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At least 109 records · Page 6

On humanity's role in space

Manned spaceflight is considered within the framework of two broad categories: human exploitation of space for economic or scientific gain, and human habitation of space as a place where man may live, grow, and actualize himself. With the advent of the Space Shuttle, exploitation of space will take the form of new product development. This will continue during the 1990s as the new products are manufactured on a scale large enough to be profitable. The turn of the century should see major industries in space, and large space habitats. Thus, the question of mankind's existential needs arises. In addition to basic physical needs, the spiritual and cultural requirements of human beings must be considered. The impact of man's presence in space upon human culture in general is discussed with reference to international cooperation, public interest in space programs, scientific advancement, the basic urge to explore, and the density of mankind as a whole; which will become free of external constraints as we step into the cosmos.

Von Puttkamer, J.

Optical space astronomy and goals of the large space telescope.

Optical astronomy now means the study of EM radiation in the very near IR and vacuum UV in addition to the visible wavelengths. Practical constraints presently define the IR limit at about 11000 A, where photoemissive cathodes become ineffective, and the UV limit at 912 A, where the hydrogen of the interstellar medium limits the view to very nearby objects. Salient events of the first decade of optical space astronomy are discussed together with the orbiting astronomical observatories. Particular attention is given to the large space telescope (LST) project, taking into account the physical characteristics of the LST and the scientific program.

O'Dell, C. R.

Public science policy and administration

Science, the overwhelming concern of our time, is no longer a matter of private research and development but one of public policy and administration, in which government, industry, foundations, and educational institutions must all work together as never before. Few other single tasks are of such decisive importance to the collective and individual welfare of American citizens as the formulation of public science policy and the administration of scientific programs. Eleven national authorities of varied background in science, education, and government administration contribute their experience and their judgment in an effort to deal with the major aspects of the subject. Their focus is on the meeting of actual problems; they consider the decision making process in both public and public-private organizations. Topics are grouped in three general categories: personnel needs and resources, organizational problems and techniques, and the administrative role in policy leadership.

Rosenthal, A. H.

Skylab experiments processing at KSC

The Skylab was basically a scientific program, and had the physical capacity for a large number of experiments. The number, weight, complexity, and size of these experiments far exceeded that of those on any previous manned space flight. The Apollo Telescope Mount was the most sophisticated and complex device ever to perform intensive studies of the sun above the restrictions imposed by earth's atmosphere. The demands these experiments made on Kennedy Space Center resources were varied and difficult, since each was virtually unique and imposed its own requirements. A management system to handle these responsibilities was devised and implemented, based on KSC experience with the Apollo and other prior programs.

Barnett, U. R.

Investigations of the lunar surface

Scientific programs concerned with investigations of the lunar surface are described along with some results. These include lunar photographs and map collection program, crater measuring and depth calculation (earthside and farside), Schroeter's valley model, and the 61-inch color filter photography. Several graphs and maps of the lunar surface are present along with a method used for depth calculation.

Strom, R. G.

Skylab results - Review and outlook

In the history of space flight, Project Skylab marks the transition from short manned flights to long-time manned orbital operations, from single-purpose spacecraft to multipurpose space stations, and from a time of space exploration to a time of space utilization. In the present paper, some of the Skylab scientific programs in the areas of solar physics, stellar astronomy, space physics, earth observations, life sciences, and materials sciences are reviewed. Visible, UV, and X-ray observations showed the sun's surface to be far more active and more differentiated than was earlier assumed. The unexpected apparition of the comet Kohoutek provided valuable information on the composition of cometary nuclei and tails. Pictures taken with earth-looking cameras have provided insight into specific data analysis and assessment problems. Results of the materials science program offer much promise for future work.

Stuhlinger, E.

Science on Spacelab

Spacelab was developed by the European Space Agency for the conduction of scientific and technological experiments in space. Spacelab can be taken into earth orbit by the Space Shuttle and returned to earth after a period of 1-3 weeks. The Spacelab modular system of pallets, pressurized modules, and racks can contain large payloads with high power and telemetry requirements. A working group has defined the 'Atmospheres, Magnetospheres, and Plasmas-in-Space' project. The project objectives include the absolute measurement of solar flux in a number of carefully selected bands at the same time at which atmospheric measurements are made. NASA is committed to the concept that the scientist is to play a key role in its scientific programs.

Schmerling, E. R.

STARLAB UV-optical telescope facility, volume 1

The STARLAB accomplishments to date include both the feasibility definition and detailed design study efforts on critical subsystems. Topics of discussion for this report include: (1) STARLAB capabilities; (2) scientific programs; (3) STARLAB technical description; (4) STARLAB Phase B studies; and (5) technical conclusions Technical recommendations.

Source record

Starlab ultraviolet /UV/ astronomy telescope facility

The paper describes a 1-m high-resolution wide field-of-view telescope (Starlab) to be used on board the Space Shuttle. The purpose of Starlab is to obtain optical astronomical observations in the UV domain of the spectrum. The discussion focuses on scientific programs and technical description of the Starlab. The use of photographic film and rapid reconfiguration is possible because Starlab is flown in the Shuttle-attached mode. The Starlab uses an f/15-modified Ritchey-Chretien telescope, followed by an instrument selector that gives access to the conventional Cassegrain focus or, by inserting a diagonal mirror, to a radial focal plane. Results of five critical subsystem-design studies confirm the feasibility of using state-of-the-art design practices in meeting the Starlab science and engineering requirements.

Richard, H. L.

Passive microwave techniques for geophysical sensing of the earth from satellites

Passive microwave techniques for geophysical probing from aircraft and space have employed frequencies 1-300 GHz and have yielded information about atmospheric temperature and composition profiles and about surface parameters such as sea state, ice and snow type and extent, soil moisture, etc. The initially scientific program is now evolving into various operational spacecraft observatory systems; this mini-review summarizes recent accomplishments and future opportunities.

Staelin, D. H.

Far ultraviolet astronomy using the FAUST telescope

The Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST) a compact, wide field-of-view, far ultraviolet instrument designed for astronomical observations of extended and point sources is discussed. The design and application of the instrument are described. The prime objective is to observe faint astronomical sources with sensitivities higher than previously available. Scientific programs will include: (1) a search for ultraviolet stars which are predicted to exist at the stage of evolution prior to the final death of a star; (2) observations of galaxies and quasars; and (3) joint programs with other Spacelab 1 experiments. The secondary objective is to verify the suitability of the Spacelab as a platform for far ultraviolet astronomy: data will be provided on the ultraviolet background levels due to astronomical, terrestrial, and spacecraft generated sources; the levels of contaminants which affect ultraviolet instruments; and the capability of the Orbiter for stable pointing at celestial sources for useful periods of time.

Bowyer, C. S.

The High Resolution Spectrograph for the Space Telescope

The High Resoltuion Spectrograph (HRS) in conjunction with the Space Telescope (ST), extends ultraviolet astronomical spectroscopy to higher spectra, spatial, and time resolutions than previously achieved, as well as to fainter and more distant celestial objects. Other significant advances inherent in the instrument are high photometric accuracy and efficient operation via exposure meter control and real time rejection of bad data. These capabilities are provided to accomplish the scientific programs of the HRS investigation definition team, which concern the interstellar medium, stellar winds, and evolutionary aspects of stellar atmosphere studies; the determination of chemical abundances relevant to stellar evolution; the investigation of quasars and Seyfert galaxy nuclei; and the analysis of the atmospheres of solar system objects, including comets.

Brandt, J. C.

Submillimetre astronomy from space platforms

The scientific need and the technical feasibility of a 10-m class far infrared telescope in space were studied and culminated in the recommendation of the large deployable reflector (LDR). The scientific considerations for such a project are described and the general characteristics of LDR are derived. A scientific program culminating in LDR is suggested.

Kuiper, T. B. H.

Solar corona studies using normal-incidence X-ray optics

The progress which has been made in constructing a new type of X-ray telescope, which operates at normal incidence in the soft X-ray region by the use of multilayer coatings is described. The principles involved in state-of-the-art multilayer technology and some high-resolution imaging results are discussed. A rocket payload incorporating a multilayer X-ray mirror is presently being constructed. It is of Ritchey-Chretien design and the expected spatial resolution is 1/4 arcsec. The scientific program for solar-coronal studies and future instrumental developments are also discussed.

Golub, L.

The case for Mars II

Among the topics discussed are: the political aspects of the exploration of Mars, preparatory mission scenarios in advance of manned Martian exploration, and scientific programs for a base on Mars. Consideration is also given to: mission strategies and spacecraft design for a Mars base program; concepts for the realization of a manned mission to Mars; dirigible airship applications to Martian surface exploration; and the power requirements of several Martian base designs. Additional topics include: the impact of propellant manufacturing on early manned exploration of the solar system; water supply issues for a manned Mars base; and psychological and interpersonal adaptation to life on Mars.

Mckay, C. P.

CCD scanning for asteroids and comets

A change coupled device (CCD) is used in a scanning mode to find new asteroids and recover known asteroids and comet nuclei. Current scientific programs include recovery of asteroids and comet nuclei requested by the Minor Planet Center (MPC), discovery of new asteroids in the main belt and of unusual orbital types, and follow-up astrometry of selected new asteroids discovered. The routine six sigma limiting visual magnitude is 19.6 and slightly more than a square degree is scanned three times every 90 minutes of observing time during the fortnight centered on New Moon. Semiautomatic software for detection of moving objects is in routine use; angular speeds as low as 11.0 arcseconds per hour were distinguished from the effects of the Earth's atmosphere on the field of view. A typical set of three 29-minute scans near the opposition point along the ecliptic typically nets at least 5 new main-belt asteroids down to magnitude 19.6. In 18 observing runs (months) 43 asteroids were recovered, astrometric and photometric data on 59 new asteroids were reported, 10 new asteroids with orbital elements were consolidated, and photometry and positions of 22 comets were reported.

Gehrels, T.

Visions of tomorrow: A focus on national space transportation issues; Proceedings of the Twenty-fifth Goddard Memorial Symposium, Greenbelt, MD, Mar. 18-20, 1987

The present conference on U.S. space transportation systems development discusses opportunities for aerospace students in prospective military, civil, industrial, and scientific programs, current strategic conceptualization and program planning for future U.S. space transportation, the DOD space transportation plan, NASA space transportation plans, medium launch vehicle and commercial space launch services, the capabilities and availability of foreign launch vehicles, and the role of commercial space launch systems. Also discussed are available upper stage systems, future space transportation needs for space science and applications, the trajectory analysis of a low lift/drag-aeroassisted orbit transfer vehicle, possible replacements for the Space Shuttle, LEO to GEO with combined electric/beamed-microwave power from earth, the National Aerospace Plane, laser propulsion to earth orbit, and a performance analysis for a laser-powered SSTO vehicle.

Soffen, Gerald A.