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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 253 records · Page 14

Airborne and Ground-Based Measurements Using a High-Performance Raman Lidar

A high-performance Raman lidar operating in the UV portion of the spectrum has been used to acquire, for the first time using a single lidar, simultaneous airborne profiles of the water vapor mixing ratio, aerosol backscatter, aerosol extinction, aerosol depolarization and research mode measurements of cloud liquid water, cloud droplet radius, and number density. The Raman Airborne Spectroscopic Lidar (RASL) system was installed in a Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft and was flown over the mid-Atlantic United States during July August 2007 at altitudes ranging between 5 and 8 km. During these flights, despite suboptimal laser performance and subaperture use of the telescope, all RASL measurement expectations were met, except that of aerosol extinction. Following the Water Vapor Validation Experiment Satellite/Sondes (WAVES_2007) field campaign in the summer of 2007, RASL was installed in a mobile trailer for groundbased use during the Measurements of Humidity and Validation Experiment (MOHAVE-II) field campaign held during October 2007 at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory s Table Mountain Facility in southern California. This ground-based configuration of the lidar hardware is called Atmospheric Lidar for Validation, Interagency Collaboration and Education (ALVICE). During theMOHAVE-II field campaign, during which only nighttime measurements were made, ALVICE demonstrated significant sensitivity to lower-stratospheric water vapor. Numerical simulation and comparisons with a cryogenic frost-point hygrometer are used to demonstrate that a system with the performance characteristics of RASL ALVICE should indeed be able to quantify water vapor well into the lower stratosphere with extended averaging from an elevated location like Table Mountain. The same design considerations that optimize Raman lidar for airborne use on a small research aircraft are, therefore, shown to yield significant dividends in the quantification of lower-stratospheric water vapor. The MOHAVE-II measurements, along with numerical simulation, were used to determine that the likely reason for the suboptimal airborne aerosol extinction performance during theWAVES_2007 campaign was amisaligned interference filter. With full laser power and a properly tuned interference filter,RASL is shown to be capable ofmeasuring themain water vapor and aerosol parameters with temporal resolutions of between 2 and 45 s and spatial resolutions ranging from 30 to 330 m from a flight altitude of 8 km with precision of generally less than 10%, providing performance that is competitive with some airborne Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) water vapor and High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) aerosol instruments. The use of diode-pumped laser technology would improve the performance of an airborne Raman lidar and permit additional instrumentation to be carried on board a small research aircraft. The combined airborne and ground-based measurements presented here demonstrate a level of versatility in Raman lidar that may be impossible to duplicate with any other single lidar technique.

Whiteman, David N.↗

High spectral resolution ground-based observations of Venus in the 450- to 1250 kayser region

Ground-based observations of Venus were made with a 5-cm drive Michelson interferometer during December 1970 and December 1973. The thermal emission spectrum of the central portion of the apparent disk was recorded from 450-1250 kaysers with an apodized spectral resolution of 0.25 kaysers. All statistically significant sharp line-absorption features in the spectrum have been identified with gaseous CO2. Comparison between the observed spectrum and a synthetic spectrum computed from a model atmosphere, assuming gaseous CO2 and a sulfuric acid haze as opacity sources, indicates good agreement. A broad diffuse absorption feature associated with the sulfuric acid haze is evident in the 870- to 930 kayser region. With the exception of the rotational lines of the 927 kayser CO2 band, the above feature appears as a continuum down to 0.25 kayser resolution. In the 750- to 1250 kayser range, the spectrum exhibits moderate thermal contrast with maximum brightness temperatures of 234-238 K occurring near 825 kaysers. These temperatures are in general agreement with previous measurements.

Kunde, V. G.↗

Quantification of HCl from high-resolution, ground-based, infrared solar spectra in the 3000 per cm region

Recent ground-based infrared solar spectra at 0.02 per cm resolution in the 3000 per cm region have been analyzed for the atmospheric content of HCl. Nonlinear spectral least-squares fitting applied to spectra obtained at several zenith angles shows little sensitivity of the results to tropospheric HCl but provides an accurate measurement of the total column amount.

Goldman, A.↗

Ground-based observations of IRAS candidates for late asymptotic giant branch stars

Ground-based IR photometric observations were obtained for 16 of the IRAS Circular No. 9 sources which have been suggested to be candidates of OH/IR stars. Five of these sources are confirmed to be OH/IR stars and three others as carbon stars. Two are young objects in an early stage of star formation and one, possibly two, are planetary nebulae. Two sources of very low color temperatures (about 180 K) are also found, and may represent objects in transition between the asymptotic giant branch and planetary nebula phases.

Kwok, Sun↗

Ground-based column abundance measurements of atmospheric hydroxyl

The preliminary results of ground-based OH column abundance measurements from Truk, Federated States of Micronesia, are contained. These are the first OH column measurements from the tropics, and constitute a signficcant contribution to the OH data base. Comparisons of tropical OH behavior with the extensive mid-latitude observations serve as a critical test of the current understanding of the HO (sub x) photochemistry and its relationship to the other major chemical families. The quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) in tropical stratospheric winds exerts a major influence on the Hadley cell vertical transport. Related QBOs in total O3 and in stratospheric H2O were identified, but QBO effects on other stratospheric species are still unknown. The solar tide in the tropics produces a diurnal surface pressure variation of 2 to 3 mb; its effect on OH photochemistry in the stratosphere may be significant.

Burnett, Clyde R.↗

Cardiovascular effects of weightlessness and ground-based simulation

A large number of animal and human flight and ground-based studies were conducted to uncover the cardiovascular effects of weightlessness. Findings indicate changes in cardiovascular function during simulations and with spaceflight that lead to compromised function on reambulation and/or return to earth. This altered state termed cardiovascular deconditioning is most clearly manifest when in an erect body state. Hemodynamic parameters inidicate the presence of excessive tachnycardia, hypotension (leading to presyncope in one-third of the subjects), decreased heart volume, decreased plasma and circulating blood volumes and loss of skeletal muscle mass, particularly in the lower limbs. No clinically harmful effects were observed to date, but in-depth follow-ups were limited, as was available physiologic information. Available data concerning the causes for the observed changes indicate significant roles for mechanisms involved with body fluid-volume regulation, altered cardiac function, and the neurohumoral control of the control of the peripheral circulation. Satisfactory measures are not found. Return to preflight state was variable and only slightly dependent on flight duration. Future progress awaits availability of flight durations longer than several weeks.

Sandler, Harold↗

Microgravity research in NASA ground-based facilities

An overview of reduced gravity research performed in NASA ground-based facilities sponsored by the Microgravity Science and Applications Program of the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications is presented. A brief description and summary of the operations and capabilities of each of these facilities along with an overview of the historical usage of them is included. The goals and program elements of the Microgravity Science and Applications programs are described and the specific programs that utilize the low gravity facilities are identified. Results from two particular investigations in combustion (flame spread over solid fuels) and fluid physics (gas-liquid flows at microgravity conditions) are presented.

Lekan, Jack↗

Microgravity research in NASA ground-based facilities

An overview of reduced gravity reasearch performed in NASA ground-based facilities sponsored by Microgravity Science and Applications Program of the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications is presented. A brief description and summary of the operations and capabilities of each of these facilities along with an overview of the historical usage of them is included. The goals and program elements of the Microgravity Science and Applications programs are described and the specific programs that utilize the low gravity facilities are identified. Results from two particular investigations in combustion (flame spread over solid fuels) and fluid physics (gas-liquid flows at microgravity conditions) are presented.

Lekan, Jack↗

Ground-based simulation of telepresence for materials science experiments

A series of ground-based telepresence experiments have been performed to determine the minimum video frame rate and resolution required for the successive performance of materials science experiments in space. The approach used is to simulate transmission between earth and space station with transmission between laboratories on earth. The experiments include isothermal dendrite growth, physical vapor transport, and glass melting. Modifications of existing apparatus, software developed, and the establishment of an inhouse network are reviewed.

Johnston, James C.↗

Ground Based Detect and Avoid

This presentation documents the results of an industry survey performed to help inform future research and requirements development regarding ground-based detect and avoid (GBDAA) systems. The author evaluated and summarized the current-state of existing GBDAA systems with a focus on system capabilities, current use cases, and concepts of operations. The survey included vendors such as Echodyne, Seamatica, and Raytheon, government organizations, including the Air Force and FAA, as well as members from the FAA's UAS Test Sites in New York, Alaska, Nevada, Virginia and North Dakota. High-level findings are provided as well as quotes from individuals involved in building and testing GBDAA systems. Conclusions include a lack of coordination between test sites, manufacturers and standards organizations. There is also a wide range of performance capabilities between test sites and systems. More work is required to define minimum operational performance standards for these systems, which are in a relatively immature state at the moment.

ground-based radar↗

Development of a Compact, Ground-Based Ozone DIAL System

We are developing a portable, eye-safe, ground-based ozone lidar instrument specialized for ozone differential absorption lidar (DIAL) measurements in the troposphere. This prototype instrument is intended to operate at remote field sites and to serve as the basic unit for future monitoring projects requiring multi-instrument networks, such as that proposed for the Global Tropospheric Ozone Project (GTOP). GTOP is currently being formulated by a scientific panel of the International Global Atmospheric Chemistry Project to meet its goal to better understand the processes that control the global distribution of tropospheric ozone. In order for the lidar to be widely deployed in networks, it must be fairly easy to use and maintain as well as being cost-competitive with ground station launching ozone sondes which operate several times a day. To achieve these goals, emphasis is placed upon the incorporation of: (1) all-solid state transmitters which can reliably produce 20-40 mJ pulses; (2) a highly efficient, narrow-bandpass receiver; (3) dual analog and photon-counting detector channels; and (4) flexible, user-friendly control software.

Chyba, T. H.↗

Satellite and ground-based observations of a red arc.

The results of simultaneous satellite and ground-based observations carried out during the red-arc period of August 8-9, 1970, are discussed in the light of present day theory. The formation of the arc at the electron temperature peak and density trough seems to support the thermal-conduction theory of red-arc formation.

Nagy, A. F.↗

A 14-day ground-based hypokinesia study in nonhuman primates: A compilation of results

A 14 day ground based hypokinesia study with rhesus monkeys was conducted to determine if a spaceflight of similar duration might affect bone remodeling and calcium homeostatis. The monkeys were placed in total body casts and sacrificed either immediately upon decasting or 14 days after decasting. Changes in vertebral strength were noted and further deterioration of bone strength continued during the recovery phase. Resorption in the vertebrae increased dramatically while formation decreased. Cortical bone formation was impaired in the long bones. The immobilized animals showed a progressive decrease in total serum calcium which rebounded upon remobilization. Most mandibular parameters remained unchanged during casting except for retardation of osteon birth or maturation rate and density distribution of matrix and mineral moieties.

Kazarian, L.↗

An integrated transportation and operations comparison of space and ground based OTV's

This paper presents the results of a comparison of space vs. ground basing of orbital transfer vehicles (OTV). The comparison was done assuming an 11-year mission model beginning in 1995 and averaging over 100 MT of payloads per year to GEO. When analyzed from a total transportation standpoint, the launch system employed had the greatest impact on the basing mode comparison. A launch fleet consisting of both a basic STS and a Shuttle derivative cargo vehicle provided the least cost. Only a small advantage (3%) was found in flight performance for the space based (SB) OTV once it incorporated the necessary provisions for space debris protection and on-orbit maintenance. Propellant storage and transfer losses associated with the SB OTV amounted to 12% of the actual flight propellant requirement. Turnaround of the SB OTV required a crew of 3 and 40% duty cycle. The life cycle cost comparison including all involved space elements indicated less than a 10% difference between basing modes. The SB OTV however is judged to provide more flexibility in launch manifesting, simplified recovery operations and greater potential for improvement.

Davis, E. E.↗

Modelling of total solar irradiance variability from ground-based observations

The difficulty in correlating models of solar irradiance variations from ground-based observations with spacecraft data is examined. Methods for modeling total solar irradiance are reviewed. A photometric program is described which produces sunspot irradiance fluctuation information that is repeatable to within 10 millionths of the mean irradiance. The results from this program are compared with model irradiance fluctuations based on published sunspot and plage areas.

Chapman, G. A.↗