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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

An Overview of the Relevant Results from the ATMOS Missions of 1985 and 1992

The Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) experiment employs a Fourier transform spectrometer to record infrared solar spectra at orbital sunrises and sunsets from on board the Space Shuttle. The data returned from 19 occultations covered by the instrument's first flight as part of the Spacelab 3 payload in April, 1985, have been analyzed for the profiles of some thirty atmospheric constituents. These results included a number of species not previously detected or measured, an investigation of the NO(y) and Cl(x) budgets, and, as a whole, have been used as the input for critically evaluating stratospheric photochemical models. The instrument was flown again on the ATLAS-1 shuttle mission in March, 1992, where it obtained data through nearly 100 solar occultation events located between latitudes of 30 deg N and 55 deg S. Results from the 1985 mission as well as preliminary results from the more recent 1992 flight are summarized here.

Gunson, Michael R.↗
NASA NTRS1996

ATMOS/ATLAS-3 Measurements of Stratospheric Chlorine and Reactive Nitrogen Partitioning Inside and Outside the November 1994 Antarctic Vortex

Partitioning between HCl and ClONO2 and among the main components of the reactive nitrogen family (NO, NO2, HNO3, ClONO2, N2O5, and HO2NO2) has been studied inside and outside the Antarctic stratospheric vortex based on ATMOS profiles measured at sunrise during the 3-12 November 1994 ATLAS-3 Shuttle mission. Elevated mixing ratios of HCl in the lower stratosphere with a peak of approximately 2.9 ppbv (10(exp -9) parts per volume) were measured inside the vortex near 500 K potential temperature (approximately 19 km). Maximum ClONO2 mixing ratios of approximately 1.2, approximately 1.4, and approximately 0.9 ppbv near 700 K (approximately 25 km) were measured inside, at the edge, and outside the vortex, respectively. Model calculations reproduce the higher levels of HCl and NO(x) (NO + NO2) inside the lower stratospheric vortex both driven by photochemical processes initiated by low O3. The high HCl at low O3 results from chemical production of HC1 via the reaction of enhanced Cl with CH4, limited production of ClONO2, and the descent of inorganic chlorine from higher altitudes.

Rinsland, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Observed Changes in Atmospheric Boundary Layer Properties at Memphis International Airport During August 1995

As part of the NASA Terminal Area Productivity Program, Langley Research Center embarked on a series of field measurements of wake vortex characteristics and associated atmospheric boundary layer properties. One measurement period was at the Memphis International Airport in August 1995. Atmospheric temperature, humidity, winds, turbulence, radiation, and soil properties were measured from a variety of sensor systems and platforms including sodars, profilers, aircraft and towers. This research focused on: (1) changes that occurred in tower data during sunrise and sunset transitions, (2) vertical variation of temperature and cross-head winds at selected times utilizing combinations of sensors, and (3) changes measured by an OV-10 aircraft during approaches and level flights. Significant but not unusual changes are documented and discussed in terms of expected boundary layer behavior. Questions on measurement and prediction of these changes from existing and near-term capabilities are discussed in the context of a future Aircraft Vortex Spacing System.

Zak, J. Allen↗
NASA NTRS1995

Origin of Condensation Nuclei in the Springtime Polar Stratosphere

An enhanced sulfate aerosol layer has been observed near 25 km accompanying springtime ozone depletion in the Antarctic stratosphere. We use a one-dimensional aerosol model that includes photochemistry, particle nucleation, condensational growth, coagulation, and sedimentation to study the origin of the layer. Annual cycles of sunlight, temperature, and ozone are incorporated into the model. Our results indicate that binary homogeneous nucleation leads to the formation of very small droplets of sulfuric acid and water under conditions of low temperature and production of H2SO4 following polar sunrise. Photodissociation of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) alone, however, cannot provide sufficient SO2 to create the observed condensation nuclei (CN) layer. When subsidence of SO2 from very high altitudes in the polar night vortex is incorporated into the model, the CN layer is reasonably reproduced. The model predictions, based on the subsidence in polar vortex, agree with in situ measurements of particle concentration, vertical distribution, and persistence during polar spring.

Zhao, Jingxia↗
NASA NTRS1997

Temporal, Spatial, and Diurnal Patterns in Avian Activity at the Shuttle Landing Facility, John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA

Spatial and temporal patterns in bird abundance within the five-mile airspace at the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) on John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida, USA were investigated for purposes of quantifying Bird Aircraft Strike Hazards (BASH). The airspace is surrounded by the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge (MINWR) which provides habitat for approximately 331 resident and migratory bird species. Potential bird strike hazards were greatest around sunrise and sunset for most avian taxonomic groups, including wading birds, most raptors, pelicans, gulls/terns, shorebirds, and passerines. Turkey Vultures and Black Vultures were identified as a primary threat to aircraft operations and were represented in 33% of the samples. Diurnal vulture activity varied seasonally with the development of air thermals in the airspace surrounding the SLF. Variation in the presence and abundance of migratory species was shown for American Robins, swallows, and several species of shorebirds. Analyses of bird activities provides for planning of avionics operations during periods of low-dsk and allows for risk minimization measures during periods of high-risk.

Larson, Vickie L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Tropospheric- Stratospheric Measurement Studies Summary

The two high altitude aircraft, ER-2 NASA #706 and 709 and the DC-8 NASA #717 are in active use in several programs of upper atmospheric research to study polar ozone changes, stratospheric-tropospheric exchange processes and atmospheric effects of aviation aircraft. The ER-2 has participated in seven major missions which mainly concentrated on vortex dynamics and the large losses of Ozone in the Polar regions (Ozone hole) observed in the spring. One mission verified the complex dynamical chemical and physical processes that occur during sunrise and sunset. Stratospheric Tracers of Atmospheric Transport (STRAT) obtained background measurements using the full ER-2 suite of instruments. Photochemistry of Ozone Loss in the Arctic Region in Summer (POLARIS) in 1997 assisted in understanding the mid-latitude and Arctic Ozone losses during the Northern Summer. The DC-8 with the Meteorological Measurement System (MMS) has participated in the Subsonic Aircraft: Cloud and Contrail Effects Special Study (SUCCESS), in 1996 and the Subsonic assessment Ozone and Nitrogen oxide experiment (SONEX) in 1997 missions. The MMS with its sophisticated software accurately measures ground speed and attitude, in-situ static and dynamic pressure total temperature, which are used to calculate the three dimensional wind fields, static pressure, temperature and turbulence values to meteorological accuracy. The meteorological data is not only of interest for its own sake in atmospheric dynamical processes such as mountain waves and flux measurements; but is also required by other ER-2 experiments that simultaneously measure water vapor, O3, aerosols, NO, HCl, CH4, N2O, ClO, BrO, CO2, NOy, HOx and temperature gradients. MMS products are extensively used to assist in the interpretation of their results in understanding the importance of convective effects relative to in-situ chemical changes, as may be noted by examining the list of references attached. The MMS consists of three subsystems: (a) aircraft instrumentation, inertial navigation system (INS), static and dynamic pressure taps, (b) additional dedicated instrumentation measuring angle of attack, yaw, total temperature, and a GPS which on the DC-8 measures position, velocity and attitude (c) an on board data, storage and computing acquisition system. This instrumentation and the associated software requires both an on-going laboratory ground calibration procedure for the total air temperature, static and total pressure inputs, verification of the INS dynamic response and also extensive air measurements and intercomparisons which ultimately verify and calibrate the complete system and its software. More than the usual accuracy is required because of the near cancellation occurring in the difference between the ground speed and true airspeed vectors used to give the wind vector. In the past year we have redesigned, recalibrated and used the MMS system on the NASA DC-8 that was previously used in the SUCCESS mission for the SONEX mission. Two papers were co-authored based on SUCCESS flights. Several reports and handouts were written for SONEX. Calibrations of the DC-8 pressure transducer temperature measuring thermistors was completed and an extensive analysis spanning several years of data files of the DC-8 Rosemount pressure transducer calibrations was done.

Browen, Stuart W.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Doppler RAdar Observations of Convection from the NASA/TOGA C-band Radar During TRMM-LBA in Rondonia, Brazil

The Tropcial RAinfall Measuring Mission-Large Scale Biosphere-Atmosphere experiment in Amazonia (TRMM-LBA) was conducted near Ji Parana, Rondonia, Brazil during the 1999 Amazonian wet season (Jan-Feb). TRMM-LBA provided detailed observations of precipitating systems from surface and aircraft instrumentation which may be compared to measurements from the TRMM satellite. The surface-based platforms included two scanning Doppler radars (the NASA TOGA C-band radar and the NCAR SPOL S-band dual polarization radar) which collected continuous dual-Doppler measurements of precipitating convection.This paper focuses on data from the TOGA radar to provide a preliminary overview of general properties of convective organization observed during TRMM-LBA. These include squall line evolution and morphology, diurnal variation of precipitation, and the vertical intensity of convection. Mesoscale squall lines were most commonly observed in the afternoon, with associated regions of stratiform precipitation persisting into the evening. Nocturnal widespread stratiform rain often formed before sunrise, with no apparent source region of deep convection and very weak radar bright band. Reflectivity values in deep convective cells typically decreased rapidly above the melting level, reminiscent of tropical oceanic convection, and consistent with the relative scarcity of lightning (with respect to other tropical continental regions). Vertically developed electrified convection, though infrequent, did occur regularly.

Rickenbach, T. M.↗
NASA NTRS1996

The Atmospheric Trace Molecule Spectroscopy (ATMOS) Experiment: Deployment on the ATLAS Space Shuttle Missions

The ATMOS Fourier transform spectrometer was flown for a fourth time on the Space Shuttle as part of the ATLAS-3 instrument payload in November 1994. More than 190 sunrise and sunset occultation events provided measurements of more than 30 atmospheric trace gases at latitudes 3 - 49 deg N and 65 - 72 deg S, including observations both inside and outside the Antarctic polar vortex. The instrument configuration, data retrieval methodology, and mission background are described to place in context analyses of ATMOS data presented in this issue.

Gunson, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Determination of Total Ozone over Mauna Loa Using Very High Resolution Infrared Solar Spectra

A very high resolution infrared Fourier transform spectrometer has been used to record solar spectra at the Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii. Spectra are normally taken one day a week at sunrise. These spectra have been analyzed for ozone and N2O total columns, and the ozone column compared with the value reported by tile Mauna Loa Dobson spectrophotometer. Aside from the FTIR reporting about 5% lower values than the Dobson (which may be due to a systematic difference in the treatment of tropospheric ozone), the FTIR and Dobson agree to within 2.7% (RMS) during this period.

David, Shelle J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Stratospheric N2O5, CH4, and N2O Profiles from IR Solar Occultation Spectra

Stratospheric volume mixing ratio profiles of N2O5, CH4, and N2O have been retrieved from a set of 0.052/ cm resolution (FWHM) solar occultation spectra recorded at sunrise during a balloon flight from Aire sur I'Adour, France (44 deg N latitude) on 12 October 1990. The N2O5 results have been derived from measurements of the integrated absorption by the 1246/ cm band. Assuming a total intensity of 4.32 x 10(exp 17)cm(exp -1) molecule sq cm(exp -2) independent of temperature, the retrieved N2O5 volume mixing ratios in ppbv (parts per billion by volume, 10(exp -9)), interpolated to 2 km height spacings, are 1.64 +/- 0.49 at 37.5 km, 1.92 +/- 0.56 at 35.5 km, 2.06 +/- 0.47 at 33.5 km, 1.95 +/- 0.42 at 31.5 km, 1.60 +/- 0.33 at 29.5 km, 1.26 +/- 0.28 at 27.5 km, and 0.85 +/- 0.20 at 25.5 km. Error bars indicate the estimated I-sigma uncertainty including the error in the total band intensity (+/- 20% has been assumed). The retrieved profiles are compared with previous measurements and photochemical model results.

Peyeret, C. Camy↗
NASA NTRS2001

STS-104 Flight Day 12 Highlights

On this 12th day of the STS-104 mission, the crew of Atlantis (Commander Steven Lindsey, Pilot Charles Hobaugh, and Mission Specialists Mike Gernhardt, Jim Reilly, and Janet Kavandi) continue their journey back to Earth after their departure from the International Space Station the day before. External shots of Atlantis are seen, as is a sunrise from orbit.

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NASA NTRS2001

HO(x) Measurements in PEM Tropics B with the Airborne Tropospheric Hydrogen Oxides Sensor (ATHOS)

The primary objective of PEM Tropics B was to study the processes responsible for the production and loss of tropospheric ozone over the tropical Pacific. This region of the globe contains very clean air as well as aged, polluted air that was advected from both the Asian and American continents. Understanding ozone requires understanding of HO(x) (HO(x) = OH + HO2) chemistry, since the reaction between H02 and NO leads to ozone production and the production of OH often requires ozone loss. In addition, OH is the atmosphere's primary oxidant. Since most atmospheric oxidation is thought to occur in the tropical lower troposphere, measurements during PEM Tropics B should provide an important test of the OH abundances and distributions. Thus, understanding and thoroughly testing HO(x) processes was an important objective of PEM Tropics B. Several issues need to be tested, One is HO, production rates and sources, since HO,, production directly affects ozone production and loss. Another is HO(x) behavior in and around clouds, since HO(x) is lost to cloud particles, but convection may bring HO(x) precursors from near the surface to the upper troposphere. A third is the rise and fall of HO(x) at sunrise and sunset, since these variations give strong indications of the important sources and sinks of HO(x). Making and interpreting high-quality OH and H02 measurements from the NASA DC-8 during PEM Tropics B is the objective of this research effort.

Brune, William H.↗
NASA NTRS1998

ISS General Resource Reel

This video is a collection of computer animations and live footage showing the construction and assembly of the International Space Station (ISS). Computer animations show the following: (1) ISS fly around; (2) ISS over a sunrise seen from space; (3) the launch of the Zarya Control Module; (4) a Proton rocket launch; (5) the Space Shuttle docking with Zarya and attaching Zarya to the Unity Node; (6) the docking of the Service Module, Zarya, and Unity to Soyuz; (7) the Space Shuttle docking to ISS and installing the Z1 Truss segment and the Pressurized Mating Adapter (PMA); (8) Soyuz docking to the ISS; (9) the Transhab components; and (10) a complete ISS assembly. Live footage shows the construction of Zarya, the Proton rocket, Unity Node, PMA, Service Module, US Laboratory, Italian Multipurpose Logistics Module, US Airlock, and the US Habitation Module. STS-88 Mission Specialists Jerry Ross and James Newman are seen training in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL). The Expedition 1 crewmembers, William Shepherd, Yuri Gidzenko, and Sergei Krikalev, are shown training in the Black Sea and at Johnson Space Flight Center for water survival.

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NASA NTRS2002

STS-109 Flight Day 9 Highlights

Footage shows the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) against a backdrop of Earth. The grappling of the HST with the robotic arm is seen, and payload bay cameras show different angles of the HST in its deploy orientation. The deployment of the HST from the Columbia Orbiter is seen, followed by footage of the HST flying freely over the Earth's horizon. All seven crew members are gathered together during an in-flight interview as they answer questions about the mission, the experiences of being in space, and their lives as astronauts. Additional footage of the crew working during the deployment of the HST is shown. Duane Carey is seen interviewing Nancy Currie with Internet questions from young students. The video concludes with the view from Columbia of the Pacific Ocean, the coast of Northwestern Chile, and a sunrise.

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NASA NTRS2002

Earth Occultation Techniques

Earth occultation is a familiar phenomenon to all residents of the Earth, although most know it as sunrise and sunset. Satellites observe Earth occultations of an astrophysical source when it sets behind or rises above the Earth's horizon (also called the Earth's limb). Two occultations, a rise and a set, occur every satellite orbit. The most extensive use of Earth occultation to measure sources was with the Burst and Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (CGRO) for 9 years. The entire sky was subject to Earth occultation for some portion of CGRO's precession period. In BATSE data, atmospheric attenuation produced step-like features when astrophysical sources underwent occultation. The observed change in count rate in several energy bands provided a measurement of the source intensity and spectrum without requiring sophisticated background models. I will describe (1) a brief history of occultation techniques in X-ray and gamma ray astronomy; (2) how occultation features were used to locate and monitor astrophysical sources with BATSE and (3) how the Earth occultation technique can be applied to future instruments.

Wilson, Colleen A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

SHARPI: Solar High Angular Resolution Photometric Imager

Observing the lower solar atmosphere with enough linear resolution (< 100 km) to study individual magnetic flux tubes and other features on scales comparable to the photon mean free path has proven to be a challenging and elusive goal. Space-borne instruments based on conventional heavy optics turned out to be too expensive, and adaptive optics on the ground made slow progress for many years. Nevertheless, the scientific case for high-resolution imaging and magnetography has only become more compelling over the last ten years. Today, ground-based adaptive optics is a promising approach for small fields of view at visible wavelengths. Space experiments will need to employ lightweight optics and low cost platforms. The Sunrise balloon experiment is one example. We describe a concept for a sounding rocket experiment that will achieve 0.1-arcsecond imaging using a lightweight, ultraprecise 55-cm mirror in the far ultraviolet (160 nm continuum, Lyman alpha, and possibly C IV 155 nm). The f/1.2 parabolic primary mirror is entering the final stages of production. The mirror is a ULE honeycomb design with front and back face sheets. The front sheet will be figured to 6.3 nm rms with microroughness 1 nm or better. For the initial proof of concept, we describe a no-frills, high-cadence imager aboard a Black Brant sounding rocket. Development of lightweight UV/EUV optics at Goddard Space Flight Center has been supported by the Internal Research and Development program.

Rabin, D.↗
NASA NTRS2002

STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape

A continuation of 'STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape'. This video, Part 3 of 4, shows footage from flight days 6 through 9 of STS-110. The spacecrew includes Michael J. Bloomfield, Commander Stephen N. Frick, Pilot; Jerry L. Ross, Mission Specialist; Steven L. Smith, Mission Specialist; Ellen Ochoa, Mission Specialist; Lee M.E. Morin, Mission Specialist; Rex J. Walheim, Mission Specialist. On flight day 6, Ross and Morin conduct an EVA (extravehicular activity) to secure a tripod like strut to the S0 Truss of the International Space Station (ISS). They also move the drag link and keel pins from one face of the Truss to the other to free the rail on the truss for a railcar to move. Smith installs a camera onto the CANADARM robotic arm on flight day 7, and on flight day 8 the restraints are removed from the railcar connected to the S0 Truss in preparation for checkout. The checkout of the railcar is shown, including its inaugural run. Ross and Morin conduct another EVA on flight day 9 to complete the outfitting of the S0 Truss Structure. Notable footage includes views of Ross and Morin at work from the helmet-mounted camera on Ross' EVA suit, including close-ups of the pistol grip tool, CANADARM 2 onboard the ISS lit at sunrise, a 'diamond ring' effect formed by the Sun between the Earth's limb and the ISS, a brief shot of the Yucatan peninsula, and a end-to-end pan down the length of the ISS. The activities from other flights days can be seen on "STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape" Part 1 of 4 (internal ID 2002137575), "STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape" Part 2 of 4 (internal ID 2002137573), and "STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape" Part 4 of 4 (internal ID 2002137517).

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NASA NTRS2002

STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape

A continuation of 'STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape'. This video, Part 2 of 4, shows footage from flight days 3 through 5 of STS-110. The flight crew includes Michael J. Bloomfield, Commander; Stephen N. Frick, Pilot; Jerry L. Ross, Mission Specialist; Steven L. Smith, Mission Specialist; Ellen Ochoa, Mission Specialist; Lee M.E. Morin, Mission Specialist; Rex J. Walheim, Mission Specialist. The coverage from flight day 3 includes docking replays of Atlantis and the International Space Station (ISS), and postdocking procedures, as well as intermingling of the flight crew with the Expedition 4 crew (Yury I. Onufrienko, Commander; Daniel W. Bursch, Flight Engineer; Carl E. Walz, Flight Engineer) of the ISS. Flight day 4 includes an EVA (extravehicular activity) in which Walheim and Smith lift the S0 Truss from the payload bay, and temporarily clamp it onto the Destiny laboratory. On flight day 5 a suite of spaceborne experiments (not shown) arrives at Destiny, including protein crystal growth and wheat plant growth experiments. Notable footage includes Hawaii, New Zealand, and sunrise on Atlantis. An unknown object steaks across the field of view during the video, with the Earth in the background. The activities of the other flight days can be seen on 'STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape, Part 1 of 4' (internal ID 2002137575), 'STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape, Part 3 of 4' (internal ID 2002137574), and 'STS 110 Mission Highlights Resource Tape, Part 4 of 4' (internal ID 2002137517).

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