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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2026

Fluorescent Particle Vertical Profiles (Counts and Fractions) at SAIL

This dataset contains vertically resolved fluorescent aerosol number concentrations and fluorescent fractions of total aerosol number concentrations measured with the ARM Tethered Balloon System during the Surface Atmosphere Integrated Field Laboratory campaign near Gothic, Colorado. Measurements were collected during April and June 2023 as part of the ARM–EMSL FICUS project “Characterization of the Aerobiome during the ARM Surface-Atmosphere Integrated Laboratory Campaign,” which was designed to characterize the vertical distribution of bioaerosol-relevant particles in the Colorado River Basin. The dataset includes profiles of fluorescent particle concentrations measured with a Fluorescent Portable Optical Particle Sizer (FPOPS) in the approximately 0.5–3 µm diameter range. For fluorescent fractions of total aerosol number concentrations, we compare FPOPS measurements to POPS on the same TBS flight.

Fluorescent particle concentration↗
NASA NTRS1972

Electrodynamic sailing - Beating into the solar wind.

The recent suggestion by Alfven (1972) of a novel means of spacecraft propulsion based upon energy extraction from the electromagnetic field of the solar wind is critically reviewed. In response to this review, the original suggestion is somewhat amplified and clarified by its author.

Sonett, C. P.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Sail intelligent terminal evaluation

Engineering assessments, recommendations, and equipment necessary to solve the operational problems are described, and operational flexibility of the intelligent terminal facility are extended. The following capabilities were considered: (1) the operation of at least two D/D stations and one remote graphics terminal simultaneously; (2) the capability to run plotter, AIDS and FORTRAN programs simultaneously; (3) simultaneous use of system utility routines of D/D stations and remote graphics terminal; (4) the capability to provide large volume hardcopy of data and graphics; and (5) the capability to eliminate or at least ease the current operation/programming problems with related labor costs. The overall intelligent terminal development, and plans guiding the analysis and equipment acquisitions were studied, and the assessments and analyses performed are also summarized.

Pruitt, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Sail GTS ground system analysis: Avionics system engineering

A comparison of two different concepts for the guidance, navigation and control test set signal ground system is presented. The first is a concept utilizing a ground plate to which crew station, avionics racks, electrical power distribution system, master electrical common connection assembly and marshall mated elements system grounds are connected by 4/0 welding cable. An alternate approach has an aluminum sheet interconnecting the signal ground reference points between the crew station and avionics racks. The comparison analysis quantifies the differences between the two concepts in terms of dc resistance, ac resistance and inductive reactance. These parameters are figures of merit for ground system conductors in that the system with the lowest impedance is the most effective in minimizing noise voltage. Although the welding cable system is probably adequate, the aluminum sheet system provides a higher probability of a successful system design.

Lawton, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

SUNSPOT: A computer program for producing optimal solar sail planetocentric trajectories

The input, output and subroutines, including listings, for the SUNSPOT code are described. SUNSPOT can calculate time optimal planetocentric trajectories including orbit-to-orbit transfer and orbit to a subescape point. Trajectories about the the four inner planets can be calculated, and shadowing, oblateness, and solar motion may be included. A penalty function may be included to prevent trajectories which intersect the planet's surface.

Sackett, L. L.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Analysis and assessment of film materials and associated manufacturing processes for a solar sail

Candidate resin manufacturers and film producers were surveyed to determine the availability of key materials and to establish the capabilities of fabricators to prepare ultrathin films of these materials within the capacity/cost/time constraints of the Halley program. Infrared spectra of three candidate samples were obtained by pressing each sample against an internal reflection crystal with the polymer sandwiched between the crystal and the metal backing. The sample size was such that less than one-fourth of the surface of the crystal was covered with the sample. This resulted in weak spectra requiring a six-fold expansion. Internal reflection spectra of the three samples were obtained using both a KRS-5 and a Ge internal reflection crystal. Subtracted infrared spectra of the three samples are presented.

Bradbury, E. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The production of ultrathin polyimide films for the solar sail program and Large Space Structures Technology (LSST): A feasibility study

Polyimide membranes of a thickness range from under 0.01 micron m to greater than 1 micron m can be produced at an estimated cost of 50 cents per sq m (plus the cost of the polymer). The polymer of interest is dissolved in a solvent which is solube in water. The polymer or casting solution is allowed to flow down an inclined ramp onto a water surface where a pool of floating polymer develops. The solvent dissolves into the water lowering the surface tension of the water on equently, the contact angle of the polymer pool is very low and the edge of the pool is very thin. The solvent dissolves from this thin region too rapidly to be replenished from the bulk of the pool and a solid polymer film forms. Firm formation is rapid and spontaneous and the film spreads out unaided, many feet from the leading edge of the pool. The driving force for this process is the exothermic solution of the organic solvent from the polymer solution into the water.

Forester, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

ORRC/SAIL interface control document for SAIL OFT data tapes, revision A

The formats for all orbital flight tests magnetic tape recordings produced in the Johnson Space Center Shuttle Avionics Laboratories which are required to be processed in the orbiter data reduction complex or by the mission control center network interference processor are described.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Wing profile design of the world championship sail plane SB 11

A glider capable of climbing while circling in an updraft at low speed with a great mount of lift while gliding to the next updraft at high speed and with minimal altitude loss was designed. The wing profile design alleviates several problems and leaves no gap between wind and flap. A constant thickness flap eliminates the need for a flexible contour section which in turn reduces control effort. The conventional method of banking with ailerons is retained. Improved performance is demonstrated.

Horstmann, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The Satellite Sail

It is proposed to suspend an airfoil from the Space Shuttle by a long tether into the upper atmosphere to provide a horizontal force on the Shuttle, thereby changing its orbital plane most efficiently. The airfoil would need high-temperature skin and tether, and remotely controlled flaps to adjust its angle of attack. The airfoil could also be used as a hypersonic facility to measure aerodynamic characteristics at extreme altitudes and velocities. This use would require a vertical lift force to counteract the drag force and prevent the Shuttle orbit from decaying too rapidly during the aerodynamic measurements.

Pearson, J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

To sail the skies of Mars - Scientific ballooning on the red planet

Balloons represent a novel approach to exploring the surface of Mars. One promising aerostat system incorporates a solar-powered balloon as a means of generating diurnally varying lift and so can 'hop' across the surface, obtaining detailed information at a large number of sites. Two important areas of research and testing are underway on solar balloon technology and balloon payload design. The solar balloon concept has been demonstrated on earth, but more work is needed on a 'flyable' version for Mars. Particular attention must be paid to radiation heat transfer and aerodynamic effects. A special 'snake' payload concept has been demonstrated that allows for balloon system traverses of the surface and provides a usable instrument platform. A balloon system of this type could obtain unique surface imaging and physical and chemical data. The flight of the balloon also provides in situ atmospheric boundary-layer and circulation measurements.

Gaidos, Eric J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Solar sail attitude control including active nutation damping in a fixed-momentum wheel satellite

In geostationary cruise of a momentum biased satellite, it is necessary to stabilize the roll/yaw attitude due to disturbances, caused mainly by solar radiation pressure. This work presents a roll/yaw control which is obtained by the use of solar arrays and fixed flaps as actuators, with a horizon sensor for roll measurement. The design also includes an active nutation damping.

Azor, Ruth↗
NASA NTRS1995

Space Applications of Industrial Laser Systems (SAILS)

A program is under way to develop a YAG laser based materials processing workstation to fly in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. The system will be capable of cutting and welding steel, aluminum, and Inconel alloys of the type planned for use on Space Station Freedom. As well as demonstrating the ability of a YAG laser to perform remote (fiber-optic delivered) repair and fabrication operations in space, fundamental data will be collected on these interactions for comparison with terrestrial data and models. The flight system, scheduled to fly in 1995, will be constructed as two modules to fit into the standard Get Away Special (GAS) canisters. The first can holds the laser and its power supply, to be constructed by our industrial partner, Lumonics Industrial Processing Division. The second canister has the materials processing workstation and the command and data acquisition subsystems. These components will be provided by groups at the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI) and the University of Waterloo. The cans are linked by a fiber-optic cable which transmits the beam from the laser head to the workstation.

Mueller, Robert E.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Smooth Sailing for Weather Forecasting

Through a cooperative venture with NASA's Stennis Space Center, WorldWinds, Inc., developed a unique weather and wave vector map using space-based radar satellite information and traditional weather observations. Called WorldWinds, the product provides accurate, near real-time, high-resolution weather forecasts. It was developed for commercial and scientific users. In addition to weather forecasting, the product's applications include maritime and terrestrial transportation, aviation operations, precision farming, offshore oil and gas operations, and coastal hazard response support. Target commercial markets include the operational maritime and aviation communities, oil and gas providers, and recreational yachting interests. Science applications include global long-term prediction and climate change, land-cover and land-use change, and natural hazard issues. Commercial airlines have expressed interest in the product, as it can provide forecasts over remote areas. WorldWinds, Inc., is currently providing its product to commercial weather outlets.

Source record↗