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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 685 records · Page 38

The NASA Sounding Rocket Program and space sciences

High altitude suborbital rockets (sounding rockets) have been extensively used for space science research in the post-World War II period; the NASA Sounding Rocket Program has been on-going since the inception of the Agency and supports all space science disciplines. In recent years, sounding rockets have been utilized to provide a low gravity environment for materials processing research, particularly in the commercial sector. Sounding rockets offer unique features as a low gravity flight platform. Quick response and low cost combine to provide more frequent spaceflight opportunities. Suborbital spacecraft design practice has achieved a high level of sophistication which optimizes the limited available flight times. High data-rate telemetry, real-time ground up-link command and down-link video data are routinely used in sounding rocket payloads. Standard, off-the-shelf, active control systems are available which limit payload body rates such that the gravitational environment remains less than 10(-4) g during the control period. Operational launch vehicles are available which can provide up to 7 minutes of experiment time for experiment weights up to 270 kg. Standard payload recovery systems allow soft impact retrieval of payloads. When launched from White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, payloads can be retrieved and returned to the launch site within hours.

Flight Experiment↗

A study of 'onboard' data processing for typical astrophysics payloads

The data, signal flow, and ground processing requirements for a typical set of X-ray and gamma-ray experiments were examined. A set of algorithms for ground processing were derived and these were taken as requirements imposed on 'onboard' spacecraft computers. Five types of CPU microprocessors were evaluated and compared with one another to determine the degree to which the data processing could be performed onboard the spacecraft. These included the NASA Standard Spacecraft Computer (NSSC-1), the Z-80, a Z-80 augmented with an auxiliary fast multiply chip, and an advanced augmented Z-80 with virtually unlimited memory. These CPU were investigated when used in a centralized mode, an experiment dedicated mode, and a hybrid of the first two modes. It was found that the use of onboard processing can significantly reduce downlink data rates for typical payloads, and may lead to greater efficiency of operation. Quantitative data for gamma-ray and X-ray payloads will be presented, and the results of the analysis discussed.

Stout, C. M.↗

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of adhesively bonded joints

A geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of cohesive failure in typical joints is presented. Cracked-lap-shear joints were chosen for analysis. Results obtained from linear and nonlinear analysis show that nonlinear effects, due to large rotations, significantly affect the calculated mode 1, crack opening, and mode 2, inplane shear, strain-energy-release rates. The ratio of the mode 1 to mode 2 strain-energy-relase rates (G1/G2) was found to be strongly affected by he adhesive modulus and the adherend thickness. The ratios between 0.2 and 0.8 can be obtained by varying adherend thickness and using either a single or double cracked-lap-shear specimen configuration. Debond growth rate data, together with the analysis, indicate that mode 1 strain-energy-release rate governs debond growth. Results from the present analysis agree well with experimentally measured joint opening displacements.

Dattaguru, B.↗

Geometrically nonlinear analysis of adhesively bonded joints

A geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis of cohesive failure in typical joints is presented. Cracked-lap-shear joints were chosen for analysis. Results obtained from linear and nonlinear analysis show that nonlinear effects, due to large rotations, significantly affect the calculated mode 1, crack opening, and mode 2, inplane shear, strain-energy-release rates. The ratio of the mode 1 to mode 2 strain-energy-release rates (G1/G2) was found to be strongly affected by the adhesive modulus and the adherend thickness. The ratios between 0.2 and 0.8 can be obtained by varying adherend thickness and using either a single or double cracked-lap-shear specimen configuration. Debond growth rate data, together with the analysis, indicate that mode 1 strain-energy-release rate governs debond growth. Results from the present analysis agree well with experimentally measured joint opening displacements. Previously announced in STAR as N83-13497

Dattaguru, B.↗

Advanced technology for space communications, tracking, and robotic sensors

Technological advancements in tracking, communications, and robotic vision sensors are reviewed. The development of communications systems for multiple access, broadband, high data rate, and efficient operation is discussed. Consideration is given to the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite systems, GPS, and communications and tracking systems for the Space Shuttle and the Space Station. The use of television, laser, and microwave sensors for robotics and technology for autonomous rendezvous and docking operations are examined.

Krishen, Kumar↗

The EOS data and information system

The Earth Observing System (EOS) is proposed as a 1991 new initiative by NASA as part of the Mission to Planet Earth. One of the key components of the EOS program is the EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS). Two independent Phase B studies of EOSDIS were conducted from January 1989 through April 1990. Some of the key challenges faced by EOSDIS are: satisfying the data and information needs of a diverse multidisciplinary scientific community integrating product generation algorithms for over two dozen instruments, keeping up with an orbital average data rate of over 50 Mb/sec and assuring prompt generation of standard products, reprocessing data as product generation algorithms change, and storing, and managing information about tens of Petabytes of data over the 15-year life of the mission.

Ramapriyan, H. K.↗

NASA SETI microwave observing project: Sky Survey element

The SETI Sky Survey Observing Program is one of two complimentary strategies that NASA plans to use in its microwave Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). The primary objective of the sky survey is to search the entire sky over the frequency range of 1.0 to 10.0 GHz for evidence of narrow band signals of extraterrestrial intelligent origin. Frequency resolutions of 30 Hz or narrower will be used across the entire band. Spectrum analyzers with upwards of ten million channels are required to keep the survey time approximately 6 years. Data rates in excess of 10 megabits per second will be generated in the data taking process. Sophisticated data processing techniques will be required to determine the ever changing receiver baselines, and to detect and archive potential SETI signals. Existing radio telescopes, including several of NASA's Deep Space Network (DSN) 34 meter antennas located at Goldstone, CA and Tidbinbilla, Australia will be used for the observations. The JPL has the primary responsibility to develop and carry out the sky survey. In order to lay the foundation for the full scale SETI Sky Survey, a prototype system is being developed at the JPL. The system will be installed at the new 34-m high efficiency antenna at the Deep Space Station (DSS) 13 research and development station, Goldstone, CA, where it will be used to initiate the observational phase of the NASA SETI Sky Survey. It is anticipated that the early observations will be useful to test signal detection algorithms, scan strategies, and radio frequency interference rejection schemes. The SETI specific elements of the prototype system are: (1) the Wide Band Spectrum Analyzer (WBSA); a 2-million channel fast Fourier transformation (FFT) spectrum analyzer which covers an instantaneous bandpass of 40 MHz; (2) the signal detection processor; and (3) the SETI Sky Survey Manager, a network-based C-language environment that provides observatory control, performs data acquisition and analysis algorithms. A high level description of the prototype hardware and software systems will be given and the current status of the system development will be reported.

Klein, M. J.↗

National Media Laboratory media testing results

The government faces a crisis in data storage, analysis, archive, and communication. The sheer quantity of data being poured into the government systems on a daily basis is overwhelming systems ability to capture, analyze, disseminate, and store critical information. Future systems requirements are even more formidable: with single government platforms having data rate of over 1 Gbit/sec, greater than Terabyte/day storage requirements, and with expected data archive lifetimes of over 10 years. The charter of the National Media Laboratory (NML) is to focus the resources of industry, government, and academia on government needs in the evaluation, development, and field support of advanced recording systems.

Mularie, William↗

An on-board processor for a spaceborne Doppler precipitation radar : requirements and preliminary design

Use of Doppler velocity measurement in spaceborne precipitation radar is highly desirable, since it can allow more accurate retrieval of atmospheric latent heating, which depends on both cloud and rain microphysical processes and on dynamical processes, namely, vertical updrafts and downdrafts. However, if the rain within the antenna beam is very non-uniform, biases can result with conventional pulse-pair processing, and more sophisticated processing is required. The solution is a time-frequency approach, which uses the full Doppler spectrum at each point in time. Since precipitation radars normally operate continuously and collect large amounts of data, real-time, on-board processing of data is needed to reduce the data rate. The objective of this work is to develop an on-board data processor for spaceborne Doppler precipitation radar, using field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology. This paper describes the simulations and analysis that have been completed during the first year of the project. This includes both analytical calculations and bit-true simulations that allow the effects of finite word length to be explored. Tradeoffs have also been considered between speed and space within the chosen FPGA part. The results of these analyses have been used to develop a complete set of requirements for the processor. Initial design work has begun, based on these requirements. The design is being implemented in Verilog, and a description of this early design effort is also be given.

on-board processing↗

Effects of Correlated Errors on the Analysis of Space Geodetic Data

As thermal errors are reduced instrumental and troposphere correlated errors will increasingly become more important. Work in progress shows that troposphere covariance error models improve data analysis results. We expect to see stronger effects with higher data rates. Temperature modeling of delay errors may further reduce temporal correlations in the data.

thermal errors↗

High Precision Ranging and Range-Rate Measurements over Free-Space-Laser Communication Link

We present a high-precision ranging and range-rate measurement system via an optical-ranging or combined ranging-communication link. A complete bench-top optical communication system was built. It included a ground terminal and a space terminal. Ranging and range rate tests were conducted in two configurations. In the communication configuration with 622 data rate, we achieved a two-way range-rate error of 2 microns/s, or a modified Allan deviation of 9 x 10 (exp -15) with 10 second averaging time. Ranging and range-rate as a function of Bit Error Rate of the communication link is reported. They are not sensitive to the link error rate. In the single-frequency amplitude modulation mode, we report a two-way range rate error of 0.8 microns/s, or a modified Allan deviation of 2.6 x 10 (exp -15) with 10 second averaging time. We identified the major noise sources in the current system as the transmitter modulation injected noise and receiver electronics generated noise. A new improved system will be constructed to further improve the system performance for both operating modes.

optical navigation↗

Telemetry Options for LDB Payloads

The Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility provides Telemetry and Command systems necessary for balloon operations and science support. There are various Line-Of-Sight (LOS) and Over-The-Horizon (OTH) systems and interfaces that provide communications to and from a science payload. This presentation will discuss the current data throughput options available and future capabilities that may be incorporated in the LDB Support Instrumentation Package (SIP) such as doubling the TDRSS data rate. We will also explore some new technologies that could potentially expand the data throughput of OTH communications.

Balloon↗

Protograph LDPC Codes Over Burst Erasure Channels

In this paper we design high rate protograph based LDPC codes suitable for binary erasure channels. To simplify the encoder and decoder implementation for high data rate transmission, the structure of codes are based on protographs and circulants. These LDPC codes can improve data link and network layer protocols in support of communication networks. Two classes of codes were designed. One class is designed for large block sizes with an iterative decoding threshold that approaches capacity of binary erasure channels. The other class is designed for short block sizes based on maximizing minimum stopping set size. For high code rates and short blocks the second class outperforms the first class.

protgraph based codes↗

Data distribution satellite

The Data Distribution Satellite (DDS), operating in conjunction with the planned space network, the National Research and Education Network and its commercial derivatives, would play a key role in networking the emerging supercomputing facilities, national archives, academic, industrial, and government institutions. Centrally located over the United States in geostationary orbit, DDS would carry sophisticated on-board switching and make use of advanced antennas to provide an array of special services. Institutions needing continuous high data rate service would be networked together by use of a microwave switching matrix and electronically steered hopping beams. Simultaneously, DDS would use other beams and on board processing to interconnect other institutions with lesser, low rate, intermittent needs. Dedicated links to White Sands and other facilities would enable direct access to space payloads and sensor data. Intersatellite links to a second generation ATDRS, called Advanced Space Data Acquisition and Communications System (ASDACS), would eliminate one satellite hop and enhance controllability of experimental payloads by reducing path delay. Similarly, direct access would be available to the supercomputing facilities and national data archives. Economies with DDS would be derived from its ability to switch high rate facilities amongst users needed. At the same time, having a CONUS view, DDS would interconnect with any institution regardless of how remote. Whether one needed high rate service or low rate service would be immaterial. With the capability to assign resources on demand, DDS will need only carry a portion of the resources needed if dedicated facilities were used. Efficiently switching resources to users as needed, DDS would become a very feasible spacecraft, even though it would tie together the space network, the terrestrial network, remote sites, 1000's of small users, and those few who need very large data links intermittently.

Stevens, Grady H.↗

Flight results from a study of aided inertial navigation applied to landing operations

An evaluation is presented of the approach and landing performance of a Kalman filter aided inertial navigation system using flight data obtained from a series of approaches and landings of the CV-340 aircraft at an instrumented test area. A description of the flight test is given, in which data recorded included: (1) accelerometer signals from the platform of an INS; (2) three ranges from the Ames-Cubic Precision Ranging System; and (3) radar and barometric altimeter signals. The method of system evaluation employed was postflight processing of the recorded data using a Kalman filter which was designed for use on the XDS920 computer onboard the CV-340 aircraft. Results shown include comparisons between the trajectories as estimated by the Kalman filter aided system and as determined from cinetheodolite data. Data start initialization of the Kalman filter, operation at a practical data rate, postflight modeling of sensor errors and operation under the adverse condition of bad data are illustrated.

Mcgee, L. A.↗

Scientific considerations for a common Saturn/Uranus atmospheric entry probe.

Development of a scientific rationale for an atmospheric probe designed to be capable of entry into either Saturn or Uranus. The effects of the NASA Monograph model atmospheres (SP 8091 and SP 8103) on the entry and descent trajectory specify instrument sampling design. The cool model atmospheres require descents to the vicinity of 20 bars to satisfy the objectives while about 4 bars is sufficient for the warm models. The measurement performance for a descent sampling time of 44 minutes shows that the atmosphere can be reconstructed from measured data. The required total probe entry weight is 103 kg, of which about 15 kg is for the science instruments. The descent data rate varies from 32 to 51 bps, depending upon the mode of transmitting preentry data. The resulting common probe can be redirected in flight between Saturn and Uranus.

Ledbetter, K. W.↗

50 Mbps hardware development for Shuttle Ku-band communications

The performance of a 5-Mbps coded system developed for Shuttle Ku-band communications is described. The system consists of a rate 1/2, constraint length 7 convolutional encoder-decoder and soft decision symbol synchronizer; the system has been band-limited at the transmitted symbol rate. Five convolutional decoders are operated in parallel to permit operation at the required data rate. It is found that the multiplexed encoder-decoder system does not exhibit any observable coding gain degradation when the channel is limited to the symbol rate at baseband.

Vang, H. A.↗