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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 1,423 records · Page 79

Remote sensing of high-latitude ionization profiles by ground-based and spaceborne instrumentation

Ionospheric specification and modeling are now largely based on data provided by active remote sensing with radiowave techniques (ionosondes, incoherent-scatter radars, and satellite beacons). More recently, passive remote sensing techniques have been developed that can be used to monitor quantitatively the spatial distribution of high-latitude E-region ionization. These passive methods depend on the measurement, or inference, of the energy distribution of precipitating kilovolt electrons, the principal source of the nighttime E-region at high latitudes. To validate these techniques, coordinated measurements of the auroral ionosphere have been made with the Chatanika incoherent-scatter radar and a variety of ground-based and spaceborne sensors

Vondrak, R. R.↗

Io - The near-infrared monitoring program, 1979-1981

The results of a program to monitor the brightness of Io in the near infrared are reported. While Io's 2.2 micron flux can be explained very well by conventional albedo analysis, at 3.8 and 4.8 microns Io has large intrinsic variations presumably associated with volcanism. At the latter two wavelengths, Io appears brighter and more active on its trailing hemisphere. These wavelengths also have possibly significant terms at the Jupiter corotational periods of 13 and 6.5 hr. These are particularly significant for observations of the trailing hemisphere and have a marked peak when Io is in the active sector. The data also show that the variability occurs in outbursts. Eight of these were observed and four were studied, deriving color temperatures near 700 K which decayed to about 300 K after several hours. It is argued that the apparent peak and the significance of the corotational terms may be fortuitous.

Lindwall, D.↗

Apollo 14 very low titanium glasses - Melting experiments in iron-platinum alloy capsules

This paper describes two techniques that have been developed to produce Fe-Pt alloy capsules for hgh-pressure experiments, and reports liquidus-phase relations of the Apollo 14 very low titanium glasses determined using Fe-rich capsules (a/Fe/ approximately 0.6). The liquid is multiply saturated with olivine and clinopyroxene at equal to or greater than 22 kbar. The multiple saturation is at least 3 kbar higher than that determined using pure Fe capsules and corresponds to a source region at least 60 km deeper if olivine and clinopyroxene were the residual phases. However, independent data on iron activity or oxygen fugacity of the glasses are still needed in order to choose a container of optimum composition. Preliminary experiments in Fe-poor alloy capsules suggest that the valence state of iron and the crystallization sequence in the melt have changed, possibly as a result of oxidizing materials entrapped during the iron-plating processes. The FeO content of the charge decreases linearly with increasing run duration in experiments using pure Fe capsules. The observation that iron-rich globules grow with time suggests that the equilibrium Fe (bleb) + Fe2O3 (liq) = 3 FeO (liq) might be established in the liquid at high pressure. If this explanation is correct, an appreciable amount of 'FeO' in the liquid could actually be Fe2O3, and some natural lunar volcanic glasses may contain ferric iron as well.

Chen, H.-K.↗

Solar-terrestrial research opportunities - A look to the future

Recent and proposed research programs and their impact on the understanding of solar-terrestrial interactions, the processes driving solar activity, and the propagation of the solar wind are outlined. The magnetospheres of the earth and major planets have been mapped and their interactions with the solar wind modeled. MHD activity has been identified as the driving force for stellar surface activity, and Pioneer data are permitting a mapping of the outer areas of the heliosphere. Further studies are required to understand solar magnetic field-earth magnetosphere, ionosphere-atmosphere interactions, the effects of solar heating on earth atmosphere ozone levels, and the effects of solar transient events on the earth atmosphere. The initiation of an International Geosphere-Biosphere Program is now under study and several satellites for solar-terrestrial research are under development as cooperative efforts among the U.S., Japanese, and European agencies.

Intriligator, D. S.↗

CNPq/INPE-LANDSAT system

The current status of the Brazilian LANDSAT facilities operated by Instituto de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) and the results achieved during the period from October 1, 1984 to August 31, 1985 are presented. INPE's Receiving Station at Cuiaba, MT, operates normally the two tracking and receiving systems it has installed, the old one (1973) for Band S and the new one (February 1983) for dual S- and X-band. Both MSS and TM recording capabilities are functional. Support to the NASA Backup Plan for MSS data also remains active. Routine recordings are being made for LANDSAT-5 only, for both MSS and TM. Originally, MSS was recorded over the full acquisition range. However, since December, 1984, due to further reduction of operational expenses, both instruments are being recorded over Brazilian territory only.

Debarrosaguirre, J. L.↗

Passive microwave soil moisture research

During the four years of the AgRISTARS Program, significant progress was made in quantifying the capabilities of microwave sensors for the remote sensing of soil moisture. In this paper, a discussion is provided of the results of numerous field and aircraft experiments, analysis of spacecraft data, and modeling activities which examined the various noise factors such as roughness and vegetation that affect the interpretability of microwave emission measurements. While determining that a 21-cm wavelength radiometer was the best single sensor for soil moisture research, these studies demonstrated that a multisensor approach will provide more accurate soil moisture information for a wider range of naturally occurring conditions.

Schmugge, T.↗

Multi-system report integration using blackboards

Blackboards are an Al problem solving methodology. A blackboard system consists of a structured data base (the blackboard) holding input and derived inferences and a collection of procedures for deriving inferences (knowledge sources). Each knowledge source is specialized to operate on some portion of the blackboard. The knowledge sources are invoked opportunistically as the information on the blackboard increases. The methodology is well suited to integrating multiple streams of fully reduced and qualitatively different data such as active radar track reports, passive electronic intelligence reports, and human intelligence reports about enemy intentions. This paper sketches the nature of the blackboard problem solving methodology with an emphasis on those features suiting it to such applications. The sketch is illustrated with examples from a relatively simple multi-system report integration problem. Relevant applications currently under development at Stanford's Knowledge Systems Laboratory are also described.

Delaney, J. R.↗

Instrument characterization for the detection of long-term changes in stratospheric ozone - An analysis of the SBUV/2 radiometer

The scientific objective of unambiguously detecting subtle global trends in upper stratospheric ozone requires that one maintains a thorough understanding of the satellite-based remote sensors intended for this task. The instrument now in use for long term ozone monitoring is the SBUV/2 being flown on NOAA operational satellites. A critical activity in the data interpretation involves separating small changes in measurement sensitivity from true atmospheric variability. By defining the specific issues that must be addressed and presenting results derived early in the mission of the first SBUV/2 flight model, this work serves as a guide to the instrument investigations that are essential in the attempt to detect long-term changes in the ozone layer.

Frederick, J. E.↗

Prediction of turbine blade heat transfer

It is planned to incorporate a number of low Reynolds number turbulence models in a general two-dimensional boundary layer calculation procedure. This will be applied to different flow conditions over turbine blades and the predictions will be compared with experimental data. The prediction activity will lead to a recommendation about a satisfactory turbulence model for turbine blade heat transfer.

Patankar, Suhas V.↗

Accurate positioning of long, flexible ARM's (Articulated Robotic Manipulator)

An articulated robotic manipulator (ARM) system is being designed for space applications. Work being done on a concept utilizing an infinitely stiff laser beam for position reference is summarized. The laser beam is projected along the segments of the ARM, and the position is sensed by the beam rider modules (BRM) mounted on the distal ends of the segments. The BRM concept is the heart of the system. It utilizes a combination of lateral displacements and rotational and distance measurement sensors. These determine the relative position of the two ends of the segments with respect to each other in six degrees of freedom. The BRM measurement devices contain microprocessor controlled data acquisition and active positioning components. An indirect adaptive controller is used to accurately control the position of the ARM.

Malachowski, Michael J.↗

Candidate functions for advanced technology implementation in the Columbus mission planning environment

The Columbus Project is the European Space Agency's contribution to the International Space Station program. Columbus is planned to consist of three elements (a laboratory module attached to the Space Station base, a man-tended freeflyer orbiting with the Space Station base, and a platform in polar orbit). System definition and requirements analysis for Columbus are underway, scheduled for completion in mid-1990. An overview of the Columbus mission planning environment and operations concept as currently defined is given, and some of the challenges presented to software maintainers and ground segment personnel during mission operators are identified. The use of advanced technologies in system implementation is being explored. Both advantages of such solutions and potential problems they present are discussed, and the next steps to be taken by Columbus before targeting any functions for advanced technology implementation are summarized. Several functions in the mission planning process were identified as candidates for advanced technology implementation. These range from expert interaction with Columbus' data bases through activity scheduling and near-real-time response to departures from the planned timeline. Each function is described, and its potential for advanced technology implementation briefly assessed.

Loomis, Audrey↗

Frequencies of low-degree solar acoustic oscillations and the phase of the solar cycle

A study of the solar total irradiance data of the Active Cavity Radiometer Irradiance Monitor on the SMM satellite shows a small but formally significant shift in the frequencies of solar acoustic (p-mode) oscillations between the epochs of maximum and minimum solar activity. Specifically, the mean frequency of the strongest p-mode resonances of low spherical-harmonic degree (l = 0-2) is approximately 1.3 parts in 10,000 higher in 1980, near the time of sunspot maximum, than at around 1985, near sunspot minimum. The observed frequency shift may be an 11-yr effect but the precise mechanism is not clear.

Woodard, Martin F.↗

Photometry of 50 suspected variable stars

Fifty stars have been chosen as suspected variable stars and analyzed for variability. A large portion of this sample are stars that are either proved active chromosphere stars or are candidates for such activity. The photometric data base consists of differential V measurements of the Vanderbilt 16 inch (41 cm) automatic photoelectric telescope and 25 observers at 26 observatories worldwide. Published photometric data have also been utilized, with proper adjustments made to ensure that all magnitudes are differential. Searches for photometric period, amplitudes, and times of minimum light showed 68 percent of the sample to be photometrically variable with periods found for 34. Two stars were deemed norvariable for the period of observation. Conclusive statements could not be made concerning the photometric variability of the 14 remaining stars.

Hooten, James T.↗

More About Video-Feedback Docking System

Two documents provide additional information on system described in "Docking System With Video Feedback" (MFS-28421). First document, "Standard Remote Manipulator System Docking Target Augmentation For Automated Docking", emphasizes use of retroreflectors in target. Second document, "Development Of A Video-Based Automatic Rendezvous And Docking System", describes hardware and software of system. System is video-sensor/electronic-feedback control system. Video camera on active or chasing vehicle views target on passive or chased vehicle. Target illuminated by light-emitting diodes on active vehicle. Image-data-processing subsystem converts video image of target into data on relative position, orientation, linear velocity, and angular velocity of two vehicles. Data then used by maneuver-control subsystem to control approach of active vehicle to passive vehicle.

Howard, Richard↗

Classification of mafic clasts from mesosiderites - Implications for endogenous igneous processes

Results are presented from an analysis of 13 igneous pebbles from the Vaca Muerta, EET87500, and Bondoc mesosiderites, using electron microprobe and instrumental neutron activation techniques. These data, combined with literature data on compositions of 43 mesosiderite clasts were used to compile a classification scheme for the various types of mafic silicate clasts that occur in mesosiderites. These clasts were classified into five principal groups: (1) polygenic and monogenic cumulates (30 percent); (2) polygenic basalts (30 percent); (3) quench-textured rocks, comprising two compositional subgroups (those which resemble basaltic eucrites (5 percent), and those which resemble cumulate eucrites (2 percent)); (4) monogenic basalts (11 percent); and (5) ultramafic rocks, consisting mainly of large crystals of orthopyroxene (9 percent) or olivine (4 percent). The conditions under which these clasts were formed are discussed.

Rubin, Alan E.↗

The Gamma Ray Observatory - Viewing the violent universe

An overview is given of the Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) experimental satellite and the four instruments that permit the study of space phenomena from 0.03 to 30,000 MeV. The GRO comprises: (1) the Burst and Transient Source Experiment; (2) the Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment; (3) the Imaging Compton Telescope; and (4) the Energetic Gamma-Ray Experiment Telescope. The GRO is expected to provide data regarding the active galaxies, extragalactic diffuse radiation, the Galactic center, matter-antimatter annihilation, and gamma-ray emission from quasars.

Thompson, D. J.↗

Simulation Of Fluctuating Geomagnetic Index

Mathematical model produces synthetic geomagnetic-index (ap) data including short-term fluctuations like those of real ap data. Measures geomagnetic activity computed from measurements of fluctuations in geomagnetic field taken at 12 high-latitude stations every 3 hours. Used in studies of interactions between solar wind and Earth, especially in studies of effect of geomagnetic field upon heating of thermosphere by impacts of energetic charged solar-wind particles.

Vedder, John↗