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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

Multispectral mapping of the lunar surface using groundbased telescopes

Images of the lunar surface were obtained at several wavelengths using a silicon vidicon imaging system and groundbased telescopes. These images were recorded and processed in digital form so that quantitative information is preserved. The photometric precision of the images is shown to be better than 1 percent. Ratio images calculated by dividing images obtained at two wavelengths (0.40/0.56 micrometer) and 0.95/0.56 micrometer are presented for about 50 percent of the lunar frontside. Spatial resolution is about 2 km at the sub-earth point. A complex of distinct units is evident in the images. Earlier work with the reflectance spectrum of lunar materials indicates that for the most part these units are compositionally distinct. Digital images of this precision are extremely useful to lunar geologists in disentangling the history of the lunar surface.

Mccord, T. B.↗

A computer-aided telescope pointing system utilizing a video star tracker

The Video Inertial Pointing (VIP) System developed to satisfy the acquisition and pointing requirements of astronomical telescopes is described. A unique feature of the system is the use of a single sensor to provide information for the generation of three axis pointing error signals and for a cathode ray tube (CRT) display of the star field. The pointing error signals are used to update the telescope's gyro stabilization and the CRT display is used by an operator to facilitate target acquisition and to aid in manual positioning of the telescope optical axis. A model of the system using a low light level vidicon built and flown on a balloon-borne infrared telescope is briefly described from a state of the art charge coupled device (CCD) sensor. The advanced system hardware is described and an analysis of the multi-star tracking and three axis error signal generation, along with an analysis and design of the gyro update filter, are presented. Results of a hybrid simulation are described in which the advanced VIP system hardware is driven by a digital simulation of the star field/CCD sensor and an analog simulation of the telescope and gyro stabilization dynamics.

Murphy, J. P.↗

LANDSAT-1 flight evaluation report

Flight performance analysis for the tenth quarter of operation orbit 11467 to 12745 of LANDSAT 1 are presented. Payload subsystems discussed include: power subsystem; attitude control subsystem; telemetry subsystem; electrical interface subsystem; narrowband tape recorders; wideband telemetry subsystem; return beam vidicon subsystem; multispectral scanner subsystem; and data collection system.

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Echelle spectra image processing for the International Ultraviolet Explorer

This paper presents the techniques needed to convert the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) high-resolution echelle spectra into useful scientific data. The image is obtained with a digitally controlled vidicon camera system. The processes that must be carried out on the image include: noise removal, correction for geometric and optical distortion, nonuniform photometric corrections, and two-dimensional wavelength determination. Results from the breadboard camera system are presented.

Klinglesmith, D. A.↗

Spectroscopic photoelectric imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer - Its development and preliminary observational results

In order to observe extended astronomical objects at high spatial and spectral resolution, we have constructed a spectroscopic photoelectric imaging Fabry-Perot interferometer (SPIFI). Among the properties chosen for the instrument are an air-spaced, piezoelectrically scanned design allowing an accurately settable free spectral range and employing a single etalon of high finesse. Careful design of the etalon mountings and optical train preserves high light throughput. We either obtain spectra of single spatial elements with a photomultiplier or use an SEC vidicon detector to record a series of images through the interferometer while scanning the wavelength in discrete steps. The latter procedure yields sufficient information to reconstruct spectral features over the entire object. For the conditions assumed, either series of observations requires only a small fraction of a rotational period for Jupiter or Saturn, for example.

Smith, W. H.↗

Velocity dispersions in galaxies. V - The nuclei of M31 and M32

Stigmatic spectra between 4160 and 4385 A of the central regions of M31 and M32 as well as the K0 III star 51 Ori are presented which were obtained using a SEC-vidicon integrating television tube and the coude spectrograph of the Hale telescope. Line-of-sight velocity dispersions of approximately 130 and 55 km/s are determined for the nuclei of M31 and M32, respectively, by directly comparing their spectra with Gaussian-broadened spectra of 51 Ori. The analytical techniques are outlined, and alternative methods for estimating velocity dispersions are evaluated, including least-squares fitting of intensities and division of Fourier transforms. It is noted that the broadened spectrum of 51 Ori fits the nucleus of M32 and the bulge of M31 much better than the nucleus of M31 in the region between 4180 and 4370 A.

Morton, D. C.↗

Lunar radargrammetry with ALSE-VHF imagery

Results are presented for a controlled experiment with a pair of overlapping lunar ALSE-VHF images produced in two consecutive revolutions of the Apollo command module around the moon. A theoretical treatment is presented of the mathematical tools for ALSE radargrammetry. Evaluation of radargrammetric mapping with single strips and a radar stereo model led to preliminary results in a test area around Mons Maraldi. Accuracy achieved with single radar images was about plus or minus 250 m along track and plus or minus 500 m across track. Stereoradargrammetry was used to generate a contour plot of Mons Maraldi and to evaluate the overall height accuracy obtainable from ALSE radar. About plus or minus 120 m of accuracy is obtained if the stereo model is corrected using a few control points. This makes ALSE stereo radar heights competitive with or even superior to vidicon data obtained for planetary exploration. The present basic limitation to radargrammetric accuracy from ALSE-VHF images is the identifiability of surface features.

Leberl, F.↗

Multispectral mapping of the lunar surface using ground-based telescopes

Images of the lunar surface were obtained at several wavelengths using a silicon vidicon imaging system and ground-based telescopes. These images were recorded and processed in digital form so that quantitative information was preserved. The photometric precision of the images is shown to be better than 1%. Ratio images calculated by dividing images obtained at two wavelengths (0.40/0.56 and 0.95/0.56 microns) are presented for about 50% of the lunar frontside. Spatial resolution is about 2 km at the subearth point. A complex of distinct units is evident in the images. Earlier work with the reflectance spectrum of lunar materials indicates that, for the most part, these units are compositionally distinct.

Mccord, T. B.↗

Earth orbital teleoperator visual system evaluation program

Visual system parameters and stereoptic television component geometries were evaluated for optimum viewing. The accuracy of operator range estimation using a Fresnell stereo television system with a three dimensional cursor was examined. An operator's ability to align three dimensional targets using vidicon tube and solid state television cameras as part of a Fresnell stereoptic system was evaluated. An operator's ability to discriminate between varied color samples viewed with a color television system was determined.

Frederick, P. N.↗

Advanced Sensors and Applications Study (ASAS)

The present EOD requirements for sensors in the space shuttle era are reported with emphasis on those applications which were deemed important enough to warrant separate sections. The application areas developed are: (1) agriculture; (2) atmospheric corrections; (3) cartography; (4) coastal studies; (5) forestry; (6) geology; (7) hydrology; (8) land use; (9) oceanography; and (10) soil moisture. For each application area. The following aspects were covered: (1) specific goals and techniques, (2) individual sensor requirements including types, bands, resolution, etc.; (3) definition of mission requirements, type orbits, coverages, etc.; and (4) discussion of anticipated problem areas and solutions. The remote sensors required for these application areas include; (1) camera systems; (2) multispectral scanners; (3) microwave scatterometers; (4) synthetic aperture radars; (5) microwave radiometers; and (6) vidicons. The emphasis in the remote sensor area was on the evaluation of present technology implications about future systems.

Chism, S. B.↗

LANDSAT-1 and LANDSAT-2 flight evaluation report

The LANDSAT-1 spacecraft was launched from the Western Test Range on 23 July 1972, at 18:08:06.508Z. The launch and orbital injection phase of the space flight was nominal and deployment of the spacecraft followed predictions. Orbital operations of the spacecraft and payload subsystems were satisfactory through Orbit 147, after which an internal short circuit disabled one of the Wideband Video Tape Recorders (WBVTR-2). Operations resumed until Orbit 196, when the Return Beam Vidicon failed to respond when commanded off. The RBV was commanded off via alternate commands. LANDSAT-1 continued to perform its imaging mission with the Multispectral Scanner and the remaining Wideband Video Tape Recorder providing image data.

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Measurement of insulation integrity of IUE camera tube facsimiles by partial discharges method and diffusion of gases through various silicone rubbers

Several dummy tubes imitating the IUE Camera System design were encapsulated with Solithane 2, Conathane EN-11, Green and Black Hysols and SMRD 432. Various flaws were purposefully placed in some of these. Partial discharge testing in vacuum under direct voltage conditions was carried once a week for 12 weeks, 15 kv dc being applied during normal working hours for 40 hours duration per week. None of the units showed much damage during this time judging by the P.D. energy histograms. A more complete mathematical presentation is given on diffusion and permeation than previously. Measurements of diffusion constants for various silicone rubbers are carried out by the Time-Lag method and compared to other determinations in the literature. Calculations of the time required for diffusion through a thick wall are demonstrated in the long time approximation and for dimensions pertaining to void and wall sizes of a delamination problem in the LANDSAT-C vidicon tubes. An actual delaminated LANDSAT-C tube and some facsimiles are immersed in vacuum for long periods and tested for catastrophic breakdown due to diffusion of gas, by application of high voltage.

Bever, R. S.↗

Future planetary television cameras

The evolution of planetary slow-scan vidicon cameras started with the exploratory flyby mission to Mars in 1965, and has continued through the planned launch of the Mariner Jupiter/Saturn 1977 Mission. To date, the camera performance has been constrained by limited spacecraft capabilities rather than driven by desires of experimenters. The paper traces this evolution for a generation of camera using charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors, which have greater capability within spacecraft weight and power constraints. Projections are given of scientific objectives for the CCD cameras, and it is shown how these objectives will drive the camera performance, data rates, on-board processing, pointing accuracy, and other spacecraft system parameters.

Norris, D. D.↗

The response of fluoroscopic image intensifier-TV systems

Three different types of X-ray fluoroscopic TV chains were investigated: two standard clinical units, one with a vidicon camera tube, the other with a plumbicon camera tube; and the third was a large flat-screen unit. In each an X-ray beam generated at 100 kVp was passed through 10 cm of H2O before aluminum absorbers of varying thickness were introduced. Five video recordings were made at each absorber thickness. The video image was digitized directly from the disk recording and quantized into 128 gray levels. The five recordings were averaged on a point-to-point basis, and the central 900 averaged points were again averaged to yield a value for the gray level assigned to each particular image. This 30 by 30 matrix of points corresponds to input screen areas of 29, 8.2, and 3.6 sq cm for the three units investigated.

Baily, N. A.↗

Mapping of lunar surface from side-looking orbital radar images

Side-looking spacecraft radar imagery has thus far been produced only from an orbit around the moon. This was a part of the Apollo Lunar Sounder Experiment (ALSE) of the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. This paper reports results of a radargrammetric evaluation of overlapping Apollo 17 synthetic-aperture radar images (wavelength 2 m). The potential to map from single images and to reconstruct three-dimensional stereoscopic models is studied. The relative height accuracy achieved is about + or - 100 m and is thus competitive with that obtained with the vidicon camera presently used for planetary exploration.

Leberl, F.↗

The role of fiber optics in mass spectrometer electro-optical ion detection

This paper describes the development of an electro-optical ion detector combining the best features of photographic and electrical ion detection (i.e., wide mass range coverage and low ion detection threshold respectively). A nineteen fold fiber optic image dissector is discussed which reformats the 1 mm x 361 mm mass spectrometer focal plane format to a 19 mm x 19 mm format suitable for vidicon imaging and electronic display of the data.

Norris, D. D.↗

A normalized view of Venus

A few Mariner 10 images of Venus have been 'normalized' to a standard scattering geometry using the exact solution by Chandrasekhar (1950) involving his H functions. The most striking feature of the normalized images is the bright polar ring or cap beyond about 50 deg latitude circle and a narrower brightness frequency distribution. The brightness variation along a meridian shows substantial axial symmetry on a large scale, and small-scale brightness variations over the planet are no more than about 10%. Inferences regarding the polar cloud tops in light of available evidence are discussed. The variation of mean brightness and of the ratio of mean square deviation of brightness to average brightness is comparable to the performance limits of the vidicon camera for the image sequence lasting about a day, so that the variation in distribution of dark and bright features over the planet and the UV albedo of the planet over about a day is small.

Limaye, S.↗

Spectrophotometry of the transient X-ray source A0620-00

Optical observations of the transient X-ray source A0620-00 over the wavelength range from about 3200 to 6600 A are analyzed which were made with the 5-m Hale telescope using a multichannel spectrometer, a digital spectrograph with a cooled integrating SIT vidicon, and an image photon-counting system attached to the camera of the coude spectrograph. Infrared observations at 1.65, 2.2, and 3.5 microns are also examined. Individual spectral lines of special interest are discussed, the E(B-V) color excess is estimated to be about 0.40, and a distance of 1200 pc is adopted. Analysis of the continuous spectrum yields several simple binary models. A specific model is proposed in which one of the continuum sources is an optically thick object characterized by a model atmosphere at a temperature of 25,000 to 30,000 K and the second source is either a cool black body at 4000 K or a partially optically thick source of bound-free plus free-free radiation from a hydrogen gas with an electron temperature of at least 100,000 K. Some possible parameters of these sources and of the accretion disk are considered.

Oke, J. B.↗