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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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NASA NTRS1990

SAGE 3: A visible wavelength limb sounder

A brief description is presented for the SAGE 3 (Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment 3) instrument that has been selected to fly onboard the National Polar Platform 1 (NPOP 1) for the Earth Observational System (Eos) in 1996. The SAGE 3 instrument will perform earth limb sounding with the solar occultation technique measuring the ultraviolet (UV), the visible, and the near infrared (IR) wavelength solar radiation. The instrument will produce atmospheric data for the vertical distribution of aerosol, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, water vapor, and oxygen. The details of the instrument design, data flow, and processing requirements are discussed.

Chu, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Vertical Distribution of Aerosol in the Troposphere

The paper addresses the issue of the vertical distribution of aerosol in the troposphere and the relation to causative mechanisms. The focus is on visible wavelength, aerosol extinction cross sections. A background on the state of knowledge will be presented, but the emphasis is on experimental results from several field programs, The GLOBE project (GLobal aerosol Backscatter Experiment) involved a series of flights by the NASA DC-8 throughout the Pacific basin region with comprehensive in situ and multi-spectral lidar aerosol distribution measurements. The data has been extensively analyzed. The results show the existence of a background mode for aerosol loading in the troposphere and a pattern of distribution for transport and boundary layer aerosol for the Pacific region. The ARM (Atmospheric Radiation Measurement) program, operates surface based monitoring sites. For several years at sites in the central great plains and northern coast of Alaska of North America and a site in the tropical western Pacific have been acquiring comprehensive radiation measurements including multispectral aerosol optical thickness and near continuous lidar profiling. Data have been analyzed for typical and special case aerosol events including smoke aerosol from biomass burning for the tropical West Pacific site. Measurements with continuous lidar and multispectral were similarly acquired from a site at Tenerife, Canary Islands during the Aerosol Characterization Experiment and include analysis of the Saharan dust layer. Various measurements will be compared and summarized.

Spinhirne, James↗
NASA NTRS2024

Decade-Long Ozone Profile Record from Suomi NPP OMPS Limb Profiler: Assessment of Version 2.6 Data

We evaluate a decadal ozone profile record derived from the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) Limb Profiler (LP) satellite instrument. In 2023, the OMPS LP data were re-processed with the new version 2.6 retrieval algorithm that combines measurements from the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) parts of the spectra and employs the second order Tikhonov regularization to retrieve a single vertical ozone profile between 12.5 km (or cloud tops) and 57.5 km with the vertical resolution of about 1.9 - 2.5 km between 20-55 km. The algorithm uses radiances measured at six UV ozone-sensitive wavelengths (295, 302, 306, 312, 317 and 322 nm) paired with 353 nm, and one VIS wavelength at 606 nm combined with 510 nm and 675 nm to form a triplet. Each wavelength pair or triplet is used over a limited range of tangent altitudes where the sensitivity to ozone changes are strongest. A new implemented aerosol correction scheme is based on a gamma-function particle size distribution. Numerous calibration changes that affected ozone retrievals were also applied to measured LP radiances, including updates in altitude registration, radiometric calibration, stray light, and spectral registration. The key version 2.6 improvement is the reduction in relative drifts between LP ozone and correlative measurements, linked previously to a drift in the version 2.5 LP altitude registration. We compare LP ozone profiles with those from Aura Microwave Limb Sensor (MLS) to quantify ozone changes in version 2.6.

Limb scattering↗
NASA NTRS1977

Moisture convergence from a combined mesoscale moisture analysis and wind field for 24 April 1975

Precipitable water values inferred from the Vertical Temperature Profile Radiometer data of the polar orbiting NOAA-4 satellite are used in conjunction with wind-field analyses obtained from Synchronous Meteorological Satellite visible-channel data to study the moisture convergence in the boundary layer immediately preceding a storm. This combination of data simulates the information that will be available from the Visible and Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometer on board the GOES-D satellite, which is scheduled to begin operation in the 1980s. Serviceable representations of boundary layer flow are developed through analysis of the satellite infrared cumulus velocities, although the flow representations are not exactly located in the vertical.

Negri, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Shipboard Sunphotometer Measurements of Aerosol Optical Depth Spectra and Columnar Water Vapor During ACE-2 and Comparison with Selected Land, Ship, Aircraft, and Satellite Measurements

Analyses of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and colurnmn water vapor (CWV) measurements acquired with NASA Ames Research Center's 6-channel Airborne Tracking Sunphotometer (AATS-6) operated aboard the R/V Professor Vodyanitskiy during the 2nd Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-2) are discussed. Data are compared with various in situ and remote measurements for selected cases. The focus is on 10 July, when the Pelican airplane flew within 70 km of the ship near the time of a NOAA-14/AVHRR satellite overpass and AOD measurements with the 14-channel Ames Airborne Tracking Sunphotometer (AATS-14) above the marine boundary layer (MBL) permitted calculation of AOD within the MBL from the AATS-6 measurements. A detailed column closure test is performed for MBL AOD on 10 July by comparing the AATS-6 MBL AODs with corresponding values calculated by combining shipboard particle size distribution measurements with models of hygroscopic growth and radiosonde humidity profiles (plus assumptions on the vertical profile of the dry particle size distribution and composition). Large differences (30-80% in the mid-visible) between measured and reconstructed AODs are obtained, in large part because of the high sensitivity of the closure methodology to hygroscopic growth models, which vary considerably and have not been validated over the necessary range of particle size/composition distributions. The wavelength dependence of AATS-6 AODs is compared with the corresponding dependence of aerosol extinction calculated from shipboard measurements of aerosol size distribution and of total scattering mearured by a shipboard integrating nephelometer for several days. Results are highly variable, illustrating further the great difficulty of deriving column values from point measurements. AATS-6 CWV values are shown to agree well with corresponding values derived from radiosonde measurements during 8 soundings on 7 days and also with values calculated from measurements taken on 10 July with the AATS-14 and the University of Washington Passive Humidigraph aboard the Pelican.

Livingston, John M.↗
NASA NTRS2002

The Relationship of Tropical Cyclone Convective Intensity to Passive Microwave Observations

During the 1998 and 2001 hurricane seasons, the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR) was flown aboard the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) ER-2 high altitude aircraft as part of the Third Convection And Moisture EXperiment (CAMEX-3) and the Fourth Convection And Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4). Several hurricanes and tropical storms were sampled during these experiments. The passive microwave observations of these tropical cyclones collected at frequencies of 10.7, 19.35, 37.1, and 85.5 GHz will be presented to explain differences in precipitation features of the hurricanes. In particular, the relationship of the passive microwave signatures of precipitation-sized ice to vertical updraft strength will be examined as a possible indicator of future convective intensity. Correlated aircraft radar, lightning, visible and infrared information will also be examined to provide further insight.

Hood, Robbie E.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Shipboard Sunphotometer Measurements of Aerosol Optical Depth Spectra and Columnar Water Vapor During ACE-2, and Comparison with Selected Land, Ship, Aircraft, and Satellite Measurements

Analyses of aerosol optical depth (AOD) and columnar water vapor (CWV) measurements acquired with NASA Ames Research Center's six-channel Airborne Tracking Sunphotometer (AATS-6) operated aboard the R/V (research vehicle) Professor Vodyanitskiy during the second Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-2) are discussed. Data are compared with various in situ and remote measurements for selected cases. The focus is on 10 July, when the Pelican airplane flew within 70 km of the ship near the time of a NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)-14/AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) satellite overpass and AOD measurements with the 14-channel Ames Airborne Tracking Sunphotometer (AATS-14) above the marine boundary layer (MBL) permitted calculation of AOD within the MBL from the AATS-6 measurements. A detailed column closure test is performed for MBL AOD on 10 July by comparing the AATS-6 MBL AODs with corresponding values calculated by combining shipboard particle size distribution measurements with models of hygroscopic growth and radiosonde humidity profiles (plus assumptions on the vertical profile of the dry particle size distribution and composition). Large differences (30-80% in the mid-visible) between measured and reconstructed AODs are obtained, in large part because of the high sensitivity of the closure methodology to hygroscopic growth models, which vary considerably and have not been validated over the necessary range of particle size/composition distributions. The wavelength dependence of AATS-6 AODs is compared with the corresponding dependence of aerosol extinction calculated from shipboard measurements of aerosol size distribution and of total scattering measured by a shipboard integrating nephelometer for several days. Results are highly variable, illustrating further the great difficulty of deriving column values from point measurements. AATS-6 CWV values are shown to agree well with corresponding values derived from radiosonde measurements during eight soundings on seven days and also with values calculated from measurements taken on 10 July with the AATS-14 and the University of Washington Passive Humidigraph aboard the Pelican.

Livingston, John M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Stage B3 Reduced Radiances in Native (NAT) Format (ISCCP_B3_NAT)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=TROPOSPHERE] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=30 Km; Longitude_Resolution=30 Km; Temporal_Resolution=3 Hourly].

CLOUD PARTICLE SIZE↗
NASA NTRS2012

The Height of a White-Light Flare and its Hard X-Ray Sources

We describe observations of a white-light (WL) flare (SOL2011-02-24T07:35:00, M3.5) close to the limb of the Sun, from which we obtain estimates of the heights of the optical continuum sources and those of the associated hard X-ray (HXR) sources. For this purpose, we use HXR images from the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Spectroscopic Imager and optical images at 6173 Ang. from the Solar Dynamics Observatory.We find that the centroids of the impulsive-phase emissions in WL and HXRs (30 -80 keV) match closely in central distance (angular displacement from Sun center), within uncertainties of order 0".2. This directly implies a common source height for these radiations, strengthening the connection between visible flare continuum formation and the accelerated electrons. We also estimate the absolute heights of these emissions as vertical distances from Sun center. Such a direct estimation has not been done previously, to our knowledge. Using a simultaneous 195 Ang. image from the Solar-Terrestrial RElations Observatory spacecraft to identify the heliographic coordinates of the flare footpoints, we determine mean heights above the photosphere (as normally defined; tau = 1 at 5000 Ang.) of 305 +/- 170 km and 195 +/- 70 km, respectively, for the centroids of the HXR and WL footpoint sources of the flare. These heights are unexpectedly low in the atmosphere, and are consistent with the expected locations of tau = 1 for the 6173 Ang and the approx 40 keV photons observed, respectively.

Sun: photosphere↗
NASA NTRS2019

BioMoSS: Biocidal MoS2 for Disinfection of Spacecraft Potable Water Systems

It has been reported in the literature that few-layered, vertically-aligned molybdenum disulfide (FLV-MoS2) can produce biocidal agents for water disinfection with great effectiveness under visible light excitation. The nano-structure, with limited layers and small domain size increases the band gap of the MoS2 in the visible region such that visible light can be used to drive the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for biocidal control. This paper will present the BioMoSS (biocidal MoS2) for space applications concept and present initial results of the investigation into turning the FLV-MoS2 into a viable biocidal system.

Delzeit, Lance↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) Stage D2 Monthly Cloud Product - Revised Algorithm in Hierarchical Data Format (ISCCP_D2)

Since 1983 an international group of institutions has collected and analyzed satellite radiance measurements from up to five geostationary and two polar orbiting satellites to infer the global distribution of cloud properties and their diurnal, seasonal and interannual variations. The primary focus of the first phase of the project (1983-1995) was the elucidation of the role of clouds in the radiation budget (top of the atmosphere and surface). In the second phase of the project (1995 onwards) the analysis also concerns improving understanding of clouds in the global hydrological cycle. [Location=TROPOSPHERE] [Temporal_Coverage: Start_Date=1983-07-01; Stop_Date=] [Spatial_Coverage: Southernmost_Latitude=-90; Northernmost_Latitude=90; Westernmost_Longitude=-180; Easternmost_Longitude=180] [Data_Resolution: Latitude_Resolution=280 Km; Longitude_Resolution=280 Km; Temporal_Resolution=Monthly].

CLOUD TOP PRESSURE↗
NASA NTRS1980

The High Visible Resolution (HVR) instrument of the spot ground observation satellite

Two identical high resolution cameras, capable of attaining a track width of 116 km in an almost vertical line of sight from the two 60 km images of each instrument, will be carried on the initial mission of the space observation of Earth satellite (SPOT). Specifications for the instrument, including the telescope and CCD devices are summarized. The present status of development is described including the optical characteristics, structure and thermal control, detector assembly, electronic equipment, and calibration. SPOT mission objectives include the developments relating to soil use, the exploration of EART Earth resources, the discrimination of plant species, and cartography.

Otrio, G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Tornadolike gravity-driven vortex model

The buoyancy-induced vorticity concentration produced as the fluid in a vortex accelerates vertically was studied. The boiloff from liquid nitrogen, to which a small amount of initial vorticity was added, provided a source of cool, heavy gas in which a concentration of vorticity took place. Condensation streamers made the flow visible. It is shown that the presence of a surface boundary layer is not necessary for the effective concentration of vorticity. A simple theoretical analysis of the phenomenon was also made. A radial contraction of the flow with vertical position and a characteristic hook shape in the top view of the streamlines were observed in both theory and experiment. The vorticity concentration observed may be similar to that which occurs in tornadoes.

Deissler, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1979

High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder/mod 2 (HIRS/2)

The HIRS/2 is provided for the TIROS-N series of operational meteorological satellites. The instrument features 20 spectral channels, including visible (.7 micron), shortwave (3.7 to 4.6 micron), and longwave (6.7 to 15 micron). Radiance data aids determination of vertical temperature profiles, water vapor, and ozone distribution. System performance and test results are described.

Koenig, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Three-dimensional imaging of X-ray and gamma-ray objects in real time

A simple device is described that is capable of providing real-time 3-D viewing of extended X-ray and gamma-ray objects. The visible-light images produced by the device are not merely stereoscopic, i.e., one perspective, but possess both horizontal and vertical parallax with a reasonably large field of view.

Yin, L. I.↗
NASA NTRS1986

A computational method to model radar return range in a polygonally based, computer-generated-imagery simulation

Described is a method for modeling a ground-mapping radar system for use in simulations where the terrain is in a polygonal form commonly used with computer generated imagery (CGI). The method employs a unique approach for rapidly rejecting polygons not visible to the radar to facilitate the real-time simulation of the radar return. This rapid rejection of the nonvisible polygons requires the precalculation and storage of a set of parameters that do not vary during the simulation. The calculation of a radar range as a function of the radar forward-looking angle to the CGI terrain is carried out only for the visible polygons. This method was used as part of a simulation for terrain-following helicopter operations on the vertical motion simulator at the NASA Ames Research Center. It proved to be an efficient means for returning real-time simulated radar range data.

Moran, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High performance visible and near-infrared charge-coupled-device array for spectroscopy applications

This paper describes the design and performance of a scientific CCD array for use in NASA's Shuttle Image Spectrometer Experiment. The device is a four-phase, buried-channel CCD structure that operates in the frame-transfer mode. The sensor consists of 64 x 404 pixels, has a 100 percent fill factor, and operates in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions. In operation, the 404 horizontal elements provide spatial information, while the 64 vertical elements give spectral information covering the wavelength range of 400 to 1000 nm in 10 nm increments. The high full-well capacity of each pixel and low noise floor yield a dynamic range of more than 95 dB. In addition, the device has been designed to have good linearity characteristics. The unique dual-output structure allows a horizontal row to be read out to the right or to the left, or it can be split from the middle to both right and left output circuits simultaneously for high speed applications. The power dissipation of the device is about 60 mW.

Wang, Weng-Lyang↗
NASA NTRS1991

Helicopter control response types for hover and low-speed near-earth tasks in degraded visual conditions

The NASA-Ames Vertical Motion Simulator and Dig 1 Computer Image Generator (CIG) have been used to simulate a helicopter cockpit in a degraded visual environment in order to assess several control-response types during low-level flight. CIG visibility was reduced to the point where the horizon and other far-field cues were indiscernible. The control-response types encompassed a rate command, an attitude command/hold, and a translational rate command; piloting tasks were hover, vertical landing, a pirouette, acceleration/deceleration, and a sidestep maneuver. Visual cue ratings with a rate-command response type were initially collected to set the usable cue environment at 3. A rate-command response type provided poor Level 2 handling qualities.

Blanken, Christopher L.↗