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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Transmission of radiometer data from the Synchronous Meteorological Satellite

The Synchronous Meteorological Satellite uses a spin scanner radiometer which generates eight visual signals and two infrared signals. These signals are multiplexed and converted into a 28-Mbps data stream. This signal is transmitted to ground by quadriphase modulation at 1686.1 MHz. On the ground, the digital signal is reconstructed to an analog signal. To conserve bandwidth, an analog-to-digital converter with a nonlinear transfer function was used for the visual signals. The size of the quantization step was made proportional to the noise output of the scanner photomultiplier tube which increases as the square root of incident light. The radiometer data transmission link was simulated on a digital computer to determine the transfer function. Some results of the simulation are shown.

Davies, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Processor Reformats Data For Transmission In Bursts

Data-processor-and-buffer electronic system receives audio signals digitized in first standard format at relatively low data rate, rearranges data for transmission in bursts in second standard format at relatively high rate, stores second-format bursts, and releases them at higher rate upon request. Conceived for asynchronous, one-way transmission of digitized speech in outer-space communications, concept of system applied in other digital communication systems in which data transmitted from low-rate sources to high-rate sinks not synchronized with sources.

Steele, Glen F.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Prioritizing Scientific Data for Transmission

A software system has been developed for prioritizing newly acquired geological data onboard a planetary rover. The system has been designed to enable efficient use of limited communication resources by transmitting the data likely to have the most scientific value. This software operates onboard a rover by analyzing collected data, identifying potential scientific targets, and then using that information to prioritize data for transmission to Earth. Currently, the system is focused on the analysis of acquired images, although the general techniques are applicable to a wide range of data modalities. Image prioritization is performed using two main steps. In the first step, the software detects features of interest from each image. In its current application, the system is focused on visual properties of rocks. Thus, rocks are located in each image and rock properties, such as shape, texture, and albedo, are extracted from the identified rocks. In the second step, the features extracted from a group of images are used to prioritize the images using three different methods: (1) identification of key target signature (finding specific rock features the scientist has identified as important), (2) novelty detection (finding rocks we haven t seen before), and (3) representative rock sampling (finding the most average sample of each rock type). These methods use techniques such as K-means unsupervised clustering and a discrimination-based kernel classifier to rank images based on their interest level.

Castano, Rebecca↗
NASA NTRS1974

Research and operational efforts in support of Skylab experiment M093

The objectives of Skylab Experiment M093 were to measure electrocardiographic signals during spaceflight, to elucidate the electrophysiological basis for the changes observed, and to assess the effect of the change on the human cardiovascular system. Vectorcardiographic methods were used to quantitate changes, standardize data collection, and to facilitate reduction and statistical analysis of data. In this report the authors describe the M093 experiment design, the data transmission system, data reduction methods, and the analysis of data from the three Skylab missions. The report also includes clinical applications of the techniques developed for Skylab Experiment M093.

Smith, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Magnetometer networks during the International Magnetosphere Study

The paper describes the geographical layout of the planned North American IMS magnetometer network and outlines some plans regarding instrumentation and data transmission services. The network consists of three meridional high-latitude chains, an east-west chain along the auroral zone, and a network of stations at mid-latitudes. In addition, the Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories will have their own network with an east-west chain along geomagnetic latitude 54 N and some other mid-latitude stations. The preliminary magnetometer specifications require that the three-component flux gate magnetometer be accurate to within 0.25 gamma and that each axis be sampled every 10 sec. A block diagram is presented showing the proposed magnetometer station, of which the most complex piece of equipment will be the interface controller. The SMS-GOES satellite telemetry relay capability will be used for transmission of data from a selected network of magnetic stations to the Space Environment Laboratory in Boulder.

Lanzerotti, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Binary synchronous simulator

Flexible simulator for trouble-shooting data transmission system uses binary synchronous communications protocol to produce error-free transmission of data between two points. Protocol may be used to replace display generator or be directly fed to display generator.

Rogers, J. R., III↗
NASA NTRS1993

Electron trapping data storage system and applications

The advent of digital information storage and retrieval has led to explosive growth in data transmission techniques, data compression alternatives, and the need for high capacity random access data storage. Advances in data storage technologies are limiting the utilization of digitally based systems. New storage technologies will be required which can provide higher data capacities and faster transfer rates in a more compact format. Magnetic disk/tape and current optical data storage technologies do not provide these higher performance requirements for all digital data applications. A new technology developed at the Optex Corporation out-performs all other existing data storage technologies. The Electron Trapping Optical Memory (ETOM) media is capable of storing as much as 14 gigabytes of uncompressed data on a single, double-sided 54 inch disk with a data transfer rate of up to 12 megabits per second. The disk is removable, compact, lightweight, environmentally stable, and robust. Since the Write/Read/Erase (W/R/E) processes are carried out 100 percent photonically, no heating of the recording media is required. Therefore, the storage media suffers no deleterious effects from repeated Write/Read/Erase cycling.

Brower, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1984

Dual-Rate Transmission Reduces Weather Effects

Scheme ensures maximum data received on average. Dual-rate scheme for maximizing data returned during spacecraft mission, adaptable, as is or with modifications, to high-frequency terrestrial data transmission. Data rate fixed in advance at minimum value guarantees reasonable prospect of success during bad weather. Dualrate strategy yields net data rate 2.5 times best achievable with single transmission rate.

Posner, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Use of Multi-Spectral High Repetition Rate LED Systems for High Bandwidth Underwater Optical Communications, and Communications to Surface and Aerial Systems

A variety of both existing and developing sensors would benefit from near real time communication of high bandwidth data. To cite just one example, sensors that could more accurately report real-time positions of marine mammals would be useful in reducing whale-ship collisions. Similar considerations are relevant for maritime port and harbor security, including detection and alerts for divers or autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that could pose a risk to ships. Especially in ports and harbors, field experiments have confirmed that acoustic communication in these cluttered and noisy shallow water environments, compounded with vertical reflecting surfaces formed by piers and pilings, can limit the reliability and utility of underwater acoustic communications. Moreover, many sensors have greater bandwidth requirements than acoustic communications are able to provide. We here discuss the development of high repetition rate multispectral LED optical systems initially developed for imaging, but also capable of simultaneous data transmission at rates of approximately100 kilobits per second. Results are discussed for the multispectral images from coral reefs in Guam, and data transmission experiments from underwater to surface vessels. Subsequent field efforts will extend data transmission from AUVs to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Underwater↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Predicting the Seawater Chemistry of an Ocean World Using Machine Learning on Isotopic Measurements of Volatile CO2

Introduction: Given the long time intervals required for data transmission to and from ocean worlds targets, low bandwidth for data transmission, time required for data processing and analysis, and potentially extreme radiation environments (e.g., Europa), it is clear that ocean worlds missions will need more autonomous flight instruments and software in order to achieve established science goals. Protracted time intervals for data analysis (e.g., Europa Lander) strongly motivates the development of rapid, consistent and streamlined methods for interpreting data from flight mass spectrometers to e.g., determine how mass spectra from a plume or surface liquid/ice relates to the surface/subsurface. Since mass spectrometry also has the potential to correctly identify biosignatures[1], it is imperative that such methods for interpreting data are consistent and accurate. We used 848 isotope ratio mass spectra from laboratory analyses of CO2 that interacted with ocean worlds-relevant seawaters as a ‘training’ dataset for ‘unsupervised’ machine learning. In unsupervised learning, characteristics of the data are not labeled or linked, and any similarities found only result from the neural network. CO2 isotopologues analyzed for this dataset mimic the remote measurements of CO2 by a flight mass spectrometer, and are detailed in Theiling [2]. From this dataset, we used measured features of the spectra, such as retention time, intensity, and (isotopologue) mass ratios as inputs for our autoencoder neural network. Our neural network was trained to find similarities in these and other spectral features for seawaters of a particular composition and amount of initial CO2. Successful training then created an output of these similarities for various seawaters, which included MgSO4, Na2SO4, NaCl, MgCl2, KCl, and NaHCO3, and combinations of these salts. We then applied dimensionality reduction techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), T-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (TSNE), and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) to demonstrate latent data features as a two-dimensional projection in a unitless, high-dimensional space. In this projection, a data point represents the combined effect of spectral features such as intensity, retention time, and isotope ratio. Our initial UMAP demonstrates data clustering (organization of the data by the neural network) based on the amount of CO2 that had initially interacted with each seawater. Further training using more ‘supervised’ learning techniques demonstrate strong clustering of preliminary data based on initial CO2 concentration, seawater chemical composition, and ionic strength (salinity). Our preliminary work therefore suggests that machine learning has the potential to identify compositional variants of an ocean world seawater based on mass spectra from volatile CO2 measurements. Acknowledgments: This work was funded through a Strategic Task Group at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. The training dataset was collected through funding from the Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium. References: [1] Pappalardo, R. et al. (2013) Astrobiology, 13, 740–773. [2] Theiling (2020) Icarus, 114216.

Europa↗
NASA NTRS1993

Shaft mount for data coupler system

A device for mounting a data transmission apparatus to a rotating, tapered, and instrumented shaft is provided. This device permits attachment without interfering with shaft rotation or the accuracy of data output, and prevents both radial and axial slippage of the data transmission apparatus. The mounting device consists of a sleeve assembly which is attached to the shaft by means of clamps that are situated at some distance removed from the instrumented area of the shaft. The data transmission device is secured to the sleeve such that the entire assembly rotates with the shaft. Shim adjustments between sleeve sections assure that a minimum compressive load is transferred to the instrumented area of the shaft and a rubber lining is affixed to a large portion of the interior surface of the sleeve to absorb vibration.

Elliott, James R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1996

CW Interference Effects on High Data Rate Transmission Through the ACTS Wideband Channel

Satellite communications channels are susceptible to various sources of interference. Wideband channels have a proportionally greater probability of receiving interference than narrowband channels. NASA's Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) includes a 900 MHz bandwidth hardlimiting transponder which has provided an opportunity for the study of interference effects of wideband channels. A series of interference tests using two independent ACTS ground terminals measured the effects of continuous-wave (CW) uplink interference on the bit-error rate of a 220 Mbps digitally modulated carrier. These results indicate the susceptibility of high data rate transmissions to CW interference and are compared to results obtained with a laboratory hardware-based system simulation and a computer simulation.

Kerczewski, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS2025

Limitations and Feasibility of Mini X-Ray Devices in Space Environments

LIMITATIONS AND FEASIBILITY OF MINI X-RAY DEVICES IN SPACE ENVIRONMENTS As space exploration advances toward long-duration missions, reliable medical diagnostic tools become increasingly critical. The miniature x-ray (XR) technology demonstrations by the Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) and the Exploration Medical Integrated Product Team (XMIPT) aim to assess the feasibility and utility of miniature XR devices in spaceflight. This abstract explores the limitations of current miniature XR systems, the challenges of training crew members, the potential role of clinical decision support systems (CDSS), and the feasibility of ground-based image interpretation. We also propose the integration of miniature XR into other ExMC efforts aimed at identifying the capabilities and resources needed for future exploration class missions. One of the primary challenges with miniature XR devices is the ability to achieve specific anatomical views, particularly in the confined and weightless conditions of a spacecraft. Operators may struggle to acquire diagnostic-quality images when space is limited for proper patient positioning and the volume of the imaging device. Since space radiation and detector limitations may further impact image quality, the flexibility of the operating procedures of these devices will be critical for their success in space applications. CHALLENGES IN TRAINING CREW TO OPERATE IMAGING DEVICES Training in the skills necessary to acquire diagnostic-quality scans may be a barrier for non-clinician crewmembers. The curriculum developed for crew medical officers (CMOs) will require simplification and adaptation to fit into the highly truncated pre-flight training period. Therefore, hands-on familiarization and simulation, both pre-flight and just-in-time training during missions, will be crucial to ensuring the crew can operate the devices in real-life situations. The ability to adjust acquisition parameters must be simplified or made automatic through exam selections on equipment user interfaces, and subject and operator positioning should be assisted with laser guidance and pictorial guides. POTENTIAL FOR CDSS OR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)-ASSISTED CDSS CDSS and AI-assisted CDSS offer significant promise in assisting crew members with limited medical training. These systems could provide real-time feedback on image quality and interpretation, helping to mitigate the risks of human error during space missions. Integrating procedural guidance tools, such as virtual and augmented reality, will support crewmembers in accurately positioning patients and obtaining high-quality images. However, the success of such systems will depend on the development of robust training datasets, integration with spaceflight-rated hardware, and the medical decision-making capabilities of operators. FEASIBILITY OF GROUND INTERPRETATION AND DATA TRANSMISSION Reliance on ground-based interpretation may prove difficult for acute care during exploration class-missions due to delays in transmission with increasing distance from Earth or complete communication blackout periods. In such instances where immediate interpretation for clinical intervention is required, crew must be able to interpret the images independently or utilize AI-based assistance to do so. File sizes for XR exams can also be large if numerous images are acquired and bandwidth constraints may limit data transmissions for both radiography and ultrasound exams. FUTURE WORK AND INTEGRATION INTO THE EVIDENCE LIBRARY Future work proposes integrating miniature XR devices into NASA’s Evidence Library to address medical conditions identified as significant contributors to crew morbidity and mortality. The possibility of combining miniature XR with other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound devices, is also under investigation. In conclusion, while miniature XR technology holds potential for extraterrestrial medical systems, there are significant challenges to overcome. Training, integration of AI tools, dedicated exam protocols for microgravity, and improved data transmission systems will be key to realizing the full benefits of miniature XR technology in space.

A M Nelson↗