Design of a satellite instrument for measurement of the millimeter characteristics of atmospheric ozone Final report
Satellite instrument design for measuring millimeter characteristics of atmospheric ozone
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Development of a New Approach to Instrument Model Design Used by Team X
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Advanced Design Team was formed in April 1995 to improve the quality and reduce the cost of JPL proposals and advanced mission studies. Currently a consolidation attempt is underway to develop a Model Library for use by JPL's Advanced Projects Design Team by collecting existing instrument models for inclusion in the library. This will allow users to readily find models of interest. In addition to this, there is also an attempt underway to develop a new approach to instrument model design used by the Advanced Design Team (Team X). This new approach consists of splitting up the different model parts such as orbital parameters, instrument parameters and instrument outputs into separate searchable parts. The user can then decide between design trades and use the different pieces to construct a model that will fit their needs. As well, this will lead to the opportunity for the large variety of usable instrument models.
Andrew, Shanna E.↗
The WFIRST Coronagraph Instrument Optical Design Update
The WFIRST Coronagraph Instrument will perform direct imaging of exoplanets via coronagraphy of the host star. It uses both the Hybrid Lyot and Shaped Pupil Coronagraphs to meet the mission requirements. The Phase A optical design fits within the allocated instrument enclosure and accommodates both coronagraphic techniques. It also meets the challenging wavefront error requirements. We present the optical performance including throughput of the imaging and IFS channels, as well as the wavefront errors at the first pupil and the imaging channel. We also present polarization effects from optical coatings and analysis of their impacts on the performance of the Hybrid Lyot coronagraph. We report the results of stray light analysis of our Occulting Mask Coronagraph testbed.
Zhao, Feng↗
Earth resources data systems design: S192 instrument measurements and characteristics
The design, development, and characteristics of the S192 instrument for use with the earth resources data systems are discussed. Subjects presented are: (1) multispectral scanner measurements, (2) measurement characteristics, (3) calibration and aligment, (4) operating modes, and (5) time tagging and references. The S192 will obtain high spatial resolution, quantitative line scan imagery data of the radiation reflected and emitted by selected test sites in up to 13 spectral bands of visible, near infrared, and thermal infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Goldstein, A. S.↗
Mechanical design of scanning instruments
Mechanical design and properties of Surveyor star tracking guidance system and Scanner project dual radiometer
SURVEYOR SPACECRAFT↗
Temperature-dependent Refractive Index of Silicon and Germanium
Silicon and germanium are perhaps the two most well-understood semiconductor materials in the context of solid state device technologies and more recently micromachining and nanotechnology. Meanwhile, these two materials are also important in the field of infrared lens design. Optical instruments designed for the wavelength range where these two materials are transmissive achieve best performance when cooled to cryogenic temperatures to enhance signal from the scene over instrument background radiation. In order to enable high quality lens designs using silicon and germanium at cryogenic temperatures, we have measured the absolute refractive index of multiple prisms of these two materials using the Cryogenic, High-Accuracy Refraction Measuring System (CHARMS) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, as a function of both wavelength and temperature. For silicon, we report absolute refractive index and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) at temperatures ranging from 20 to 300 K at wavelengths from 1.1 to 5.6 pin, while for germanium, we cover temperatures ranging from 20 to 300 K and wavelengths from 1.9 to 5.5 microns. We compare our measurements with others in the literature and provide temperature-dependent Sellmeier coefficients based on our data to allow accurate interpolation of index to other wavelengths and temperatures. Citing the wide variety of values for the refractive indices of these two materials found in the literature, we reiterate the importance of measuring the refractive index of a sample from the same batch of raw material from which final optical components are cut when absolute accuracy greater than k5 x 10" is desired.
Frey, Bradley J.↗
Development of a portable multispectral thermal infrared camera
The purpose of this research and development effort was to design and build a prototype instrument designated the 'Thermal Infrared Multispectral Camera' (TIRC). The Phase 2 effort was a continuation of the Phase 1 feasibility study and preliminary design for such an instrument. The completed instrument designated AA465 has application in the field of geologic remote sensing and exploration. The AA465 Thermal Infrared Camera (TIRC) System is a field-portable multispectral thermal infrared camera operating over the 8.0 - 13.0 micron wavelength range. Its primary function is to acquire two-dimensional thermal infrared images of user-selected scenes. Thermal infrared energy emitted by the scene is collected, dispersed into ten 0.5 micron wide channels, and then measured and recorded by the AA465 System. This multispectral information is presented in real time on a color display to be used by the operator to identify spectral and spatial variations in the scenes emissivity and/or irradiance. This fundamental instrument capability has a wide variety of commercial and research applications. While ideally suited for two-man operation in the field, the AA465 System can be transported and operated effectively by a single user. Functionally, the instrument operates as if it were a single exposure camera. System measurement sensitivity requirements dictate relatively long (several minutes) instrument exposure times. As such, the instrument is not suited for recording time-variant information. The AA465 was fabricated, assembled, tested, and documented during this Phase 2 work period. The detailed design and fabrication of the instrument was performed during the period of June 1989 to July 1990. The software development effort and instrument integration/test extended from July 1990 to February 1991. Software development included an operator interface/menu structure, instrument internal control functions, DSP image processing code, and a display algorithm coding program. The instrument was delivered to NASA in March 1991. Potential commercial and research uses for this instrument are in its primary application as a field geologists exploration tool. Other applications have been suggested but not investigated in depth. These are measurements of process control in commercial materials processing and quality control functions which require information on surface heterogeneity.
Osterwisch, Frederick G.↗
The Athena Pancam and Color Microscopic Imager (CMI)
The Athena Mars rover payload includes two primary science-grade imagers: Pancam, a multispectral, stereo, panoramic camera system, and the Color Microscopic Imager (CMI), a multispectral and variable depth-of-field microscope. Both of these instruments will help to achieve the primary Athena science goals by providing information on the geology, mineralogy, and climate history of the landing site. In addition, Pancam provides important support for rover navigation and target selection for Athena in situ investigations. Here we describe the science goals, instrument designs, and instrument performance of the Pancam and CMI investigations.
Bell, J. F., III↗
In Space Assembled Telescope (ISAT) Study Preliminary Findings
“When is it advantageous to assemble telescopes in space rather than deploying them from launch vehicle fairings”? This question forms the crux of the objectives of a NASA study we have been conducting in collaboration with colleagues from different NASA centers, industry and academia. In this study, we have engaged a broad cross section of experts from the various fields of optics engineering, that is, telescope design and instrument design, structure and thermal engineering, robotics, launch system engineering, orbital mechanics, integration and testing, astrophysics, and NASA programmatics among others. Initial efforts began with a quick review of the current state of art of the component technologies that contribute towards an in-space assembled telescope. Then, leveraging the collective expertise of the diverse group of experts, we formulated a reference telescope design and attempted to develop a baseline approach to modularize the telescope into components amenable for robotic assembly. The group identified different trades associated with modularization and also developed a set of criteria to discern between the different options as revealed by the trades. Based on the modularization of the telescope, we will assess the impact of various launch vehicles, orbits for assembly and operation, robotic systems and operational approaches, and other related variables. From this, a concept to assemble the reference telescope in space from modular components will be developed. Based on this concept, and definition of the modules, we will develop a mission lifecycle plan for an assembled telescope over different phases of preliminary design, detailed design, assembly-test-and-integration, and in space operations. The mission lifecycle plan will be used to evaluate cost and risk implications of in-space assembly toward answering our fundamental question of the advantages, if any, of assembling a telescope in space as compared to self-deployment. In this paper, we summarize the objectives of the study, a review of the status of the underlying component technologies, a description of the methodology, including three different multi-day technical interchange meetings (TIMs), summary of findings from the TIMs and other related activities. In addition, a detailed description of the various factors that impact in-space assembly, their interplay and criteria for discerning among them, a preliminary description of the life cycle plan, including the test and integration plan, and initial observations on cost and risk implications will be included in the paper.
Mukherjee, Rudranarayan↗
New Worlds Observer Telescope and Instrument Optical Design Concepts
Optical design concepts for the telescope and instrumentation for NASA s New Worlds Observer program are presented. A four-meter multiple channel telescope is discussed, as well as a suite of science instrument concepts. Wide field instrumentation (imager and spectrograph) would be accommodated by a three-mirror-anastigmat telescope design. Planet finding and characterization, and a UV instrument would use a separate channel that is picked off after the first two mirrors (primary and secondary). Guiding concepts are also discussed.
Howard, Joseph M.↗
Advanced multispectral remote sensing technology and applications; Proceedings of the Conference, Arlington, VA, May 6, 7, 1982
Sensor system concepts are discussed, taking into account a multispectral linear array instrument design, an improved earth resources sensing instrument, design tradeoffs for a multispectral linear array instrument, imaging spectrometer technologies for advanced earth remote sensing, and the design concept for an optimized earth radiation budget sensor. Topics related to supporting optics and signal processing methodologies are explored, giving attention to two mirror objective design for multispectral remote sensing, the measurement of optical modulation functions in sparsely sampled mosaic focal plane arrays, multispectral linear array focal plane signal processing, signal processing for the NASA multispectral linear array, the concept for a multiple resolution pushbroom sensor, and the evolution of the octal radiometer. Techniques and applications for multispectral data are considered along with aspects of focal plane technology.
Ando, K. J.↗
Model design and instrumentation experiences with continuous-flow cryogenic tunnels
The development of wind tunnels that can be operated at cryogenic temperatures has placed several new demands on the ability to build and instrument wind tunnel models. The experiences at the NASA Langley Research Center relative to the design and instrumentation of models for continuous flow cryogenic wind tunnels are reviewed.
Kilgore, R. A.↗
New Worlds Observer Telescope and Instrument Optical Design Concepts
Optical design concepts for the telescope and instrumentation for NASA's New Worlds Observer program are presented. First order parameters are derived from the science requirements, and estimated performance metrics are shown using optical models. A four meter multiple channel telescope is discussed, as well as a suite of science instrument concepts. Wide field instrumentation (imager and spectrograph) would be accommodated by a three-mirror anastigmat telescope design. Planet finding and characterization would use a separate channel which is picked off after the first two mirrors (primary and secondary). Guiding concepts are also discussed.
Howard, Joseph↗
The WFIRST/AFTA coronagraph instrument optical design
The most recent concept for the Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope (WFIRST) Design Reference Mission (DRM) features an instrument that will perform exoplanet detection via coronagraphy of the host star. This observatory is based on the existing Astrophysics Focused Telescope Asset’s (AFTA) 2.4-meter telescope. The WFIRST/AFTA Coronagraph Instrument combines the Hybrid Lyot and Shaped Pupil Coronagraphs to meet the science requirements. The cycle 5 optical design fits the required enclosure and accommodates both coronagraphic architectures. We present the optical performance including throughput of both the imaging and the IFS channels, the wavefront error at the first pupil,and polarization effects from optical coatings.
Zhao, Feng↗
An orbiting density measuring instrument
Design of direct air density measuring device for use aboard orbiting spacecraft
SPACECRAFT ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT↗
Advanced Moisture and Temperature Sounder (AMTS) baseline 5 study report
An Advanced Moisture and Temperature Sounder (AMTS) passive infrared atmospheric sounding system is described. Instrument requirements are developed. Parametric and scaling equations for a grating spectrometer instrument approach are developed which define detector noise limited performance in terms of instrument, orbit, and spatial coverage parameters. Instrument design criteria are developed and a baseline instrument design is presented. Error sources are identified and corresponding system error component values are estimated. Within narrow limits, the highest level of performance achievable with a stand alone infrared sounder using current state of the art technology is established. Additional trade offs necessary to establish a reasonably optimal system design in terms of performance, cost, and risk are identified.
Evans, N. L., Jr.↗
An Instrumented Capsule Design to Measure Thermal Conductivity in Miniature UO2 Specimens
Numerous separate effects irradiations of miniature nuclear fuel specimens have been conducted in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) under the experimental platform designated as MiniFuel. MiniFuel is a static irradiation capability in which microstructural evolution and fuel performance phenomena are observed during postirradiation examination thereby offering a snapshot of the terminal fuel characteristics. This approach inherently requires fielding an irradiation where the experimental conditions are determined using predictive models and the pertinent outcomes are measured at the end of the test. Static irradiations can provide useful insights to the relationships between fuel performance and the pivotal irradiation conditions, namely temperature and burnup, but the ability to monitor fuel performance in situ would further support fuel development and qualification. To this end, an instrumented experiment design is being developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to capture thermal conductivity degradation and fission gas release during HFIR irradiation. These phenomena will be monitored using unique capsule designs that each target a different phenomenon. This paper details the thermal conductivity capsule (TCC) design and its expected performance envelope as determined using computer models. Each TCC will contain a miniature UO2 disc specimen (~0.5 mm thick × 5 mm diameter) sandwiched between metallic slugs with embedded thermocouples. The coupling of in situ temperature measurements, known thermal conductivity of the metallic components, and heat generation rates computed using high-fidelity neutronics models make the thermal conductivity measurement possible. This paper describes the reactor physics and heat transfer models used to predict the capsule’s performance and the methodology for calculating the fuel specimen’s thermal conductivity from the thermocouple measurements.
Gorton, Jacob [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000269806083)↗
Multispectral linear array
The Multispectral Linear Array (MLA) is a solid-state earth imagery radiometer operating in the 'push-broom' mode and using a focal plane containing multiple spectral band linear detector arrays. The MLA sensor offers the capability for increased spatial and spectral resolution with multiple selectable bands and in-orbit operation flexibility. Both free-flyer (satellite) and Shuttle-attached instrument designs have been studied. Four Shuttle-attached MLA instrument design studies were initiated in 1982, and the concepts resulting from these studies are described.
Richard, H. L.↗