Aeroheating (pressure) characteristics on a 0.010-scale version of the vehicle 3 space shuttle configuration (26-OTS) in Langley Research Center 4-foot wind tunnel (IH4)
For abstract, see N76-27333.
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For abstract, see N76-27333.
For abstract, see N76-27333.
High-altitude balloon data on the isotopic composition of heavy cosmic rays are reported. The experiment used a Cerenkov detector, arrays of scintillators, and a digitized wire spark chamber. Peaks assigned to the mono-isotopic elements F and Na indicate that an absolute mass scale can be derived from the data. Even-Z elements in the Z range from 12 through 16 are represented mainly by alpha-particle nuclei. Neutron-rich components dominate in the case of neon present. Mass histograms are plotted for C, O, N, Ne, Mg, and Fe.
Space habitats are considered, with attention given the evolution of space station systems, space station habitability, space settlement planning methodology, and orbital assembly. Various aspects of the Space Transportation System are discussed, including Shuttle booster/propulsion growth concept, advanced earth orbital transportation systems technology, single-stage-to-orbit vehicles and aeromaneuvering orbit transfer vehicles. Materials processing in space is examined, with emphasis on biological materials, metallurgical materials, the uses of space ultrahigh vacuum, and extraterrestrial mining and industrial processing. Solar space power is investigated, with attention given the potential of satellite solar power stations, thermal engine power satellites and microwave power transmission to earth. Individual items are announced in this issue.
A report is given to supplement the progress report of June 17, 1977. In that progress report gamma, lognormal, and Rayleigh probability density functions were fitted to the times between lightning flashes in the storms of 9/12/75, 8/26/75, and 7/13/76 by the maximum likelihood method. The goodness of fit is checked by the Kolmogoroff-Smirnoff test. Plots of the estimated densities along with normalized histograms are included to provide a visual check on the goodness of fit. The lognormal densities are the most peaked and have the highest tails. This results in the best fit to the normalized histogram in most cases. The Rayleigh densities have too broad and rounded peaks to give good fits. In addition, they have the lowest tails. The gamma densities fall inbetween and give the best fit in a few cases.
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Narrow-band spectrophotometric observations of HDE 245770 with the multichannel spectrometer and slit spectra obtained with the SIT digital spectrograph at the Cassegrain focus of the 5-m Hale telescope indicate that this star is of spectral type B0 with emission at H-alpha, H-beta, and probably 5876 A of He I. There is some evidence that it is of luminosity class III. The reddening is estimated in various ways and corresponds to a B-V color excess of 0.80. If the star is really a giant, its distance is approximately 1.8 kpc. No variations larger than 1% at the reported 104-x X-ray pulse period are evident in the data in visual magnitude, color, or H-alpha emission intensity. This is not surprising, since the optical star is much more luminous than the X-ray object, and the heating effect of the X-ray source (which is assumed to be one component of a binary) on the B0 star's atmosphere can produce at most a few percent modulation in visual light.
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Papers are presented on the heat transfer and fluid mechanics in energy systems including diesel combustion analysis using rapid sampling and the numerical simulation of thermal response of architectural structures. Experiments associated with hypersonic boundary layers, the prediction of nozzle-wall pressure distribution, and the effects of nozzle geometry on an axisymmetric thrust augmentor are outlined. Predictions are made of film thickness on a roll-metering device and the thermal characteristics of multiple-surface submerged condenser modules are described. Numerical studies are made of the interaction between natural and forced convection in a complex geometry and of pressure drop and holdup in two-phase stratified flow. A numerical solution is given for viscous flows at high Reynolds numbers and for compressible boundary layer flows near separation or reattachment. The structure and transport properties in turbulent shear flows are reviewed along with the spectra of Reynolds stresses in a developing pipe flow.
A long-lived space-based system that converts on-orbit solar and/or nuclear energy to a suitable form for distribution to using space systems is described. Mission applications, requirements, issues, problems, benefits, and technology thrusts are identified for the multipurpose power platform. Power levels of at least 10-100Kw are required for space manufacturing, satellites, and space station operations. Two Mw are needed for a proposed passive radar system. Propulsion system requirements are in the 100Kw-100Mw range.
Enabling technology needs and other requirements to support space industrialization include: large space structures; fabrication and joining processes; single stage to orbit and heavy lift launch vehicles; nuclear and solar space power systems; robotics, manipulators, and teleoperators; biotechnology in space; artificial gravity; the utilization of lunar materials for construction; and the extraction of oxygen and metals from lunar resources. New initiatives (FY 1978) directly supportive or partly related to space industrialization are listed.
Preliminary (1977-1983), intermediate (1982-1988), and long term (1989+) phases of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) program are examined as well as the benefits to be derived in radioastronomy and the problems to be surmounted in radio frequency interference. The priorities, intrinsic value, criteria, and strategy for the search are discussed for both terrestrial and lunar-based CYCLOPS and for a space SETI system located at lunar liberation point L4. New initiatives related to antenna independent technology, multichannel analyzers, and radio frequency interference shielding are listed. Projected SETI program costs are included.
Major strategies for exploring the solar system focus on the return of information and the return of matter. Both the planetary exploration facility, and an orbiting automated space station, and the sample return and exploration facility have similar requirements. The single most essential need to enable intensive study of the outer solar system is nuclear propulsion and power capability. New initiatives in 1978 related to the reactor, data and sample acquisition and return, navigation, and environmental protection are examined.
The benefits to be obtained from cost-effective global observation of the earth, its environment, and its natural and man-made features are examined using typical spacecraft and missions which could enhance the benefits of space operations. The technology needs and areas of interest include: (1) a ten-fold increase in the dimensions of deployable and erectable structures to provide booms, antennas, and platforms for global sensor systems; (2) control and stabilization systems capable of pointing accuracies of 1 arc second or less to locate targets of interest and maintain platform or sensor orientation during operations; (3) a factor of five improvements in spacecraft power capacity to support payloads and supporting electronics; (4) auxiliary propulsion systems capable of 5 to 10 years on orbit operation; (5) multipurpose sensors; and (6) end-to-end data management and an information system configured to accept new components or concepts as they develop.
Technology requirements for an integrated space transportation system capability which will allow the nation to use space efficiently, reliably, and routinely in the years between 1985 and 2000 with a significant return on invested resources will build on the currently defined space transportation system using shuttle, the IUS, and the advanced upper stage such as the solar electric propulsion system. Contributing technologies should include those which support (1) total reusability with minimal refurbishment; (2) responsiveness to high launch rate requirements when operation and energy are the predominant recurring costs; and (3) maximum flexibility in operation between earth and LEO and between LEO and GEO. Initiatives undertaken to advance the heavy lift to launch vehicles, single stage to orbit vehicles, and orbit transfer vehicles are listed.
The research and technology base program was examined to determine those tasks which either enabled or enhanced a theme and should be incorporated into that theme, and to identify new and promising R&T candidates which should be incorporated into the R&T base to meet essential long range space technology goals not addressed by the various themes. Candidates in the ongoing tasks category generally reflect the reorientation or pursuit of an ongoing RTOP on specific theme objectives, primarily involving the development and ground testing of new technology components and systems. Thirty-eight recommended candidate tasks are listed.
These papers deal with recent research, developments, and applications in laser and electrooptics technology, particularly with regard to atmospheric effects in imaging and propagation, laser instrumentation and measurements, and particle measurement. Specific topics include advanced imaging techniques, image resolution through atmospheric turbulence over the ocean, an efficient method for calculating transmittance profiles, a comparison of a corner-cube reflector and a plane mirror in folded-path and direct transmission through atmospheric turbulence, line-spread instrumentation for propagation measurements, scaling laws for thermal fluctuations in the layer adjacent to ocean waves, particle sizing by laser photography, and an optical Fourier transform analysis of satellite cloud imagery. Other papers discuss a subnanosecond photomultiplier tube for laser application, holography of solid propellant combustion, diagnostics of turbulence by holography, a camera for in situ photography of cloud particles from a hail research aircraft, and field testing of a long-path laser transmissometer designed for atmospheric visibility measurements.
Concepts for space-based conversion of space radiation energy into useful energy for man's needs are developed and supported by studies of costs, material and size requirements, efficiency, and available technology. Besides the more studied solar power satellite system using microwave transmission, a number of alternative space energy concepts are considered. Topics covered include orbiting mirrors for terrestrial energy supply, energy conversion at a lunar polar site, ultralightweight structures for space power, radiatively sustained cesium plasmas for solar electric conversion, solar pumped CW CO2 laser, superelastic laser energy conversion, laser-enhanced dynamics in molecular rate processes, and electron beams in space for energy storage.