Engineering topics

Piotrowski, W. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Piotrowski, W. L..

3 records

NASA NTRS1983

Use of Space Station for Earth and Planetary Exploration

The Earth and Planetary Exploration program attempts to develop an understanding of the earth as a planet by utilizing the capability of instruments in space to explore the earth. Studies of the solar system are conducted to gain an understanding of its origin and evolution. The facilities for planetary observations will be greatly extended by making use of a Space Station. Special demands related to the appropriate utilization of a Space Station observatory are discussed, taking into account the employment of ultraviolet spectroscopy for the study of planetary atmospheres and comets, advantages provided by infrared spectroscopy, far-infrared and submillimeter spectroscopy and radiometery, and the search for other planetary systems. The capabilities provided by the Space Station for an investigation of earth resources are explored. Attention is given to vegetation research and observations, land cover dynamics, hydrologic cycle research, geological research, suitable instruments, and a study of crustal dynamics.

Piotrowski, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

NASA's Earth resources program: Future outlook

NASA's research and development strategies for future Earth resources systems are outlined. The development of the multilinear array sensor technology, STEREOSAT, future satellites in the LANDSAT series, the Shuttle Imaging Radar, the Operational Earth Resources System, and Spacelab payloads are addressed.

Piotrowski, W. L.↗

NASA NTRS1971

Lunar orbital photogaphic planning charts for candidate Apollo J-missions

A technique is presented for minimizing Mapping Camera film usage by reducing redundant coverage while meeting the desired sidelap of greater than or equal to 55%. The technique uses the normal groundtrack separation determined as a function of the number of revolutions between the respective tracks, of the initial and final nodal azimuths (or orbital inclination), and of the lunar latitude. The technique is also applicable for planning Panoramic Camera photography such that photographic contiguity is attained but redundant coverage is minimized. Graphs are included for planning mapping camera (MC) and panoramic camera (PC) photographic passes for a specific mission (i.e., specific groundtracks) to Descartes (Apollo 16), for specific missions to potential Apollo 17 sites such as Alphonsus, Proclus, Gassendi, Davy, and Tycho, and for a potential Apollo orbit-only mission with a nodal azimuth of 85 deg. Graphs are also included for determining the maximum number of revolutions which can elapse between successive MC and PC passes, for greater than or equal 55% sidelap and rectified contiguity respectively, for nodal azimuths between 5 deg and 85 deg.

Hickson, P. J.↗