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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1984

Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-41G) launch

Selected atmospheric conditions that were observed near Space Shuttle STS-41G launch time on October 5, 1984 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida are summarized. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual obsrvations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere-measured vertical wind profiles is given. The final atmospheric tape consisting of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude for STS-41G vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-41G ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed. The STS-41G ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center's Atmospheric Sciences Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in post flight performance assessments.

Johnson, D. L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of Ground-Based Observations of TLES From Spritacular Project Database

Spritacular is a citizen science project that was launched in October of 2022. It provides a space for anyone to submit their transient luminous event (TLE) images along with observational information, i.e. time, geographic location, direction, camera setup. Along with submissions, one can also help identify different types of TLEs in the images submitted. Since its inception hundreds of images have been submitted to the project database by its users. Not only does the database itself provide a record of observations, but these submissions allow for scientists with access to a wider array of observational platforms to obtain a better understanding of TLE’s without having to chase or hunt for them. Citizen science databases come with pros and cons when dealing with observational science and trying to work across different platforms. Using this database, over one hundred sprites were found to have accurate pointing and adequate temporal resolution to attempt to match both ground based (National Lightning Detection Network [NLDN]) and satellite based (Geostationary Lightning Mapper [GLM]) sensors. A statistical analysis of these TLE properties as well as a discussion about the implications these measurements have on the hunt for TLEs both in current space based observational platforms such as the Atmosphere-Space Interaction Monitor (ASIM), International Space Station Lightning Imaging Sensor (ISS-LIS), and GLM or legacy satellite instruments such as the Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite will be presented.

T. Daniel Walker↗
NASA NTRS1988

A TEOM (tm) particulate monitor for comet dust, near Earth space, and planetary atmospheres

Scientific missions to comets, near earth space, and planetary atmospheres require particulate and mass accumulation instrumentation for both scientific and navigation purposes. The Rupprecht & Patashnick tapered element oscillating microbalance can accurately measure both mass flux and mass distribution of particulates over a wide range of particle sizes and loadings. Individual particles of milligram size down to a few picograms can be resolved and counted, and the accumulation of smaller particles or molecular deposition can be accurately measured using the sensors perfected and toughened under this contract. No other sensor has the dynamic range or sensitivity attained by these picogram direct mass measurement sensors. The purpose of this contract was to develop and implement reliable and repeatable manufacturing methods; build and test prototype sensors; and outline a quality control program. A dust 'thrower' was to be designed and built, and used to verify performance. Characterization and improvement of the optical motion detection system and drive feedback circuitry was to be undertaken, with emphasis on reliability, low noise, and low power consumption. All the goals of the contract were met or exceeded. An automated glass puller was built and used to make repeatable tapered elements. Materials and assembly methods were standardized, and controllers and calibrated fixtures were developed and used in all phases of preparing, coating and assembling the sensors. Quality control and reliability resulted from the use of calibrated manufacturing equipment with measurable working parameters. Thermal and vibration testing of completed prototypes showed low temperature sensitivity and high vibration tolerance. An electrostatic dust thrower was used in vacuum to throw particles from 2 x 10(exp 6) g to 7 x 10(exp -12) g in size. Using long averaging times, particles as small as 0.7 to 4 x 10(exp 11) g were weighted to resolutions in the 5 to 9 x 10(exp -13) g range. The drive circuit and optics systems were developed beyond what was anticipated in the contract, and are now virtually flight prototypes. There is already commercial interest in the developed capability of measuring picogram mass losses and gains. One area is contamination and outgassing research, both measuring picogram losses from samples and collecting products of outgassing.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Monitoring Ocean-Atmosphere Exchanges from Space

The ocean and the atmosphere are coupled by the fluxes of momentum, heat, and water, but in situ measurements of these fluxes are sparse and uneven.

prediction (NWP) Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (↗
NASA NTRS1985

Atmospheric environment for space shuttle (STS-51C) launch

Selected atmospheric conditions observed near space shuttle STS-51C launch time on January 24, 1985, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida are summarized. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles are presented. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-51C vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-51C ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed to provide an internally consistent data set for use in postflight performance assessments.

Jasper, G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-51A) launch

Selected atmospheric conditions observed near Space Shuttle STS-51A launch time on November 8, 1984, are summarized. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is reported. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-51A vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-51A ascent atmospheric data tape is constructed to provide an internally consistent data set for use in postflight performance assessments.

Johnson, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-27) launch

Selected articles on atmospheric conditions observed near Space Shuttle STS-27 launch time on December 2, 1988, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida are summarized. STS-27 carried a Department of Defense payload and the flight azimuth in this report will be denoted by reference flight azimuth, since the actual flight azimuth is not known. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of pre-launch Jimsphere-measured vertical wind profiles is given. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-27 vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-27 ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center's Earth Science and Applications Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in post-flight performance assessments.

Jasper, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-51D)

A summary of selected atmospheric conditions observed near the space shuttle STS-51D launch time on April 12, 1985, at Kennedy Space Center Florida is presented. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is given in this report. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-51D vehicle ascent is constructed. The STS-51D ascent atmospheric data tape is compiled by Marshall Space Flight Center's Atmospheric Sciences Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in post-flight performance assessments.

Jasper, G. L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Evaluation of Present and Future Spaceborne Lightning Observations During the ALOFT Campaign

The ALOFT1 campaign took place during July 2023. The NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft was based in Tampa, Florida, and flew approximately 60 hours sampling tropical and sub-tropical thunderstorms that were mostly contained within the common fields of view of GLM4-16 and GLM-18. In addition, multiple underflights of the ISS LIS5 instrument occurred. The FEGS2 and LIP6 instrument suite on the ER-2 provided a combination of multispectral optical, slow and fast electric field change, and three-dimensional electric field measurements of lightning and thunderstorms. Notably, in addition to the 777-nm band used by GLM and LIS, FEGS also observed at 337 nm, 500 nm, 868 nm, wideband visible-to-infrared, and shortwave infrared. A spectrometer that spanned most major lightning bands from the ultraviolet to infrared was included. Observations of gamma-ray production by thunderstorms were also collected during ALOFT. Thus, the lightning-observing suite on the ER-2 during ALOFT provides an unprecedented suborbital dataset for direct optical-to-optical and indirect radio-to-optical validation of existing spaceborne lightning sensors like GLM and LIS. In addition, the multispectral observations from FEGS enables evaluation of current and future spaceborne lightning-observing concepts. For example, the 337-nm channel is relevant to both existing missions like ASIM7 as well as future concepts like the CubeSpark mission currently being formulated by NASA. Complementary to LIS, the ISS also carries the STP-H88 payload, which features microwave radiometers covering 18-182 GHz, while the ER-2 carried radiometers covering 10-684 GHz, enabling evaluation of spaceborne passive microwave measurements that are complementary to the lightning observations. 1. Airborne Lightning Observatory for FEGS2 and TGFs3 2. Fly’s Eye GLM4 Simulator 3. Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes 4. Geostationary Lightning Mapper 5. International Space Station Lightning Imaging Sensor 6. Lightning Instrument Package 7. Atmosphere-Space Interactions Monitor 8. 8th Space Test Program – Houston mission

Timothy Lang↗
NASA NTRS1985

Atmospheric environment for space shuttle (STS-51B) launch

A summary of selected atmospheric conditions observed near space shuttle STS-51B launch time on April 29, 1985, at Kennedy Space Center Florida is presented. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is given. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-51B vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-51B ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center's Atmospheric Sciences Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in post flight performance assessments.

Jasper, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Research study: Studies in atmospheric processes from Space Platforms

Activities of the project for studies in atmospheric processes from space platforms are described. Topics include feasibility studies for a Low Altitude Research Satellite system, a satellite borne Doppler lidar wind monitoring system, the relationship between solar variability and weather, atmospheric modeling, cloud physics, and aerosol studies.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1976

Secondary cosmic-ray electrons and positrons from 1 to 100 GeV in the upper atmosphere and interstellar space, and interpretation of a recent positron flux measurement

Secondary electron and positron fluxes generated in interstellar space and in the atmosphere from the decays of pions and kaons in inelastic nuclear interactions are calculated by Monte Carlo techniques for lepton energies in the range from 1 to 100 GeV and an assumed thickness of 10 g/sq cm or less for the interstellar or atmospheric material. A simple and accurate analytical model which summarizes the Monte Carlo results and identifies the essential parameters involved is developed and used to interpret a previous positron measurement. It is found that the thickness of interstellar and source material is about 4.3 g/sq cm for cosmic-ray positrons with energies exceeding 4 GeV, a result that is difficult to reconcile with recently proposed two-containment-volume propagation models which predict a thickness of 1.8 g/sq cm for the same energies on the basis of the energy dependence of the measured (Li+Be+B)/(C+O) ratio. It is shown that single-containment-volume (galactic) models invoking an energy-dependent leakage lifetime are compatible with the positron data, but lack a mechanism to explain the energy dependence.

Orth, C. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Atmospheric environment for space shuttle (STS-41) launch

A summary of selected atmospheric conditions observed near space shuttle STS-41 launch time on October 6, 1990, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida are presented. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (clouds), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere-measured vertical wind profiles is given. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-41 vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-41 ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center's Earth Science and Applications Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in postflight performance assessments and represents the best estimate of the launch environment to the 400,000 ft altitude that was traversed by the STS-41 vehicle.

Jasper, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Atmospheric environment for Space Shuttle (STS-37) launch

A summary of selected atmospheric conditions observed near Space Shuttle STS-37 launch time on 5 Apr. 1991 at KSC is presented. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (clouds), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of prelaunch Jimsphere-measured vertical wind profiles is given. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-37 vehicle ascent was constructed. The STS-37 ascent atmospheric data tape was constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center's Earth Science and Applications Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in postflight performance assessments and represents the best estimate of the launch environment to the 400,000 ft. altitude that was traversed by the STS-37 vehicle.

Jasper, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Atmospheric environment for space shuttle (STS-26) launch

A summary of selected atmospheric conditions observed near Space Shuttle STS-26 launch time on September 29, 1988, at Kennedy Space Center, Florida is given. Values of ambient pressure, temperature, moisture, ground winds, visual observations (cloud), and winds aloft are included. The sequence of pre-launch Jimsphere measured vertical wind profiles is given. The final atmospheric tape, which consists of wind and thermodynamic parameters versus altitude, for STS-26 vehicle ascent has been constructed. The STS-26 ascent atmospheric data tape has been constructed by Marshall Space Flight Center's Earth Science and Applications Division to provide an internally consistent data set for use in post-flight performance assessments.

Jasper, G. L.↗