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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 91 records · Page 5

Prospects for Nuclear-gamma-ray Astronomy

An analysis was made of prospects for gamma rays coming from two sources outside the solar system: (1) radioactive decay of fresh nuclear products to explosive nucleosynthesis, and (2) scattering of low energy cosmic rays. The former should be detectable and will provide a factual base for many suppositions about the site and history of nucleosynthesis. The latter may be detectable and, if so, will probably provide factual information about high-flux regions of cosmic radiation.

Clayton, D. D.↗

Prospective areas in the production technology of scientific equipment for space research

The average labor of individual types of operations in the percentage ratio of the total labor consumption of manufacturing scientific instruments and apparatus for space research is presented. The prospective areas in the production technology of billet, machining, mechanical assembly, installation and assembly, adjustment and regulation and testing and control operations are noted. Basic recommendations are made with respect to further reduction of labor consumption and an increase in the productivity of labor when manufacturing scientific equipment for space research.

Breslavets, A. V.↗

Remote sensors - Prospects and limitations

Review of the history, present status, and future prospects and limitations of remote sensing systems for satellite-based earth resources surveys. The objectives and special areas of interest of ongoing sensor development experiments are summarized, and the measurement and performance goals of current potential sensor research is discussed.

Lehmann, J.↗

Developing satellite communications for public service: Prospects in four service areas

The Public Service Satellite Consortium evaluated prospects for satellite telecommunications in four areas of the public service: the U.S. health care system, elementary and secondary education, American libraries, and that sector of the public service which is concerned with the provision of continuing education to health professionals. Three important conclusions were reached. First, throughout the public service there are three recurring needs: improved access, cost containment, and maintenance of quality. Appropriate application of communication satellite systems could ameliorate each of these concerns. Second, there appears to be an enormous latent demand for data communication services throughout the public service. The potential demand in 1982 to support requirements in hospital administration, library services and other information-retrieval activities, equipment maintenance, and environmental monitoring may be in excess of $300 million a year. Third, administrative applications of data communication networks show particular promise, especially in rural areas.

Source record↗

New types of dwellings for prospective construction after 1981

Architectural considerations for the next stage of mass housing construction in the U.S.S.R. are explored. The architects are concerned with both the aesthetic and functional quality of the constructions, in terms of the prospective inhabitants as well as the environments in which they will be located. Experimental building designs emphasize: variety of appearance, environmental control, and the communal life.

Butuzov, V.↗

Instrument technology for remote-surface exploration, prospecting and assaying, part 2

The capability to specify new instrument/mechanism technology needs, for effective remote surface exploration, prospecting and assaying (EPA), requires first, an understanding of the functions or major elements of such a task, and second an understanding of the scientific instruments and support mechanisms that may be involved. An analog or task model was developed from which the various functions, operational procedures, scientific instruments, and support mechanisms for an automated mission could be derived. The task model led to the definition of nine major functions or categories of discrete operational elements that may have to be accomplished on a mission of this type. Each major function may stand alone as an element of an EPA mission, but more probably a major function will require the support of other functions, so they are inter-related.

Brereton, R. G.↗

Global problems in magnetospheric plasma physics and prospects for their solution

Selected problems in magnetospheric plasma physics are critically reviewed. The discussion is restricted to questions that are 'global' in nature (i.e., involve the magnetosphere as a whole) and that are beyond the stage of systematic survey or isolated study requirements. Only low-energy particle aspects are discussed. The article focuses on the following subjects: (1) the effect of the interplanetary magnetic field on the topography, topology, and stability of the magnetospheric boundary; (2) solar-wind plasma entry into the magnetosphere; (3) plasma storage and release mechanisms in the magnetospheric tail; and (4) magnetic-field-aligned currents and magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions. A brief discussion of the prospects for the solution of these problems during and after the International Magnetospheric Study is given.

Roederer, J. G.↗

Future prospects of infrared observations of active nuclei

Future developments in infrared observations are briefly discussed. The prospects for large advances in ground-based broad-band observations probably lie in increased availability of dedicated telescopes and observing time. Several specific areas of potential advancement are described. The plans for the utilization of space for infrared astronomy call for an unbiased all-sky survey in the wavelengths 8-120 microns followed by complementary missions using a cooled moderate sized telescope and a large uncooled telescope.

Neugebauer, G.↗

The role of physical examinations and education in prospective medicine

NASA's prospective medicine program, with the principal elements of physical examinations and an educational program for health awareness is described. Participation in the voluntary physical examination program is increasing. In 1976 13,621 employees were given partial or complete examination in NASA Health Units. From the 941 examinations performed at NASA Headquarters in 1976, 522 principal findings were detected. Equipment and techniques in exercise EKG, tonometry, and colonoscopy were partially responsible for this high rate. The health awareness program includes consultations with physicians, training devices and courses, health bulletins, and special screening programs. Epidemiological studies, now underway, will be used to evaluate the health awareness programs.

Jones, W. L.↗

Prospects of thermionic power systems

Potential thermionic power systems for space or terrestrial applications are described so that the development goals can be clearly identified. The thermionic power systems considered are a space nuclear power system, a fossil-fuel thermionic topping steam power system, a solar thermionic topping steam power system, and advanced systems. Attention is given to a discussion of the current status of technology development in thermionic converters and associated elements in power systems. Future prospects of thermionic power systems are also discussed. It is concluded that thermionic conversion has a great potential for a variety of applications.

Shimada, K.↗

Reservoirs of atmospheric chlorine - Prospects for HOCl revisited

Possible effects of HOCl aeronomy in the terrestrial stratosphere are reexamined. Chemical kinetics data for HOCl are analyzed which are required in aeronomical studies, and the possible role of HOCl as a reservoir of atmospheric chlorine is evaluated. Chemical production and loss of HOCl in the stratosphere is considered, along with photolysis of HOCl and prospects for HOCl as an inert chlorine reservoir. It is shown that a recent theoretical calculation of the HOCl photodissociation cross section suggests this species as a possible significant reservoir of atmospheric chlorine, but that the theoretical calculations are in sharp disagreement with some experimental measurements. Laboratory and atmospheric experiments to clarify the uncertainties of HOCl aeronomy are proposed.

Prasad, S. S.↗

Commercial prospects for extraterrestrial materials

Prospects for using lunar resources as materials for spaceborne construction are examined. The use of lunar construction materials is considered economically justifiable in the case of such large scale projects as space power stations (SPS). A proposed scenario for the acquisition and space processing of lunar materials involves the use of space shuttles to deliver an assembly base to earth orbit, where a solar powered mass driver reaction engine rocket is assembled and used to bring sections of a lunar base from low earth orbit to the moon. The rocket would then be positioned at the L2 equilibrium point in order to catch lunar soil propelled into space by a mass driver and bring it to the assembly base for chemical processing. Cost factors would be comparable to those of the terrestrial deployment of the first SPS, and such a project could be in operation before the end of the century.

Criswell, D. R.↗

Contribution to solving the energy crisis - Simulating the prospects for low cost energy through silicon solar cells

PECAN (Photovoltaic Energy Conversion Analysis) is a highly interactive decision analysis and support system. It simulates the prospects for widespread use of solar cells for the generation of electrical power. PECAN consists of a set of integrated APL functions for evaluating the potential of terrestrial photovoltaics. Specifically, the system is a deterministic simulator, which translates present and future manufacturing technology into economic and financial terms, using the production unit concept. It guides solar cell development in three areas: tactical decision making, strategic planning, and the formulation of alternative options.

Kran, A.↗

Problems and potentialities of cultured plant cells in retrospect and prospect

The past, present and expected future accomplishments and limitations of plant cell and tissue culture are reviewed. Consideration is given to the pioneering insights of Haberlandt in 1902, the development of culture techniques, and past work on cell division, cell and tissue growth and development, somatic embryogenesis, and metabolism and respiration. Current activity in culture media and technique development for plant regions, organs, tissues, cells, protoplasts, organelles and embryos, totipotency, somatic embryogenesis and clonal propagation under normal and space conditions, biochemical potentialities, and genetic engineering is surveyed. Prospects for the investigation of the induced control of somatic cell division, the division of isolated protoplasts, the improvement of haploid cell cultures, liquid cultures for somatic embryogenesis, and the genetic control of development are outlined.

Steward, F. C.↗

Gravitational radiation detection with spacecraft Doppler tracking - Limiting sensitivities and prospective missions

The prospects of using spacecraft Doppler tracking, in NASA missions, for the detection of gravitational waves are examined. The sensitivity limits of such detection are characterized in terms of plasma scintillation, troposphere scintillation, receiver noise, MDA and ODA quantization error, and clock jitter. Current and possible future NASA missions that will involve gravitational wave experiments are briefly reviewed, including the Galileo, solar polar, Halley/Tempel-2, and solar probe missions.

Estabrook, F. B.↗

Pattern recognition for remote sensing - Progress and prospects

An overview is given of the current state of automatic image pattern recognition as applied to remote sensing of the earth's resources. The framework for the discussion is provided by four important aspects of the remote sensing problem: scene information content, characterization of scene information, information extraction methods, and the net value of extractable information. Outstanding problems are surveyed, as are the prospects for future developments. The effect of increasingly complex data bases and the rapidly evolving digital computer technology are highlighted.

Swain, P. H.↗

Gallium arsenide solar cells-status and prospects for use in space

Gallium Arsenide solar cells now equal or surpass the ubiquitous silicon solar cells in efficiency, radiation resistance, annealability, and in the capability for producing usable power output at elevated temperatures. NASA has developed a long-range research and development program to capitalize on these manifold advantages. In this paper we review the current state and future prospects for R&D in this promising solar cell material, and indicate the progress being made toward development of GaAs cells suitable for a variety of space missions. Results are presented from studies which demonstrate conclusively that GaAs cells can provide a net mission cost and weight savings for certain important mission classes.

Brandhorst, H. W.↗

A prospective approach to coastal geography from satellite

A forecasting protocol termed the "prospective approach' was used to examine probable futures relative to coastal applications of satellite data. Significant variables include the energy situation, the national economy, national Earth satellite programs, and coastal zone research, commercial activity, and regulatory activity. Alternative scenarios for the period until 1986 are presented. Possible response by state/local remote sensing centers include operational applications for users, input to geo-base information systems (GIS), development of decision-making algorithms using GIS data, and long term research programs for coastal management using merged satellite and traditional data.

Munday, J. C., Jr.↗