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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 109 records · Page 6
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NASA NTRS2001

Adaptive Instrument Module: Space Instrument Controller "Brain" through Programmable Logic Devices

The Adaptive Instrument Module (AIM) will be the first true demonstration of reconfigurable computing with field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) in space, enabling the 'brain' of the system to evolve or adapt to changing requirements. In partnership with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Satellite Systems (CRC-SS), APL has built the flight version to be flown on the Australian university-class satellite FEDSAT. The AIM provides satellites the flexibility to adapt to changing mission requirements by reconfiguring standardized processing hardware rather than incurring the large costs associated with new builds. This ability to reconfigure the processing in response to changing mission needs leads to true evolveable computing, wherein the instrument 'brain' can learn from new science data in order to perform state-of-the-art data processing. The development of the AIM is significant in its enormous potential to reduce total life-cycle costs for future space exploration missions. The advent of RAM-based FPGAs whose configuration can be changed at any time has enabled the development of the AIM for processing tasks that could not be performed in software. The use of the AIM enables reconfiguration of the FPGA circuitry while the spacecraft is in flight, with many accompanying advantages. The AIM demonstrates the practicalities of using reconfigurable computing hardware devices by conducting a series of designed experiments. These include the demonstration of implementing data compression, data filtering, and communication message processing and inter-experiment data computation. The second generation is the Adaptive Processing Template (ADAPT) which is further described in this paper. The next step forward is to make the hardware itself adaptable and the ADAPT pursues this challenge by developing a reconfigurable module that will be capable of functioning efficiently in various applications. ADAPT will take advantage of radiation tolerant RAM-based field programmable gate array (FPGA) technology to develop a reconfigurable processor that combines the flexibility of a general purpose processor running software with the performance of application specific processing hardware for a variety of high performance computing applications.

Darrin, Ann Garrison↗
NASA NTRS2003

Mound Spring Complexes in Central Australia: An Analog for Martian Groundwater Fed Outflow Channels?

The arid inland of Australia contains a diversity of landscapes and landscape processes, often of great antiquity, extending back to the Mesozoic and Paleozoic. The potential of this landscape as a source of Mars analogs has, however, been little explored. The few examples studied so far include radiation-tolerant microbes in thermal springs and hematite-silica hydrothermal alteration near Arkaroola in the Finders Ranges, and aeolian landforms at Gurra Gurra water hole the north east of Arkaroola. Further Australian Mars analog studies were provided by the studies of Bourke and Zimbelman of the paleoflood record of the Todd and Hale Rivers in central Australia. To facilitate study of such analogues, Mars Society Australia has embarked on a project to construct a Mars Analog Research Station near Arkaroola. The international scientific community will soon have the opportunity to participate in Mars analog studies in central Australia utilizing this facility. An area of considerable Mars analog potential is the mound spring complexes that occur at the margins of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) which underlies 22% of the Australian continent and covers 1.7 million km2. The mound springs are formed when ground water flows to a topographic low, and subsurface strata dips up causing a hydrological head at the surface. Minerals precipitated at the spring discharge zone form low mesas or "mounds", the height of which are controlled by the hydrological head. This paper describes the Dalhousie Mound Spring Complex (DMC) in the northern part of South Australia (Figure 1), and its potential as a Mars analog. Hydrogeology: The DMC consists of a cluster of more than 60 active springs formed by natural discharge from the GAB). Total measured discharge from the GAB is 1.74 GL per day, estimated unfocussed natural leakage through the aquaclude is thought be approximately equal to this figure. Some 54 ML per day are currently discharged by the DMC, 3% of the measured total. The discharged artesian waters are of low to moderate salinity (700 - 9400 ppm), near neutral pH (6.8-7.3) and warm (20-46 C). The elevated temperatures are due to passage of the groundwater through deeply buried (up to 3 km) aquifers in an region of high heat flow, rather than magmatic heating. The waters also contain high levels of dissolved iron and H2S and less than 1 ppm dissolved oxygen. The water is carried in the Late Jurassic Algebuckina Sandstone beneath the aquaclude of the Bulldog Shale. It is brought near the surface by the mid-Cenozoic Dalhousie anticline and the ground water flow focused along a series of faults that breach the anticline's crest.

Clarke, J. D. A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

CALIPSO Satellite Lidar Identification Of Elevated Dust Over Australia Compared With Air Quality Model PM60 Forecasts

Global measurements of the vertical distribution of clouds and aerosols have been recorded by the lidar on board the CALIPSO (Cloud Aerosol Lidar Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations) satellite since June 2006. Such extensive, height-resolved measurements provide a rare and valuable opportunity for developing, testing and validating various atmospheric models, including global climate, numerical weather prediction, chemical transport and air quality models. Here we report on the initial results of an investigation into the performance of the Australian Air Quality Forecast System (AAQFS) model in forecasting the distribution of elevated dust over the Australian region. The model forecasts of PM60 dust distribution are compared with the CALIPSO lidar Vertical Feature Mask (VFM) data product. The VFM classifies contiguous atmospheric regions of enhanced backscatter as either cloud or aerosols. Aerosols are further classified into six subtypes. By comparing forecast PM60 concentration profiles to the spatial distribution of dust reported in the CALIPSO VFM, we can assess the model s ability to predict the occurrence and the vertical and horizontal extents of dust events within the study area.

Young, Stuart A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Flow-Tagging Velocimetry for Hypersonic Flows Using Fluorescence of Nitric Oxide

We demonstrate a new variation of molecular-tagging velocimetry for hypersonic flows based on laser-induced fluorescence. A thin line of nitric-oxide molecules is excited with a laser beam and then, after a time delay, a fluorescence image of the displaced line is acquired. One component of velocity is determined from the time of flight. This method is applied to measure the velocity profile in a Mach 8.5 laminar, hypersonic boundary layer in the Australian National University s T2 free-piston shock tunnel. The single-shot velocity measurement uncertainty in the freestream was found to be 3.5%, based on 90% confidence. The method is also demonstrated in the separated flow region forward of a blunt fin attached to a flat plate in a Mach 7.4 flow produced by the Australian National University s T3 free-piston shock tunnel. The measurement uncertainty in the blunt fin experiment is approximately 30%, owing mainly to low fluorescence intensities, which could be improved significantly in future experiments. This velocimetry method is applicable to very high-speed flows that have low collisional quenching of the fluorescing species. It is particularly convenient in facilities where planar laser-induced fluorescence is already being performed.

Danehy, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Rapid, High-Resolution Detection of Environmental Change over Continental Scales from Satellite Data - the Earth Observation Data Cube

The effort and cost required to convert satellite Earth Observation (EO) data into meaningful geophysical variables has prevented the systematic analysis of all available observations. To overcome these problems, we utilise an integrated High Performance Computing and Data environment to rapidly process, restructure and analyse the Australian Landsat data archive. In this approach, the EO data are assigned to a common grid framework that spans the full geospatial and temporal extent of the observations - the EO Data Cube. This approach is pixel-based and incorporates geometric and spectral calibration and quality assurance of each Earth surface reflectance measurement. We demonstrate the utility of the approach with rapid time-series mapping of surface water across the entire Australian continent using 27 years of continuous, 25 m resolution observations. Our preliminary analysis of the Landsat archive shows how the EO Data Cube can effectively liberate high-resolution EO data from their complex sensor-specific data structures and revolutionise our ability to measure environmental change.

Lewis, Adam↗
NASA NTRS2017

Fireballs in the Sky: An Augmented Reality Citizen Science Program

Fireballs in the Sky is an innovative Australian citizen science program that connects the public with the research of the Desert Fireball Network (DFN). This research aims to understand the early workings of the solar system, and Fireballs in the Sky invites people around the world to learn about this science, contributing fireball sightings via a user-friendly augmented reality mobile app. Tens of thousands of people have downloaded the app world-wide and participated in the science of meteoritics. The Fireballs in the Sky app allows users to get involved with the Desert Fireball Network research, supplementing DFN observations and providing enhanced coverage by reporting their own meteor sightings to DFN scientists. Fireballs in the Sky reports are used to track the trajectories of meteors - from their orbit in space to where they might have landed on Earth. Led by Phil Bland at Curtin University in Australia, the Desert Fireball Network (DFN) uses automated observatories across Australia to triangulate trajectories of meteorites entering the atmosphere, determine pre-entry orbits, and pinpoint their fall positions. Each observatory is an autonomous intelligent imaging system, taking 1000 by 36 megapixel all-sky images throughout the night, using neural network algorithms to recognize events. They are capable of operating for 12 months in a harsh environment, and store all imagery collected. We developed a completely automated software pipeline for data reduction, and built a supercomputer database for storage, allowing us to process our entire archive. The DFN currently stands at 50 stations distributed across the Australian continent, covering an area of 2.5 million square kilometers. Working with DFN's partners at NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute, the team is expanding the network beyond Australia to locations around the world. Fireballs in the Sky allows a growing public base to learn about and participate in this exciting research.

Day, Brian↗
NASA NTRS2019

A Global Climatology of Extratropical Transition Part I: Characteristics Across Basins

The authors present a global climatology of tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo extratropical transition (ET). ET is objectively defined based on a TC's trajectory through the cyclone phase space (CPS), which is calculated using storm tracks from 1979-2017 best-track data and geopotential height fields from reanalysis datasets. Two reanalyses are used and compared for this purpose, the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis and the ECMWF Interim Reanalysis. The results are used to study the seasonal and geographical distributions of storms undergoing ET and inter-basin differences in the statistics of ET occurrence. About 50% of all TCs in the North Atlantic and the Western North Pacific undergo ET. In the southern hemisphere, ET fractions range from about 20% in the South Indian Ocean and the Australian region to 45% in the South Pacific. In the majority of ETs, TCs become thermally asymmetric before forming a cold core. However, a substantial fraction of TCs takes the reverse pathway, developing a cold core before becoming thermally asymmetric. This pathway is most common in the Eastern North Pacific and the North Atlantic. Different ET pathways can be linked to different geographical trajectories and environmental settings. In ETs over warmer sea-surface temperatures, TCs tend to lose their thermal symmetry while still maintaining a warm core. Landfalls by TCs undergoing ET occur 3-4 times per year in the North Atlantic and 7-10 times per year in the Western North Pacific, while coastal regions in the Australian region are affected once every 1-2 years.

Melanie Bieli↗
NASA NTRS2023

Soil Respiration–Driven CO 2 Pulses Dominate Australia’s Flux Variability

The Australian continent contributes substantially to the year-to-year variability of the global terrestrial carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) sink. However, the scarcity of in situ observations in remote areas prevents the deciphering of processes that force the CO 2 flux variability. In this study, by examining atmospheric CO 2 measurements from satellites in the period 2009–2018, we find recurrent end-of-dry-season CO 2 pulses over the Australian continent. These pulses largely control the year-to-year variability of Australia’s CO 2 balance. They cause two to three times larger seasonal variations compared with previous top-down inversions and bottom-up estimates. The pulses occur shortly after the onset of rainfall and are driven by enhanced soil respiration preceding photosynthetic uptake in Australia’s semiarid regions. The suggested continental-scale relevance of soil-rewetting processes has substantial implications for our understanding and modeling of global climate–carbon cycle feedbacks.

Eva-Marie Metz↗
NASA NTRS1965

Report from Mars - Mariner IV, 1964-1965

The successful mission of Mariner IV is a most gratifying conclusion to the first generation of lunar and planetary exploration, which has been based on lightweight automatic unmanned spacecraft in constant communication with Earth, designed for lunar impact or planetary encounter. The flight of this first Mars probe is noteworthy not only for the outstanding quantity and quality of scientific data but also as the verification of large and useful advances in a number of technological areas. The Mariner Mars Project of 1964-1965 was conducted for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory; it was made possible by the valued assistance and support of many government agencies, scientific institutions, and industrial concerns. Among these are NASA's Lewis Research Center (Launch Vehicle Systems Manager) and their prime contractors, Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation and General Dynamics/Convair; Goddard Space Flight Center (Launch Operations) and other agencies at Cape Kennedy; the agencies of the Australian, South African, and Spanish governments which operate overseas tracking stations; many hundreds of American industrial contractors and vendors; and a number of scientists in various fields of endeavor. The Project was established in late 1962 with the objective of conducting scientific observations near the planet Mars and returning the data to Earth for study and analysis; secondary objectives were to develop and study the equipment and techniques involved and to make certain scientific measurements of the interplanetary environment on the way to Mars. Successful accomplishment of these objectives under the severe constraints which were a part of the mission is a tribute to every single individual who shared in the preparation and execution of the Mariner Mars Project.

MARINER IV SPACE PROBE↗
NASA NTRS1973

The cartographic application of ERTS/RBV imagery in polar regions

The author has identified the following significant results. Experiments have demonstrated the feasibility of revising coastlines on maps of Antarctica, detected gross changes in the northern limits of the three largest ice shelves in the world, and led to the discovery of uncharted mountain ranges. A strip photomosaic compiled at a scale of 1:1,000,000 along the Victoria Land Coast between Cape Adare and Harboard Glacier shows obvious changes in size, shape, and position of such features as glaciers, ice tongues, ice shelves, and fast ice. Similar changes to features in the Thwaites Glacier Tongue area were also discovered. Comparison of existing maps and photographs with ERTS-1 imagery over portions of the Ross and Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelves reveals that their northern limits have advanced about 6 and 15 km respectively in 7 years. Imagery also revealed new and unmapped geographical features, of which some are mountains, in the area of the recently published Australian 1:1,000,000 IMW sheet SS 40-42 and USGS IMW sheet ST 57-60 which is presently in final stages of compilation. Comparison of one ERTS-1 scene with a recently published USGS map disclosed a unique change in the Erebus Glacier Tongue. Indications are that its present position is about the same as it was in 1910.

Macdonald, W. R.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The administration of the NASA space tracking system and the NASA space tracking system in Australia

The international activities of the NASA space program were studied with emphasis on the development and maintenance of tracking stations in Australia. The history and administration of the tracking organization and the manning policies for the stations are discussed, and factors affecting station operation are appraised. A field study of the Australian tracking network is included.

Hollander, N.↗
NASA NTRS1974

High angular resolution cosmic X-ray astronomy observations in the energy range 0.15-2 keV and XUV observations of nearby stars from an attitude controlled rocket

The construction of a two dimensional focusing Wolter Type I mirror system for X-ray and XUV astronomical observations from an Astrobee F sounding rocket is described. The mirror design goal will have a one degree field, a 20-arc seconds resolution, an effective area of about 50 sq cm at 1 keV and 10 sq cm at 0.25 keV on axis. A star camera provides aspect data to about 15-arc seconds. Two detectors are placed at the focus with an interchange mechanism to allow a detector change during flight. The following specific developments are reported: (1) position sensitive proportional counter development; (2) channel plate multiplier development; (3) telescope mirror development and payload structure; (4) Australian rocket flight results; (5) Comet Kohoutek He I observation; and (6) Vela, Puppis A, and Gem-Mon bright patch observations.

Garmire, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Statistical analysis of time transfer data from Timation 2

Between July 1973 and January 1974, three time transfer experiments using the Timation 2 satellite were conducted to measure time differences between the U.S. Naval Observatory and Australia. Statistical tests showed that the results are unaffected by the satellite's position with respect to the sunrise/sunset line or by its closest approach azimuth at the Australian station. Further tests revealed that forward predictions of time scale differences, based on the measurements, can be made with high confidence.

Luck, J. M.↗