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NASA NTRS2014

Dynamic Responses of the Earth's Outer Core to Assimilation of Observed Geomagnetic Secular Variation

Assimilation of surface geomagnetic observations and geodynamo models has advanced very quickly in recent years. However, compared to advanced data assimilation systems in meteorology, geomagnetic data assimilation (GDAS) is still in an early stage. Among many challenges ranging from data to models is the disparity between the short observation records and the long time scales of the core dynamics. To better utilize available observational information, we have made an effort in this study to directly assimilate the Gauss coefficients of both the core field and its secular variation (SV) obtained via global geomagnetic field modeling, aiming at understanding the dynamical responses of the core fluid to these additional observational constraints. Our studies show that the SV assimilation helps significantly to shorten the dynamo model spin-up process. The flow beneath the core-mantle boundary (CMB) responds significantly to the observed field and its SV. The strongest responses occur in the relatively small scale flow (of the degrees L is approx. 30 in spherical harmonic expansions). This part of the flow includes the axisymmetric toroidal flow (of order m = 0) and non-axisymmetric poloidal flow with m (is) greater than 5. These responses can be used to better understand the core flow and, in particular, to improve accuracies of predicting geomagnetic variability in future.

secular variation↗

NASA NTRS2016

Mobile Launch Platform Vehicle Assembly Area (SWMU 056) Biosparge Expansion Interim Measures Work Plan

This document presents the design details for an Interim Measure (IM) Work Plan (IMWP) for the Mobile Launch Platform/Vehicle Assembly Building (MLPV) Area, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The MLPV Area has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit Number 056 (SWMU 056) under KSC's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program. This report was prepared by Geosyntec Consultants (Geosyntec) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under contract number NNK09CA02B and NNK12CA13B, project control number ENV1642. The Advanced Data Package (ADP) presentation covering the elements of this IMWP report received KSC Remediation Team (KSCRT) approval at the December 2015 Team Meeting; the meeting minutes are included in Appendix A.

IMWP↗

NASA NTRS2015

Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area SWMU 055 Corrective Measures Implementation Progress Report Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) Progress Report documents: (i) activities conducted as part of supplemental assessment activities completed from June 2009 through November 2014; (ii) Engineering Evaluation (EE) Advanced Data Packages (ADPs); and (iii) recommendations for future activities related to corrective measures at the Site. Applicable meeting minutes are provided as Appendix A. The following EE ADPs for CRHE are included with this CMI Progress Report: center dot Supplemental Site Characterization ADP (Step 1 EE) (Appendix B) center dot Site Characterization ADP (Step 1 EE) for Hot Spot 1 (HS1) (Appendix C) center dot Remedial Alternatives Evaluation (Step 2 EE) ADP for HS1 (Appendix D) center dot Interim Measures Work Plan (Step 3 EE) ADP for HS1 (Appendix E) center dot Site Characterization ADP (Step 1 EE) ADP for Hot Spot 2 (HS2), High Concentration Plume (HCP), and Low Concentration Plume (LCP) (Appendix F) A summary of direct-push technology (DPT) and groundwater monitoring well sampling results are provided in Appendices G and H, respectively. The Interim Land Use Control Implementation Plan (LUCIP) is provided as Appendix I. Monitoring well completion reports, other applicable field forms, survey data, and analytical laboratory reports are provided as Appendices J through M, respectively, in the electronic copy of this document. Selected Site photographs are provided in Appendix N. The interim groundwater monitoring plan and document revision log are included as Appendices O and P, respectively. KSC Electronic Data Deliverable (KEDD) files are provided on the attached compact disk.

Johnson, Jill W.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Photonic Integrated Circuits

Integrated photonics generally is the integration of multiple lithographically defined photonic and electronic components and devices (e.g. lasers, detectors, waveguides passive structures, modulators, electronic control and optical interconnects) on a single platform with nanometer-scale feature sizes. The development of photonic integrated circuits permits size, weight, power and cost reductions for spacecraft microprocessors, optical communication, processor buses, advanced data processing, and integrated optic science instrument optical systems, subsystems and components. This is particularly critical for small spacecraft platforms. We will give an overview of some NASA applications for integrated photonics.

Laser↗

NASA NTRS2016

Photonic Integrated Circuits

laser↗

NASA NTRS2015

Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area SWMU 055 Corrective Measures Implementation Progress Report

This Corrective Measures Implementation (CMI) Progress Report, Revision 1, for Contractor's Road Heavy Equipment (CRHE) Area Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) Number 055 was prepared by Geosyntec Consultants (Geosyntec) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under contract number NNK09CA02B, Delivery Order NNK09CA62D and Project Number PCN ENV-2324. This CMI Progress Report documents: (i) activities conducted as part of supplemental assessment activities completed from June 2009 through November 2014; (ii) Engineering Evaluation (EE) Advanced Data Packages (ADPs); and (iii) recommendations for future activities related to corrective measures at the Site.

Dorman, Lane↗

NASA NTRS2016

Multidimensional Processing and Visual Rendering of Complex 3D Biomedical Images

The proposed technology uses advanced image analysis techniques to maximize the resolution and utility of medical imaging methods being used during spaceflight. We utilize COTS technology for medical imaging, but our applications require higher resolution assessment of the medical images than is routinely applied with nominal system software. By leveraging advanced data reduction and multidimensional imaging techniques utilized in analysis of Planetary Sciences and Cell Biology imaging, it is possible to significantly increase the information extracted from the onboard biomedical imaging systems. Year 1 focused on application of these techniques to the ocular images collected on ground test subjects and ISS crewmembers. Focus was on the choroidal vasculature and the structure of the optic disc. Methods allowed for increased resolution and quantitation of structural changes enabling detailed assessment of progression over time. These techniques enhance the monitoring and evaluation of crew vision issues during space flight.

Sams, Clarence F.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Overview of the NASA TROPICS CubeSat Constellation Mission

Recent technology advances in miniature microwave radiometers that can be hosted on very small satellites has made possible a new class of affordable constellation missions that provide very high revisit rates of tropical cyclones and other severe weather. The Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission was selected by NASA as part of the Earth Venture–Instrument (EVI-3) program and is now in development with planned launch readiness in late 2019. The overarching goal for TROPICS is to provide nearly all-weather observations of 3-D temperature and humidity, as well as cloud ice and precipitation horizontal structure, at high temporal resolution to conduct high-value science investigations of tropical cyclones (TCs). TROPICS will provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements (median refresh rate better than 60 minutes for the baseline mission) over the tropics that can be used to observe the thermodynamics of the troposphere and precipitation structure for storm systems at the mesoscale and synoptic scale over the entire storm lifecycle. TROPICS will comprise a constellation of at least six CubeSats in three low-Earth orbital planes. Each CubeSat will host a high performance radiometer to provide temperature profiles using seven channels near the 118.75 GHz oxygen absorption line, water vapor profiles using three channels near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line, imagery in a single channel near 90 GHz for precipitation measurements (when combined with higher resolution water vapor channels), and a single channel at 205 GHz that is more sensitive to precipitation-sized ice particles and low-level moisture. This observing system offers an unprecedented combination of horizontal and temporal resolution in the microwave spectrum to measure environmental and inner-core conditions for TCs on a nearly global scale and is a major leap forward in the temporal resolution of several key parameters needed for assimilation into advanced data assimilation systems capable of utilizing rapid-update radiance or retrieval data. Here, we provide an overview of the mission and an update on current status, with a focus on unique characteristics of the Cubesat system, recent performance simulations on a range of observables to be provided by the constellation, and a summary of science applications.

Blackwell, W. J.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Overview of the NASA TROPICS CubeSat Constellation Mission

Recent technology advances in miniature microwave radiometers that can be hosted on very small satellites has made possible a new class of affordable constellation missions that provide very high revisit rates of tropical cyclones and other severe weather. The Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission was selected by NASA as part of the Earth Venture-Instrument (EVI-3)program and is now in development with planned launch readiness in late 2019. The overarching goal for TROPICS is to provide nearly all-weather observations of 3-D temperature and humidity, as well as cloud ice and precipitation horizontal structure, at high temporal resolution to conduct high-value science investigations of tropical cyclones (TCs). TROPICS will provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements (median refresh rate better than 60 minutes for the baseline mission) over the tropics that can be used to observe the thermodynamics of the troposphere and precipitation structure for storm systems at the mesoscale and synoptic scale over the entire storm life cycle. TROPICS will comprise a constellation of at least six CubeSats in three low-Earth orbital planes. Each CubeSat will host a high performance radiometer to provide temperature profiles using seven channels near the 118.75 GHz (gigahertz) oxygen absorption line, water vapor profiles using three channels near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line, imagery in a single channel near 90 GHz for precipitation measurements (when combined with higher resolution water vapor channels), and a single channel at 205 GHz that is more sensitive to precipitation-sized ice particles and low-level moisture. This observing system offers an unprecedented combination of horizontal and temporal resolution in the microwave spectrum to measure environmental and inner-core conditions for TCs on a nearly global scale and is a major leap forward in the temporal resolution of several key parameters needed for assimilation into advanced data assimilation systems capable of utilizing rapid-update radiance or retrieval data. Here, we provide an overview of the mission and an update on current status,with a focus on unique characteristics of the Cubesat system, recent performance simulations on a range of observables to be provided by the constellation, and a summary of science applications.

Passive Microwave↗

NASA NTRS2018

An Overview of the TROPICS NASA Earth Venture Mission

The Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission was selected by NASA as part of the Earth Venture-Instrument (EVI-3) program. The overarching goal for TROPICS is to provide nearly all-weather observations of 3D temperature and humidity, as well as cloud ice and precipitation horizontal structure, at high temporal resolution to conduct high-value science investigations of tropical cyclones. TROPICS will provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements (median refresh rate better than 60 min for the baseline mission) which can be used to observe the thermodynamics of the troposphere and precipitation structure for storm systems at the mesoscale and synoptic scale over the entire storm life cycle. TROPICS comprises six Cube-Sats in three low-Earth orbital planes. Each CubeSat will host a high-performance radiometer to provide temperature profiles using seven channels near the 118.75 GHz oxygen absorption line, water vapour profiles using three channels near the 183 GHz water vapour absorption line, imagery in a single channel near 90 GHz for precipitation measurements (when combined with higher-resolution water vapour channels), and a single channel near 205 GHz which is more sensitive to precipitation-sized ice particles. This observing system offers an unprecedented combination of horizontal and temporal resolution to measure environmental and inner-core conditions for tropical cyclones on a nearly global scale and is a major leap forward in the temporal resolution of several key parameters needed for assimilation into advanced data assimilation systems capable of utilizing rapid-update radiance or retrieval data.Launch readiness is currently projected for late 2019.

TROPICS↗

NASA NTRS2019

Optical Communications Feasibility Study for Science Mission Located at Sun-Earth Lagrange Point L2

NASA's Exploration and Space Communications projects division recently completed an investigative study, researching the feasibility of integrating optical communications capabilities onto a science-based mission orbiting at Lagrange Point 2 (L2). Optical communications has been demonstrated and integrated into many low-Earth-orbiting missions, however, using the technology as far as L2 needed to be thoroughly researched and proven similarly as efficient as the mission's planned radio frequency (RF) system, but preferably more efficient that the equivalent RF systems. The investigation team was charged with assessing the feasibility of including optical communications on the mission without interfering with its primary science objectives. This came to be known as the "Do No Harm" approach to accommodation. As science and detection technologies become more advanced, data rates and communications requirements continue to evolve. Missions with complex science instruments have a need for more optimized communications capabilities. Optical communications technologies provide NASA and industry missions with increased data rates and quicker response times, allowing scientists to access more data than ever before. Missions utilizing optical communications will have a lighter and more efficient method of transmitting data to users on Earth. The team investigating this opportunity discovered that including an optical communications payload on board the mission to provide a bi-directional link between the spacecraft and Earth-based ground stations is feasible and reaches data rates that are comparable to, and even exceed, the mission's RF system. In the course of their investigation, the team also discovered significant navigation and ranging benefits provided by the optical communications payload (OCP).

LCRD↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

RCA: Modeling Tools for CLmax Prediction

TACP06 is aimed at further research in maturing eddy-resolving modeling tools, in their accuracy and efficiency, and demonstrating the tools for application to the prediction of aircraft maximum lift (CLmax). The goal is to achieve CLmaxprediction accuracy of the same level as in aircraft certification flight tests. This will require comparison of various modeling approaches against experimental results from the planned wind tunnel tests, down selecting an approach, further maturing the technology and validating against flight test data. Advances in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) over the last several decadeshas fundamentally changed the aerospace design process. Advanced simulation capabilities not only enable reductions in ground-based and in-flight testing requirements, but also provide added physical insight, enable superior designs at reduced cost and risk, and open upnew frontiers in aerospace vehicle design and performance. The NASA sponsored CFD Vision 2030 Study, while highlighting these accomplishments, brought out several challenges and deficiencies in the computational technology and developed a research roadmap for advancing the state-of-the-art required for enabling NASA missions in aeronautics and space applications. Based on TC TACP01 research completed in May 2018, it became clear that unsteady flow simulation capability is needed for expanding the role of CFD across the entire flight envelope to enable design of future advanced aircraft and space vehicles, and that capability will be the primary outcome of this technical challenge.

Mujeeb R Malik↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Natural Language Processing Analysis of Notices to Airmen for Air Traffic Management Optimization

With new emerging technologies in the field of NLP, we explore their applications to digitize and analyze heritage Air Traffic Management (ATM) documents for planning and optimizing airspace operations. Specifically, this research focuses on harvesting semi-structured or un-structured information contained in Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). Using NLP and other advanced data analytics, we will construct a data-driven framework which facilitates finding language patterns and the use of pretrained language models for classification and extraction of useful airspace constraints and restrictions. These may lead to tools that assist airspace users in understanding the constraints more efficiently, contributing to better route planning and safer execution. This paper explores three workflows entailing different NLP tasks. First, unsupervised techniques like word embedding and topic modeling are used for pattern finding and document classification. Second, a dataset is created by extracting information from the semi-structured NOTAM format as metadata for categorizing, visualizing, and extracting key entities driving NOTAM content. Third, modern pre-built deep learning based transformer models such as BERT, RoBERTa, and XLNet are evaluated on the question answering task, an even more robust approach to information extraction, as well as their respective fine-tuning tasks. In this work we include various performance metrics for the trained models to evaluate both accuracy and precision and we show that the models can be generalized for their respective tasks. The research work developed shows promise in uncovering trends in digital NOTAMs in the NAS and also offers a new framework for digitizing and inferring insights from free-form legacy NOTAMs, that are yet to be digitized.

Natural Language Processing↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Natural Language Processing (NLP) Analysis of NOTAMs for Air Traffic Management Optimization

Natural Language Processing↗

NASA NTRS2022

Space Weather Modeling and Prediction for Intermediate Time-scales

Much of solar activity within a sunspot cycle occurs as bursts, or 'seasons' of strong activity over several months, separated by periods of much less activity. The most important space weather effects occur during these bursts. Previous modeling and forecasting efforts have focused on time-scales of hours-to-days and decades-to-centuries. The recent discovery of Rossby waves in the Sun, together with recently developed global models of solar MHD Rossby waves and their interactions with differential rotation and spot-producing magnetic fields, reveal the opportunity to simulate and predict the occurrence, strength and location of enhanced activity bursts a few weeks up to several months in advance. We now have a golden opportunity to fill in this gap in time-scales of forecasting space weather. This requires a) continuous observations of solar Rossby waves by various techniques; b) development of coupled nonlinear MHD models that simulate both global Rossby waves and the much smaller spatial scale emergence of new active regions; c) application of advanced data assimilation techniques to couple surface observations to update the model-system to integrate forward in time for creating forecasts months ahead. Then it will be possible to build operational prediction models to meet the needs of customers and stakeholders, including support of future NASA missions, regarding what kind and level of space weather to expect a few weeks to several months ahead.

SMD↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Advances in PSP Testing in LaRC High Reynolds Number Facilities

The use of luminescent coatings for the global measurement of surface aerodynamic properties at full-flight Reynolds numbers has been ongoing at the NASA Langley Research Center since the late 1990s, beginning with Temperature Sensitive Paint (TSP) for boundary layer analysis at the 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenics Tunnel. Since then, significant work has been made to extend these measurements to pressure using Pressure Sensitive Paint (PSP) as well as develop systems for application in larger scale, full-flight Reynolds number facilities, such as the National Transonic Facility (NTF). Recently, a system for the measurement of time-resolved pressure using recently developed unsteady PSP (uPSP) formulations has been designed and implemented in the Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT). The use of PSP (or uPSP) in either of these large scale, full-fight Reynolds number wind tunnels is complicated by the fact that both facilities operate best in oxygen deficient environments; however, the PSP technique relies on the presence of oxygen to work. The NTF is typically operated in cryogenic conditions, which is achieved using liquid nitrogen. In this facility, temperatures can reach as low as 116 K (-250 °F) with nominal oxygen concentrations of less than 50 ppm. This has resulted in the development of specialized PSP formulations that can operate in the cryogenic environment with the introduction of low amounts of oxygen (typically less than 2000 ppm) for PSP response. Likewise, to achieve full-flight Reynolds number conditions in the TDT, the atmosphere in the tunnel is replaced with a “heavy gas” of R-134A (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane), which also has minimal oxygen native in the flow. The use of uPSP in this case will also depend on the introduction of trace amounts of oxygen, with the precise concentrations to be determined in an upcoming test. This presentation will describe some recent advancements that have been made for PSP measurements in both facilities. For the NTF system, there has been significant development of enhanced lighting for use at cryogenic conditions, as well as improvements in the application efficiency of the PSP. Furthermore, there are efforts underway to incorporate advanced data analysis techniques to acquire additional surface aerodynamic properties using the PSP technique that can yield not only improved experimental efficiency, but also provide data needed for next generation vehicle design and development. For the uPSP system in TDT, significant efforts to improve the data transfer rates to a high-performance computing environment for analysis are underway and performance and initial results from the system in the heavy-gas environment will be presented.

Pressure Sensitive Paint↗

NASA NTRS2022

Supporting Responsible Machine Learning in Heliophysics

Over the last decade, Heliophysics researchers have increasingly adopted a variety of machine learning methods such as artificial neural networks, decision trees, and clustering algorithms into their workflow. Adoption of these advanced data science methods had quickly outpaced institutional response, but many professional organizations such as the European Commission, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the American Geophysical Union have now issued (or will soon issue) standards for artificial intelligence and machine learning that will impact scientific research. These standards add further (necessary) burdens on the individual researcher who must now prepare the public release of data and code in addition to traditional paper writing. Support for these is not reflected in the current state of institutional support, community practices, or governance systems. We examine here some of these principles and how our institutions and community can promote their successful adoption within the Heliophysics discipline.

Machine learning↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Human Factors Research Needs for In-Time Aviation Safety Management Systems (IASMS) Design: Enabling the NASA “Sky for All” Future Airspace Vision

Integrated safety management will be paramount for safely enabling the envisioned transformations of the future National Airspace System. Addressing the increasing need for advanced data analytics and fusion of aviation safety data, managed by human decision-makers, is essential for realizing the vision. The proposal, if accepted, will discuss safety management system challenges and how the concept of In-time Aviation Safety Management Systems addresses the need. It will also discuss human factors challenges involved in future integrated safety management, including trust, over-reliance, human-optimized data visualization, human-autonomy teaming, training, communication and dissemination of data, situation awareness, task load, and accountability.

Lawrence J Prinzel III↗