Engineering Papers⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Oyama, V. I.

Publications and source records attributed to Oyama, V. I..

At least 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1973

Biological effects of fuel and exhaust components from spacecraft descent engines employing hydrazine

The effect of the products of the Viking terminal descent engine fuel upon possible extraterrestrial life at the Martian landing site is examined. The effects of the engine exhaust, the hydrazine fuel, and the breakdown products of the latter on terrestrial microorganisms have been studied. The results indicate that the gaseous exhaust products would probably not be hazardous to microorganisms, but that liquid hydrazine would be lethal.

Lehwalt, M. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Search for biogenic structures and viable organisms in lunar samples - A review.

An attempt is made to summarize the examinations and tests of the lunar samples to date and point out the limitations and tentative conclusions regarding the biology of the moon. The low levels of organic carbon, the lack of hydrous minerals, and inability to hold an atmosphere all make it unlikely that the moon could provide sufficient sources of organics and water to generate even the rudimentary beginnings of chemical precursors to life.

Oyama, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The Gas Exchange Experiment for life detection - The Viking Mars Lander.

The Gas Exchange Experiment of the Viking mission accepts a sample of Martian soil, incubates this soil with nutrient medium, and periodically samples the enclosed atmosphere over this soil for the gases H2, N2, O2, Kr, and CO2. These gases are analyzed by an automated gas chromatograph, and the data are transmitted to earth. The design of the experiment and the qualitative and quantitative changes, if any, of gas composition should allow conclusions to be made on the presence of life on Mars. Data and theory substantiating this approach are presented.

Oyama, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Automatic amino acid analyzer

Analyzer operates unattended or up to 15 hours. It has an automatic sample injection system and can be programmed. All fluid-flow valve switching is accomplished pneumatically from miniature three-way solenoid pilot valves.

Berdahl, B. J.↗
NASA NTRS1970

Integration of experiments for the detection of biological activity in extraterrestrial exploration

Although many experiments have been suggested and described for the detection of biological activity in planetary exploration, each experiment has required its own sample for the detection of a specific phenomenon. An experimental design which could detect growth, catabolic and anabolic activity on a single sample is described. Growth is monitored in a liquid medium which is in contact with, and chemically influenced by, a relatively large sample. Catabolic activity is indicated by changes in the gas composition of the atmosphere above the sample. Anabolic activity is indicated by the appearance of reduced carbon compounds, from oxidized precursors, in the liquid medium.

Space Flight/instrumentation↗