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At least 595 records · Page 33

Earth Observing System: Present Capabilities and Promises for the Future

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a space-based observing system comprised of a series of satellite sensors by which scientists can monitor the Earth, a Data and Information System (EOSDIS) enabling researchers worldwide to access the satellite data, and an interdisciplinary science research program to interpret the satellite data. During this year 5 EOS science missions are scheduled for launch, representing observations of (i) total solar irradiance, (ii) Earth radiation budget, (iii) land cover & land use change, (iv) ocean processes (vector wind, sea surface temperature, and ocean color), (v) atmospheric processes (aerosol and cloud properties, water vapor, and temperature and moisture profiles), and (vi) atmospheric chemistry (both tropospheric and stratospheric). In succeeding years many more satellites will be launched that will contribute immeasurably to our understanding of the Earth's environment. In this presentation I will describe how scientists intend to use MODIS, an earth-viewing cross-track scanning spectroradiometer to be launched on the Terra satellite in summer 1999, for the remote sensing of cloud and aerosol properties. MODIS will scan a swath width sufficient to provide nearly complete global coverage every two days from a polar-orbiting, sun-synchronous, platform at an altitude of 705 km. In addition, I will describe key elements of other instruments recently launched or planned for flight in the coming months. Finally, I will lay out a plan for the future space-based observing system being planned by NASA and its partners.

King, Michael D.↗

The Telecommunications and Data Acquisition Report

This quarterly publication (July-Sept. 1986) provides archival reports on developments in programs managed by JPL's Office of Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA). In space communications, radio navigation, radio science, and ground-based radio astronomy, it reports on activities of the Deep Space Network (DSN) and its associated Ground Communications Facility (GCF) in planning, in supporting research and technology, in implementation, and in operations. This work is performed for NASA's Office of Space Tracking and Data Systems (OSTDS). In geodynamics, the publication reports on the application of radio interferometry at microwave frequencies for geodynamic measurements. In the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), it reports on implementation and operations for searching the microwave spectrum. The latter two programs are performed for NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA).

Posner, E. C.↗

The Telecommunications and Data Acquisition Report

This quarterly publication (July-September 1987) provides archival reports on developments in programs managed by JPL's Office of Telecommunications and Data Acquisition (TDA). In space communications, radio navigation, radio science, and ground-based radio astronomy, it reports on activities of the Deep Space Network (DSN) and its associated Ground Communications Facility (GCF) in planning, in supporting research and technology, in implementation, and in operations. This work is performed for NASA's Office of Space Tracking and Data Systems (OSTDS). In geodynamics, the publication reports on the application of radio interferometry at microwave frequencies for geodynamic measurements. In the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), it reports on implementation and operations for searching the microwave spectrum. The latter two programs are performed for NASA's Office of Space Science and Applications (OSSA).

Posner, E. C.↗

Global Positioning System Energetic Particle Data: The Next Space Weather Data Revolution

The Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionized the process of getting from point A to point Band so much more. A large fraction of the worlds population relies on GPS (and its counterparts from other nations) for precision timing, location, and navigation. Most GPS users are unaware that the spacecraft providing the signals they rely on are operating in a very harsh space environment the radiation belts where energetic particles trapped in Earths magnetic field dash about at nearly the speed of light. These subatomic particles relentlessly pummel GPS satellites. So by design, every GPS satellite and its sensors are radiation hardened. Each spacecraft carries particle detectors that provide health and status data to system operators. Although these data reveal much about the state of the space radiation environment, heretofore they have been available only to system operators and supporting scientists. Research scientists have long sought a policy shift to allow more general access. With the release of the National Space Weather Strategy and Action Plan organized by the White House Office of Science Technology Policy (OSTP) a sample of these data have been made available to space weather researchers. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the National Center for Environmental Information released a months worth of GPS energetic particle data from an interval of heightened space weather activity in early 2014 with the hope of stimulating integration of these data sets into the research arena. Even before the public data release GPS support scientists from LANL showed the extraordinary promise of these data.

Knipp, Delores J.↗

Bayesian Approach for Reliability Assessment of Sunshield Deployment on JWST

Deployable subsystems are essential to mission success of most spacecraft. These subsystems enable critical functions including power, communications and thermal control. The loss of any of these functions will generally result in loss of the mission. These subsystems and their components often consist of unique designs and applications, for which various standardized data sources are not applicable for estimating reliability and for assessing risks. In this study, a Bayesian approach for reliability estimation of spacecraft deployment was developed for this purpose. This approach was then applied to the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Sunshield subsystem, a unique design intended for thermal control of the observatory's telescope and science instruments. In order to collect the prior information on deployable systems, detailed studies of "heritage information", were conducted extending over 45 years of spacecraft launches. The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Spacecraft Operational Anomaly and Reporting System (SOARS) data were then used to estimate the parameters of the conjugative beta prior distribution for anomaly and failure occurrence, as the most consistent set of available data and that could be matched to launch histories. This allows for an emperical Bayesian prediction for the risk of an anomaly occurrence of the complex Sunshield deployment, with credibility limits, using prior deployment data and test information.

Kaminskiy, Mark P.↗

The dynamic phenomena of a tethered satellite: NASA's first Tethered Satellite Mission, TSS-1

The tethered satellite system (TSS) was envisioned as a means of extending a satellite from its base (space shuttle, space station, space platform) into a lower or higher altitude in order to more efficiently acquire data and perform science experiments. This is accomplished by attaching the satellite to a tether, deploying it, then reeling it in. When its mission is completed, the satellite can be returned to its base for reuse. If the tether contains a conductor, it can also be used as a means to generate and flow current to and from the satellite to the base. When current is flowed, the tether interacts with the Earth's magnetic field, deflecting the tether. When the current flows in one direction, the system becomes a propulsive system that can be used to boost the orbiting system. In the other direction, it is a power generating system. Pulsing the current sets up a dynamic oscillation in the tether, which can upset the satellite attitude and preclude docking. A basic problem occurs around 400-m tether length, during satellite retrieval when the satellite's pendulous (rotational) mode gets in resonance with the first lateral tether string mode. The problem's magnitude is determined by the amount of skiprope present coming into this resonance condition. This paper deals with the tethered satellite, its dynamic phenomena, and how the resulting problems were solved for the first tethered satellite mission (TSS-1). Proposals for improvements for future tethered satellite missions are included. Results from the first tethered satellite flight are summarized.

Ryan, R. S.↗

NASA's advanced space transportation system launch vehicles

Some insight is provided into the advanced transportation planning and systems that will evolve to support long term mission requirements. The general requirements include: launch and lift capacity to low earth orbit (LEO); space based transfer systems for orbital operations between LEO and geosynchronous equatorial orbit (GEO), the Moon, and Mars; and Transfer vehicle systems for long duration deep space probes. These mission requirements are incorporated in the NASA Civil Needs Data Base. To accomplish these mission goals, adequate lift capacity to LEO must be available: to support science and application missions; to provide for construction of the Space Station Freedom; and to support resupply of personnel and supplies for its operations. Growth in lift capacity must be time phased to support an expanding mission model that includes Freedom Station, the Mission to Planet Earth, and an expanded robotic planetary program. The near term increase in cargo lift capacity associated with development of the Shuttle-C is addressed. The joint DOD/NASA Advanced Launch System studies are focused on a longer term new cargo capability that will significantly reduce costs of placing payloads in space.

Branscome, Darrell R.↗

Lightning observations from space shuttle

The experimental program of the Earth Sciences and Applications Division at NASA/MSFC includes development of the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) for the NOAA Earth Observing System (EOS) Polar Platform. The research plan is to use existing lightning information to generate simulated data for the LIS experiment. Navigation algorithms were used to transform pixel locations to latitude and longitude values. The simulated data would then be used to test and develop algorithms for the analysis of LIS data. Individual frames of video imagery obtained from Space Shuttle Missions provide the raw data for the simulation. Individual video frames were digitized to get the pixel locations of lightning flashes. The pixel locations will be used to locate the geographical position of the event. Because of a lack of detailed knowledge of camera orientation with respect to the Space Shuttle, video scenes that contain identifiable city lights were chosen for analysis. A method for locating the payload bay camera axis was developed and tested. Two measurements are needed: the pixel location of the apparent horizon and a timed siting of a known location passing the principal line of the image. Individual video frames were navigated and lightning illuminated clouds were located on the map. Satisfactory agreement in location was achieved for cities and LLP lightning locations. Ground truth measurements were compared to satellite observations. A vertical lightning event was identified on the horizon. Very low frequency (VLF) transmission on this particular occassion shows a strong response to negative cloud to cloud flashes.

Boeck, William L.↗

Innovations in Medicine

NASA is planning now toward the day of long-duration flight-manned interplanetary missions for example-wherein routine health care and emergency treatment must be accomplished on-board the spacecraft over periods of months or perhaps even years. Since spacecraft design limits crew size, the medical assignment may be handled by a single astronaut-physician or by a crew member trained as a physician's assistant. In a space emergency demanding surgery, for instance, sophisticated communications equipment, backed by a computerized data processing system, would make it possible for a surgeon on Earth to "examine" the patient. He could study X-rays and other data, specify an in-flight surgical procedure, and guide the astronaut-medic step-by-step through the operation. Such a system is being evaluated now. It is called STARPAHC (Space Technology Applied to Rural Papago Health Care). NASA technology in space communications and data processing is being applied to remote health services for the Papago tribe. STARPAHC is administered by the NASA Life Sciences Directorate in the Office of Space Sciences. It is a joint program involving NASA's Johnson Space Center, the Indian Health Service of the Department of Health, Education & Welfare, and the Papago's Executive Health Council. Lockheed Missiles & Space Co. is NASA's systems support contractor.

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Intelligent systems in space : the EO-1 Autonomous Sciencecraft

The Autonomous Sciencecraft Software (ASE) is currently flying onboard the Earth Observing One (EO-1) Spacecraft. This software enables the spacecraft to autonomously detect and respond to science events occurring on the Earth. The package includes software systems that perform science data analysis, deliberative planning, and runtime robust execution. Because of the deployment to the EO-1 spacecraft, the ASE software has stringent constraints of autonomy and limited computing resources. We describe these constraints and how they are reflected in our operations approach. A summary of the final results of the experiment is also included. This software has demonstrated the potential for space missions to use onboard decision-making to detect, analyze, and respond to science events, and to downlink only the highest value science data. As a result, ground-based mission planning and analysis functions have been greatly simplified, thus reducing operations cost.

Earth Observing One (EO-1) Spacecraft↗

The feasibility of using TAE as the UIL for the space station and for other internal NASA tasks and projects

This description of the Transportable Applications Executive (TAE) is intended to serve to test the feasibility of its use as the Space Station User Interface Language (SSUIL). TAE was developed by the Space Data and Computing Division, Space and Earth Sciences Directorate of NASA/GSFC, and by Century Computing, Inc. in 1980. TAE is an executive program which ties a system of application programs into a single easily operated whole and supports users' operations of programs through a consistent friendly and flexible interactive user interface. TAE also supplies the interface between the user and the various application programs in a particular computer system. It appears to be an effective user interface for infrequent as well as for expert users.

Gill, Esther Naomi↗

Degradation of materials properties in space-overview of LDEF (Long Duration Exposure Facility)

This paper presents an overview of the initial observations of the Long Duration Exposure Facility and, in particular, the degradation of the onboard materials. The LDEF was retrieved from space on January 12, 1990, during the Space Shuttle STS Mission 32 after having remained in space for almost 6 years. Ongoing studies of this retrieved hardware are providing a wealth of basic science data on the environments of near-earth space and the synergistic effects of these space environments on a large array of typical spacecraft materials and systems.

Kinard, William H.↗

Parallel Knowledge Discovery from Large Complex Databases

NASA is focusing on grand challenge problems in Earth and space sciences. Within these areas of science, new instrumentation will be providing scientists with unprecedented amounts of unprocessed data. Our goal is to design and implement a system that takes raw data as input and efficiently discovers interesting concepts that can target areas for further investigation and can be used to compress the data. Our approach will provide an intelligent parallel data analysis system.

Cook, Diane J.↗

Parallel Knowledge Discovery from Large Complex Databases

NASA is focusing on grand challenge problems in Earth and space sciences. Within these areas of science, new instrumentation will be providing scientists with unprecedented amounts of unprocessed data. Our goal is to design and implement a system that takes raw data as input and efficiently discovers interesting concepts that can target areas for further investigation and can be used to compress the data. Our approach will provide an intelligent parallel data analysis system.

Cook, Diane J.↗

Ultraviolet-Infrared Mapping Interferometic Spectrometer

Prism and grating spectrometers have been the defacto devices for spectral mapping and imaging (hereafter referred to as hyperspectra). We have developed a new, hybrid instrument with many superior capabilities, the Digital Array Scanned Interferometer, DASI. The DASI performs the hyperspectral data acquisition in the same way as a grating or prism spectrograph, but retains the substantial advantages of the two-beam (Michelson) interferometer with additional capabilities not possessed by either of the other devices. The DASI is capable of hyperspectral studies in virtually any space or surface environment at any wavelength from below 50 nm to beyond 12 microns with available array detectors. By our efforts, we have defined simple, low cost, no-moving parts DASI's capable of carrying out hyperspectral science measurements for solar system exploration missions, e.g. for martian, asteroid, lunar, or cometary surveys. DASI capabilities can be utilized to minimize cost, weight, power, pointing, and other physical requirements while maximizing the science data return for spectral mapping missions. Our success in the development of DASI's has become and continues to be an important influence on the efforts of the best research groups developing remote sensing instruments for space and other applications.

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The Pilot Land Data System (PLDS) at the Ames Research Center manages aircraft data in collaboration with an ecosystem research project

The Pilot Land Data System (PLDS) is a data and information system serving NASA-supported investigators in the land science community. The three nodes of the PLDS, one each at the Ames Research Center (ARC), the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), cooperate in providing consistent information describing the various data holding in the hardware and software (accessible via network and modem) that provide information about and access to PLDS-held data, which is available for distribution. A major new activity of the PLDS node at the Ames Research Center involves the interaction of the PLDS with an active NASA ecosystem science project, the Oregon Transect Ecosystems Research involves the management of, access to, and distribution of the large volume of widely-varying aircraft data collected by OTTER. The OTTER project, is managed by researchers at the Ames Research Center and Oregon State University. Its principal objective is to estimate major fluxes of carbon, nitrogen, and water of forest ecosystems using an ecosystem process model driven by remote sensing data. Ten researchers at NASA centers and universities are analyzing data for six sites along a temperature-moisture gradient across the western half of central Oregon (called the Oregon Transect). Sensors mounted on six different aircraft have acquired data over the Oregon Transect in support of the OTTER project.

Angelici, Gary↗

The JPL orbit determination software system

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) orbit determination software system is described. Consisting of a set of computer programs, this system has been developed at JPL for the primary purpose of determining the flight path of deep-space mission spacecraft in NASA's planetary program. Secondary uses include science studies in celestial mechanics and extraterrestrial atmospherics. Attention is given to such features as the capability for processing 30 data types from up to 15 tracking stations, and for precise navigation to natural satellites of outer planets. In addition, the system contains models for such conditions as mascons, atmospheric drag, attitude control, and finite motor burns, to provide for extensive solve-on capabilities.

Ekelund, J. E.↗

Spaceflight Operations Services Grid (SOSG) Prototype Implementation and Feasibility Study

Science Operations Services Grid is focusing on building a prototype grid-based environment that incorporates existing and new spaceflight services to enable current and future NASA programs with cost savings and new and evolvable methods to conduct science in a distributed environment. The Science Operations Services Grid (SOSG) will provide a distributed environment for widely disparate organizations to conduct their systems and processes in a more efficient and cost effective manner. These organizations include those that: 1) engage in space-based science and operations, 2) develop space-based systems and processes, and 3) conduct scientific research, bringing together disparate scientific disciplines like geology and oceanography to create new information. In addition educational outreach will be significantly enhanced by providing to schools the same tools used by NASA with the ability of the schools to actively participate on many levels in the science generated by NASA from space and on the ground. The services range from voice, video and telemetry processing and display to data mining, high level processing and visualization tools all accessible from a single portal. In this environment, users would not require high end systems or processes at their home locations to use these services. Also, the user would need to know minimal details about the applications in order to utilize the services. In addition, security at all levels is an underlying goal of the project. The Science Operations Services Grid will focus on four tools that are currently used by the ISS Payload community along with nine more that are new to the community. Under the prototype four Grid virtual organizations PO) will be developed to represent four types of users. They are a Payload (experimenters) VO, a Flight Controllers VO, an Engineering and Science Collaborators VO and an Education and Public Outreach VO. The User-based services will be implemented to replicate the operational voice, video, telemetry and commanding systems. Once the User-based services are in place, they will be analyzed to establish feasibility for Grid enabling. If feasible then each User-based service will be Grid enabled. The remaining non-Grid services if not already Web enabled will be so enabled. In the end, four portals will be developed one for each VO. Each portal will contain the appropriate User-based services required for that VO to operate.

Bradford, Robert N.↗