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At least 559 records · Page 31

RF Environment Data Analysis for UAS Operations

As the usage of radio frequency spectrum and uncrewed aircraft systems continue to grow, the radio frequency environment and its implications to flight safety should be understood. This is important to ensure control and command links as well as data collection links maintain strong communications during flight. NASA System-Wide Safety (SWS) is currently developing standards of flight safety but lacks methods for establishing confidence in the availability of radio frequency space to make a go/no-go decision for drone flights. This study examines information about the radio modules used by SWS and how they interact with the RF environment though analysis of historical spectrum data. This review studies the potential effectiveness of observing the power spread and occupancy methods as they apply to the flight system radios. It has been determined that viewing the frequency and time when the environment is greater than a threshold which indicates potential interference levels may give insight into the patterns of spectrum usage.

Radio Frequency↗

All-Metal Antennas for Applications in Extreme Space Environments

The feasibility of an all-metal antenna for transmission of science data by spacecraft, landers, and rovers operating in the extreme environment of space is investigated. The all-metal antenna is of the short backfire type with a waveguide feed and generates a circularly polarized radiation. The investigation includes the modeling, design, fabrication, and characterization of the antenna. The paper summarizes the preliminary results. Potential applications of an all-metal antenna include communication systems required to operate in the extreme hot environment of Venus and in the extreme cold and high radiation environment of Jupiter’s icy moon.

Antennas↗

Atomic Oxygen Environment, Effects and Simulation

Atomic oxygen is the most predominant constituent in the low Earth orbital environment between the altitudes of 180 and 650 km. It is also a major constituent of the Mars orbital environment. It is very chemically reactive and can oxidize materials on the outside of spacecraft. In many cases the reaction products are volatile which can lead to mechanical failure. Stable oxides can also form that change the optical or thermal properties of the material. The importance of understanding atomic oxygen reactions with materials has led to both flight experiments in low Earth orbit and ground-based testing in vacuum chambers containing atomic oxygen to study its’ effect on materials. This presentation will focus on defining atomic oxygen environments, discussing atomic oxygen effects on spacecraft materials, reviewing some methods of atomic oxygen simulation, and discussing differences in ground-based testing and space testing as well as synergistic effects.

atomic oxygen, space environment, ground-based tes↗

Materials for Power Transmission in Extreme Environments

NASA’s goal for a sustained human presence on the Moon and a future Lunar economy requires the development of novel power transmission materials for extreme environments. As an increasing number of public and private entities set their sights towards a future on the Moon, the demand for surface power will dramatically increase – potentially up to megawatt levels. A Lunar economy is envisioned to include a human habitat, manned and unmanned science exploration assets, excavation rovers and systems, and large-scale infrastructure construction such as solar arrays and power grids. A NASA trade study estimated that 1 to 3 km of power transmission lines (1 to 3 KV ac and dc) will be needed over time. Current high power and voltage SOA cables/wire can easily exceed 1 kg/m where mass is not as critical. Connectors, deployment spools and robots further increase the subsystem mass significantly increasing costs. On the other hand, advances in aeronautics provides path towards space missions. The operating environment on the Moon presents substantial risk to safe and reliable power transmission due to space weathering and degradation. These challenges include cosmic and UV radiation, extreme temperatures swings, the electrostatic Lunar exosphere, and the electrostatic and abrasive lunar regolith. The critical need for lightweight, safe and reliable power cables/wires materials is evident. In this presentation, the extreme high altitude and lunar environments and recent materials development from NASA Glenn Research Center’s High Voltage Materials team towards meeting NASA’s objectives and goals for aeronautics and space missions.

Cu/CNT conductors↗

LIFE IN EXTRATERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENTS

The objective of this program was to establish whether terrestrial life forms can survive and thrive in extraterrestrial environments. Other than Earth, the only solar body capable of supporting terrestrial life appears to be the planet Mars. The conditions selected to simulate a Martian environment were determined by a literature search and were: 1) Light of > 4800-A wavelength 2) Temperature changes from a diurnal high of 30 °C to a nocturnal low to -60 °C 3) Atmosphere composed of 95% nitrogen, 4% argon, 0.3% carbon dioxide, and less than 1% oxygen and moisture. The organisms tested in thesimjulated Martian environment were: 1) Algae: Trebouxia erici 2) Bacteria: Clostridium tetani, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli 3) Bryophytes: the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha; the mosses Eurhynchium strigosum, Atrichum undulatum, Mnium sp., Brium sp., Grimmia sp., Pogonatum sp., and Polytrichum sp. 4) Lichens: Cladonia conoeraea, C. rangifernia, C. cristatella, C. pyxidate, Parmelia conspersa var. isidata, P. conspersa var. leucophora, Lecidea cyanea, Umbilicaria dillenii, Physcia hypoleuca, and Ramalina sp. T. erici survived for about 2 weeks. C. tetani and E. coli cells decreased rapidly in number, but the tetanus toxin remained active for the 127=day period of the experiment. B. subtilis cells increased in number. Of the Bryophytes, only one moss survived. Complete results for the lichens are not yet available. It is suggested that the observed color changes on the Martian surface may be explained in part by color changes in the surface vegetation as a function of moisture content.

Mars (Planet)↗

Space and planetary environment criteria guidelines for use in space vehicle development, 1971 revision

A consolidation of natural environment data is presented for use as design criteria guidelines in space and planetary exploration vehicle development programs. In addition to information in the disciplinary areas of aeronomy, radiation, geomagnetism, astrodynamic constants, and meteoroids for the earth's environment above 90 kilometers, interplanetary space, and the planetary environments, the upper atmosphere model currently recommended for use at MSFC is discussed in detail.

Smith, R. E.↗

Study of the effect of space cabin environment on susceptibility to disease

Decreased resistance to infections initiated by respiratory challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae or influenza virus was observed in mice maintained in a simulated space cabin environment represented by 98% oxygen atmosphere and 27,000 ft altitude (5 psi). The reduced resistance was manifested by increased mortality rates as compared to those seen in mice maintained at ground level condition. However, an adaptation to the stress appeared to be present in mice exposed to the space cabin environment for extended time period, i.e. 36 days, and then challenged with the influenza virus. Reduced resistance was not observed when Salmonella typhimurium was used as the challenge agent. Histopathologic examination of lungs of mice indicated that the severity of damage appeared to be related to the duration of exposure to the simulated space cabin environment.

Source record↗

A study of human performance in a rotating environment

Consideration is given to the lack of sufficient data relative to the response of man to the attendant oculovestibular stimulations induced by multi-directional movement of an individual within the rotating environment to provide the required design criteria. This was done to determine the overall impact of artificial gravity simulations on potential design configurations and crew operational procedures. Gross locomotion and fine motor performance were evaluated. Results indicate that crew orientation, rotational rates, vehicle design configurations, and operational procedures may be used to reduce the severity of the adverse effects of the Coriolis and cross-coupled angular accelerations acting on masses moving within a rotating environment. Results further indicate that crew selection, motivation, and short-term exposures to the rotating environment may be important considerations for future crew indoctrination and training programs.

Green, J. A.↗

Hydrogen environment embrittlement.

Hydrogen embrittlement is classified into three types: internal reversible hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen reaction embrittlement, and hydrogen environment embrittlement. Characteristics of and materials embrittled by these types of hydrogen embrittlement are discussed. Hydrogen environment embrittlement is reviewed in detail. Factors involved in standardizing test methods for detecting the occurrence of and evaluating the severity of hydrogen environment embrittlement are considered. The effects of test technique, hydrogen pressure, purity, strain rate, stress concentration factor, and test temperature are discussed.

Gray, H. R.↗

Natural environment design requirements for the space tug

The natural environment design requirements for the space tug are presented. Since the Space Tug is carried as cargo to orbital altitudes in the space shuttle bay, orbital environmental impacts and short-period atmospheric density variations are the main concerns. The subjects discussed are: (1) natural environment, (2) neutral environment, (3) charged particles, (4) radiation, and (5) meteoroid hazards.

West, G. S., Jr.↗

Assessment of Southern California environment from ERTS-1

ERTS-1 imagery is a useful source of data for evaluation of earth resources in Southern California. The improving quality of ERTS-1 imagery, and our increasing ability to enhance the imagery has resulted in studies of a variety of phenomena in several Southern California environments. These investigations have produced several significant results of varying detail. They include the detection and identification of macro-scale tectonic and vegetational patterns, as well as detailed analysis of urban and agricultural processes. The sequential nature of ERTS-1 imagery has allowed these studies to monitor significant changes in the environment. In addiation, some preliminary work has begun directed toward assessing the impact of expanding recreation, agriculture and urbanization into the fragile desert environment. Refinement of enhancement and mapping techniques and more intensive analysis of ERTS-1 imagery should lead to a greater capability to extract detailed information for more precise evaluations and more accurate monitoring of earth resources in Southern California.

Bowden, L. W.↗

Space vehicle with artificial gravity and earth-like environment

A space vehicle adapted to provide an artificial gravity and earthlike atmospheric environment for occupants is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a cylindrically shaped, hollow pressure-tight body, one end of which is tapered from the largest diameter of the body, the other end is flat and transparent to sunlight. The vehicle is provided with thrust means which rotates the body about its longitudinal axis, generating an artificial gravity effect upon the interior walls of the body due to centrifugal forces. The walls of the tapered end of the body are maintained at a temperature below the dew point of water vapor in the body and lower than the temperature near the transparent end of the body. The controlled environment and sunlight permits an earth like environment to be maintained wherein the CO2/O2 is balanced, and food for the travelers is supplied through a natural system of plant life grown on spacecraft walls where soil is located.

Gray, V. H.↗

Spacecraft thermal environments.

Definitions are given for spacecraft-surface thermal environment characteristics. Lumped-parameter thermal network modeling techniques are derived for spacecraft thermal environment analysis. The application of these techniques to thermal/vacuum testing is described. A major computer program required by these techniques is outlined. It is noted that this approach has been used to determine thermal environments for the Skylab ATM.

Chapter, J. J.↗

Survival of infectious microorganisms in space cabin environments

Aerosol survival and virulence of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa cultures isolated during exposure to simulated space cabin environment was studied using the microthread captured aerosol technique. The aerosol survival of P. aeruginosa isolates did not differ significantly from that of the original culture from which the isolates were obtained. The mean death rate of the isolates was 1.03%/min and that of the controls 1.10%/min. Similarly exposure to the 5 psi environment did not affect the virulence of P. aeruginosa. Both strains of S. aureus (IITRI and NASA) after exposure to 5 psi environment showed some degree of adaptation to this environmental stress. The aerosol death rates of the isolated organisms were 5 to 10-fold lower than of the original cultures. At the same time the virulence of the isolates was approximately 5-fold higher than that of the original culture.

Vana, S. C.↗

Environment surveys

Environment applications are concerned with the quality, protection, and improvement of water, land, and air resources and, in particular, with the pollution of these resources caused by man and his works, as well as changes to the resources due to natural phenomena (for example, drought and floods). The broad NASA objectives related to the environment are directed toward the development and demonstration of the capability to monitor remotely and assess environmental conditions related to water quality, land and vegetation quality, wildlife resources, and general environment. The contributions of ERTS-1 to these subdiscipline areas are broadly summarized.

Greenwood, L. R.↗

Testing for hydrogen environment embrittlement - Experimental variables

Hydrogen embrittlement is classified into three types: internal reversible hydrogen embrittlement, hydrogen reaction embrittlement, and hydrogen environment embrittlement. Characteristics of and materials embrittled by these types of hydrogen embrittlement are discussed. Hydrogen environment embrittlement is reviewed in detail. Factors involved in standardizing test methods for detecting the occurrence of and evaluating the severity of hydrogen environment embrittlement are considered. The effects of test technique, hydrogen pressure, gas purity, strain rate, stress concentration factor, and test temperature are discussed.

Gray, H. R.↗

Response of selected microoganisms to experimental planetary environments

A microbial population profile of mixed Cape Canaveral soil samples is presented. During this investigation a few organisms were isolated which exhibit the ability to grow at 3 C, 32 C, and 55 C. Growth curves are shown for three of these isolates, one of which grows extremely well at all three temperatures. Also included are studies dealing with growth of soil populations at zero and subzero temperatures. Results indicate growth at 0 C and -5 C, but not at 15 C or -65 C. The effect of storage temperature on dry soil is presented, and results show that psychrophilic populations decrease when soil is stored at room temperature, but do not decrease when soil is stored at -65 C. Results of an experiment with the simulated Martian environment are presented and indicate that nonsporeforming rods, sporeforming rods, and cocci can reproduce in the simulated environment when nutrients and moisture are supplied. The sporeforming rods are the predominant suvivors when dry soil is subjected to this environment.

Foster, T. L.↗