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At least 757 records · Page 42

Trajectory description

The Mariner 9 spacecraft was launched by an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle (AC-23) on a direct-ascent trajectory from the Air Force Eastern Test Range (AFETR) launch complex 36B on May 30, 1971. Liftoff occurred at 22 h 23 min 04.5 s GMT, slightly more than 6 min after the opening of a 60-min launch window. The vehicle rose vertically for approximately 15 s, during which time, a programmed roll to a launch azimuth of 92.74 deg was performed. After the initial vertical rise, the vehicle, guided by the open-loop Atlas autopilot, began to pitch over into a zero-lift trajectory. The first of three main powered phases was terminated by booster engine cutoff (BECO) at 22 h 25 min 35.5 s. After the Atlas booster engine package was jettisoned 3 s later, the flight continued under the power of the Atlas sustainer engine and guided by the Centaur guidance system operating in a closed-loop mode.

Webb, W. A.↗

Star scanner

A star scanner on a spin stabilized spacecraft is described which includes a reticle with a pair of slits having different separations as a function of the spacecraft vertical plane, to form a V slit. The time between a star image crossing one of the slits relative to a reference telemetry time provides an indication of azimuth angle. The time between the image crossing the two slits provides an indication of elevation angle of the star. If a star cluster is detected such that two stars pass the slits in less time than normally required for a single star to cross the two slits, an indication of the cluster occurrence is derived. Means are provided to prevent effective detection of large celestial bodies, such as the sun or moon.

Gutshall, R. L.↗

Parametric analysis of an imaging radar for use as an imaging radar for use as an independent landing monitor

The capabilities are analyzed of a real aperture, forward-looking imaging radar for use as an independent landing monitor, which will provide the pilot with an independent means of assessing the progress of an automatic landing during Category 3 operations. The analysis shows that adequate ground resolution and signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained to image a runway with grassy surroundings using a radar operating at 35 GHz in good weather and in most fog but that performance is severely degraded in moderate to heavy rain and wet snow. Weather effects on a 10 GHz imager are not serious, with the possible exception of very heavy rain, but the azimuthal resolution at 10 GHz is inadequate with antennas up to 2 m long.

Bundick, W. T.↗

A flight investigation with a STOL airplane flying curved, descending instrument approach paths

A flight investigation using a De Havilland Twin Otter airplane was conducted to determine the configurations of curved, 6 deg descending approach paths which would provide minimum airspace usage within the requirements for acceptable commercial STOL airplane operations. Path configurations with turns of 90 deg, 135 deg, and 180 deg were studied; the approach airspeed was 75 knots. The length of the segment prior to turn, the turn radius, and the length of the final approach segment were varied. The relationship of the acceptable path configurations to the proposed microwave landing system azimuth coverage requirements was examined.

Benner, M. S.↗

Unsteady Subsonic and Transonic Potential Flow over Helicopter Rotor Blades

Differential equations and boundary conditions for a rotor blade in forward flight, with subsonic or transonic tip Mach number, are derived. A variety of limiting flow regimes determined by different limits involving blade thickness ratio, aspect ratio, advance ratio and maximum tip Mach number is discussed. The transonic problem is discussed in some detail, and in particular the conditions that make this problem quasi-steady or essentially unsteady are determined. Asymptotic forms of equations and boundary conditions that are valid in an appropriately scaled region of the tip and an azimuthal sector on the advancing side are derived. The equations are then put in a form that is valid from the blade tip inboard through the strip theory region.

Isom, M. P.↗

Some observations about the components of transonic fan noise from narrow-band spectral analysis

Qualitative and quantitative spectral analyses are presented that give the broadband-noise, discrete-tone, and multiple-tone properties of the noise generated by a full-scale high-bypass single-stage axial-flow transonic fan (fan B, NASA Quiet Engine Program). The noise components were obtained from narrow-band spectra in conjunction with 1/3-octave-band spectra. Variations in the pressure levels of the noise components with fan speed, forward-quadrant azimuth angle, and frequency are presented and compared. The study shows that much of the apparent broadband noise on 1/3-octave-band plots consists of a complex system of shaft-order tones. The analyses also indicate the difficulties in determining or defining noise components, especially the broadband level under the discrete tones. The sources which may be associated with the noise components are discussed.

Saule, A. V.↗

An experimental test of plant canopy reflectance models on cotton

Extensive data on the plant parameters necessary to evaluate any model are presented for a cotton crop. The variation of the bidirectional reflectance function with observer altitude, observer azimuth, and sun altitude angle is presented for a high density cotton crop having leaf index of 19. A comparison with the quantitative behavior obtained from the Suits model is accomplished in the wavelength region from 400 nm to 1050 nm.

Lemaster, E. W.↗

Continued development and application of far-infrared detection techniques

The development of a balloon gondola and pointing system are discussed which can be used with the low background far infrared telescope. Flight test progress of the new gondola is reported using a 3-axis system which would provide much greater capabilities. In this design both a polar and declination axis are use and are maintained in the proper orientation by a free handing (vertical) azimuth shaft.

Low, F. J.↗

Modulation of the Jovian decametric radio emission by IO

It is argued that the sweeping of trapped energetic MeV protons by Io can result in induced emissions. The instability is caused by the density gradient occurring at the edge of the cavity. It is shown that the azimuthal Larmor drift of the energetic protons which is transverse to both the local magnetic field and the density gradient can excite extraordinary waves with frequencies slightly above the local electron cyclotron frequency. It is found that the emission coefficient is proportional to the square root of (n sub p/n sub t), where n sub p and n sub t denote the density of the energetic protons and the density of the thermal electrons, respectively. The theory also predicts a lower frequency cutoff. This cutoff frequency depends upon the density of thermal electrons in the source region.

Wu, C. S.↗

Martian lineaments from Mariner 6 and 7 images

Mariner 6 and 7 images are used to investigate the nature and importance of linear surface trends on Mars. Cross correlations of frequency-azimuth distributions of linear trends from different Mariner frames indicate that lineations not recognized as topographic features have a component of artifacts, probably introduced during digital reconstruction of the images. Consequently, topographic and nontopographic lineations should be treated separately prior to interpretation of the data. Similar statistical tests may aid in the analysis of surface trends from future satellites and space probes.

Schultz, P. H.↗

Observations of the extreme ultraviolet nightglow

An extreme ultraviolet telescope system was flown on an Aerobee 170 rocket from the White Sands Missile Range on Oct. 22, 1971. Measurements of extreme ultraviolet radiation from the night sky were made with a set of Parylene, aluminum, and tin filters behind a grazing incidence concentrator. If the aluminum and tin filter data are interpreted as being due to only the He I 584-A and He II 304-A lines, the nightglow flux at 25 deg zenith angle and 270 deg azimuth angle at 180-km altitude was I(584) = 4.4 plus or minus 1.9 R and I(304) = 1.3 plus or minus 0.5 R.

Riegler, G. R.↗

Viewing-angle effects in radar images

A quantitative determination of the effect of viewing angle on the detectability of topographic linears in radar imagery is presented. Variations of azimuth and aspect angles of an imaging radar antenna relative to a topographic linear were simulated using low-angle illumination of controlled linear features on polystyrene sheets. The several model surfaces represented idealized versions of surface types that may be expected in areas of geologic interest. Fourier transform spectra of the radar image simulations were obtained using a coherent-optics system. These spectra were found to correlate with a detectability factor obtained directly from the radar image simulations. Fourier transform spectra of a linear feature observed from multiple viewing angles by a K-band imaging radar were also obtained and a detectability factor was estimated which agreed closely with theoretical predictions.

Eppes, T. A.↗

Hingeless rotor vibration and loads at high advance ratio

Experimental values of mean and oscillatory shaft force aeroelastic derivatives with respect to cyclic pitch are presented in dimensionless coefficient form for stiff-bladed hingeless rotors operating at high advance ratio. Good agreement with theory is obtained for the 2P components, in rotating axes, of the oscillatory hub moment derivatives. Trends were predicted for the mean components. Experimental plots of the azimuthal distribution of blade flap bending moment due to cyclic pitch are compared with theoretical for high values of flap frequency ratio and advance ratio. Good agreement is found near the blade root. The similarity parameters that should be preserved in the scale model testing of stiff-bladed hingeless rotors at high advance ratio are reviewed, and some aspects of hingeless rotor wind tunnel testing are considered.

Watts, G. A.↗

Thrust vectoring of broad ion beams for spacecraft attitude control

Thrust vectoring is shown to increase the attractiveness of ion thrusters for satellite control applications. Incorporating beam deflection into ion thrusters makes it possible to achieve attitude control without adding any thrusters. Two beam vectoring systems are described that can provide up to 10-deg beam deflection in any azimuth. Both systems have been subjected to extended life tests on a 5-cm thruster which resulted in projected life times of from 7500 to 20,000 hours.

Collett, C. R.↗

Applications of fluidics to light aircraft instrumentation and control

Review of a program for the development of advanced fluidic components and the application of these components to general aviation instrumentation and control. The major project in this category has been the development of a simple, reliable, two-axis autopilot for light aircraft, using a fluidic inertial rate sensor for stability and roll attitude control, and a simple magnetometer for azimuth reference. This autopilot has been succesfully flight-tested. Fluidic hardware developed for this autopilot is described, and projected improvements and extensions are discussed. Application of fluidic components to such flight instruments as turn coordinators, artificial horizons, and true airspeed indicators is explored.

Garner, H. D.↗

Laboratory simulation of the herringbone pattern associated with lunar secondary crater chains

V-shaped ridge components of the herringbone pattern associated with lunar secondary crater chains have been simulated by simultaneous and nearly simultaneous impact of two projectiles near one another. The impact velocities and angles of the projectiles were similar to those of the fragments that produced secondary craters found at various ranges from large lunar craters. Variables found to affect the included angles of the V-shaped ridges are: relative time of impact of the projectiles, impact angle, relative projectile mass, and azimuth angle of the crater chain relative to the projection of the flight line onto the target surface. The functional relationships between the forms of the ridges and many of these variables are similar to those observed for lunar V-shaped ridges. Comparison of the magnitudes of the ridge angles of both laboratory crater pairs and secondary crater chains of the crater Copernicus implies that material was ejected from Copernicus at angles in excess of 60 deg, measured from the normal, to form many of Copernicus' satellite craters.

Oberbeck, V. R.↗

Implications of the reported low energy electron gradients

A recently reported measurement of a small electron gradient in the energy range from 1.9 to 8.4 MeV by Webber et al. (1973) is interpreted in terms of a large local value of the scattering mean free path for these particles. The possibility that the scattering mean free path may be large throughout the modulation region is then investigated under the assumption of an azimuthally symmetric modulation region of 5 AU extent, the applicability of the diffusion-convection-adiabatic energy loss transport equation, and a galactic origin for the low-energy electrons. The implications for the solar modulation of electrons and the interstellar electron spectrum are discussed.

Lezniak, J. A.↗

The relation between the polarity of the interplanetary magnetic field and the polar geomagnetic field

The relation between the azimuthal component of the interplanetary magnetic field and the polar cap geomagnetic field is discussed. The geomagnetic effects can be described as produced by an ionospheric current system encircling the magnetic pole. The sense of the current is clockwise during toward-sectors and reversed during away-sectors. The importance of this very direct solar-terrestrial relation is stressed. A recent magnetic sunspot cycle model is discussed as inferred from this relationship, the basic feature being that the sun reproduces the same sector pattern during every sunspot cycle.

Svalgaard, L.↗