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At least 307 records · Page 17

An overview of Apollo program of lunar exploration.

Five round trip manned landing missions to the moon have returned hundreds of kilograms of samples and millions of bits of information from the scientific stations emplaced there and from the subsatellites left in orbit. Hundreds of man years of scientific effort and thousands of pages of journal space have been devoted to investigation of the samples and other aspects of the lunar problem. Our understanding of the moon has increased proportionately. Definitive conclusions can now be reached: (1) that there is a lunar crust, how thick it is in at least one region, and what kinds of rocks most probably compose it; (2) that we understand the major chronology of lunar events; (3) that the moon was extensively differentiated by igneous processes early in its history; (4) that impact cratering is the dominant surface process on the moon; and (5) that the moon is an ideal place to study extraterrestrial particle fluxes.

Petrone, R. A.↗

Third Lunar Science Conference.

Discussion of the nature and properties of lunar rock as deduced from the examination of Apollo lunar rock samples. The topics include the lunar crust, the Fra Mauro formation, the interior of the moon, lunar chronology, surface processes, and earth-moon environment.

Burlingame, A.↗

Where on the moon - An Apollo systems engineering problem.

Approaches used in the selection of lunar landing sites are discussed, giving attention to a survey of major constraints affecting site selection. The science objectives of lunar exploration are considered, taking into account exploration goals, the acquisition of required data, mission science planning, orbital science, lunar surface traverse capability, the mare basalts, lunar interior composition, regolith, breccias, lunar chronology, lunar surface processes, and the origin of the moon. Subjects examined in connection with Apollo system capabilities include the Apollo missions, development missions, lunar exploration missions, mission design requirements, navigation, launch vehicle considerations, methods of determining accessibility, lunar module descent considerations, landing site redesignation, and questions of landability.

Source record↗

Polar orbiting operational weather satellites.

The progress in the development of operational weather satellites is reviewed, covering their chronology from Explorer 7 of 1959 through Meteor 12 of June, 1972. Special attention is given to the development of the TIROS series satellites with the evolution of their operational sensors, data systems and performance requirements. The topics also include the data collection system designs, to Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), the sounder radiometer, the Solar Environment Monitor (SEM), the data processor, and TIROS-N operation and orbital characteristics. It is expected that TIROS-N and its forthcoming advanced versions will provide an effective technology for sensing environmental data on a global scale in the latter half of the decade.

Stampfl, R. A.↗

A reconnaissance space sensing investigation of the crustal structure for a strip from the eastern Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Plateau: April 1971

The author has identified the following significant results. An area of anomalous linear topographic grain and color expressions was recognized in Apollo 9 and ERTS-1 imagery along the Colorado River of northwestern Arizona and southern Nevada. Field reconnaissance and analysis of U-2 photography has shown the anomaly to be a zone of north to north-northwest trending dike swarms and associated granitic plutons. The dikes vary in composition from rhyolite to diabase, with an average composition nearer rhyolite. Shearing and displacement of host rocks along dikes suggest dike emplacement along active fault zones. Post-dike deformation has resulted in shearing and complex normal faulting along a similar north-south trend. The epizonal plutonism and volcanism of this north-south belt appears to represent a structurally controlled volcanogenic province which ends abruptly in the vicinity of Lake Mead at a probable eastern extension of the Las Vegas Shear Zone. The magnitude and chronology of extensional faulting and plutonism recognized in the north-south zone, support the hypothesis that the Las Vegas Shear Zone is a transform fault separating two areas of crustal spreading.

Bechtold, I. C.↗

Intrigue and potential of space exploration

A brief history of astronomy is presented. A chronology of events in the space program is summarized. The possibilities of interplanetary exploration are postulated. The accomplishments of astronomy in pointing the way to manned spaceflight and improved understanding of the solar system are examined.

Losh, H.↗

Magnetic control assembly qualification model

Fabrication and testing of the magnetic control assembly (MCA) are summarized. The MCA was designed as an add-on unit for certain existing components of the Nimbus and ERTS attitude control system. The MCA system consists of three orthogonal electromagnets; a magnetometer probe capable of sensing external fields in the X, Y, and Z axes; and the control electronics. An operational description of the system is given along with all major drawings and photographs. Manufacturing and inspection procedures are outlined and a chronological list of events is included with the fabrication summary.

Shen, R. C.↗

Dynamics of distribution and density of phreatophytes and other arid land plant communities

The author has identified the following significant results. Ground truth measurements of plant coverage on six satellite overflight dates reveal unique trends in coverage for the five desert or semi-desert communities selected. Densitometry and multispectral additive color viewing were used in a preliminary analysis of imagery using the electronic satellite image analyzer console at Stanford Research Institute. The densitometric analysis shows promise for mapping boundaries between plant communities. Color additive viewing of a chronologic sequence of the same scene shown in rapid order will provide a method for mapping phreatophyte communities.

Turner, R. M.↗

Tracking and data system support for the Mariner Mars 1971 mission. Volume 3: Orbit insertion through end of primary mission

The Tracking and Data System (TDS) Support for the Mariner Mars 1971 Mission final report contains the deep space tracking and data acquisition activities in support of orbital operations. During this period a major NASA objective was accomplished: completion of the 180th revolution and 90th day of data gathering with the spacecraft about the planet Mars. Included are presentations of the TDS flight support pass chronology data for each of the Deep Space Stations used, and performance evaluation for the Deep Space Network Telemetry, Tracking, Command, and Monitor Systems. With the loss of Mariner 8 at launch, Mariner 9 assumed the mission plan of Mariner 8, which included the TV mapping cycles and a 12-hr orbital period. The mission plan was modified as a result of a severe dust storm on the surface of Mars, which delayed the start of the TV mapping cycles. Thus, the end of primary mission date was extended to complete the TV mapping cycles.

Barnum, P. W.↗

The latitudinal distribution of a debris mantle on the Martian surface

A relatively young mantling deposit of debris surrounds both Martian polar regions and extends toward the equator. This mantle apparently has been derived by wind erosion of sedimentary deposits in the polar regions, a process that is probably continuing now. The distribution of the mantle is not correlated with any particular terrain type for it has masked the small crater populations on young and old terrains alike. The paucity of small fresh craters at high latitudes can be directly attributed to the presence of this debris blanket. It is clear that extreme care should be exercised in using the populations of small craters to establish the chronology of the evolution of geologic provinces on Mars.

Soderblom, L. A.↗

Rb-Sr systematics for chemically defined Apollo 14 breccias.

The Rb and Sr systematics were determined for eight lithic fragments from the coarse fines of Apollo 11, Apollo 12, and Apollo 14; for bulk soils from Luna 16, Apollo 14, and Apollo 15 and for 'whole rocks' from Apollo 14 and the Apollo 15 anorthosite 15415. The objective of the studies was to identify important lunar rock types by their major and trace element chemistry and utilize Rb and Sr systematics to obtain a chronology for events which establish or modify rock chemical composition.

Nyquist, L. E.↗

Internal constitution and evolution of the moon.

The composition, structure and evolution of the moon's interior are narrowly constrained by a large assortment of physical and chemical data. Models of the thermal evolution of the moon that fit the chronology of igneous activity on the lunar surface, the stress history of the lunar lithosphere implied by the presence of mascons, and the surface concentrations of radioactive elements, involve extensive differentiation early in lunar history. This differentiation may be the result of rapid accretion and large-scale melting or of primary chemical layering during accretion; differences in present-day temperatures for these two possibilities are significant only in the inner 1000 km of the moon and may not be resolvable.

Solomon, S. C.↗

Thermal history and evolution of the moon.

In this work, theoretical lunar temperature models are computed taking into account different initial conditions to represent possible accretion models and various abundances of heat sources to correspond to different compositions. Differentiation and convection are simulated in the numerical computational scheme. Models of the thermal evolution of the moon that fit the chronology of igneous activity on the lunar surface, the stress history of the lunar lithosphere implied by the presence of mascons, and the surface concentrations of radioactive elements, involve extensive differentiation early in lunar history. This differentiation may be the result of rapid accretion and large-scale melting or of primary chemical layering during accretion. Differences in present-day temperatures for these two possibilities are significant only in the inner 1000 km of the moon and are not resolvable with presently available data.

Toksoz, M. N.↗

Automatic real-time pair-feeding system for animals

A pair feeding method and apparatus are provided for experimental animals wherein the amount of food consumed is immediately delivered to a normal or control animal so that there is a qualitative, quantitative and chronological correctness in the pair feeding of the two animals. This feeding mechanism delivers precisely measured amounts of food to a feeder. Circuitry is provided between master and slave feeders so that there is virtually no chance of a malfunction of the feeding apparatus, causing erratic results. Recording equipment is also provided so that an hourly record is kept of food delivery.

Leon, H. A.↗

Structural and lithologic study of northern California Coast Range and Sacramento Valley, California

The author has identified the following significant results. Photgeologic examination of repetitive multispectral ERTS-1 imagery of Northern California has disclosed several systems of linear features which may be important for the interpretation of the structural history of California. They are separated from an orthogonal system of linears in the Klamath Mts. by a set of discontinuous southeast-trending linear features (the Mendocino system) which is traceable from the Pacific Coast, at Cape Mendocino, into the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Within the Sierra Nevada, the Mendocino system separates the north-trending Sierran system from a set of linears characteristic of the Modoc Plateau. With minor exception, little overlap exists among the systems which suggests a decipherable chronology and evolutionary history for the region. The San Andres system of linears appears to truncate or co-exist with most of the other systems in the northern Coast Ranges. The Mendocino system truncates the Klamath, Sierran, and Modoc systems. The Sierran system may represent fundamental and long-persisting pre-late Paleozoic zones of crustal weakness which have been reactivated from time to time. The Mendocino system was possibly developed in early Mesozoic and is important to the structural framework of Northern California.

Rich, E. I.↗

Review of the windpower activities at the Brace Research Institute

A chronology of windpower studies at the experimental station on Barbados is presented that includes the various development activities on wheeling windmills whose power output is utilized through electrical and electronic systems. A list of institute publications on windpower is included.

Lawand, T. A.↗

Some volcanic and structural features of Mare Serenitatis

Relationships between volcanic and structural features along the southern edge of Mare Serenitatis as determined from low angle lighting in Apollo 17 photographs are discussed. Observational summaries are given of: (1) contact relations between the dark border material and the central mare fill, (2) a late stage lava flow with associated cinder cones, and (3) certain structural features related to the development of the mare basin and its associated volcanic landforms. A chronologic summary is given of volcanic and structural events believed to be critical to understanding the development of Mare Serenitatis.

Bryan, W. B.↗