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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

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NASA NTRS1985

Shortwave infrared 512 x 2 line sensor for earth resources applications

As part of the NASA remote-sensing Multispectral Linear Array Program, an edge-buttable 512 x 2 IRCCD line image sensor with 30-micron Pd2Si Schottky-barrier detectors is developed for operation with passive cooling at 120 K in the 1.1-2.5 micron short infrared band. On-chip CCD multiplexers provide one video output for each 512 detector band. The monolithic silicon line imager performance at a 4-ms optical integration time includes a signal-to-noise ratio of 241 for irradiance of 7.2 microwatts/sq cm at 1.65 microns wavelength, a 5000 dynamic range, a modulation transfer function, greater than 60 percent at the Nyquist frequency, and an 18-milliwatt imager chip total power dissipation. Blemish-free images with three percent nonuniformity under illumination and nonlinearity of 1.25 percent are obtained. A five SWIR imager hybrid focal plane was constructed, demonstrating the feasibility of arrays with only a two-detector loss at each joint.

Tower, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Remote detection of soil geochemical anomalies from an aircraft platform - Examples from the Virginia Piedmont

The use of remote-sensing data on forest leaf flush to identify areas with anomalously high soil heavy-metal concentrations is demonstrated using airborne Thematic Mapper Simulator (TMS) leaf-area-index data obtained over two sites in Virginia in spring 1983 and 1984. Mean-reflectance differences, especially in the 760-900-nm and 630-690-nm bands, corresponding to delayed leaf flush are found to be good indicators of higher heavy-metal concentration. Airborne and ground-based canopy-temperature measurements are also shown to be significantly higher in high-heavy-metal areas than in control areas.

Bell, R.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Radiation physics and modelling for off-nadir satellite-sensing of non-Lambertian surfaces

The primary objective of this paper is to provide a deeper understanding of the physics of satellite remote-sensing when off-nadir observations are considered. Emphasis is placed on the analysis and modeling of atmospheric effects and the radiative transfer of non-Lambertian surface reflectance characteristics from ground-level to satellite locations. The relative importance of spectral, spatial, angular, and temporal reflectance characteristics for satellite-sensed identification of vegetation types in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions is evaluated. The highest identification value is attributed to angular reflectance signatures. Using radiative transfer calculations to evaluate the atmospheric effects on angular reflectance distributions of vegetation surfaces, atmosphere-invariant angular reflectance features such as the 'hot spot' and the 'persistent valley' are identified. A new atmospheric correction formalism for complete angular reflectance distributions is described. A sample calculation demonstrates that a highly non-Lambertian measured surface reflectance distribution can be retrieved from simulated satellite data in the visible and near infrared to within about 20 percent accuracy for almost all view directions up to 60 deg off-nadir. Thus the high value of angular surface reflectance characteristics (the 'angular signature') for satellite-sensed feature identification is confirmed, which provides a scientific basis for future off-nadir satellite observations.

Gerstl, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Site selection for manned Mars landings: A geological perspective

Issues relating to the selection of initial landing sites for manned Mars missions are discussed from a geological viewpoint. The two prime objectives for initial manned exploration should be the youngest unambiguous lava flows (to tie down the late end of the cratering history curve for Mars) and old highland crust, which is best sampled and studied through the use of large impact basins as natural, planetary drill-holes. Exploration of these two sites will provide data on Martian chronology, volcanism, impact processes and gross chemical structure that will enable a first-order global synthesis through integration of these results with the global remote-sensing data already in hand from Viking and that to be provided by the Mars Observer Mission.

Spudis, Paul D.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Spectrometry: Report of panel

Spectroscopic measurements are required to define the spectral background and provide the detailed spectral information that is essential for the design of species-specific systems and the analysis of data obtained from them. This function of spectroscopic measurements is expected to be an important part of any tropospheric remote-sensing program, and both emission and absorption spectroscopy are relevant in this context. The data from such observations are of value to tropospheric science in their own right, during the initial phases while species-specific techniques and instruments are under development. In addition, there are a number of unresolved problems in tropospheric radiative transfer and spectroscopy which presently limit the accuracy and reliability of all remote sensing methods. Only through a supporting program of spectroscopic measurements can progress be made in improving the understanding of these aspects of radiative transfer and ultimately reaching the desired confidence in the accuracy to species-specific monitoring techniques.

Farmer, C. Barney↗

NASA NTRS1987

LASA (Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter) Earth Observing System. Volume 2D: Instrument Panel Report

The Earth Observing System (Eos) will provide an ideal forum in which the stronly synergistic characteristics of the lidar systems can be used in concert with the characteristics of a number of other sensors to better understand the Earth as a system. Progress in the development of more efficient and long-lasting laser systems will insure their availability in the Eos time frame. The necessary remote-sensing techniques are being developed to convert the Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter (LASA) observations into the proper scientific parameters. Each of these activities reinforces the promise that LASA and GLRS will be a reality in the Eos era.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1986

Millimeter-wave imaging sensor

A scanning 3-mm radiometer system has been built and used on a helicopter to produce moderate-resolution (0.5 deg) images of the ground. This millimeter-wave sensor can be used for a variety of remote-sensing applications and produces images through clouds, smoke, and dust when visual and IR sensors are not usable. The system is described and imaging results are presented.

Wilson, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Evidence for stratospheric hydrogen peroxide

A statistically significant measurement of H2O2 in the stratosphere has been obtained. The results were obtained from the 112.19/cm RQ5 branch of the torsional-rotational spectrum with a remote-sensing far-infrared Fourier transform spectrometer during the Balloon Intercomparison Campaign (BIC-2), on June 20, 1983. The concentration above the balloon gondola is unexpectedly large, corresponding to 0.68 + or - 0.21 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) at an effective altitude of 38.3 km. Below the gondola altitude the concentration of H2O2 is slightly less than expected from the model predictions at 33.2 km (0.19 + or - 0.05 ppbv) and significantly less than expected at 29.3 km (0.08 + or - 0.03 ppbv).

Chance, K. V.↗

NASA NTRS1987

U.S. national report to the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics

This paper highlights progress by U.S. authors during 1983-1986 in the broad area of auroral research. Atmospheric emissions and their use as a tool for remote-sensing the dynamics, energetics, and effects of auroral activity is a subject which is emphasized here because of the vast progress made in this area on both observational and theoretical fronts. The evolution of primary auroral electrons, the acceleration of auroral ions, small-scale electric fields, auroral kilometric radiation, auroral empirical models and activity indices are also reviewed. An extensive bibliography is supplied.

Gorney, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Snow load effect on earth's rotation and gravitational field, 1979-1985

A global, monthly snow depth data set has been generated from the Nimbus 7 satellite observations using passive microwave remote-sensing techniques. Seven years of data, 1979-1985, are analyzed to compute the snow load effects on the earth's rotation and low-degree zonal gravitational field. The resultant time series show dominant seasonal cycles. The annual peak-to-peak variation in J2 is found to be 2.3 x 10 to the -10th, that in J3 to be 1.1 x 10 to the -10th, and believed to decrease rapidly for higher degrees. The corresponding change in the length of day is 41 micro-s. The annual wobble excitation is (4.9 marc sec, -109 deg) for the prograde motion component and (4.8 marc sec, -28 deg) for the retrograde motion component. The excitation power of the Chandler wobble due to the snow load is estimated to be about 25 dB less than the power needed to maintain the observed Chandler wobble.

Chao, B. Fong↗

NASA NTRS1987

NASA's plans to observe the earth's atmosphere with lidar

The development of two active laser remote-sensing systems designed for the Earth Observing System (EOS) as part of the Space Station for the 1990s is discussed. The operational capabilities of lidar in the Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter (LASA) are considered, and the synergistic use of LASA and EOS data, as in the combination of LASA-determined vertical profiles of water vapor and two-dimensional EOS depictions of water vapor distribution, is emphasized. The Laser Atmospheric Wind Sounder will measure wind profiles with an accuracy of a few meters per second, and will provide samples at intervals of about 100 km horizontally for layers 1 km thick.

Curran, Robert J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Millimeter-Wave Radiometer Imager

A 3-mm radiometer system with mechanically scanned antenna built for use on small aircraft or helicopter to produce near-real-time moderate-resolution images of ground. Main advantage of passive imaging sensor able to provide information through clouds, smoke, and dust when visual and infrared (IR) systems unusable. Used also for variety of remote-sensing applications such as measurements of surface moisture, snow cover, vegetation type and extent, mineral type and extent, surface temperature, and thermal inertia. Possible to map fires and volcanic lava flows through obscuring clouds and smoke.

Wilson, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Program Reads Weather-Data Tapes From Aircraft

Computer program developed to help read and analyze data gathered by airborne instruments for atmospheric research. By employing remote-sensing techniques, measurements of wind and wind stress obtained from airborne instruments in various locations and weather conditions. Written in FORTRAN 77.

Carlton, Mike↗

NASA NTRS1988

Ultraviolet Lidar Would Measure Wind Velocity

Incoherent Doppler-shifted scattering from aerosols reveals important weather data. Remote-sensing system in early stage of development makes global measurements of wind velocities along probing beam of ultraviolet light. In aviation system promotes safety through detection of wind shears and clear-air turbulence. System includes range-gated ultraviolet-excimer laser operating at 308 or 353 nm.

Mcdermid, Iain Stuart↗

NASA NTRS1988

Infrared Remote Sensing Of The Martian Atmosphere

Distributions of temperature dust, vapors, and condensates measured. Report describes design and intended uses of developmental pressure-modulator infrared readimeter, PMIRR, carried aboard Mars Observer spacecraft. Applies remote-sensing techniques used to study atmosphere of Earth. Takes similar measurements from polar orbit around Mars. Nine-channel atmospheric sounder that employs filter and pressure-modulation gas-correlation infrared radiometry.

Mccleese, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Lava thicknesses: Implications for rheological and crustal development

The morphology of a lava flow is strongly influenced by its rheological structure. The rheological structure is, in turn, dependent on numerous factors including: (1) bulk composition, (2) crystallingity, (3) vesicularity, and (4) crustal development. Identifying which of the latter factors are most significant, and hence most readily investigated by remote-sensing techniques, is necessary to clarify short-term objectives and expectations from the study of Martian lava flows. Insights into the rheological controls on flow morphology are provided by variations in thickness of undrained lava streams on Etna and Vesuvius, Southern Italy. Both pahoehoe and aa lavas were studied.

Kilburn, C. R. J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

The case for planetary sample return missions. I - Origin of the solar system

The scientific aims and proposed scenarios of sample-return missions (SRMs) to Mars, Venus, comets, and asteroids are reviewed. SRMs are currently being evaluated as natural follow-ons to the NASA remote-sensing orbiter missions of the 1990s. The technological advantages of ground laboratory analysis of returned samples are discussed; and it is argued that SRMs to large evolved bodies can provide a record of (1) the composition of the solar system at different heliocentric distances and (2) the nature of the processes that led to the accretion of small objects (preserved as comets and asteroids) into large planetary bodies. Also considered are NASA research and analysis programs needed to support studies of solar-system origin. It is recommended that planning of SRMs be begun immediately, although they may not be feasible before the year 2000.

Drake, Michael J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Sequential estimation and satellite data assimilation in meteorology and oceanography

The role of dynamics in estimating the state of the atmosphere and ocean from incomplete and noisy data is discussed and the classical applications of four-dimensional data assimilation to large-scale atmospheric dynamics are presented. It is concluded that sequential updating of a forecast model with continuously incoming conventional and remote-sensing data is the most natural way of extracting the maximum amount of information from the imperfectly known dynamics, on the one hand, and the inaccurate and incomplete observations, on the other.

Ghil, M.↗