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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 NTRS1985

The WINDSAT concept for measuring the global wind field

The Wave Propagation Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Environmental Research Laboratories has investigated the feasibility of measuring the global wind field by using an infrared coherent laser radar under a joint program with the U.S. Air Force Space Division Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). These studies considered both the analytical and hardware feasibility of a spaceborne global wind measuring coherent laser radar (WINDSAT). Objectives and requirements of the Air Force Defense Meteorological Satellite Program were used in the study. The vertical distributions of the horizontal wind field were required throughout the troposphere with 300 km square horizontal and 1 km vertical resolution with a measurements accuracy of 1 m/s. Complete global coverage was required. The lidar system performance should also be scalable to operational satellite conditions. The analytical studies were performed for both a 300 km altitude Space Shuttle orbit and an operational polar orbit of 800 km altitude (Huffaker, 1978; Huffaker et al., 1980). A hardware definition study was performed for a Space Shuttle demonstration test flight (Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., 1981). Studies have also been conducted to determine the feasibility of mounting a WINDSAT payload on an Advanced TIROS-N spacecraft (RCA Corporation, 1983).

Huffaker, R. Milton↗
NASA NTRS1996

Magnetospheric Atmospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment (MAXIE)

This report summarizes the activities sponsored by the Office of Naval Research for the Magnetospheric Atmospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment (MAXIE). The MAXIE instrument was developed as a joint activity of Lockheed, The Aerospace Corporation, and the University of Bergen, Norway. Lockheed was responsible for the overall management of the program, interfacing with the appropriate government agencies, the overall electrical and mechanical design, flight software, environmental testing, spacecraft integration activities, on orbit checkout, and data processing activities. The Magnetospheric Atmospheric X-ray Imaging Experiment (MAXIE), the ONR 401 experiment, is the first in a new class of satellite-borne remote sensing instruments. The primary innovation is the ability to obtain rapid, sequential, images with high sensitivity of the earth's X ray aurora from a low altitude polar orbiting satellite. These images can be used to identify dynamic temporal variations in the three-dimensional (energy and position) distribution of electron precipitation into the atmosphere. MAXIE was launched on the TIROS NOAA-13 satellite on 9 August 1993. The experiment performed well during its turn-on sequence; however, the spacecraft bus failed on 21 August 1993. New spacebased technologies successfully used in MAXIE were mixed-mode ASIC microcircuits, a zero torque scanning system with associated viscoelastic damping, a paraffin stow release mechanism, a parallel integrating PHA processor, a low noise Si(Li) sensor telescope, and an advanced thermal cooling system. MAXIE's on orbit operation, control of penetrating particle backgrounds, and scientific data indicated good overall performance.

Imhof, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Applications systems verification and transfer project. Volume 6: Operational applications of satellite snow-cover observations NOAA/NESS support study

Geostationary and polar orbiting satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration were used to operationally provide field hydrologists with basin snowcover percentages for inclusion in runoff models. Data reduction is accomplished thru the use of optical rectification devices and electronic color density slicers. Over two thousand satellite-derived snow maps covering 30 different basins in the western United States were provided to users. Plans for improving snowmapping techniques on computer interactive systems and by all-digital analysis are presented. A description of the newest generation of NOAA polar orbiters, TIROS-N, and its potential for snowmapping is reviewed. Snowcover percentages for all basins determined between November 1974 and July 1978 are presented in tabular format.

Schneider, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

How Consistent are Recent Variations in the Tropical Energy and Water Cycle Resolved by Satellite Measurements?

One notable aspect of Earth's climate is that although the planet appears to be very close to radiative balance at top-of-atmosphere (TOA), the atmosphere itself and underlying surface are not. Profound exchanges of energy between the atmosphere and oceans, land and cryosphere occur over a range of time scales. Recent evidence from broadband satellite measurements suggests that even these TOA fluxes contain some detectable variations. Our ability to measure and reconstruct radiative fluxes at the surface and at the top of atmosphere is improving rapidly. One question is 'How consistent, physically, are these diverse remotely-sensed data sets'? The answer is of crucial importance to understanding climate processes, improving physical models, and improving remote sensing algorithms. In this work we will evaluate two recently released estimates of radiative fluxes, focusing primarily on surface estimates. The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project 'FD' radiative flux profiles are available from mid-1983 to near present and have been constructed by driving the radiative transfer physics from the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) global model with ISCCP clouds and TOVS (TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder)thermodynamic profiles. Full and clear sky SW and LW fluxes are produced. A similar product from the NASA/GEWEX Surface Radiation Budget Project using different radiative flux codes and thermodynamics from the NASA/Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-1) assimilation model makes a similar calculation of surface fluxes. However this data set currently extends only through 1995. We also employ precipitation measurements from the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Finally, ocean evaporation estimates from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) are considered as well as derived evaporation from the NCAR/NCEP Reanalysis. Additional information is included in the original extended abstract.

Robertson, F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Analysis of Meteorological Satellite location and data collection system concepts

A satellite system that employs a spaceborne RF interferometer to determine the location and velocity of data collection platforms attached to meteorological balloons is proposed. This meteorological advanced location and data collection system (MALDCS) is intended to fly aboard a low polar orbiting satellite. The flight instrument configuration includes antennas supported on long deployable booms. The platform location and velocity estimation errors introduced by the dynamic and thermal behavior of the antenna booms and the effects of the presence of the booms on the performance of the spacecraft's attitude control system, and the control system design considerations critical to stable operations are examined. The physical parameters of the Astromast type of deployable boom were used in the dynamic and thermal boom analysis, and the TIROS N system was assumed for the attitude control analysis. Velocity estimation error versus boom length was determined. There was an optimum, minimum error, antenna separation distance. A description of the proposed MALDCS system and a discussion of ambiguity resolution are included.

Wallace, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Interannual Variability in Surface LW Fluxes Over the Tropical Oceans As Seen in ISCCP-FD and GEWEX SRB Data Sets

One notable aspect of Earth s climate is that although the planet appears to be very close to radiative balance at top-of-atmosphere (TOA), the atmosphere itself and underlying surface are not. Profound exchanges of energy between the atmosphere and oceans, land and cryosphere occur over a range of time scales. Recent evidence from broadband satellite measurements suggests that even these TOA fluxes contain some detectable variations. Our ability to measure and reconstruct radiative fluxes at the surface and at the top of atmosphere is improving rapidly. In this work we will evaluate two recently released estimates of radiative fluxes, focusing primarily on surface estimates. The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project FD radiative flux profiles are available from mid-1 983 to near present and have been constructed by driving the radiative transfer physics from the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) global model with ISCCP clouds and TOVS (TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder)thermodynamic profiles. Fu!l and clear sky SW and LW fluxes are produced. A similar product from the NASA/GEWEX Surface Radiation Budget Project using different radiative flux codes and thermodynamics from the NAS/Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-1) assimilation model makes a similar calculation of surface fluxes. However this data set currently extends only through 1995. Significant differences in both interannual variability as well as trends are found between among these data sets. For radiative fluxes these differences are traced to TOVS thermodynamic soundings used to drive the ISCCP-FD calculations. Errors in near surface temperature and precipitable water cascade into ISCCP upward and downward IR flux components, demonstrably affecting interannual variability. Revised estimates of clear-sky fluxes over ocean are made using statistical algorithms and water vapor from the (SSM/I) Special Sensor Microwave Imager. These calculations show strong near-surface water vapor feedback over the tropical oceans in association with SST changes. However, it is also shown that ISCCP longwave cloud forcing, common to both the ISCCP-FD and GEWEX SRB retrievals, is the main driver of a long-term decrease in net LW flux to the surface during the near-20 year period covered by these revised estimates.

Robertson, F. R.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Remote detection of gases by gas correlation spectroradiometry

The present investigation is concerned with the application of a pressure modulated radiometer (PMR) to the remote sensing of trace amounts of gases in the atmospheres as well as to the direct measurement of upper atmospheric winds. The PMR operates as a gas correlation spectrometer. Compared to conventional gas correlation parameters, it has some advantages which are related to greater versatility and the employment of a simpler method for maintaining electrical/optical balance. The PMR has a high sensitivity in connection with its essentially very high effective resolution. It represents a passive system and emits no radiation. A PMR is flown on Nimbus 6 which was launched in 1975. The instrument has also been used on the Nimbus 7 satellite and the Tiros N satellite.

Margolis, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

System description and operating guide for DSAS illumination and moon conflict programs

The DSAS Illumination and Moon Conflict programs are described which during an orbit when the DSAS (Digital Solar Aspect Sensor) will record the direct rays of the sun, and the periods of time when the horizon scanners will come in conflict with the moon. The DSAS Illumination Program makes use of an orbit tape (or epoch time and orbital elements) in addition to an ephemeris tape containing positions of the sun and moon. The Moon Conflict Program makes use of the same ephemeris tape with sun and moon positions, but uses only epoch time and orbital elements for the satellite positions. These programs were designed for the TIROS or ITOS series spacecraft but may be utilized by any spacecraft with similar sensors.

Dunker, S. C.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The TIROS-N high resolution infrared radiation sounder

The high-resolution infrared radiation sounder (HIRS/2) was developed and flown on the Television and Infrared Observation Satellite, N Series (TIROS-N) as one means of obtaining atmospheric vertical profile information. The HIRS/2 receives visible and infrared spectrum radiation through a single telescope and selects 20 narrow spectral channels by means of a rotating filter wheel. A passive radiant cooler provides an operating temperature of 106.7K for the HgCdTe and InSb detectors while the visible detector operates at instrument frame temperature. Low noise amplifiers and digital processing provide 13 bit data for spacecraft data multiplexing and transmission. The qualities of system performance that determine sounding capability are the dynamic range of data collection, the noise equivalent radiance of the system, the registration of the air columns sampled in each channel, and the ability to upgrade the calibration of the instrument to maintain the performance standard throughout life. The basic performance of the instrument in test is described. Early orbital information from the TIROS-N launched on October 13, 1978 are given and some observations on system quality are made.

Koenig, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Cloud fraction, layer, and direction of movement results from sky cameras during the FIRE IFO, Coffeyville, Kansas, experiment for the period Nov. 12 through Dec. 9, 1991

Tables and figures are presented which show local site observations of cloud fractions, the number of cloud layers, direction of movement, and precipitation data collected during the FIRE (First ISCCP Regional Experiment) Phase 2 Cirrus Intensive Field Observations (IFO) conducted in Coffeyville, Kansas during November and December, 1991. Selected data are also presented at the times of the TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) satellite overpass. Several major scientific projects have used surface-based observations of clouds to compare directly with those being observed from satellites. Characterizing the physical properties of clouds is extremely useful in obtaining a more accurate analysis of the effect of clouds and their movements on weather and climate. It is the purpose of this paper to report data collected during the FIRE Phase 2 IFO experiment and to provide a brief history of such a surface-based system and the technical information required for recording local cloud parameters.

Gerald C Purgold↗
NASA NTRS1990

Comparisons between TOMS, TOVS and DOBSON observations - Satellite and surface views of total column ozone

The reliability of the ozone retrievals by the TIROS-N Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) calculated with the newly developed physical algorithm is investigated by comparing the quality of the TOVS total ozone soundings to the corresponding values obtained by the Nimbus-7 TOMS and by the ground-based DOBSON network. The three-way comparison concentrates on observations during the last 4 months of 1987, the period of the great Antarctic 'ozone hole'. It is shown that each instrument has characteristic strengths and weaknesses, and that each of the three systems makes serious errors under some conditions.

Chesters, Dennis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) Product in Native (NAT) Format (ISCCP_TOVS_NAT)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=GLOBAL] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=280 degree; Longitude_Resolution=280 degree; Temporal_Resolution=Daily - < Monthly].

PRECIPITABLE WATER PROFILES↗
NASA NTRS1976

Ice reconnaissance by satellite

The paper describes the significant milestones in the use of satellites for snow and ice monitoring. The feasibility of such monitoring was demonstrated by the Tiros 2 satellite in 1961. Nimbus 1 showed that breaks in the sea ice can be easily monitored during continuous nighttime conditions; Nimbus 3 showed the practicality of delineating regions of active melting of ice and snow in temperate areas. Landsat data have been found to be particularly useful for monitoring and studying glaciers and their attendant surface features. Ice concentration can be determined with reasonable accuracy from a sequence of electronically scanned microwave radiomenter images made aboard Nimbus 5. In the future we can expect improved sensors and spacecraft systems with longer operating lives.

Gloersen, P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The Screwworm Eradication Data System (SEDS)

One of the objectives of the SEDS was to build a versatile, yet economical, interactive system on the existing digital PDP 11/45 computers used in the Skylab production processing system. Previous experience on various interactive systems gave some background in the best methods of handling image data, registering and correcting the data, and extracting useful information from the images. The screwworm was eliminated in many parts of the United States by air-dropping sterile screwworms in areas where screwworms breed. The reproduction of the screwworm can be more or less predicted based on weather conditions -- cold weather slows the breeding, warm weather fosters it, and some moisture appears to enhance breeding conditions which, in turn, improves the chances of screwworm population growth. To obtain temperature and moisture conditions from remote areas, the NOAA improved TIROS operational satellite was selected to give data from the very high resolution radiometer (VHRR). The VHRR is a two-channel scanning instrument sensitive to energy in the visible spectrum from 0.6 to 0.7 micrometers and the infrared spectrum from 10.5 to 12.5 micrometers.

Quinn, M. J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Stage D1 3-Hourly Cloud Product - Revised Algorithm in Hierarchical Data Format (ISCCP_D1)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=TROPOSPHERE] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=280 Km; Longitude_Resolution=280 Km; Temporal_Resolution=3 Hourly].

CLOUD LIQUID WATER PATH↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Stage D1 3-Hourly Cloud Product - Revised Algorithm in Native (NAT) Format (ISCCP_D1_NAT)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=TROPOSPHERE] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=280 Km; Longitude_Resolution=280 Km; Temporal_Resolution=3 Hourly].

GRID DATA↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Stage B3 Reduced Radiances in Native (NAT) Format (ISCCP_B3_NAT)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=TROPOSPHERE] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=30 Km; Longitude_Resolution=30 Km; Temporal_Resolution=3 Hourly].

CLOUD PARTICLE SIZE↗
NASA NTRS1982

Weather satellites: Stereoscopy and Sounding; Proceedings of the Topical Meeting, Ottawa, Canada, May 16-June 2, 1982

Attention is given to the validation of meteorological satellite observing systems and to stereoscopic observations from meteorological satellites. Particular papers are presented on such topics as the comparison of cloud top heights measured by airborne lidar and TIROS-N image data, the determination of surface global radiation using Meteosat images and ground-based visibility measurements, multichannel improvements to satellite-derived global sea surface temperatures, validation of the Stratospheric Sounding Unit, and the international comparison of satellite winds. Also considered is tropical storm structure revealed by stereo photographs from Skylab, stereo imaging from polar orbit and synthetic stereo imaging, simultaneous measurements of sea surface temperature by GMS-1 and GMS-2, and real-time spectroscopic applications using the GOES operational satellites.

Yates, H.↗