Engineering topics
Metzger, A.
Publications and source records attributed to Metzger, A..
Gamma-Ray Pulse Tube Cooler Development and Testing
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(abstract) A Solar Electric Propulsion Mission to the Moon and Beyond!
The technological development of solar electric propulsion has advanced significantly over the last few years. Mission planners are now seriously studying which missions would benefit most from solar electric propulsion (SEP) and NASA's Solar System Exploration Division is contributing funding to ground and space qualification tests. In response to the impending release of NASA's Announcement of Opportunity for Discovery class planetary missions, we have undertaken a pre-Phase A study of a SEP mission to the Moon. This mission will not only return a wealth of new scientific data but will open up a whole new era of planetary exploration.
Maximizing the Scientific Return of Low Cost Planetary Missions Using Solar Electric Propulsion(abstract)
After many years of development, solar electric propulsion is now a practical low cost alternative for many planetary missions. In response to the recent Discovery AO, we and a number of colleagues have examined the scientific return from a missioon to map the Moon and then rendezvous with a small body. In planning this mission, we found that solar electric propulsion was quite affordable under the Discovery guidelines, that many targets could be reached more rapidly with solar electric propulsion than chemical propulsion, that a large number of planetary bodies were accessible with modest propulsion systems, and that such missions were quite adaptable, with generous launch windows which minimized mission risks. Moreover, solar electric propulsion is ideally suited for large payloads requiring a large amount of power.
A Team Approach to the Development of Gamma Ray and x Ray Remote Sensing and in Situ Spectroscopy for Planetary Exploration Missions
An important part of the investigation of planetary origin and evolution is the determination of the surface composition of planets, comets, and asteroids. Measurements of discrete line X-ray and gamma ray emissions from condensed bodies in space can be used to obtain both qualitative and quantitative elemental composition information. The Planetary Instrumentation Definition and Development Program (PIDDP) X-Ray/Gamma Ray Team has been established to develop remote sensing and in situ technologies for future planetary exploration missions.
Protective Package for a Gamma-Ray Detector
Package for germanium gamma-ray detector protects semiconductor crystal from contamination, allows it to operate at high voltages, and isolates from shock and vibration. Package seals detector from its surroundings, whether in atmosphere or in vacuum of space. Main parts of package made of aluminum. Cover sealed to base by soft aluminum ring.
A panel discussion on the future direction of gamma-ray astronomy
A panel discussion was held on all data presented at the conference on Gamma Ray Astronomy. The present status and future directions of the science were outlined.