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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 541 records · Page 30

Spiraling Away from Vesta: Design of the Transfer from the Low to High Altitude Dawn Mapping Orbits

Dawn has successfully completed its orbital mission at Vesta and is currently en route to an orbital rendezvous with Ceres in 2015. The longest duration and most complex portion of the Vesta departure trajectory was the transfer from the low to high altitude science orbit. This paper describes the design of this low-thrust trajectory optimized assuming a minimum-propellant mass objective. The transfer utilized solar-electric ion propulsion applied over 139 spacecraft revolutions about Vesta. Science drivers, operational constraints, and robustness to statistical uncertainties are addressed. The 45-day transfer trajectory was successfully implemented in early 2012.

low thrust↗

AVIRIS calibration and application in coastal oceanic environments - Tracers of soluble and particulate constituents of the Tampa Bay coastal plume

AVIRIS is a testbed for future spacecraft sensors (such as HIRIS and MODIS) planned for the Earth Observing System. Model-derived absorption coefficients at 415 nm, a(415), and back-scattering coefficients at 671 nm, b sub b (671) for Tampa Bay waters were used to create images from AVIRIS data of the dissolved component of a(415) due to gelbstoff, a sub g (415), and salinity. Images of a sub g (415), salinity, and b sub b (671) were used to depict the distribution of dissolved and particulate constituents, respectively, for Tampa Bay plume during late, ebb-tidal conditions. Salinity covaried with a sub g (415), which provided a means of mapping salinity from the a sub g (415) imagery. The concentration of suspended particles, as inferred from b sub g (671), was extremely variable in the shallow regions where waves and currents interacted. Pollutants covarying with fresh water or suspended sediments can be mapped from a sub g (415) and b sub b (671) images, respectively.

Carder, K. L.↗

Evaluating Flood Forecasting System Performance in Cambodia During the 2019 Flood Season

Every year, Cambodia experiences both flash and prolonged riverine flooding as a result of monsoon rains and typhoons. Floods occur frequently in various parts of the region, and result in significant economic cost. Flood forecasting systems are designed to mitigate economic and social impacts, enabling people to prepare for extreme events. However, in order for forecasts to be used effectively, an assessment of the available forecasting systems is needed. In addition, following the onset of flooding, satellite imagery is used to generate flood maps to aid in response efforts. This study demonstrates the performance of regional and global flood forecasting systems over the 2019 flood season. To do this, we assess the flood forecast accuracy at different forecast lead times through a series of forecast verification metrics at gauge locations in Cambodia. We then compare the flood forecast performance to Sentinel 1 flood maps produced by the Hydrological Remote Sensing Analysis of Floods (HYDRAFloods) tool currently being co-developed by SERVIR-Mekong in collaboration with the Myanmar Department of Disaster Management. This assessment of the flood forecasting systems’ performance and comparison to generated flood maps helps provide context to forecasters and disaster managers as they make improvements to their models. Additionally, these results provide support to forecast users as they evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different systems for taking action.

Nauman, Claire M.↗

Observing oceanic mesoscale eddies from Geosat altimetry - Preliminary results

Mesoscale eddies constitute the most energetic component of the variability of ocean currents. Sea level variations measured by the Geosat radar altimeter are used to study the spatial and temporal scales of the eddy motion. An attempt is also made to map the temporal evolution of the eddy field in the region of the Agulhas Current south of Africa, where the eddy motions are among the strongest in the world. The results demonstrate that Geosat has provided an unprecedented opportunity to map from space the temporal evolution of sea level variability associated with the energetic eddies in the ocean.

Fu, Lee-Lueng↗

Mare basalt types on the front side of the moon - A summary of spectral reflectance data

A unit map of nearside basalt types has been prepared from all telescopic spectral reflectance data currently available for lunar soils. Four parameters were chosen (UV/VIS ratio, albedo, 1 micron band strength, 2 micron band strength) to distinguish and map each of 13 mare basalt types and three additional volcanic groups. Multispectral imagery and albedo maps were used to define unit boundaries while spectra were used to examine the 1 and 2 micron bands and calibrate and quantify the multispectral images. Although the volume of each basalt type is not known, it is clear from the unit map that only 1/3 to 1/2 of the surface basalt types are likely to be represented in the returned lunar samples. For mature lunar soils a single parameter alone does not provide chemical information, but when the four are used together, TiO2 and in some cases FeO can be estimated. Further study of the mineralogy of unsampled lunar basalts requires precise spectra to 2.5 microns with higher spectra and spatial resolution.

Pieters, C. M.↗

Monthly atmospheric and oceanographic surface fields for the western North Atlantic: December 1986 - April 1989

Monthly atmospheric and oceanographic variables for the western North Atlantic Ocean from various sources are presented as contour or vector maps. These fields were assembled for a study of the upper ocean heat budget. Atmospheric fields include the net surface heat fluxes and wind stress derived from the 1000 mb winds from the European Center for Medium-range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF). Oceanographic fields include the sea surface height from the Geosat radar altimeter and sea surface temperature from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). An additional estimate of net surface heat flux is shown; this estimate was derived by assimilating winds, currents and ocean temperatures into a mixed layer model. The maps show a complex interplay of fluctuations in the winds and heat fluxes, and in the structure and temperature gradients of the Gulf Stream system. Some comments are offered on a comparison of the two heat flux estimates.

Caruso, Michael J.↗

Auroral and Non‐Auroral H 3 + Ion Winds at Uranus With Keck‐NIRSPEC and IRTF‐iSHELL

Abstract To date, no investigation has documented ionospheric flows at Uranus. Previous investigations of Jupiter and Saturn have demonstrated that mapping ion winds can be used to understand ionospheric currents and how these connect to magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling. We present a study of Uranus's near infrared emissions (NIR) using data from the Keck II Telescope's Near InfraRed SPECtrograph (NIRSPEC) and the InfraRed Telescope Facility's iSHELL spectrograph. H 3 + emission lines were used to derive dawn‐to‐dusk intensity, ionospheric temperatures and ion densities to identify auroral emissions, with their Doppler shifts used to measure ion velocities. We confirm the presence of the southern NIR aurora in 2016, driven by elevated H 3 + column densities up to 6.0 × 10 16 m −2 . While no auroral emissions were detected in 2014, we find a 14%–20% super rotation across the planet's disk in 2014 and a 7%–18% super rotation in 2016.

Thomas, Emma M. [Department of Mathematics Physics↗

Multimodal, Multidimensional, and Multiscale X-ray Imaging at the National Synchrotron Light Source II

Over the last couple of decades, the synchrotron radiation research community has witnessed tremendous advancement in the field of x-ray imaging and microscopy. Continuing enhancement of the light sources’ brightness, advances in x-ray focusing optics, incorporation of precision instruments, and development of innovative imaging techniques are some of the leading contributors for the rapid progress. New imaging and microscopy beamlines, such as the ones at the National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II), a Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science user facility located at DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory, are capable of performing more sophisticated and complicated measurements than ever before, either on their own or used together as a suite of tools. These sophisticated and complex measurements exhibit attributes for multimodal, multidimensional, and multiscale imaging. Recent popularity of these methods is strongly driven by the current trends in materials characterizations, where researchers desire to map out hierarchical materials structure over a large range of length scales, to understand structure-property correlation, to quantify materials structures in 3D, and/or to perform operando or in situ experiments. It is important to emphasize that “materials” under investigation are not only synthesized materials but also the natural materials. In this article, we describe multimodal, multidimensional and multiscale x-ray imaging capabilities of the NSLS-II beamlines and how these methods are used to tackle complex scientific problems.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

SPT-3G D1: CMB temperature and polarization power spectra and cosmology from 2019 and 2020 observations of the SPT-3G main field

Here, we present measurements of the temperature and E-mode polarization angular power spectra of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) from observations of 4% of the sky with SPT-3G, the current camera on the South Pole Telescope (SPT). The maps used in this analysis are the deepest used in a CMB TT / TE / EE analysis to date. The maps and resulting power spectra have been validated through blind and unblind tests. The measurements of the lensed EE and TE spectra are the most precise to date at ℓ = 1800 – 4000 and ℓ = 2200 – 4000 , respectively. Combining our TT / TE / EE spectra with previously published SPT-3G CMB lensing results, we find parameters for the standard Λ cold dark matter ( Λ CDM ) model consistent with Planck and ACT DR6 with comparable constraining power. We report a Hubble constant of H 0 = 66.66 ± 0.60 km s - 1 Mpc - 1 from SPT-3G alone, 6.2 σ away from local measurements from SH0ES. For the first time, combined ground-based ( SPT + ACT ) CMB primary and lensing data have reached Planck’s constraining power on some parameters, a milestone for CMB cosmology. The combination of these three CMB experiments yields the tightest CMB constraints to date, with H 0 = 67.19 ± 0.38 km s - 1 Mpc - 1 , and the amplitude of clustering σ 8 = 0.8137 ± 0.0037 . CMB data alone show no evidence for physics beyond Λ CDM , however, we observe a 2.8 σ difference in Λ CDM between CMB and baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) results from DESI-DR2, which is relaxed in extended models. The combination of CMB and BAO yields 2 − 3 σ shifts from Λ CDM in the curvature of the Universe, the amplitude of CMB lensing, or the dark energy equation of state. It also drives mild preferences for models that address the Hubble tension through modified recombination or variations in the electron mass in a nonflat Universe. This work highlights the growing power of ground-based CMB experiments and lays a foundation for further cosmological analyses with SPT-3G.

Camphuis, Etienne [Sorbonne Université; CNRS; Inst↗

Single-shot ionization-based monitor for pulsed electron beams

In this work, we present an experimental demonstration of a single-shot, nondestructive electron beam diagnostic based on the ionization of a low-density pulsed gas jet. In our study, 7 MeV electron bunches from a radio-frequency photoinjector, carrying up to 100 pC of charge, traversed a localized distribution of nitrogen gas (N 2 ). The interaction of the electron bunches with the N 2 gas generated a correlated signature in the ionized particle distribution, which was spatially magnified using a series of electrostatic lenses and recorded with a microchannel-plate detector. Various modalities, including point-to-point imaging and velocity mapping, are investigated. A temporal trace of the detector current enabled the identification of single- and double-ionization events. The characteristics of the ionization distribution, dependence on gas density, total bunch charge, and other parameters, are described. Approaches to scaling to higher electron bunch density and energy are suggested. Additionally, the instrument proves useful for comprehensive studies of the ionization process itself.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Combined EDS and EBSD dataset from TiB2 ceramic material

This is supplemental information to a paper to be submitted, tentatively titled Cluster analysis of combined EDS and EBSD data to solve ambiguous phase identifications. Data was acquired from a TiB2 ceramic provided by Missouri University of Science and Technology. Simultaneous EDS and EBSD were acquired on a Tescan MIRA3 GMH field-emission SEM equipped with Oxford Instruments Symmetry CMOS-based EBSD detector and Oxford Instruments UltimMax 170 mm2 silicon-drift detector EDS. Data was acquired using Oxford Instruments AZtec 4.0 software. Data was acquired at 20 keV, 70° tilt, and ≈1 nA probe current. An 80×60 pixel, 40×30 μm map (500 nm pixel pitch) was acquired. EBSD indexing was performed using TiB2, space group 191 P6/mmm, and TiC, space group 225 Fm \bar{3}m, crystal cards.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ring current particle distributions during the magnetic storms of 16-18 December 1971

In an effort to summarize the constrasting development of the stormtime ring currents during the December 16-18, 1971 magnetic storms, maps were drawn indicating the proton energy density spatial/temporal distributions. The maps contain distributions for the 5 to 138 keV protons for each of seven orbits. The first storm was not characteristic of a single substorm nor a fully developed magnetic storm, but it was comprised of a sudden commencement, a positive phase, and multiple substorms producing a small depression in the magnetic field. The second storm was classical in development with a short two hour growth phase. Energy density distribution constrasts for the two storms show the second storm displayed three dominant features over the first storm. They were: (1) the intensities were 2 1/2 times larger, (2) the depths of penetration were 1/2 to 1 Reynolds number lower, and (3) the distribution became symmetric.

Smith, P. H.↗

CCD star trackers

The application of CCDs to star trackers and star mappers is considered. Advantages and disadvantages of silicon CCD star trackers are compared with those of image dissector star trackers. It is concluded that the CCD has adequate sensitivity for most single star tracking tasks and is distinctly superior in multiple star tracking or mapping applications. The signal and noise figures of several current CCD configurations are discussed. The basic structure of the required signal processing is described, and it is shown that resolution in excess of the number of CCD elements may be had by interpolation.

Goss, W. C.↗

Interpretation of surface features of Europa obtained from occultations by Io

Light curves of occultations of Europa by Io have been used to generate a crude map of albedo features on Europa. The best values currently available for the impact parameters and magnitude ratios for each event have been imposed on our model. Residuals between the observed and computed light curves are interpreted as albedo features on Europa. In order to improve the fit between the observations and the model, it became necessary to impose a general polar brightening. The effects of additional albedo features and alternate models are discussed.

Herzog, A. D.↗

Geographic Information Systems for Assessing Existing and Potential Bio-energy Resources: Their Use in Determining Land Use and Management Options which Minimize Ecological and Landscape Impacts in Rural Areas

A management construct is described which forms part of an overall landscape ecological planning model which has as a principal objective the extension of the traditional descriptive land use mapping capabilities of geographic information systems into land management realms. It is noted that geographic information systems appear to be moving to more comprehensive methods of data handling and storage, such as relational and hierarchical data management systems, and a clear need has simultaneously arisen therefore for planning assessment techniques and methodologies which can actually use such complex levels of data in a systematic, yet flexible and scenario dependent way. The descriptive of mapping method proposed broaches such issues and utilizes a current New England bioenergy scenario, stimulated by the use of hardwoods for household heating purposes established in the post oil crisis era and the increased awareness of the possible landscape and ecological ramifications of the continued increasing use of the resource.

Jackman, A. E.↗

PARAS program: Phased array radio astronomy from space

An orbiting radio telescope is proposed which, when operated in a Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBLI) scheme, would allow higher (than currently available) angular resolution and dynamic range in the maps, and the ability of observing rapidly changing astronomical sources. Using a passive phases array technology, the proposed design consists of 656 hexagonal modules forming a 150 meter diameter dish. Each observatory module is largely autonomous, having its own photovoltaic power supply and low-noise receiver and processor for phase shifting. The signals received by the modules are channeled via fiber optics to the central control computer in the central bus module. After processing and multiplexing, the data is transmitted to telemetry stations on the ground. The truss frame supporting each observatory pane is a hybrid structure consisting of a bottom graphite/epoxy tubular triangle and rigidized inflatable Kevlar tubes connecting the top observatory panel and bottom triangle. Attitude control and stationkeeping functions are performed by a system of momentum wheels in the bus and four propulsion modules located at the compass points on the periphery of the observatory dish. Each propulsion module has four monopropellant thrusters and six hydrazine arcjets, the latter supported by a nuclear reactor. The total mass of the spacecraft is 22,060 kg.

Jakubowski, Antoni K.↗

Project PARAS: Phased array radio astronomy from space

An orbiting radio telescope is proposed which, when operated in a very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) scheme, would allow higher than currently available angular resolution and dynamic range in the maps and the ability to observe rapidly changing astronomical sources. Using passive phased array technology, the proposed design consists of 656 hexagonal modules forming a 150-m diameter antenna dish. Each observatory module is largely autonomous, having its own photovoltaic power supply and low-noise receiver and processor for phase shifting. The signals received by the modules are channeled via fiber optics to the central control computer in the central bus module. After processing and multiplexing, the data are transmitted to telemetry stations on the ground. The truss frame supporting each observatory panel is a novel hybrid structure consisting of a bottom graphite/epoxy tubular triangle and rigidized inflatable Kevlar tubes connecting the top observatory panel and the bottom triangle. Attitude control and station keeping functions will be performed by a system of momentum wheels in the bus and four propulsion modules located at the compass points on the periphery of the observatory dish. Each propulsion module has four monopropellant thrusters and four hydrazine arcjets, the latter supported by either a photovoltaic array or a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. The total mass of the spacecraft is about 20,500 kg.

Nuss, Kenneth↗