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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 217 records · Page 12

Global Variations in Regolith Properties on Asteroid Vesta from Dawn's Low-Altitude Mapping Orbit

We investigate the depth, variability, and history of regolith on asteroid Vesta using data from the Dawn spacecraft. High-resolution (15-20 m pixel(sup -1)) Framing Cameraimages are used to assess the presence of morphologic indicators of a shallow regolith,including the presence of blocks in crater ejecta, spur-and-gully-type features in crater walls,and the retention of small (less than 300 m) impact craters. Such features reveal that the broad,regional heterogeneities observed on Vesta in terms of albedo and surface composition extend to the physical properties of the upper approx. 1 km of the surface. Regions of thin regolithare found within the Rheasilvia basin and at equatorial latitudes from approx. 0-90 deg. E and approx.260-360 deg. E. Craters in these areas that appear to excavate material from beneath the regolithhave more diogenitic (Rheasilvia, 090 deg. E) and cumulate eucrite (260-360 deg. E) compositions.A region of especially thick regolith, where depths generally exceed 1 km, is found from approx.100-240 deg. E and corresponds to heavily cratered, low-albedo surface with a basaltic eucritecomposition enriched in carbonaceous chondrite material. The presence of a thick regolithin this area supports the idea that this is an ancient terrain that has accumulated a larger component of exogenic debris. We find evidence for the gardening of crater ejecta towardmore howarditic compositions, consistent with regolith mixing being the dominant form of "weathering" on Vesta.

asteroid↗

High-Latitude, Low-Altitude SAI: Overview of G6-1.5K-HiLLA Simulations in E3SMv3

This report details a contribution of Energy Exascale Earth System Model version 3 (E3SMv3) simulations to a proposed model intercomparison project funded and organized by Reflective, a nonprofit group studying the possible global impacts of SAI. Using annual feedback control and seasonally-variable injection sites to achieve a desired global near-surface temperature target, the simulated SAI campaign indicates robust maintenance of the 2020-2039 climatic state over 60 years into the future.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

A low-altitude satellite interaction study

Two computer programs calculate interaction effects of high speed spacecraft on the environment at altitudes from 90 km to 150 km. EXT program determines fluid field in bodies of arbitrary geometries in transient flow regime. INT program uses EXT output and measures flow conditions inside spacecraft body.

Bienkowski, G. K.↗

Some analyses of the variability of atmospheric parameters at low altitudes significant for aircraft propagation

The results are discussed in terms of the meteorological data acquisition procedures necessary to monitor changes in atmospheric parameters to support aircraft flyover noise measurements and aircraft noise certification programs. The data consisted primarily of sequential radiosonde ascents to approximately 5000 ft spaced some half-hour to an hour apart. The weather covered by the data sample was predominantly that of clear skies and calm-to-light surface winds associated with well established high-pressure systems. Under these restrictive weather conditions, the study shows that the largest variabilities in temperature and humidity occur during the early morning hours resulting from the effects of direct solar heating of the surface. These rapid changes apparently do not penetrate above approximately 1000 ft. In the late morning hours, the atmosphere appears to become stabilized so that net changes in temperatures and relative humidities at all levels are insignificant even in time periods exceeding three hours. By noon, however, turbulent fluctuations in surface wind and the wind speed itself increase to levels which would make the microphone recording of acoustic signals in the field difficult.

Chang, D. T.↗

Some analyses of the variability of atmospheric parameters at low altitudes significant for aircraft flyover noise measurements.

A number of special radiosondes were examined to study the statistical variabilities of atmospheric parameters on a time and space scale commensurate with aircraft flyover noise measurements. Particular emphasis is placed on those aspects of the data which relate to the temporal variabilities of the temperature and humidity profiles. It is found that during the late morning hours, continuous surface measurements and measurements of airport tower levels are sufficient to monitor the layer of the atmosphere in which the largest variabilities occur.

Chang, D. T.↗

Low-altitude acceleration of auroral electrons during breakup observed by a mother-daughter rocket

By the use of a mother-daughter rocket combination and ground-based observations with television, time and space variations are resolved in particle measurements in breakup aurora. The spectral variations measured during a temporal variation in the aurora can be explained by a nearly uniform acceleration of all the electrons such as would be caused by an electric potential drop along the magnetic field lines. Many other explanations can be eliminated.

Johnstone, A. D.↗

Low altitude temperature and humidity profile data for application to aircraft noise propagation

A data search of the weather statistics from 11 widely dispersed geographical locations within the continental United States was conducted. The sites, located long both sea-coasts and in the interior, span the northern, southern, and middle latitudes. The weather statistics, retrieved from the records of these 11 sites, consist of two daily observations taken over a 10-year period. The data were sorted with respect to precipitation and surface winds and classified into temperature intervals of 5 C and relative humidity intervals of 10 percent for the lower 1400 meters of the atmosphere. These data were assembled in a statistical format and further classified into altitude increments of 200 meters. The data are presented as sets of tables for each site by season of the year and include both daily observations.

Connor, A. B.↗

RECON 6: A real-time, wide-angle, solid-state reconnaissance camera system for high-speed, low-altitude aircraft

The maturity of self-scanned, solid-state, multielement photosensors makes the realization of "real time" reconnaissance photography viable and practical. A system built around these sensors which can be constructed to satisfy the requirements of the tactical reconnaissance scenario is described. The concept chosen is the push broom strip camera system -- RECON 6 -- which represents the least complex and most economical approach for an electronic camera capable of providing a high level of performance over a 140 deg wide, continuous swath at altitudes from 200 to 3,000 feet and at minimum loss in resolution at higher altitudes.

Labinger, R. L.↗

Estimation of old field ecosystem biomass using low altitude imagery

Color-infrared photography was used to evaluate the biomass of experimental plots in an old-field ecosystem that was treated with different levels of waste water from a sewage treatment facility. Cibachrome prints at a scale of approximately 1:1,600 produced from 35 mm color infrared slides were used to analyze density patterns using prepared tonal density scales and multicell grids registered to ground panels shown on the photograph. Correlation analyses between tonal density and vegetation biomass obtained from ground samples and harvests were carried out. Correlations between mean tonal density and harvest biomass data gave consistently high coefficients ranging from 0.530 to 0.896 at the 0.001 significance level. Corresponding multiple regression analysis resulted in higher correlation coefficients. The results of this study indicate that aerial infrared photography can be used to estimate standing crop biomass on waste water irrigated old field ecosystems. Combined with minimal ground truth data, this technique could enable managers of wastewater irrigation projects to precisely time harvest of such systems for maximal removal of nutrients in harvested biomass.

Nor, S. M.↗

Assessment of forest plantations from low altitude aerial photography

Vertical color, and color-infrared, aerial photography obtained from altitudes between 183 m and 915 m provide a cost effective method of determining tree survival and height growth in pine plantations on the North Carolina Coastal Plain. All interpretations were performed by professional forestry personnel from the original 70 mm color transparencies. Prompt assessment of tree survival is necessary if failed spots are to be successfully replanted. Counts of living trees made after the third growing season, and sometimes only two growing seasons after planting, are accurate enough to permit planning of replanting operations without extensive ground surveys.

Nelson, H. A.↗

High resolution spectroscopy from low altitude satellites

The P 78 1 satellite to be placed in a synchronous polar orbit at an altitude of 550-660 km will carry two identical high resolution spectrometers each consisting of a single (approximately 85 cc) intrinsic germanium IGE detector. The payload also includes a pair of phoswitch scintillators, an array of CdTe detectors and several particle detectors, all of which are mounted on the wheel of the satellite. The intrinsic high purity IGE detectors receive cooling from two Stirling cycle refrigerators and facilitate the assembly of large and complex detector arrays planned for the next generation of high sensitivity instruments such as those planned for the gamma ray observatory. The major subsystems of the spectrometer are discussed as well as its capabilities.

Nakano, G. H.↗

Estimation of old field ecosystem biomass using low altitude imagery

Color-infrared photography was used to evaluate the biomass of experimental plots in an old-field ecosystem that was treated with different levels of waste water from a sewage treatment facility. Cibachrome prints at a scale of approximately 1:1,600 produced from 35 mm color infrared slides were used to analyze density patterns using prepared tonal density scales and multicell grids registered to ground panels shown on the photograph. Correlations between mean tonal density and harvest biomass data gave consistently high coefficients ranging from 0.530 to 0.896 at the 0.001 significance level. Corresponding multiple regression analysis resulted in higher correlation coefficients. The results indicate that aerial infrared photography can be used to estimate standing crop biomass on waste water irrigated old field ecosystems. Combined with minimal ground truth data, this technique could enable managers of waste water irrigation projects to precisely time harvest of such systems for maximal removal of nutrients in harvested biomass.

Nor, S. M.↗