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At least 55 records · Page 3

Supercooled Liquid Water Content Instrument Analysis and Winter 2014 Data with Comparisons to the NASA Icing Remote Sensing System and Pilot Reports

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has developed a system for remotely detecting the hazardous conditions leading to aircraft icing in flight, the NASA Icing Remote Sensing System (NIRSS). Newly developed, weather balloon-borne instruments have been used to obtain in-situ measurements of supercooled liquid water during March 2014 to validate the algorithms used in the NIRSS. A mathematical model and a processing method were developed to analyze the data obtained from the weather balloon soundings. The data from soundings obtained in March 2014 were analyzed and compared to the output from the NIRSS and pilot reports.

aviation meterology↗

Multi-axis hand controller for the shuttle remote manipulator system

The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, has a articulated arm of 50 ft. length with six motor-driven joints. The basic purpose is to establish physical contact with various space hardware items and maneuver these to the desired position and attitude with respect to the Orbiter, nulling out relative velocities and stabilizing the free-body system by managing residual energies. The normal operating mode is resolved-motion end-point rate control by man-in-loop command. The translational freedoms are defined so that the End Effector (EEFTR) of the arm will move in planes parallel to the principal translational planes of the Orbiter, at a rate commanded by the displacement of the Translation Hand Controller in the corresponding freedom and direction. The rotational freedoms are rate-controlled by the Rotation Hand Controller about pivot axes parallel to Orbiter roll, pitch and yaw, originating at the EEFTR reference point.

Lippay, A. L.↗

Conceptual design of a mobile remote manipulator system

A mobile remote manipulator system has been identified as a necessary device for space station. A conceptual design for an MRMS is presented which features (1) tracks on the MRMS and guide pins only on the truss structure, (2) a push/pull drive mechanism which rotates to permit movement in four directions, and (3) spacecrane and mobile foot restraint manipulators (or arms). Operational and design features of the MRMS elements are described and illustrated. Concepts are also presented which permit rotating the operational plane of the MRMS through 90 deg. Such a system has been found to have great utility for initial space station construction, maintenance and repair, and to provide a construction capability for future station growth or large spacecraft assembly and/or servicing.

Bush, H. G.↗

Lidar Remote Sensing System

A lidar remote sensing system wherein a laser signal is transmitted along an optical path through a telescope having a primary and secondary mirrors and a rotating prism at the telescope output. When the reflected signal from the target is received it is passed back through the system to a detector, where it is heterodyned with a signal from a local oscillator to detect Doppler frequency shifts in the returned signal. Since the prism is rotating, the prism will be at one position when the signal is transmitted and at another when the returned signal is received. This causes the reflected signal to be off the optical path, reducing the power of the returned signal. To correct this problem a de-rotator or prism is mounted for rotation, in synchronism with the rotating prism. about the optical path in a position to intersect the returned beam and refract it back onto the optical path to reduce the power loss in the returned signal.

Michael J Kavaya↗

Analysis of measurements for solid state laser remote lidar system

The merits of using lidar systems for remote measurements of various atmospheric processes such as wind, turbulence, moisture, and aerosol concentration are widely recognized. Although the lidar technology has progressed considerably over the past two decades, significant research particularly in the area of solid state lidars remains to be conducted in order to fully exploit this technology. The work performed by the UAH (University of Alabama in Huntsville) personnel under this Delivery Order concentrated on analyses of measurements required in support of solid state laser remote sensing lidar systems which are to be designed, deployed, and used to measure atmospheric processes and constituents. UAH personnel has studied and recommended to NASA/MSFC the requirements of the optical systems needed to characterize the detection devices suitable for solid state wavelengths and to evaluate various heterodyne detection schemes. The 2-micron solid state laser technology was investigated and several preliminary laser designs were developed and their performance for remote sensing of atmospheric winds and clouds from a spaceborne platform were specified. In addition to the laser source and the detector, the other critical technologies necessary for global wind measurements by a spaceborne solid state coherent lidar systems were identified to be developed and demonstrated. As part of this work, an analysis was performed to determine the atmospheric wind velocity estimation accuracy using the line-of-sight measurements of a scanning coherent lidar. Under this delivery order, a computer database of materials related to the theory, development, testing, and operation of lidar systems was developed to serve as a source of information for lidar research and development.

Amzajerdian, Farzin↗

System requirements and design features of Space Station Remote Manipulator System mechanisms

The Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) is a long robotic arm for handling large objects/payloads on the International Space Station Freedom. The mechanical components of the SSRMS include seven joints, two latching end effectors (LEEs), and two boom assemblies. The joints and LEEs are complex aerospace mechanisms. The system requirements and design features of these mechanisms are presented. All seven joints of the SSRMS have identical functional performance. The two LEES are identical. This feature allows either end of the SSRMS to be used as tip or base. As compared to the end effector of the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System, the LEE has a latch and umbilical mechanism in addition to the snare and rigidize mechanisms. The latches increase the interface preload and allow large payloads (up to 116,000 Kg) to be handled. The umbilical connectors provide power, data, and video signal transfer capability to/from the SSRMS.

Kumar, Rajnish↗

Solid state remote power controllers for 120 VDC power systems

Remote Power controllers (RPCs) are devices that combine in one unit the capability to perform all the needed functions of load switching and provide total system protection of equipment and wires. The unique developments of solid-state RPCs for 120 Vdc power distribution systems are reviewed. The discussion covers design guidelines, power switch design concepts, and performance effectiveness. An NPN transistor is used as the the basic switch element. Since the ultimate goal of the 120 Vdc RPC program is to demonstrate technology readiness, the final phase is directed to the design, fabrication, and testing of multi-chip hybrid prototypes in hermetically sealed packages. RPCs have potential application in spacecraft and aircraft electrical systems, in transportation systems, and various industrial applications. The upper voltage limitation on the RPC design is related to the capability and availability of suitable high-voltage power transistors. The merits of solid-state RPCs are noted.

Sundberg, G. R.↗

A teleoperated system for remote site characterization

The detection and characterization of buried objects and materials is an important step in the restoration of burial sites containing chemical and radioactive waste materials at Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Defense (DOD) facilities. By performing these tasks with remotely controlled sensors, it is possible to obtain improved data quality and consistency as well as enhanced safety for on-site workers. Therefore, the DOE Office of Technology Development and the US Army Environmental Center have jointly supported the development of the Remote Characterization System (RCS). One of the main components of the RCS is a small remotely driven survey vehicle that can transport various combinations of geophysical and radiological sensors. Currently implemented sensors include ground-penetrating radar, magnetometers, an electromagnetic induction sensor, and a sodium iodide radiation detector. The survey vehicle was constructed predominantly of non-metallic materials to minimize its effect on the operation of its geophysical sensors. The system operator controls the vehicle from a remote, truck-mounted, base station. Video images are transmitted to the base station by a radio link to give the operator necessary visual information. Vehicle control commands, tracking information, and sensor data are transmitted between the survey vehicle and the base station by means of a radio ethernet link. Precise vehicle tracking coordinates are provided by a differential Global Positioning System (GPS).

Sandness, Gerald A.↗

Holographic enhanced remote sensing system

The Holographic Enhanced Remote Sensing System (HERSS) consists of three primary subsystems: (1) an Image Acquisition System (IAS); (2) a Digital Image Processing System (DIPS); and (3) a Holographic Generation System (HGS) which multiply exposes a thermoplastic recording medium with sequential 2-D depth slices that are displayed on a Spatial Light Modulator (SLM). Full-parallax holograms were successfully generated by superimposing SLM images onto the thermoplastic and photopolymer. An improved HGS configuration utilizes the phase conjugate recording configuration, the 3-SLM-stacking technique, and the photopolymer. The holographic volume size is currently limited to the physical size of the SLM. A larger-format SLM is necessary to meet the desired 6 inch holographic volume. A photopolymer with an increased photospeed is required to ultimately meet a display update rate of less than 30 seconds. It is projected that the latter two technology developments will occur in the near future. While the IAS and DIPS subsystems were unable to meet NASA goals, an alternative technology is now available to perform the IAS/DIPS functions. Specifically, a laser range scanner can be utilized to build the HGS numerical database of the objects at the remote work site.

Iavecchia, Helene P.↗

Telepresence system development for application to the control of remote robotic systems

The recent developments of techniques which assist an operator in the control of remote robotic systems are described. In particular, applications are aimed at two specific scenarios: The control of remote robot manipulators; and motion planning for remote transporter vehicles. Common to both applications is the use of realistic computer graphics images which provide the operator with pertinent information. The specific system developments for several recently completed and ongoing telepresence research projects are described.

Crane, Carl D., III↗

Robots and manipulator systems; Proceedings of the Second Conference on Remotely Manned Systems, Los Angeles, Calif., June 9-11, 1975

Attention is given to supervisory control of remote manipulation, an automatic device for measuring viscoelasticity, adaptable programmable assembly systems for teleoperator applications, and proximity sensor technology for manipulator end effectors. Also considered are control and stability problems of remote orbital capture, orbital servicing and remotely manned systems, gray-level transformations for interactive image enhancement, and the design of a three-fingered hand

Heer, E.↗

Utilization of Internet Protocol-Based Voice Systems in Remote Payload Operations

Due to limited crew availability to support science and the large number of experiments to be operated simultaneously, telescience is key to a successful International Space Station (ISS) science program. Crew, operations personnel at NASA centers, and researchers at universities and companies around the world must work closely together to per orm scientific experiments on-board ISS. The deployment of reliable high-speed Internet Protocol (IP)-based networks promises to greatly enhance telescience capabilities. These networks are now being used to cost-effectively extend the reach of remote mission support systems. They reduce the need for dedicated leased lines and travel while improving distributed workgroup collaboration capabilities. NASA has initiated use of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to supplement the existing mission voice communications system used by researchers at their remote sites. The Internet Voice Distribution System (IVoDS) connects remote researchers to mission support "loopsll or conferences via NASA networks and Internet 2. Researchers use NODS software on personal computers to talk with operations personnel at NASA centers. IVoDS also has the ;capability, if authorized, to allow researchers to communicate with the ISS crew during experiment operations. NODS was developed by Marshall Space Flight Center with contractors & Technology, First Virtual Communications, Lockheed-Martin, and VoIP Group. NODS is currently undergoing field-testing with full deployment for up to 50 simultaneous users expected in 2002. Research is being performed in parallel with IVoDS deployment for a next-generation system to qualitatively enhance communications among ISS operations personnel. In addition to the current voice capability, video and data/application-sharing capabilities are being investigated. IVoDS technology is also being considered for mission support systems for programs such as Space Launch Initiative and Homeland Defense.

Chamberlain, jim↗

EcoSpec: Highly Equipped Tower-Based Hyperspectral and Thermal Infrared Automatic Remote Sensing System for Investigating Plant Responses to Environmental Changes

Despite an advanced ability to forecast ecosystem functions and climate at regional and global scales, little is known about relationships between local variations in water and carbon fluxes and large-scale phenomena. To enable data collection of local-scale ecosystem functions to support such investigations, we developed the EcoSpec system, a highly equipped remote sensing system that houses a hyperspectral radiometer (350–2500 nm) and five optical and infrared sensors in a compact tower. Its custom software controls the sequence and timing of movement of the sensors and system components and collects measurements at 12 locations around the tower. The data collected using the system was processed to remove sun-angle effects, and spectral vegetation indices computed from the data (i.e., the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI), and Moisture Stress Index (MSI)) were compared with the fraction of photochemically active radiation (fPAR) and canopy temperature. The results showed that the NDVI, NDWI, and PRI were strongly correlated with fPAR; the MSI was correlated with canopy temperature at the diurnal scale. These correlations suggest that this type of near-surface remote sensing system would complement existing observatories to validate satellite remote sensing observations and link local and large-scale phenomena to improve our ability to forecast ecosystem functions and climate. The system is also relevant for precision agriculture to study crop growth, detect disease and pests, and compare traits of cultivars.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Remote water monitoring system

A remote water monitoring system is described that integrates the functions of sampling, sample preservation, sample analysis, data transmission and remote operation. The system employs a floating buoy carrying an antenna connected by lines to one or more sampling units containing several sample chambers. Receipt of a command signal actuates a solenoid to open an intake valve outward from the sampling unit and communicates the water sample to an identifiable sample chamber. Such response to each signal receipt is repeated until all sample chambers are filled in a sample unit. Each sample taken is analyzed by an electrochemical sensor for a specific property and the data obtained is transmitted to a remote sending and receiving station. Thereafter, the samples remain isolated in the sample chambers until the sampling unit is recovered and the samples removed for further laboratory analysis.

Grana, D. C.↗

Flexible high-speed instrumentation system

Remote multiplexer/demultiplexer digital instrumentation system, which is suitable to both airborne and ground-based data acquisition/process control applications, can be employed in a variety of research and flight test applications where great flexibility to accommodate changes in number of parameters, data sampling rates, and signal conditioning is required.

Bartoli, F.↗

Remote Monitor Alarm System

A remote monitor alarm system monitors discrete alarm and analog power supply voltage conditions at remotely located communications terminal equipment. A central monitoring unit (CMU) is connected via serial data links to each of a plurality of remote terminal units (RTUS) that monitor the alarm and power supply conditions of the remote terminal equipment. Each RTU can monitor and store condition information of both discrete alarm points and analog power supply voltage points in its associated communications terminal equipment. The stored alarm information is periodically transmitted to the CMU in response to sequential polling of the RTUS. The number of monitored alarm inputs and permissible voltage ranges for the analog inputs can be remotely configured at the CMU and downloaded into programmable memory at each RTU. The CMU includes a video display, a hard disk memory, a line printer and an audio alarm for communicating and storing the alarm information received from each RTU.

Stute, Robert A.↗