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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.

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At least 55 records · Page 3

Requirements for predictions and real-time monitoring for the study of travelling interplanetary phenomena

Physical processes within quiescent as well as disturbed flows of solar wind plasma, energetic particles, and magnetic and electric fields from the Sun are considered. Specifically, travelling interplanetary phenomena to be studied during the years of the solar maximum of solar cycle 21 are covered. It is noted that predictions, while needed for long range, logistical planning, is secondary to the requirements of synoptic real time monitoring over a wide range of particle energies and spectral bandwidths.

Dryer, M.↗

Mariner 9 - Image processing and products.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the system for the display, processing, and production of image data products created to support the Mariner 9 Television Experiment. Of necessity, the system was large in order to respond to the needs of a large team of scientists with a broad scope of experimental objectives. The desire to generate processed data products as rapidly as possible to take advantage of adaptive planning during the mission, coupled with the complexities introduced by the nature of the vidicon camera, greatly increased the scale of the ground image processing effort. This paper describes the systems that carried out the processes and delivered the products necessary for real-time and near-real-time analyses. References are made to the computer algorithms used for the different levels of decalibration and analysis.

Levinthal, E. C.↗

Eye movements - On-line measurement, analysis, and control

The paper outlines the plans and progress related to the development of a Programmed Eye-track Recording System and Eye-coupled Ubiquitous Scene-generator known by the acronym PERSEUS. Particular attention is given to the design and implementation of a computer-based real-time eye-tracking system with associated digital scenic display capability. The accurate eye-tracker developed by Cornsweet and Crane (1973) is selected for this purpose. The discussion covers automatic detection of fixations and saccades, automatic scanpath analysis, fixation-conditional stimulation, and digital scene generation. The all-digital approach to scenic simulation not only eliminates the camera optics and electromechanical servomechanisms of TV-model systems of simulation but also opens the way to the virtually unlimited sequencing of data-base contents and perspectives thereof.

Anliker, J.↗

Spectral feature classification and spatial pattern recognition

This paper introduces a spatial pattern recognition processing concept involving the use of spectral feature classification technology and coherent optical correlation. The concept defines a hybrid image processing system incorporating both digital and optical technology. The hybrid instrument provides simplified pseudopattern images as functions of pixel classification from information embedded within a real-scene image. These pseudoimages become simplified inputs to an optical correlator for use in a subsequent pattern identification decision useful in executing landmark pointing, tracking, or navigating functions. Real-time classification is proposed as a research tool for exploring ways to enhance input signal-to-noise ratio as an aid in improving optical correlation. The approach can be explored with developing technology, including a current NASA Langley Research Center technology plan that involves a series of related Shuttle-borne experiments. A first-planned experiment, Feature Identification and Location Experiment (FILE), is undergoing final ground testing, and is scheduled for flight on the NASA Shuttle (STS2/flight OSTA-1) in 1980. FILE will evaluate a technique for autonomously classifying earth features into the four categories: bare land; water; vegetation; and clouds, snow, or ice.

Sivertson, W. E., Jr.↗

Real-time determination of geophysical parameters from a multibeam altimeter

Satellite radar altimeters flown aboard Skylab, GEOS-3 and Seasat-1 have provided a wealth of information on oceanic processes, ice dynamics and geodesy. This paper describes satellite altimetry in its present state and forecasts its future. A brief review of present capability to measure altitude, significant wave height, wind, and current is given. Near term and long range applications are used to indicate desirable technical improvements and an evolutionary plan is presented to develop a sensor to meet future needs. The plan shows a progression from the presently available single-beam terrain profiler to a multibeamed profiling system in the near future which could measure large scale surface slopes without knowing the precise satellite orbit. Ultimately a system would be developed that provides images of height, reflectivity, and target motion. Some of this future system is vividly illustrated by data obtained with the WFC airborne Surface Contour Radar.

Mcgoggan, J. T.↗

Computer aided manipulator control

This paper describes the hardware and software system of a dedicated mini- and microcomputer network developed at the JPL teleoperator project to aid the operator in real-time control of remote manipulators. The operator can be in series or in parallel with the control computer during operation. The purpose of the project is to develop, demonstrate and evaluate advanced supervisory control concepts and techniques for space applications. The paper concludes with a brief outline of future development plans and issues.

Bejczy, A. K.↗

NASA earth resources satellite research and development program.

The NASA Earth Resources Survey (ERS) Program is discussed as an effort to augment the presently used ground techniques and limited aerial photography for obtaining larger survey data. The topics include the scientific and technological aspects of remote earth resources sensing, the past and present activities in this field, the immediate plans for the implementation of the program, and a summary of current and future international participation in it. The effective target areas of space observations under the program are listed as synoptic surveys, agriculture and forestry, geography, geology and mineral resources, hydrology and water resources, and marine resources. Acquisition of near real-time information, reduced data acquisition time, repeated coverage, measurement uniformity, global surveys without large on-site support requirements are indicated as the advantages of space observations.

Jaffe, L.↗

Analysis of the survivability of the shuttle (ALT) fault-tolerant avionics system

An extension of the Complementary-Analytic-Simulative Technique (CAST) is presented which is applicable to the Shuttle Data Processing Subsystem (DPS). A two step process was used. The first step provides models, both analytic and simulative, for analysis of the Approach-Landing Test (ALT) configuration. The ALT modeling and analysis are presented. Since CAST had already been shown to be multicomputer systems, the emphasis was placed on extending the CAST concept so it is applicable to computer systems including the multiplicity of input and output devices found in a real-time control system application. The DPS mission-critical survivability for a six-hour mission was determined to be 0.999863 for the Shuttle ALT baseline configuration. Thus it can be said that for ALT, the survivability is adequate. However, the fact that orbiting missions of up to 30 days are planned illustrates the necessity of extending the ALT work to be applicable to OFT and actual mission scenarios. The above analysis led to the evaluation of three selected options which identified two areas of possible improvement. These improvements would result from use of a recovery technique which combines roll ahead with memory copy, and increased TACAN fault detectability.

Source record↗

The National Transonic Facility - Status and operational planning

The National Transonic Facility is scheduled to be completed in 1982. Several technical concerns remain, including thermal stress constraints which may limit the rate at which temperatures can be changed, seal performance in the cryogenic environment, and the tunnel process controls which could affect data acquisition rate. The current design affords the capability of dealing with all these concerns if they become problems. The outstanding instrument need is a real-time model surface deformation measurement system. Finally, an examination of the occupancy cost and the cost of liquid nitrogen for high Reynolds number tests indicates that operating costs should not be an inhibiting factor in the use of the facility.

Howell, R. R.↗

An analytical investigation of acquisition techniques and system integration studies for a radar aircraft guidance research facility, phase 2

A review of user requirements and updated instrumentation plans are presented for the aircraft tracking and guidance facility at NASA Wallops Station. User demand has increased as a result of new flight research programs; however, basic requirements remain the same as originally reported. Instrumentation plans remain essentially the same but with plans for up- and down-link telemetry more firm. With slippages in the laser acquisition schedule, added importance is placed on the FPS-16 radar as the primary tracking device until the laser is available. Limited simulation studies of a particular Kalman-type filter are also presented. These studies simulated the use of the filter in a helicopter guidance loop in a real-time mode. Disadvantages and limitations of this mode of operation are pointed out. Laser eyesafety calculations show that laser tracking of aircraft is readily feasible from the eyesafety viewpoint.

Thompson, W. S.↗

Operations and maintenance manual for a scale-model lunar roving vehicle

A one-sixth scale model of the lunar roving vehicle used in the Apollo 15 mission was built and instrumented to conduct model studies of vehicle mobility. The model was free running under radio control and was equipped with a lightweight telemetry transmitter that allowed 16 channels of data to be gathered simultaneously. String payout and fifth-wheel devices were developed to measure vehicle velocity. Other real-time measurements included wheel torque, wheel speed, center-of-gravity accelerations, and steering forces. Calibration, operations, and maintenance procedures were worked out. Details of the development of the instrumentation, its maintenance, and some of the problems encountered, are recorded serve as a preliminary operations and maintenance manual for this specific model. In addition, information regarding soil processing and testing that may be useful to NASA personnel planning mobility research with the model in soil is furnished.

Lessem, A. S.↗

Annual ADP planning document

The Category A computer systems at KSC (Al and A2) which perform scientific and business/administrative operations are described. This data division is responsible for scientific requirements supporting Saturn, Atlas/Centaur, Titan/Centaur, Titan III, and Delta vehicles, and includes realtime functions, Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), and the Space Shuttle. The work is performed chiefly on the GEL-635 (Al) system located in the Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF). The Al system can perform computations and process data in three modes: (1) real-time critical mode; (2) real-time batch mode; and (3) batch mode. The Division's IBM-360/50 (A2) system, also at the CIF, performs business/administrative data processing such as personnel, procurement, reliability, financial management and payroll, real-time inventory management, GSE accounting, preventive maintenance, and integrated launch vehicle modification status.

Mogilevsky, M.↗

Radar/radiometer facilities for precipitation measurements

The OSU ElectroScience Laboratory Radar/Radiometer Facilities are described. This instrumentation includes a high-resolution radar/radiometer system, a fully automated low-resolution radar system, and a small surveillance radar system. The high-resolution radar/radiometer system operates at 3, 9, and 15 GHz using two 9.1 m and one 4.6 m parabolic antennas, respectively. The low-resolution and surveillance radars operate at 9 and 15 GHz, respectively. Both the high- and low-resolution systems are interfaced to real-time digital processing and recording systems. This capability was developed for the measurement of the temporal and spatial characteristics of precipitation in conjunction with millimeter wavelength propagation studies utilizing the Advanced Technology Satellites. Precipitation characteristics derived from these measurements could also be of direct benefit in such diverse areas as: the atmospheric sciences, meteorology, water resources, flood control and warning, severe storm warning, agricultural crop studies, and urban and regional planning.

Hodge, D. B.↗

GRAN experiment

A global system for search and rescue was studied to reduce the time lost between a mishap and rescue efforts. The sequence of the GRAN concept proceeds as follows: (1) A distress call is initiated by a survivor and consists of the retransmission of Omega tones and a unique identifying code. (2) Signals are frequency translated through the satellite from UHF to SHF. (3) The received signals are processed in real-time using improved skywave correction and lane ambiguity techniques. The results are processed in geographical coordinates, time of day, and unique ID. This information is then relayed to the closest rescue agent. The Omega system is described, and the satellite/GRAN compatibility is discussed. The program plan and schedule are included.

Morakis, J. C.↗

Metabolic rate control during extravehicular activity simulations and measurement techniques during actual EVAS

A description of the methods used to control and measure metabolic rate during ground simulations is given. Work levels attained at the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory are presented. The techniques and data acquired during ground simulations are described and compared with inflight procedures. Data from both the Skylab and Apollo Program were utilized and emphasis is given to the methodology, both in simulation and during flight. The basic techniques of work rate assessment are described. They include oxygen consumption, which was useful for averages over long time periods, heart rate correlations based on laboratory calibrations, and liquid cooling garment temperature changes. The relative accuracy of these methods as well as the methods of real-time monitoring at the Mission Control Center are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the metabolic measurement techniques are discussed. Particular emphasis is given to the problem of utilizing oxygen decrement for short time periods and heart rate at low work levels. A summary is given of the effectiveness of work rate control and measurements; and current plans for future EVA monitoring are discussed.

David J. Horrigan↗

Mission considerations for multidiscipline applications payloads

Special considerations in the planning of Space Shuttle missions for multidiscipline applications are summarized. Selection of orbits and launch times, the optimum operations schedule and viewing opportunities for a given mission are discussed. Trade-offs between the limitations of a mission-peculiar sensor mount and time requirements for sensor retraction/deployment operations in the planning of the payload mounting design are considered. It is suggested that payloads which are largely automated or whose operation is not orbit-time sensitive be considered as possible 'fill-ins' between opportunity-constrained operations. Sequential scheduling of payload operations and delayed real-time data transmission may be means of avoiding RF interference between payloads and with Orbiter communications links, and of maintaining resource demands within manageable levels.

Macdonald, J. M.↗

F100 multivariable control synthesis program: Evaluation of a multivariable control using a real-time engine simulation

The design, evaluation, and testing of a practical, multivariable, linear quadratic regulator control for the F100 turbofan engine were accomplished. NASA evaluation of the multivariable control logic and implementation are covered. The evaluation utilized a real time, hybrid computer simulation of the engine. Results of the evaluation are presented, and recommendations concerning future engine testing of the control are made. Results indicated that the engine testing of the control should be conducted as planned.

Szuch, J. R.↗