Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “planetary data system”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2011

NASA Tech Briefs, April 2011

Topics covered include: Amperometric Solid Electrolyte Oxygen Microsensors with Easy Batch Fabrication; Two-Axis Direct Fluid Shear Stress Sensor for Aerodynamic Applications; Target Assembly to Check Boresight Alignment of Active Sensors; Virtual Sensor Test Instrumentation; Evaluation of the Reflection Coefficient of Microstrip Elements for Reflectarray Antennas; Miniaturized Ka-Band Dual-Channel Radar; Continuous-Integration Laser Energy Lidar Monitor; Miniaturized Airborne Imaging Central Server System; Radiation-Tolerant, SpaceWire-Compatible Switching Fabric; Small Microprocessor for ASIC or FPGA Implementation; Source-Coupled, N-Channel, JFET-Based Digital Logic Gate Structure Using Resistive Level Shifters; High-Voltage-Input Level Translator Using Standard CMOS; Monitoring Digital Closed-Loop Feedback Systems; MASCOT - MATLAB Stability and Control Toolbox; MIRO Continuum Calibration for Asteroid Mode; GOATS Image Projection Component; Coded Modulation in C and MATLAB; Low-Dead-Volume Inlet for Vacuum Chamber; Thermal Control Method for High-Current Wire Bundles by Injecting a Thermally Conductive Filler; Method for Selective Cleaning of Mold Release from Composite Honeycomb Surfaces; Infrared-Bolometer Arrays with Reflective Backshorts; Commercialization of LARC (trade mark) -SI Polyimide Technology; Novel Low-Density Ablators Containing Hyperbranched Poly(azomethine)s; Carbon Nanotubes on Titanium Substrates for Stray Light Suppression; Monolithic, High-Speed Fiber-Optic Switching Array for Lidar; Grid-Tied Photovoltaic Power System; Spectroelectrochemical Instrument Measures TOC; A Miniaturized Video System for Monitoring Drosophila Behavior; Hydrofocusing Bioreactor Produces Anti-Cancer Alkaloids; Creep Measurement Video Extensometer; Radius of Curvature Measurement of Large Optics Using Interferometry and Laser Tracker n-B-pi-p Superlattice Infrared Detector; Safe Onboard Guidance and Control Under Probabilistic Uncertainty; General Tool for Evaluating High-Contrast Coronagraphic Telescope Performance Error Budgets; Hidden Statistics of Schroedinger Equation; Optimal Padding for the Two-Dimensional Fast Fourier Transform; Spatial Query for Planetary Data; Higher Order Mode Coupling in Feed Waveguide of a Planar Slot Array Antenna; Evolutionary Computational Methods for Identifying Emergent Behavior in Autonomous Systems; Sampling Theorem in Terms of the Bandwidth and Sampling Interval; Meteoroid/Orbital Debris Shield Engineering Development Practice and Procedure; Self-Balancing, Optical-Center-Pivot, Fast-Steering Mirror; Wireless Orbiter Hang-Angle Inclinometer System; and Internal Electrostatic Discharge Monitor - IESDM.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

Automating planetary mission operations

In this paper, we describe the elements of a semi-autonomous system designed to provide instrument health, pointing, and data in a cost effective fashion.

automation parallel processing↗
NASA NTRS1988

The Cooperative VAS Program with the Marshall Space Flight Center

Work was divided between the analysis/forecast model development and evaluation of the impact of satellite data in mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP), development of the Multispectral Atmospheric Mapping Sensor (MAMS), and other related research. The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) Synoptic Scale Model (SSM) has progressed from a relatively basic analysis/forecast system to a package which includes such features as nonlinear vertical mode initialization, comprehensive Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) physics, and the core of a fully four-dimensional data assimilation package. The MAMS effort has produced a calibrated visible and infrared sensor that produces imager at high spatial resolution. The MAMS was developed in order to study small scale atmospheric moisture variability, to monitor and classify clouds, and to investigate the role of surface characteristics in the production of clouds, precipitation, and severe storms.

Diak, George R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The role of World Data Centers and the Lunar and Planetary Institute in the international exchange of lunar and planetary data

The success of many lunar and planetary investigations has resulted in the accumulation of a mass of data in a myriad of formats and medias. The application of these data to comparative planetology, origin of the solar system, and potential industrial applications of space has made it necessary for scientists from many disciplines to have access to the data. The collections of these data are so diverse that it is often difficult to select what is needed based on catalog information alone. The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) proposes to bring the user and the data together. As a research support organization operated by the Universities Space Research Association, the LPI through its active Visiting Scientist Program, a balanced program of study workshops and topical conferences, and organized and supervised data collections has assisted scientists, educators, and students to review, study, and obtain the data necessary to the pursuit of their research.

Waranius, F. B.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Robotic Missions to Small Bodies and Their Potential Contributions to Human Exploration and Planetary Defense

Introduction: Robotic missions to small bodies will directly address aspects of NASA's Asteroid Initiative and will contribute to future human exploration and planetary defense. The NASA Asteroid Initiative is comprised of two major components: the Grand Challenge and the Asteroid Mission. The first component, the Grand Challenge, focuses on protecting Earth's population from asteroid impacts by detecting potentially hazardous objects with enough warning time to either prevent them from impacting the planet, or to implement civil defense procedures. The Asteroid Mission involves sending astronauts to study and sample a near-Earth asteroid (NEA) prior to conducting exploration missions of the Martian system, which includes Phobos and Deimos. The science and technical data obtained from robotic precursor missions that investigate the surface and interior physical characteristics of an object will help identify the pertinent physical properties that will maximize operational efficiency and reduce mission risk for both robotic assets and crew operating in close proximity to, or at the surface of, a small body. These data will help fill crucial strategic knowledge gaps (SKGs) concerning asteroid physical characteristics that are relevant for human exploration considerations at similar small body destinations. These data can also be applied for gaining an understanding of pertinent small body physical characteristics that would also be beneficial for formulating future impact mitigation procedures. Small Body Strategic Knowledge Gaps: For the past several years NASA has been interested in identifying the key SKGs related to future human destinations. These SKGs highlight the various unknowns and/or data gaps of targets that the science and engineering communities would like to have filled in prior to committing crews to explore the Solar System. An action team from the Small Bodies Assessment Group (SBAG) was formed specifically to identify the small body SKGs under the direction of the Human Exploration and Operations Missions Directorate (HEOMD), given NASA's recent interest in NEAs and the Martian moons as potential human destinations. The action team organized the SKGs into four broad themes: 1) Identify human mission targets; 2) Understand how to work on and interact with the small body surface; 3) Understand the small body environment and its potential risk/benefit to crew, systems, and operational assets; and 4) Understand the small body resource potential. Of these four SKG themes, the first three have significant overlap with planetary defense considerations. The data obtained from investigations of small body physical characteristics under these three themes can be directly applicable to planetary defense initiatives. Conclusions: Missions to investigate small bodies can address small body strategic knowledge gaps and contribute to the overall success for human exploration missions to asteroids and the Martian moons. In addition, such reconnaissance of small bodies can also provide a wealth of information relevant to the science and planetary defense of NEAs.

Abell, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mariner 9 television calibration - Revisited

Mariner 9 TV data from the 1971-1972 encounter with Mars, which contain good synoptic coverage of of the planet as well as the highest-resolution images thus far obtained for the south polar region, can lead to more accurate photometric analysis if subjected to improved processing methods. While calibration errors are rather greater than those of the Viking Orbiter cameras, both calibration data and processing software applicable to an improvement program have become available through the USGS's Planetary Image Cartography System.

Herkenhoff, Ken E.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Model-independent constraints on possible modifications of Newtonian gravity

New model-independent constraints on possible modifications of Newtonian gravity over solar-system distance scales are presented, and their implications discussed. The constraints arise from the analysis of various planetary astrometric data sets. The results of the model-independent analysis are then applied to set limits on a variation in the l/r-squared behavior of gravity, on possible Yukawa-type interactions with ranges of the order of planetary distance scales, and on a deviation from Newtonian gravity of the type discussed by Milgrom (1983).

Talmadge, C.↗
NASA NTRS2000

A Remote Sensing/Geographic Information Systems Approach in the Selection of Mars Sites of Biological Interest

The search for extinct or extant life on Mars is the search for past or present liquid water, respectively. There are numerous signs of past liquid water on Mars in the form of dry river valleys, paleolakes, and their associated flow and sediment patterns. While some of these features are recent (Amazonian, 1.8 billion years ago to present), there is no evidence that any are currently flowing. Liquid water on the surface would only be possible at those sites with sufficiently high temperatures and pressure. The key to the selection of sites on Mars to search for evidence of life is the search for the presence of water. An approach to this problem is the use of remotely sensed data incorporated in a geographic information system (GIS). A GIS is a computer-based system capable of assembling, storing, manipulating, and displaying geographically referenced information, i.e., data identified according to their locations. In planetary studies these data are acquired from remote sensing (RS) platforms (orbiters). These data are co-registered layers and, through the use of GIS analysis functions, areas on these layers can be selected as a function of the information desired. Our work used existing data layers from the Viking and Mars Global Surveyor missions to determine where water could be possible in liquid form on the Martian surface, based on the phase diagram for water.

Lobitz, B. M.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Laboratory Astrophysics White Paper: Summary of Laboratory Astrophysics Needs

The NASA Laboratory Astrophysics Workshop (NASA LAW) met at NASA Ames Research Center from 1-3 May 2002 to assess the role that laboratory astrophysics plays in the optimization of NASA missions, both at the science conception level and at the science return level. Space missions provide understanding of fundamental questions regarding the origin and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. In all of these areas the interpretation of results from NASA's space missions relies crucially upon data obtained from the laboratory. We stress that Laboratory Astrophysics is important not only in the interpretation of data, but also in the design and planning of future missions. We recognize a symbiosis between missions to explore the universe and the underlying basic data needed to interpret the data from those missions. In the following we provide a summary of the consensus results from our Workshop, starting with general programmatic findings and followed by a list of more specific scientific areas that need attention. We stress that this is a 'living document' and that these lists are subject to change as new missions or new areas of research rise to the fore.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2006

High-Capacity Communications from Martian Distances Part 4: Assessment of Spacecraft Pointing Accuracy Capabilities Required For Large Ka-Band Reflector Antennas

Improved surface accuracy for deployable reflectors has brought with it the possibility of Ka-band reflector antennas with extents on the order of 1000 wavelengths. Such antennas are being considered for high-rate data delivery from planetary distances. To maintain losses at reasonable levels requires a sufficiently capable Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) onboard the spacecraft. This paper provides an assessment of currently available ADCS strategies and performance levels. In addition to other issues, specific factors considered include: (1) use of "beaconless" or open loop tracking versus use of a beacon on the Earth side of the link, and (2) selection of fine pointing strategy (body-fixed/spacecraft pointing, reflector pointing or various forms of electronic beam steering). Capabilities of recent spacecraft are discussed.

Hodges, Richard E.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Impact of Assimilating AIRS Cloud-Cleared Radiances on Atmospheric Dynamics and Boundary Layer Height at High Latitudes

High latitude weather forecasts, on scales ranging from mesoscale to synoptic, present difficulties due, in part, to the sparsity of conventional observations. In addition, the prevalence of extended low-level stratus cloud cover limits the use of infrared data, which are operationally assimilated only in areas unaffected by clouds. Use of cloud-cleared AIRS (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder) radiances (AIRS CCR), allows the assimilation of infrared information in cloudy regions, permitting data ingestion in regions usually undersampled. This study explores the sensitivity of planetary boundary layer height and related atmospheric dynamics to the assimilation of these data in the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS, version 5) data assimilation and forecast system during the boreal fall 2014 season using observing system experiments (OSEs). Examined here are comparisons between the current, operational approach of assimilating AIRS clear-sky radiances against the assimilation of CCR. Assimilation of hyperspectral infrared information from AIRS over the Arctic region slightly modifies the lower midtropospheric temperature structure, which in turn contributes to adjustments in geopotential height, affecting the baroclinic instability properties over the entire hemisphere and explaining the overall improvement in global forecast skill.

McGrath-Spangler, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Optical Imaging and Sensing in Harsh Environments

The paper discusses extraction of images and sensing information from targets located in harsh planetary environments. Various configuration of sensing systems with fiber optic image conduit are presented and discussed including some experimental data. Prototypes are designed and their performance are demonstrated with the focus on their potential applications in the Venusian atmosphere.

sensing↗
NASA NTRS2006

High-capacity communications from Martian distances part 4 : assessment of spacecraft pointing accuracy capabilities required for large Ka-band reflector antennas

Improved surface accuracy for deployable reflectors has brought with it the possibility of Ka-band reflector antennas with extents on the order of 1000 wavelengths. Such antennas are being considered for high-rate data delivery from planetary distances. To maintain losses at reasonable levels requires a sufficiently capable Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) onboard the spacecraft. This paper provides an assessment of currently available ADCS strategies and performance levels. In addition to other issues, specific factors considered include: (1) use of "beaconless" or open loop tracking versus use of a beacon on the Earth side of the link, and (2) selection of fine pointing strategy (body-fixed/spacecraft pointing, reflector pointing or various forms of electronic beam steering). Capabilities of recent spacecraft are discussed.

Bassily, Samir (Sam)↗
NASA NTRS2018

Preparing for Planetary Surface Exploration by Measuring Habitat Dust Intrusion with Filter Tests During an Analogue Mars Mission

As humans venture deeper into space more issues related to operations will become apparent. While the perils ofdust particles may not be widely recognized, it is one of the major issues astronauts will face on the surface of theMoon and Mars. Dust particles present a problem for both astronaut health and equipment as revealed during theApollo era lunar surface missions. Dust particles cling to spacesuits and field gear, which upon ingress would begincirculating throughout the spacecraft or habitat. An astronaut's health is compromised by the dust particle's potentialto embed in the lungs and cause respiratory illnesses. The extreme abrasiveness and granularity of the particles makeit near impossible to completely shield a spacecraft or habitat from dust related damage. NASA's Glenn ResearchCenter collaborated with Crew 188 at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) in Utah to measure how much dustentered the habitat during a series of extravehicular activities (EVAs), or surface excursions. A NASA GRCdeveloped multistage filter system, coined the Scroll Filter System, was tested, for its effectiveness in removing dustthat entered the airlock and habitat after the EVAs. An optical particle counter measured the ambient airlockparticulates five times including: before the start of operations; after the crew left for EVA; in the middle of the EVAwith the settled air; before the crew entered the airlock after EVA; and finally, after the crew simulated repressurizationand suit brushing off in the airlock. Data was also collected in several of the working environmentlocations around MDRS and outside the habitat in the wind. Data collected from this research will help establishfilter equipment for life support systems and prescribed operations for astronaut transition from a planetary surfaceinto a desired clean habitat. Measurements may aid in updating a baseline expected dust load for a surface habitatand further facilitate the mitigation of astronaut's exposure to dust particles on the surface of celestial bodies.

Kobrick, Ryan L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Devices and Systems for Communications in Extreme Environment

The feasibility of gallium nitride based wide bandgap semiconductor devices for signal amplification in extreme planetary environment is investigated. The measured performance of these devices at S-band, X-band, and Ka-band are presented. The data indicates excellent performance at the above frequencies. Potential application of these devices includes communication systems required to operate in the extreme hot environment of Venus and in the extreme cold and high radiation environment of Jupiter’s icy moons.

Gallium Nitride↗
NASA NTRS1988

Space-borne computing for the year 2000 and beyond

The influence and utilization of computers in space science investigations greatly enhances the ability to address difficult and complicated questions about the Universe. Space Science is wholly dependent on computers because the data acquired from instruments on the spacecraft are not only complicated in form but also voluminous. Athough a great deal of attention has been paid to develop efficient and powerful computing systems on-ground, research in the area of spaceborne computing is far from satisfactory. On-board processing of data will be important in future planetary missions where telemetry rates constrain the total amount of data which can be returned and decisions may have to be made in real time. Little thought has been given to a dynamic man-machine interface with regard to scientific real-time interactive control of flight experiments. Careful thinking is therefore essential to define appropriate spaceborne computing requirements for the future. It is imperative that powerful multiprocessing systems for on-board processing be experimentally impleneted and evaluated in selected application missions. The presentation addresses key issues and attempts to define the requirements for such processing with some of NASA's future missions in perspective. The resulting architectural and performance issues and possible developments are also addressed.

Iyer, Ravi K.↗