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At least 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2013

PHyTIR - A Prototype Thermal Infrared Radiometer

This paper describes the PHyTIR (Prototype HyspIRI Thermal Infrared Radiometer) instrument, which is the engineering model for the proposed HyspIRI (Hyperspectral Infrared Imager) earth observing instrument. The HyspIRI mission would be comprised of the HyspIRI TIR (Thermal Infrared Imager), and a VSWIR (Visible Short-Wave Infra-Red Imaging Spectrometer). Both instruments would be used to address key science questions related to the earth's carbon cycle, ecosystems, climate, and solid earth properties. Data gathering of volcanic activities, earthquakes, wildfires, water use and availability, urbanization, and land surface compositions and changes, would aid the predictions and evaluations of such events and the impact they create. Even though the proposed technology for the HyspIRI imager is mature, the PHyTIR prototype is needed to advance the technology levels for several of the instrument's key components, and to reduce risks, in particular to validate 1) the higher sensitivity, spatial resolution, and higher throughput required for this focal plane array, 2) the pointing accuracy, 2) the characteristics of several spectral channels, and 4) the use of ambient temperature optics. The PHyTIR telescope consists of the focal plane assembly that is housed within a cold housing located inside a vacuum enclosure; all mounted to a bulkhead, and an optical train that consists of 3 powered mirrors; extending to both sides of the bulkhead. A yoke connects the telescope to a scan mirror. The rotating mirror enables to scan- a large track on the ground. This structure is supported by kinematic mounts, linking the telescope assembly to a base plate that would also become the spacecraft interface for HyspIRI. The focal plane's cooling units are also mounted to the base plate, as is an overall enclosure that has two viewing ports with large exterior baffles, shielding the focal plane from incoming stray light. PHyTIR's electronics is distributed inside and near the vacuum enclosure, and in a nearby rack. The data acquisition technique would be to take measurements over a 51deg wide swath in the cross spacecraft velocity direction, which is brought into view through the rotating scan mirror. A landscape mosaic thus can be assembled by overlaying rows of measurements. The paper briefly outlines the proposed HyspIRI mission and its data acquisition technique; it then describes the prototype PHyTIR instrument.

Space Instrument↗
DOE OSTI2024

Effects of Proton Irradiation on the Performance of Skipper CCDs

Skipper CCDs are a mature detector technology that has been suggested for future space telescope instruments requiring sub-electron readout noise in the near-ultraviolet to the near-infrared. While modern skipper CCDs inherit from the radiation-tolerant p-channel detectors developed by LBNL, the effects of high doses of ionizing radiation on skipper CCDs (such as those expected in space) remains largely unmeasured. We report preliminary results on the performance of p-channel skipper CCDs following irradiation with 217-MeV protons at the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center. The total nonionizing energy loss (NIEL) experienced by the detectors exceeds 6 years at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 2 (L2). We demonstrate that the skipper amplifier continues to function as expected following this irradiation. Owing to the low readout noise of these detectors, controlled irradiation tests can be used to sensitively characterize the charge transfer inefficiency, dark current, and the density and time constants of charge traps as a function of proton fluence. We conclude with a brief outlook toward future tests of these detectors at other proton and gamma-ray facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2021

Toward Å-fs-meV Resolution in Electron Microscopy: Systematic Simulation of the Temporal Spread of Single-Electron Packets

Though efforts to improve the temporal resolution of transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) have waxed and waned for decades, with relatively recent advances routinely reaching sub-picosecond scales, fundamental and practical challenges have hindered the advance of combined Å-fs-meV resolutions, particularly for core-loss spectroscopy and real-space imaging. This is due in no small part to the complexity of the approach required to access timescales upon which electrons, atoms, molecules, and materials first begin to respond and transform – attoseconds to picoseconds. Here we present part of a larger effort devoted to systematically mapping the instrument parameter space of a TEM modified to reach ultrafast timescales. With General Particle Tracer, we studied the statistical temporal distributions of single-electron packets as a function of various fs pulsed-laser parameters and electron-gun configurations and fields for the exact architecture and dimensions of a Thermo Fisher Tecnai Femto ultrafast electron microscope. We focused on easily-adjustable parameters, such as laser pulse duration, laser spot size, photon energy, Wehnelt aperture diameter, and photocathode size. In addition to establishing trends and dispersion behaviors, we identify regimes within which packet duration can be 100s of fs and approach the 300-fs laser limit employed here. Overall, the results provide a detailed picture of the temporal behavior of single-electron packets in the Tecnai Femto gun region, forming the initial contribution of a larger effort.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1975

Instrumented personal exercise during long-duration space flights

The present work reports the results of instrumented personal exercise performed in flight by Skylab 3 and 4 crewmen. Inflight cycle ergometer data provide conclusive evidence that man can perform earthbound equivalent maximum levels of physical work while in the zero-G environment. Moreover, SL4 crewmen were able to improve their physical condition during 84 days of space flight relative to launch condition, due to rigorous personal exercise regimens. Biological data measured included oxygen consumption, CO2 production, minute volume, and heart rate.

Sawin, C. F.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Solar Spicules Near and at the Limb, Observed from Hinode

Solar spicules appear as narrow jets emanating from the chromosphere and extending into the corona. They have been observed for over a hundred years, mainly in chromospheric spectral lines such as H-alpha. Because they are at the limit of visibility of ground-based instruments, their nature has long been a puzzle (Beckers 1968, 1972; Sterling 2000). In recent years however, vast progress has been made in understanding them both theoretically and observationally, as spicule studies have undergone a revolution because of the superior resolution and time cadence of ground-based and space-based instruments (e.g., De~Pontieu et al. 2004). Even more rapid progress is currently underway, due to the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) instrument on the Hinode spacecraft (e.g., De Pontieu et al. 2007a, 2007b). Here we present observations of spicules from Hinode SOT, as seen near the limb with the Ca II filtergraph.

Sterling, Alphonse C.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Description of New Inflatable/Rigidizable Hexapod Structure Testbed for Shape and Vibration Control

Larger and more powerful space based instruments are needed to meet increasingly sophisticated scientific demand. To support this need, concepts for telescopes with apertures of 100 meters are being investigated, but the required technologies are not in hand today. Due to the capacity limits of launch vehicles, the idea of deploying, erecting, or inflating large structures in space is being considered. Recently, rigidization concepts of large inflatable structures have demonstrated the capability of weight reductions of up to 50% from current concepts with packaging efficiencies near 80%. One of the important aspects of inflatable structures is vibration mitigation and line-of-sight control. Such control tasks are possible only after actuators/sensors are properly integrated into a rigidizable concept. To study these issues, we have developed an inflatable/rigidizable hexapod structure testbed. The testbed integrates state of the art piezo-electric self-sensing actuators into an inflatable/rigidizable structure and a flat membrane reflector. Using this testbed, we plan to experimentally demonstrate achievable vibration and line-of-sight control. This paper contains a description of the testbed and an outline of the test plan.

Adetona, O.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

P-band Antenna Array for NASA's Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar (SESAR) Instrument

A dual-polarized, wideband, lightweight P-band (435 MHz) antenna element and array for spaceborne radar applications has been developed for NASA’s SESAR (Space Exploration Synthetic Aperture Radar) instrument for planetary synthetic aperture radar (SAR) applications. The antenna array is based on lightweight, low-profile antenna elements that form the building blocks of configurable “array panels” that can in turn be used to build larger arrays consisting of multiple panels. The element design combines a novel, mostly planar conductor antenna element geometry with a robust lightweight composite material construction.

Synthetic Aperture Radar↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Yeast Strain Development and Hardware Testing in Preparation of a Lunar BioSensor

With Artemis missions underway, it is clear we are going back to the Moon to stay. Before sending Astronauts for long-duration missions, it is crucial to understand the technological and biomedical countermeasures needed to protect them before they get there. We can use knowledge gained from biological CubeSats to guide the next generation of experiments to support human habitation on the Moon. Lunar Explorer Instrument for space biology Applications (LEIA) is NASA’s latest BioSensor, adapted BioSentinel, the only CubeSat to travel Beyond Low Earth Orbit. BioSentinel launched on Artemis I and is currently >50 million kilometers from Earth (as of July 2024). LEIA aims to identify biological responses to the Lunar environment, which unprotected against would pose a threat to astronauts (cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological impairment). The suite of instruments within LEIA detects Lunar radiation using two on-board radiation sensors (ARES charged particle detector, Mini-Fast Neutron Detector), then monitors real-time biological responses to the Lunar environment via an autonomous microfluidic system, fit with 3-LED emitter and detector boards and the alamarBlue metabolic indicator dye. LEIA will use a genetic approach in addition to synthetic biology to test counter-measure production in space, with the goal to inform and protect astronauts for future Moon missions. We have conducted preliminary tests in preparation for launch to the anticipated South Pole of the Moon, optimizing the biology (strain down-selection, desiccation tolerance, radiation sensitivity) and improving the hardware (including a blue LED to detect the beta-carotene countermeasure product). Our team will discuss these findings in several parts – an overview of the LEIA mission (Mark Settles), adapting flexible CubeSat platforms for deep-space applications (Sergio Santa Maria, Kira Rienecker), developing new technologies to support LEIA ground studies (Chinmayee Govinda Raj), and yeast strain development and hardware testing in preparation for LEIA (presented here).

synthetic biology↗
NASA NTRS1999

One GigaSample Per Second Data Acquisition using Available Gate Array Technology

A new National Aeronautics and Space Administration instrument forced demanding requirements upon its altimeter digitizer system. Eight-bit data would be generated at a rate of one billion samples per second. NASA had never before attempted to capture such high-speed data in the radiation, low-power, no-convective-cooling, limited-board-area environment of space. This presentation describes how the gate array technology available at the time of the design was used to implement this one gigasample per second data acquisition system

Wagner, K.W.↗
DOE OSTI2021

The Illumination of Thunderclouds by Lightning: 4. Volumetric Thunderstorm Imagery

Optical instruments such as the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) detect lightning based on transient changes in cloud illumination. The horizontal location of lightning is determined from the coordinates of the pixels on the imaging array illuminated during the flash. However, the vertical position of the lightning pulses (approximated by GLM “groups”) below the cloud top cannot be routinely measured from a single space-based instrument. In our prior work, we have developed a machine learning algorithm that can infer optical source altitude for a given pulse based on how the optical energy is distributed across the group footprint and the local Advanced Baseline Imager Cloud-Top Height (CTH). In this fourth part of our thundercloud illumination study, we leverage these source altitudes to generate volumetric GLM imagery of a Colombia thunderstorm. We find that 3D versions of the current GLM meteorological imagery products (that describe thunderstorm kinematics) and thundercloud imagery products (that depict how the flashes appear from space) provide additional insights into lightning activity in the thunderstorm that are lost in the vertical integration used to generate the current 2D GLM gridded products. This new volumetric imaging capability provides a more comprehensive picture of where lightning occurs in the storm, how its physical characteristics vary across three-dimensional space, and how its optical emissions interact with surrounding the cloud medium.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS2011

Measuring the Cryogenic Optical Alignment Between the Telescope Element and the Instruments Module of the James Webb Space Telescope

The alignment between the Aft Optical Subsystem (AOS) and the Integrated Science Instruments Module (ISIM) is non-adjustable in orbit, so the alignment must be carefully verified in a cryogenic vacuum environment prior to launch. Optical point source locations calibrated by optical metrology instruments are imaged through the AOS onto the Science Instruments to determine focal, lateral, and clock angle alignment. The pupil image of the AOS is overlaid onto the pupil image of the NIRCam to determine the tip and tilt alignment. In addition, an image from fiducial lights at the Primary Mirror checks the pupil alignment between the telescope entrance pupil, the telescope pupil mask, and the NIRCam aperture stop. The image positions are combined to determine the relative alignment between the Optical Telescope Element (OTE) and the ISIM in all six degrees of freedom with corresponding alignment uncertainties. Uncertainties in the position of focused images of the test sources and images from the pupils are derived from sensitivities of an optical model of the system and the Science Instrument sensing capability. Additional uncertainty in the pupil alignment measurement is due to uncertainty in the analytical removal of gravity effects that simulate the on-orbit alignment environment.

Whitman, Tony↗
NASA NTRS2010

Automated, Miniaturized Instrument for Measuring Gene Expression in Space

To facilitate astrobiological studies on the survival and adaptation of microorganisms and mixed microbial cultures to space environment, we have been developing a fully automated, miniaturized system for measuring their gene expression on small spacecraft. This low-cost, multi-purpose instrument represents a major scientific and technological advancement in our ability to study the impact of the space environment on biological systems by providing data on cellular metabolism and regulation orders of magnitude richer than what is currently available. The system supports growth of the organism, lyse it to release the expressed RNA, label the RNA, read the expression levels of a large number of genes by microarray analysis of labeled RNA and transmit the measurements to Earth. To measure gene expression we use microarray technology developed by CombiMatrix, which is based on electrochemical reactions on arrays of electrodes on a semiconductor substrate. Since the electrical integrity of the microarray remains intact after probe synthesis, the circuitry can be employed to sense nucleic acid binding at each electrode. CombiMatrix arrays can be sectored to allow multiple samples per chip. In addition, a single array can be used for several assays. The array has been integrated into an automated microfluidic cartridge that uses flexible reagent blisters and pinch pumping to move liquid reagents between chambers. The proposed instrument will help to understand adaptation of terrestrial life to conditions beyond the planet of origin, identify deleterious effects of the space environment, develop effective countermeasures against these effects, and test our ability to sustain and grow in space organisms that can be used for life support and in situ resource utilization during long-duration space exploration. The instrument is suitable for small satellite platforms, which provide frequent, low cost access to space. It can be also used on any other platform in space, including the ISS. It can be replicated and used with only small modifications in multiple biological experiments with a broad range of goals in mind.

Pohorille, A.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Simulation of the Charged Particle Deflection From the Sweeping Magnet Array in the Lunar Environment Heliospheric X-Ray Imager

The Lunar Environment heliospheric X-ray Imager (LEXI) is an instrument built to image x-rays from solar wind charge exchange in Earth’s magneto sheath. Monitoring the position of the magnetopause at the inner boundary of the magneto sheath allows us to understand how magnetic reconnection regulates how energy from the solar wind is deposited into Earth’s magnetosphere. LEXI is part of an upcoming lunar lander mission set to land in Mare Crisium. To repel unwanted charged particles, the instrument carries a permanent magnet array composed of 48 neodymium magnets. The array was designed to maximize charged particle deflection while minimizing stray magnetic fields, which could impact other instruments or spacecraft operation. A Runge–Kutta-based fully kinetic particle tracing model was created to evaluate the effectiveness of LEXI’s unique charged particle deflector array. Combined with the other particle suppression measures of the instrument, including physical structures and filters, the simulations show proton and electron transmission to the LEXI detector is expected to be sufficiently reduced to allow successful imaging. The flexible simulation model can be generalized to be used in examining the magnetic deflector array effectiveness of other instruments whose signals could be compromised by unwanted charged particle contamination.

Space environment effects↗
NASA NTRS1971

An orbiting multispectral scanner for overland and oceanographic applications.

Description of the major features of a multispectral scanner designed to perform overland and oceanographic surveys from space. The instrument uses an image plane conical scanner and contains independent spectrometers for land and ocean applications. The overland spectrometer has a spatial resolution of 200 ft and has six spectral bands in the atmospheric windows between 0.5 and 2.4 microns. The oceanographic spectrometer has a spatial resolution of 1200 ft and possesses 24 spectral bands equally spaced and in registration over the wavelength range from 0.4 to 0.8 micron. A thermal band of 600-ft resolution is used with a spectral range from 10.5 to 12.6 microns. The swath width of the scan is 100 nautical miles from an altitude of 500 nautical miles. The system has two modes of operation which are selectable by ground command. The six bands of overland data plus the thermal band data can be transmitted, or the 24 bands of oceanographic data plus data from two of the overland bands and the thermal band can be transmitted. The performance is described by the minimum detectable reflectance difference and the effects of sun angle and target reflectivity variations are discussed. The sensitivity is related to the variation of the ocean reflectivity in the presence of chlorophyll and to typical agricultural targets.

Peacock, K.↗
NASA NTRS2012

G-LiHT: Goddard's LiDAR, Hyperspectral and Thermal Airborne Imager

Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center have developed an ultra-portable, low-cost, multi-sensor remote sensing system for studying the form and function of terrestrial ecosystems. G-LiHT integrates two LIDARs, a 905 nanometer single beam profiler and 1550 nm scanner, with a narrowband (1.5 nanometers) VNIR imaging spectrometer and a broadband (8-14 micrometers) thermal imager. The small footprint (approximately 12 centimeters) LIDAR data and approximately 1 meter ground resolution imagery are advantageous for high resolution applications such as the delineation of canopy crowns, characterization of canopy gaps, and the identification of sparse, low-stature vegetation, which is difficult to detect from space-based instruments and large-footprint LiDAR. The hyperspectral and thermal imagery can be used to characterize species composition, variations in biophysical variables (e.g., photosynthetic pigments), surface temperature, and responses to environmental stressors (e.g., heat, moisture loss). Additionally, the combination of LIDAR optical, and thermal data from G-LiHT is being used to assess forest health by sensing differences in foliage density, photosynthetic pigments, and transpiration. Low operating costs (approximately $1 ha) have allowed us to evaluate seasonal differences in LiDAR, passive optical and thermal data, which provides insight into year-round observations from space. Canopy characteristics and tree allometry (e.g., crown height:width, canopy:ground reflectance) derived from G-LiHT data are being used to generate realistic scenes for radiative transfer models, which in turn are being used to improve instrument design and ensure continuity between LiDAR instruments. G-LiHT has been installed and tested in aircraft with fuselage viewports and in a custom wing-mounted pod that allows G-LiHT to be flown on any Cessna 206, a common aircraft in use throughout the world. G-LiHT is currently being used for forest biomass and growth estimation in the CONUS and Mexico in support of NASA's Carbon Monitoring System (CMS) and AMIGA-Carb (AMerican Icesat Glas Assessment of Carbon). For NASA's CMS, wall-to-wall G-LiHT data have been acquired over intensive study sites with historic LiDAR datasets, dense inventory data, stem maps and flux tower observations. For AMIGA-Carb, G-LiHT transects have been acquired over ICESat tracks and USDA-FS inventory plots throughout the CONUS, and similar data will be acquired in Mexico during 2013. This talk will highlight recent science results from continental-scale transects landscape-scale deployments of G-LiHT, as well as seasonal forest dynamics from repeat pass G-LiHT acquisitions.

Cook, Bruce↗
NASA NTRS1982

The development and applications of charge-coupled devices for space astronomy

The developments in charge-coupled device technology over the past decade are reviewed, with emphasis on the relevance of these developments to astronomical applications. The characteristics and limitations of current commercial devices are described, and the future requirements on CCDs for space astronomy are summarized for the X-ray and near UV, optical, and infrared wavelength ranges. Emphasis is placed on the commonality of technological development which is called for, including the issues of quantum detection efficiency (photon entrance and depletion depth), charge transfer efficiency, modulation transfer function, output noise level, and array size. The system requirements on focal plane instrumentation for space astronomy are summarized, and shown to have much in common for the different wavelength bands. These requirements are discussed in terms of CCD mosaicing, cryogenic cooling, and electronics. The overlap in CCD developments in the defense, astronomical and commercial arenas is summarized.

Griffiths, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Large manned systems/environment interactions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

With the advent of the NASA Space Transportation System, regular flights of a large manned spacecraft, the Space Shuttle Orbiter, became a reality. From the earliest mission containing space science instruments as a payload on the third flight of the Orbiter (STS-3), it became apparent that the disturbance caused by the interaction of this orbiting system with the low Earth orbit (LEO) environment resulted in adverse conditions for the performance of scientific observations of the Orbiter natural environment and for certain high sensitivity optical observations. The interaction of the Space Shuttle Orbiter system can be divided into two parts, the structure-environment interaction, and the outgas cloud-environment interaction. These interaction are briefly discussed.

Raitt, W. J.↗