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At least 91 records · Page 5

Physical Conditions of a Lensed Star-Forming Galaxy at Z=1.7

We report rest-frame optical Keck/NIRSPEC spectroscopy of the brightest lensed galaxy yet discovered, RCSGA 032727-132609 at z=1.7037. From precise measurements of the nebular lines, we infer a number of physical properties: redshift, extinction, star formation rate, ionization parameter, electron density, electron temperature, oxygen abundance, and N/O, Ne/O, and Ar/O abundance ratios. The limit on [O III] 4363 A tightly constrains the oxygen abundance via the "direct" or Tc method, for the first time in all metallicity galaxy at z approx.2. We compare this result to several standard "bright-line" O abundance diagnostics, thereby testing these empirically calibrated diagnostics in situ. Finally, we explore the positions of lensed and unlensed galaxies in standard diagnostic diagrams, and explore the diversity of ionization conditions and mass-metallicity ratios at z=2.

Rigby, Jane↗

Digital Calibration of TR Modules for Real-time Digital Beamforming SweepSAR Architectures

Real-time digital beamforming, combined with lightweight, large aperture reflectors, enable SweepSAR architectures such as that of the proposed DESDynI [Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice] SAR [Synthetic Aperture Radar] Instrument (or DSI). These new instrument concepts require new methods for calibrating the multiple channels, which must be combined on-board, in real-time. The calibration of current state-of-the-art Electronically Steered Arrays typically involves pre-flight TR (Transmit/Receive) module characterization over temperature, and in-flight correction based on temperature, which ignores the effects of element aging and drifts unrelated to temperature. We are developing new methods for digitally calibrating digital beamforming arrays to reduce development time, risk and cost of precision calibrated TR modules for array architectures by accurately tracking modules' characteristics through closed-loop Digital Calibration, thus tracking systematic changes regardless of temperature. The benefit of this effort is that it would enable a new class of lightweight radar architecture, Digital Beamforming with SweepSAR, providing significantly larger swath coverage than conventional SAR architectures for solid earth and biomass remote sensing, while reducing mission mass and cost. This new instrument concept requires new methods for calibrating the multiple channels, which must be combined on-board, in real-time.

Real-time digital beamforming↗

Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Flow-Measurement Probes Fabricated And Assembled

As an alternative to conventional tubing instrumentation for measuring airflow, designers and technicians at the NASA Glenn Research Center have been fabricating packaging components and assembling a set of unique probes using commercial-off-the-shelf microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) integrated circuits (computer chips). Using MEMS as an alternative has some compelling advantages over standard measurement devices. Sensor technologies have matured through high-production usage in industries such as automotive and aircraft manufacturers. Currently, MEMS are the choice in applications such as tire pressure monitors, altimeters, pneumatic controls, cable leak detectors, and consumer appliances. Conventional instrumentation uses tubing buried in the model aerodynamic surfaces or wind tunnel walls. The measurements are made when pressure is introduced at the tube opening. The pressure then must travel the tubing for lengths ranging from 20 to hundreds of feet before reaching an electronic signal conditioner. This condition causes a considerable amount of damping and requires measurements to be made only after the test rig has reached steady-state operation. The electronic MEMS pressure sensor is able to take readings continuously under dynamic states in nearly real time. The use of stainless steel tubing for pressure measurements requires many tubes to be cleaned, cut to length, carefully installed, and delicately deburred and spliced for use. A cluster of a few hundred 1/16-in.- (0.0625-in.-) diameter tubes (not uncommon in research testing facilities) can be several inches in diameter and may weigh enough to require two men to handle. Replacing hard tubing with electronic chips can eliminate much of the bulk. Each sensor would fit on the tip of the 1/16-in. tubing with room to spare. The P592 piezoresistive silicon pressure sensor (Lucas NovaSensor, Fremont, CA) was chosen for this project because of its cost, availability, and tolerance to extreme ambient conditions. The chip is 1 mm square by 0.6 mm thick (0.039 by 0.023 in.) with 0.12-mm (0.005-in.) wire connection tabs. Three MEMS chips were used to build the first type of flow-angularity probe. This MEMS probe will be demonstrated as an alternative to a standard tube type "Cobra Probe" now used routinely in wind tunnel and aeronautical hardware applications. The response time and accuracy would allow the probe to be translated on an actuator across a flow field, yielding precision dynamic measurements not possible with conventional instrumentation. The low profile, the minimal power requirement, the rugged construction, and the moderate cost all contribute to making MEMS sensors the enticing choice instrument in future research measurement needs. The MEMS probe efforts are a continuation of work initiated by Brian Willis, without whose foresight and efforts this project would never have been realized. This task was funded through cooperation with the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging (NEPP) program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Redding, Chip↗

The development and flight test of a deployable precision landing system for spacecraft recovery

A joint NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility and Johnson Space Center program was conducted to determine the feasibility of the autonomous recovery of a spacecraft using a ram-air parafoil system for the final stages of entry from space that included a precision landing. The feasibility of this system was studied using a flight model of a spacecraft in the generic shape of a flattened biconic which weighed approximately 150 lb and was flown under a commercially available, ram-air parachute. Key elements of the vehicle included the Global Positioning System guidance for navigation, flight control computer, ultrasonic sensing for terminal altitude, electronic compass, and onboard data recording. A flight test program was used to develop and refine the vehicle. This vehicle completed an autonomous flight from an altitude of 10,000 ft and a lateral offset of 1.7 miles which resulted in a precision flare and landing into the wind at a predetermined location. At times, the autonomous flight was conducted in the presence of winds approximately equal to vehicle airspeed. Several techniques for computing the winds postflight were evaluated. Future program objectives are also presented.

Sim, Alex G.↗

Development and flight test of a deployable precision landing system

A joint NASA Dryden Flight Research Facility and Johnson Space Center program was conducted to determine the feasibility of the autonomous recovery of a spacecraft using a ram-air parafoil system for the final stages of entry from space that included a precision landing. The feasibility of this system was studied using a flight model of a spacecraft in the generic shape of a flattened biconic that weighed approximately 150 lb and was flown under a commercially available, ram-air parachute. Key elements of the vehicle included the Global Positioning System guidance for navigation, flight control computer, ultrasonic sensing for terminal altitude, electronic compass, and onboard data recording. A flight test program was used to develop and refine the vehicle. This vehicle completed an autonomous flight from an altitude of 10,000 ft and a lateral offset of 1.7 miles that resulted in a precision flare and landing into the wind at a predetermined location. At times, the autonomous flight was conducted in the presence of winds approximately equal to vehicle airspeed. Several novel techniques for computing the winds postflight were evaluated. Future program objectives are also presented.

TRT-EXPERIMENTAL↗

Determining coronal electron temperatures from observations with UVCS/SOHO

The electron temperature is a fundamental physical parameter of the coronal plasma. Currently, there are no direct measurements of this quantity in the extended corona. Observations with the Ultraviolet Coronagraph Spectrometer (UVCS) aboard the upcoming Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission can provide the most direct determination of the electron kinetic temperature (or, more precisely, the electron velocity distribution along the line of sight). This measurement is based on the observation of the Thomson-scattered Lyman alpha (Ly-alpha) profile. This observation is made particularly challenging by the fact that the integrated intensity of the electron-scattered Ly-alpha line is about 10(exp 3) times fainter than that of the resonantly-scattered Ly-alpha component. In addition, the former is distributed across 50 A (FWHM), unlike the latter that is concentrated in 1 A. These facts impose stringent requirements on the stray-light rejection properties of the coronagraph/spectrometer, and in particular on the requirements for the grating. We make use of laboratory measurements of the UVCS Ly-alpha grating stray-light, and of simulated electron-scattered Ly-alpha profiles to estimate the expected confidence levels of electron temperature determination. Models of different structures typical of the corona (e.g., streamers, coronal holes) are used for this parameter study.

Fineschi, S.↗

Design and Preparation of a Particle Dynamics Space Flight Experiment, SHIVA

ABSTRACT This paper describes the flight experiment, supporting ground science, and the design rationale for project SHIVA (Spaceflight Holography Investigation in a Virtual Apparatus). SHIVA is a fundamental study of particle dynamics in fluids in microgravity. Gravity often dominates the equations of motion of a particle in a fluid, so microgravity provides an ideal environment to study the other forces, such as the pressure and viscous drag and especially the Basset history force. We have developed diagnostic recording methods using holography to save all of the particle field optical characteristics, essentially allowing the experiment to be transferred from space back to earth in what we call the "virtual apparatus" for on-earth microgravity experimentation. We can quantify precisely the three-dimensional motion of sets of particles, allowing us to test and apply new analytical solutions developed by members of the team as reported in the 2001 Conference (Banff, Canada). In addition to employing microgravity to augment the fundamental study of these forces, the resulting data will allow us to quantify and understand the ISS environment with great accuracy. This paper shows how we used both experiment and theory to identify and resolve critical issues and produce an optimal the study. We examined the response of particles of specific gravity from 0.1 to 20, with radii from 0.2 to 2mm. to fluid oscillation at frequencies up to 80 Hz with amplitudes up to 200 microns. To observe some of the interesting effects predicted by the new solutions requires the precise location of the position of a particle in three dimensions. To this end we have developed digital holography algorithms that enable particle position location to a small fraction of a pixel in a CCD array. The spaceflight system will record holograms both on film and electronically. The electronic holograms can be downlinked providing real time data, essentially acting like a remote window into the ISS experimental chamber. Ground experiments have provided input to a flight system design that can meet the requirements for a successful experiment on ISS. Moreover the ground experiments have provided a definitive, quantitative observation of the Basset History force over a wide range of conditions. Results of the ground experiments, the flight experiment design, preliminary flight hardware design, and data analysis procedures are reported.

Trolinger, James↗

Small Particle Response to Fluid Motion Using Tethered Particles to Simulate Microgravity

This paper reports on ground based work conducted to support the Spaceflight Definition project SHIVA (Spaceflight Holography Investigation in a Virtual Apparatus). SHIVA will advance our understanding of the movement of a particle in a fluid. Gravity usually dominates the equations of motion, but in microgravity as well as on earth other terms can become important. Through an innovative application of fractional differential equations, two members of our team produced the first analytical solution of a fundamental equation of motion, which had only been solved numerically or by approximation before. The general solution predicts that the usually neglected history term becomes important in particle response to a sinusoidal fluid movement when the characteristic viscous time is in the same order as the fluid oscillation period and peaks when the two times are equal. In this case three force terms, the Stokes drag, the added mass, and the history drag must all be included in predicting particle movement. We have developed diagnostic recording methods using holography to save all of the particle field data, allowing the experiment to essentially be transferred from space back to earth in what we call the virtual apparatus for on-earth microgravity experimentation. We can quantify precisely the three-dimensional motion of sets of particles, allowing us to test and apply the new analytical solutions. We are examining the response of particles up to 2 mm radius to fluid oscillation at frequencies up to 80 Hz with amplitudes up to 200 microns. Ground studies to support the flight development program have employed various schemes to simulate microgravity. One of the most reliable and meaningful methods uses spheres tethered to a fine hair suspended in the fluid. We have also investigated particles with nearly neutral buoyancy. Recordings are made at the peak amplitudes of vibration of the cell providing a measure of the ratio of fluid to particle amplitude. The experiment requires precise location of the particle to within microns during recording, and techniques for achieving this are one of the project challenges. Focused microscopic images and diffraction patterns are used. To make the experiment more versatile, the spaceflight system will record holograms both on film and electronically. A cross correlation procedure enables sub pixel accuracies for electronic recordings, partially accommodating the lower spatial resolution of CCDs. The electronic holograms can be down linked providing real time data. Results of the ground experiments, the flight experiment design, and data analysis procedures are reported.

Trolinger, James↗

Digital Calibration of TR Modules for Real-Tme Digital Beamforming SweepSAR Architectures

Real-time digital beamforming, combined with lightweight, large aperture reflectors, enable a new architecture, which is the baseline for the proposed DESDynI [Deformation, Ecosystem Structure, and Dynamics of Ice] SAR [Synthetic Aperture Radar] Instrument (or DSI). This new instrument concept requires new methods for calibrating multiple simultaneous channels. The calibration of current state-of-the-art Electronically Steered Arrays typically involves pre-flight TR (Transmit/Receive) module characterization over temperature, and in-flight correction based on measured temperatures. This method ignores the effects of element aging and any drifts unrelated to temperature. We are developing new digital calibration of digital beamforming arrays, which helps to reduce development time, risk and cost. Precision calibrated TR modules enable real-time beamforming architectures by accurately tracking modules' characteristics through closed-loop digital calibration, which tracks systematic changes regardless of temperature. The benefit of this effort is that it would enable a new, lightweight radar architecture, with on-board digital beamforming. This provides significantly larger swath coverage than conventional SAR architectures

Hoffman, James Patrick↗

Generation of High-frequency Whistler Waves in the Earth's Quasi-Perpendicular Bow Shock

We use observations from the Magnetospheric Multiscale spacecraft to identify a free energy source for high-frequency whistler waves in the Earth's quasi-perpendicular bow shock. In the considered measurements, whistlers propagate both parallel and antiparallel to the background magnetic field B0 with frequencies around 100 Hz (0.15 fce, where fce is the electron cyclotron frequency) and amplitudes between 0.1 and 1 nT. Their growth can be attributed to localized pitch angle anisotropy in the electron velocity distribution function that cannot be precisely described by macroscopic parameters like heat flux or temperature anisotropy. However, the presence of heat flux along −B0 does create preferential conditions for the high-frequency whistler waves that propagate in this direction. These waves are directed partially toward the shock, meaning they can scatter electrons that are streaming from the shock. This prolongs the time the electrons spend in the shock transition region and thereby promotes electron energization.

Brent Page↗

[EC5-Space Suit Assembly Team- Internship]

There were three main projects in this internship. The first pertained to the Bearing Dust Cycle Test, in particular automating the test to allow for easier administration. The second concerned modifying the communication system setup in the Z2 suit, where speakers and mics were adjusted to allow for more space in the helmet. And finally, the last project concerned the tensile strength testing of fabrics deemed as candidates for space suit materials and desired to be sent off for radiation testing. The major duties here are split up between the major projects detailed above. For the Bearing Dust Cycle Test, the first objective was to find a way to automate administration of the test, as the previous version was long and tedious to perform. In order to do this, it was necessary to introduce additional electronics and perform programming to control the automation. Once this was done, it would be necessary to update documents concerning the test setup, procedure, and potential hazards. Finally, I was tasked with running tests using the new system to confirm system performance. For the Z2 communication system modifications, it was necessary to investigate alternative speakers and microphones which may have better performance than those currently used in the suit. Further, new speaker and microphone positions needed to be identified to keep them out of the way of the suit user. Once this was done, appropriate hardware (such as speaker or microphone cases and holders) could be prototyped and fabricated. For the suit material strength testing, the first task was to gather and document various test fabrics to identify the best suit material candidates. Then, it was needed to prepare samples for testing to establish baseline measurements and specify a testing procedure. Once the data was fully collected, additional test samples would be prepared and sent off-site to undergo irradiation before being tested again to observe changes in strength performance. For the Bearing Dust Cycle Test, automation was achieved through use of a servo motor and code written in LabVIEW. With this a small electrical servo controller was constructed and added to the system. For the Z2 communication modifications speaker cases were developed and printed, and new speakers and mics were selected. This allowed us to move the speakers and mics to locations to remain out of the suit users way. For the suit material strength testing, five material candidates were identified and test samples were created. These samples underwent testing, and baseline test results were gathered, though these results are currently being investigated for accuracy. The main process efficiency developed during the course of this internship comes from automation of the Bearing Dust Cycle Test. In particular, many hours of human involvement and precise operation are replaced with a simple motor setup. Thus it is no longer required to man the test, saving valuable employee time. This internship has confirmed a few things for me, namely that I both want to work as an engineer for an aerospace firm and that in particular I want to work for the Johnson Space Center. I am also confirmed in my desire to work with electronics, though I was surprised to enjoy prototyping 3D CAD design as much as I did. Therefore, I will make an effort to build my skills in this area so that I can continue to design mechanical models. In fact, I found the process of hands-on prototyping to be perhaps the most fun aspect of my time working here. This internship has also furthered my excitement for continual education, and I will hopefully be pursuing a masters in my field in the near future.

Maicke, Andrew↗

An aeronautical beacon system using precise time

An experimental system using precise time techniques is under construction and will be tested in 1974. It will provide accurate surveillance data to the ground based ATC sensors, high capacity data link ground-to-air and air-to-ground, navigation services and air-to-air collision avoidance and proximity warning service. The design takes into account the large disparity in electronic equipment among the various classes of users. The user of the airspace installs only that equipment required for the services he needs.

Amlie, T. S.↗

Remote Attitude Measurement Sensor (RAMS)

Remote attitude measurement sensor (RAMS) offers a low-cost, low-risk, proven design concept that is based on mature, demonstrated space sensor technology. The electronic design concepts and interpolation algorithms were tested and proven in space hardware like th Retroreflector Field Tracker and various star trackers. The RAMS concept is versatile and has broad applicability to both ground testing and spacecraft needs. It is ideal for use as a precision laboratory sensor for structural dynamics testing. It requires very little set-up or preparation time and the output data is immediately usable without integration or extensive analysis efforts. For on-orbit use, RAMS rivals any other type of dynamic structural sensor (accelerometer, lidar, photogrammetric techniques, etc.) for overall performance, reliability, suitability, and cost. Widespread acceptance and extensive usage of RAMS will occur only after some interested agency, such as OAST, adopts the RAMS concept and provides the funding support necessary for further development and implementation of RAMS for a specific program.

Davis, H. W.↗

Formation Flying for Satellites and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The shrinking size of satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is enabling lower cost missions. As sensors and electronics continue to downsize, the next step is multiple vehicles providing different perspectives or variations for more precise measurements. While flying a single satellite or UAV autonomously is a challenge, flying multiple vehicles in a precise formation is even more challenging. The goal of this project is to develop a scalable mesh network between vehicles (satellites or UAVs) to share real-time position data and maintain formations autonomously. Newly available low-cost, commercial off-the-shelf credit card size computers will be used as the basis for this network. Mesh networking techniques will be used to provide redundant links and a flexible network. The Small Projects Rapid Integration and Test Environment Lab will be used to simulate formation flying of satellites. UAVs built by the Aero-M team will be used to demonstrate the formation flying in the West Test Area. The ability to test in flight on NASA-owned UAVs allows this technology to achieve a high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) (TRL-4 for satellites and TRL-7 for UAVs). The low cost of small UAVs and the availability of a large test range (West Test Area) dramatically reduces the expense of testing. The end goal is for this technology to be ready to use on any multiple satellite or UAV mission.

Merrill, Garrick↗

DRIRU II - The NASA standard high performance Inertial Reference Unit

This paper discusses the design configuration, performance and environmental capability of NASA's Dry Rotor Inertial Reference Unit (DRIRU II) for use in spacecraft precision attitude stabilization systems. The system is a self-contained, strapdown, dual rate sensing unit for spacecraft requiring high accuracy, reliability and low power consumption. Modular construction of the basic unit, arrangement of gyros, electronic modules and power supplies, signal flow, and mounting are described. DRIRU II is designed to meet specified performance requirements for a minimum of two years of operating time in orbit and a reliability prediction analysis is presented. The characteristics of test equipment are given together with the results of the environmental, radiation, and magnetic field sensitivity tests. DRIRU II may be modified for unique requirements and the rate range and resolution options are tabulated. The flexibility of the unit afforded by the use of dry tuned gimbal gyros and its modular construction results in a system capable of satisfying the demanding requirements of a broad spectrum of future applications. The units are planned for the Solar Max, Landsat-D and ASPS missions in the 1980's.

Irvine, R. B.↗

Time Series Analysis in the Search for Other Worlds Through Transit Photometry

The Kepler Mission launched in June 2009 to commence NASA's first mission to search for potentially habitable, Earth-size planets orbiting Sun-like stars. Kepler discovered explanets via the transit method: searching for minute (100 ppm) drops in brightness lasting 1 - 13 hours corresponding to occasions where the planet crosses the face of its host star from Kepler's point of view. The exquisite precision required to carry out the Kepler mission (20 ppm in 6.5 hours) pushed astronomical time series analysis to the limits, and motivated the development of novel algorithmic approaches. Transit signatures of rocky planets are often dwarfed by the intrinsic stellar variability, which is not white noise, and often is non-stationary, and by instrumental systematic effects, which can include transients and electronic artifacts. Surmounting this challenging regime of weak, temporally compact, periodic signals in observation noise with strong systematics and other sources of variability motivated the development of 1) an overcomplete, non-decimated, wavelet-based matched filter to jointly estimate the properties of the non-stationary, non-white observation noise process, and 2) a multi-scale, maximum a posteriori (msMAP) approach to identifying and removing instrumental systematic effects. After over nine years of observations, the Kepler spacecraft finally ran out of fuel in November 2018, ending its data collection activities. Over 2300 planets were discovered by Kepler in its primary mission, and over 355 have been discovered by K2, the repurposed mission that followed Kepler's primary mission after the loss of a second reaction wheel in May 2013. We have ported the Kepler science pipeline for the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) Mission, which began science observations in July 2019, and report initial results and performance of the modified science pipeline.The Kepler and TESS Missions are supported by NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

transit surveys↗

Factors controlling precision and accuracy in isotope-ratio-monitoring mass spectrometry

The performance of systems in which picomole quantities of sample are mixed with a carrier gas and passed through an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer system was examined experimentally and theoretically. Two different mass spectrometers were used, both having electron-impact ion sources and Faraday cup collector systems. One had an accelerating potential of 10kV and accepted 0.2 mL of He/min, producing, under those conditions, a maximum efficiency of 1 CO2 molecular ion collected per 700 molecules introduced. Comparable figures for the second instrument were 3 kV, 0.5 mL of He/min, and 14000 molecules/ion. Signal pathways were adjusted so that response times were <200 ms. Sample-related ion currents appeared as peaks with widths of 3-30 s. Isotope ratios were determined by comparison to signals produced by standard gases. In spite of rapid variations in signals, observed levels of performance were within a factor of 2 of shot-noise limits. For the 10-kV instrument, sample requirements for standard deviations of 0.1 and 0.5% were 45 and 1.7 pmol, respectively. Comparable requirements for the 3-kV instrument were 900 and 36 pmol. Drifts in instrumental characteristics were adequately neutralized when standards were observed at 20-min intervals. For the 10-kV instrument, computed isotopic compositions were independent of sample size and signal strength over the ranges examined. Nonlinearities of <0.04%/V were observed for the 3-kV system. Procedures for observation and subtraction of background ion currents were examined experimentally and theoretically. For sample/ background ratios varying from >10 to 0.3, precision is expected and observed to decrease approximately 2-fold and to depend only weakly on the precision with which background ion currents have been measured.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

Laser-Ranging Transponders for Science Investigations of the Moon and Mars

An active laser was developed ranging in real-time with two terminals, emulating interplanetary distances, and with submillimeter accuracy. In order to overcome the limitations to ranging accuracy from jitters and delay drifts within the transponders, architecture was proposed based on asynchronous paired one-way ranging with local references. A portion of the transmitted light is directed, via a reference path, to the local detector. This allows for compensation of any jitter in the timing of the emitted laser pulse. The same detector is used to measure the time of the received pulses emitted from the remote terminal. This approach removes any change in the delay caused by the detector or its electronics. Two separate terminals using commercial off-the-shelf hardware were built to emulate active laser ranging over interplanetary distances. The communication link for the command to start recording pulse arrival times and data transfer from one terminal to the other was achieved using a standard wireless link, emulating free space laser communication. The deviation is well below the goal of 1-mm precision. This leaves enough margin to achieve 1-mm precision when including the fluctuations due to atmospheric turbulence while ranging to Mars through the Earth s atmosphere. The two terminals are mounted on translation stages, which can be moved freely on rails to yield a wide range of distances with fine adjustment. The two terminals were separated by approximately 16 meters.

Hemmati, Hamid↗