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At least 595 records · Page 33

Noncausal propagation in spin-0 theories with external field interactions

The two-component Sakata-Taketani (ST) spin-0 theory and the single-component Klein-Gordon theory are obtained from the five-component Duffin-Kemmer-Petiau (DKP) theory with six types of external field interactions by means of a Peirce decomposition. Whereas the DKP equation manifests the covariance, the ST equation manifests the causal properties. In particular, the presence of noncausal wave propagation when there is coupling to a second-rank tensor field is apparent from the form of the ST equation, in which the coefficients of all the space derivatives depend on the external field. The results indicate that the causal properties of higher-spin equations should also be obvious when they are expressed in 2(2J + 1)-component Schroedinger form

Guertin, R. F.↗

Detectors for the space telescope

This review of Space Telescope (ST) detectors is divided into two parts. The first part gives short summaries of detector programs carried out during the final planning stage (Phase B) of the ST and discusses such detectors as Photicon, the MAMA detectors, the CODACON, the University of Maryland ICCD, the Goddard Space Flight Center ICCD, and the 70 mm SEC TV sensor. The second part describes the detectors selected for the first ST flight, including the wide field/planetary camera, the faint object and high resolution spectrographs, and the high speed photometer.

Kelsall, T.↗

Space telescope, a long-life free flyer

The paper describes NASA's Space Telescope (ST) adapted to Shuttle capabilities for launch and retrieval which utilizes the full Shuttle cargo bay space available for payloads and can be returned to the ground for refurbishment. Its objective is to maximize ST's productive lifetime, to probe the universe, and to analyze light from energy sources which cannot be studied by ground-based telescopes. The Shuttle orbiting lifetime will be extended to at least five years, and scientific instruments or failed spacecraft components will be replaced on-orbit. The ST will be returned to earth for major overhauls, refurbished, and relaunched. In summary, the Shuttle will allow space astronomy to be accomplished in the usual manner - by observing, adjusting, changing detectors, and reobserving. The support systems module, the optical telescope assembly, scientific instruments, including the wide field/planetary camera, the faint object spectrograph and the high speed photometer are described.

Field, E. L.↗

Space Telescope fine guidance - A design for manufacturability

The NASA Space Telescope (ST) is a 2.4-m aperture, f/24 Ritchey-Chretien telescope coupled to five on-board astronomical scientific packages. The very accurate line-of-sight stability required by ST during operating periods of up to 24 hours is maintained by the Pointing Control System whose optical system, the Fine Guidance Subsystem (FGS), is described. The Pointing Control System includes three identical FGSs, any two of which provide line-of-sight stabilization by tracking guide stars while the third performs astrometry. The optical system for the ST FGS performs the field aberration correction within the FGS near a pupil plane measuring only 52.7 mm. The design is simple and easily corrected, and offers substantial advantages over the traditional approach in terms of manufacturability.

Friedman, I.↗

Astrometric observations with the Space Telescope

Astrometry with the Space Telescope (ST) is performed using one of the fine guidance sensors (FGS). The FGS, which is based on a pair of Koester's prism interferometers, one for each axis, is capable of measuring the position of one object relative to another with an accuracy of 0.002 arcseconds. Astrometric Data Reduction Software (ADRS) available to the astrometric user of ST is described. The kinds of problems the space telescope astrometry team plans to investigate using ST are discussed.

Duncombe, R. L.↗

Space Telescope - Design for orbital maintenance

Maintenance and repair of the Shuttle launched Space Telescope (ST) are examined, noting that except for the basic structure, mirrors, cables, and several noncritical items, the entire ST is replaceable or reparable on-orbit. EVA tasks have been designed to avoid contamination, and to provide a reduction in Orbital Replacement Units, a minimal number of doors and openings, and minimized structural weight associated with free-volume. All removable components have been provided with tool-compatible fittings and releases, and standardization of parts has been compromised with considerations of interface with crew handling. Replacement and repair equipment will be carried as an added parcel on Shuttle flights and are not part of the standard Shuttle components. The necessity of designing for crew-aid at ST workstations is suggested to provide sound data for the design of other space-based equipment.

Fisher, H. T.↗

Measurements of stratospheric aerosols over Mauna Loa, Hawaii and Boulder, Colorado

The direct solar radiation transmission record at Mauna Loa, dating from 1958 to the present, revealed with remarkable precision the presence of stratospheric aerosol from volcanic activity. This record can be used to quantify the intensity of the stratospheric volcanic aerosol perturbation following a significant eruption in reference to the Agung event in 1963. The Mount St. Helens' stratospheric cloud was first detected by lidar at 18 km over Mauna Loa on 17 July. The atmospheric transmission was seen to decrease slightly after that time, but only a few tenths of 1 percent. Although it is still fairly early to draw a definite conclusion on the ultimate magnitude of the Mount St. Helens stratospheric aerosol from the Mauna Loa results, it can be stated that the stratospheric aerosol optical depth presently observed is comparable with that observed from Fuego which erupted in 1974. At Boulder, Colorado, the atmospheric debris from Mount St. Helens was observed by lidar on a number of occasions. Also, observations of the diffuse, total and direct transmission of solar radiation were made on June 3 and 4. The latter set of observations is useful for deriving information on the scattering properties of the volcanic cloud. The lidar and solar radiation data are presented and some of their special features are discussed.

Deluisi, J. J.↗

A stochastic model for photon noise induced by charged particles in multiplier phototubes of the space telescope fine guidance sensors

The Space Telescope (ST) is subjected to charged particle strikes in its space environment. ST's onboard fine guidance sensors utilize multiplier phototubes (PMT) for attitude determination. These tubes, when subjected to charged particle strikes, generate spurious photons in the form of Cerenkov radiation and fluorescence which give rise to unwanted disturbances in the pointing of the telescope. A stochastic model for the number of these spurious photons which strike the photocathode of the multiplier phototube which in turn produce the unwanted photon noise are presented. The model is applicable to both galactic cosmic rays and charged particles trapped in the Earth's radiation belts. The model which was programmed allows for easy adaption to a wide range of particles and different parameters for the phototube of the multiplier. The probability density functions for photons noise caused by protons, alpha particles, and carbon nuclei were using thousands of simulated strikes. These distributions are used as part of an overall ST dynamics simulation. The sensitivity of the density function to changes in the window parameters was also investigated.

Howell, L. W.↗

Space Telescope maintenance and refurbishment

The Space Telescope (ST) represents a new concept regarding spaceborne astronomical observatories. Maintenance crews will be brought to the orbital worksite to make repairs and replace scientific instruments. For major overhauls the telescope can be temporarily returned to earth with the aid of the Shuttle. It will, thus, be possible to conduct astronomical studies with the ST for two decades or more. The five first-generation scientific instruments used with the ST include a wide field/planetary camera, a faint object camera, a faint object spectrograph, a high resolution spectrograph, and a high speed photometer. Attention is given to the optical telescope assembly, the support systems module, aspects of mission and science operations, unscheduled maintenance, contingency orbital maintenance, planned on-orbit maintenance, ground maintenance, ground refurbishment, and ground logistics.

Trucks, H. F.↗

Study of application of space telescope science operations software for SIRTF use

The design and development of the Space Telescope Science Operations Ground System (ST SOGS) was evaluated to compile a history of lessons learned that would benefit NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). Forty-nine specific recommendations resulted and were categorized as follows: (1) requirements: a discussion of the content, timeliness and proper allocation of the system and segment requirements and the resulting impact on SOGS development; (2) science instruments: a consideration of the impact of the Science Instrument design and data streams on SOGS software; and (3) contract phasing: an analysis of the impact of beginning the various ST program segments at different times. Approximately half of the software design and source code might be useable for SIRTF. Transportability of this software requires, at minimum, a compatible DEC VAX-based architecture and VMS operating system, system support software similar to that developed for SOGS, and continued evolution of the SIRTF operations concept and requirements such that they remain compatible with ST SOGS operation.

Dignam, F.↗

The role of scientists in developing Hubble Space Telescope

The objective of the Hubble Space Telescope Program is to build and operate a high-performance, fully-instrumented and long-lived optical observatory in earth orbit. Key Program elements are (1) a logistic strategy of Shuttle launch/maintenance and TDRSS communications, (2) overall responsibility at the MSFC Project for developing both the flight and ground systems, and (3) scientific participation in ST development and responsibility after launch for conducting the observing program. The ST Project is a management structure with a budget and schedule for delivering an ST system capable of achieving its established scientific objectives. The Project distributes through contracts the responsibility for supplying particular components, but retains the responsibility for system-level integrity. Scientists have set the performance objectives and now support the Project during the development stage by providing (1) PI management of the five Science Instruments, (2) continuing translations of scientific requirements into engineering specifications, (3) oversight of designs and performance tests, and (4) specific expertise on technical concerns.

Brown, R. A.↗

The pointing system for Space Telescope

This paper provides a description of the Space Telescope (ST) Pointing System (PS), and an overview of the pointing operations and procedures that support celestial observations. It is aimed at indicating to the user-astronomer the ST pointing capabilities and the mechanics of insuring the presence of the correct star in an instrument aperture. The paper begins by summarizing the general requirements regarding image stability and pointing accuracy to which the ST is being designed. This is followed by a description of the PS, in which primary elements are rate gyros, star sensors, reaction wheels, and an onboard digital computer. The Fine Guidance System is the star sensor that provides the precise, long term celestial reference and is given special emphasis, since its autonomous modes are so intimately tied to the acquisition process. A description of a nominal acquisition sequence is given, and some strategies for dealing with acquisition and pointing anomalies are discussed.

Nurre, G. S.↗

Stochastic model for photon noise induced by charged particles in multiplier phototubes of the Hubble Space Telescope fine guidance sensors

The Space Telescope (ST) is subjected to charged particle strikes in its space environment. ST's onboard fine guidance sensors utilize multiplier phototubes (PMT) for attitude determination. These tubes, when subjected to charged particle strikes, generate spurious photons in the form of Cerenkov radiation and fluorescence which give rise to unwanted disturbances in the pointing of the telescope. A stochastic model for the number of these spurious photons which strike the photocathodes of the multiplier phototube which in turn produce the unwanted photon noise are presented. The model is applicable to both galactic cosmic rays and charged particles trapped in the earth's radiation belts. The model which was programmed allows for easy adaption to a wide range of particles and different parameters for the phototube of the multiplier. The probability density functions for photons noise caused by protons, alpha particles, and carbon nuclei were using thousands of simulated strikes. These distributions are used as part of an overall ST dynamics simulation. The sensitivity of the density function to changes in the window parameters was also investigated.

Howell, L. W.↗

The proposed flatland radar

A flexible very high frequency (VHF) stratosphere-troposphere (ST) radar configured for meteorological research is to be constructed near Urbana, Illinois. Measurement of small vertical velocities associated with synoptic-scale meteorology can be performed. A large Doppler microwave radar (CHILL) is located a few km from the site of the proposed ST radar. Since the microwave radar can measure the location and velocity of hydrometeors and the VHF ST radar can measure clear (or cloudy) air velocities, simultaneous observations by these two radars of stratiform or convective weather systems would provide valuable meteorological information.

Green, J. L.↗

An O(N squared) method for computing the eigensystem of N by N symmetric tridiagonal matrices by the divide and conquer approach

An efficient method is proposed to solve the eigenproblem of N by N Symmetric Tridiagonal (ST) matrices. Unlike the standard eigensolvers which necessitate O(N cubed) operations to compute the eigenvectors of such ST matrices, the proposed method computes both the eigenvalues and eigenvectors with only O(N squared) operations. The method is based on serial implementation of the recently introduced Divide and Conquer (DC) algorithm. It exploits the fact that by O(N squared) of DC operations, one can compute the eigenvalues of N by N ST matrix and a finite number of pairs of successive rows of its eigenvector matrix. The rest of the eigenvectors--all of them or one at a time--are computed by linear three-term recurrence relations. Numerical examples are presented which demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method by saving an order of magnitude in execution time at the expense of sacrificing a few orders of accuracy.

Gill, Doron↗

Control/structure interaction methods for space station power systems

The Structural Dynamics Research Corporation and the NASA Lewis Research Center have been working together to develop tools and methods for the analysis of control/structure interaction problems related to the space station power systems. Flexible modes of the solar arrays below 0.1 Hz, suggest that even for relatively slow control systems, the potential for control/structure interaction exists. The emphasis of the effort has been to develop tools which couple NASTRAN's powerful capabilities in structural dynamics with EASY5's powerful capabilities in control systems analysis. One product is an interface software package called CO-ST-IN for COntrol-STructure-INteraction. CO-ST-IN acts to translate data between NASTRAN and EASY5, facilitating the analysis of complex coupled problems. Interfaces to SDRC I-DEAS and MATRIXx are also offered. Beside transferring standard modal information, CO-ST-IN implements a number of advanced methods. These include a modal ordering algorithm that helps eliminate uncontrollable or unobservable modes from the analysis, an implementation of the more accurate mode acceleration algorithm for recovery of element forces and stresses directly in EASY5 and an implementation of fixed interface modes in NASTRAN, which reduces the error in the closed-loop model due to the use of truncated mode sets.

Blelloch, Paul↗

Middle Atmosphere Program. Handbook for MAP, volume 28

Extended abstracts from the fourth workshop on the technical and scientific aspects of MST (mesosphere stratosphere troposphere) radar are presented. Individual sessions addressed the following topics: meteorological applications of MST and ST radars, networks, and campaigns; dynamics of the equatorial middle atmosphere; interpretation of radar returns from clear air; techniques for studying gravity waves and turbulence; intercomparison and calibration of wind and wave measurements at various frequencies; progress in existing and planned MST and ST radars; hardware design for MST and ST radars and boundary layer/lower troposphere profilers; signal processing; and data management.

Liu, C. H.↗

Handbook for MAP, volume 32. Part 1: MAP summary. Part 2: MAPSC minutes, reading, August 1989. MAP summaries from nations. Part 3: MAP data catalogue

Extended abstracts from the fourth workshop on the technical and scientific aspects of mesosphere stratosphere troposphere (MST) radar are presented. Individual sessions addressed the following topics: meteorological applications of MST and ST radars, networks, and campaigns; the dynamics of the equatorial middle atmosphere; interpretation of radar returns from clear air; techniques for studying gravity waves and turbulence, intercomparison and calibration of wind and wave measurements at various frequencies; progress in existing and planned MST and ST radars; hardware design for MST and ST radars and boundary layer/lower troposphere profilers; signal processing; and data management.

Vincent, R. A.↗