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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 145 records · Page 8

A complete database for the Einstein imaging proportional counter

A complete database for the Einstein Imaging Proportional Counter (IPC) was completed. The original data that makes up the archive is described as well as the structure of the database, the Op-Ed analysis system, the technical advances achieved relative to the analysis of (IPC) data, the data products produced, and some uses to which the database has been put by scientists outside Columbia University over the past year.

Helfand, David J.↗

Managing Information On Technical Requirements

Technical Requirements Analysis and Control Systems/Initial Operating Capability (TRACS/IOC) computer program provides supplemental software tools for analysis, control, and interchange of project requirements so qualified project members have access to pertinent project information, even if in different locations. Enables users to analyze and control requirements, serves as focal point for project requirements, and integrates system supporting efficient and consistent operations. TRACS/IOC is HyperCard stack for use on Macintosh computers running HyperCard 1.2 or later and Oracle 1.2 or later.

Mauldin, Lemuel E., III↗

Seawifs Technical Report Series. Volume 2: Analysis of Orbit Selection for Seawifs: Ascending Versus Descending Node

Due to range safety considerations, the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) ocean color instrument may be required to be launched into a near-noon descending node, as opposed to the ascending node used by the predecessor sensor, the Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS). The relative importance of ascending versus descending near-noon orbits was assessed here to determine if descending node will meet the scientific requirements of SeaWiFS. Analyses focused on ground coverage, local times of coverage, solar and viewing geometries (zenith and azimuth angles), and sun glint. Differences were found in the areas covered by individual orbits, but were not important when taken over a 16 day repeat time. Local time of coverage was also different: for ascending node orbits the Northern Hemisphere was observed in the morning and the Southern Hemisphere in the afternoon, while for descending node orbits the Northern Hemisphere was observed in the afternoon and the Southern in the morning. There were substantial differences in solar azimuth and spacecraft azimuth angles both at equinox and at the Northern Hemisphere summer solstice. Negligible differences in solar and spacecraft zenith angles, relative azimuth angles, and sun glint were obtained at the equinox. However, large differences were found in solar zenith angles, relative azimuths, and sun glint for the solstice. These differences appeared to compensate across the scan, however, an increase in sun glint in descending node over that in ascending node on the western part of the scan was compensated by a decrease on the eastern part of the scan. Thus, no advantage or disadvantage could be conferred upon either ascending node or descending node for noon orbits. Analyses were also performed for ascending and descending node orbits that deviated from a noon equator crossing time. For ascending node, afternoon orbits produced the lowest mean solar zenith angles in the Northern Hemisphere, and morning orbits produced the lowest angles for the Southern Hemisphere. For descending node, morning orbits produced the lowest mean solar zenith angles for the Northern Hemisphere; afternoon orbits produced the lowest angles for the Southern Hemisphere.

Hooker, Stanford B.↗

Applicability of the Hypersonic Similarity Rule to Pressure Distributions which Include the Effects of Rotation for Bodies of Revolution at Zero Angle of Attack

The analysis of Technical Note 2250, 1950, is extended to include the effects of flow rotation. It is found that the theoretical pressure distributions over drive cylinders can be related by the hypersonic similarity rule with sufficient accuracy for most engineering purposes. The error introduced into pressure distributions and drag effective cylinders by ignoring the rotation term in the characteristic equations is investigated.

Rossow, Vernon J↗

SeaWiFS technical report series. Volume 11: Analysis of selected orbit propagation models for the SeaWiFS mission

An analysis of orbit propagation models was performed by the Mission Operations element of the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) Project, which has overall responsibility for the instrument scheduling. The orbit propagators selected for this analysis are widely available general perturbations models. The analysis includes both absolute accuracy determination and comparisons of different versions of the models. The results show that all of the models tested meet accuracy requirements for scheduling and data acquisition purposes. For internal Project use the SGP4 propagator, developed by the North American Air Defense (NORAD) Command, has been selected. This model includes atmospheric drag effects and, therefore, provides better accuracy. For High Resolution Picture Transmission (HRPT) ground stations, which have less stringent accuracy requirements, the publicly available Brouwer-Lyddane models are recommended. The SeaWiFS Project will make available portable source code for a version of this model developed by the Data Capture Facility (DCF).

Patt, Frederick S.↗

Multisatellite constellation configuration selection for multiregional highly elliptical orbit constellations

The Archimedes Project is a joint effort of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The primary goal of the Archimedes project is to perform a technical feasibility analysis and preliminary design of a highly inclined multisatellite constellation for direct broadcast and mobile communications services for Europe, Japan and much of North America. This report addresses one aspect of this project, specifically an analysis of continuous satellite coverage using multiregional highly elliptical orbits (M-HEO's). The analysis methodology and ensuing software tool, named SPIFF, were developed specifically for this project by the author during the summer of 1992 under the STA/NSF Summer Institute in Japan Program at Tsukuba Space Center.

Matossian, Mark G.↗

Strain Gauge Balance Uncertainty Analysis at NASA Langley: A Technical Review

This paper describes a method to determine the uncertainties of measured forces and moments from multi-component force balances used in wind tunnel tests. A multivariate regression technique is first employed to estimate the uncertainties of the six balance sensitivities and 156 interaction coefficients derived from established balance calibration procedures. These uncertainties are then employed to calculate the uncertainties of force-moment values computed from observed balance output readings obtained during tests. Confidence and prediction intervals are obtained for each computed force and moment as functions of the actual measurands. Techniques are discussed for separate estimation of balance bias and precision uncertainties.

John S Tripp↗

Digital Processing of Remotely Sensed Imaging

Digital images can be acquired from various devices. Image scanners on personal computers can generate digital images of hard copy material.

process imagery remote sensing deep space missions↗

Method and Apparatus for the Quantification of Particulate Adhesion Forces on Various Substrates

Mitigation strategies for lunar dust adhesion have typically been limited to qualitative analysis. This technical memorandum describes the generation and operation of an adhesion testing device capable of quantitative assessment of adhesion forces between particulates and substrates. An aerosolization technique is described to coat a surface with a monolayer of particulates. Agitation of this surface, via sonication, causes particles to dislodge and be gravitationally fed into an optical particle counter. Experimentally determined adhesion force values are compared to forces calculated from van der Waals interactions and are used to calculate the work of adhesion using Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) theory. Preliminary results indicate that a reduction in surface energy and available surface area, through topographical modification, improve mitigation of particulate adhesion.

Wohl, Christopher J.↗

Ground Processing Affordability for Space Vehicles

Launch vehicles and most of their payloads spend the majority of their time on the ground. The cost of ground operations is very high. So, why so often is so little attention given to ground processing during development? The current global space industry and economic environment are driving more need for efficiencies to save time and money. Affordability and sustainability are more important now than ever. We can not continue to treat space vehicles as mere science projects. More RLV's (Reusable Launch Vehicles) are being developed for the gains of reusability which are not available for ELV's (Expendable Launch Vehicles). More human-rated vehicles are being developed, with the retirement of the Space Shuttles, and for a new global space race, yet these cost more than the many unmanned vehicles of today. We can learn many lessons on affordability from RLV's. DFO (Design for Operations) considers ground operations during design, development, and manufacturing-before the first flight. This is often minimized for space vehicles, but is very important. Vehicles are designed for launch and mission operations. You will not be able to do it again if it is too slow or costly to get there. Many times, technology changes faster than space products such that what is launched includes outdated features, thus reducing competitiveness. Ground operations must be considered for the full product Lifecycle, from concept to retirement. Once manufactured, launch vehicles along with their payloads and launch systems require a long path of processing before launch. Initial assembly and testing always discover problems to address. A solid integration program is essential to minimize these impacts, as was seen in the Constellation Ares I-X test rocket. For RLV's, landing/recovery and post-flight turnaround activities are performed. Multi-use vehicles require reconfiguration. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) must be well-planned--- even for the unplanned problems. Defect limits and standard repairs need to be in-place as well as easily added. Many routine inspections and maintenance can be like an aircraft overhaul. Modifications and technology upgrades should be expected. Another factor affecting ground operations efficiency is trending. It is essential for RLV's, and also useful for ELV's which fly the same or similar models again. Good data analysis of technical and processing performance will determine fixes and improvements needed for safety, design, and future processing. Collecting such data on new or low-frequency vehicles is a challenge. Lessons can be learned from the Space Shuttle, or even the Concorde aircraft. For all of the above topics, efficient business systems must be established for comprehensive program management and good throughput. Drawings, specifications, and manuals for an entire launch vehicle are often in different formats from multiple vendors, plus they have proprietary constraints. Nonetheless, the integration team must ensure that all data needed is compatible and visible to each appropriate team member. Ground processing systems for scheduling, tracking, problem resolution, etc. must be well laid-out. The balance between COTS (commercial off the shelf) and custom software is difficult. Multiple customers, vendors, launch sites, and landing sites add to the complexity of efficient IT (Information Technology) tools.

Ingalls, John↗

Strategic Deconfliction Performance: Results and Analysis from the NASA UTM Technical Capability Level 4 Demonstration

Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management (UTM) refers to the service-based, cooperative approach to the management of small UAS in the National Airspace System that is safe, scalable, and fair. UTM provides the means to manage the airspace in a complementary manner that does not burden the current air traffic control workforce or infrastructure but allows the Air Navigation Service Provider to maintain its regulatory and operational authority of the airspace. A key feature of UTM is the ability to provide operators the means to strategically deconflict operations from others in the airspace through the digital exchange of information via supporting services. Through this approach, the four-dimensional operation volumes that encompass the intent of operators in a given area are discoverable and can be used for airspace awareness as well as planning conflict free operations that account for and avoid other operations. In certain cases, it is also possible to negotiate volume intersections for shared airspace use without the need to re-plan. In the NASA UTM concept, strategic deconfliction is the first layer of three in the overall conflict management model. The three layers of the conflict management model, which follow the International Civil Aviation Organization’s scheme [ICAO 2005] are: strategic conflict management, separate provision, and collision avoidance. In UTM, the strategic layer mostly occurs prior to departure, but is applicable to en route operations with sufficient planning horizon. The initial requirements for a strategic deconfliction capability within UTM are defined in a NASA publication [Rios 2018]. Within the concept and implementation of service-provided strategic deconfliction is the notion of priority. It is understood that there are instances in which an operation requires a priority designation within the UTM system and special handling accordingly to provide situation awareness and facilitate appropriate responses from other airspace users. Examples of situations requiring priority designation include: when an operator declares an emergency due to problems with the vehicle or its immediate surroundings; operations that are in support of certain organizations (e.g., public safety and first responders); or special missions that also require priority use of airspace (e.g., emergency medical deliveries). UAS Volume Reservations (UVRs) also relate to the topic of priority in the sense that the airspace that the volume encompasses has a different status or classification in which unassociated operations must vacate if inside, or avoid if outside, through strategic deconfliction with the volume. Operations that are specially permitted to access the UVR area are typically assigned priority status given the nature of their mission and their associated credentials. The ability to perform strategic deconfliction, handle certain operations with a priority distinction, and establish UVRs that are communicated throughout the UTM system, is predicated on an architecture that has been established through an evolutionary process in response to close collaboration with stakeholders from government and industry. Another important and influential aspect of these capabilities and architecture is the live, distributed flight tests that have been conducted across the Technical Capability Levels (TCLs) that culminated with a set of complex tests performed as part of TCL4 [Rios 2020]. The TCL4 flight test involved two FAA-designated UAS test sites building teams to collaborate with NASA’s UTM Project on the execution of several detailed, small UAS scenarios in urban environments.

conflict management↗

Recent Activities of the Marshall Space Flight Center Natural Environments Branch Terrestrial & Planetary Environments Team

- The Natural Environments (NE) Branch is within the MSFC Engineering Directorate’s Spacecraft and Vehicle System (S&VS) Department - S&VS plans, performs and directs the technical Design, Analysis, Test, Evaluation, Verification, Integration, and Applied Research and Development of future Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Systems - Current programs we support - Space Launch System, Human Landing System, Mars Ascent Vehicle, Orion, Gateway - NE maintains expertise in terrestrial, space, and planetary natural environments definition, characterization, and analysis - Responsibility to disseminate this expertise to Agency programs and projects in support of environment definition, requirements development, vehicle development, operations, and sustaining engineering through program’s life cycle - Branch has two teams; Terrestrial and Planetary Environments (T&PE) and Space Environments (SE) - T&PE has extensive expertise characterizing terrestrial surface and atmospheric (aloft) environments - Winds, temperature, humidity, pressure, lightning, density, precipitation, radiant energy, aerosols, sea state, sea surface temperature - Maintains climatological databases for engineering analyses

Ryan K. Decker↗

SCIFLI HORIS Windowpane Optical Analysis

This NASA Technical Memorandum summarizes windowpane optical analyses for the OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security Regolith Explorer) mission [1] supported by the SCIFLI (Scientifically Calibrated In-Flight Imagery) team [2] at NASA Langley Research Center (NASA LaRC). The SCIFLI team led a NASA multi-center team in characterization of fused silica (FS) and anti-reflective coated (AR-coated) sapphire materials for use as aircraft windowpanes. These materials were needed for the Hypervelocity OSIRIS-REx Reentry Imaging & Spectroscopy (HORIS) mission and were tested to generate performance parameters relevant to the flight environment. Some of the assessed parameters included optical quality, transmittance, reflectance, color balance, birefringence, transmitted wavefront error, wedge, and haziness of the windows. In order to evaluate the material characteristics in a uniform manner, several criteria were held constant. For example, the physical dimensions of the test articles were held constant (i.e., 17-inch diameter aircraft windowpane and 2-inch diameter witness samples). In this way, the comparison of test results from one material specimen to another was invariant with regard to the manner in which the tests were conducted. This also reduced the variability in how the data were reported. As a result, the results shown in this report, including test data generated by NASA can be used for windowpane material evaluation and future material design trades. Window designers can use the data and the testing method along with the testing matrices to efficiently match material performance to their design and mission objectives and requirements. Standardized testing methodologies and data reduction procedures are described in this report. Unless otherwise noted in the data itself, all the windowpane materials were tested in order to characterize their performance for the HORIS mission. One appendix has been included in this report. These include detailed wavefront interferograms of transmitted wavefront error and optical wedge used in the generation of aggregated material performance.

SCIFLI↗