noise. The output of the optical detector is processed by a lock-in detector synchronized to the chopper, and which measures the difference between the first wavelength signal and the reference wavelength signal.

Grant, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS2018

International Space Station Future Correlation Analysis Improvements

Ongoing modal analyses and model correlation are performed on different configurations of the International Space Station (ISS). These analyses utilize on-orbit dynamic measurements collected using four main ISS instrumentation systems: External Wireless Instrumentation System (EWIS), Internal Wireless Instrumentation System (IWIS), Space Acceleration Measurement System (SAMS), and Structural Dynamic Measurement System (SDMS). Remote Sensor Units (RSUs) are network relay stations that acquire flight data from sensors. Measured data is stored in the Remote Sensor Unit (RSU) until it receives a command to download data via RF to the Network Control Unit (NCU). Since each RSU has its own clock, it is necessary to synchronize measurements before analysis. Imprecise synchronization impacts analysis results. A study was performed to evaluate three different synchronization techniques: (i) measurements visually aligned to analytical time-response data using model comparison, (ii) Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD), and (iii) lag from cross-correlation to align measurements. This paper presents the results of this study.

time synchronization↗
NASA NTRS1985

Microwave remote sensing from space

Spaceborne microwave remote sensors provide perspectives of the earth surface and atmosphere which are of unique value in scientific studies of geomorphology, oceanic waves and topography, atmospheric water vapor and temperatures, vegetation classification and stress, ice types and dynamics, and hydrological characteristics. Microwave radars and radiometers offer enhanced sensitivities to the geometrical characteristics of the earth's surface and its cover, to water in all its forms - soil and vegetation moisture, ice, wetlands, oceans, and atmospheric water vapor, and can provide high-resolution imagery of the earth's surface independent of cloud cover or sun angle. A brief review of the historical development and principles of active and passive microwave remote sensing is presented, with emphasis on the unique characteristics of the information obtainable in the microwave spectrum and the value of this information to global geoscientific studies. Various spaceborne microwave remote sensors are described, with applications to geology, planetology, oceanography, glaciology, land biology, meteorology, and hydrology. A discussion of future microwave remote sensor technological developments and challenges is presented, along with a summary of future missions being planned by several countries.

Carver, K. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Remote sensing as a source of data for outdoor recreation planning

Specific data needs for outdoor recreation planning and the ability of tested remote sensors to provide sources for these data are examined. Data needs, remote sensor capabilities, availability of imagery, and advantages and problems of incorporating remote sensing data sources into ongoing planning data collection programs are discussed in detail. Examples of the use of imagery to derive data for a range of common planning analyses are provided. A selected bibliography indicates specific uses of data in planning, basic background materials on remote sensing technology, and sources of information on environmental information systems expected to use remote sensing to provide new environmental data of use in outdoor recreation planning.

Reed, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Support for the Harvard University Water Vapor and Total Water Instruments for the 2004 NASA WB57 Middle Latitude Cirrus Experiment

In order to improve our understanding of the role clouds play in the climate system, NASA is investing considerable effort in characterizing clouds with instruments ranging from passive remote sensors on board the EOS platforms, to the forthcoming active remote sensors on Cloudsat and Calipso. These missions, when taken together, have the capacity to advance our understanding of the coupling between various components of the hydrologic cycle and the atmospheric circulation, and hold the additional potential of leading to significant improvements in the characterization of cloud feedbacks in global models. This is especially true considering that several of these platforms will be flown in an identical orbit within several minutes of one another-a constellation of satellites known as the A-Train. The algorithms that are being implemented and developed to convert these new data streams from radiance and reflectivity measurements into geophysical parameters invariably rely on some set of simplifymg assumptions and empirical constants. Uncertainties in these relationships lead to poorly understood random and systematic errors in the retrieved properties. This lack of understanding introduces ambiguity in interpreting the data and in using the global data sets for their intended purposes. In light of this, a series of flights with the W57F was proposed to address certain specific issues related to the basic properties of mid latitude cirrus clouds: the NASA WE357 Middle Latitude Cirrus Experiment ("MidCiX"). The science questions addressed are: 1) Can cloud property retrieval algorithms developed for A-Train active and passive remote sensing measurements accurately characterize the microphysical properties of synoptic and convectively generated cirrus cloud systems? 2) What are the relationships between the cirrus particle mass, projected area, and particle size spectrum in various genre of cirrus clouds? 3) Does the present compliment of state of the art in situ cloud probes provide the level of precision and accuracy needed to develop and validate algorithms and to contribute to our understanding of the characteristics and microphysical processes operating in cirrus clouds?

Anderson, James G.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Low-cost data analysis systems for processing multispectral scanner data

A research-oriented data analysis system was developed which is used for evaluating complex remote sensor systems and for development of techniques for application of remotely sensed data. Some modular hardware components were developed which may be added to one's existing facilities to establish a low-cost data analysis system for processing multispectral scanner data. Software modules which are compatible with small general purpose digital computers process and analyze remote sensor data, and convert it to information needed by users. The software modules are written in FORTRAN IV language for ease of transfer to other computer systems. The basic hardware and software system requirements are defined for some low-cost data analysis systems consisting of an image display system, a small general purpose digital computer, and an output recording device. The hardware modules consist of: a LANDSAT MSS data reformatting program; a series of spectral pattern recognition programs required to generate surface classification maps and tabular information; programs to convert computer generated maps from image space to a geographically referenced base; programs to extract data and irregularly shaped areas and to produce thematic maps of the designated areas; and programs to tabulate acreages of selected classification categories. Some off-the-shelf, inexpensive digital image display systems are described.

Whitley, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, 11th, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Mich., April 25-29, 1977, Proceedings. Volumes 1 & 2

Consideration is given to remote sensor development and sensor data analysis and interpretation, and to the following fields of application of remote sensors: geology and mineral resources, meteorology, agriculture, forestry and rangeland, ocean and coastal regions, and environmental quality. Attention is also given to economic and institutional issues and technology transfer in the field of remote sensing, to microwave remote sensing and to the current and future role of remote sensing in operational programs.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1977

Literature review of the remote sensing of natural resources

Abstracts of 596 documents related to remote sensors or the remote sensing of natural resources by satellite, aircraft, or ground-based stations are presented. Topics covered include general theory, geology and hydrology, agriculture and forestry, marine sciences, urban land use, and instrumentation. Recent documents not yet cited in any of the seven information sources used for the compilation are summarized. An author/key word index is provided.

Fears, C. B.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Active Optical Remote Sensing Sensors and Instrumentation for NASA’s Future Earth and Space Science Measurements/Missions

STRIVES Entry: 20230013683, Abstract—Active optical (Laser/Lidar) measurement techniques are critical for the future National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth, Planetary Science, Exploration, and Aeronautics measurements. The latest science decadal surveys recommend several missions requiring active optical systems to meet the science measurement objectives and the aeronautics community continues to use Laser/Lidar technologies to meet the aeronautics measurement objectives. This presentation will provide an overview of NASA efforts in developing and maturing state-of-the-art advanced solid-state flight laser/lidar systems for airborne and space-borne remote sensing measurements. The presentation will also provide details of a strategic approach for active optical technologies and techniques to meet the NASA’s future Earth and Space Science measurements/missions needs and requirements for space-based applications.

NASA's Future↗
NASA NTRS1983

High-density Schottky barrier IRCCD sensors for remote sensing applications

It is pointed out that the ambitious goals envisaged for the next generation of space-borne sensors challenge the state-of-the-art in solid-state imaging technology. Studies are being conducted with the aim to provide focal plane array technology suitable for use in future Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) earth resource instruments. An important new technology for IR-image sensors involves the use of monolithic Schottky barrier infrared charge-coupled device arrays. This technology is suitable for earth sensing applications in which moderate quantum efficiency and intermediate operating temperatures are required. This IR sensor can be fabricated by using standard integrated circuit (IC) processing techniques, and it is possible to employ commercial IC grade silicon. For this reason, it is feasible to construct Schottky barrier area and line arrays with large numbers of elements and high-density designs. A Pd2Si Schottky barrier sensor for multispectral imaging in the 1 to 3.5 micron band is under development.

Elabd, H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Earth resources experiments and results

One of the major objectives of the Skylab Program was to investigate the feasibility of addressing the techniques of resource management through the use of remote sensors from a space platform. To accomplish these investigations, a package of broad-spectrum remote sensors was devised to investigate the extent to which surface features could be interpreted for potential use in understanding and managing the earth's resources. This paper will describe the total system capability needed to accomplish the resource management task; and, for a few specific examples, indicate how the results of EREP will contribute to the on-going development of the total resources system.

Zarcaro, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Mapping of submerged vegetation using remote sensing technology

Techniques for mapping submerged sea grasses using aircraft supported remote sensors are described. The 21 channel solid state array spectroradiometer was successfully used as a remote sensor in the experiment in that the system operated without problem and obtained data. The environmental conditions of clear water, bright sandy bottom and monospecific vegetation (Thalassia) were ideal.

Savastano, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Remote measurement of water color

This paper contains a discussion of the requirements and approaches which can be taken in the development of techniques for the analysis of remote multispectral imagery of natural bodies of water. There are two general approaches which can be used in the analysis of multispectral water color data collected by aircraft or satellite remote sensors. With the theoretical modeling approach, optically important constituents of natural waters are mathematically related to the upwelling radiance spectrum received by the remote sensor. With the empirical approach, the relationships are determined empirically by comparing remote sensing data with surface truth data. There are several levels of mathematical sophistication which can be applied to both approaches. The two approaches are discussed in some detail and it is concluded that the two approaches are closely related and should be pursued simultaneously for maximum utilization of the laboratory and field measurement data which will be needed. A set of minimum surface truth measurement parameters and techniques is suggested.

Mccluney, W. R.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Remote Sensing Low Signal-to-Noise-Ratio Target Detection Enhancement

In real-time remote sensing application, frames of data are continuously flowing into the processing system. The capability of detecting objects of interest and tracking them as they move is crucial to many critical surveillance and monitoring missions. Detecting small objects using remote sensors is an ongoing, challenging problem. Since object(s) are located far away from the sensor, the target’s Signal-to-Noise-Ratio (SNR) is low. The Limit of Detection (LOD) for remote sensors is bounded by what is observable on each image frame. In this paper, we present a new method, a “Multi-frame Moving Object Detection System (MMODS)”, to detect small, low SNR objects that are beyond what a human can observe in a single video frame. This is demonstrated by using simulated data where our technology-detected objects are as small as one pixel with a targeted SNR, close to 1:1. We also demonstrate a similar improvement using live data collected with a remote camera. The MMODS technology fills a major technology gap in remote sensing surveillance applications for small target detection. Our method does not require prior knowledge about the environment, pre-labeled targets, or training data to effectively detect and track slow- and fast-moving targets, regardless of the size or the distance.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
NASA NTRS1977

A summary of the test procedures and operational details of an ocean dumping pollution monitoring experiment conducted 7 October 1976

A remote sensor experiment was conducted at a sewage sludge dump site off the Delaware/Maryland coast. Two aircraft serving as remote sensor platforms flew over the dump site during a sludge dump. One aircraft carried a multispectral scanner and the other aircraft carried a rapid scanning spectrometer. Data from sea-truth stations were collected concurrent with overpasses of the aircraft. All sensors were operational and produced good digital data.

Hypes, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Review of Concepts and Applications for Multispectral/Hyperspectral Focal Plane Array (FPA) Technology

Multispectral, and ultimately hyperspectral, focal plane arrays (FPAs) represent the logical extension of two-color FPA technology, which has already shown its utility in military applications. Incorporating the spectral discrimination function directly in the FPA would offer the potential for orders-of-magnitude increase in remote sensor system performance. It would allow reduction or even elimination of optical components currently required to provide spectral discrimination in atmospheric remote sensors. The result would be smaller, simpler instruments with higher performance than exist today.

McAdoo, James A.↗