SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “object tracking”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 865 records · Page 48

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS1994

Mean sea surface height of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current from Geosat data: Method and application

The mean sea surface height across the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) has been reconstructed from height variability measured by the Geosat altimeter without assuming prior knowledge of the geoid. For this study, an automated technique has been developed to estimate mean sea surface height for each satellite ground track using a meandering Gaussian jet model, and errors have been estimated using Monte Carlo simulation. The results are objectively mapped to produce a picture of the mean Subantarctic and Polar Fronts, which together comprise the major components of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. The meandering jet model explains between 40% and 70% of the height variance along the jet axes. The results show that the fronts are substantially steered by topography and that the jets have an average Gaussian width of about 44 km in the meridional direction and meander about 75 km to either side of their mean locations. The average height difference across the Subantarctic Front (SAF) is 0.7 m and across the Polar Front (PF) 0.6 m. The mean widths of the fronts are correlated with the size of the baroclinic Rossby radius.

Gille, Sarah T.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Time-to-Passage Judgments under Violations of Various Constancy Assumptions

Time-to-passage (TTP) derivations typically assume constant translational velocities and consistent object orientation. In our first study, we examined the impact of acceleration, and observer roll and heading (relative to track vector) on TTP judgments. Judgments reflected an insensitivity to acceleration; roll did not affect performance, but the decoupling of observer heading and track vector did. Our second study examined the effect of multi-axis target rotation on TTP and time-to-contact judgments.

Kaiser, Mary K.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Search for Near-Earth Object with Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep Space Surveillance (GEODSS) Assets

This is a brief review of recent plans and current status of the adaptation of an Air Force wide field GEODSS telescope for the discovery and follow-up of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). The proposed search program will focus on the discovery of natural objects and will proceed on a non-interference basis, i.e. avoiding any impact on GEODSS' dedicated purpose of tracking and monitoring Earth orbiting spacecraft. In September, 1992, JPL representatives had an initial meeting with GEODSS personnel and saw their facilities in Maui where use of GEODSS' telescopes were discussed in terms of using these existing sensors for the detection of NEOs. A result of these meetings was a test run at the GEODSS, Socorro, N. Mexico location to evaluate the tracking and astrometric accuracy of an upcoming close approach of NEA, (4179) Toutatis...

Helin, Eleanor F.↗

NASA NTRS2019

A Global Climatology of Extratropical Transition Part I: Characteristics Across Basins

The authors present a global climatology of tropical cyclones (TCs) that undergo extratropical transition (ET). ET is objectively defined based on a TC's trajectory through the cyclone phase space (CPS), which is calculated using storm tracks from 1979-2017 best-track data and geopotential height fields from reanalysis datasets. Two reanalyses are used and compared for this purpose, the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis and the ECMWF Interim Reanalysis. The results are used to study the seasonal and geographical distributions of storms undergoing ET and inter-basin differences in the statistics of ET occurrence. About 50% of all TCs in the North Atlantic and the Western North Pacific undergo ET. In the southern hemisphere, ET fractions range from about 20% in the South Indian Ocean and the Australian region to 45% in the South Pacific. In the majority of ETs, TCs become thermally asymmetric before forming a cold core. However, a substantial fraction of TCs takes the reverse pathway, developing a cold core before becoming thermally asymmetric. This pathway is most common in the Eastern North Pacific and the North Atlantic. Different ET pathways can be linked to different geographical trajectories and environmental settings. In ETs over warmer sea-surface temperatures, TCs tend to lose their thermal symmetry while still maintaining a warm core. Landfalls by TCs undergoing ET occur 3-4 times per year in the North Atlantic and 7-10 times per year in the Western North Pacific, while coastal regions in the Australian region are affected once every 1-2 years.

Melanie Bieli↗

NASA NTRS2022

The Mass Change Designated Observable Study: Overview and Results

The 2017–2027 United States National Academy of Sciences Decadal Survey (DS) for Earth Science and Applications from Space identified Mass Change (MC) as one of five Designated Observables (DOs) having the highest priority in terms of Earth observations required to advance Earth system science over the next decade. In response to this designation, NASA initiated several multi-center studies, with the goal of recommending observing system architectures for each DO for implementation within this decade. This paper provides an overview of the Mass Change Designated Observable (MCDO) Study along with key findings. The study process included: (a) generation of a Science and Applications Traceability Matrix (SATM) that maps required measurement parameters to the DS Science and Applications Objectives; (b) identification of three architecture classes relevant for measuring mass change: Precise Orbit Determination (POD), Satellite-Satellite-Tracking (SST) and Gravity Gradiometry (GG), along with variants within each architecture class; and (c) creation of a Value Framework process that considers science value, cost, risk, schedule, and partnership opportunities, to identify and recommend high value observing systems for further in-depth study. The study team recommended the implementation of an SST architecture, and identified variants that simultaneously (a) satisfy the baseline measurement parameters of the SATM; (b) maximize the probability of providing overlap with the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission currently in operation, accelerating science return from both missions; and (c) provide a pathway towards substantial improvements in resolution and accuracy of mass change data products relative to the program of record.

D N Wiese↗

NASA NTRS1983

Tracking antenna arrays for near-millimeter waves

A two-dimensional monolithic array has been developed that gives the elevation and azimuth of point source targets. The array is an arrangement of rows and columns of antennas and bismuth bolometer detectors on a fused quartz substrate. Energy is focused onto the array through a lens placed on the back side of the substrate. At 1.38 mm with a 50 mm diameter objective lens, the array has demonstrated a positioning accuracy of 26 arcmin. In a differential mode this precision improves to 9 arcsec, limited by the mechanics of the rotating stage. This tracking could be automated to a fast two-step procedure where a source is first located to the nearest row and column, and then precisely located by scanning. With signal processing the array should be able to track multiple sources.

Tong, P. P.↗

NASA NTRS2024

System for Photogrammetric Imaging, Detection, and Ranging (SPIDR)

The System for Photogrammetric Imaging, Detection, and Ranging (SPIDR) project aims to advance the state-of-the-art (SOA) technology in camera tracking. SPIDR will advance this technology in the following ways: 1) perform autonomous tracking of rocket launches, 2) allow modularity for camera payloads to enable various types of imagery capture (standard video, high-speed, infrared, etc.), 3) enable additional imagery assets for increased scope of imagery analysis, and 4) serve as a viable tracking replacement for the existing Kineto Tracking Mount (KTM) system used by the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program. The project initially aimed to build an in-house mechanical design and control system, but realigned to a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) mechanical design. During the FY23 CIF timeline, the SPIDR team made significant advances in building a machine-learning (ML) based object detection model for various rockets and their plumes. The team will continue advancing the model, and begin work on the pan and tilt unit (PTU) control system and tracking algorithm development.

Alden Param↗

NASA NTRS2017

Observing Strategies for Focused Orbital Debris Surveys Using the Magellan Telescope

A breakup of the Titan 3C-17 Transtage rocket body was reported to have occurred on June 4th, 2014 at 02:38 UT by the Space Surveillance Network (SSN). Five objects were associated with this breakup and this is the fourth breakup known for this class of object. There are likely many more objects associated with this event that are not within the Space Surveillance Network's ability to detect and have not been catalogued. Several months after the breakup, observing time was obtained on the Magellan Baade 6.5 meter telescope to be used for observations of geosynchronous (GEO) space debris targets. Using the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (SSBM), a simulated debris cloud of the recent Transtage breakup was produced and propagated forward in time. This provided right ascension, declination, and tracking rate predictions for where debris associated with this breakup may be more likely to be found in the sky over Magellan for our observing run. Magellan observations were then optimized using the angles and tracking rates from the model predictions to focus the search for Transtage debris. Data were collected and analysed and preliminary comparisons made between the number of objects detected and the number expected from the model. We present our results here.

Frith, James↗

NASA NTRS2017

Observing Strategies for Focused Orbital Debris Surveys Using the Magellan Telescope

Frith, James↗

NASA NTRS1988

Configuration management issues and objectives for a real-time research flight test support facility

Presented are some of the critical issues and objectives pertaining to configuration management for the NASA Western Aeronautical Test Range (WATR) of Ames Research Center. The primary mission of the WATR is to provide a capability for the conduct of aeronautical research flight test through real-time processing and display, tracking, and communications systems. In providing this capability, the WATR must maintain and enforce a configuration management plan which is independent of, but complimentary to, various research flight test project configuration management systems. A primary WATR objective is the continued development of generic research flight test project support capability, wherein the reliability of WATR support provided to all project users is a constant priority. Therefore, the processing of configuration change requests for specific research flight test project requirements must be evaluated within a perspective that maintains this primary objective.

Yergensen, Stephen↗

DOE OSTI2023

Ionization detail parameters and cluster dose: a mathematical model for selection of nanodosimetric quantities for use in treatment planning in charged particle radiotherapy

Abstract Objective . To propose a mathematical model for applying ionization detail (ID), the detailed spatial distribution of ionization along a particle track, to proton and ion beam radiotherapy treatment planning (RTP). Approach . Our model provides for selection of preferred ID parameters ( I p ) for RTP, that associate closest to biological effects. Cluster dose is proposed to bridge the large gap between nanoscopic I p and macroscopic RTP. Selection of I p is demonstrated using published cell survival measurements for protons through argon, comparing results for nineteen I p : N k , k = 2, 3, …, 10, the number of ionizations in clusters of k or more per particle, and F k , k = 1, 2, …, 10, the number of clusters of k or more per particle. We then describe application of the model to ID-based RTP and propose a path to clinical translation. Main results . The preferred I p were N 4 and F 5 for aerobic cells, N 5 and F 7 for hypoxic cells. Significant differences were found in cell survival for beams having the same LET or the preferred N k . Conversely, there was no significant difference for F 5 for aerobic cells and F 7 for hypoxic cells, regardless of ion beam atomic number or energy. Further, cells irradiated with the same cluster dose for these I p had the same cell survival. Based on these preliminary results and other compelling results in nanodosimetry, it is reasonable to assert that I p exist that are more closely associated with biological effects than current LET-based approaches and microdosimetric RBE-based models used in particle RTP. However, more biological variables such as cell line and cycle phase, as well as ion beam pulse structure and rate still need investigation. Significance . Our model provides a practical means to select preferred I p from radiobiological data, and to convert I p to the macroscopic cluster dose for particle RTP.

Engineering↗

DOE OSTI2025

Benchmark Tracking System for Performance Monitoring

Benchmarking is essential for high-performance software development, particularly for monitoring performance across code iterations. This project focused on enhancing the benchmarking process for Lamellar, an asynchronous runtime for High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Prior to this work, benchmark results were difficult to track and compare across code versions, presenting significant challenges in identifying performance regressions and long-term trends. The primary objective was to establish a systematic, reproducible approach for measuring performance and detecting regressions following code commits. Our methodology involved three key components: standardizing benchmark outputs, implementing data versioning, and developing analysis tools. We standardized the benchmark output format to JSON Line records containing specific fields (execution time, hardware specifications, and environmental variables). To address data management challenges, we evaluated several options and eventually chose a git repository dedicated to benchmark data. We developed a suite of Python tools that processed benchmark results, enriched them with metadata, and facilitated search in the repository. The resulting system enables more efficient filtering and comparison of performance metrics across commit histories, hardware configurations, and benchmark variants through a unified query interface. Our implementation reduces computational overhead by first checking for existing results through configuration matching before initiating new benchmark runs, thereby conserving resources. The system has been validated by Lamellar developers. It organizes results by benchmark type and build configurations for efficient retrieval. Future developments include a planned Large Language Model interface for predicting benchmark performance, incorporating the criterion package for statistical analysis, which will enable automated detection of statistically significant performance changes, and integration with continuous integration pipelines. Despite these enhancements being reserved for future work, this project has successfully provided the Lamellar development team with a framework for maintaining consistent performance standards and identifying optimization opportunities across workloads and hardware environments.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2022

A Two-Level Model Predictive Control-Based Approach for Building Energy Management including Photovoltaics, Energy Storage, Solar Forecasting and Building Loads

This paper uses a two-level model predictive control-based approach for the coordinated control and energy management of an integrated system that includes photovoltaic (PV) generation, energy storage, and building loads. Novel features of the proposed local controller include (1) the ability to simultaneously manage building loads and energy storage to achieve different operational objectives such as energy efficiency, economic cost efficiency, demand response and grid optimization through the design of specific power trajectory tracking performance functionals, (2) an energy trim function that minimizes the impact of solar forecasting errors on system performance, and (3) the design of a state of charge controller that uses day-ahead forecast of solar power and building loads to intialize energy storage at the start of each day. The local controller is tested in simulation using an exemplary system with PV generation, energy storage and dispatchable building loads. Two sample days with different PV forecasts and multiple case scenarios are considered, and the performance of the algorithm in managing the real and reactive net building load trajectories and the ramp rate of PV injections into the utility network are evaluated. The simulations are based on actual forecasted and measured PV data, and the results show that the local controller meets the tracking requirements for real and reactive power within the operating constraints of the building.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

NASA NTRS1978

Study of a safety margin system for powered-lift STOL aircraft

A study was conducted to explore the feasibility of a safety margin system for powered-lift aircraft which require a backside piloting technique. The objective of the safety margin system was to present multiple safety margin criteria as a single variable which could be tracked manually or automatically and which could be monitored for the purpose of deriving safety margin status. The study involved a pilot-in-the-loop analysis of several safety margin system concepts and a simulation experiment to evaluate those concepts which showed promise of providing a good solution. A system was ultimately configured which offered reasonable compromises in controllability, status information content, and the ability to regulate the safety margin at some expense of the allowable low speed flight path envelope.

Heffley, R. K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Cometary ephemerides - needs and concerns

With the use of narrow field-of-view instrumentation on faint comets, the accuracy requirements upon computed ephemerides are increasing. It is not uncommon for instruments with a one arc minute field-of-view to be tracking a faint comet that is not visible without a substantial integration time. As with all ephemerides of solar syste objects, the computed motion and reduction of these observations, the computed motion of a comet is further depenent upon effects related to the comet's activity. Thus, the ephemeris of an active comet is corrupted by both observational errors and errors due to the comet's activity.

Yeomans, D. K.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Consolidation of NASA tracking stations into a single ground network in the TDRSS era

NASA has operated two separate worldwide ground-based tracking and data acquisition networks for support of its various missions. The Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network (STDN) has provided support to all NASA earth orbiting spacecraft. The Deep Space Network (DSN) supports almost exclusively those unmanned exploratory spacecraft which have been sent far from earth. The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS), which is conceptually a part of the STDN, will soon be added to the first two networks. The TDRSS will consist of two geosynchronous satellites together with a single ground terminal in White Sands, New Mexico. The TDRSS was conceived as a means of providing improved tracking and data relay service for a large class of the earth orbiting satellites. An investigation was conducted with the objective to reduce the costs of providing support to those spacecraft which were not TDRS-compatible. It was recommended that the core sites of the Ground segment of the STDN (GSTDN) be consolidated into the DSN

Layland, J. W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Fuzzy logic in autonomous orbital operations

Fuzzy logic can be used advantageously in autonomous orbital operations that require the capability of handling imprecise measurements from sensors. Several applications are underway to investigate fuzzy logic approaches and develop guidance and control algorithms for autonomous orbital operations. Translational as well as rotational control of a spacecraft have been demonstrated using space shuttle simulations. An approach to a camera tracking system has been developed to support proximity operations and traffic management around the Space Station Freedom. Pattern recognition and object identification algorithms currently under development will become part of this camera system at an appropriate level in the future. A concept to control environment and life support systems for large Lunar based crew quarters is also under development. Investigations in the area of reinforcement learning, utilizing neural networks, combined with a fuzzy logic controller, are planned as a joint project with the Ames Research Center.

Lea, Robert N.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Approach range and velocity determination using laser sensors and retroreflector targets

Rockwell International is conducting an ongoing program to develop Laser Docking Sensors (LDS) that provide high performance and high intrinsic value while meeting all mission objectives. These LDS systems are now being required to aid future spacecraft docking, station keeping, and berthing/capture systems. Improved automated tracking, rendezvous, soft docking, and capture will be required in the construction and support of SSF and future orbiting platforms. The development of a practical LDS requires an easy-to-operate, low-cost, compact system. A wide range of options for laser range detection equipment, ranging from commercial technology to specialized military systems, was evaluated. This evaluation focused on both direct applicability of existing systems and usability of specific technologies contained in these systems. From these efforts it was determined that a new approach provided the greatest promise of fulfilling all mission requirements at the lowest life-cycle cost.

Race, L.↗