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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
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NASA NTRS1993

(abstract) Infrared Cirrus and Future Space Based Astronomy

A review of the known properties of the distribution of infrared cirrus is followed by a discussion of the implications of cirrus on observations from space. Probable limitations on space observations due to IR cirrus.

cirrus infrared space observations astronomy inter↗
NASA NTRS2023

The Mid-Infrared Molecular Inventory Towards Orion IRc2

We present the first high spectral resolution mid-infrared survey in the Orion BN/KL region, covering 7.2 to 28.3μm. With SOFIA/EXES we target the enigmatic source Orion IRc2. While this is in the most prolifically studied massive star-forming region, longer wavelengths and molecular emission lines dominated previous spectral surveys. The mid-infrared observations in this work access different components and molecular species in unprecedented detail. We unambiguously identify two new kinematic components, both chemically rich with multiple molecular absorption lines. The “blue clump” has ν LSR = −7.1 ± 0.7 km s −1 and the “red clump” 1.4 ± 0.5 km s −1 . While the blue and red clump shave similar temperatures and line widths, molecular species in the blue clump have higher column densities. They are both likely linked to pure rotational H 2 emission also covered by this survey. This work provides evidence for the scenario that the blue and red clumps are distinct components unrelated to the classic components in the Orion BN/KL region. Comparison to spectroscopic surveys towards other infrared targets in the region show that the blue clump is clearly extended. We analyze, compare, and present in depth findings on the physical conditions of C 2 H 2 , 13 CCH 2 , CH 4 , CS, H 2 O, HCN, H 13 CN, HNC, NH 3 , and SO 2 absorption lines and an H 2 emission line associated with the blue and red clumps. We also provide limited analysis of H 2 O and SiO molecular emission lines towards Orion IRc2 and the atomic forbidden transitions [FeII], [SI], [SIII], and [NeII].

Atomic spectroscopy↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Proposed Robotic Astronomy Mission to the Lunar South Polar Regions

This paper outlines a possible mission to emplace a robotic infrared / submillimeter wave interferometer array near the lunar south pole. This region has now been investigated by the Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions, and by Earth-based radar, and its topography and thermal environment are fairly well-known. The area would be exceptionally suitable for infrared / submillimeter astronomy because of the continually low temperatures, approaching that of liquid nitrogen (77K) in some places. A submillimeter spaceborne interferometer mission, Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of the Cosmic Structure (SPECS) has been proposed by John Mather and others, covering the 40 - 500 micron region with 3 formation flying telescopes. The present paper proposes a lunar adaptation of the SPECS concept, LSPECS. This adaptation would involve landing 4 telescopes on the area north of Shackleton crater at zero degrees longitude. This is in nearly year round darkness but is continually radar visible from Earth. The landed payload of LSPECS would include a telerobotic rover, 4 three meter submm telescopes, a solar power array to be emplaced on the continually sunlit north rim of Shackleton crater, and an S-band antenna for data relay to Earth. Passive cooling without the use of expendable cryogenics. might be possible, trading long exposure time for instrument temperatures above that of liquid helium. The LSPECS would permit long-term study of an extremely wide range of cosmic and solar system phenomena in the southern celestial hemisphere. For complete sky coverage, a similar installation near the north pole would be required. The LSPECS site would also be suitable other types of observation, such as optical interferometry or centimeter wavelength radio astronomy. The lunar south pole is also of great interest because of its extensive ice deposits, which may represent cometary infall with pre-biotic compounds.

Lowman, Paul D., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Space optics; Proceedings of the Seminar, Huntsville, Ala., May 22-24, 1979

The seminar focused on infrared systems, the space telescope, new design for space astronomy, future earth resources systems, and planetary systems. Papers were presented on infrared astronomy satellite, infrared telescope on Spacelab 2, design alternatives for the Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility, Spacelab 2 infrared telescope cryogenic system, geometrical theory of diffraction and telescope stray-light analysis, Space Telescope scientific instruments, faint-object spectrograph for the Space Telescope, light scattering from multilayer optics, bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements of stray light suppression coatings for the Space Telescope, optical fabrication of a 60-in. mirror, interferogram analysis for space optics, nuclear-pumped lasers for space application, geophysical fluid flow experiment, coherent rays for optical astronomy in space, optical system with fiber-optical elements, and Pioneer-Venus solar flux radiometer.

Wyman, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Infrared receivers for low background astronomy: Incoherent detectors and coherent devices from one micrometer to one millimeter

The status of incoherent detectors and coherent receivers over the infrared wavelength range from one micrometer to one millimeter is described. General principles of infrared receivers are included, and photon detectors, bolometers, coherent receivers, and important supporting technologies are discussed, with emphasis on their suitability for low background astronomical applications. Broad recommendations are presented and specific opportunities are identified for development of improved devices.

Boggess, N. W.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Space Studies Board Annual Report, 2008

The year 2008 was an historic one for both our country and the Space Studies Board (SSB). The United States elected a new president. His first task has been to cope with an economic crisis of historic proportions. In the same year, the United States celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first spaceflight, and the SSB celebrated its 50th anniversary. As we in the space community looked back, we also looked forward. The year 2008 was truly a year of transition, for the country and for the space enterprise. Under Lennard Fisk's continued leadership, the SSB completed its year-long seminar series, Forging the Future of Space Science, which highlighted the accomplishments of space science over the past 50 years and looked ahead to the next 50 years of discoveries that await us. During the first half of the year, events were held in Tallahasse, Florida; Austin, Texas; Paris, France (in conjunction with the Committee on Space Research, which is headquartered here); Boulder, Colorado; and Fairmont, West Virginia. The series culminated in a celebration at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., on June 26, .50 years to the day after the SSB was created. At that event, the Board presented its first James A. Van Allen Lectureship to Frank McDonald. The recent economic crisis has made it obvious that the U.S. economy does not stand alone. The global economy is becoming more and more integrated. The space enterprise cannot avoid this trend. In November, the SSB conducted a workshop in conjunction with the Aeronautics and Space Engineering Board entitled 'Future International Space Cooperation and Competition in a Globalizing World'. Its goals were to assess the current state of international cooperation and competition in space and to discuss ways in which new and emerging space powers might be better integrated into the global space community.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA↗