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At least 145 records · Page 8

NASA. Lewis Research Center Advanced Modulation and Coding Project: Introduction and overview

The Advanced Modulation and Coding Project at LeRC is sponsored by the Office of Space Science and Applications, Communications Division, Code EC, at NASA Headquarters and conducted by the Digital Systems Technology Branch of the Space Electronics Division. Advanced Modulation and Coding is one of three focused technology development projects within the branch's overall Processing and Switching Program. The program consists of industry contracts for developing proof-of-concept (POC) and demonstration model hardware, university grants for analyzing advanced techniques, and in-house integration and testing of performance verification and systems evaluation. The Advanced Modulation and Coding Project is broken into five elements: (1) bandwidth- and power-efficient modems; (2) high-speed codecs; (3) digital modems; (4) multichannel demodulators; and (5) very high-data-rate modems. At least one contract and one grant were awarded for each element.

Budinger, James M.↗

Feasibility Activities Completed for the Direct Data Distribution (D(sup )3) Experiment

The Direct Data Distribution (D(sup 3)) project being designed at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field will demonstrate a high-performance communications system that transmits information at up to 1.2 gigabits per second (Gbps) from an advanced technology payload carried by the space shuttles in low Earth orbit to small (0.9-m) autonomously tracking terminals on the Earth. The flight communications package features a solid-state, phased-array antenna operating in the commercial K-band frequency that electronically steers two independently controlled downlink beams toward low-cost tracking ground terminals. The array enables agile, vibration-free beam steering at reduced size and weight with increased reliability over traditional mechanically steered reflectors. The flight experiment will also demonstrate efficient digital modulation technology that allows transmission of substantially increased amounts of latency-tolerant data (up to 72 Gb of data per minute of contact time) with very high quality (10(exp -11) bit error rate). D(sup 3) enables transmission from low-Earth-orbit science spacecraft, the shuttles, or the International Space Station directly to NASA field centers and principle investigator sites, or directly into the commercial terrestrial telecommunications network for remote distribution and archive. The ground terminal features a cryocooled receiver for ultralow noise and a reduced antenna aperture as well as open-loop tracking for unattended operations. The D(sup 3) technology validation and service demonstration will help to facilitate NASA's transition from using Government-owned communications assets to using commercially provided services.

Wald, Lawrence W.↗

Air Traffic Management Technology Demonstration - 3 (ATD-3) Multi-Flight Common Route (MFCR) Concept of Operations Version 1.0

NASA's Multi Flight Common Route (MFCR) automation represents one element of those technologies focusing primarily on delay recovery in the en route phase of flight. Delay recovery is an attenuation of flight-time delay, accomplished by periodically revising weather-avoidance routing as the convective weather system evolves. MFCR is intended for use by Traffic Management Coordinators (TMCs) in Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs, or Centers) and traffic management specialists (TMSs) in the Air Traffic Control System Command Center (ATCSCC). MFCR leverages existing weather, airspace, and traffic data, as well as improvements in navigation, surveillance, communication, and digital information technologies, to build on existing ATM automation and address some of the shortcomings associated with strategic traffic flow management initiatives and weather forecasting uncertainties. These capabilities provide significant potential benefits in the form of time, fuel, and cost savings. The concept of operations described in this document describes MFCR functionality as delivered by NASA to the FAA in December 2017, including a list of potential enhancements that may be realized when the system is fielded.

conops↗

Static, stability, and dynamic analysis of shells of revolution by numerical integration - A comparison

Recent innovations in digital computer technology have enabled engineers to analyze shell structures of complex configurations without unduly restrictive approximations. An attempt is made to compare the various programs now generally available from the point of view of the advantages of the relative technique utilized, as well as the programmed state of the art. Many of the comparisons are based on the sample problems solved by the STARS-2 system of programs. These examples indicate both the structural detail which can be analyzed by, and the analytical capabilities available in, the numerical shell-of-revolution programs. All advantages and differences are demonstrated by use of solutions for realistic shell problems in the areas of statics, stability, vibrations, and dynamic response of shells subjected to time-dependent loadings.

Svalbonas, V.↗

Pattern recognition for remote sensing - Progress and prospects

An overview is given of the current state of automatic image pattern recognition as applied to remote sensing of the earth's resources. The framework for the discussion is provided by four important aspects of the remote sensing problem: scene information content, characterization of scene information, information extraction methods, and the net value of extractable information. Outstanding problems are surveyed, as are the prospects for future developments. The effect of increasingly complex data bases and the rapidly evolving digital computer technology are highlighted.

Swain, P. H.↗

A microcomputer-based position updating system for general aviation utilizing Loran-C

Modern digital electronic technology is used to produce a device to convert LORAN C to useful pilot information using a simple software algebra and low cost microprocessor devices. Results indicate that the processor based LORAN C navigator has an accuracy of 1.0 nm or less over an area typically covered by a triad of Loran C stations and can execute a position update in less than 0.2 seconds. The system was tested in 30 hours of flight and proved that it can give reliable and accurate navigation information. Methods of converting time differences to position, design considerations for the microcomputer system, and the system for coordinate conversion are discussed. Testing with predetermined points and possible fixes for errors are also considered.

Fischer, J. P.↗

Development and flight test of an X-band precision approach concept for remote-area rotorcraft operations

A novel airborne radar-based precision approach concept was developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. A demonstration, transponder-based beacon landing system (BLS), incorporating state-of-the-art X-band radar technology and digital processing techniques, was built and flight tested to demonstrate the concept feasibility. The BLS airborne hardware consists of an add-on microprocessor, installed in conjunction with the aircraft weather/mapping radar, which analyzes the radar beacon receiver returns and determines range, localizer deviation, and glide slope deviation. The ground station is an inexpensive, portable unit which can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight test program show that the BLS concept has a significant potential for providing rotorcraft with low-cost, precision, instrument approach capability in remote areas.

Clary, G. R.↗

Enhanced character sizes for the VDM-1 video display board

Use of a microprocessor for providing navigation information from the inherent hyperbolic geometries of Loran-C was discussed. The advantages Loran-C offers over VOR/DME as a primary navigation aid are identified. These advantages include long range coverage by several stations, coverage at low altitudes, and the capability to have nonprecision approaches at airports not already served by landing aids. Modern digital electronic technology is used to produce a device to convert Loran-C data to useful pilot information using simple software algorithms and low cost microprocessor devices. The cost and lack of availability of suitable processors to execute these algorithms have prevented a Loran-C navigator from being developed. Results indicate that the microprocessor based Loran-C navigator has an accuracy of 1.0 nm or less over an area typically covered by a triad of Loran-C stations and can execute a position update in less than 0.2 seconds.

Novacki, S. M., III↗

The Pennsylvania defoliation application pilot test

Satellite imagery for the State of Pennsylvania was digitally mosaicked to provide the seed data base for monitoring defoliation of hardwood trees by the gypsy moth. Two separate mosaics for the state were prepared, one before defoliation and one after defoliation, to determine the extent, direction, and impact of gypsy moth activity in the state. The digital mosaic technology used to construct the data base was transferred to Pennsylvania State University to permit periodic updates to the data base and to assist in planning and abatement activities. Participating agencies or institutions included Goddard Space Flight Center and the Pennsylvania State University Office for Remote Sensing of Earth Resources.

Mcleod, R. G.↗

Development and flight test of a helicopter compact, portable, precision landing system concept

An airborne, radar-based, precision approach concept is being developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. A transponder-based beacon landing system (BLS) applying state-of-the-art X-band radar technology and digital processing techniques, was built and is being flight tested to demonstrate the concept feasibility. The BLS airborne hardware consists of an add-on microprocessor, installed in conjunction with the aircraft weather/mapping radar, which analyzes the radar beacon receiver returns and determines range, localizer deviation, and glide-slope deviation. The ground station is an inexpensive, portable unit which can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight test program show that the BLS concept has a significant potential for providing rotorcraft with low-cost, precision instrument approach capability in remote areas.

Clary, G. R.↗

Development and flight test of an X-band precision approach concept for remote-area rotorcraft operations

A novel airborne radar-based precision approach concept was developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. A demonstration, transponder-based beacon landing system (BLS), incorporating state-of-the-art X-band radar technology and digital processing techniques, was built and flight tested to demonstrate the concept feasibility. The BLS airborne hardware consists of an add-on microprocessor, installed in conjunction with the aircraft weather/mapping radar, which analyzes the radar beacon receiver returns and determines range, localizer deviation, and glide slope deviation. The ground station is an inexpensive, portable unit which can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight test program show that the BLS concept has a significant potential for providing rotorcraft with low-cost, precision, instrument approach capability in remote areas. Previously announced in STAR as N84-10041

Clary, G. R.↗

Development and flight test of a helicopter compact, portable, precision landing system concept

An airborne, radar based, precision approach concept is being developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. A transponder based beacon landing system (BLS) applying state of the art X band radar technology and digital processing techniques, has been built and is being flight tested to demonstrate the concept feasibility. The BLS airborne hardware consists of an add on microprocessor, installed in conjunction with the aircraft weather/mapping radar, which analyzes the radar beacon receiver returns and determines range, localizer deviation, and glide slope derivation. The ground station is an inexpensive, portable unit which can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight test program show that the BLS concept has a significant potential for providing rotorcraft with low cost, precision instrument approach capability in remote areas.

Bull, J. S.↗

Development and flight test of a helicopter, X-band, portable precision landing system concept

A beacon landing system (BLS) is being developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. The system is based on state-of-of-the-art X-band radar technology and digital processing techniques. The bLS airborne hardware consists of an X-band receiver and a small micropreocessor, installed in conjunction wht the aircraft instrument landing system (ILS) receiver. The microprocessor analyzes the X-band, BLS pulses and outputs ILS-compatible localizer and glide slope signals. Range information is obtained using an on-board weather/mapping radar in conjunction with the BLS. The ground station is an inexpensive, portable unit; it weighs less than 70 lb and can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight-test program show that the BLS has a significant potential for providing rotorcaraft with low-cost, precision instrument approach capability in remote areas.

Davis, T. J.↗

Development and flight test of a helicopter, X-band, portable precision landing system concept

A beacon landing system (BLS) is being developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. The system is based on state-of-the-art X-band radar technology and digital processing techniques. The BLS airborne hardware consists of an X-band receiver and a small microprocessor, installed in conjunction with the aircraft instrument landing system (ILS) receiver. The microprocessor analyzes the X-band, BLS pulses and outputs ILS-compatible localizer and glide slope signals. Range information is obtained using an on-board weather/mapping radar in conjunction with the BLS. The ground station is an inexpensive, portable unit; it weighs less than 70 lb and can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight-test program show that the BLS has a significant potential for providing rotorcraft with low-cost, precision instrument approach capability in remote areas.

Davis, T. J.↗

Development of a portable precision landing system

A portable, tactical approach guidance (PTAG) system, based on a novel, X-band, precision approach concept, was developed and flight tested as a part of NASA's Rotorcraft All-Weather Operations Research Program. The system is based on state-of-the-art X-band technology and digital processing techniques. The PTAG airborne hardware consists of an X-band receiver and a small microprocessor installed in conjunction with the aircraft instrument landing system (ILS) receiver. The microprocessor analyzes the X-band, PTAG pulses and outputs ILS compatible localizer and glide slope signals. The ground stations are inexpensive, portable units, each weighing less than 85 lb, including battery, that can be quickly deployed at a landing site. Results from the flight test program show that PTAG has a significant potential for providing tactical aircraft with low cost, portable, precision instrument approach capability.

Davis, T. J.↗

Information transfer in the National Airspace System

An informal overview is given of the work in progress and the planned work in the area of information transfer that specifically addresses human factors issues in National Airspace System (NAS). The issues of how weather information will be displayed on the flight deck, the development of appropriate decision making technology, and digital datalink transmission are also briefly discussed.

Lee, Alfred T.↗

An overview of the active flexible wing program

An outline of the Active Flexible Wing (AFW) project that was meant to serve as an introduction to an entire session of the Computational Control Workshop is presented. Following background information on the project is a description of the AFW wind tunnel model and results from the initial wind tunnel test of the AFW model under the current project. Emphasis is on major project accomplishments. The AFW project is an effort to demonstrate aeroelastic control through the application of digital controls technology. Active flutter suppression and active control of maneuver loads during high speed rolling maneuvers are examined.

Cole, Stanley R.↗