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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS1973

The space shuttle payload planning working groups. Volume 7: Earth observations

The findings of the Earth Observations working group of the space shuttle payload planning activity are presented. The objectives of the Earth Observation experiments are: (1) establishment of quantitative relationships between observable parameters and geophysical variables, (2) development, test, calibration, and evaluation of eventual flight instruments in experimental space flight missions, (3) demonstration of the operational utility of specific observation concepts or techniques as information inputs needed for taking actions, and (4) deployment of prototype and follow-on operational Earth Observation systems. The basic payload capability, mission duration, launch sites, inclinations, and payload limitations are defined.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1973

Analysis of aircraft microwave measurements of the ocean surface

A data system was developed to process, from calibrated brightness temperature to computation of estimated parameters, the microwave measurements obtained by the NASA CV-990 aircraft during the 1972 Meteorological Expedition. A primary objective of the study was the implementation of an integrated software system at the computing facility of NASA/GSFC, and its application to the 1972 data. A single test case involving measurements away from and over a heavy rain cell was chosen to examine the effect of clouds upon the ability to infer ocean surface parameters. The results indicate substantial agreement with those of the theoretical study; namely, that the values obtained for the surface properties are consistent with available ground-truth information, and are reproducible except within the heaviest portions of the rain cell, at which nonlinear (or saturation) effects become apparent. Finally, it is seen that uncorrected instrumental effects introduce systematic errors which may limit the accuracy of the method.

Willand, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Polarizations of asteroids and satellites

Polarization data for Mercury, the moon, asteroids, and satellites of Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are compiled along with the relevant laboratory results. It is shown that the slope of the ascending branch of the polarization-phase curve is a discriminant of the bulk albedo only, while the maximum polarization and the depth of the negative branch are sensitive also to the microscale roughness and opacity. Recently published data are used for new calibrations of the laws relating these polarimetric parameters to geometric albedo. It is demonstrated that the albedos of asteroids and small satellites derived from their polarization properties are in good agreement with infrared diameters, and that a microscopically intricate surface is characteristic of atmosphereless solar-system bodies.

Bowell, E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Simple intuitive models of programming

It is hypothesized that mathematical models of the programming process can be formulated to gauge the sensitivities of that process to various given parameters, and that such models can be calibrated on an empirical basis and used as guides toward maximizing productivity, documentation quality, and programming reliability. Three oversimplified models are presented as illustrations.

Tausworthe, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Intermediate-band photometry of faint standard stars

The David Dunlap Observatory system uses six intermediate-band filters whose central wavelengths were chosen to cover important features in the spectrum of a late-type star. Calibrations of the color indices with physical parameters, allow one to estimate T sub eff, log g, Fe/H, M sub v and reddening directly from the photometry. Although a number of standards lists exist, only a small fraction of the stars is fainter than V=6. It is desirable to add to the numbers of faint standards. Results are presented of photometry of sixteen stars obtained during a program of variable-star photometry at Blue Mesa Observatory.

Dawson, D. W.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Engineering a laser remote sensor for atmospheric pressure and temperature

A system for the remote sensing of atmospheric pressure and temperature is described. Resonant lines in the 7600 Angstrom oxygen A band region are used and an organic dye laser beam is tuned to measure line absorption changes with temperature or pressure. A reference beam outside this band is also transmitted for calibration. Using lidar techniques, profiling of these parameters with altitude can be accomplished.

Kalshoven, J. E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Detailed gravity anomalies from Geos 3 satellite altimetry data

Detailed gravity anomalies are computed from a combination of Geos 3 satellite altimeter and terrestrial gravity data using least-squares principles. The mathematical model used is based on the Stokes' equation modified for a nonglobal solution. Using Geos 3 data in the calibration area, the effects of several anomaly parameter configurations and data densities/distributions on the anomalies and their accuracy estimates are studied. The accuracy estimates for 1 deg x 1 deg mean anomalies from low density altimetry data are of the order of 4 mgal. Comparison of these anomalies with the terrestrial data and also with Rapp's data derived using collocation techniques show rms differences of 7.2 and 4.9 mgal, respectively. Indications are that the anomaly accuracies can be improved to about 2 mgal with high density data. Estimation of 30 in. x 30 in. mean anomalies indicates accuracies of the order of 5 mgal. Proper verification of these results will be possible only when accurate ground truth data become available.

Gopalapillai, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1982

The two-photon absorptivity of rotational transitions in the A2 Sigma hyperon + (v prime = O) - X-2 pion (v prime prime = O) gamma band of nitric oxide

A predominantly single-mode pulsed dye laser system giving a well characterized spatial and temporal output suitable for absolute two-photon absorptivity measurements was used to study the NO gamma(0,0) S11 + R21 (J double prime = 7-1/2) transition. Using a calibrated induced-fluorescence technique, an absorptivity parameter of 2.8 + or - 1.4 x 10 to the minus 51st power cm to the 6th power was obtained. Relative strengths of other rotational transitions in the gamma(0,0) band were also measured and shown to compare well with predicted values in all cases except the O12 (J double prime = 10-1/2) transition.

Gross, K. P.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Thematic Mapper Image Processing System (TIPS) Processing Status

Radiometric and geometric correction performance is considered. A one quantum level requirement was met in all spectral bands with an occasional band 7 exception. Initial post launch calibration was accomplished. An absolute radiometric calibration is in progress including an investigation of low impact solution to scan striping. Initial and three downstream updates as well as coordination with LANDSAT D' instrument calibration are planned. Methods and problems in measuring geometric correction performance are examined with an emphasis on temporal registration, geodetic registrtion, and the modeling error budget. Planned efforts include eliminating band 2, band 5 chips; continued performance monitoring; calibration of profile, misalignment angles, and filer parameters; studying the need for seasonal geodetic control points; and improvement of the subpixel correlation technique.

Brooks, J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Phase calibration of imaging radar polarimeter Stokes matrices

It is shown that the Stokes matrices measured by an imaging radar polarimeter provide enough information for the accurate phase calibration of the observed polarimetric characteristics of a surface. This is important because it allows the data to be reduced in volume in an operational synthetic aperture radar correlator with no prior knowledge of the conditions at the surface, and the end user can later select the particular region where he or she is comfortable with making an assumption regarding the relative phases of the hh and vv signals. No ground calibration equipment is necessary, as all important parameters are derived from the data themselves.

Zebker, Howard A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Geophysical validation of TOPEX/Poseidon altimetry products

The objectives of this study are the following: (1) to assess the quality of the sea level observed by altimetry on a global scale, especially in tropical regions where the atmospheric effects are the most critical, and to prepare the altimeter data for their assimilation into tropical Oceanic General Circulation Models; and (2) to validate and calibrate the altimeter-derived sea state parameters, to assimilate these parameters into numerical models, and to estimate the altimeter's sea state and electromagnetic biases.

Menard, Yves↗

NASA NTRS1995

Orbit determination of highly elliptical Earth orbiters using improved Doppler data-processing modes

A navigation error covariance analysis of four highly elliptical Earth orbits is described, with apogee heights ranging from 20,000 to 76,800 km and perigee heights ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 km. This analysis differs from earlier studies in that improved navigation data-processing modes were used to reduce the radio metric data. For this study, X-band (8.4-GHz) Doppler data were assumed to be acquired from two Deep Space Network radio antennas and reconstructed orbit errors propagated over a single day. Doppler measurements were formulated as total-count phase measurements and compared to the traditional formulation of differenced-count frequency measurements. In addition, an enhanced data-filtering strategy was used, which treated the principal ground system calibration errors affecting the data as filter parameters. Results suggest that a 40- to 60-percent accuracy improvement may be achievable over traditional data-processing modes in reconstructed orbit errors, with a substantial reduction in reconstructed velocity errors at perigee. Historically, this has been a regime in which stringent navigation requirements have been difficult to meet by conventional methods.

Estefan, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Incorporation of an evaporative cooling scheme into a dynamic model of orographic precipitation

A simple evaporative cooling scheme was incorporated into a dynamic model to estimate orographic precipitation in mountainous regions. The orographic precipitation model is based on the transport of atmospheric moisture and the quantification of preciptable water across a 3D representation of the terrain from the surface up to 250 hPa. Advective wind fields are computed independently and boundary conditions are extracted from radiosonde data. Precipitation rates are obtained through calibration of a spatially distributed precipitation efficiency parameter. The model was applied to the central Sierra Nevada. Results show a gain of the order of 20% in threat-score coefficients designed to measure the forecast ability of the model. Accuracy gains are largest at high elevations and during intense storms associated with warm air masses.

Barros, Ana Paula↗

NASA NTRS1994

A geopotential model from satellite tracking, altimeter, and surface gravity data: GEM-T3

An improved model of Earth's gravitational field, Goddard Earth Model T-3 (GEM-T3), has been developed from a combination of satellite tracking, satellite altimeter, and surface gravimetric data. GEM-T3 provides a significant improvement in the modeling of the gravity field at half wavelengths of 400 km and longer. This model, complete to degree and order 50, yields more accurate satellite orbits and an improved geoid representation than previous Goddard Earth Models. GEM-T3 uses altimeter data from GEOS 3 (1975-1976), Seasat (1978) and Geosat (1986-1987). Tracking information used in the solution includes more than 1300 arcs of data encompassing 31 different satellites. The recovery of the long-wavelength components of the solution relies mostly on highly precise satellite laser ranging (SLR) data, but also includes Tracking Network (TRANET) Doppler, optical, and satellite-to-satellite tracking acquired between the ATS 6 and GEOS 3 satellites. The main advances over GEM-T2 (beyond the inclusion of altimeter and surface gravity information which is essential for the resolution of the shorter wavelength geoid) are some improved tracking data analysis approaches and additional SLR data. Although the use of altimeter data has greatly enhanced the modeling of the ocean geoid between 65 deg N and 60 deg S latitudes in GEM-T3, the lack of accurate detailed surface gravimetry leaves poor geoid resolution over many continental regions of great tectonic interest (e.g., Himalayas, Andes). Estimates of polar motion, tracking station coordinates, and long-wavelength ocean tidal terms were also made (accounting for 6330 parameters). GEM-T3 has undergone error calibration using a technique based on subset solutions to produce reliable error estimates. The calibration is based on the condition that the expected mean square deviation of a subset gravity solution from the full set values is predicted by the solutions' error covariances. Data weights are iteratively adjusted until this condition for the error calibration is satisfied. In addition, gravity field tests were performed on strong satellite data sets withheld from the solution (thereby ensuring their independence). In these tests, the performance of the subset models on the withheld observations is compared to error projections based on their calibrated error covariances. These results demonstrate that orbit accuracy projections are reliable for new satellites which were not included in GEM-T3.

Lerch, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Development of a High Accuracy Angular Measurement System for Langley Research Center Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Facilities

Modern experimental and test activities demand innovative and adaptable procedures to maximize data content and quality while working within severely constrained budgetary and facility resource environments. This report describes development of a high accuracy angular measurement capability for NASA Langley Research Center hypersonic wind tunnel facilities to overcome these deficiencies. Specifically, utilization of micro-electro-mechanical sensors including accelerometers and gyros, coupled with software driven data acquisition hardware, integrated within a prototype measurement system, is considered. Development methodology addresses basic design requirements formulated from wind tunnel facility constraints and current operating procedures, as well as engineering and scientific test objectives. Description of the analytical framework governing relationships between time dependent multi-axis acceleration and angular rate sensor data and the desired three dimensional Eulerian angular state of the test model is given. Calibration procedures for identifying and estimating critical parameters in the sensor hardware is also addressed.

Newman, Brett↗

NASA NTRS2005

Camera Image Transformation and Registration for Safe Spacecraft Landing and Hazard Avoidance

Inherent geographical hazards of Martian terrain may impede a safe landing for science exploration spacecraft. Surface visualization software for hazard detection and avoidance may accordingly be applied in vehicles such as the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) to induce an autonomous and intelligent descent upon entering the planetary atmosphere. The focus of this project is to develop an image transformation algorithm for coordinate system matching between consecutive frames of terrain imagery taken throughout descent. The methodology involves integrating computer vision and graphics techniques, including affine transformation and projective geometry of an object, with the intrinsic parameters governing spacecraft dynamic motion and camera calibration.

Jones, Brandon M.↗

NASA NTRS2006

A Ground-Based 2-Micron DIAL System to Profile Tropospheric CO2 and Aerosol Distributions for Atmospheric Studies

System will operate at a temperature insensitive CO2 line (2050.967 nm) with side-line tuning and off-set locking. Demonstrated an order of magnitude improvement in laser line locking needed for high precision measurements, side-line operation, and simultaneously double pulsing and line locking. Detector testing of phototransistor has demonstrated sensitivity to aerosol features over long distances in the atmosphere and resolve features approx. 100m. Optical systems that collect light onto small area detectors work well. Receiver optical designs are being optimized and data acquisition systems developed. CO2 line parameter characterization in progress In situ sensor calibration in progress for validation of DIAL CO2 system.

Ismail, Syed↗

NASA NTRS2014

Data Preservation, Information Preservation, and Lifecyle of Information Management at NASA GES DISC

Data lifecycle management awareness is common today; planners are more likely to consider lifecycle issues at mission start. NASA remote sensing missions are typically subject to life cycle management plans of the Distributed Active Archive Center (DAAC), and NASA invests in these national centers for the long-term safeguarding and benefit of future generations. As stewards of older missions, it is incumbent upon us to ensure that a comprehensive enough set of information is being preserved to prevent the risk for information loss. This risk is greater when the original data experts have moved on or are no longer available. Preservation of items like documentation related to processing algorithms, pre-flight calibration data, or input-output configuration parameters used in product generation, are examples of digital artifacts that are sometimes not fully preserved. This is the grey area of information preservation; the importance of these items is not always clear and requires careful consideration. Missing important metadata about intermediate steps used to derive a product could lead to serious challenges in the reproducibility of results or conclusions. Organizations are rapidly recognizing that the focus of life-cycle preservation needs to be enlarged from the strict raw data to the more encompassing arena of information lifecycle management. By understanding what constitutes information, and the complexities involved, we are better equipped to deliver longer lasting value about the original data and derived knowledge (information) from them. The NASA Earth Science Data Preservation Content Specification is an attempt to define the content necessary for long-term preservation. It requires new lifecycle infrastructure approach along with content repositories to accommodate artifacts other than just raw data. The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) setup an open-source Preservation System capable of long-term archive of digital content to augment its raw data holding. This repository is being used for such missions as HIRDLS, UARS, TOMS, OMI, among others. We will provide a status of this implementation; report on challenges, lessons learned, and detail our plans for future evolution to include other missions and services.

data management↗