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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Aircraft and satellite monitoring of water quality in Lake Superior near Duluth

Satellite images and low altitude aerial photographs often show vivid discolorations in water bodies. Extensive laboratory analysis shows that water reflectance, which causes brightness on aerial images, positively correlates to the water quality parameter of turbidity, which on a particular day correlates to suspended solids. Work with low altitude photography on three overcast days and with ERTS images on five clear days provides positive correlation of image brightness to the high turbidity and solids which are present in Lake Superior near Duluth over 50% of the time. Proper use of aerial images would have shown that an $8,000,000 drinking water intake constructed in the midst of this unpotable, turbid water should have been located 6 miles north in clear, usable water. Noise effects such as skylight reflection, atmospheric effects, and depth penetration also must be understood for operational use of remote sensing for water quality monitoring and are considered in the paper.

Scherz, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Field sampling fine-vacuum system

Small portable pumping station, consisting of roughing pump, air cooled diffusion pump, and liquid nitrogen cold trap, permits onsite sampling followed by quantitative laboratory analysis of residual gases.

Fickey, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) data report for tape VL0005

Atmospheric ozone, water vapor, and related flight and meteorological data were obtained during 214 flights of a United Airlines B-747 and two Pan American World Airways B-747's from March through June 1976. In addition, trichlorofluoromethane data obtained from laboratory analysis of two whole air samples collected in flight are reported. These data are available on GASP tape VL0005 from the National Climatic Center, Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to the GASP data, tropopause pressure fields obtained from NMC archives for the dates of the GASP flights are included on the data tape. Flight routes and dates, instrumentation, data processing procedures, and data tape specifications are described in this report. Selected analyses including ozone and sample bottle data are also presented.

Holdeman, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Report of the Terrestrial Bodies Science Working Group. Volume 6: The asteroids

Earth-based astronomical observations and laboratory analysis of meteorites provide the only scientific data available on asteroids. These data are summarized and subjects for future investigations are explored. The measurements required for potential missions are discussed and concepts for a multi-asteroid rendezvous mission in the mid-1980's are outlined.

Chapman, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Application of LANDSAT to the surveillance of lake eutrophication in the Great Lakes basin

The author has identified the following significant results. A step-by-step procedure for establishing and monitoring the trophic status of inland lakes with the use of LANDSAT data, surface sampling, laboratory analysis, and aerial observations were demonstrated. The biomass was related to chlorophyll-a concentrations, water clarity, and trophic state. A procedure was developed for using surface sampling, LANDSAT data, and linear regression equations to produce a color-coded image of large lakes showing the distribution and concentrations of water quality parameters, causing eutrophication as well as parameters which indicate its effects. Cover categories readily derived from LANDSAT were those for which loading rates were available and were known to have major effects on the quality and quantity of runoff and lake eutrophication. Urban, barren land, cropland, grassland, forest, wetlands, and water were included.

Rogers, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Soil resources and potential for agricultural development in Bahr El Jebel in southern Sudan, Jonglei Canal project area

The author has identified the following significant results. Fourteen LANDSAT scenes were used to produce mosaics of the 167, 474 sq km study area. These were black and white MSS 7 images and false color composite images. Five major soil-landscape units were delineated on the mosaics, and these were subdivided into a total of 40 soil mapping units. Aerial reconnaissance was useful in defining boundaries between mapping units and in estimating the proportion of the various soils which composed each mapping unit. Ground surveying permitted first-hand observation of major soils and sampling for quantitative laboratory analysis. Soil interpretations were made, including properties, potentials, and limitations.

Myers, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Global measurements of gaseous and aerosol trace species in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere from daily flights of 747 airliners

A description is given of the NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP), taking into account the onboard system which collects atmospheric data automatically, the extensive atmospheric measurement capability, and the data handling and distribution procedure. GASP was implemented to assess the environmental impact of aircraft exhaust emissions in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Global air quality data are to be obtained for a period of five to ten years. Measurements of pollutants not related to aircraft exhaust emissions, such as chlorofluoromethanes, are now included. GASP systems are operating on a United Airlines 747, two Pan Am 747s, and a Qantas Airways of Australia 747. Real-time, in-situ measurements are conducted of ozone, water vapor, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen. Chlorofluoromethanes are measured by laboratory analysis. Typical GASP data show significant changes in ozone, carbon monoxide, and water vapor related to crossings of the tropopause.

Perkins, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

LDEF/Shuttle capabilities for environmental testing in space

The Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) is being developed to accommodate experiments which require a free-flying exposure in space and which benefit from postflight laboratory analysis of the retrieved experiment hardware. The first LDEF mission, which is planned for a 6- to 12-month stay in space is scheduled in the late 1970s during the Shuttle Orbital Flight Test Program. The LDEF is a simple reusable structure which is three-axis gravity gradient stabilized when free flying in space. The experiments on the LDEF are totally self-contained in trays mounted to the structure. After the LDEF is either revisited or retrieved by the Shuttle, the trays with experiments will be returned to the experimenters for postflight inspection. Attention is given to the fabrication of a second LDEF for a long-term mission planned in 1979, aspects of LDEF orbit life time, the radiation environment, questions of solar exposure, the thermal environment, and the vacuum (atomic particle) environment.

Clark, L. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) data report for tapes VL0010 and VL0012

The GASP atmospheric trace constituent data currently available are considered. Included on tapes are in-situ measurements of atmospheric ozone, carbon monoxide, water vapor, and clouds, data from laboratory analysis of filters exposed in flight, and related flight and meteorological data. Measurements of ozone levels within the first class cabin of these aircraft are also reported. In addition to the GASP data, tropopause pressures obtained from time and space interpolation of NMC archived data for the dates of the flights are included. Reported herein are the flight routes and dates, instrumentation, data processing procedures, data tape specifications, and analyses of the cabin ozone measurements.

Holdeman, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

NASA Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) data report for tapes VL0007 and VL0008

The Global Atmospheric Sampling Program (GASP) is obtaining measurements of atmospheric trace constituents in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere using fully automated air sampling systems on board the NASA CV-990 research aircraft and four commerical B-747 aircraft in routine airline service. In-situ measurements of atmospheric ozone and water vapor, data from laboratory analysis of filters exposed in flight, and related flight and meteorological data obtained from September 1976 through January 1977 are reported. These data are now available on GASP tapes VL0007 & VL0008 from the National Climatic Center, Asheville, North Carolina. In addition to the GASP data, tropopause pressure fields obtained from NMC archives for the dates of the GASP flights are included on the data tape. Flight routes and dates, instrumentation, data processing procedures, and data tape specifications are described.

Holdeman, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Design, development, and field demonstration of a remotely deployable water quality monitoring system

A prototype water quality monitoring system is described which offers almost continuous in situ monitoring. The two-man portable system features: (1) a microprocessor controlled central processing unit which allows preprogrammed sampling schedules and reprogramming in situ; (2) a subsurface unit for multiple depth capability and security from vandalism; (3) an acoustic data link for communications between the subsurface unit and the surface control unit; (4) eight water quality parameter sensors; (5) a nonvolatile magnetic bubble memory which prevents data loss in the event of power interruption; (6) a rechargeable power supply sufficient for 2 weeks of unattended operation; (7) a water sampler which can collect samples for laboratory analysis; (8) data output in direct engineering units on printed tape or through a computer compatible link; (9) internal electronic calibration eliminating external sensor adjustment; and (10) acoustic location and recovery systems. Data obtained in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron are tabulated.

Wallace, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Field failure mechanisms for photovoltaic modules

Beginning in 1976, Department of Energy field centers have installed and monitored a number of field tests and application experiments using current state-of-the-art photovoltaic modules. On-site observations of module physical and electrical degradation, together with in-depth laboratory analysis of failed modules, permits an overall assessment of the nature and causes of early field failures. Data on failure rates are presented, and key failure mechanisms are analyzed with respect to origin, effect, and prospects for correction. It is concluded that all failure modes identified to date are avoidable or controllable through sound design and production practices.

Dumas, L. N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Airborne measurements of launch vehicle effluent: Launch of Space Shuttle (STS-1) on 12 April 1981

Launch vehicle effluent environmental impact activities from the first space shuttle (STS-1) included airborne measurements within the exhaust cloud from about 9 min after launch (T + 9) to T + 120 min. Measurements included total hydrogen chloride (gaseous plus aqueous) concentrations, particulate concentrations, temperature, and dewpoint temperature. The airborne measurements are summarized. The physical growth and behavior of exhaust clouds is presented as well as the results of laboratory analysis of elemental composition of particulate samples collected by the aircraft. Observed results from the STS-1 launch are compared with earlier Titan III results. Shuttle effluent concentrations are found to be within the range of Titan III observations.

Gregory, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Multiple-foil microabrasion package (A0023)

The specific scientific objectives of this experiment are to measure the spatial distribution, size, velocity, radiance, and composition of microparticles in near-Earth space. The technological objectives are to measure erosion rates resulting from microparticle impacts and to evaluate thin-foil meteor 'bumpers'. The combinations of sensitivity and reliability in this experiment will provide up to 1000 impacts per month for laboratory analysis and will extend current sensitivity limits by 5 orders of magnitude in mass.

Mcdonnell, J. A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Molecular orbital predictions of the vibrational frequencies of some molecular ions

The initial detections of IR vibration-rotation bands in polyatomic molecular ions by recent spectroscopic advances were guided by ab initio prediction of vibrational frequencies. The present calculations predict the vibrational frequencies of additional ions which are candidates for laboratory analysis. Neutral molecule vibrational frequencies were computed at three levels of theory and then compared with experimental data; the effect of scaling was also investigated, in order to determine how accurately vibrational frequencies could be predicted. For 92 percent of the frequencies examined, the relatively simple HF/6-31G theory's vibrational frequencies were within 100/cm of experimental values, with a mean absolute error of 49/cm. On this basis, the frequencies of 30 molecular ions (many possessing astrophysical significance) were computed.

Defrees, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The case for planetary sample return missions. I - Origin of the solar system

The scientific aims and proposed scenarios of sample-return missions (SRMs) to Mars, Venus, comets, and asteroids are reviewed. SRMs are currently being evaluated as natural follow-ons to the NASA remote-sensing orbiter missions of the 1990s. The technological advantages of ground laboratory analysis of returned samples are discussed; and it is argued that SRMs to large evolved bodies can provide a record of (1) the composition of the solar system at different heliocentric distances and (2) the nature of the processes that led to the accretion of small objects (preserved as comets and asteroids) into large planetary bodies. Also considered are NASA research and analysis programs needed to support studies of solar-system origin. It is recommended that planning of SRMs be begun immediately, although they may not be feasible before the year 2000.

Drake, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

What ferric oxide/oxyhydroxide phases are present on Mars

The weathering history of Mars can be deduced largely from the mineralogy and distribution of ferric oxide/oxyhydroxide phases. As discussed, some insights can be gained through spectrophotometric remote sensing, but absolute determinations must depend on direct laboratory analysis of returned Martian samples.

Morris, Richard V.↗
NASA NTRS1990

International cooperation for Mars exploration and sample return

The National Research Council's Space Studies Board has previously recommended that the next major phase of Mars exploration for the United States involve detailed in situ investigations of the surface of Mars and the return to earth for laboratory analysis of selected Martian surface samples. More recently, the European space science community has expressed general interest in the concept of cooperative Mars exploration and sample return. The USSR has now announced plans for a program of Mars exploration incorporating international cooperation. If the opportunity becomes available to participate in Mars exploration, interest is likely to emerge on the part of a number of other countries, such as Japan and Canada. The Space Studies Board's Committee on Cooperative Mars Exploration and Sample Return was asked by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to examine and report on the question of how Mars sample return missions might best be structured for effective implementation by NASA along with international partners. The committee examined alternatives ranging from scientific missions in which the United States would take a substantial lead, with international participation playing only an ancillary role, to missions in which international cooperation would be a basic part of the approach, with the international partners taking on comparably large mission responsibilities. On the basis of scientific strategies developed earlier by the Space Studies Board, the committee considered the scientific and technical basis of such collaboration and the most mutually beneficial arrangements for constructing successful cooperative missions, particularly with the USSR.

Levy, Eugene H.↗