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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 289 records · Page 16
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Skylab S-192 ratio codes of soil, mineral, and rock spectra for ratio image selection and interpretation

A limited theoretical systems study is made of the Skylab S-192 12-channel multispectral scanner's capabilities for geological remote sensing. Laboratory spectra of rocks, minerals, soils, and some vegetation were used to rank the twelve channels and the best twelve of the 66 possible nonreciprocal spectral ratios according to their ability to discriminate among 17 classes of geological targets. Environmental and instrumental noise sources were ignored. The S-192 should be most useful for discriminating minerals deposited by hydrothermal alteration, weathering, and evaporation. Discrimination of igneous rocks will be difficult. Ratio images are recommended over automatic discrimination methods for those geological targets that can be enhanced by ratio imaging. Ratio codes were found for the twelve highest ranked ratios, for use in selecting the ratio images which will best enhance a target of interest. They can also be searched for false alarm candidates for a given target.

Vincent, R. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

California nearshore surface currents

During the oceanic period from July to November, the southward flowing California current dominates the nearshore current patterns. Commencing about the middle of November and extending to mid-February, the Davidson current, a northward moving countercurrent, is the dominant inshore transporter of water and suspensates. The phenomenon of upwelling is prevalent during the period from the middle of February to the end of July. Thus, every year along the coast of California, there are three successive current seasons: the oceanic, the Davidson, and the upwelling. This paper is a discussion of the nature of these nearshore currents. In addition, the capabilities of various remote sensing platforms and systems for providing methods of monitoring the coastal processes associated with the current seasons of California are demonstrated herein.

Pirie, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Instrumentation for measuring aircraft noise and sonic boom

Improved instrumentation suitable for measuring aircraft noise and sonic booms is described. An electric current proportional to the sound pressure level at a condenser microphone is produced and transmitted over a cable and amplified by a zero drive amplifier. The converter consists of a local oscillator, a dual-gate field-effect transistor mixer, and a voltage regulator/impedance translator. The improvements include automatic tuning compensation against changes in static microphone capacitance and means for providing a remote electrical calibration capability.

Zuckerwar, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Contribution of the Spacelab data management system to lower cost space research

This paper reviews the design and operation of the Spacelab data management system as it has evolved. Significant improvements and extensions of the original baseline system have been incorporated and will be discussed. They include the capability for the remote control of Spacelab subsystems, improved remote data acquisition units, a high-rate digital data multiplexer, and an improved high-rate digital recorder. Emphasis will be placed on the overall system aspects, including considerations on the use of minicomputers as an adjunct to the basic Spacelab data system. The approach for experiment related software production and integration will be addressed as well. The paper focuses on the contributions of the data management system in reducing the cost of research in Spacelab.

Burger, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Shuttle crew station astronaut interfaces

The current shuttle orbiter configuration and its crew module and payload bay accomodations for work and off duty activities are described. The capability of the remote manipulator system and provisions to support extravehicular activities are examined with emphasis on flight crew activities for orbital flight tests and for early operational space transportation system flights. Facilities used to verify crew interfaces are also described.

Franklin, G. C.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Simulator method and apparatus for practicing the mating of an observer-controlled object with a target

A servo controlled target replica, and a surface bearing a computer generated line drawing of an object are individually viewed by separate television cameras allowing a two-dimensional composite of the target replica and the object to be displayed on a monitor simulating what an observer would see through a window in a spacecraft. The target replica is coded along one self coordinate axis in such a way that the distance of an elemental area on the target along the axis is capable of being remotely readout by a television camera. A third television camera responsive to the code reads out this information by which the Z-coordinate, relative to the observer, can be calculated, on-line with the scan, for the contents of each picture element of the scene televised by the target camera.

Polstorff, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Development and flight test of a weather radar precision approach concept

In order to make full use of the helicopter's unique capability of remote-site, off-airport landings, it would be desirable to employ a self-contained navigation system requiring minimum groundable-based equipment. For this reason, research is being conducted with the aim to develop the use of airborne weather radar as a primary navigation aid for helicopter approach and landing in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions. Anderson et al. (1982) have reported about the first phase of this effort, taking into account the detection of passive ground-based corner reflectors with the aid of an 'echo processor'. The technology of passive-reflector detection in the overland environment provides the pilot with the range and bearing to the landing site. The present investigation is concerned with a second research phase, which was undertaken with the objective to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a weather radar-based precision approach concept. Preliminary flight test results are considered.

Clary, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Australian Multiexperimental Assessment of SIR-B (AMAS)

The utility of SIR-B data for analysis of surface properties and subsurface morphology in three arid regions of Australia is investigated. This study area is located in western New South Wales. It contains extensive aeolian and alluvially derived depositional plains and is the site of the University's Arid Zone Research Station; it is well-mapped and surveyed. Radar backscatter is mapped and evaluated against known terrain conditions. Relative components of surface and subsurface return are determined with a view to identifying structural properties of surface and subsurface morphology. The capability of microwave remote sensing in locating likely groundwater sources in the Bancannia Basin, near Fowler's Gap is assessed.

Richards, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Electro-optical terrain reflectance modeling - A perspective

Electro-optical terrain reflectance modeling is one of the components required in the overall capability to simulate remote sensing measurement systems as an aid to the sensor or information processing designer. Given that sensor fields-of-view may vary from a few centimeters to several meters and that measurement devices may be placed at varying heights above the terrain surface, modeling of complex combinations of terrain classes or media with respect to both vertical and horizontal scales may be required. This paper addresses the issue of combining modeling approaches for different classes of materials in the optical regime and recommends a more formal approach to the radiative characterization of media properties as well as the calculation of the bidirectional reflectance distribution functions.

Smith, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Sensor technology for advanced space missions

The capability and applications of two sensors, Spatial, High-Accuracy, Position-Encoding Sensor (SHAPES) and Fiber Optics Rotation Sensor (FORS), for advanced missions are discussed. The multiple target, 3-D position sensing capability of SHAPES meets a critical technology need for many developing applications. A major milestone of the SHAPES task was completed on schedule on May 30, 1986, by demonstrating simultaneous ranging to eight moving targets at a rate of 10 measurements per second. The range resolution to static target was shown to be 25 microns. SHAPES scheduled technology readiness will support the sensor needs of a number of early users. The next phase in the development of SHAPES is to incorporate an angular measurement CCD to provide the full 3-dimensional sensing. A flight unit design and fabrication can be complete by FY89. FORS, with its significant improvement over present technology in lifetime, performance, weight, power, and recurrent cost, will be an important technology for future space systems. Technology readiness will be demonstrated with a FORS brassboard with fully integrated IO chips by FY88. The unique capability of miniature remote sensing heads, connected to a central system, will open up new areas in control and stability of large space structures. This application requires additional study.

Nerheim, N. M.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Tuning and scanning control system for high resolution alexandrite lasers

An alexandrite laser is spectrally narrowed and tuned by the use of three optical elements. Each element provides a successively higher degree of spectral resolution. The digitally controlled tuning and scanning control servo system simultaneously positions all three optical elements to provide continuous high resolution laser spectral tuning. The user may select manual, single, or continuous modes of automated scanning of ranges up to 3.00/cm and at scan rates up to 3.85/cm/min. Scanning over an extended range of up to 9.999/cm may be achieved if the highest resolution optic is removed from the system. The control system is also capable of being remotely operated by another computer or controller via standard RS-232 serial data link.

Smith, James C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The Portable Dynamic Fundus Instrument: Uses in telemedicine and research

For years ophthalmic photographs have been used to track the progression of many ocular diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma as well as the ocular manifestations of diabetes, hypertension, and hypoxia. In 1987 a project was initiated at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) to develop a means of monitoring retinal vascular caliber and intracranial pressure during space flight. To conduct telemedicine during space flight operations, retinal images would require real-time transmissions from space. Film-based images would not be useful during in-flight operations. Video technology is beneficial in flight because the images may be acquired, recorded, and transmitted to the ground for rapid computer digital image processing and analysis. The computer analysis techniques developed for this project detected vessel caliber changes as small as 3 percent. In the field of telemedicine, the Portable Dynamic Fundus Instrument demonstrates the concept and utility of a small, self-contained video funduscope. It was used to record retinal images during the Gulf War and to transmit retinal images from the Space Shuttle Columbia during STS-50. There are plans to utilize this device to provide a mobile ophthalmic screening service in rural Texas. In the fall of 1993 a medical team in Boulder, Colorado, will transmit real-time images of the retina during remote consultation and diagnosis. The research applications of this device include the capability of operating in remote locations or small, confined test areas. There has been interest shown utilizing retinal imaging during high-G centrifuge tests, high-altitude chamber tests, and aircraft flight tests. A new design plan has been developed to incorporate the video instrumentation into face-mounted goggle. This design would eliminate head restraint devices, thus allowing full maneuverability to the subjects. Further development of software programs will broaden the application of the Portable Dynamic Fundus Instrument in telemedicine and medical research.

Hunter, Norwood↗
NASA NTRS1994

Advanced ground station architecture

This paper describes a new station architecture for NASA's Ground Network (GN). The architecture makes efficient use of emerging technologies to provide dramatic reductions in size, operational complexity, and operational and maintenance costs. The architecture, which is based on recent receiver work sponsored by the Office of Space Communications Advanced Systems Program, allows integration of both GN and Space Network (SN) modes of operation in the same electronics system. It is highly configurable through software and the use of charged coupled device (CCD) technology to provide a wide range of operating modes. Moreover, it affords modularity of features which are optional depending on the application. The resulting system incorporates advanced RF, digital, and remote control technology capable of introducing significant operational, performance, and cost benefits to a variety of NASA communications and tracking applications.

Zillig, David↗
NASA NTRS1994

The next decade of space robotics

In the same way that the launch of Yuri Gagarin in April 1961 announced the beginning of human space flight, last year's flight of the German ROTEX robot flight experiment is heralding the start of a new era of space robotics. After a gap of twelve years since the introduction of a new capability in space remote manipulation, ROTEX is the first of at least ten new robotic systems and experiments which will fly before the year 2000.

Lavery, Dave↗
NASA NTRS1996

DC-8 scanning lidar characterization of aircraft contrails and cirrus clouds

A Subsonic Assessment (SASS) element of the overall Atmospheric Effects of Aviation Project (AEAP) was initiated by NASA to assess the atmospheric impact of subsonic aircraft. SRI was awarded a project to develop and test a scanning backscatter lidar for installation on the NASA DC-8 (year 1), participate in the Subsonic Aircraft: Contrail and Cloud Effects Special Study (SUCCESS) field program (year 2), and conduct a comprehensive analysis of field data (year 3). A scanning mirror pod attached to the DC-8 aircraft provides for scanning lidar observations ahead of the DC-8 and fixed-angle upward or downward observations. The lidar system installed within the DC-8 transmits 275 MJ at 1.06 gm wavelength or about 130 mJ at 1.06 and 0.53 gm simultaneously. Range-resolved aerosol backscatter is displayed in real time in terms of cloud/contrail spatial distributions. The objectives of the project are to map contrail/cloud vertical distributions ahead of DC-8; provide DC-8 guidance into enhanced scattering layers; document DC-8 flight path intersection of contrail and cloud geometries (in-situ measurement positions relative to cloud/contrail shape and an extension of in-situ measurements into the vertical -- integrated contrail/cloud properties); analyze contrail/cloud radiative properties with LIRAD (combined lidar and radiometry) technique; evaluate mean particle sizes of aircraft emissions from two-wavelength observations; study contrail/cloud interactions, diffusion, and mass decay/growth; and make observations in the near-field of aircraft engine emissions. The scanning mirror pod may also provide a scanning capability for other remote sensing instruments.

Nielsen, Norman B.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Fractal Characterization of Multitemporal Scaled Remote Sensing Data

Scale is an "innate" concept in geographic information systems. It is recognized as something that is intrinsic to the ingestion, storage, manipulation, analysis, modeling, and output of space and time data within a GIS purview, yet the relative meaning and ramifications of scaling spatial and temporal data from this perspective remain enigmatic. As GISs become more sophisticated as a product of more robust software and more powerful computer systems, there is an urgent need to examine the issue of scale, and its relationship to the whole body of spatiotemporal data, as imparted in GISS. Scale is fundamental to the characterization of geo-spatial data as represented in GISS, but we have relatively little insight on the effects of, or how to measure the effects of, scale in representing multiscaled data; i.e., data that are acquired in different formats (e.g., map, digital) and exist in varying spatial, temporal, and in the case of remote sensing data, radiometric, configurations. This is particularly true in the emerging era of Integrated GISs (IGIS), wherein spatial data in a variety of formats (e.g., raster, vector) are combined with multiscaled remote sensing data, capable of performing highly sophisticated space-time data analyses and modeling. Moreover, the complexities associated with the integration of multiscaled data sets in a multitude of formats are exacerbated by the confusion of what the term "scale" is from a multidisciplinary perspective; i.e., "scale" takes on significantly different meanings depending upon one's disciplinary background and spatial perspective which can lead to substantive confusion in the input, manipulation, analyses, and output of IGISs (Quattrochi, 1993). Hence, we must begin to look at the universality of scale and begin to develop the theory, methods, and techniques necessary to advance knowledge on the "Science of Scale" across a wide number of spatial disciplines that use GISs.

Quattrochi, Dale A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The AVIRIS Low Altitude Option-An Approach to Increase Geometric Resolution and Improve Operational Flexibility Simultaneously

From 1987 through 1997 the Airborne Visible-InfraRed Imaging Spectrometer has matured into a remote sensing instrument capable of producing prodigious amounts of high quality data. Using the NASA/Ames ER-2 high altitude aircraft platform, flight operations have become very reliable as well. Being exclusively dependent on the ER-2, however, has limitations: the ER-2 has a narrow cruise envelope which fixes the AVIRIS ground pixel at 20 meters; it requires a significant support infrastructure; and it has a very limited number of bases it can operate from. In the coming years, the ER-2 will also become less available for AVIRIS flights as NASA Earth Observing System satellite underflights increase. Adapting AVIRIS to lower altitude, less specialized aircraft will create a much broader envelope for data acquisition, i.e., higher ground geometric resolution while maintaining nearly the ideal spatial sampling. This approach will also greatly enhance flexibility while decreasing the overall cost of flight operations and field support. Successful adaptation is expected to culminate with a one-month period of demonstration flights.

Sarture, Charles M.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Visualizing Mars Using Virtual Reality: A State of the Art Mapping Technique Used on Mars Pathfinder

We describe an interactive terrain visualization system which rapidly generates and interactively displays photorealistic three-dimensional (3-D) models produced from stereo images. This product, first demonstrated in Mars Pathfinder, is interactive, 3-D, and can be viewed in an immersive display which qualifies it for the name Virtual Reality (VR). The use of this technology on Mars Pathfinder was the first use of VR for geologic analysis. A primary benefit of using VR to display geologic information is that it provides an improved perception of depth and spatial layout of the remote site. The VR aspect of the display allows an operator to move freely in the environment, unconstrained by the physical limitations of the perspective from which the data were acquired. Virtual Reality offers a way to archive and retrieve information in a way that is intuitively obvious. Combining VR models with stereo display systems can give the user a sense of presence at the remote location. The capability, to interactively perform measurements from within the VR model offers unprecedented ease in performing operations that are normally time consuming and difficult using other techniques. Thus, Virtual Reality can be a powerful a cartographic tool. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Stoker, C.↗