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NASA NTRS2019

High Performance GaN/AlGaN Ultraviolet Avalanche Photodiode Detector Technologies

Detection of ultraviolet (UV) bands provides distinct advantages for NASA, defense, and commercial applications, including increased spatial resolution, small pixel sizes, and large format arrays. AlxGa1-xN semiconductor alloys have attracted great interest for detection in the UV spectral region because of their potential for high optical gain, high sensitivity, and low dark current performance in ultraviolet avalanche photodiodes (UV-APDs). We are developing GaN/AlGaN UV-APDs that demonstrate consistent and reliable UV-APD performance and operation. For these UV detectors we have measured gains of above 5×10(exp 6) and high quantum efficiencies at ~350 nm enabled by a strong avalanche multiplication process. These UV-APDs are fabricated through high quality metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) growth on lattice-matched, low dislocation density GaN substrates with optimized GaN/AlGaN UV-APD material growth and doping parameters. The high performance, variable-area GaN/AlGaN UV-APD detectors and arrays can be customized to a wide variety of sizes including large-area formats to enable sensing and high-resolution detection over UV bands of interest.

Sood, Ashok K.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Analysis Ready Data in Analytics Optimized Data Stores for Analysis of Big Earth Data in the Cloud

Cloud computing offers the possibility of making the analysis of Big Data approachable for a wider community due to affordable access to computing power, an ecosystem of usable tools for parallel processing, and migration of many large datasets to archives in the cloud, allowing data-proximal computing. Generally, data analysis acceleration in the cloud comes from running multiple nodes in a split-combine-apply strategy. Data systems such as the Earth Observing System Data and Information System are in a position to "pre-split" the data by storing them in a data store that is optimized for data parallel computing, i.e., an Analytics-Optimized Data Store (AODS). A variety of approaches to AODS are possible, from highly scalable databases to scalable filesystems to data formats optimized for cloud access (e.g., zarr and cloud-optimized datasets), with the optimal choice dependent on both the types of analysis and the geospatial structure of the data. A key question is how much preprocessing of the data to do, both before splitting and as the first part of the apply step. Again, the geospatial structure of the data and the analysis type influence the decision, with the added complexity of the user type. Trans-disciplinary users who are not well-versed in the nuances of quality-filtering and georeferencing of remote sensing orbit/swath/scene data tend to ask for more highly processed data, relying on the data provider to make sensible decisions on preprocessing parameters. (This accounts for the popularity of "Level 3" gridded data, despite the lower spatial resolution it provides.) In this case, data can be preprocessed before the split, resulting in higher performance in the rest of the "apply" step, which can be transformative for use cases such as interactive data exploration at scale. Discipline researchers who are experienced with remote sensing data often prefer more flexibility in customizing the preprocessing data into Analysis Ready Data, resulting in more need for on-the-fly preprocessing.

Lynnes, Christopher↗

NASA NTRS1989

Laboratory comparison of continuous vs. binary phase-mostly filters

Recent developments in spatial light modulators have led to devices which are capable of continuous phase modulation, even if only over a limited range. One of these devices, the deformable mirror device is used, to compare the relative merits of binary and partially-continuous phase filters in a specific problem of pattern recognition by optical correlation. Each filter was physically limited to only about a radiation of modulation. Researchers have predicted that for low input noise levels, continuous phase-only filters should have a higher absolute correlator peak output than the corresponding binary filters, as well as having a larger SNR. When continuous and binary filters were implemented on the DMD and they exhibited the same performance; an ad hoc filter optimization procedure was developed for use in the laboratory. The optimized continuous filter gave higher correlation peaks than did an independently optimized binary filter. Background behavior in the correlation plane was similar for the two filters, and thus the SNR showed the same improvement for the continuous filter. A phasor diagram analysis and computer simulation have explained part of the optimization procedure's success.

Monroe, Stanley E., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Hybrid RF / Optical Communication Terminal with Spherical Primary Optics for Optical Reception

Future deep space communications are likely to employ not only the existing RF uplink and downlink, but also a high capacity optical downlink. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is currently investigating the benefits of a ground based hybrid RF and deep space optical terminal based on limited modification of existing 34 meter antenna designs. The ideal design would include as large an optical aperture as technically practical and cost effective, cause minimal impact to RF performance, and remain cost effective even when compared to a separate optical terminal of comparable size. Numerous trades and architectures have been considered, including shared RF and optical apertures having aspheric optics and means to separate RF and optical signals, plus, partitioned apertures in which various zones of the primary are dedicated to optical reception. A design based on the latter is emphasized in this paper, employing spherical primary optics and a new version of a "clamshell" corrector that is optimized to fit within the limited space between the antenna sub-reflector and the existing apex structure that supports the subreflector. The mechanical design of the hybrid accommodates multiple spherical primary mirror panels in the central 11 meters of the antenna, and integrates the clamshell corrector and optical receiver modules with antenna hardware using existing attach points to the maximum extent practical. When an optical collection area is implemented on a new antenna, it is possible to design the antenna structure to accommodate the additional weight of optical mirrors providing an equivalent aperture of several meters diameter. The focus of our near term effort is to use optics with the 34 meter DSS-13 antenna at Goldstone to demonstrate spatial optical acquisition and tracking capability using an optical system that is temporarily integrated into the antenna.

optical communications↗

NASA NTRS2008

Sensor-Web Operations Explorer

Understanding the atmospheric state and its impact on air quality requires observations of trace gases, aerosols, clouds, and physical parameters across temporal and spatial scales that range from minutes to days and from meters to more than 10,000 kilometers. Observations include continuous local monitoring for particle formation; field campaigns for emissions, local transport, and chemistry; and periodic global measurements for continental transport and chemistry. Understanding includes global data assimilation framework capable of hierarchical coupling, dynamic integration of chemical data and atmospheric models, and feedback loops between models and observations. The objective of the sensor-web system is to observe trace gases, aerosols, clouds, and physical parameters, an integrated observation infrastructure composed of space-borne, air-borne, and in-situ sensors will be simulated based on their measurement physics properties. The objective of the sensor-web operation is to optimally plan for heterogeneous multiple sensors, the sampling strategies will be explored and science impact will be analyzed based on comprehensive modeling of atmospheric phenomena including convection, transport, and chemical process. Topics include system architecture, software architecture, hardware architecture, process flow, technology infusion, challenges, and future direction.

observation↗

NASA NTRS2018

Overview of Solar-Induced Chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF) from the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2: Retrieval, Cross-Mission Comparison, and Global Monitoring for GPP

The Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2), launched in July 2014, is capable of measuring Solar-Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence (SIF), a functional proxy for terrestrial gross primary productivity (GPP). Although its primary mission is to measure the column-averaged mixing ratio of CO2 (Xco(sub 2)) to constrain global carbon source/sink distribution, one of the OCO-2 spectrometers allows for a robust SIF retrieval solely based on solar Fraunhofer lines. Here we present a technical overview of the OCO-2 SIF product, aiming to provide the scientific community guidance on best practices for data analysis, interpretation, and application. This overview consists of the retrieval algorithms, OCO-2 specific bias correction, retrieval uncertainty evaluation, cross-mission comparison with other existing SIF products, and a global-scale examination of the SIF-GPP relationship. With the initial three years of data (September 2014 onward), we compared OCO-2 SIF with retrievals from Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment-2 (GOME-2), and examined its relationship with FLUXCOM and MODIS GPP datasets. Our results show that OCO-2 SIF, along with GOSAT products, closely resemble the mean spatial and temporal patterns of FLUXCOM GPP from regions to the globe. Compared with GOME-2, however, OCO-2 depicts a more realistic spatial contrast between the tropics and extra-tropics. The linear relationship between OCO-2 SIF and existing modeled GPP products diverges somewhat across biomes at the global scale, consistent with previous GOSAT or GOME-2 based findings when modeled GPP products were used, but in contrast to a consistent cross-biome SIF-GPP relationship obtained at flux tower sites with OCO-2 products. This contrast suggests a critical need to reconcile differences in diverse SIF and GPP products and the relationships among them. Overall, the OCO-2 SIF products are robust and valuable for monitoring the global terrestrial carbon cycle and for constraining the carbon source/sink strengths of the Earth system. Finally, insights are offered for future satellite missions optimized for SIF retrievals.

GPP↗

NASA NTRS2000

Interannual Variability of the Tropical Energy Balance: Reconciling Observations and Models

Since the beginning of the World Climate Research Program's Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) satellite remote sensing of precipitation has made dramatic improvements, particularly for tropical regions. Data from microwave and infrared sensors now form the most critical input to precipitation data sets and can be calibrated with surface gauges to so that the strengths of each data source can be maximized in some statistically optimal sense. Recent availability of the TRMM (Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission) has further aided in narrowing uncertainties in rainfall over the tropics and subtropics. Although climate modeling efforts have long relied on space-based precipitation estimates for validation, we now are in a position to make more quantitative assessments of model performance, particularly in tropical regions. An integration of the CCM3 using observed SSTs as a lower boundary condition is used to examine how well this model responds to ENSO forcing in terms of anomalous precipitation. An integration of the NCEP spectral model used for the Reanalysis-11 effort is also examined. This integration is run with specified SSTs, but no data assimilation. Our analysis focuses on two aspects. First are the spatial anomalies that are indicative of dislocations in Hadley and Walker circulations. Second, we consider the ability of models to replicate observed increases in oceanic precipitation that are noted in satellite observations for large ENSO events. Finally, we consider a slab ocean version of the CCM3 model with prescribed ocean heat transports that mimic upwelling anomalies, but which still allows the surface energy balance to be predicted. This less restrictive experiment is used to understand why model experiments with specified SSTs seem to have noticeably less interannual variability than do the satellite precipitation observations.

Robertson, Franklin R.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Effect of altered sensory conditions on multivariate descriptors of human postural sway

Multivariate descriptors of sway were used to test whether altered sensory conditions result not only in changes in amount of sway but also in postural coordination. Eigenvalues and directions of eigenvectors of the covariance of shnk and hip angles were used as a set of multivariate descriptors. These quantities were measured in 14 healthy adult subjects performing the Sensory Organization test, which disrupts visual and somatosensory information used for spatial orientation. Multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis showed that resulting sway changes were at least bivariate in character, with visual and somatosensory conditions producing distinct changes in postural coordination. The most significant changes were found when somatosensory information was disrupted by sway-referencing of the support surface (P = 3.2 x 10(-10)). The resulting covariance measurements showed that subjects not only swayed more but also used increased hip motion analogous to the hip strategy. Disruption of vision, by either closing the eyes or sway-referencing the visual surround, also resulted in altered sway (P = 1.7 x 10(-10)), with proportionately more motion of the center of mass than with platform sway-referencing. As shown by discriminant analysis, an optimal univariate measure could explain at most 90% of the behavior due to altered sensory conditions. The remaining 10%, while smaller, are highly significant changes in posture control that depend on sensory conditions. The results imply that normal postural coordination of the trunk and legs requires both somatosensory and visual information and that each sensory modality makes a unique contribution to posture control. Descending postural commands are multivariate in nature, and the motion at each joint is affected uniquely by input from multiple sensors.

NASA Discipline Neuroscience↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

GeoXO Ocean Color Instrument (OCX) Spatial and Temporal Coverage Assessment

NOAA’s next generation Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system will advance Earth observations from geostationary orbit. GeoXO will supply vital information supporting the U.S. weather, ocean, and climate operations. The recommended three-satellite constellation includes spacecrafts at the current GOES-East and GOES-West positions that will carry an imager, lightning mapper, and an ocean color (OCX) instrument. In this poster we describe an assessment of U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) availability for OCX observations, based on EEZ view geometry, solar angle range over the year, sun glint, as well as cloud climatology. The availability for observations for each EEZ region is estimated per day of the year, as function of atmospheric mass factor (AMF) and sun glint. In addition, cloud climatology – based on statistics derived from three years of GOES-16 ABI cloud mask – is considered to determine the fraction of cloud-free OCX observations for each region as function of time of day and season. The results of such assessments can be used to optimize OCX collections and potentially explore regions outside the EEZ.

Boryana Efremova↗

NASA NTRS2003

Response Surface Methods for Spatially-Resolved Optical Measurement Techniques

Response surface methods (or methodology), RSM, have been applied to improve data quality for two vastly different spatial ly-re solved optical measurement techniques. In the first application, modern design of experiments (MDOE) methods, including RSM, are employed to map the temperature field in a direct-connect supersonic combustion test facility at NASA Langley Research Center. The laser-based measurement technique known as coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS) is used to measure temperature at various locations in the combustor. RSM is then used to develop temperature maps of the flow. Even though the temperature fluctuations at a single point in the flowfield have a standard deviation on the order of 300 K, RSM provides analytic fits to the data having 95% confidence interval half width uncertainties in the fit as low as +/-30 K. Methods of optimizing future CARS experiments are explored. The second application of RSM is to quantify the shape of a 5-meter diameter, ultra-light, inflatable space antenna at NASA Langley Research Center.

Danehy, P. M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Operation of MRO's High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE): Maximizing Science Participation

Science return from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) will be optimized by maximizing science participation in the experiment. MRO is expected to arrive at Mars in March 2006, and the primary science phase begins near the end of 2006 after aerobraking (6 months) and a transition phase. The primary science phase lasts for almost 2 Earth years, followed by a 2-year relay phase in which science observations by MRO are expected to continue. We expect to acquire approx. 10,000 images with HiRISE over the course of MRO's two earth-year mission. HiRISE can acquire images with a ground sampling dimension of as little as 30 cm (from a typical altitude of 300 km), in up to 3 colors, and many targets will be re-imaged for stereo. With such high spatial resolution, the percent coverage of Mars will be very limited in spite of the relatively high data rate of MRO (approx. 10x greater than MGS or Odyssey). We expect to cover approx. 1% of Mars at approx. 1m/pixel or better, approx. 0.1% at full resolution, and approx. 0.05% in color or in stereo. Therefore, the placement of each HiRISE image must be carefully considered in order to maximize the scientific return from MRO. We believe that every observation should be the result of a mini research project based on pre-existing datasets. During operations, we will need a large database of carefully researched 'suggested' observations to select from. The HiRISE team is dedicated to involving the broad Mars community in creating this database, to the fullest degree that is both practical and legal. The philosophy of the team and the design of the ground data system are geared to enabling community involvement. A key aspect of this is that image data will be made available to the planetary community for science analysis as quickly as possible to encourage feedback and new ideas for targets.

E Eliason↗

NASA NTRS2011

Impact of Optimized land Surface Parameters on the Land-Atmosphere Coupling in WRF Simulations of Dry and Wet Extremes

Land-atmosphere (L-A) interactions play a critical role in determining the diurnal evolution of both planetary boundary layer (PBL) and land surface temperature and moisture budgets, as well as controlling feedbacks with clouds and precipitation that lead to the persistence of dry and wet regimes. Recent efforts to quantify the strength of L-A coupling in prediction models have produced diagnostics that integrate across both the land and PBL components of the system. In this study, we examine the impact of improved specification of land surface states, anomalies, and fluxes on coupled WRF forecasts during the summers of extreme dry (2006) and wet (2007) conditions in the U.S. Southern Great Plains. The improved land initialization and surface flux parameterizations are obtained through the use of a new optimization and uncertainty module in NASA's Land Information System (LIS-OPT), whereby parameter sets are calibrated in the Noah land surface model and classified according to the land cover and soil type mapping of the observations and the full domain. The impact of the calibrated parameters on the a) spin up of land surface states used as initial conditions, and b) heat and moisture fluxes of the coupled (LIS-WRF) simulations are then assessed in terms of ambient weather, PBL budgets, and precipitation along with L-A coupling diagnostics. In addition, the sensitivity of this approach to the period of calibration (dry, wet, normal) is investigated. Finally, tradeoffs of computational tractability and scientific validity (e.g.,. relating to the representation of the spatial dependence of parameters) and the feasibility of calibrating to multiple observational datasets are also discussed.

Kumar, Sujay↗

NASA NTRS2012

Hesperian-Amazonian Transition Mid-Latitude Valleys: Markers of a Late Martian Climate Optima?

Recently the inventory of fluvial features that have been dated to the late Hesperian to early Amazonian epoch has increased dramatically, including a reassessment of the ages of the large alluvial fans and deltas (e.g., Eberswalde) to this time period. Mid-latitude Valleys (MLVs) are distinct from the older, more integrated Noachian-Hesperian Valley Networks which are deeply dissected, are generally of much larger spatial extent, and are more degraded. Although some MLVs involve rejuvenation of older Valley Networks, many MLVs are carved into smooth or rolling slopes and intercrater terrain. The MLVs range from a few meters to < 300 m in width, with nearly parallel valley walls and planforms that are locally sinuous. Although the MLVs in Newton and Gorgonum basins extend from the basin rims up to 75 km into the basin interior, most MLVs are shorter and often discontinuous. The occurrence of widespread MLVs suggest the possibility of their formation during one or perhaps more regional to global climatic episodes, possibly due to melting of seasonal to long-term accumulations of snow and ice. Temperatures warm enough to cause extensive melting may have occurred during optimal orbital and obliquity configurations, perhaps in conjunction with intensive volcanism releasing moisture and greenhouse gasses, or as a result of a brief episode of warming from a large impact. The concentration of MLVs to the northern and western basin slopes of Newton and Gorgonum basins suggests a possible aspect control to ice accumulation or melting. MLV activity occurred about at the same time as formation of the major outflow channels. A possible scenario is that delivery of water to the northern lowlands provided, through evaporation and sublimation, water that temporarily accumulated in the mid-southern latitudes as widespread ice deposits whose partial melting formed the MLVs and small, dominantly ice-covered lakes.

Moore, Jeffrey↗

NASA NTRS2017

Navigating the Deployment and Downlink Tradespace for Earth Imaging Constellations

Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSMs) are gaining momentum in their application to Earth Observation (EO) missions owing to their unique ability to increase observation sampling in spatial, spectral, angular and temporal dimensions simultaneously. DSM design includes a much larger number of variables than its monolithic counterpart, therefore, Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) has been often used for preliminary mission concept designs, to understand the trade-offs and interdependencies among the variables. MBSE models are complex because the various objectives a DSM is expected to achieve are almost always conflicting, non-linear and rarely analytical. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is developing a pre-Phase A tool called Tradespace Analysis Tool for Constellations (TAT-C) to initiate constellation mission design. The tool will allow users to explore the tradespace between various performance, cost and risk metrics (as a function of their science mission) and select Pareto optimal architectures that meet their requirements. This paper will describe the different types of constellations that TAT-C’s Tradespace Search Iterator is capable of enumerating (homogeneous Walker, heterogeneous Walker, precessing type, ad-hoc) and their impact on key performance metrics such as revisit statistics, time to global access and coverage. We will also discuss the ability to simulate phased deployment of the given constellations, as a function of launch availabilities and/or vehicle capability, and show the impact on performance. All performance metrics are calculated by the Data Reduction and Metric Computation module within TAT-C, which issues specific requests and processes results from the Orbit and Coverage module. Our TSI is also capable of generating tradespaces for downlinking imaging data from the constellation, based on permutations of available ground station networks - known (default) or customized (by the user). We will show the impact of changing ground station options for any given constellation, on data latency and required communication bandwidth, which in turn determines the responsiveness of the space system.

Nag, Sreeja↗

NASA NTRS2019

Cluster Analysis of IRIS Spectroscopic Line Profiles and SDO/AIA EUV Emission in Observations and RMHD Simulations of the Solar Atmosphere

Spatially-resolved observations from the IRIS and SDO/AIA satellites, especially when coupled with realistic 3D RMHD simulations, are a powerful tool for analysis of processes in the solar chromosphere, transition region, and corona. However, the complexity of the data makes understanding the observations and modeling results difficult. In this work, we apply unsupervised clustering algorithms for analysis of observational and synthetic chromospheric Mg II h&k 2796Å&2803Å and transition region C II 1334Å&1335Å line profiles observed by IRIS, and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) emission observed by SDO/AIA, for various types of problems. The synthetic line profiles are computed for simulations of the quiescent solar atmosphere (using the StellarBox and RH1.5 codes). The K-Means clustering algorithm is applied, and the selection of an optimal number of clusters is supported by the average silhouette width technique. We discuss applications of the line profile clustering method to 1) visualization of computational and observational spectroscopic imaging data; 2) understanding of evolutionary trends and behavior patterns of quiet Sun emission and during solar flares; and 3) recognition of heating events and shock waves.

Sadykov, Viacheslav↗

NASA NTRS2016

Streamlining the Design Tradespace for Earth Imaging Constellations

Science Data Processing↗

NASA NTRS1978

Imaging of X-ray aurorae from Spacelab

The Atmospheric X-ray Emission Telescope (AXET) is designed to image and measure the spatial, temporal, and spectral distributions of X-ray aurorae produced in the upper atmosphere by precipitating energetic electrons. The bremsstrahlung-produced X radiation penetrates to stratospheric depths where it can modify ozone, conductivity, and other critical atmospheric parameters. Remote sensing of this radiation from topside will provide vital data on solar-terrestrial relationships and mechanisms that could help trigger tropospheric response to solar activity. The X rays also provide direct information concerning the dynamics of radiation-belt processes within the magnetosphere. AXET is designed to detect sources up to 50 keV and to image them below 25 keV by means of directionally sensitive proportional counters with passive collimators. It will be mounted in the Space Shuttle on a single fixed platform designed to optimize viewing conditions for the anticipated orbits and aspects of early Spacelab missions.

Goldberg, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Recovery of postural equilibrium control following space flight

DSO 605 represents the first large study of balance control following spaceflight. Data collected during DSO 605 confirm the theory that postural ataxia following short duration spaceflight is of vestibular origin. We used the computerized dynamic posturography technique developed by Nashner et al. to study the role of the vestibular system in balance control in astronauts during quiet stance before and after spaceflight. Our results demonstrate unequivocally that balance control is disrupted in all astronauts immediately after return from space. The most severely affected returning crew members performed in the same way as vestibular deficient patients exposed to this test battery. We conclude that otolith mediated spatial reference provided by the terrestrial gravitational force vector is not used by the astronauts balance control systems immediately after spaceflight. Because the postflight ataxia appears to be mediated primarily by CNS adaptation to the altered vestibular inputs caused by loss of gravitational stimulation, we believe that intermittent periods of exposure to artificial gravity may provide an effective in-flight countermeasure. Specifically, we propose that in-flight centrifugation will allow crew members to retain their terrestrial sensory-motor adapted states while simultaneously developing microgravity adapted states. The dual-adapted astronaut should be able to make the transition from microgravity to unit gravity with minimal sensory-motor effects. We have begun a ground based program aimed at developing short arm centrifuge prescriptions designed to optimize adaptation to altered gravitational environments. Results from these experiments are expected to lead directly to in-flight evaluation of the proposed centrifuge countermeasure. Because our computerized dynamic posturography system was able to (1) quantify the postflight postural ataxia reported by crew members and observed by flight surgeons and scientists, (2) track the recovery of normal (preflight) balance control, (3) differentiate between rookie and veteran subjects, and (4) provide normative and clinical databases for comparison, and because our study successfully characterized postflight balance control recovery in a large cross-section of Shuttle crew members, we recommend that this system and protocol be adopted as a standard dependent measure for evaluating the efficacy of countermeasures and/or evaluating the postflight effects of changing mission durations or activities.

Paloski, William H.↗