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Stroud, W. G.

Publications and source records attributed to Stroud, W. G..

An operational earth resources satellite system: The LANDSAT follow-on program

The LANDSATS 1 and 2 have demonstrated the role of remote sensing from satellite in research, development, and operational activities essential to the better management of our resources. Hundreds of agricultural, geological, hydrological, urban land use, and other investigations have raised the question of the development of an operational system providing continuous, timely data. The LANDSAT Follow-on Study addressed the economics, technological performance, and design of a system in transition from R and D to operations. Economic benefits were identified; and a complete system from sensors to the ultilization in forecasting crop production, oil and mineral exploration, and water resources management was designed.

Stroud, W. G.

An operational earth resources satellite system - The Landsat follow-on program

The Landsats 1 and 2 have demonstrated the role of remote sensing from satellite in research, development, and operational activities essential to the better management of our resources. Hundreds of agricultural, geological, hydrological, urban land use, and other investigations have raised the question of the development of an operational system providing continuous, timely data. The Landsat follow-on study addressed the economics, technological performance, and design of a system in transition from R&D to operations. Economic benefits were identified; and a complete system from sensors to the utilization in forecasting crop production, oil and mineral exploration, water resources management was designed. Benefits-to-costs ratio in present-worth dollars is at least 4:1.

Stroud, W. G.

Data collecting activities of the 'Outlook for Space' Panel

The paper describes the work of the 'Outlook for Space' Panel, a NASA-wide study group concerned with the role space flight might play in American society during the years approaching 2000. The study considers the progression of projects from 'could do' (for which capability exists), to 'should do' (because of social benefits), to 'will do' (unknown at this time). Opinions as to objectives were solicited from NASA personnel, advisory committees, industrial organizations, and academic theoreticians. Poll data was examined. A large-scale survey of the attitudes of young people toward the future and space was also undertaken, and a complete matrix is presented of themes (such as production and management of food and forestry resources) and theme subcategory specific activities (for example, global crop production), versus the students' perceived areas of national interest or benefit (e.g., expansion of human knowledge).

Stroud, W. G.

The early scientific history of the rocket-grenade experiment

In the decade, 1950 to 1960, some thirty sounding rockets carrying the grenade experiment were fired in the Arctic, at middle latitudes and in the equatorial western Pacific. The vertical distributions of temperatures and winds at different seasons and at different times of the day were measured. Although there were significant variations in the results from each of the sites, an outstanding feature was the uniformity with latitude of the seasonal variation of the wind field. Over the latitude-altitude ranges sampled, the winds were strong and from the west during the winter months; and weak and from the east during the summer months. The nature of the general circulation pattern in the mesosphere of the northern hemisphere was revealed by the measurements. Of particular interest were those measurements made at the seasonal turnovers because of the insight into the dynamics of this region they provided.

Stroud, W. G.

Providing satellite systems for the national weather satellite services.

Discussion of cooperative arrangements and agreements among NASA, the Department of Commerce, and other governmental agencies in developing and operating meteorological satellite systems. The development of present interagency agreements and their conditions are discussed along with differences from the usual NASA program introduced by the supplier-client relationship between NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

Stroud, W. G.

Phased project planning and development in anticipation of operational programs

The impact of future operational status on the planning and execution of the research and development activities for major space flight projects is assessed. These projects, within NASA, are part of the Applications Program involving communications and meteorology. The NASA management approach to these projects is determined by national policies governing the responsibilities and relationships among the various government agencies and private industries.

Stroud, W. G.

Infrared and Reflected Solar Radiation Measurements from the TIROS 2 Meteorological Satellite

TIROS II contains instrumentation for measuring infrared and reflected solar radiation from the earth and its atmosphere. A medium resolution scanning radiometer and a low resolution non-scanning radiometer are employed. The satellite's spin provides the scan line of the medium resolution radiometer which is then advanced by the orbital motion. The spatial resolution is about 40 miles square when the earth directly beneath the satellite is viewed. The five channels employ bolometer detectors and filters to limit the spectral responses to five bands: 6 to 6.5 microns, 8 to 12 microns, 0.2 to 6 microns, 8 to 30 microns, and 0.55 to 0.75 microns. These five bands study, respectively: radiation in the water vapor absorption band; day and nighttime cloud cover; albedo; thermal radiation; and visual maps for comparison with satellite vidicon pictures. The low resolution non-scanning radiometer measures the earth's black-body temperature and albedo. Its field when viewing directly below is a circle of 450 miles diameter, covering part of each frame from the wide-field television camera. This radiometer consists of two thermistors, each in the apex of a reflective cone which provides optical gain. One thermistor is black and responds to both thermal and reflected solar radiation. The second responds to thermal but reflects solar radiation. The design, calibration, performance, and data reduction for both systems are discussed herein.

Bandeen, W. R.

The TIROS II Radiation Experiment

The TIROS II meteorological satellite was placed into orbit on November 23, 1960. It contains two television cameras and equipment for a family of electromagnetic radiation experiments, including a medium resolution radiometer. The medium resolution radiometer is a cluster of five sensors which have their optical axes inclined 45 deg. to the spin axis of the satellite. The spin of TIROS II provides the scanning motion. The five radiometer channels are sensitive to the following spectral bands: 6 to 6.5; 8 to 12; 0.2 to 6; 8 to 30; and 0.55 to 0.75 microns.

Hanel, R. A.