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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 307 records · Page 17

A high-power communications technology satellite for the 12 and 14 GHz bands.

Description of the mission, subsystems and communication capabilities of a joint Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) scheduled for launch in 1975 by the Canadian Department of Communications in cooperation with NASA. The principal objectives of the mission are TV transmission at 12 GHz to low-cost ground terminals, up-link TV transmission at 14 GHz transportable terminals, and flight tests of spacecraft subsystems and components for future communications satellites. The major advanced spacecraft subsystems are a novel superefficiency TWT design, a 0.4 mlb Mercury Bombardment ion engine for north-south station keeping, a 3-axis stabilization system to maintain a high antenna boresight pointing accuracy, a liquid metal slip ring experiment, and a lightweight extendible solar array with an initial power output greater than 1 kW.

Franklin, C. A.↗

STARLAB UV-optical telescope facility, volume 1

The STARLAB accomplishments to date include both the feasibility definition and detailed design study efforts on critical subsystems. Topics of discussion for this report include: (1) STARLAB capabilities; (2) scientific programs; (3) STARLAB technical description; (4) STARLAB Phase B studies; and (5) technical conclusions Technical recommendations.

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Skylab reuse study, reference data, part 1

The accommodations provided by the airlock module and the orbital workshop were completely examined with the thought of total reactivation as an enhancement to the STS long duration missions. Each subsystem is described and a summary of subsystem performance during the Skylab missions is presented. End-of-mission status and the status of today for each subsystem is shown together with refurbishment/resupply requirements and refurb kit descriptions to restore Skylab to full operational capability. An inspection/refurbishment and operations plan for Skylab is included. The initial Shuttle-tended operational activity would provide a safe, effective phase of Skylab rehabilitation while simultaneously benefitting the Orbiter crew through the addition of private accommodations, off-duty recreation area, and physical conditioning equipment. This period would also permit exercising selected onboard experiments.

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Modifications to the Flexible Spacecraft Dynamics Program

Modifications to existing subroutines are briefly described and a detailed description of new subroutines is given. The capability to simulate the Dynamics Explorer-B control system new developed and the formulation for this addition is given. The program variables in new labelled COMMON blocks are described in detail and the modified input and output for the d Flexible Spacecraft Dynamics Program is described.

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A radiometric model of an earth radiation budget radiometer optical system with diffuse-specular surfaces

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) is to fly on NASA's Earth Radiation Budget Satellite (ERBS) and on NOAA F and NOAA G. Large spatial scale earth energy budget data will be derived primarily from measurements made by the ERBE nonscanning instrument (ERBE-NS). A description is given of a mathematical model capable of simulating the radiometric response of any of the ERBE-NS earth viewing channels. The model uses a Monte Carlo method to accurately account for directional distributions of emission and reflection from optical surfaces which are neither strictly diffuse nor strictly specular. The model computes radiation exchange factors among optical system components, and determines the distribution in the optical system of energy from an outside source. Attention is also given to an approach for implementing the model and results obtained from the implementation.

Luther, M. R.↗

Description and calibration of the Langley unitary plan wind tunnel

The two test sections of the Langley Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel were calibrated over the operating Mach number range from 1.47 to 4.63. The results of the calibration are presented along with a a description of the facility and its operational capability. The calibrations include Mach number and flow angularity distributions in both test sections at selected Mach numbers and tunnel stagnation pressures. Calibration data are also presented on turbulence, test-section boundary layer characteristics, moisture effects, blockage, and stagnation-temperature distributions. The facility is described in detail including dimensions and capacities where appropriate, and example of special test capabilities are presented. The operating parameters are fully defined and the power consumption characteristics are discussed.

Jackson, C. M., Jr.↗

The Delta improved second stage - First flight results

On July 16, 1982 the successful launch of the Landsat-D spacecraft marked a significant step in the evolutionary growth of the Delta launch vehicle. This growth is related to the development of the Improved Second Stage (ISS). The second utilization of the ISS occurred August 26, 1982 with the successful launch of the Canadian Telesat-F communications satellite. Used in conjunction with the PAM third stage, this spacecraft was placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit with extremely high accuracy. The various steps in the 22-year history of the Delta launch vehicle are briefly examined. In mid-1979 it became apparent that the expendable-to-Shuttle transition time would increase over that previously planned. In connection with this development, it was decided to design the ISS. Attention is given to design details, a system description, the development schedule, aspects of performance capability, first flight results, and future performance improvements.

Grimes, D. W.↗

Alouette-ISIS program summary

The Alouette-ISIS program was a joint undertaking between Canada and the United States. Canada provided the Alouette and ISIS spacecraft, data acquisition, and satellite control. The USA provided launch capability, satellite tracking, and data acquisition. Brief descriptions of the six spacecraft and of the investigations on each spacecraft are given. The Alouette-ISIS bibliography, order alphabetically by first author's name, is contained.

Jackson, John E.↗

Microgravity research in NASA ground-based facilities

An overview of reduced gravity research performed in NASA ground-based facilities sponsored by the Microgravity Science and Applications Program of the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications is presented. A brief description and summary of the operations and capabilities of each of these facilities along with an overview of the historical usage of them is included. The goals and program elements of the Microgravity Science and Applications programs are described and the specific programs that utilize the low gravity facilities are identified. Results from two particular investigations in combustion (flame spread over solid fuels) and fluid physics (gas-liquid flows at microgravity conditions) are presented.

Lekan, Jack↗

Consequences of nonclassical measurement for the algorithmic description of continuous dynamical systems

Continuous dynamical systems intuitively seem capable of more complex behavior than discrete systems. If analyzed in the framework of the traditional theory of computation, a continuous dynamical system with countably many quasistable states has at least the computational power of a universal Turing machine. Such an analysis assumes, however, the classical notion of measurement. If measurement is viewed nonclassically, a continuous dynamical system cannot, even in principle, exhibit behavior that cannot be simulated by a universal Turing machine.

Fields, Chris↗

Microgravity research in NASA ground-based facilities

An overview of reduced gravity reasearch performed in NASA ground-based facilities sponsored by Microgravity Science and Applications Program of the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications is presented. A brief description and summary of the operations and capabilities of each of these facilities along with an overview of the historical usage of them is included. The goals and program elements of the Microgravity Science and Applications programs are described and the specific programs that utilize the low gravity facilities are identified. Results from two particular investigations in combustion (flame spread over solid fuels) and fluid physics (gas-liquid flows at microgravity conditions) are presented.

Lekan, Jack↗

Consequences of nonclassical measurement for the algorithmic description of continuous dynamical systems

Continuous dynamical systems intuitively seem capable of more complex behavior than discrete systems. If analyzed in the framework of the traditional theory of computation, a continuous dynamical system with countablely many quasistable states has at least the computational power of a universal Turing machine. Such an analyses assumes, however, the classical notion of measurement. If measurement is viewed nonclassically, a continuous dynamical system cannot, even in principle, exhibit behavior that cannot be simulated by a universal Turing machine.

Fields, Chris↗

Reliability Assessment Approach for Stirling Convertors and Generators

Stirling power conversion is being considered for use in a Radioisotope Power System for deep-space science missions because it offers a multifold increase in the conversion efficiency of heat to electric power. Quantifying the reliability of a Radioisotope Power System that utilizes Stirling power conversion technology is important in developing and demonstrating the capability for long-term success. A description of the Stirling power convertor is provided, along with a discussion about some of the key components. Ongoing efforts to understand component life, design variables at the component and system levels, related sources, and the nature of uncertainties is discussed. The requirement for reliability also is discussed, and some of the critical areas of concern are identified. A section on the objectives of the performance model development and a computation of reliability is included to highlight the goals of this effort. Also, a viable physics-based reliability plan to model the design-level variable uncertainties at the component and system levels is outlined, and potential benefits are elucidated. The plan involves the interaction of different disciplines, maintaining the physical and probabilistic correlations at all the levels, and a verification process based on rational short-term tests. In addition, both top-down and bottom-up coherency were maintained to follow the physics-based design process and mission requirements. The outlined reliability assessment approach provides guidelines to improve the design and identifies governing variables to achieve high reliability in the Stirling Radioisotope Generator design.

Shah, Ashwin R.↗

Medusa Sea Floor Monitoring System

This paper presents viewgraphs on the development of an instrument to enable fundamental research into understanding the potential for and limits to chemolithoautrophic life. The topics include: 1) Background; 2) Relevance to NASA Missions; 3) Technology Requirements; 4) Medusa System Description; 5) Medusa Components; 6) Medusa Science Capabilities; 7) Medusa Capabilities; and 8) Schedule

Flynn, Michael↗

On the Need for Multidimensional Stirling Simulations

Given the cost and complication of simulating Stirling convertors, do we really need multidimensional modeling when one-dimensional capabilities exist? This paper provides a comprehensive description of when and why multidimensional simulation is needed.

Dyson, Rodger W.↗

GCN and AMON

"I will given an overview of the GCN system functions, capabilities, current & future notice types). Then a description of how GCN can interact with AMON; provide correlative trigger information to be used with the IceCube Neutrino detector (and others), and how GCN can distribute any detections made there from."

Barthelmy, Scott↗

Non-Equilibrium Plasma Applications for Water Purification Supporting Human Spaceflight and Terrestrial Point-of-Use

2016 NASA Glenn Technology Day Panel Presentation on May 24, 2016. The panel description is: Environmental Impact: NASA Glenn Water Capabilities Both global water scarcity and water treatment concerns are two of the most predominant environmental issues of our time. Glenn researchers share insights on a snow sensing technique, hyper spectral imaging of Lake Erie algal blooms, and a discussion on non-equilibrium plasma applications for water purification supporting human spaceflight and terrestrial point-of-use. The panel moderator will be Bryan Stubbs, Executive Director of the Cleveland Water Alliance.

Water resource/reuse↗