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Objective was to conduct a variety of observing programs with the SUMER spectrometer on SOHO, in order to further the understanding of the solar-stellar connection. The program was a continuation of SOHO GO program NAG5-6124 of the previous year.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis results are compared with experimental data from the Pennsylvania State University's (PSU) Propulsion Engineering Research Center (PERC) rocket based combined cycle (RBCC) rocket-ejector experiments. The PERC RBCC experimental hardware was in a direct-connect configuration in diffusion and afterburning (DAB) operation. The objective of the present work was to validate the Finite Difference Navier Stokes (FDNS) CFD code for the rocket-ejector mode internal fluid mechanics and combustion phenomena. A second objective was determine the best application procedures to use FDNS as a predictive/engineering tool. Three-dimensional CFD analysis was performed. Solution methodology and grid requirements are discussed. CFD results are compared to experimental data for static pressure, Raman Spectroscopy species distribution data and RBCC net thrust and specified impulse.
The purpose of this investigation is to determine the feasibility of attaining and maintaining unique non-Keplerian orbit vantage locations in the Earth/Moon environment in order to obtain continuous scientific measurements. The principal difficulty associated with obtaining continuous measurements is the temporal nature of astrodynamics, i.e., classical orbits. This investigation demonstrates advanced trajectory designs to meet demanding science requirements which cannot be met following traditional orbital mechanic logic. Examples of continuous observer missions addressed include Earth pole-sitters and unique vertical libration orbits that address Sun-Earth Connection and Earth Science Vision roadmaps.
This guide is designed to provide educators with a quick reference to materials and resources that are useful for understanding the connections between the Sun and Earth.
The Geospace Electrodynamic Connections (GEC) mission is a multispacecraft Solar-Terrestrial Probe that has been specifically designed to advance the level of physical insight of our understanding of the coupling among the ionosphere, thermosphere, and magnetosphere. GEC is NASA's fifth Solar-Terrestrial Probe. Through multipoint measurements in the Earth's ionosphere-thermosphere (I-T) system, GEC will (i) discover the spatial and temporal scales on which magnetospheric energy input into the I-T region occurs, (ii) determine the spatial and temporal scales for the response of the I-T system to this input of energy, and (iii) quantify the altitude dependence of the response.
The organic component of the interstellar medium, which has revealed itself through the ubiquitous 3.4 micrometer hydrocarbon absorption feature, is widespread throughout the disk of our galaxy and has been attributed to dust grains residing in the diffuse interstellar medium. The absorption band positions near 3.4 micrometers are characteristic of C-H stretching vibrations in the -CH3 and -CH2- groups of saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons associated with perturbing chemical groups. The production of complex molecules is thought to occur within dense molecular clouds when ice- mantled grains are processed by various energetic mechanisms. Studies of the processing of interstellar ices and the subsequent production of organic residues have relevance to studies of interplanetary dust, because primitive solar system bodies are likely reservoirs of organic material, either preserved from the interstellar medium or produced in situ. A comparison of the interstellar organics and the Murchison meteorite illustrates the importance of probing the interstellar connection to the solar system, because although the carbonaceous meteorites are undoubtedly highly processed, they do retain specific interstellar signatures (such as diamonds, SiC grains, graphite and enriched D/H). The organic component, while not proven interstellar, has a remarkable similarity to the interstellar organics observed in over a dozen sightlines through our galaxy. This paper compares spectra from laboratory organics produced through the processing of interstellar ice analog materials with the high resolution infrared observations of the interstellar medium in order to investigate the mechanisms (such as ion bombardment, plasma processing, and UV photolysis) that may be producing the organics in the ISM. Comparisons to interplanetary dust particles, comets, and meteorites are discussed.
The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing hydrogen based combined cycle propulsion technology for a single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle application under a project called GTX. Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion systems incorporate one or more rocket engines into an airbreathing flow path to increase specific impulse as compared to an all rocket-powered vehicle. In support of this effort, an RBCC direct-connect test capability was established at the Engine Components Research Laboratory to investigate low speed, ejector ramjet, and initial ramjet operations and performance. The facility and test article enables the evaluation of two candidate low speed operating schemes; the simultaneous mixing and combustion (SMC) and independent ramjet stream (IRS). The SMC operating scheme is based on the fuel rich operations of the rocket where performance depends upon mixing between the rocket plume and airstream. In contrast, the IRS scheme fuels the airstream separately and uses the rocket plume to ignite the fuel-air mixture. This paper describes the test hardware and facility upgrades installed to support the RBCC tests. It also defines and discusses low speed technical challenges being addressed by the experiments. Finally, preliminary test results, including rocket risk mitigating tests, unfueled airflow tests, and the integrated system hot fire test will be presented.
The Learning Technologies Project (LTP) is a partner in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) educational technology program unit, an electronic community center that fosters interaction, collaboration, and sharing among educators, learners, and scientists. The goal of the NASA Glenn Research Center's Learning Technologies Project is to increase students' interest and proficiency in mathematics, science, and technology through the use of computing and communications technology and by using NASA's mission in aerospace technology as a theme. The primary components are: (1) Beginner's Guide to Aeronautics, including interactive simulation packages and teacher-created online activities. (2) NASA Virtual Visits, videoconferences (with online pre-post-conference activities) connecting students and teachers to NASA scientists and researchers.
The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing hydrogen based combined cycle propulsion technology for a single-stage-to-orbit launch vehicle application under a project called GTX. Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion systems incorporate one or more rocket engines into an airbreathing flow path to increase specific impulse as compared to an all rocket-powered vehicle. In support of this effort, an RBCC direct-connect test capability was established at the Engine Components Research Laboratory to investigate low speed, ejector ramjet, and initial ramjet operations and performance. The facility and test article enables the evaluation of two candidate low speed operating schemes; the simultaneous mixing and combustion (SMC) and independent ramjet stream (IRS). The SMC operating scheme is based on the fuel rich operations of the rocket where performance depends upon mixing between the rocket plume and airstream. In contrast, the IRS scheme fuels the airstream separately and uses the rocket plume to ignite the fuel-air mixture. This paper describes the test hardware and facility upgrades installed to support the RBCC tests. It also defines and discusses low speed technical challenges being addressed by the experiments. Finally, preliminary test results, including rocket risk mitigating tests, unfueled airflow tests, and the integrated system hot fire test will be presented.
This report covers technical progress during the fourth quarter of the second year of NASA Sun-Earth Connections Theory Program (SECTP) contract 'The Structure and Dynamics of the Solar Corona and Inner Heliosphere,' NAS5-99188, between NASA and Science Applications International Corporation, and covers the period May 16,2001 to August 15, 2001. Under this contract SAIC and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have conducted research into theoretical modeling of active regions, the solar corona, and the inner heliosphere, using the MHD model.
This report covers technical progress during the first quarter of the second year of NASA Sun-Earth Connections Theory Program (SECTP). SAIC and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have conducted research into theoretical modeling of active regions, the solar corona, and the inner heliosphere, using the MHD model.
The organic component of the interstellar medium (ISM) has relevance to the formation of the early solar nebula, since our solar system formed out of ISM material. Comparisons of near infrared spectra of the diffuse ISM dust with those of primitive solar system bodies (such as comets and meteorites) show a remarkable similarity, suggesting that perhaps some of the interstellar organic material made its way, unaltered, into our solar system. Tracing the interstellar organic material is necessary to understand how these materials may be important links in the development of prebiotic phenomena. Studies of the ISM reveal that the organic refractory component of the diffuse ISM is largely hydrocarbon in nature, possessing little N or O, with carbon distributed between the aromatic and aliphatic forms. There is a strong similarity in the near IR spectra of the diffuse ISM (the 3.4 micron hydrocarbon bands) and those seen in the Murchison and Orgueil meteorites, however, detailed comparisons at longer wavelengths reveal critical dissimilarities. Here we will present comparisons and discussion of relevant spectra. As we continue to explore, we will gain insight into the connection between planetesimals in the solar system and chemistry in the dusty space between the stars.
Topographic evidence for the existence of an early 800 km diameter multi-ringed impact structure, and evidence for fluvial and lacustrine environments in Meridiani Planum suggests a connection with the origin of the hematite deposits present in the region.
This booklet provides information and classroom activities covering topics in astronomy, physics, and chemistry. Chemistry teachers will find information about the cosmic origin of the chemical elements. The astronomy topics include the big bang, life cycles of small and large stars, supernovae, and cosmic rays. Physics teachers will find information on fusion processes, and physical principles important in stellar evolution. While not meant to replace a textbook, the information provided here is meant to give the necessary background for the theme of :our cosmic connection to the elements." The activities can be used to re-enforce the material across a number of disciplines, using a variety of techniques, and to engage and excite students about the topic. Additional activities, and on-line versions of the activities published here, are available at http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/teachers/elements/.
NASA CONNECT's(TradeMark) program titled Functions and Statistics: Dressed for Space initially aired on Public Broadcasting Stations (PBS) nationwide on May 9, 2002. The program traces the evolution of past space suit technologies in the design of space suits for future flight. It serves as the stage to provide educators, parents, and students "space suit science" in the classroom.
The Geospace Electrodynamics Connections (GEC) mission plan is to launch multiple spacecraft to perform in-situ atmospheric science in the lower ionosphere. There is limited experience in this low altitude region with the Atmospheric Explorer-C (AE-C) being the last spacecraft to explore this region in 1973. AE-C flew an eccentric orbit using maneuvers to lower its perigee to near 130 km at various times during its mission. GEC will advance the science performed by AE-C by performing multiple low-perigee, atmospheric dipping campaigns for extended durations. AE-C kept its perigee near 130 km for only a total of roughly 1 day. Furthermore, GEC plans to carry a more diverse suite of instruments and will be able to capture different temporal and spatial phenomena through the use of multiple spacecraft flying in a string of pearls formation. The mission analysis for GEC has been broken into two parts: the analysis of the parking orbit with the dipping campaigns and the examination of the multi-satellite dynamics of the GEC constellation. The analysis described in this paper examines the capability to meet the requirements necessary to support the 10 dipping campaigns using a single spacecraft as a representative of all three in the constellation. Further analysis is being performed to analyze the multi-satellite nature of the GEC mission.
We use data from Helios, IMP-8, and other spacecraft (e.g. ISEE) to systematically investigate solar energetic particle (SEP) events from different longitudes and distances in the heliosphere. The purpose of the project is to assess empirically the connection between the morphology of the travelling shock and strength with observed enhancements in the flow of energized particles in shock accelerated particle (SEP) events (also often identified as "gradual" solar energetic particle events). Activities during this first year centered on the organization of the SEPs events and their correlation with solar wind observations at multiple spacecraft locations. From an identified list of more than 30 SEPs events at multiple spacecraft locations, currently four single cases for detailed study were selected and are in an advance phase of preparation for publication. Preliminary results of these four cases were presented at AGU Spring and Fall 2003 meetings, and other meetings on SEPs.
The NASA Nebraska Space Grant Consortium (NSGC) continues to recognize the necessity of increasing the quantity and quality of highly skilled graduates and faculty involved with NASA. Through NASA Workforce Development funds awarded in 2002, NSGC spearheaded customer- focused workforce training and higher education, industry and community partnerships that are significantly impacting the state s workforce in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) competencies. NSGC proposes to build upon these accomplishments to meet the steadily increasing demand for STEM skills and to safeguard minority representation in these disciplines. A wide range of workforce development activities target NASA s need to establish stronger connections among higher education, industry, and community organizations. Participation in the National Student Satellite Program (NSSP), Community Internship Program, and Nebraska Science and Technology Recruitment Fair will extend the pipeline of employees benefiting NASA as well as Nebraska. The diversity component of this proposal catapults from the exceptional reputation NSGC has built by delivering geospatial science experiences to Nebraska s Native Americans. For 6 years, NSGC has fostered and sustained partnerships with the 2 tribal colleges and 4 reservation school districts in Nebraska to foster aeronautics education and outreach. This program, the Nebraska Native American Outreach Program (NNAOP), has grown to incorporate more than educational institutions and is now a partnership among tribal community leaders, academia, tribal schools, and industry. The content focus has broadened from aeronautics in the school systems to aerospace technology and earth science applications in tribal community decision-making and workforce training on the reservations. To date, participants include faculty and staff at 4 Nebraska tribal schools, 2 tribal colleges, approximately 1,000 Native American youth, and over 1,200 community members. This Native American Initiative of the NSGC addresses Nebraska workforce development and serves as a model to others. Following a structured evaluation process, NSGC proposes to sustain delivery of the training funded by NASA in 2002 to tribal entities through partnerships linking academic programs and industry leaders.