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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 415 records · Page 23

United States benefits of improved worldwide wheat crop information from a LANDSAT system

The value of worldwide information improvements on wheat crops, promised by LANDSAT, is measured in the context of world wheat markets. These benefits are based on current LANDSAT technical goals and assume that information is made available to all (United States and other countries) at the same time. A detailed empirical sample demonstration of the effect of improved information is given; the history of wheat commodity prices for 1971-72 is reconstructed and the price changes from improved vs. historical information are compared. The improved crop forecasting from a LANDSAT system assumed include wheat crop estimates of 90 percent accuracy for each major wheat producing region. Accurate, objective worldwide wheat crop information using space systems may have a very stabilizing influence on world commodity markets, in part making possible the establishment of long-term, stable trade relationships.

Heiss, K. P.↗

Analysis of field size distributions, LACIE test sites 5029, 5033, and 5039, Anhwei Province, People's Republic of China

A study was made of the field size distributions for LACIE test sites 5029, 5033, and 5039, People's Republic of China. Field lengths and widths were measured from LANDSAT imagery, and field area was statistically modeled. Field size parameters have log-normal or Poisson frequency distributions. These were normalized to the Gaussian distribution and theoretical population curves were made. When compared to fields in other areas of the same country measured in the previous study, field lengths and widths in the three LACIE test sites were 2 to 3 times smaller and areas were smaller by an order of magnitude.

Podwysocki, M. H.↗

Applications of space technology to developing nations

The use of imagery from the Landsat spacecraft for the monitoring and management of natural resources in developing countries is discussed. The Landsat imagery can be used to make cartographic maps at scales of 1:250,000 which meet the US National Map Accuracy Standards, providing a means of map updating to correct for river meanders or changing shorelines. The Landsat data can also be used in defining and measuring agricultural areas, identifying pest breeding areas, and monitoring irrigation practices and crop performance. Total volume estimates can be obtained in many cases for surface bodies of water, and subsurface water supplies can be detected from changes in vegetation in some instances.

Freden, S. C.↗

The United Nations contribution towards an international agreement on remote sensing

The recommendations of the Legal Subcommittee of the United Nations committee for the Peaceful Uses of Space concerning satellite remote sensing are considered. Detailed studies of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of this committee are discussed with emphasis on three draft proposals submitted to it on remote sensing by (1) France and the USSR, (2) Latin American countries, and (3) the United States.

Menter, M.↗

Definition study for photovoltaic residential prototype system

A site evaluation was performed to assess the relative merits of different regions of the country in terms of the suitability for experimental photovoltaic powered residences. Eight sites were selected based on evaluation criteria which included population, photovoltaic systems performance and the cost of electrical energy. A parametric sensitivity analysis was performed for four selected site locations. Analytical models were developed for four different power system implementation approaches. Using the model which represents a direct (or float) charge system implementation the performance sensitivity to the following parameter variations is reported: (1) solar roof slope angle; (2) ratio of the number of series cells in the solar array to the number of series cells in the lead-acid battery; and (3) battery size. For a Cleveland site location, a system with no on site energy storage and with a maximum power tracking inverter which feeds back excess power to the utility was shown to have 19 percent greater net system output than the second place system. The experiment test plan is described. The load control and data acquisition system and the data display panel for the residence are discussed.

Shepard, N. F.↗

The NASA Space Processing Program

The program is intended to initiate utilization of spaceflight for economically beneficial activities in all branches of materials science and technology. In view of the prospect they offer for reducing the costs of space operations, the Spacelab and Space Shuttle are expected to become widely used for work on materials early in the 1980's. At first they will be employed for space experiments and for services, such as sample preparation, that support research and development activities on the ground. Orbital manufacturing operations are expected to develop as well when research has prepared an adequate basis for them. During the past year, NASA has initiated a series of rocket flights on which prospective participants in the Shuttle/Spacelab program can perform preliminary experiments. Participation in these flights is open to investigators from all countries, and experiments are being solicited from private sponsors also. NASA is performing concurrent definition studies of Shuttle/Spacelab payloads, and design work on equipment for the first two years of operations is planned to begin early in 1977. The Office of Applications currently plans to fly two space processing payloads on Orbital Flight Test missions in 1980 and two on operational Spacelab missions in 1981.

Bredt, J. H.↗

Domestic and world trends (1980 - 2000) affecting the future of aviation

Variables affecting aviation in the United States during the last fifth of the twentieth century are studied. Estimates of relevant future developments are presented and their probable impact on the aviation industry in this country are identified. A series of key trends relating to economic, social, political, technological, ecological and environmental developments are identified and discussed with relation to their possible effects on aviation. From this analysis, a series of scenarios are developed representing an array of possibilities ranging from severe economic depression and high international tension on the one hand, to a world of detente which enjoys an unprecedented economic growth rate and relaxation of tensions on the other. A surprise free scenario is presented which represents the best judgment of the manner in which events will most probably develop and the effect on the aviation industry such developments will likely produce.

Friedman, N.↗

Summary of the general aviation manufacturers' position on aircraft piston engine emissions

The General Aviation Manufacturers recommended that the EPA rescind the aircraft piston engine emissions regulations currently on the books. The reason was the very small emission reduction potential and the very poor benefit-cost ratio involved in this form of emission reduction. The limited resources of this industry can far better be devoted to items of much greater benefit to the citizens of this country - reducing noise, improving fuel efficiency (which will incidently reduce exhaust emissions), and improving the safety, operational, and economic aspects of aircraft, all far greater contributions to our total national transportation system.

Helms, J. L.↗

Comparison of ozone measurement techniques using aircraft, balloon, and ground-based measurements

In order to verify the ultraviolet absorption technique used in the Global Atmospheric Sampling Program, two flight experiments were conducted employing several techniques, both in situ and remote, for measuring atmospheric ozone. The first experiment used the NASA CV-990 equipped with an ultraviolet absorption ozone monitor and an ultraviolet spectrophotometer, a balloon ozonesonde, and a Dobson station for determining and comparing the ozone concentration data. A second experiment compared ozone data from an automated sampling system aboard a B-747 with data from a manned system installed on the NASA CV-990 during a cross-country flight with both aircraft following the same flight path separated by 32 kilometers.

Briehl, D.↗

Extension of surface data by use of meteorological satellites

Ways of using meteorological satellite data to extend surface data are summarized. Temperature models are prepared from infrared data from ITOS/NOAA, NIMBUS, SMS/GOES, or future LANDSAT satellites. Using temperatures for surface meteorological stations as anchors, an adjustment is made to temperature values for each pixel in the model. The result is an image with an estimated temperature for each pixel. This provides an economical way of producing detailed temperature information for data-sparse areas, such as are found in underdeveloped countries. Related uses of these satellite data are also given, including the use of computer prepared cloud-free composites to extend climatic zones, and their use in discrimination of reflectivity-thermal regime zones.

Giddings, L. E.↗

United States benefits of improved worldwide wheat crop information from a LANDSAT system overview

The value of improvements in worldwide information on wheat crops provided by LANDSAT was measured in the context of world wheat markets. These benefits were based on exiting LANDSAT technical goals and assumed that information would be made available to the United States and other countries at the same time. The benefits to the United States of such public LANDSAT information on wheat crops were found to be 174 million dollars a year on the average. The benefits from improved wheat crop information compare favorably with the annual system's cost of about $62 million. A detailed empirical sample demonstration of the effect of improved information was developed. The history of wheat commodity prices for 1971-72 was reconstructed and the price changes from improved vs. historical information were compared.

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Experimental program for the operational study of data collection platforms in Bolivia

The system developed for the SMS/GOES satellite while learning the limitations possessed by this system with regard to the LANDSAT 1 and 2 satellites with respect to the transmission distance and horizon angle is investigated. The advantages possessed by this system in comparison with conventional methods are evaluated so as to permit studying the feasibility of introducing it into this country in the near future.

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Wind energy: A renewable energy option

Wind turbine generator research programs administered by the Energy Research and Development Administration are examined. The design and operation of turbine demonstration models are described. Wind assessments were made to determine the feasibility of using wind generated power for various parts of the country.

Zimmerman, J. S.↗

A new rapid method of solar simulator calibration

A quick method for checking solar simulator spectra content is presented. The method is based upon a solar cell of extended spectral sensitivity and known absolute response, and a dichroic mirror with the reflection transmission transition close to the peak wavelength of the Thekaekara AMO distribution. It compromises the need for spectral discrimination with the ability to integrate wide spectral regions of the distribution which was considered important due to the spiky nature of the high pressure xenon lamp in common use. The results are expressed in terms of a single number, the blue/red ratio, which, combined with the total (unfiltered) output, provides a simple adequate characterization. Measurements were conducted at eleven major facilities across the country and a total of eighteen simulators were measured including five pulsed units.

Ross, B.↗

Thermal regimes in cratered terrain with emphasis on the role of impact melt

The distribution of bombardment energy in the moon's crust and the types of phase transformation resulting from this energy input are investigated. It is seen that the major significance of impact melts in the period of intense cratering is that they transfer most of the high-temperature heat following cratering and thus take part in many of the phase transformations on planetary surfaces. Energy partitioning studies suggest that of the projectiles' total kinetic energy, 23 to 35% is converted into heat by passage of the shock fronts, 43 to 53% transports ejecta and then is dissipated at modest temperature increases over a broad area, 8 to 24% is consumed comminuting country rock, and less than 1% becomes seismic and radiant energy. Subsequent to its formation, the melt is violently mixed with much colder debris to form the sheets of impact melt and the breccias.

Simonds, C. H.↗

Practical aspects of sonic boom problems

SST configurations selected from the point of minimizing sonic booms are investigated. It is indicated that for a total length of 300 ft and total initial weight of the same order as the present U.S. SST designs, sonic booms having shock pressure rise of the order of 0.6 lb/square foot can be obtained. Values as low as 0.3 are possible for airplanes designed for cross-country flights.

Ferri, A.↗

Indexing, screening, coding and cataloging of earth resources aircraft mission data

Tasks completed are as follows: (1) preparation of large Area Crop Inventory experiment for data base entry;(2) preparation of Earth Observations Aircraft Flight summary reports for publication; (3) updating of the aircraft mission index coverage map and Ames aircraft flight map; (4) Prepared of Earth Observation Helicopter Flight reports for publication; and (5) indexing of LANDSAT imagery. (6) formulation of phase 3 biowindows 1, 2, 3, and 4 listings by country, footprint, and acqusition dates; (7) preparation of flight summary reports; and (8) preparation of an Alaska state index coverage map.

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