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At least 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

USDA analyst review of the LACIE IMAGE-100 hybrid system test

Fifty operational segments from the U.S.S.R., 40 test segments from Canada, and 24 test segments from the United States were used to provide a wide range of geographic conditions for USDA analysts during a test to determine the effectiveness of labeling single pixel training fields (dots) using Procedure 1 on the 1-100 hybrid system, and clustering and classifying on the Earth Resources Interactive Processing System. The analysts had additional on-line capabilities such as interactive dot labeling, class or cluster map overlay flickers, and flashing of all dots of equal spectral value. Results on the 1-100 hybrid system are described and analyst problems and recommendations are discussed.

Ashburn, P.↗
NASA NTRS1979

The LACIE crop years: An assessment of the crop conditions experienced in the three years of LACIE

Meteorological data and LANDSAT spectral data from growing regions in the U.S. Great Plains, the U.S.S.R., and Canada were used to assess growing conditions and to document where anomalies such as drought, floods, and freezes were impacting the crop yield and appearance of spring and winter wheat. In the United States, the weekly rainfall and temperature data were used to estimate soil moisture, which was then related to crop needs by a crop moisture index. The transformation of LANDSAT digital data into a green index number provided a procedure whereby data from a LACIE segment could be classified as drought affected or not. The growing seasons encountered in each LACIE country during the three phases are described.

Hill, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

A universal model for estimating wheat yields

A universal wheat yield model applicable to both fall- and spring-planted wheat was developed to show separate and joint effects of weather and culture on yields. Data from state experiment stations in a wide range of climates in the U.S. Great Plains were used to build basic relationships among yields, weather, and culture. The application of the model on a macroclimatic scale in the U.S., the U.S.S.R., and India is discussed along with potential improvements.

Feyerherm, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Large area application of a corn hazard model

An application test of the crop calendar portion of a corn (maize) stress indicator model developed by the early warning, crop condition assessment component of AgRISTARS was performed over the corn for grain producing regions of the U.S.S.R. during the 1980 crop year using real data. Performance of the crop calendar submodel was favorable; efficiency gains in meteorological data analysis time were on a magnitude of 85 to 90 percent.

Ashburn, P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Deep space exploration - The new challenges

Prospects for future planetary exploration missions are examined. The evolution of planetary mission objectives in the U.S. and U.S.S.R. is traced, and planetary mission attempts and results are reviewed. The present situation with regard to planetary and interplanetary spacecraft operating in 1980 and approved deep-space missions for the future is considered, and the good scientific prospects of future Soviet missions are emphasized. Future plans for U.S. missions not yet approved are then discussed, with consideration given to the Venus Orbital Imaging Radar mission, a mission to Halley's comet, a rendezvous with a short-period comet, a Saturn orbiter mission with probes into Saturn and Titan, asteroid missions, gravity-assisted flights to Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, a Mercury orbiter/lander, lunar activities and a program of Mars exploration. The demanding requirements in the fields of automation, instrumentation and data gathering techniques, launch vehicle capabilities and spacecraft propulsion for future possible missions and possible solutions are examined. Finally, recommendations for the simultaneous pursuit of both major missions at the scientific and technological frontier and lesser missions designed to investigate specific scientific questions raised by earlier probes are presented.

French, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

U.S. biological experiments in space

The history of biologic experimentation in space is traced. Early balloon and rocket borne animals showed no abnormalities on the macroscale, and biosatellite launches with bacteria and amoebae revealed no microscopic dysfunctions. Adult Drosophila flies on board Cosmos spacecraft died with a shortened lifespan, while their offspring lived full lifespans. Green pepper plants grown in weightlessness showed a different orientation, but no physiological disturbances. Normal bone growth in rats has been found to almost cease after 11 days in space, and the mean life span of red blood cells decreases by four days. A series of experiments designed by U.S. scientists will be performed on primates provided and flown by the U.S.S.R. Finally, experiments on board Spacelab will involve determination of the persistence of circadian rhythms in bacteria and humans.

Klein, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Technical summary of accomplishments made in preparation for the USSR barley exploratory experiment

The highlights of the work accomplished under each subcomponent of the U.S.S.R. Barley Pilot Experiment, which is scheduled for completion in 1984, are summarized. A significant amount of developmental system implementation activity was in the final stages of preparation prior to the rescoping of project tasks. Unpublished materials which are significant to this exploratory experiment are incorporated into the appendixes.

Chapman, G. M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Historical development of worldwide guided missiles

The development of missiles from early history to present time is put in perspective. The influence of World War II in accelerating the development of guided missiles, particularly through German scientists, is discussed. The dispersion of German scientists to other countries and the coupling of their work with native talent to develop guide missiles is traced. Particular emphasis is placed on the evolution of the missile in the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. Since the Soviets possess what is probably the world's most complete array of dedicated missile system types, their known inventory is reviewed. Some philosophical observations of missile design trends and missile purposes are made as related to the interests of various countries.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

An overview of the potential threat as related to missile requirements

Based on unclassified sources, a general review is presented of the perceived U.S.S.R. doctrine, force balances, production ratios, inventory growth, inventory items, and current actions. The extent to which the Soviets appear to be attempting to increase their sphere of influence through economic and political control as well as possible military control of land, sea, air, and space is considered. To offset such possibilities, certain areas of deterrent needs that the Western world might pursue are suggested. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of missiles as part of the deterrent needs.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The law applicable to the use of space for commercial activities

The general principles of space law that have an impact on commercial space activities are discussed. The Outer Space Treaty guaranteed the right of private enterprise in space, with jurisdiction over the participating parties residing in the country of origin. The liability for damages caused to a third party is also assigned to the country of origin. Government consent is necessary in the U.S. before a private firm is permitted to launch an object into space, with the relevant statute sections being part of the Arms Export Control Act; launches are legally treated as exports. FAA regulations define the safe area and flight conditions that must be satisfied for a private launch, although NASA, in the 1958 act which formed the agency, potentialy has the power to regulate space launch activities. The DoD must be notified of any launches in order to notify the U.S.S.R., filings must be made with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and fees must be paid to the IRS. It is presently U.S. government policy to encourage and facilitate private sector development of commercial launch services.

Hosenball, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS1983

An overview of aerodynamic research and technology requirements as related to some military needs

Based on unclassified sources, a general review is presented of some military needs in light of the perceived U.S.S.R. doctrine, force balances, inventory growth, inventory items, and current actions. The Soviets appear to be attempting to increase their sphere of influence throught economic and political control as well as possible military control of land, sea, air, and space. To offset such possibilities, certain areas of deterrent needs that the Western World might pursue are suggested. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of research and technology related to aerospace systems as part of the deterrent needs.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Scientific and technical training in the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union recognizes that the foundation of their system depends upon complete dedication of the people to the state through thorough psychological training as well as through military training, and through specialized education in the broad fields of engineering, natural sciences, life sciences, social sciences, and education. An outline of the U.S.S.R. educational system indicates the extent of academic training, coupled with on-the-job and military training, that can produce a highly skilled, dedicated, and matured person. Observations on the coupling of political, economic, and psychological training along with the technical training are made, along with some mention of positive and negative aspects of the training.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Some fighter aircraft trends

Some basic trends in fighter aircraft are traced from the post World War II era. Beginning with the first operational jet fighter, the P-80, the characteristics of subsequent fighter aircraft are examined in terms of performance, mission capability, effectiveness, and cost. Characteristics presented include such items as power loading, wing loading, maximum speed, rate of climb, turn rate, weight and weight distribution, cost and cost distribution. In some cases, the characteristics of U.S.S.R. aircraft are included for comparison. The trends indicate some of the rationale for certain fighter designs and indicate some likely characteristics to be sought in future fighter aircraft designs.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Some comparisons of US and USSR aircraft design developments

A review is given of the design and development of some U.S. and U.S.S.R. aircraft. The emphasis is on the historical development of large aircraft - civil and military transports and bombers. Design trends are somewhat similar for the two countries and indications are that some fundamental characteristics are dictated more by ideological differences rather than technological differences. A brief description is given in a more or less chronological order of the major bomber aircraft, major civil and military transport aircraft, and the development of the air transport systems.

Spearman, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Tektite-like bodies at Lonar Crater, India - Implications for the origin of tektites

Homogeneous dense glass bodies (both irregular and splash form) with high silica contents (about 67 pct SiO2) occur in the vicinity of Lonar Crater, India. Their lack of microlites and mineral remnants and their uniform chemical composition virtually preclude a volcanic origin. They are similar to tektites reported in the literature. While such a close association of tektite-like bodies with impact craters is already known (Aouelloul Crater, Mauritania; Zhamanshin Crater, U.S.S.R.), the tektite-like bodies at Lonar Crater are unique in that they occur in an essentially basaltic terrain. Present geochemical data are consistent with these high silica glass bodies being impact melt products of two-thirds basalt and one-third local intertrappean sediment (chert). The tektite-like bodies of the impact craters Lonar, Zhamanshin, and Aouelloul are generally similar. Strong terrestrial geochemical signatures reflect the target rock REE patterns and abundance ratios and demonstrate their terrestrial origin resulting from meteorite impact, as has been suggested by earlier workers.

Murali, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Space station proximity operations windows: Human factors design guidelines

Proximity operations refers to all activities outside the Space Station which take place within a 1-km radius. Since there will be a large number of different operations involving manned and unmanned vehicles, single- and multiperson crews, automated and manually controlled flight, a wide variety of cargo, and construction/repair activities, accurate and continuous human monitoring of these operations from a specially designed control station on Space Station will be required. Total situational awareness will be required. This paper presents numerous human factors design guidelines and related background information for control windows which will support proximity operations. Separate sections deal with natural and artificial illumination geometry; all basic rendezvous vector approaches; window field-of-view requirements; window size; shape and placement criteria; window optical characteristics as they relate to human perception; maintenance and protection issues; and a comprehensive review of windows installed on U.S. and U.S.S.R. manned vehicles.

Haines, Richard F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Concepts for autonomous flight control for a balloon on Mars

Balloons operating as airborne rovers have been suggested as ideal candidates for early exploration of the Martian surface. An international study team composed of scientists from the U.S.S.R., France, and the U.S.A. is planning the launching in 1994 of a balloon system to fly on Mars. The current likely design is a dual thermal/gas balloon that consists of a gas balloon suspended above a solar-heated thermal balloon. At night, the thermal balloon provides no lift, and the balloon system drifts just above the Martian surface; the lift of the gas balloon is just sufficient to prevent the science payload from hitting the ground. During the day, the balloon system flies at an altitude of 4 to 5 kilometers, rising due to the added lift provided by the thermal balloon. Over the course of a single Martian day, there may be winds in several directions, and in fact it can be expected that there will be winds simultaneously in different directions at different altitudes. Therefore, a balloon system capable of controlling its own altitude, via an autonomous flight control system, can take advantage of these different winds to control its direction, thereby greatly increasing both its mission utility and its longevity.

Heinsheimer, Thomas F.↗