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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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At least 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1970

Guidance and Navigation Requirements for Unmanned Flyby and Swingby Missions to the Outer Planets: Low Thrust Missions, Phase B - Volume 3

The guidance and navigation requirements for unmanned missions to the outer planets, assuming constant, low thrust, ion propulsion are discussed. The navigational capability of the ground based Deep Space Network is compared to the improvements in navigational capability brought about by the addition of guidance and navigation related onboard sensors. Relevant onboard sensors include: (1) the optical onboard navigation sensor, (2) the attitude reference sensors, and (3) highly sensitive accelerometers. The totally ground based, and the combination ground based and onboard sensor systems are compared by means of the estimated errors in target planet ephemeris, and the spacecraft position with respect to the planet.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Interpretation of geographic patterns in simulated orbital television imagery of earth resources

In order to better determine the effects of the television imagery characteristics upon the interpretation of geographic patterns obtainable from orbital television sensors, and in order to better evaluate the influences of alternative sensor system parameters such as changes in orbital altitudes or scan line rates, a team of three professional interpreters independently mapped thematically the selected geographic phenomena that they could detect in orbital television imagery produced on a fourteen inch monitor and recorded photographically for analysis. Three thematic maps were compiled by each interpreter. The maps were: (1) transportation patterns; (2) other land use; and (3) physical regions. The results from the three interpreters are compared, agreements noted, and differences analyzed for cause such as disagreement on identification of phenomenon, visual acuity, differences in interpretation techniques, and differing professional backgrounds.

Latham, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Inflight dynamics testing of the Apollo spacecraft

Response of the Apollo command module, service and lunar module airframe while in a docked configuration in the flight environment was measured in a frequency band encompassing the first two bending modes. Transfer characteristics from thrust-application point to control-system sensor were examined. The frequency and the stability margins of the first two predominant structural resonances were verified by the test. This report describes the flight test that was performed and the postflight data analysis.

Peters, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Snow studies using thermal infrared observations from earth satellites

The application of satellite high resolution infrared data was studied for mapping snow cover. The study has two objectives: (1) to determine whether existing radiometers onboard the Nimbus and ITOS satellites can provide hydrologically useful snow information, and (2) to develop analysis techniques applicable to future IR sensor systems on earth satellites. The IR measurements are being analyzed in conjunction with concurrent satellite photographs and conventional snow cover data.

Barnes, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Development of a space qualified high reliability rotary actuator. Volume 1: Technical report

A space-qualified, high reliability, 150 ft-lb rated torque rotary acutator based on the Bendix Dynavector drive concept was developed. This drive is an integrated variable reluctance orbit motor-epicyclic transmission actuator. The performance goals were based on future control moment gyro torquer applications and represent a significant advancement in the torque-to-weight ratio, backlash, inertia and response characteristics of electric rotary drives. The program accomplishments have been in two areas: (1) the development of two high ratio (818:1) actuator configurations (breadboard and flightweight), and (2) the invention of a reliable proximity switch sensor system for self-commutation without use of optical or electrical brush techniques.

Presley, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Development of a space qualified high reliability rotary actuator for spaceflight use. Volume 2: Appendices to technical report

A space-qualified, high reliability, 150 ft-lb rated torque rotary actuator is described. This drive is an integrated variable reluctance orbit motor-epicyclic transmission actuator. The performance goals were based on future control moment gyrotorquer applications and represent an advancement in the torque-to-weight ratio, backlash, inertia and response characteristics of electric rotary drives. The program accomplishments have been in two areas (1) the development of two high ratio (818:1) actuator configurations (breadboard and flightweight) and (2) the invention of a reliable proximity switch sensor system for self-commutation without use of optical or electrical brush techniques.

Presley, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Digital correction of geometric and radiometric errors in ERTS data.

The sensor systems of the ERTS-A satellite are discussed and sources of geometric and radiometric errors in the received images are identified. Digital algorithms are presented for detection of reseau and ground control points, for rapid implementation of geometric corrections, and for radiometric correction of errors caused by shading, image motion, modulation transfer function, and quantum and systematic noise.

Bakis, R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The Earth Resources Technology Satellites ERTS-A and -B.

The Earth Resources Technology Satellites, ERTS-A and -B, are a significant part of the NASA Earth Resources Survey Program. A general description of the requirements and implementation of the ERTS system - sensors, spacecraft, operational control, and data processing developed to acquire, process, and distribute multi-spectral images of the earth's surface is presented.

Scull, W. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Testing techniques and comparisons between theory and test for vibration modes of ring stiffened truncated-cone shells.

Vibration tests were carried out on truncated-cone shells with widely spaced ring stiffeners. The models were excited by an air shaker for LF modes and by small electrodynamic shakers for HF modes. The Novozhilov thin shell theory according to which a ring is an assembly of an arbitrary number of segments, each being a short truncated-cone shell of uniform thickness, is used in the analysis of the results. A mobile, noncontacting, displacement-sensitive sensor system developed by the author was used in the tests. Tests results are given for a free-free 60-deg cone and for a clamped-free 60-deg cone. The tests are characterized as having considerable value for the classification of prevalent multimode responses in shells of this type.

Naumann, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Remote Sensing of Snow Fields from Earth Satellites

Considerable effort has gone into snow line delineation using available satellite data. Furthermore, increasing emphasis is being put on automated extraction of such information and generation of a useable product for hydrologists. Implications are clear that the impact from future satellite and sensors systems will create an increased demand for computer processing before the data can be used by the hydrologist. If the coarse-resolution, broad spectral band data available from current satellites already create a demand by hydrologists for computer processing of the data, it is obvious there will be an even greater demand for computer analysis and evaluation when the future ERTS data become available.

Baker, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The importance of ground truth data in remote sensing

Surface observation data is discussed as an essential part of remote sensing research. One of the most important aspects of ground truth is the collection of measurements and observations about the type, size, condition and other physical or chemical properties of importance concerning the materials on the earth's surface that are being sensed remotely. The use of a variety of sensor systems in combination at different altitudes is emphasized.

Hoffer, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Proceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, volume 1

These Proceedings contain papers presented at the Eighth International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, held October 2nd through 6th, 1972, on the campus of the University of Michigan. The symposium was conducted by the Center for Remote Sensing Information and Analysis of the Environmental Research Institute of Michigan (formerly the University of Michigan's Willow Run Laboratories) as a part of a continuing program investigating current activities in the field of remote sensing. Presentations include those on the use of this technology by regional governmental units and by federal governmental agencies, as well as various applications in monitoring and managing the earth's resources and man's global environment. Ground-based, airborne, and spaceborne sensor systems and manual and machine-assisted data analysis and interpretation are included.

Cook, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Apollo 16 mission Report. Supplement 1: Apollo 16 guidance, navigation, and control system performance analysis report

The results are reported of additional studies which were conducted to supplement conclusions drawn in the MSC Mission Report and analyses which were not completed in time to meet the Mission Report dealine. A detailed evaluation of the Abort Guidance System sensor assembly and results from the investigation of the X gyro loop anomaly are included. Further evidence is presented substantiating the excellent LM IMU performance obtained from preliminary indications. A detailed study is presented of the procedural changes implemented on Apollo 16 to diminish the number and duration of interruptions to the CSM DAP attitude maneuver during P20 Option 5 operations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1974

Geologic information from satellite images

The author has identified the following significant results. Extracting geologic information from ERTS and Skylab/EREP images is best done by a geologist trained in photointerpretation. The information is at a regional scale, and three basic types are available: rock and soil, geologic structures, and landforms. Discrimination between alluvium and sedimentary or crystalline bedrock, and between units in thick sedimentary sequences is best, primarily because of topographic expression and vegetation differences. Discrimination between crystalline rock types is poor. Folds and fractures are the best displayed geologic features. They are recognizable by topographic expression, drainage patterns, and rock or vegetation tonal patterns. Landforms are easily discriminated by their familar shapes and patterns. It is possible to optimize the scale, format, spectral bands, conditions of acquisition, and sensor systems for best geologic interpretation. Several examples demonstrate the applicability of satellite images to tectonic analysis and petroleum and mineral exploration.

Lee, K.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Experimental and analytical determination of vibration characteristics of corrugated, flexibly supported, heat-shield panels

Experimental and analytical natural frequencies, nodal patterns, and typical modal displacements for a corrugated, flexibly supported, heat-shield panel are discussed. Good correlation was found between the experimental data and NASTRAN analytical results for the corrugated panel over a relatively wide frequency spectrum covered in the investigation. Of the two experimental techniques used for mode shape and displacement measurements (a noncontacting displacement sensor system and a holographic technique using a helium-neon, continuous-wave laser), the holographic technique was found, in the present investigation, to be faster and better suited for determining a large number of complex nodal patterns of the corrugated panel.

Carden, H. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Thermometric convection coefficients for rocket meteorological sensors (tables)

Values of the convective heat transfer coefficient h, and the recovery factor r, for miniature beads, fine wires, and films in rarefied air flow are shown. Data provide a standard reference for computing consistent operational corrections to rocket meteorological measurements, and for predicting the performance of existing and proposed sensor systems.

Staffanson, F. L.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Optical instrumentation engineering in science, technology and society; Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Technical Meeting, San Mateo, Calif., October 16-18, 1972

Visual tracking performance in instrumentation is discussed together with photographic pyrometry in an aeroballistic range, optical characteristics of spherical vapor bubbles in liquids, and the automatic detection and control of surface roughness by coherent diffraction patterns. Other subjects explored are related to instruments, sensors, systems, holography, and pattern recognition. Questions of data handling are also investigated, taking into account minicomputer image storage for holographic interferometry analysis, the design of a video amplifier for a 90 MHz bandwidth, and autostereoscopic screens. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Katz, Y. H.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Vector magnetometer as an attitude determining instrument

The solid state vector magnetometer sensor system is presented for the accuracy and reliability of existing systems, and for providing independent measures of attitude. Since a large number of aircraft heading reference systems depend on measurement of the earth's magnetic field, it can be shown that by substituting a 3-axis magnetometer for the remote sensing unit, both heading and attitude measurement functions can be derived using common elements. Sample calculations are made using the earth's magnetic field data acquired during actual flight conditions.

Pietila, R.↗