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At least 523 records · Page 29

Digital cartography of the planets - New methods, its status, and its future

A system has been developed that establishes a standardized cartographic database for each of the 19 planets and major satellites that have been explored to date. Compilation of the databases involves both traditional and newly developed digital image processing and mosaicking techniques, including radiometric and geometric corrections of the images. Each database, or digital image model (DIM), is a digital mosaic of spacecraft images that have been radiometrically and geometrically corrected and photometrically modeled. During compilation, ancillary data files such as radiometric calibrations and refined photometric values for all camera lens and filter combinations and refined camera-orientation matrices for all images used in the mapping are produced. The system is designed to aid in the following: access to and utilization of spatial data returned by planetary spacecraft; coregistration of cartographic image and topographic elevation models with geological, geophysical, and geochemical databases; and the design and preparation of both standard and custom map products. A major goal of the project is to publish the DIMs on compact computer-compatible media such as digital-optical (CD-ROM) disks.

Batson, R. M.↗

A proposed Applications Information System - Concept, implementation, and growth

This paper describes a newly developed concept within NASA for an Applications Information System (AIS). The AIS would provide the opportunity to the public and private sectors of shared participation in a remote sensing research program directed to a particular set of land-use or environmental problems. Towards this end, the AIS would offer the technological framework and information system resources to overcome many of the deficiencies that end-users have faced over the years such as limited access to data, delay in data delivery, and a limited access to data reduction algorithms and models to convert data to geophysical measurements. In addition, the AIS will take advantage of NASA developments in networking among information systems and use of state of the art technology, such as CD Roms and optical disks for the purpose of increasing the scientific benefits of applied environmental research. The rationale for the establishment of an AIS, a methodology for a step-wise, modular implementation, and the relationship of the AIS to other NASA information systems are discussed.

Mcconnell, Dudley G.↗

Current status of the international Halley Watch infrared net archive

The primary purposes of the Halley Watch have been to promote Halley observations, coordinate and standardize the observing where useful, and to archive the results in a database readily accessible to cometary scientists. The intention of IHW is to store the observations themselves, along with any information necessary to allow users to understand and use the data, but to exclude interpretations of these data. Each of the archives produced by the IHW will appear in two versions: a printed archive and a digital archive on CD-ROMs. The archive is expected to have a very long lifetime. The IHW has already produced an archive for P/Crommelin. This consists of one printed volume and two 1600 bpi tapes. The Halley archive will contain at least twenty gigabytes of information.

Mcguinness, Brian B.↗

Proceedings of the Goddard Space Flight Center Workshop on Robotics for Commercial Microelectronic Processes in Space

Potential applications of robots for cost effective commercial microelectronic processes in space were studied and the associated robotic requirements were defined. Potential space application areas include advanced materials processing, bulk crystal growth, and epitaxial thin film growth and related processes. All possible automation of these processes was considered, along with energy and environmental requirements. Aspects of robot capabilities considered include system intelligence, ROM requirements, kinematic and dynamic specifications, sensor design and configuration, flexibility and maintainability. Support elements discussed included facilities, logistics, ground support, launch and recovery, and management systems.

Source record↗

Revolutionary opportunities for materials and structures study, addendum

This report is an addendum to the Revolutionary Opportunities for Materials and Structures Study (ROMS), modifying the original by the addition of two tasks. The primary purpose of these tasks was to conduct additional aircraft/engine sizing and mission analysis to obtain contributory aircraft performance data such as fuel burns and direct operating costs for both the subsonic and supersonic engines.

Feig, P. D.↗

General-Purpose Serial Interface For Remote Control

Computer controls remote television camera. General-purpose controller developed to serve as interface between host computer and pan/tilt/zoom/focus functions on series of automated video cameras. Interface port based on 8251 programmable communications-interface circuit configured for tristated outputs, and connects controller system to any host computer with RS-232 input/output (I/O) port. Accepts byte-coded data from host, compares them with prestored codes in read-only memory (ROM), and closes or opens appropriate switches. Six output ports control opening and closing of as many as 48 switches. Operator controls remote television camera by speaking commands, in system including general-purpose controller.

Busquets, Anthony M.↗

Investigation of the reaction kinetics between SiC fibers and selectively alloyed titanium matrix composites and determination of their mechanical properties

During high temperature exposure, an interfacial reaction occurs between SiC fiber reinforcement and titanium matrices which can be detrimental to the mechanical properties of the composite. The reaction kinetics between SCS-6 fibers and Ti-1100 were determined at 800 to 1000 C and found to be slower than those of other currently used titanium alloys (Ti-15-3, Ti-6-4). The experimentally determined reaction kinetics for Ti-1100 were extrapolated to 700 C and found to accurately predict reaction zone size after 1000 hours of exposure. Predictions of the time to consume the surface layer on the SCS-6 and SCS-9 fibers were made in an effort to estimate the time that the fiber will retain its strength in Ti-1100 during isothermal exposure at high temperatures. Using this approach, the strength of an SCS-6 fiber in Ti-1100 should be retained for over 20,000 hours at isothermal exposures less than 800 C. Strength predictions using the rule of mixtures for a unidirectional Ti-1100/SCS-6 composite are presented for short term exposures up to 700 C. Room temperature tests of an as-fabricated 20 volume percent fiber/Ti-1100 composite yielded a UTS of 226 ksi (1490 MPa) which is close to that predicted by the ROM.

Gundel, Douglas B.↗

Failure of the ERBE scanner instrument aboard NOAA 10 spacecraft and results of failure analysis

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) scanner instrument on the NOAA 10 spacecraft malfunctioned on May 22, 1989, after more than 4 years of in-flight operation. After the failure, all instrument operational mode commands were tested and the resulting data analyzed. Details of the tests and analysis of output data are discussed therein. The radiometric and housekeeping data appear to be valid. However, the instrument will not correctly execute operational scan mode commands or the preprogrammed calibration sequences. The data indicate the problem is the result of a failure in the internal address decoding circuity in one of the ROM (read only memory) chips of the instrument computer.

Miller, J. B.↗

Displaying Images Of Planets

Interactive Image Display Program (IMDISP) is interactive image-displaying utility program for IBM personal computer (PC, XT, and AT models) and compatibles. Magnifications, contrasts, and/or subsampling selected for whole or partial images. IMDISP developed for use with CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) storage system. Written in C language (94 percent) and Assembler (6 percent).

Martin, Michael D.↗

Feasibility study, software design, layout and simulation of a two-dimensional fast Fourier transform machine for use in optical array interferometry

The NASA-Cornell Univ.-Worcester Polytechnic Institute Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) chip based on the architecture of the systolic FFT computation as presented by Boriakoff is implemented into an operating device design. The kernel of the system, a systolic inner product floating point processor, was designed to be assembled into a systolic network that would take incoming data streams in pipeline fashion and provide an FFT output at the same rate, word by word. It was thoroughly simulated for proper operation, and it has passed a comprehensive set of tests showing no operational errors. The black box specifications of the chip, which conform to the initial requirements of the design as specified by NASA, are given. The five subcells are described and their high level function description, logic diagrams, and simulation results are presented. Some modification of the Read Only Memory (ROM) design were made, since some errors were found in it. Because a four stage pipeline structure was used, simulating such a structure is more difficult than an ordinary structure. Simulation methods are discussed. Chip signal protocols and chip pinout are explained.

Boriakoff, Valentin↗

NSSDC: Preserving time with technological advances

The National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) has always striven to use the best methods and media currently available from data accessibility and archive management. The various advantages and disadvantages of four different media forms that have been used by NSSDC over 12 years of archiving and distributing of International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) data are discussed. The four media are nine track magnetic tape, IBM 3850 mass storage, Memorex 3480 18 track tape catridge, and the Sony 6.5 Gbyte Century optical disk. The CD-ROM medium is also discussed.

Perry, Charleen↗

An overview of the education and training component of RICIS

Research in education and training according to RICIS (Research Institute for Computing and Information Systems) program focuses on means to disseminate knowledge, skills, and technological advances rapidly, accurately, and effectively. A range of areas for study include: artificial intelligence, hypermedia and full-text retrieval strategies, use of mass storage and retrieval options such as CD-ROM and laser disks, and interactive video and interactive media presentations.

Freedman, Glenn B.↗

Soft hub for bearingless rotors

Soft hub concepts which allow the direct replacement of articulated rotor systems by bearingless types without any change in controllability or need for reinforcement to the drive shaft and/or transmission/fuselage attachments of the helicopter were studied. Two concepts were analyzed and confirmed for functional and structural feasibility against a design criteria and specifications established for this effort. Both systems are gimballed about a thrust carrying universal elastomeric bearing. One concept includes a set of composite flexures for drive torque transmittal from the shaft to the rotor, and another set (which is changeable) to impart hub tilting stiffness to the rotor system as required to meet the helicopter application. The second concept uses a composite bellows flexure to drive the rotor and to augment the hub stiffness provided by the elastomeric bearing. Each concept was assessed for weight, drag, ROM cost, and number of parts and compared with the production BO-105 hub.

Dixon, Peter G. C.↗

C-130 Automated Digital Data System (CADDS)

Real time airborne data acquisition, archiving and distribution on the NASA/Ames Research Center (ARC) C-130 has been improved over the past three years due to the implementation of the C-130 Automated Digital Data System (CADDS). CADDS is a real time, multitasking, multiprocessing ROM-based system. CADDS acquires data from both avionics and environmental sensors inflight for all C-130 data lines. The system also displays the data on video monitors throughout the aircraft.

Scofield, C. P.↗

Planning and executing motions for multibody systems in free-fall

The purpose of this research is to develop an end-to-end system that can be applied to a multibody system in free-fall to analyze its possible motions, save those motions in a database, and design a controller that can execute those motions. A goal is for the process to be highly automated and involve little human intervention. Ideally, the output of the system would be data and algorithms that could be put in ROM to control the multibody system in free-fall. The research applies to more than just robots in space. It applies to any multibody system in free-fall. Mathematical techniques from nonlinear control theory were used to study the nature of the system dynamics and its possible motions. Optimization techniques were applied to plan motions. Image compression techniques were proposed to compress the precomputed motion data for storage. A linearized controller was derived to control the system while it executes preplanned trajectories.

Cameron, Jonathan M.↗

Magellan orbits Venus

Various events surrounding Magellan's orbit of Venus are recounted. Significant events include the successful firing of a solid rocket motor while the spacecraft was behind Venus to transfer it from a solar-centered trajectory to an orbit around the planet. The spacecraft orbits Venus every 3.26 hours at a maximum altitude of 8500 km and minimum altitude of 291 km in an elliptical orbit. The successful August 16 test of the synthetic-aperture radar system is discussed, noting that it produced two strips, each about 20 km x 16,000 km, revealing details as small as 120 m. Two anomalies causing a delay in the start of mapping operations and subsequent breaks in the communication link with earth for 14.5 hours and 17.7 hours are discussed. Protective measures directed from the spacecraft's ROM during breach of contact are listed, and possible causes of the anomalies are suggested, such as solar activity or hardware or software elements, although the actual cause is not yet known.

Mclaughlin, W. I.↗

Global Change Encyclopedia - A project for the international space year

'Global Change Encyclopedia' is a project for the International Space Year in 1992. The project will produce a comprehensive set of satellite and other global data with relevance to studies of global change and of the earth as a system. These data will be packaged on CD-ROMs, accompanied by appropriate software for access, display and manipulation. On behalf of the Canadian Space Agency, the project is being carried out by the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration as major contributors. This paper highlights the background leading to the project, the concept and principal characteristics of the Encyclopedia itself, and the current status and plans.

Cihlar, J.↗

Image retrieval and processing system version 2.0 development work

The Image Retrieval and Processing System (IRPS) is a software package developed at Washington University and used by the NASA Regional Planetary Image Facilities (RPIF's). The IRPS combines data base management and image processing components to allow the user to examine catalogs of image data, locate the data of interest, and perform radiometric and geometric calibration of the data in preparation for analysis. Version 1.0 of IRPS was completed in Aug. 1989 and was installed at several IRPS's. Other RPIF's use remote logins via NASA Science Internet to access IRPS at Washington University. Work was begun on designing and population a catalog of Magellan image products that will be part of IRPS Version 2.0, planned for release by the end of calendar year 1991. With this catalog, a user will be able to search by orbit and by location for Magellan Basic Image Data Records (BIDR's), Mosaicked Image Data Records (MIDR's), and Altimetry-Radiometry Composite Data Records (ARCDR's). The catalog will include the Magellan CD-ROM volume, director, and file name for each data product. The image processing component of IRPS is based on the Planetary Image Cartography Software (PICS) developed by the U.S. Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona. To augment PICS capabilities, a set of image processing programs were developed that are compatible with PICS-format images. This software includes general-purpose functions that PICS does not have, analysis and utility programs for specific data sets, and programs from other sources that were modified to work with PICS images. Some of the software will be integrated into the Version 2.0 release of IRPS. A table is presented that lists the programs with a brief functional description of each.

Slavney, Susan H.↗