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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 73 records · Page 4
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NASA NTRS2017

Promise and Progress of Millihertz Gravitational-Wave Astronomy

Extending the new field of gravitational wave (GW) astronomy into the millihertz band with a space-based GW observatory is a high-priority objective of international astronomy community. This paper summarizes the astrophysical promise and the technological groundwork for such an observatory, concretely focusing on the prospects for the proposed Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission concept.

gravitational wave (GW) astronomy↗
NASA NTRS2022

Determining Research Priorities for Astronomy Using Machine Learning

We summarize the first exploratory investigation into whether Machine Learning (ML) techniques can augment science strategic planning. We find that an approach based on Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) using abstracts drawn from high-impact astronomy journals may provide a leading indicator of future interest in a research topic. We show two topic metrics that correlate well with the high-priority research areas identified by the 2010 National Academies’ Astronomy and Astrophysics Decadal Survey. One metric is based on a sum of the fractional contribution to each topic by all scientific papers (“counts”) while the other is the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of counts. These same metrics also show the same degree of correlation with the whitepapers submitted to the same Decadal Survey. Our results suggest that the Decadal Survey may under-emphasize fast growing research. A preliminary version of our work was presented by Thronson et al. (2021).

Astronomy↗
NASA NTRS2022

A History of the NASA Planetary Astronomy Program: 1958-2022

For decades, the public has been enraptured by popular high-resolution images and data taken of our multicolored planets by space-based telescopes. However, at the time NASA was established in October 1958, there was limited astronomical interest in planetary science with ground-based telescopes. Instead, stellar astronomy dominated most of the observing time at facilities, as astrophysics was considered the forefront of astronomical research. Once NASA determined that it wanted launch planetary missions to explore the solar system in detail, it became obvious that there were not enough high-quality solar system observations to lay the foundation for these missions. Therefore, the NASA Planetary Astronomy program (PAST) was established to fund ground-based research on solar system objects. This research covers the history of this important but little-known NASA program, which not only provided necessary support for planetary missions but also was responsible for rejuvenating astronomer interest in solar system research.

NASA PAST Program↗
DOE OSTI2025

Achieving GPT-4o level performance in astronomy with a specialized 8B-parameter large language model

AstroSage-Llama-3.1-8B is a domain-specialized natural-language AI assistant tailored for research in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and astronomical instrumentation. Trained on the complete collection of astronomy-related arXiv papers from 2007 to 2024 along with millions of synthetically-generated question-answer pairs and other astronomical literature, AstroSage-Llama-3.1-8B demonstrates remarkable proficiency on a wide range of questions. AstroSage-Llama-3.1-8B scores 80.9% on the AstroMLab-1 benchmark, greatly outperforming all models—proprietary and open-weight—in the 8-billion parameter class, and performing on par with GPT-4o. This achievement demonstrates the potential of domain specialization in AI, suggesting that focused training can yield capabilities exceeding those of much larger, general-purpose models. AstroSage-Llama-3.1-8B is freely available, enabling widespread access to advanced AI capabilities for astronomical education and research.

AI assistant↗
NASA NTRS1967

Radar astronomy.

Radar astronomy principles including bistatic radar astronomy potential noting concept of radar mapping

Eshleman, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Reference Earth Orbital Research and Applications Investigations (Blue Book). Volume 2: Astronomy

Representative astronomy objectives, experiments, facilities, and instruments for use in the space station are discussed. The specific program elements describe a coordinated multiwavelength, multisensor approach needed to locate, observe, and interpret radiation from extragalactic, galactic, solar, and planetary sources in the different parts of the spectrum with spectral, angular, and temporal resolution not achievable from earth sites. Items of astronomy equipment are identified for the experiments to be conducted.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1971

The Small Astronomy Satellite program - An overview.

The Small Astronomy Satellite (SAS) program sponsored by NASA provides for a series of satellites that can be used for various astronomy experiments. The SAS-A mission is to map the X-ray sources in the entire sky. In addition, discrete X-ray sources are being observed for intensity fluctuations in the range from 1 to 20 keV. The structure design, power system, attitude control and detection system, command system, telemetering system and the testing criteria for the spacecraft are discussed. The SAS-A was launched December 12, 1970, and has been very successful in its scientific mission.

Riblet, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1972

New horizons in astronomy.

Besides the study of astronomy itself, other topics included cover the geological and biological developments on earth and basic physics of matter, heat, and light. Optical and radio telescopes are discussed, as well as photographic and photoelectric means of detection. The immediate solar system is described by topics on the properties and atmospheres of the inner and outer planets, the sun's energy, sunspots, and the solar spectrum. Stars both on and off the main sequence are discussed in terms of distances, intrinsic properties, lifetimes and evolution. The Milky Way is compared to other galaxies in size, star population and structure, and the different galaxy shapes are pictured. Topics of most recent interest are covered by results of the lunar explorations, new concepts of Mars, and problems of space travel. Problems of modern astronomy include pulsars, neutron stars, and quasars.

Brandt, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

High energy particle astronomy.

Discussion of techniques currently used in high energy particle astronomy for measuring charged and neutral cosmic rays and their isotope and momentum distribution. Derived from methods developed for accelerator experiments in particle physics, these techniques help perform important particle astronomy experiments pertaining to nuclear cosmic ray and gamma ray research, electron and position probes, and antimatter searches.

Buffington, A.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Astronomy sortie mission definition study. Addendum: Follow-on analyses

Results of design analyses, trade studies, and planning data of the Astronomy Sortie Mission Definition Study are presented. An in-depth analysis of UV instruments, nondeployed solar payload, and on-orbit access is presented. Planning data are considered, including the cost and schedules associated with the astronomy instruments and/or support hardware. Costs are presented in a parametric fashion.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Bragg crystal spectrometer for HEAO-B X-ray astronomy experiment

The X-ray astronomy experiment for the HEAO mission is described. The instrument to be flown on the satellite consists of two Bragg crystal spectrometers designed to make measurements with high spectral resolution in the energy range from 0.1 to 10 keV. No sharp spectroscopic features were detected directly in X-ray astronomy except emission lines in the sun; therefore, the objectives and design criteria of this instrument are based on the theoretical models of the different types of extra solar X-ray sources. From the point of view of instrumental techniques it is convenient to divide these into point or stellar sources, whose radiation is parallel, and diffuse sources, and to consider the possible spectral features in each type.

Angel, J. R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Research on Haystack radiometer, 20-24 GHz maser, and radio astronomy programs

During the first half of 1973, the Haystack antenna was utilized 76% of the time. Of this useful time, 72% was devoted to radio astronomy observing, 5% was spent on radar-related research and 23% went into maintenance and system improvements. Twenty-eight new radio astronomy programs were accepted, eight of which were completed during the period. One new radar program, topographic observations of Mars, was started in June and will be completed early in 1974. Fourteen programs continued from the previous period were also defined as complete. As of 1 July, 28 ratio observing programs were in a continuing status on the Haystack books. Four radar projects were also continuing. The 20-24 GHz maser development described in the preceding report progressed very well during an on-antenna test phase which began early in the year, but which terminated unfortunately in June with the complete loss of gain in the maser. Investigation of this problem is in progress. During this on-antenna test phase, the most sensitive water vapor observing capability which has yet become available was demonstrated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Optical space astronomy and goals of the large space telescope.

Optical astronomy now means the study of EM radiation in the very near IR and vacuum UV in addition to the visible wavelengths. Practical constraints presently define the IR limit at about 11000 A, where photoemissive cathodes become ineffective, and the UV limit at 912 A, where the hydrogen of the interstellar medium limits the view to very nearby objects. Salient events of the first decade of optical space astronomy are discussed together with the orbiting astronomical observatories. Particular attention is given to the large space telescope (LST) project, taking into account the physical characteristics of the LST and the scientific program.

O'Dell, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The space shuttle payload planning working groups. Volume 1: Astronomy

The space astronomy missions to be accomplished by the space shuttle are discussed. The principal instrument is the Large Space Telescope optimized for the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum, but usable also in the infrared. Two infrared telescopes are also proposed and their characteristics are described. Other instruments considered for the astronomical observations are: (1) a very wide angle ultraviolet camera, (2) a grazing incidence telescope, (3) Explorer-class free flyers to measure the cosmic microwave background, and (4) rocket-class instruments which can fly frequently on a variety of missions. The stability requirements of the space shuttle for accomplishing the astronomy mission are defined.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Skylab experiments. Volume 5: Astronomy and space physics

The astronomy and space physics investigations conducted in the Skylab program include over 20 experiments in four categories to explore space phenomena that cannot be observed from earth. The categories of space research are as follows: (1) phenomena within the solar system, such as the effect of solar energy on Earth's atmosphere, the composition of interplanetary space, the possibility of an inner planet, and the X-ray radiation from Jupiter, (2) analysis of energetic particles such as cosmic rays and neutrons in the near-earth space, (3) stellar and galactic astronomy, and (4) self-induced environment surrounding the Skylab spacecraft.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1974

Balloon infrared astronomy platform (BIRAP)

The development of a balloon-borne attitude control system for infrared astronomy studies is discussed. The Balloon Infrared Astronomy Platform (BIRAP) is the result of the development effort. The BIRAP uses electronic gimballing for the offset pointing which eliminates a set of mechanical gimbals. Guide stars with visual magnitudes as low as plus 6 are used for fine tracking assuring that all areas of the sky can be covered. The BIRAP control concept uses a closed loop system in the airborne equipment with automatic update through a command link that can be operated either manually or automatically by a ground based computer.

Greeb, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

X-ray astronomy

Various experiments in X-ray astronomy are described. The occurrence of lunar occultations of the Crab Nebula were utilized to determine the spatial distribution of X-ray emitting regions in the nebula. Study of the Cygnus Loop included a search for a central X-ray point source for the area and measurement of the energy spectrum of the flux from the supernova remnant. The X-ray morphology of the Perseus cluster of galaxies was studied. X-ray spectra of different points in the cluster were also obtained. In addition, the construction of a high resolution gas fluorescence proportional counter for application to X-ray astronomy is discussed.

Novick, R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Significance of medium energy gamma ray astronomy in the study of cosmic rays

Medium energy (about 10 to 30 MeV) gamma ray astronomy provides information on the product of the galactic electron cosmic ray intensity and the galactic matter to which the electrons are dynamically coupled by the magnetic field. Because high energy (greater than 100 MeV) gamma ray astronomy provides analogous information for the nucleonic cosmic rays and the relevant matter, a comparison between high energy and medium energy gamma ray intensities provides a direct ratio of the cosmic ray electrons and nucleons throughout the galaxy. A calculation of gamma ray production by electron bremsstrahlung shows that: bremsstrahlung energy loss is probably not negligible over the lifetime of the electrons in the galaxy; and the approximate bremsstrahlung calculation often used previously overestimates the gamma ray intensity by about a factor of two. As a specific example, expected medium energy gamma ray intensities are calculated for the speral arm model.

Fichtel, C. E.↗