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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Simultaneous investigation of parent electrons and bremsstrahlung X rays by rocket-borne detectors

Simultaneous measurements of the energy spectrum of precipitating electrons and the resulting bremsstrahlung X-ray spectrum were carried out during an auroral event on March 3, 1971, at the Churchill Research Range, Manitoba, Canada. The electron data were obtained with detectors on a Black Brant VB sounding rocket (275-km apogee), while the X-ray flux was measured by an instrument package that was boosted to 60 km on an Arcas rocket. The X-ray package was deployed on a parachute at apogee to provide a slow descent through the atmosphere. Thick-target bremsstrahlung theory is used to calculate the X-ray flux produced by the incident electrons, and a Monte Carlo method is used to predict the X-ray spectrum at various altitudes appropriate for comparison with the measured X-ray data. Satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment is obtained, and the value of the constant in the thick target theory has been estimated to be about 0.00002.

Vij, K. K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Definition of Throw-Away Detectors (TADs) and VLF antenna for the AMPS laboratory

A Throw Away Detector (TAD)/subsatellite to be used as an experiment platform for the test flights to map the EMI from the shuttle and during the AMPS science flights is defined. A range of instrument platforms of varying capabilities is examined with emphasis on the EMI test vehicle. The operational support requirements of TAD/subsatellites are determined. The throw away detector is envisioned as a simple instrument package for supporting specific experiments.

Koons, H. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Seasat and polar ice

The instrument package for SEASAT-A possesses three tools that could give data greatly needed in ice cap research: the Compressed Pulse Radar Altimeter (CPRA), the Coherent Imaging Radar (CIR), and the Scanning Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer (SMMR). Certain problems that can be studied with each sensor are discussed.

Campbell, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Seasat and floating ice

Data collected by SEASAT would be useful in developing predictive physical models for the drift and deformation of sea ice, for estimating the heat budget of the polar seas, for the optimum routing of shipping through pack ice areas, for the design of both offshore structures and shipping capable of surviving in heavy pack ice, and for the tracking of large icebergs and ice islands. The instrument package for SEASAT-A is particularly useful for studying sea ice in that the Coherent Imaging Radar (CIR), the Scanning Multifrequency Microwave Radiometer (SMMR) and the Compressed Pulse Radar Altimeter (CPRA) are not limited by the presence of clouds.

Weeks, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Solar Energy Monitor In Space (SEMIS)

Measurements made at high altitudes from aircraft have resulted in the establishment of standard values of the solar constant and extraterrestrial solar spectral irradiance. These standard values and other solar spectral curves are described. The problem of possible variations of the solar constant and solar spectrum and their influence on the earth-atmosphere system and weather related phenomena is examined. It is shown that the solar energy input parameters should be determined with considerably greater accuracy and precision than has been possible. An instrument package designed as a compact, low weight solar energy monitor in space (SEMIS) is described.

Thekaekara, M. P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

High stability deployable boom

Meaningful magnetic field vector measurements in space require accurate placement of a magnetometer beyond the magnetic fields of a spacecraft. The design and development of a deployable boom is described which ensures accurate deployment of an instrument package and maintains high stability after extension.

Smith, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

One-man electrochemical air revitalization system evaluation

A program to evaluate the performance of a one man capacity, self contained electrochemical air revitalization system was successfully completed. The technology readiness of this concept was demonstrated by characterizing the performance of this one man system over wide ranges in cabin atmospheric conditions. The electrochemical air revitalization system consists of a water vapor electrolysis module to generate oxygen from water vapor in the cabin air, and an electrochemical depolarized carbon dioxide concentrator module to remove carbon dioxide from the cabin air. A control/monitor instrumentation package that uses the electrochemical depolarized concentrator module power generated to partially offset the water vapor electrolysis module power requirements and various structural fluid routing components are also part of the system. The system was designed to meet the one man metabolic oxygen generation and carbon dioxide removal requirements, thereby controlling cabin partial pressure of oxygen at 22 kN/sq m and cabin pressure of carbon dioxide at 400 N/sq m over a wide range in cabin air relative humidity conditions.

Schbert, F. H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The journey to Jupiter

The Pioneer missions to Jupiter are reviewed, and the observations made by the two probes are discussed. The spacecraft are described along with their launches, instrument packages, and trajectories. The major results of the micrometeorite, plasma, magnetic-field, and charged-particle experiments are summarized. The structure of Jupiter's magnetosphere is illustrated, spectroscopic and photometric observations by the Pioneers are discussed, and measurements of the Jovian atmosphere and gravitational field are examined. The measured masses and densities of the Galilean satellites are given, and future prospects for the Pioneer spacecraft are noted, including the possibility that Pioneer 10 may still be in contact with earth when it crosses the boundary between the solar system and interstellar space.

Hall, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Microbial load monitor

A card configuration which combines the functions of identification, enumeration and antibiotic sensitivity into one card was developed. An instrument package was designed around the card to integrate the card filling, incubation reading, computation and decision making process into one compact unit. Support equipment was also designed to prepare the expandable material used in the MLM.

Holen, J. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Development of environmental charging effect monitors for operational satellites

An instrumentation package to monitor the effects of the environmental charging of spacecraft surfaces on the systems of operational spacecraft was developed. This package performs two functions: first, the local charged particle flux and the particle characteristic energy is monitored; and second, transients in the spacecraft electrical harness is counted as a function of amplitude, with time. It is used to determine the duration and effect of any environmental charging of the spacecraft surfaces. Thus, it will be possible to determine the relationship between the occurrence of any anomalies and the charging phenomenon. Design details and design goals of this package are presented.

Stevens, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

The search for life on Mars - Viking 1976 gas changes as indicators of biological activity

The objective of the gas exchange experiment (GEX) in the Viking lander biology instrument package is to determine whether life exists in a 1-cc Martian soil sample delivered to it. The GEX is capable of maximum flexibility while protecting the indigenous organisms from exposure to physiologically incompatible medium. The discussion covers the biological premises implemented in the GEX, the requirements for the GEX M4 medium, the operational aspects of the incubation chamber, nonbiological and biological changes, and Antarctica soil experiment. Sources of biological gas changes are examined along with ways of differentiating biological gas changes from nonbiological ones. From cold incubation of low-frequency soils, it is concluded that decisive negative tests of GEX may require extended incubations beyond the nominal mission plan of 60 days, barring any outright information that negates the presence of life on Mars.

Oyama, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Ionospheric aerodynamics and space simulation studies utilizing the Shuttle/Spacelab platform

A new philosophy for the second generation of in situ experiments in the area of plasma flows over bodies is discussed. A brief review of the present state of the theory and terrestrial laboratory and in situ studies is given, which points toward the need for further in situ investigations which utilize independently maneuverable test bodies and diagnostic instrument packages on board the Shuttle/Spacelab. The possibility of utilizing the Space Shuttle/Spacelab in the broader context of a general in situ plasma laboratory is considered, as well as the possibility of addressing questions of geo/astrophysical interest if the principle of qualitative scaling is used in conjunction with such a facility.

Samir, U.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Results of the 1974 through 1977 NASA/JPL balloon flight solar cell calibration program

From 1974 through 1977, seven solar cell calibration flights and two R&D flights with a spectroradiometer as a payload were attempted. There were two R&D flights, and one calibration flight that failed. Each calibration flight balloon was designed to carry its payload to an altitude of 36.6 km (120 kft). The R&D flight balloons were designed for a payload altitude of 47.5 km (150 kft). At the end of the flight period, the upper (solar cell calibration system) and lower (consolidated instrument package (DIP) payloads were separated from the balloon and descend via parachutes. The calibrated solar cells recovered in this manner were used as primary intensity reference standards during solar simulator testing of solar cells and solar arrays with similar spectral response characteristics. This method of calibration has become the most widely accepted technique for developing space standard solar cells.

Sidwell, L. B.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Determination of the structure and heating mechanisms of coronal loops from soft X-ray observations with the solar probe

High resolution soft X-ray imaging from the solar probe is justified in terms of the expected scientific returns which include the determination of the temperature and density structure of a coronal loop. The advantages of the grazing incidence telescope over the multiple pinhole camera are discussed. An instrument package is described which includes a grazing incidence mirror, a thermal prefilter, a three position filter wheel and a focal plane detector baselined as an 800 by 800 back-illuminated charge coupled device. The structural assembly together with the data processing equipment would draw heavily on the designs being developed for the Solar Polar Mission.

Davis, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

The Viking seismometer

The Viking seismometer, operating on the Martian surface in the region of Utopia Planitia, includes three inertial velocity transducers, amplifiers, filters, automatic event detectors, data compactors, and temporary data storage capability within a unit weighing 2.2 kg. The seismometer functions at a peak magnification of 218,000 with a ground resolution of 2 nanosec and 3 Hz. Since the telemetry capacities associated with the system are limited, the seismometer instrument package employs three data processing modes: a high sampling rate mode; a heavily filtered background monitoring mode; and a frequently-used data compacting mode.

Miller, W. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Seasat-A data acquisition and distribution

The instrument package of the Seasat-A satellite, scheduled for launch in 1978, consists of a short-pulse radar altimeter, a wind field scatterometer, a scanning multichannel microwave radiometer, and an experimental L-band synthetic aperture radar. Objectives of the mission include precision altimetry for marine geoid and sea surface topography assessments, the determination of wave directional spectra through radar scatterometry, and sea surface temperature measurements through microwave emission analysis. The synthetic aperture radar, operated selectively, is intended to yield land and sea imagery with a resolution of 25 m for such requirements as coastal surveys.

Dunne, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

An experiment for Shuttle aerodynamic force coefficient determination from inflight dynamical and atmospheric measurements

A two-phase experiment is proposed which utilizes the Shuttle Orbiter and its unique series of repeated entries into the earth's atmosphere as an airborne in situ aerodynamic testing laboratory. The objective of the experiment is to determine static aerodynamic force coefficients, first of the orbiter, and later of various entry configurations throughout the high speed flight regime, including the transition from free molecule to continuum fluid flow. The objective will be accomplished through analysis of inflight measurements from both shuttle-borne and shuttle-launched instrumented packages. Results are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of such an experiment.

Compton, H. R.↗