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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Time and frequency measuring metrological equipment in the USSR

The complex of the means of providing time and frequency traceability in the USSR includes the system of time and frequency standards of the National Time and Frequency Calibration Service, time and frequency transfer facilities and local time and frequency standards. Control on measurement correctness is performed by the All-Union State Standard calibration service. The hardware of most of the above-mentioned systems is provided by the instruments developed by our institute. A common scientific and technological approach allowed us to create a unified system of time-frequency equipment composed of widely used serial instruments, sets, automated systems and complexes. Primary frequency standards of different classes, time and frequency references and instruments are based on the unified system. CH1-70 hydrogen frequency standard and its CH1-70A, CH1-80 modifications are used in the group time and frequency standards. Measuring time and data processing techniques, and also instrumentation specifications on the results of 10-year operation are given. The existing system provides time-frequency measurements with 2 times 10(exp -13) plus or minus 1 times 10(exp -14) accuracy.

Uljanov, Adolph A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Preparing project managers for faster-better-cheaper robotic planetary missions

The authors have developed and implemented a week-long workshop for Jet Propulsion Laboratory Project Managers, designed around the development phases of the JPL Project Life Cycle. The workshop emphasizes the specific activities and deliverables that pertain to JPL managers of NASA robotic space exploration and instrument development projects.

project manager workshop project management educat↗
NASA NTRS2004

A Portable Universal Hazardous Gas Detector

Experimental work on the Miniature Mass Spectrometer (MMS) at JPL has resulted in a 'table top' configuration with a CCD detector that has demonstrated a detection limit of 50 parts per billion. The CCD detector operates at ambient temperature. Intelligent Ion, Inc., a commercial instrument developer, has taken out a license on the JPL technology and has built a prototype using a Faraday Cup Array detector as a placeholder detector. The prototype instrument was tested at Kennedy Space Center and demonstrated detection limits in the parts per million range. The test results are presented as well as detailed photographs of the prototype instrument. A presentation of the MMS was made to an expert review panel for 'On-Board Environmental Monitoring Systems for the International Space Station (ISS).' The scores obtained by the MMS system are presented. The prototype instrument will be retro fitted with a CCD array detector in August 2004 and will again be tested at KSC. The instrument is expected to show a detection level for hydrazines of 10 ppb and a detection level for solvents below 10 ppb.The expectations are based on raw data from the first batch of CCD's that was tested.

spacecraft fuels↗
NASA NTRS2018

Instrumentation for Lunar Volatile Analysis

Understanding the available lunar resources is key to incorporating their availability into exploration architectures. Previous lunar missions have provided insight into the potential resources on the moon as an initial step enabling in-situ resource utilization (ISRU). Orbiting missions, such as Clementine and Lunar Prospector, have mapped the lunar polar region and found enhanced hydrogen signals on kilometer-scale resolution. The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission provided the first direct measurement of water ice in a permanently shadowed region. Future missions will provide ground truth data to measure and quantify lunar volatiles.One approach to exploration capitalizes on commercial partnerships for Class D risk aware missions. Partnerships with commercial partners enable rapid design cycles, leveraging the investment of the commercial industry in instrument development. Modified Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) hardware can be utilized to enhance capabilities in exploration missions. The hardware under development at the Kennedy Space Center for availability within the Commercial Lunar Payload Services opportunities capitalizes on modified COTS, enabling an aggressive delivery schedule and low-cost development. The modified hardware has been integrated and tested in a thermal vacuum environment, with final flight modifications currently in work. The use of a modified COTS instruments will be discussed for space applications.

Captain, J.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A cryogenically cooled photofragment fluorescence instrument for measuring stratospheric water vapor

An instrument developed for high-resolution daytime measurements of water vapor in the stratosphere using the technique of photofragment fluorescence is examined. A detailed description of all aspects of the instrument, as well as the results of its first two flights, are presented. The main areas of concern were optical baffling, cryogen transfer, water vapor measurement without contamination, and a dual path absorption measurement. Results of the second flight test indicate that the problems of instrument and gondola contamination, identified in the first flight test, were solved. A signal-to-noise ratio of about 50:1 for 10 sec of averaging throughout the stratosphere is achieved, as well as an altitude resolution of better than 100 m.

Weinstock, Elliot M.↗
NASA NTRS2013

Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

The Analytical Chemistry and Material Development Group maintains a capability in chemical analysis, materials R&D failure analysis and contamination control. The uniquely qualified staff and facility support the needs of flight projects, science instrument development and various technical tasks, as well as Cal Tech.

chemical analysis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Software for Optical (Laser) Ground Station Monitor and Control ​

Previous NASA laser communication missions have been supported by ground terminals specific to the mission. The Low-Cost Optical Terminal project (LCOT) aims to serve as a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), reusable, and modular optical ground terminal prototype, provide a blueprint for future optical ground terminals, and enable optical communication experiments with a variety of spacecraft from Low Earth Orbit to lunar orbit. The goal of the internship was the development of LCOT’s Gimbal Monitor and Control (GMC) application, within the LCOT Monitor and Control Subsystem (MCS). Mount control software PWI4 was provided by mount and gimbal vendor Planewave Instruments; developed in Python, GMC integrates and interfaces with PWI4 using third party libraries such as Protobuf and RabbitMQ. As a stand in for the Monitor and Control Subsystem (MCS), a test Graphical User Interface (GUI) was created to send commands to and receive telemetry from the GMC application; these commands and telemetry are sent through the RabbitMQ message bus as Protobuf encoded messages. GMC then interfaces with PWI4 which passes along desired commands and telemetry to and from a vendor provided mount and gimbal simulator. The GMC software developed allows LCOT’s Monitor and Control Subsystem (MCS) to take advantage of the existing mount control software, advancing LCOT’s efforts in the development of the MCS. The MCS and GMC software developed will contribute to LCOT’s goal as a flexible and modular optical ground terminal prototype and blueprint, which supports development towards a potential optical ground terminal network.

space communications↗
NASA NTRS1982

A unique flight test facility - Description and results

The Dryden Flight Research Facility has developed a unique research facility for conducting aerodynamic and fluid mechanics experiments in flight. A low aspect ratio fin, referred to as the flight test fixture (FTF), is mounted on the underside of the fuselage of an F-104G aircraft. The F-104/FTF facility is described, and the capabilities are discussed. The capabilities include (1) a large Mach number envelope (0.4 to 2.0), including the region through Mach 1.0; (2) the potential ability to test articles larger than those that can be tested in wind tunnels; (3) the large chord Reynolds number envelope (greater than 40 million); and (4) the ability to define small increments in friction drag between two test surfaces. Data are presented from experiments that demonstrate some of the capabilities of the FTF, including the shuttle thermal protection system airload tests, instrument development, and base drag studies. Proposed skin friction experiments and instrument evaluation studies are also discussed.

Meyer, R. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A unique flight test facility: Description and results

The Dryden Flight Research Facility has developed a unique research facility for conducting aerodynamic and fluid mechanics experiments in flight. A low aspect ratio fin, referred to as the flight test fixture (FTF), is mounted on the underside of the fuselage of an F-104G aircraft. The F-104G/FTF facility is described, and the capabilities are discussed. The capabilities include (1) a large Mach number envelope (0.4 to 2.0), including the region through Mach 1.0; (2) the potential ability to test articles larger than those that can be tested in wind tunnels; (3) the large chord Reynolds number envelope (greater than 40 million); and (4) the ability to define small increments in friction drag between two test surfaces. Data are presented from experiments that demonstrate some of the capabilities of the FTF, including the shuttle thermal protection system airload tests, instrument development, and base drag studies. Proposed skin friction experiments and instrument evaluation studies are also discussed.

Meyer, R. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2011

A Deployable 4 Meter 180 to 680 GHz Antenna for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder

The Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder (SMLS) is a space-borne heterodyne radiometer which will measure pressure, temperature and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission between 180 and 680 GHz. SMLS, planned for the Global Atmospheric Composition Mission of the NRC Decadal Survey, uses a novel toric Cassegrain antenna to perform both elevation and azimuth scanning. These provide better horizontal and temporal resolution and coverage than were possible with elevation-only scanning at typical Low-Earth orbit spacing in the two previous MLS satellite instruments. Development of the SMLS antenna was the focus of a 2006 Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program whose phase II culminated in the fabrication and thermal stability testing of a composite demonstration model of the SMLS primary reflector. This reflector has the full 4m height and 1/3 the width planned for flight. An Instrument Incubator Program (IIP) titled "A deployable 4 Meter 180 to 680 GHz antenna for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder" continues development of the SMLS antenna with the study of 5 topics: 1) detailed mathematical modeling of the antenna patterns from which we simulate geophysical parameter retrievals in order to establish FOV performance requirements; 2) thorough correlation of finite element model predictions with measurements made on the SBIR reflector. We will again measure deformations of this reflector, under more flight-like thermal gradients, using higher precision metrology techniques available in a new large-aperture facility at JPL; 3) fabrication of a full-width primary reflector whose asbuilt surface figure will better meet the figure requirements of SMLS than did the SBIR reflector; 4) integration of the primary with other reflectors, and with residual front ends built in a 2007 IIP, in a breadboard antenna; and finally 5) RF testing of the breadboard on a Near Field Range at JPL. We report on significant progress in 3 areas of the current IIP: development of the mathematical model to predict SMLS antenna patterns and their application in a preliminary set of geophysical retrievals; the correlation between surface deformation predicted by finite element models and measurement in the 2009 isothermal stability tests of the SBIR, with implications for the thermal gradient testing to be performed at JPL; and aspects of the conceptual design of the full-width primary reflector to be fabricated and tested in the 2nd and 3rd years of the IIP.

heterodyne radiometer↗
NASA NTRS1971

A focusing collector for long wavelength X-ray astronomy.

Rocket studies of the low-energy X-ray sky conducted so far suffer from serious experimental problems. Therefore, an apparatus was design ed to overcome the outstanding experimental problems. The instrument developed was successfully flown in an Aerobee-170 rocket. The new device utilizes a grazing incidence paraboloid as an energy concentrator and low-pass filter. The effective bandpass of the instrument from 100 to 280 eV is determined by the combination of the counter window transmission and the mirror reflectivity.

Yentis, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Significant achievements in the planetary geology program, 1975 - 1976

Developments in planetology research as reported at the 1976 NASA Planetology Program Principal Investigators' meeting are summarized. Topics range from solar system evolution, comparative planetology, and geologic processes to techniques and instrument development for future exploration.

Head, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Solar total irradiance observations by active cavity radiometers

Investigations have been conducted concerning the development of new cavity pyrheliometer for an absolute measurement of solar irradiance both in preflight testing of spacecraft and in flight experiments to measure the total solar flux. A series of instruments developed as part of this program are electrically self-calibrated cavity pyrheliometers whose mode of operation is characterized by the name Active Cavity Radiometer (ACR). The temperatures of their cavity sensors are servocontrolled, actively maintained at constant temperatures relative to their heat sinks by electrical heating. The solar irradiance is related to the International System of Units by measuring the difference in amount of electrical heating required with the cavity sensor alternately shaded and exposed to the sun. Studies conducted with the ACR are discussed. While variations of a few tenths of a percent in solar total irradiance lasting no more than a week or two have been detected, no long term trends were identified.

Willson, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Proceedings of a Workshop on Assessment of Techniques for Measuring Tropospheric N sub x O sub y

Human impact on the troposphere, particularly on the regional to global scale is assessed. One area of required research is instrumentation development, which is aimed at improving the capability to measure important trace gases and aerosols which are key species in the major atmospheric biogeochemical cycles. To focus on specific needs, the Instrumentation Workshop for NxOy Tropospheric Species was conducted. The workshop discussed measurement needs and instrument capabilities for NxOy species, including NO, NO2, HNO3, HNO2, PAN, and NO3 aerosols. The status and measurement capabilities of various techniques (operational as well as conceptual) were discussed, along with future instrument and technology needs.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1984

Assessment of Techniques for Measuring Tropospheric H Sub x O Sub y

In its continuing efforts to direct its applications programs towards relevant national needs, NASA is conducting the Tropospheric Chemistry Program, the long-range objective of which is to apply NASA's space technology to assess and predict human impact on the troposphere, particularly on the regional to global scale. One area of required research is instrumentation development, which is aimed at improving the capability to measure important trace gases and aerosols which are key species in the major atmospheric biogeochemical cycles. To focus on specific needs, the Instrumentation Worksphop for H(x)O(y) Tropospheric Species was conducted in August 1982. The workshop discussed current measurement needs and instrument capabilities for H(x)O(y) species, including OH, HO2, and H2O2. The workshop activities and conclusions are documented.

Hoell, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Core Flight System (cFS) Community: Providing Low Cost Solutions for Small Spacecraft

In February 2015 the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) completed the open source release of the entire Core Flight Software (cFS) suite. After the open source release a multi-NASA center Configuration Control Board (CCB) was established that has managed multiple cFS product releases. The cFS was developed and is being maintained in compliance with the NASA Class B software development process requirements and the open source release includes all Class B artifacts. The cFS is currently running on three operational science spacecraft and is being used on multiple spacecraft and instrument development efforts. While the cFS itself is a viable flight software (FSW) solution, we have discovered that the cFS community is a continuous source of innovation and growth that provides products and tools that serve the entire FSW lifecycle and future mission needs. This paper summarizes the current state of the cFS community, the key FSW technologies being pursued, the development/verification tools and opportunities for the small satellite community to become engaged. The cFS is a proven high quality and cost-effective solution for small satellites with constrained budgets.

System↗
NASA NTRS1992

Engineering the Lidar In-space Technology Experiment

The Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) is being developed by NASA for flight on the Space Shuttle in early 1994. A discussion of the NASA four-phase design process is followed by a short history of the experiment heritage. The instrument is then described at the subsystem level from an engineering point of view, with special emphasis on the laser and the receiver. Some aspects of designing for the space environment are discussed, as well as the importance of contamination control, and product assurance. Finally, the instrument integration and test process is described and the current status of the instrument development is given.

Couch, Richard H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Airborne Submillimeter Spectroscopy

This is the final technical report for NASA-Ames grant NAG2-1068 to Caltech, entitled "Airborne Submillimeter Spectroscopy", which extended over the period May 1, 1996 through January 31, 1998. The grant was funded by the NASA airborne astronomy program, during a period of time after the Kuiper Airborne Observatory was no longer operational. Instead. this funding program was intended to help develop instrument concepts and technology for the upcoming SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) project. SOFIA, which is funded by NASA and is now being carried out by a consortium lead by USRA (Universities Space Research Association), will be a 747 aircraft carrying a 2.5 meter diameter telescope. The purpose of our grant was to fund the ongoing development of sensitive heterodyne receivers for the submillimeter band (500-1200 GHz), using sensitive superconducting (SIS) detectors. In 1997 July we submitted a proposal to USRA to construct a heterodyne instrument for SOFIA. Our proposal was successful [1], and we are now continuing our airborne astronomy effort with funding from USRA. A secondary purpose of the NAG2-1068 grant was to continue the anaIN'sis of astronomical data collected with an earlier instrument which was flown on the NASA Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO). The KAO instrument and the astronomical studies which were carried out with it were supported primarily under another grant, NAG2-744, which extended over October 1, 1991 through Januarv 31, 1997. For a complete description of the astronomical data and its anailysis, we refer the reader to the final technical report for NAG2-744, which was submitted to NASA on December 1. 1997. Here we report on the SIS detector development effort for SOFIA carried out under NAG2-1068. The main result of this effort has been the demonstration of SIS mixers using a new superconducting material niobium titanium nitride (NbTiN), which promises to deliver dramatic improvements in sensitivity in the 700-1200 GHz frequency range.

Zmuidzinas, J.↗