Glace: A Technology Demonstration Experiment for Laser Cooled Atomic Clocks in Space
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Measurements of line positions and strengths of D2 O-18 and HD O-18 were obtained with a Fourier transform spectrometer. The data were analyzed to obtain energy levels of the (100), (020), and (001) vibrational states of HD O-18 and the (001) and (011) states of D2 O-18 and the vibrational bands of these states connected to the ground state covered the spectral region from 2500 to 4278 cm(exp -1). 456 absorption lines of D2 O-18 and 856 lines of HD O-18 were assigned from the spectra. The measurements were of oxygen-18 enriched samples of deuterated water vapor and the spectra also contained features of HD O-16, D2 O-16, H2 O-16, H2 O-17 and H2 O-18 of which several were used as frequency calibration standards.
We present Spitzer 3.6-24 micron photometry and spectroscopy for stars in the 1-3 Myr-old Coronet Cluster, expanding upon the survey of Sicilia-Aguilar et al. (2008). Using sophisticated radiative transfer models, we analyze these new data and those from Sicilia-Aguilar et al. (2008) to identify disks with evidence for substantial dust evolution consistent with disk clearing: transitional disks. We then analyze data in Taurus and others young clusters - IC 348, NGC 2362, and eta Cha -- to constrain the transitional disk frequency as a function of time. Our analysis confirms previous results finding evidence for two types of transitional disks -- those with inner holes and those that are homologously depleted. The percentage of disks in the transitional phase increases from approx.15-20% at 1-2 Myr to > 50% at 5-8 Myr; the mean transitional disk lifetime is closer to approx. 1 Myr than 0.1-0.5 Myr, consistent with previous studies by Currie et al. (2009) and Sicilia-Aguilar et al. (2009). In the Coronet Cluster and IC 348, transitional disks are more numerous for very low-mass M3--M6 stars than for more massive K5-M2 stars, while Taurus lacks a strong spectral type-dependent frequency. Assuming standard values for the gas-to-dust ratio and other disk properties, the lower limit for the masses of optically-thick primordial disks is Mdisk approx. 0.001-0.003 M*. We find that single color-color diagrams do not by themselves uniquely identify transitional disks or primordial disks. Full SED modeling is required to accurately assess disk evolution for individual sources and inform statistical estimates of the transitional disk population in large samples using mid-IR colors.
We demonstrate the functionality of a mercury capillary lamp with a diameter in the sub-mm range and deep ultraviolet (DUV)/ vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation delivery via an optical fiber integrated with the capillary. DUV spectrum control is observed by varying the fabrication parameters such as buffer gas type and pressure, capillary diameter, electrical resonator design, and temperature. We also show spectroscopic data of the 199Hg+ hyper-fine transition at 40.5GHz when applying the above fiber optical design. We present efforts toward micro-plasma generation in hollow-core photonic crystal fiber with related optical design and theoretical estimations. This new approach towards a more practical DUV optical interface could benefit trapped ion clock developments for future ultra-stable frequency reference and time-keeping applications.
Recent progress in the domain of time and frequency (T/F) standards requires important improvements of existing time distribution links. Among these, the accuracy of time transfer is actually an important part of the concerns in order to establish and maintain time & space references from ground and/or space facilities. Several time transfers by laser link projects have been carried out over the past 10 years with numerous scientific and metrological objectives. Satellite Laser ranging (SLR) has proven to be a fundamental tool, offering a straightforward, conceptually simple, highly accurate and unambiguous observable. Depending on the mission, LR is used to transmit time over two-way or one-way distances from 500 to several millions of km. The following missions and their objectives employed this technique: European Laser Timing (ELT) at 450 km, Time Transfer by Laser Link (T2L2) at 1,336 km, Laser Time Transfer (LTT) at 36,000 km, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) at 350,000 km, and MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) at tens of million km. This article describes the synergy between SLR and T/F technologies developed on the ground and in space and as well as the state of the art of their exploitation. The performance and sources of limitation of such space missions are analyzed. It shows that current and future challenges lie in the improvement of the time accuracy and stability of the time for ground geodetic observatories. The role of the next generation of SLR systems is emphasized both in space and at ground level, from the point of view of GGOS and valuable exploitation of the synergy between time synchronization, ranging and data transfer.
Recent progress in the domain of time and frequency (T/F) standards requires important improvements in existing timedistribution links, in term of accuracy in particular. Satellite Laser Ranging (SLR) has proven to be a fundamental tool,offering a straightforward, conceptually simple, highly accurate, and unambiguous observable. Several time transfers by laserlink projects have been carried out over the past 10 years with numerous scientific and metrological objectives. Depending on the mission, SLR is used to transmit time over two-way or one-way distances from 500 to several millions of kilometers.The following missions and their objectives employed this technique: European Laser Timing (ELT, expected in 2020) at 450 km, Time Transfer by Laser Link (T2L2) at 1336 km, Laser Time Transfer at 36,000 km, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter at 350,000 km, and MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging at tens of million km. This article describes the synergy between SLR and T/F technologies developed on the ground and in space and as well as the state of the art of their exploitation. The performance and sources of limitation of such space missions are analyzed. It shows that currentand future challenges lie in the improvement in the time accuracy and stability of the time for ground geodetic observatories.The role of the next generation of SLR systems is emphasized both in space and at ground level, from the point of view of Global Geodetic Observing System and valuable exploitation of the synergy between time synchronization, ranging, and data transfer.
The Time and Frequency Sciences and Technology Group at Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed a laser cooling capability for flight and has been selected by NASA to support the Laser-Cooling and Atomic Physics (LCAP) program.
We present design aspects of a cryogenic sapphire oscillator which is being developed for ultra-high short term stability and low phase noise in support of the Cassini Ka-band Radio Science experiment.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has frequency and timing systems at many Facilities and Centers.
This document presents the design details of an In Situ Chemical Reduction (ISCR) Interim Measures Work Plan for Hot Spot 3 within Mobile Launcher Platform Rehabilitation Sites/Vehicle Assembly Building Area, Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 056 (SWMU 056), located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida. The interim measures (IM) treatment zone encompasses an area identified as the High Concentration Plume (HCP), which is defined as the area with chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) groundwater concentrations greater than their respective Natural Attenuation Default Concentration (NADC). The objective of the IM is to remove CVOC mass within the treatment area to levels that facilitate a transition to natural attenuation monitoring. The IM design consists of the selected ISCR amendment, Provect-IR, which is a mixture of solid reagents in a single product that promotes enhanced reductive dechlorination and ISCR. ProvectIR includes natural antimethanogenic compounds; multiple hydrophilic, nutrient-rich organic carbon sources; zero valent iron; chemical oxygen scavengers; and vitamin and mineral sources. The proposed treatment area for this IM encompasses less than 1 acre and includes three vertical treatment intervals to reach the NADC plumes that vary per CVOC and depth: 4 to 10 feet below land surface (bls), 10 to 18 feet bls, and 42 to 52 feet bls. The amendment will be distributed through 16 injection points (IP01 through IP16) using dosing rates ranging from 0.4% to 0.6% of soil mass within the treatment interval and a 15% or 20% slurry strength. Dosage rates and slurry strength are based on groundwater geochemistry, soil characteristics, and contaminant concentrations. To aid in the evaluation of the ISCR IM performance, six performance monitoring wells will be installed following injections and sampled semiannually. CVOC parameters will be sampled until concentrations reduce to below their NADC. Underground Injection Control parameters will be sampled until concentrations decrease to background levels or to levels that meet respective groundwater standards. Sampling frequency will be evaluated annually and modified as needed. The path forward for the ISCR IM implementation includes preparing the IM Implementation Work Plan, ISCR injections, monitoring well installation, performance monitoring, and reporting.
LunaNet is planned to be the network of networks operated by a set of cooperating organizations to provide interoperable Communications, networking, Position, Navigation, and Timing (CPNT) services to users on and around the Moon based on a framework of mutually agreed-upon standards, protocols, frequency bands and interface requirements. LunaNet follows a service-oriented architecture that is agnostic about the types of organizations that provide services, e.g., government, industry, or academia. LunaNet is open, scalable, resilient, secure, and extensible. To achieve these goals, LunaNet Service Providers (LNSP) must coordinate with each other to define and develop the architecture, to plan initial and evolved capabilities, and to operate their networks. One of the central LunaNet tenets is the use of shared spectrum. For example, the Lunar Augmented Navigation Service (LANS) acts like a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) such as the US Global Positioning System (GPS) or European Galileo but the LNSPs’ contributions to LunaNet must use the same frequency band (2483.5 MHz-2500.0 MHz) and transmit the same waveform synchronized by highly accurate clocks so that Users ‘see’ one virtual network and use the same multilateration algorithm to determine their positions. This necessitates a high degree of spectrum coordination. NASA’s Lunar and Human Spaceflight Spectrum Management Team has been actively supporting development of the LunaNet Interoperability Specification (LNIS), soliciting inputs from spectrum policy and planning experts across NASA, ESA and JAXA. Cislunar spectrum use considerations have been studied and adjudicated within the Space Frequency Coordination Group (SFCG) and inform the ongoing discussion of a lunar communication and navigation architecture within the existing radio regulatory framework of the International Telecommunication Union, leading to the 2027 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-27). The frequency plan contained in the publicly released draft of the LunaNet Interoperability Specification reflects the initial phase of exploration (roughly to 2030) defining an optimal set of radio frequencies in appropriately allocated services consistent with WRC-23 decisions for use by known or planned CPNT applications, while striving to maximize coexistence and compatibility amongst cislunar systems and other systems within the near-Earth regime (< 2 million km from Earth). Important considerations include: protection of extremely sensitive receive-only radio astronomy systems on the lunar far side, known as the Shielded Zone of the Moon (SZM); compatibility between Direct with Earth (DWE) communications links and links needed to support relay satellites in lunar orbit with their customer systems on orbit or on the lunar surface; compatibility between multiple lunar surface communications systems and capabilities over varied and challenging terrain and distances; as well as ensuring compatibility and interoperability between navigation systems which either leverage Earth-based or in-situ lunar systems. In addition, the lunar CPNT architecture is envisioned to be the basis – with adjustments – of the future Mars CPNT architecture as we expand into the solar system using Interplanetary Networking (IPN). The second phase of lunar spectrum definition will address planned international capabilities for the next decade that will require action at WRC-27 and beyond. This paper will discuss each of these considerations in more depth and how the current LunaNet frequency plan addresses them.
A standard stiffness matrix procedure which permits any combination of rigid, elastic, pinned or sliding connections of the degrees of freedom at the ends of a member to the nodes of its parent structure is described, in order to show how easily it can be extended to allow an existing algorithm to be used to ensure that no eigenvalues of the parent structure can be missed even when 'exact' member theory is used. The eigenvalues are the natural frequencies of undamped free vibration analyses or the critical load factors of buckling problems. The method preserves the exactness of the member theory and an efficient method for computer application is indicated. The theory also permits any combination of rigid, elastic, pinned or sliding connections between the freedoms of a substructure and those of its parent structure.
Electric field attenuation measurements for radio frequency shielded equipment
There has been a historical trend to increase capability and drive down the Size, Weight and Power (SWAP) of satellites and that trend continues today. Small satellites, including systems conforming to the CubeSat specification, because of their low launch and development costs, are enabling new concepts and capabilities for science investigations across multiple fields of interest to NASA. NASA scientists and engineers across many of NASAs Mission Directorates and Centers are developing exciting CubeSat concepts and welcome potential partnerships for CubeSat endeavors. From a communications and tracking point of view, small satellites including CubeSats are a challenge to coordinate because of existing small spacecraft constraints, such as limited SWAP and attitude control, low power, and the potential for high numbers of operational spacecraft. The NASA Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Programs Near Earth Network (NEN), Deep Space Network (DSN) and the Space Network (SN) are customer driven organizations that provide comprehensive communications services for space assets including data transport between a missions orbiting satellite and its Mission Operations Center (MOC). The NASA NEN consists of multiple ground antennas. The SN consists of a constellation of geosynchronous (Earth orbiting) relay satellites, named the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The DSN currently makes available 13 antennas at its three tracking stations located around the world for interplanetary communication. The presentation will analyze how well these space communication networks are positioned to support the emerging small satellite and CubeSat market. Recognizing the potential support, the presentation will review the basic capabilities of the NEN, DSN and SN in the context of small satellites and will present information about NEN, DSN and SN-compatible flight radios and antenna development activities at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and across industry. The presentation will review concepts on how the SN multiple access capability could help locate CubeSats and provide a low-latency early warning system. The presentation will also present how the DSN is evolving to maximize use of its assets for interplanetary CubeSats. The critical spectrum-related topics of available and appropriate frequency bands, licensing, and coordination will be reviewed. Other key considerations, such as standardization of radio frequency interfaces and flight and ground communications hardware systems, will be addressed as such standardization may reduce the amount of time and cost required to obtain frequency authorization and perform compatibility and end-to-end testing. Examples of standardization that exist today are the NASA NEN, DSN and SN systems which have published users guides and defined frequency bands for high data rate communication, as well as conformance to CCSDS standards. The workshop session will also seek input from the workshop participants to better understand the needs of small satellite systems and to identify key development activities and operational approaches necessary to enhance communication and navigation support using NASA's NEN, DSN and SN.
The NASA Standard Initiator (NSI) is an important piece of pyrotechnic equipment used in many space applications. This paper outlines the results of a series of tests done at UHF and S-Band frequencies to determine NSI susceptibility to Radio Frequency (RF) power. The results show significant susceptibility to pulsed RF power in the S-Band region. Additional testing with lightning pulses injected into the firing line harness, modelling the indirect effects of a lightning strike to a spacecraft, showed no vulnerability.
The NASA Standard Initiator (NSI) is an important piece of pyrotechnic equipment used in many space applications. This presentation will outline the results of a series of tests done at UHF and S-Band frequencies to determine NSI susceptibility to Radio Frequency (RF) power. The results show significant susceptibility to pulsed RF power in the S-Band region. Additional testing with lightning pulses injected into the firing line harness, modelling the indirect effects of a lightning strike to a spacecraft, showed no vulnerability
Radio Frequency Interference contamination for Earth Observation satellites is an on-growing problem, but the situation is not properly reported. A new IEEE standard is being developed to quantify the amount of RFI in the frequency bands used by remote sensing satellites. This standard will allow for a proper monitoring of the RFI trends in each frequency band