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At least 559 records · Page 31

Acquisition times of carrier tracking sampled data phase-locked loops

Phase acquisition times of type II and III loops typical of the Advanced Receiver are studied by computer simulations when the loops are disturbed by gaussian noise. Reliable estimates are obtained by running 5000 trials for each combination of loop signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and frequency offset. The probabilities of acquisition are shown versus time from start of acquisition for various loop SNRs and frequency offsets. For frequency offsets smaller than one-fourth of the loop bandwidth and for loop SNRs of 10 dB and higher, the loops acquire with probability 0.99 within 2.5 B sub L for type II loops and within 7/B sub L for type III loops.

Aguirre, S.↗

Automated orbit determination using tracking and data relay satellite (TDRS) data

A prototype for an onboard satellite orbit determination system has been developed at the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to aid in the research and development of onboard navigation. Two versions of the system, one for laboratory investigation and one for ground demonstration, are being used to gain insight into the feasibility and practicality of microprocessor-based automated orbit determination. This paper describes the mathematical modeling and the software structure of each system and presents the results of laboratory evaluation in terms of computational accuracy and real-time processing performance.

Shank, D. E.↗

Exposure history of shergottites

The cosmogenic nuclides Cl-36, Al-26, Be-10, and Mn-53 were analyzed in Shergotty, ALHA 77005, and EETA 79001 shergottites by means of accelerator mass spectrometry and neutron activation. The cosmogenic radionuclide data were combined with noble gas data and cosmic ray track data to obtain the exposure ages, terrestrial ages, preatmospheric radii, and ablation depths for the three shergottites. The results indicate that none of the three meteorites was irradiated measurably by cosmic rays on its parent body, and that all three objects were ejected from greater than a 3-m depth in their parent bodies. The EETA 79001 meteorite was ejected in an event distinct from that of ALHA 77005 and Shergotty. All three shergottites show a very small amount of ablation, suggesting low velocities on entry into the earth's atmosphere.

Nishizumi, K.↗

Optical communications link design for the tracking and data acquisition system

The communications performances of laser intersatellite links for a future NASA data-relay system are analyzed, and block diagrams of necessary optical terminals are generated based on technology projected to be available by 1992. Direct-detection optical communications subsystems are selected to interconnect two geosynchronous (GEO) satellites separated by 160 deg along the GEO arc and to interconnect a low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellite and either of the GEO satellites. The terminal designs are based on power budget calculations performed for the various links with and without an optical background in either the receiver or transmitter fields of view (FOVs). Optical antennas with 18-cm and 30-cm primary mirror diameters on the LEO and GEO satellites can achieve a 0.000001 average bit error rate during normal operations in each of the forward and return optical links with beginning-of-life (BOL) power margins of approximately 7 dB. With an optical background in the receiver FOV, communications in the GEO-GEO return link are interrupted, the LEO-GEO return link is undegraded, and the GEO-GEO and LEO-GEO forward links remain functional with reduced BOL power margins. With an optical background in the transmitter FOV, the GEO-GEO forward and return links are noticeably degraded, the LEO-GEO return link is only slightly degraded, and the LEO-GEO forward link remains undegraded.

Marshalek, R. G.↗

Very long baseline interferometry observations using the tracking and data relay satellite as an orbiting radio telescope

An antenna in geostationary orbit was used for VLBI observations at 2.3 GHz, in combination with ground antennas in Australia and Japan. 23 of the 25 observed sources were detected on orbiter-ground baselines, with baseline lengths as large as 2.15 earth diameters. Brightness temperatures between 10 to the 12th K and 4 x 10 to the 12th K were measured for 10 sources.

Linfield, R. P.↗

Space VLBI observations using the U.S. tracking and data relay satellite

VLBI observations using a satellite in earth orbit and ground antennas in Japan and Australia were conducted in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Sources were detected on space-ground baselines at both observing frequencies: 2.3 and 15 GHz. The coherence on space-ground baselines for 340 s was 90 percent at 2.3 GHz and 76 percent at 15 GHz. Brightness temperatures in the range 1 - 4 x 10 to the 12th K were measured for 10 sources at 2.3 GHz and 6 sources at 15 GHz.

Linfield, R. P.↗

Optical terminal definition for the Future Service Growth (FSG) module of the Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (ATDRSS)

Results are presented from preliminary analyses and definition studies for an optical terminal's incorporation into the FSG module of the ATDRS system, which must support crosslinks between selected relay satellites of a modified ATDRS constellation and thereby allow the placement of a relay satellite at an orbital location which eliminates the zone of exclusion. These studies have attempted to identify alternative constellations by means of one or more crosslinks, and to formulate the service-routing requirement for the FSG terminal. Attention is given to an FSG optical terminal that furnishes the functionality and performance required for a crosslink terminal.

Bruno, Ronald C.↗

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Onboard Navigation System (TONS) experiment on the Explorer Platform/Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EP/EUVE)

NASA has taken a stepwise approach to giving high-accuracy, autonomous navigation to TDRSS utilizers. With implementation of the TONS experiment on EP complete, flight demonstration of onboard Doppler extraction and onboard signal acquisition is progressing. Preflight and preliminary inflight analyses show that the flight components are operating within their specifications.

Gramling, Cheryl J.↗

Processing of three-dimensional particle tracking velocimetry data

An interpolation method is presented which allows the accurate evaluation of a three-dimensional velocity field. The method can also be used to directly evaluate the strain rate and vorticity components. The required smoothing to improve accuracy is shown to be robust, and continuity is satisfied. The errors associated with the method are estimated at less than 1 percent for velocity vector data and less than 5 percent for vorticity. The method has application in the analysis of turbulence data from three-dimensional particle imaging velocimetry.

Liburdy, James A.↗

A method of obtaining signal components of residual carrier signal with their power content and computer simulation

A novel algorithm to obtain all signal components of a residual carrier signal with any number of channels is presented. The phase modulation type may be NRZ-L or split phase (Manchester). The algorithm also provides a simple way to obtain the power contents of the signal components. Steps to recognize the signal components that influence the carrier tracking loop and the data tracking loop at the receiver are given. A computer program for numerical computation is also provided.

Kantak, Anil V.↗

Complex radiation-thermal history of Kaidun meteorite on data of track study of silicate minerals

The results of track study of approximately 80 individual silicate mineral crystals (ol, px, plag) picked out from Kaidun meteorite are presented. A wide range of observed rho(sub VH) value distributions indicate the complex irradiation history of Kaidun minerals. In one anortite crystal having two track groups with different parameters the pre-accretion irradiation traces were observed in all probability.

Kashkarov, L. L.↗

Analysis of Pilot Feedback Regarding the Use of State Awareness Technologies During Complex Situations

A flight simulation study was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to evaluate flight deck systems that (1) predict aircraft energy state and/or autoflight configuration, (2) present the current state and expected future state of automated systems, and/or (3) show the state of flight-critical data systems in use by automated systems and primary flight instruments. Four new technology concepts were evaluated vis-à-vis current state-of-the-art flight deck systems and indicators. This human-in-the-loop study was conducted using commercial airline crews. Scenarios spanned a range of complex conditions and several emulated causal factors and complexity in recent accidents involving loss of state awareness by pilots (e.g. energy state, automation state, and/or system state). Data were collected via questionnaires administered after each flight, audio/video recordings, physiological data, head and eye tracking data, pilot control inputs, and researcher observations. This paper strictly focuses on findings derived from the questionnaire responses. It includes analysis of pilot subjective measures of complexity, decision making, workload, situation awareness, usability, and acceptability.

Evans, Emory↗

Evaluation of Technology Concepts for Energy, Automation, and System State Awareness in Commercial Airline Flight Decks

A pilot-in-the-loop flight simulation study was conducted at NASA Langley Research Center to evaluate flight deck systems that (1) provide guidance for recovery from low energy states and stalls, (2) present the current state and expected future state of automated systems, and/or (3) show the state of flight-critical data systems in use by automated systems and primary flight instruments. The study was conducted using 13 commercial airline crews from multiple airlines, paired by airline to minimize procedural effects. Scenarios spanned a range of complex conditions and several emulated causal and contributing factors found in recent accidents involving loss of state awareness by pilots (e.g., energy state, automation state, and/or system state). Three new technology concepts were evaluated while used in concert with current state-of-the-art flight deck systems and indicators. The technologies include a stall recovery guidance algorithm and display concept, an enhanced airspeed control indicator that shows when automation is no longer actively controlling airspeed, and enhanced synoptic pages designed to work with simplified interactive electronic checklists. An additional synoptic was developed to provide the flight crew with information about the effects of loss of flight critical data. Data was collected via questionnaires administered at the completion of flight scenarios, audio/video recordings, flight data, head and eye tracking data, pilot control inputs, and researcher observations. This paper presents findings derived from the questionnaire responses and subjective data measures including workload, situation awareness, usability, and acceptability as well as analyses of two low-energy flight events that resulted in near-stall conditions.

Kramer, Lynda J.↗