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A simulation model which predicts the behavior of the Atmospheric Boundary Layer has been developed and coded. The model is partially evaluated by comparing it with laboratory measurements and the sounding measurements at Kennedy Space Center. The applicability of such an approach should prove quite widespread.
Continuous horizontal wind speed measurements were processed and classified as a function of tower level (10, 18, 60, and 150 meters) and period of reference day, month, season: winter (October through March) and summer (April through September), and annual. Tabulations were made of the daily maximum horizontal wind speed, time of ocurrence, and five associated parameters: mean horizontal wind speed, maximum vertical gusts (i.e., updraft and downdraft), and mean and instantaneous directions. Analyses using these data included means, extremes, standard deviations, and frequency distributions. Comparisons of intensity of maximum horizontal wind speeds determined in this year of data are made with maximum values recorded at Kennedy Space Center during another non-hurricane-occurrence year (1967) and with values during 1966 through 1972 when six hurricanes affected the area after the Ground Winds Tower facility became operational. Wind flow in the lowest 150 meters of the atmosphere was measured for the identification of hazards involved in wind shear encounter relative to ascent and descent of the space shuttle and conventional aircraft.
Tabulations of maximum horizontal wind speed values are reported that were recorded at the Kennedy Space Center. Maximum wind speeds were recorded during the eight hurricanes which have affected the area--Cleo in August 1964 through Agnes in June 1972. Detailed tabulations and frequency distributions of daily maximum horizontal wind speeds recorded at NASA's 150 m ground tower facility at nine levels from December 1965 through March 1970 are also included.
A compilation was put together of research work performed on the aquatic systems around Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The report includes a brief description of the study area, field data and analytical results of all the samples collected during the five visits to KSC up to December 17, 1977. The aquatic area selected for the study is the Southern part of Mosquito Lagoon which extends from the Haulover Canal to the dead end boundary of this lagoon southwards.
A lightning flash that struck the 150-meter weather tower at Kennedy Space Center was studied by several research groups using various techniques. The flash had unusually large peak currents and a stepped leader of relatively short duration. The charged regions neutralized by the three return strokes were located within a horizontal layer between heights of about 6 and 8 kilometers, where environmental temperatures were about -10 to -20 C. The charge source for the first return stroke coincided with a vertical shaft of precipitation inferred to have been graupel or hail. Charge sources for subsequent strokes were near the edge of the detectable precipitation echo. The overall channel length was about 10 kilometers. A vertically oriented intracloud discharge occurred after the three return strokes.
Bivariate normal wind statistics for a 90 degree flight azimuth, from 0 through 90 km altitude, for Kennedy Space Center, Florida, and Vandenberg AFB, California are presented. Wind probability distributions and statistics for any rotation of axes can be computed from the five given parameters.
Studies conducted in and around John F. Kennedy Space Center, Merrit Island, Florida were designed to establish baseline conditions for various attributes of the biotic and abiotic environment. Features were described and quantitatively measured. Certain condition were found to be appropriate for the detection and assessment of possible environmental perturbations caused by future NASA activities. These include plant communities, mammal populations, rainfall chemistry, fish populations, and the status of rare and endangered species. On the basis of statistical analysis of quantitative data and logistic considerations, it was possible to refine the kinds and amounts of measurements needed to evaluate perturbations in selected environmental components.
Ichthyological species in the Indian River lagoonal system likely to be affected by NASA's aerospace activities at the Kennedy Space Center were surveyed. The importance of the fish found to inhabit the waters in the area is analyzed.
The applicability of monitoring populations of Poccilia latipinna (sailfin molly) and its reproductive efforts as reliable indicators of environmental effects of aerospace activities in the Kennedy Space Center area was investigated. Results show that the sailfin molly experiences drastic fluctuations in population and reproductive success and is not an appropriate factor for monitoring to establish perturbations of the environment due to space transportation system related activities.
Total hydrogen chloride and gaseous hydrogen chloride concentrations were measured in the exhaust cloud produced at three Titan 3 launches at the Kennedy Space Center in March 1978, December 1978, and November 1979 to determine the degree of hydrogen chloride partitioning in a solid rocket exhaust cloud between gaseous hydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid aerosol as a function of ambient relative humidity. Moderately low relative humidity conditions were present during a daytime launch on Mar 25, 1978, and high relative humidity conditions were present during a nighttime launch on December 13, 1978. Gaseous hydrogen chloride concentrations and meteorological data, as a function of time after launch, are presented. Hydrogen chloride is present in both the gaseous and aerosol phase in the exhaust cloud. Total HCl concentrations ranged from 18 parts per million by volume (ppm) several minutes after launch down to 1 ppm after the cloud stabilization period, depending on the meteorological conditions. Gaseous HCl concentrations ranged from 2 to 3 ppm several minutes after launch to less than 1 ppm after cloud stabilization. These measured concentrations indicated significant HCl aerosol formation.
Analytical partitioning of four trace metals in estuarine sediments collected from eight sites in South Mosquito Lagoon near Kennedy Space Center, in terms of four different categories was accomplished using four different extraction techniques. The concentrations of the four trace metals, Zn, Mn, Cd, and Cu, released in interstitial water extract, 1 N ammonium acetate extract, conc. HCl extract and fusion extract of sediments as well as their concentrations in water samples collected from the same location were determined using flame atomic absorption technique. From the analytical results the percentages of total amount of each metal distributed among four different categories, interstitial water phase, acetate extractable, acid extractable and detrital crystalline material, were determined. Our results suggest that analytical partitioning of trace metals in estuarine sediments may be used to study the mechanism of incorporation of trace metals with sediments from natural waters. A correlation between the seasonal variation in the concentration of acetate extractable trace metals in the sediment and similar variation in their concentration in water was observed. A mechanism for the release of trace metals from estuarine sediments to natural water is also suggested.
Three dimensional locations are presented for the VHF (30-50 MHz) radiation sources generated by a three-stroke lightning flash at the Kennedy Space Center. The locations were obtained by calculating the difference in time of arrival (DTOA) of radiated pulses at four ground stations. A computer-implemented multiple time series analysis was used in calculating DTOA data. The locations of the approximately 48,000 sequential VHF sources are compared with wide band electric-field records to provide a better understanding of the physics of lightning discharge.
This paper discusses the various activities involved in processing the two basic types of cargo being prepared for launch by the Space Transportation System. An overview will be presented describing the independent processing systems used to ready the Spacelabs and other horizontal cargo as well as upper stages and other vertical cargo. The interrelationship of these two types of preparations with the main line Space Shuttle test and checkout operations will be shown. In the explanation of each process, the ground support equipment and facilities of the Kennedy Space Center are described.
The results of a study which was designed to monitor, characterize, and evaluate the chemical composition of precipitation (rain) which fell at the Kennedy Space Center, Florida (KSC) during the period July 1977 to March 1979 are reported. Results which were obtained from a soil sampling and associated chemical analysis are discussed. The purpose of these studies was to determine the environmental perturbations which might be caused by NASA space activities.
During the period July, 1977 to September, 1979, rainfall was collected in the vicinity of the Kennedy Space Center and subjected to appropriate chemical analysis for purposes of characterization of general composition and acidity. Results obtained form the basis for future comparisons, should significant alteration of the chemical composition of rain occur during the space shuttle era. Acidity extremes calculated on a monthly basis from event samples collected from five sites within a 200 sq km area varied from pH 5.1 in November, 1977, and April, 1978 to pH 4.3 in July, 1978 and July, 1979. Weighted average pH for the entire period was 4.55. Acidity was due to the presence of sulfuric and nitric acids. The mole ratio of excess SO4(-2):NO3(-) was typically greater than one. Monthly weighted average Cl(-) concentrations ranged from 20-240 micromoles/liter. The Cl(-):Na(+) ratio was slightly lower than that present in sea water.
The feasibility of a polygeneration plant at Kennedy Space Center was studied. Liquid hydrogen and gaseous nitrogen are the two principal products in consideration. Environmental parameters (air quality, water quality, biological diversity and hazardous waste disposal) necessary for the feasibility study were investigated. A National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) project flow sheet was to be formulated for the environmental impact statement. Water quality criteria for Florida waters were to be established.
Space Shuttle-related payload processing operations at the Kennedy Space Center have resulted in a major increase in the number of items being simultaneously processed, with two or more intermediate spacecraft being prepared, along with several smaller payload items, for launch on the same mission. When full operational status is achieved, some elements of three or more Space Shuttle flight cargoes will undergo processing at the Center simultaneously. It is also expected that long lead time items will often arrive earlier than those requiring a shorter checkout span. These and other complications due to the progressive increase in the scale of operations have prompted facility modifications, new operational procedures, and advance planning.
This is a report on the status of the polygeneration feasibility study conducted by the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Polygeneration is an innovative approach to reducing cost per flight for the Shuttle by reducing propellant and other costs. Cost of LH2 is expected to be adversely affected by sharp increases in natural gas pricing as well as other costs such as electricity and transportation. The polygeneration concept is to produce liquid hydrogen (LH2) for the Shuttle and gaseous nitrogen (GN2), electricity and thermal energy to meet KSC requirements by means of an integrated coal gasification plant. Conclusions of the initial feasibility study will be presented as well as the status of on-going activities.