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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Ames life science telescience testbed evaluation

Eight surrogate spaceflight mission specialists participated in a real-time evaluation of remote coaching using the Ames Life Science Telescience Testbed facility. This facility consisted of three remotely located nodes: (1) a prototype Space Station glovebox; (2) a ground control station; and (3) a principal investigator's (PI) work area. The major objective of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of telescience techniques and hardware to support three realistic remote coaching science procedures: plant seed germinator charging, plant sample acquisition and preservation, and remote plant observation with ground coaching. Each scenario was performed by a subject acting as flight mission specialist, interacting with a payload operations manager and a principal investigator expert. All three groups were physically isolated from each other yet linked by duplex audio and color video communication channels and networked computer workstations. Workload ratings were made by the flight and ground crewpersons immediately after completing their assigned tasks. Time to complete each scientific procedural step was recorded automatically. Two expert observers also made performance ratings and various error assessments. The results are presented and discussed.

Haines, Richard F.↗
NASA NTRS1997

An Overview of Volcanological Applications of Infrared Remote Sensing

Infrared remote sensing has long been applied to the study of volcanic and geothermal phenomena. The initial investigations utilized single-channel thermal imagging systems, whereas more recent work has demonstrated the utility of multispectral infrared imaging.

Remote Sensing volcanic geothermal phenomena↗
NASA NTRS1995

A prototype Upper Atmospheric Research Collaboratory (UARC)

The National Collaboratory concept has great potential for enabling 'critical mass' working groups and highly interdisciplinary research projects. We report here on a new program to build a prototype collaboratory using the Sondrestrom Upper Atmospheric Research Facility in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland and a group of associated scientists. The Upper Atmospheric Research Collaboratory (UARC) is a joint venture of researchers in upper atmospheric and space science, computer science, and behavioral science to develop a testbed for collaborative remote research. We define the 'collaboratory' as an advanced information technology environment which enables teams to work together over distance and time on a wide variety of intellectual tasks. It provides: (1) human-to-human communications using shared computer tools and work spaces; (2) group access and use of a network of information, data, and knowledge sources; and (3) remote access and control of instruments for data acquisition. The UARC testbed is being implemented to support a distributed community of space scientists so that they have network access to the remote instrument facility in Kangerlussuaq and are able to interact among geographically distributed locations. The goal is to enable them to use the UARC rather than physical travel to Greenland to conduct team research campaigns. Even on short notice through the collaboratory from their home institutions, participants will be able to meet together to operate a battery of remote interactive observations and to acquire, process, and interpret the data.

Clauer, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

On a photon-counting array using the Fairchild CCD-201

The evaluation of certain performance parameters of the Fairchild CCD 201 and the proposed method of operation of an electron bombarded charge coupled device are described. Work in progress on the evaluation of the parameters relevant to remote, low noise operation is reported. These tests have been conducted using light input. The video data from the CCD are amplified, digitized, stored in a minicomputer memory, and then recorded on magnetic tape for analyzing. The device will be used in an array of sensors in the aperture plane of a telescope to discriminate between photoelectron events, and in the focal plane operating at single photoelectron sensitivity at a minimum of blooming and lag.

Currie, D. G.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Shuttle crew station astronaut interfaces

The current shuttle orbiter configuration and its crew module and payload bay accomodations for work and off duty activities are described. The capability of the remote manipulator system and provisions to support extravehicular activities are examined with emphasis on flight crew activities for orbital flight tests and for early operational space transportation system flights. Facilities used to verify crew interfaces are also described.

Franklin, G. C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Forest Resource Information System

Twenty-three processing functions aid in utilizing LANDSAT data for forest resource management. Designed to work primarily with digital data obtained from measurements recorded by multispectral remote sensors mounted on aerospace platforms. communication between processing functions, simplicity of control, and commonality of data files in LARSFRIS enhance usefulness of system as tool for research and development of remote sensing systems.

Mrocznyski, R. P.↗
NASA NTRS1986

System architecture for the telerobotic work system

The functional and performance requirements and design concepts for a telerobotic work system (TWS) being considered as an adjunct to the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System and other applications are described. The multiple-armed free-flyer would be controlled by an operator in the Orbiter cabin and would perform remote sensing and manipulative tasks that EVA crew otherwise carry out. The TWS could also perform hazardous tasks, construction operations, and be an asset to the Space Station. Alternative system architectures are described, including the man-machine interface, the types of manipulators and their stowage, and the controls and backup systems. Potential terrestrial applications of the TWS concept, augmented with AI capabilities, are discussed.

Jenkins, Lyle M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Reaction control system/remote manipulator system automation

The objectives of this project is to evaluate the capability of the Procedural Reasoning System (PRS) in a typical real-time space shuttle application and to assess its potential for use in the Space Station Freedom. PRS, developed by SRI International, is a result of research in automating the monitoring and control of spacecraft systems. The particular application selected for the present work is the automation of malfunction handling procedures for the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS). The SRMS malfunction procedures will be encoded within the PRS framework, a crew interface appropriate to the RMS application will be developed, and the real-time data interface software developed. The resulting PRS will then be integrated with the high-fidelity On-orbit Simulation of the NASA Johnson Space Center's System Engineering Simulator, and tests under various SRMS fault scenarios will be conducted.

Hiers, Harry K.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Low Power Silicon Germanium Electronics for Microwave Radiometers

Space-based radiometric observations of key hydrological parameters (e.g., soil moisture) at the spatial and temporal scales required in the post-2002 era face significant technological challenges. These measurements are based on relatively low frequency thermal microwave emission (at 1.4 GHz for soil moisture and salinity, 10 GHz and up for precipitation, and 19 and 37 GHz for snow). The long wavelengths at these frequencies coupled with the high spatial and radiometric resolutions required by the various global hydrology communities necessitate the use of very large apertures (e.g., greater than 20 m at 1.4 GHz) and highly integrated stable RF electronics on orbit. Radio-interferometric techniques such as Synthetic Thinned Array Radiometry (STAR), using silicon germanium (SiGe) low power radio frequency integrated circuits (RFIC), is one of the most promising technologies to enable very large non-rotating apertures in space. STAR instruments are composed of arrays of small antenna/receiving elements that are arranged so that the collecting area is smaller than an equivalent real aperture system, allowing very high packing densities for launch. A 20 meter aperture at L-band, for example, will require greater than 1000 of these receiving elements. SiGe RFIC's reduce power consumption enough to make an array like this possible in the power-limited environment of space flight. An overview of the state-of-the-art will be given, and current work in the area of SiGe radiometer development for soil moisture remote sensing will be discussed.

Doiron, Terence A.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Wave and Particle Interactions in the High and Low-Altitude Auroral Region During Rising Solar Activity

The project has resulted in four separate investigations, which are each in various stages of publication in the refereed scientific journals. The first investigation was of the generation of electrostatic electron cyclotron waves observed by the Polar spacecraft throughout the auroral regions, dayside cusp, and polar magnetosphere. We have since discovered that these waves are also present within the magnetopause and magnetosheath, which is one of the topics of a second study, entitled: 'Polar observations of plasma waves in and near the dayside magnetopause/magnetosheath.' A third study of plasma waves focussed on kilometric continuum (KC) emission. This work is reported in a paper entitled 'Near-source and Remote Observations of Kilometric Continuum Radiation From Multi-spacecraft Observations'.The final investigation of this program concerns the possible transverse heating of auroral ions by impulsive wave structures. We summarize that substantial transverse ion heating has already occurred at lower altitudes. Abstracts of the above four studies are included in the Appendix to this final report.

Gurnett, Donald A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Classification of Particle Shapes from Lidar Depolarization Ratios in Convective Ice Clouds Compared to in situ Observations During CRYSTAL-FACE

This manuscript describes a method to class@ cirrus cloud ice particle shape using lidar depolarization measurements as a basis for segregating different particle shape regimes. Measurements from the ER-2 Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) system during CRYSTAL-FACE provide the basis for this work. While the CPL onboard the ER-2 aircraft was providing remote sensing measurements of cirrus clouds, the Cloud Particle Imager (CPI) onboard the WB-57 aircraft was flying inside those same clouds to sample particle sizes. The results of classifying particle shapes using the CPL data are compared to the in situ measurements made using the CPI , and there is found to be good agreement between the particle shape inferred from the CPL data and that actually measured by the CPI. If proven practical, application of this technique to spaceborne observations could lead to large-scale classification of cirrus cloud particle shapes.

Noel, Vincent↗
NASA NTRS2007

Automating CapCom Using Mobile Agents and Robotic Assistants

Mobile Agents (MA) is an advanced Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) communications and computing system to increase astronaut self-reliance and safety, reducing dependence on continuous monitoring and advising from mission control on Earth. MA is voice controlled and provides information verbally to the astronauts through programs called "personal agents." The system partly automates the role of CapCom in Apollo-including monitoring and managing navigation, scheduling, equipment deployment, telemetry, health tracking, and scientific data collection. Data are stored automatically in a shared database in the habitat/vehicle and mirrored to a site accessible by a remote science team. The program has been developed iteratively in authentic work contexts, including six years of ethnographic observation of field geology. Analog field experiments in Utah enabled empirically discovering requirements and testing alternative technologies and protocols. We report on the 2004 system configuration, experiments, and results, in which an EVA robotic assistant (ERA) followed geologists approximately 150 m through a winding, narrow canyon. On voice command, the ERA took photographs and panoramas and was directed to serve as a relay on the wireless network.

Clancey, William J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Targeting and Localization for Mars Rover Operations

In this work we discuss how the quality of localization knowledge impacts the remote operation of rovers on the surface of Mars. We look at the techniques of localization estimation used in the Mars Pathfinder and Mars Exploration Rover missions. We examine the motivation behind the modes of targeting for different types of activities, such as navigation, remote science, and in situ science. We discuss the virtues and shortcomings of existing approaches and new improvements in the latest operations tools used to support the Mars Exploration Rover missions and rover technology development tasks at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. We conclude with future directions we plan to explore in improving the localization knowledge available for operations and more effective targeting of rovers and their instrument payloads.

remote rover operations↗
NASA NTRS2016

Development Of VHF (240-270 MHz) Antennas For SoOp (Signal Of Opportunity) Receiver For 6u Cubesat Platforms

The main goal of this research is to design, fabricate, and test deployable VHF antennas for 6U Cubesat platforms to enable validation of root zone soil moisture (RZSM) estimation algorithms for signal of opportunity (SoOp) remote sensing over the 240-270 MHz frequency band. The proposed work provides a strong foundation for establishing a technology development path for maturing a truly global direct surface soil moisture (SM) and RZSM measurement system (Figure 1) over a variety of land covers with limited density restrictions. In SoOp methodology, signals transmitted by already existing transmitters (known as transmitters of opportunity, in this case the Military Satellite Communication (MilSatCom) System's UHF Follow-On program) are utilized to measure properties of reflecting targets by recording reflected signals using a simple passive microwave receiver.

Cubesat↗
NASA NTRS2016

Gpm Level 1 Science Requirements: Science and Performance Viewed from the Ground

GPM meets Level 1 science requirements for rain estimation based on the strong performance of its radar algorithms. Changes in the V5 GPROF algorithm should correct errors in V4 and will likely resolve GPROF performance issues relative to L1 requirements. L1 FOV Snow detection largely verified but at unknown SWE rate threshold (likely < 0.5 –1 mm/hr/liquid equivalent). Ongoing work to improve SWE rate estimation for both satellite and GV remote sensing.

Precipitation↗
NASA NTRS2017

VHF SoOp (Signal of Opportunity) Technology Demonstration for Soil Moisture Measurement Using Microwave Hydraulic Boom Truck Platform

A goal of this research is to test deployable VHF antennas for 6U Cubesat platforms to enable validation of root zone soil moisture (RZSM) estimation algorithms for signal of opportunity (SoOp) remote sensing over the 240-270 MHz frequency band. The proposed work provides a strong foundation for establishing a technology development path for maturing a global direct surface soil moisture (SM) and RZSM measurement system over a variety of land covers. Knowledge of RZSM up to a depth of 1 meter and surface SM up to a depth of 0.05 meter on a global scale, at a spatial resolution of 1-10 km through moderate-to-heavy vegetation, is critical to understanding global water resources and the vertical moisture gradient in the Earths surface layer which controls moisture interactions between the soil, vegetation, and atmosphere. Current observations of surface SM from space by L-band radiometers (1.4 GHz) and radars (1.26 GHz) are limited to measurements of surface SM up to a depth of 0.05 meter through moderate amounts of vegetation. This limitation is mainly due to the inability of L-band signals to penetrate through dense vegetation and deep into the soil column. Satellite observations of the surface moisture conditions are coupled to sophisticated models which extrapolate the surface SM into the root zone, thus providing an indirect estimate rather than a direct measurement of RZSM. To overcome this limitation, low-frequency airborne radars operating at 435 MHz and 118 MHz have been investigated, since these lower frequencies should penetrate denser vegetation and respond to conditions deeper in the soil.

SoOp↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Drone Applications for Wildfires and Other Emergency Situations

Potential Solutions to Wildfires This project is looking at multiple aspects of the use of UAV’s during wildfire season. This project identifies multiple solutions to communication problems, early action response, and innovative tactics to fight wildfires during the dark hours of the second shift. This project will identify the features and innovations needed to create a second shift that can more effectively fight wildland fires at night. In addition, this project will look to find which satellite systems work best for detection of wildfires, with a special focus on remote locations with more rural communities. There will also be a focus on ways to improve current UAVs and sensors for aerial fire surveillance as well as the understanding on how to establish a safe airspace for these UAVs during wildfires. More specifically, unmanned ariel vehicles (UAV) or drones can be used during natural disasters and other situations to help first responders be a more efficient team, ultimately saving hundreds of more lives. Depending on the situation, drones can be equipped with many different accessories, each with their own advantages. When it comes to operating a drone, communication between the first responder, dispatcher, and the person flying the drone is very important when exchanging useful information. A focus on existing systems, and what changes could be made to create more novel systems will also be shown. Moreover, wildfires not only pose a hazard to human safety and a dent on communication methods, but it also has detrimental effects on the environment. Specifically, the use of common fire retardants have dangerous health effects on human health and the environment as a whole. Therefore, this project will also explore the use of alternative eco-friendly fire retardants and recent innovations to the use of sustainable retardants.

Drones↗
NASA NTRS2022

Highly Supercooled Riming and Unusual Triple-Frequency Radar Signatures Over McMurdo Station, Antarctica

Riming of ice crystals by supercooled water droplets is an efficient ice growth process, but its basic properties are still poorly known. While it has been shown to contribute significantly to surface precipitation at mid-latitudes, little is known about its occurrence at high latitudes. In Antarctica, two competing effects can influence the occurrence of riming: (i) the scarcity of supercooled liquid water clouds due to the extremely low tropospheric temperatures and (ii) the low aerosol concentration, which may lead to the formation of fewer and larger supercooled drops potentially resulting in an enhanced riming efficiency. In this work, by exploiting the deployment of an unprecedented number of multiwavelength remote sensing systems (including triple-frequency radar measurements) in West Antarctica, during the Atmospheric Radiation Measurements West Antarctic Radiation Experiment (AWARE) field campaign, we evaluate the riming incidence at McMurdo Station and find that riming occurs at much lower temperatures when compared to previous results in the mid-latitudes. This suggests the possible occurrence of a common atmospheric state over Antarctica that includes a rather stable atmosphere inhibiting turbulent mixing, and a high riming efficiency driven by large cloud droplets. We then focus on a peculiar case study featuring a persistent layer with a particularly pronounced riming signature in triple-frequency radar data but only a relatively modest amount of supercooled liquid water. In-depth analysis of the radar observations suggests that such signatures can only be explained by the combined effects of moderately rimed aggregates or similarly shaped florid polycrystals and a narrow particle size distribution (PSD). Simulations of this case study performed with a one-dimensional bin model indicate that similar triple-frequency radar observations can be reproduced when narrow PSDs are simulated. Such narrow PSDs can in turn be explained by two key factors: (i) the presence of a shallow homogeneous droplet or humidified aerosol freezing layer aloft seeding an underlying supercooled liquid layer, and (ii) the absence of turbulent mixing throughout a stable polar atmosphere that sustains narrow PSDs, as hydrometeors grow from the nucleation region aloft to ice particles of several millimeters in size, by vapor deposition and then riming.

Riming↗