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Users manual for the IMA program

The Impulsive Mission Analysis (IMA) computer program provides a user-friendly means of designing a complete Earth-orbital mission profile using an 80386-based microcomputer. The IMA program produces a trajectory summary, an output file for use by the new Simplex Computation of Optimum Orbital Trajectories (SCOOT) program, and several graphics, including ground tracks on a world map, altitude profiles, relative motion plots, and sunlight/communication timelines. The user can design missions using any combination of three basic types of mission segments: double co-eliptic rendezvous, payload delivery, and payload de-orbit/spacecraft recovery. Each mission segment is divided into one or more transfers, and each transfer is divided into one or more legs, each leg consisting of a coast arc followed by a burn arc.

Williams, D. F.

Observing stellar coronae with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph. 1: The dMe star AU microscopoii

We report on an observation of AU Mic taken with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) aboard the Hubble Space Telescope. The data consist of a rapid sequence of spectra covering the wavelength range 1345-1375 A with a spectral resolution of 10,000. The observations were originally intended to search for spectral variations during flares. No flares were detected during the 3.5 hr of monitoring. A method of reducing the noise while combining the individual spectra in the time series is described which resulted in the elimination of half of the noise while rejecting only a small fraction of the stellar signal. The resultant spectrum was of sufficient quality to allow the detection of emission lines with an integrated flux of 10(exp -15) ergs/sq cm(sec) or greater. Lines of C I, O I, O V, Cl I, and Fe XXI were detected. This is the first indisputable detection of the 1354 A Fe XXI line, formed at T approximately = 10(exp 7) K, on a star other than the Sun. The line was well resolved and displayed no significant bulk motions or profile asymmetry. From the upper limit on the observed line width, we derive an upper limit of 38 km/s for the turbulent velocity in the 10(exp 7) K plasma. An upper limit is derived for the flux of the 1349 A Fe XII line, formed at T approximately = 1.3 x 10(exp 6) K. These data are combined with contemporaneous GHRS and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) data to derive the volume emission measure distribution of AU Mic over the temperature range 10(exp 4)-10(exp 7) K. Models of coronal loops in hydrostatic equilibrium are consistent with the observed volume emission measures of the coronal lines. The fraction of the stellar surface covered by the footprints of the loops depends upon the loop length and is less than 14% for lengths smaller than the stellar radius. From the upper limit to the estimated width of the Fe XXI line prfile we find that the we cannot rule out Alfven wave dissipation as a possible contributor to the required quiescent loop heating rate.

Maran, S. P.

Low Ozone over Europe Doesn't Mean the Sky Is Falling, Its Actually Rising

Data Sources: NASA Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) (O3 profiles and columns), NASA Global Modeling Initiative (GMI) Chemistry and Transport Model (calculated O3depletion), and MERRA Tropopause Heights. Technical Description of Figures: The left graphics show MLS northern hemisphere stratospheric column ozone on Feb. 1, 2016. Very low columns are seen over the UK and Europe (<225 DU, inside dashed circle). The lower graphic shows the GMI-calculated O3 depletion. It's very small, suggesting the low O3 does not indicate significant depletion. The right graphics show how the high tropopause height in this region explains the observed low ozone. The lower panel shows that the high tropopause on Feb. 1 lifts the O3 profile compared to a typical profile found earlier in winter. This motion lifts the profile to lower pressures thus reducing the total column. The GMI Model shows only 4 Dobson Units (DU) of O3 depletion even though the column is more than 100 DU lower than one month earlier. Scientific significant and societal relevance: To quantitatively understand anthropogenic impacts to the stratospheric ozone layer, we must be able to distinguish between low ozone caused by ozone depleting substances and that caused by natural dynamical variability in the atmosphere. Observations and realistic simulations of atmospheric composition are both required in order to separate natural and anthropogenic ozone variability.

Stratospheric

Wavy nature of the magnetotail neutral sheet

Crossings of the magnetotail neutral sheet are examined with 20-sec averaged magnetic field data from Imp 5 satellite. It is shown that for some multiple neutral sheet crossings, the y-component of the magnetic field reverses its sign between adjacent crossings. This feature can be explained in terms of a wavy profile of the neutral sheet along the dawn-dusk direction, but not in terms of flapping motion or wavy profile of the neutral sheet along the tailward direction. It is suggested that the magnetotail neutral sheet often shows departure from a plane geometry.

Lui, A. T. Y.

Small-scale physics of the ocean

Observations and theoretical models of small-scale phenomena in the oceans are reviewed, with a focus on progress during the period 1983-1986. Topics examined include surface layers, equatorial turbulence, off-equator mixed layers, the scaling of mixing, turbulence concepts, laboratory results, internal waves and mixing, rings, the nature of the bottom layer, double diffusion and intrusions, salt fingers, and biological interactions. Also discussed are developments in instrumentation (fast sampling profilers with upward-profiling capability, deep profilers, ship-motion correction, horizontal samplers, small submersibles, submarines, towed packages, conductivity sensors, dissolved-oxygen sensors, and acoustic Doppler current profilers) and goals for future research.

Caldwell, Douglas R.

MHD stability trends and improved performance of LHD inward-shifted configurations: The role of the neutral beam current drive and thermal plasma density

The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of the neutral beam current drive (NBCD), thermal plasma density, and NBI operational regime on the stability of pressure gradient-driven modes (PGDM) and Alfvén eigenmodes (AE) in LHD inward-shifted configurations. The stabilization of n/m = 1/2 PGDM (n toroidal mode and m poloidal mode) is observed in the discharge 167 800 during the co-NBCD phase. The iota profile evolution measured by motional stark effect diagnostic may indicate the iota profile up-shift caused by the co-NBCD can induce a non-resonant transition of the rational surface 1/2 before the mode stabilization. The evolution of the iota profile and continuum gaps in the discharge 167 805 during the ctr-NBCD phase leads to the stabilization of the AE, caused by the narrowing of the continuum gap as the iota profile down-shift. Opposite stability trends are identified for PGDM and AE stability with respect to the thermal plasma density. A larger thermal plasma density (larger thermal β) further enhances PGDM although the continuum gaps are narrower leading to configurations with stable AEs. The linear stability of AEs is analyzed using the gyro-fluid FAR3d code to reproduce the AE stability trends observed in the experiments with respect to the NBCD and thermal plasma density. The analysis of hypothetical scenarios dedicated to study different NBI operational regimes with respect to EP energy, and β and radial density profiles indicate off-axis NBI operation shows a higher EP β threshold to destabilize AEs compared to on-axis configuration. This is explained by the presence of a TAE gap in the inner plasma region, easily destabilized by an on-axis NBI injection. The control of the NBCD and thermal plasma in the discharge 167 800 shows a transitory stabilization of PGDM and AEs, as well as an improved discharge performance identified by an increment of the neutron fluxes.

Varela, Jacobo

Effect of out-of-roundness on the performance of a diesel engine connecting-rod bearing

In this paper, the dynamic performance of the Ruston and Hornsby VEB diesel engine connecting-rod bearing with circular and out-of-round profiles is analyzed. The effect of cavitation is considered by using a cavitation algorithm, which mimics JFO boundary conditions. The effect of mass inertia is accounted for by solving coupled nonlinear equations of motion. The journal profiles considered are circular, elliptical, semi-elliptical, and three lobe epicycloid. The predicted journal trajectory and other performance parameters for one complete load cycle are presented for all of the out-of-round profiles and are also compared with the predictions for the circular bearing.

Vijayaraghavan, D.

Effect of out-of-roundness on the performance of a diesel engine connecting-rod bearing

In this paper, the dynamic performance of the Ruston and Hornsby VEB diesel engine connecting-rod bearing with circular and out-of-round profiles is analyzed. The effect of cavitation is considered by using a cavitation algorithm, which mimics JFO boundary conditions. The effect of mass inertia is accounted for by solving coupled nonlinear equations of motion. The journal profiles considered are circular, elliptical, semi-elliptical, and three lobe epicycloid. The predicted journal trajectory and other performance parameters for one complete load cycle are presented for all of the out-of-round profiles and are also compared with the predictions for the circular bearing.

Vijayaraghavan, D.

Study of optical properties of X-ray sources

A series of optical and X-ray observations of Sco X-1 and Cyg X-2 by UHURU satellite is reported. Results for Sco X-1 show a definite correlation between optical and X-ray intensity and thus indicate a common emitting region with the source being quiet and having no short term fluctuations bigger than 10%. Spectra reveal the presence of a high excitation complex at wavelength 4650 due to N III-C III. Spectra of a faint 15-mag red object NW of the radio position indicate that Cyg X-1 is associated with a bright B supergiant star. The flux from the edges of the Cygnus Loop in the coronal line at wavelength 5303 was measured to be less than five times ten to the minus nine power erg/sq cm/sterad/sec (0.017 R) in a 3-A band centered on the line. This indicates substantial broadening of the line profile by mass motion or that the temperature is somewhat higher than the present estimate from X-ray data.

Vandenbout, P. A.

Search for coronal line emission from the Cygnus Loop.

The flux from the edges of the Cygnus Loop in the forbidden Fe XIV coronal line at 5303 A is measured to be less than 5 nanoergs per sq cm per sterad per sec (0.017 R) in a 3 A band centered on the line. This upper limit is an order of magnitude lower than the predicted total flux in the line and implies that there must be substantial broadening of the line profile by mass motion or that the temperature is somewhat higher than the present best estimate from X-ray data.

Kurtz, D. W.

STS-1 medical report

The report includes a review of the health of the crew before, during and immediately after the first Shuttle orbital flight (April 12-14, 1981). Areas reviewed include: health evaluation, medical debriefing of crewmembers, health stabilization program, medical training, medical kit carried inflight; tests and countermeasures for space motion sickness, cardiovascular profile, biochemistry and endocrinology results; hematology and immunology analyses; medical microbiology; food and nutrition; potable water; shuttle toxicology; radiological health; cabin acoustical noise. Also included is information on: environmental effects of Shuttle launch and landing, medical information management; and management, planning and implementation of the medical program.

Pool, S. L.

STS-3 medical report

The medical operations report for STS-3, which includes a review of the health of the crew before, during, and immediately after the third Shuttle orbital flight is presented. Areas reviewed include: health evaluation, medical debriefing of crewmembers, health stabilization program, medical training, medical 'kit' carried in flight, tests and countermeasures for space motion sickness, cardiovascular profile, biochemistry and endocrinology results, hematology and immunology analyses, medical microbiology, food and nutrition, potable water, shuttle toxicology, radiological health, and cabin acoustic noise. Environmental effects of shuttle launch and landing medical information management, and management, planning, and implementation of the medical program are also dicussed.

Pool, S. L.

The Kinematic and Microphysical Control of Storm Integrated Lightning Flash Extent

The objective of this preliminary study is to investigate the kinematic and microphysical control of lightning properties, particularly those that may govern the production of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in thunderstorms, such as flash rate, type and extent. The mixed-phase region is where the noninductive charging (NIC) process is thought to generate most storm electrification during rebounding collisions between ice particles in the presence of supercooled water. As a result, prior radar-based studies have demonstrated that lightning flash rate is well correlated to kinematic and microphysical properties in the mixed-phase region of thunderstorms such as updraft volume, graupel mass, or ice mass flux. There is also some evidence that lightning type is associated with the convective state. Intracloud (IC) lightning tends to dominate during the updraft accumulation of precipitation ice mass while cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning is more numerous during the downdraft-driven descent of radar echo associated with graupel and hail. More study is required to generalize these relationships, especially regarding lightning type, in a wide variety of storm modes and meteorological conditions. Less is known about the co-evolving relationship between storm kinematics, microphysics, morphology and three-dimensional flash extent, despite its importance for lightning NOx production. To address this conceptual gap, the NASA MSFC Lightning Nitrogen Oxides Model (LNOM) is applied to North Alabama Lightning Mapping Array (NALMA) and Vaisala National Lightning Detection NetworkTM (NLDN) observations following ordinary convective cells through their lifecycle. LNOM provides estimates of flash type, channel length distributions, lightning segment altitude distributions (SADs) and lightning NOx production profiles. For this study, LNOM is applied in a Lagrangian sense to well isolated convective cells on 3 April 2007 (single cell and multi-cell hailstorm, non-severe multicell) and 6 July 2007 (non-severe multi-cell) over Northern Alabama. The LNOM lightning characteristics are compared to the evolution of updraft and precipitation properties inferred from dual-Doppler and polarimetric radar analyses applied to observations from a nearby Doppler radar network, including the UA Huntsville Advanced Radar for Meteorological and Operational Research (ARMOR, C-band, polarimetric). The LNOM estimated SAD and lightning NOx production profiles are placed in the context of radar derived profiles of vertical motion, precipitation types and amounts. Finally, these analyses are used to determine if storm integrated flash channel extent is as well correlated to volumetric updraft and precipitation ice characteristics in the mixed phase region as flash rate for these individual convective cells.

Carey, Lawrence

Suggested severe local storm operational scenario for GOES I-M

The GOES I-M satellite system is expected to provide continuous high resolution estimates of temperature and moisture profiles, winds from cloud motions, surface temperature, cloud properties, and precipitation for severe local storm and tropical cyclone events. The suggested operational schedule for the GOES I-M satellite emphasizes the observation frequencies, spatial coverage, spectral bands, etc. for the GOES I-M imager and sounder instruments that are expected to optimize the determination of the relevant meteorological parameters. During severe local storm events, the imager would be programmed to perform high frequency imaging (less than or= 3.5 min) for determining winds from cloud motions and for monitoring severe convection. In addition, the sounder would provide temperature and moisture profiles every hour over a 3000 X 3000 km domain during the antecedent stage or over a 1000 X 1000 km area every 10 minutes during the mature storm stage.

Shenk, William E.

Wind Profiling With the Airborne Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar During the 2022 Convective Processes Experiment

The 2017 Decadal Survey for Earth Science and Applications from Space (ESAS 2017) identifies a critical need for improving our understanding of Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) processes and air-surface fluxes as well as why clouds, convection, and heavy precipitation occur when and where they do. Lidars are uniquely capable of collecting high precision and high spatio-temporal observations that have been used for atmospheric process studies from the ground, aircraft, and space. The wind lidar team at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) started the development of Doppler wind lidar more than a decade ago to demonstrate technologies required for an Earth-orbiting system to globally measure wind profiles. Since then, an airborne Doppler Aerosol WiNd (DAWN) lidar system has been developed and participated in a series of field campaigns. The Doppler Aerosol WiNd (DAWN) lidar uses atmospheric aerosol motion to derive vertical profiles of horizontal wind speed and direction beneath the aircraft. In September 2022, DAWN, along with a suite of other instruments, was flown on a NASA DC-8 as part of The Convective Processes EXperiment – Cabo Verde (CPEX-CV) field campaign. A main objective of CPEX was to obtain a comprehensive set of temperature, humidity and, particularly, wind observations over tropical waters in undisturbed conditions, Saharan dust outbreaks, and in the vicinity of scattered through organized deep convection in all phases of the convective life cycle. DAWN collected data for approximately 90 hours across 13 CPEX-CV science flights. Airborne Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS) dropsondes were dropped throughout the flight for profiling the atmosphere and validating the DAWN instrument. DAWN had co-located data with 347 AVAPS NRD41 dropsondes, providing 32,117 vertical levels for a comprehensive validation of DAWN wind retrievals. DAWN showed very good agreement with dropsondes of ~0.2 m/s bias and ~1.8 m/s RMS. Given this agreement, DAWN is considered to be a worthy reference dataset, and its retrievals have been compared to winds derived from GOES Atmospheric Motion Vectors (AMVs), Advanced Scatterometer winds (ASCAT), and model data from GFS, GEOS, and MERRA-2 to better understand the quality of our current models and satellite wind observations. The proposed presentation will provide a brief description of the DAWN instrument, discuss the synergistic observations collected across a wide range of atmospheric conditions sampled during the CPEX-CV flights, and a summary of comparisons between DAWN, GOES AMV, ASCAT, and model analyses/predictions, with an emphasis on the PBL.

DAWN