MITRE Grand Challenges Power Hour: Preserving the Space Domain
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In situ performance measurements of the mitre photovoltaic array
A data acquisition system was developed to provide more accurate and consistent measurement of the degradation of solar arrays. A technique was developed for in-situ measurement of photovoltaic panels of sufficient quality to permit evaluation of electrical performance over extended periods of several years.
Cherdak, A. S.↗
Overview of the current MITRE effort
A logical view of the applications data service (ADS) as a distributed system was adopted. A hierarchical classification scheme of ADS features comprising 70 modes was developed. The framework for a preliminary assessment of the applicability Federal, national, and international standards to ADS was provided by the classification. Approximately 300 standards were gathered, screened, and documented. The survey was enlarged to incorporate standards from NASA headquarters and centers. Two efforts were initiated to (1) survey methodologies of the three ADS pilots, and (2) identify the requirements for standards of ADS members based on a survey of the pilots and on representative future members. Preliminary results of the requirements survey were used in the development of criteria for the evaluation of candidate standards. An evaluation process was designed incorporating these criteria.
Kuch, T.↗
Simulation and Flight Test Capability for Testing Prototype Sense and Avoid System Elements
NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and The MITRE Corporation (MITRE) have developed, and successfully demonstrated, an integrated simulation-to-flight capability for evaluating sense and avoid (SAA) system elements. This integrated capability consists of a MITRE developed fast-time computer simulation for evaluating SAA algorithms, and a NASA LaRC surrogate unmanned aircraft system (UAS) equipped to support hardware and software in-the-loop evaluation of SAA system elements (e.g., algorithms, sensors, architecture, communications, autonomous systems), concepts, and procedures. The fast-time computer simulation subjects algorithms to simulated flight encounters/ conditions and generates a fitness report that records strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance. Reviewed algorithms (and their fitness report) are then transferred to NASA LaRC where additional (joint) airworthiness evaluations are performed on the candidate SAA system-element configurations, concepts, and/or procedures of interest; software and hardware components are integrated into the Surrogate UAS research systems; and flight safety and mission planning activities are completed. Onboard the Surrogate UAS, candidate SAA system element configurations, concepts, and/or procedures are subjected to flight evaluations and in-flight performance is monitored. The Surrogate UAS, which can be controlled remotely via generic Ground Station uplink or automatically via onboard systems, operates with a NASA Safety Pilot/Pilot in Command onboard to permit safe operations in mixed airspace with manned aircraft. An end-to-end demonstration of a typical application of the capability was performed in non-exclusionary airspace in October 2011; additional research, development, flight testing, and evaluation efforts using this integrated capability are planned throughout fiscal year 2012 and 2013.
Howell, Charles T.↗
Development of vendor evaluation criteria and post-implementation considerations for MSFC center-wide executive information system
In June 1991, the MITRE Corporation submitted a series of recommendations as part of a Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Management Information System Requirements Study, initiated by the Information Systems Office (ISO). A major recommendation of the study was to develop an Executive Information System (EIS) for MSFC executives. ISO was directed, by center management, to proceed with the development of a Center-Wide Executive Information System. Existing EIS prototypes, developed by the Space Shuttle Projects Office and the Payload Projects Office, were reviewed. These existing MSFC prototypes were considered not to encompass the required functionality needed on a center-wide basis. A follow-up study by MITRE provided top-level system requirements. These were later incorporated into a final requirements specification document by Boeing Computer Support Services.
Moynihan, Gary P.↗
Non-GEO mobile satellite systems: A risk assessment
Since 1991, The MITRE Corporation has performed several independent evaluations of proposed mobile satellite service (MSS) systems that would operate from low Earth orbit (LEO) or medium Earth orbit (MEO), also known as intermediate circular orbit (ICO). This paper introduces a top level Risk Taxonomy tailored to summarize the technical and programmatic risks that MITRE has identified. In general, as risks are identified and addressed, a system's technical characteristics, cost and schedule are affected. This paper traces changes in three key parameters - satellite launch mass, system cost, and system schedule - for each of the five original non-GEO MSS systems for which license applications were made to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from November 1990 until June 1991. Finally, specific risk areas are identified using the Risk Taxonomy as a framework for discussion.
Gaffney, Leah M.↗
A Framework for Dimensioning VDL-2 Air-Ground Networks
This paper describes a framework developed at MITRE for dimensioning a Very High Frequency (VHF) Digital Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) Air-to-Ground network. This framework was developed to support the FAA's Data Communications (Data Comm) program by providing estimates of expected capacity required for the air-ground network services that will support Controller-Pilot-Data-Link Communications (CPDLC), as well as the spectrum needed to operate the system at required levels of performance. The Data Comm program is part of the FAA's NextGen initiative to implement advanced communication capabilities in the National Airspace System (NAS). The first component of the framework is the radio-frequency (RF) coverage design for the network ground stations. Then we proceed to describe the approach used to assess the aircraft geographical distribution and the data traffic demand expected in the network. The next step is the resource allocation utilizing optimization algorithms developed in MITRE's Spectrum ProspectorTM tool to propose frequency assignment solutions, and a NASA-developed VDL-2 tool to perform simulations and determine whether a proposed plan meets the desired performance requirements. The framework presented is capable of providing quantitative estimates of multiple variables related to the air-ground network, in order to satisfy established coverage, capacity and latency performance requirements. Outputs include: coverage provided at different altitudes; data capacity required in the network, aggregated or on a per ground station basis; spectrum (pool of frequencies) needed for the system to meet a target performance; optimized frequency plan for a given scenario; expected performance given spectrum available; and, estimates of throughput distributions for a given scenario. We conclude with a discussion aimed at providing insight into the tradeoffs and challenges identified with respect to radio resource management for VDL-2 air-ground networks.
Aviation↗
Avionics Configuration Assessment for Flightdeck Interval Management: A Comparison of Avionics and Notification Methods
Flightdeck Interval Management is one of the NextGen operational concepts that FAA is sponsoring to realize requisite National Airspace System (NAS) efficiencies. Interval Management will reduce variability in temporal deviations at a position, and thereby reduce buffers typically applied by controllers - resulting in higher arrival rates, and more efficient operations. Ground software generates a strategic schedule of aircraft pairs. Air Traffic Control (ATC) provides an IM clearance with the IM spacing objective (i.e., the TTF, and at which point to achieve the appropriate spacing from this aircraft) to the IM aircraft. Pilots must dial FIM speeds into the speed window on the Mode Control Panel in a timely manner, and attend to deviations between actual speed and the instantaneous FIM profile speed. Here, the crew is assumed to be operating the aircraft with autothrottles on, with autopilot engaged, and the autoflight system in Vertical Navigation (VNAV) and Lateral Navigation (LNAV); and is responsible for safely flying the aircraft while maintaining situation awareness of their ability to follow FIM speed commands and to achieve the FIM spacing goal. The objective of this study is to examine whether three Notification Methods and four Avionics Conditions affect pilots' performance, ratings on constructs associated with performance (workload, situation awareness), or opinions on acceptability. Three Notification Methods (alternate visual and aural alerts that notified pilots to the onset of a speed target, conformance deviation from the required speed profile, and reminded them if they failed to enter the speed within 10 seconds) were examined. These Notification Methods were: VVV (visuals for all three events), VAV (visuals for all three events, plus an aural for speed conformance deviations), and AAA (visual indications and the same aural to indicate all three of these events). Avionics Conditions were defined by the instrumentation (and location) used to present IM information to crews: (1) Integrated (IM information is embedded in extant PFD (Primary Flight Display), ND (Navigation Display), EICAS (Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System) displays); (2) EFB_Aft (IM information is only supplied in an EFB and mounted in location similar to that for MITRE's UPS work); (3) EFB_Fore (IM information is only supplied in an EFB which is mounted more forward, under the side window), and (4) EFB_Aft plus use of an AGD (the same IM information is supplied in an EFB and on an AGD, both mounted in locations similar to that in MITRE's UPS work ). Twelve commercial pilot crews flew descent scenarios (VNAV Speed with the mode control panel (MCP) speed window open until flaps extended, then VNAV Path) in a commercial transport flight simulator with realistic visual scene and communications. The results of this study serve three practical aims: (1) contribute to the down-select of avionics configuration for future assessment of the ASTAR spacing algorithm at NASA; (2) provide information useful to the FAA Human Factors Division (ANG-C1)'s mission to identify issues pertinent to flight certification of, and flight standards; (3) identify methodological considerations in support of future FIM human-in-the-loop (HITL) investigations.
Latorella, Kara A.↗
ADS-B Mixed sUAS and NAS System Capacity Analysis and DAA Performance
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology was introduced more than twenty years ago to improve surveillance within the US National Airspace Space (NAS) as well as in many other countries. Via the NextGen initiative, implementation of ADS-B technology across the US is planned in stages between 2012 and 2025. ADS-B's automatic one second epoch packet transmission exploits on-board GPS-derived navigational information to provide position information, as well as other information including vehicle identification, ground speed, vertical rate and track angle. The purpose of this technology is to improve surveillance data accuracy and provide access to better situational awareness to enable operational benefits such as shorter routes, reduced flight time and fuel burn, and reduced traffic delays, and to allow air traffic controllers to manage aircraft with greater safety margins. Other than the limited amount of information bits per packet that can be sent, ADS-B's other hard-limit limitation is capacity. Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) can utilize limited ADS-B transmission power, in general, thus allowing this technology to be considered for use within a combined NAS and sUAS environment, but the potential number and density of sUAS predicted for future deployment calls into question the ability of ADS-B systems to meet the resulting capacity requirement. Hence, studies to understand potential limitations of ADS-B to fulfill capacity requirements in various sUAS scenarios are of great interest. In this paper we, validate/improve on, previous work performed by the MITRE Corporation concerning sUAS power and capacity in a sUAS and General Aviation (GA) mixed environment. In addition, we implement its inherent media access control layer capacity limitations which was not shown in the MITRE paper. Finally, a simple detect and avoid (DAA) algorithm is implemented to display that ADS-B technology is a viable technology for a mixed NAS/sUAS environment even in proposed larger mixed density environments.
Matheou, Konstantin J.↗
ADS-B Mixed sUAS and NAS System Capacity Analysis and DAA Performance
Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) technology was introduced more than twenty years ago to improve surveillance within the US National Airspace Space (NAS) as well as in many other countries. Via the NextGen initiative, implementation of ADS-B technology across the US is planned in stages between 2012 and 2025. ADS-B's automatic one second epoch packet transmission exploits on-board GPS-derived navigational information to provide position information, as well as other information including vehicle identification, ground speed, vertical rate and track angle. The purpose of this technology is to improve surveillance data accuracy and provide access to better situational awareness to enable operational benefits such as shorter routes, reduced flight time and fuel burn, and reduced traffic delays, and to allow air traffic controllers to manage aircraft with greater safety margins. Other than the limited amount of information bits per packet that can be sent, ADS-B's other hard-limit limitation is capacity. Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) can utilize limited ADS-B transmission power, in general, thus allowing this technology to be considered for use within a combined NAS and sUAS environment, but the potential number and density of sUAS predicted for future deployment calls into question the ability of ADS-B systems to meet the resulting capacity requirement. Hence, studies to understand potential limitations of ADS-B to fulfill capacity requirements in various sUAS scenarios are of great interest. In this paper we, validate/improve on, previous work performed by the MITRE Corporation concerning sUAS power and capacity in a sUAS and General Aviation (GA) mixed environment. In addition, we implement its inherent media access control layer capacity limitations which was not shown in the MITRE paper. Finally, a simple detect and avoid (DAA) algorithm is implemented to display that ADS-B technology is a viable technology for a mixed NAS/sUAS environment even in proposed larger mixed density environments.
Matheou, Konstantin↗
High Level Architecture (HLA) as a Research Tool for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
In this document, a NASA investigation into the High-Level Architecture (HLA) standard for distributed simulation as a means of furthering Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research is illustrated along with a description of the evolution of distributed simulation leading to the HLA standard. HLA enables efficient definition and insertion of components and participants in simulation sessions. Novel concepts can be added or removed as the work evolves. A general history of the HLA standard is described to show past needs for improved methods of distributed simulation, particularly among participating laboratories in separate locations, as well as previous applications of HLA simulation to airspace research. These examples from the past illustrate how new and emerging concepts can be simulated by layering notional ideas over simulated current-day systems and capabilities in a controlled environment for examination. In the 1990s, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the MITRE Corporation performed joint research into then-emergent capabilities in the National Airspace System (NAS). In the early 2000s, the MITRE Corporation developed an open, extendable set of objects and protocols designed for global and collaborative aviation research called AviationSimNet, which has HLA as its foundation. This led to NASA and the FAA using AviationSimNet to connect laboratories for AAM research, resulting in the NASA/FAA Laboratory Integrated Test Environment (NFLITE). The underlying capabilities of HLA enabled testing a notional interaction between AAM and legacy ATC systems that resulted in AAM vehicles receiving beacon codes for identification on ATC screens in Class C airspace. The potential next steps in this work include defining and examining notional interactions between AAM and legacy ATC systems within Class B airspace.
UAM↗
The application of a curved, mixed-type shell element.
The variational condition given by Herrmann (1967) for finite element bending analyses of plates is extended to general thin shell problems. Emphasis is laid upon shell behavior and, in particular, on boundary layers and inextensional bending. A study of the boundary layer problem on a cylindrical shell compares the refined element and the Herrmann-Campbell (1968) element. Some numerical results on cross-tube and mitred-bend problems are given.
Visser, W.↗
Generating social impact scenarios: A key step in making technology assessment studies
The MITRE methodological studies were conducted to define relevant questions in relation to the concept of total impact analysis and to provide a procedure for integrating diverse checklists of questions which trace the initial and secondary impacts of any major technological application or of society's attempts to respond to or redirect that application. Some of the results of that study are presented in tabular form.
Jones, M. V.↗
Central Computational Facility CCF communications subsystem options
A MITRE study which investigated the communication options available to support both the remaining Central Computational Facility (CCF) computer systems and the proposed U1108 replacements is presented. The facilities utilized to link the remote user terminals with the CCF were analyzed and guidelines to provide more efficient communications were established.
Hennigan, K. B.↗
The crew activity planning system bus interface unit
The hardware and software designs used to implement a high speed parallel communications interface to the MITRE 307.2 kilobit/second serial bus communications system are described. The primary topic is the development of the bus interface unit.
Allen, M. A.↗
The design of flight hardware: Organizational and technical ideas from the MITRE/WPI Shuttle Program
The Mitre Corporation of Bedford Mass. and the Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing several experiments for a future Shuttle flight. Several design practices for the development of the electrical equipment for the flight hardware have been standardized. Some of the ideas are presented, not as hard and fast rules but rather in the interest of stimulating discussions for sharing such ideas.
F. J. Looft↗
Observations from a prototype implementation of the Common APSE Interface Set (CAIS)
This paper presents an overview of the Common Ada Programming Support Environment (APSE) Interface Set (CAIS), its purpose, and its history. The paper describes an internal research and development effort at the Mitre Corporation to implement a prototype version of the current CAIS specification and to rehost existing Ada software development tools onto the CAIS prototype. Based on this effort, observations are made on the maturity and functionality of the CAIS. These observations support the government's current policy of publicizing the CAIS specification as a baseline for public review in support of its evolution into a standard which can be mandated for use as Ada is today.
Mcclimens, M.↗
An approach to design knowledge capture for the space station
The design of NASA's space station has begun. During the design cycle, and after activation of the space station, the reoccurring need will exist to access not only designs, but also deeper knowledge about the designs, which is only hinted in the design definition. Areas benefiting from this knowledge include training, fault management, and onboard automation. NASA's Artificial Intelligence Office at Johnson Space Center and The MITRE Corporation have conceptualized an approach for capture and storage of design knowledge.
Wechsler, D. B.↗