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At least 109 records · Page 6

On optimizing a constellation of altimetric satellites for measuring global oceanic mesoscale

The orbital configuration of the Eos polar-platform constellation is examined to determine if baseline orbital parameters are appropriately specified to meet the mission goal of measuring global oceanic mesoscale variability. Using the Nyquist sampling theorem, spatial and temporal measurement requirements are first established for the constellation. Based upon these requirements, the optimum solution indicates that a total of five spacecraft are required to meet the mesoscale mapping task. Additional analyses are performed on both a two-platform configuration as well as the complete four-platform Eos constellation. The results of these calculations show that an optimized configuration of four properly-phased Eos platforms, placed into identical 835-km sun-synchronous orbits with 13-day repeat periods, can very nearly meet statistically significant sampling criteria for mapping global oceanic mesoscale variability.

Chase, Robert↗

Orbital and cloud cover sampling analyses for multisatellite earth radiation budget experiments

Computer simulations have been performed to determine the geographical and temporal coverage of various satellite orbits and scanning and nonscanning radiometers for earth radiation budget measurements. These results were used to simulate the sampling of a diurnally varying cloud and radiation field for several different satellite systems to estimate errors in regional monthly mean reflected radiation. The combined results indicate that coincient observations with a minimum of one sun-synchronous satellite and a midinclined orbit satellite are needed to obtain the required regional, zonal, and global coverage with sufficient temporal sampling for obtaining accurate estimates of monthly mean reflected solar radiation. Overall, the best sampling capability and lowest errors were obtained with a three-satellite system, i.e., two sun-synchronous satellites with different equatorial crossing times combined with either a 46 or 57-deg orbit satellite. The results from these analyses have been used in defining a joint NASA-NOAA multisatellite mission for an earth radiation budget experiment.

Harrison, E. F.↗

Integration of fixed-frequency and FM-CW (frequency-modulated continuous-wave) reflectometers for coincident turbulence measurements on LTX- β (Lithium Tokamak eXperiment- β )

The fixed-frequency and frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FM-CW) reflectometers on LTX-β (Lithium Tokamak eXperiment-β) have been configured to use the same transmission lines and antenna arrays for coincident views of the core and edge plasma. The fixed-frequency channels (13.1–20.5 and 20–40 GHz, tunable between discharges) provide time-resolved measurements of density fluctuations, while the FM-CW channels (13.1–20.2 and 19.5–33.5 GHz) measure the density profile and fluctuations, with high spatial resolution and a sampling rate determined by the frequency sweep interval (5 μs). Data from both reflectometers are synchronously acquired to simultaneously leverage the wide bandwidth and high spatial resolution of the respective systems. Experiments showed that mutual crosstalk interference is momentary and does not diminish the capability of either system. Spectral analysis indicated broad power spectra (several hundreds of kHz) and suggests that the signals from the FM-CW system are consistent with under-sampled fixed-frequency signals. Radial correlations were explored using data from the two reflectometers, as well as from the FM-CW system alone. The core channels showed high levels of agreement between these two comparisons, suggesting that the data from the reflectometers are interchangeable for statistical estimates. For the edge channels, comparisons using data from the FM-CW reflectometer alone showed significant decorrelation due to time lag caused by the finite frequency up-sweep duration. Alternatively, this effect is eliminated when cross-correlating data from the different reflectometers. Finally, these results highlight the advantages of operating the fixed-frequency and FM-CW reflectometers in this manner, where the combined system can overcome the limitations of each separate system.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

A novel open-source cultivation system helps establish the first full cycle chemosynthetic symbiosis model system involving the giant ciliate Zoothamnium niveum

Symbiotic interactions drive species evolution, with nutritional symbioses playing vital roles across ecosystems. Chemosynthetic symbioses are globally distributed and ecologically significant, yet the lack of model systems has hindered research progress. The giant ciliate Zoothamnium niveum and its sulfur-oxidizing symbionts represent the only known chemosynthetic symbiosis with a short life span that has been transiently cultivated in the laboratory. While it is experimentally tractable and presents a promising model system, it currently lacks an open-source, simple, and standardized cultivation setup. Following the FABricated Ecosystems (EcoFABs) model, we leveraged 3D printing and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) casting to develop simple flow-through cultivation chambers that can be produced and adopted by any laboratory. The streamlined manufacturing process reduces production time by 86% and cuts cost by tenfold compared to the previous system. Benchmarking using previously established optimal growth conditions, the new open-source cultivation system proves stable, efficient, more autonomous, and promotes a more prolific growth of the symbiosis. For the first time, starting from single cells, we successfully cultivated the symbiosis in flow-through chambers for 20 days, spanning multiple generations of colonies that remained symbiotic. They were transferred from chamber to chamber enabling long-term cultivation and eliminating the need for continuous field sampling. The chambers, optimized for live imaging, allowed detailed observation of the synchronized growth between the host and symbiont. Highlighting the benefit of this new system, we here describe a new step in the first hours of development where the host pauses growth, expels a coat, before resuming growth, hinting at a putative symbiont selection mechanism early in the colony life cycle. With this simple, open-source, cultivation setup, Z. niveum holds promises for comparative studies, standardization of research and wide adoption by the symbiosis research community.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) encoder handbook for Aydin Vector MMP-900 series system

This handbook explicates the hardware and software properties of a time division multiplex system. This system is used to sample analog and digital data. The data is then merged with frame synchronization information to produce a serial pulse coded modulation (PCM) bit stream. Information in this handbook is required by users to design congruous interface and attest effective utilization of this encoder system. Aydin Vector provides all of the components for these systems to Goddard Space Flight Center/Wallops Flight Facility.

Raphael, David↗

Experiment K-7-23: Effect of Spaceflight on Level and Function of Immune Cells: Immunology Studies - Part 1

Two different experiments were carried out in this segment of the immunology protocol for samples received from rats flown on Cosmos 2044. Control groups included vivarium, synchronous and antiorthostatically suspended rats. In the first experiment, rat bone marrow cells were examined in Moscow for their response to recombinant murine colony stimulating factor-granulocyte / monocyte (CSF-GM). In the second experiment, rat spleen and bone marrow cells were stained in Moscow with a variety of antibodies directed against cell surface antigenic markers. These cells were preserved and shipped to the United States for analysis on a flow cytometer. The results of the studies indicated that bone marrow cells from flown and suspended rats showed a decreased response to CSF-GM as compared to bone marrow cells from control rats. Spleen cells from flown rats showed increased percentages of suppressor-cytotoxic-T and helper-T cells amongst the entire cell population. Bone marrow cells showed an increase in the percentage of helper-T cells in the myelogenous population and increased percentages of anti-asialo GM-1 bearing, interleukin-2 receptor bearing, pan-T and helper-T cells in the lymphocytic population. Cell populations from rats suspended antiorthostatically did not follow the same pattern of distribution of leukocytes as cell populations for flown rats. These results are similar, but not identical to, earlier results from Cosmos 1887, and confirm that space flight can have profound effects on immune system components and activities.

Sonnenfeld, G.↗

Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) observer power system architecture

The Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) observer is scheduled for launch in 2014. The primary science objective of SMAP is the high-resolution mapping of earth’s soil moisture. These measurements will be used to enhance understanding of processes that link the water, energy and carbon cycles, and to extend the capabilities of weather and climate prediction models. The SMAP orbit, sun-synchronous with an altitude of 680 km, was chosen to optimize the sampling characteristics of the instruments while ensuring that the resolution requirements are met. The combined active radar and passive radiometer measurement approach takes advantage of the spatial resolutions of the radar (3 km x 1000 km) and the radiometer (39 km x 47 km).

Carr, Gregory↗

Sample Return Containerization and Planetary Protection Using Brazing for Breaking the Chain of Contact to Mars

Planetary protection of Mars samples returned to Earth in a future NASA mission is a critical part of preventing uncontrolled biological materials being released from the samples. The planetary protection process requires addressing the potential risks and would involve “breaking the chain of contact (BTC)”, where any returned material reaching Earth for further analysis would have to be sealed inside a container with extremely high confidence. The sterilization process would require destroying any potential biological materials that may contaminate the external surface of the container. A novel process for containing the returned samples has been conceived and developed at JPL. The process consists of using induction heated brazing to synchronously sterilize, separate, seam and seal the container. In this case. the braze material is heated to the level of melting at temperatures higher than 500°C to assure sterilizing exposed areas since carbon bonds are broken above this temperature. The container that encloses the samples consists of double walls with interstitial space that is Earth-clean. The process consists of two-steps, where one was intended to be prepared on Earth and the second potentially executed on orbit around Mars. The latest results of this study that established the needed capability are described and discussed in this manuscript.

Shirajian, Nareg↗

Framework for custom event sample augmentations for ATLAS analysis data

For HEP event processing, data is typically stored in column-wise synchronized containers, such as most prominently ROOT’s TTree, which have been used for several decades to store by now over 1 exabyte. These containers can combine row-wise association capabilities needed by most HEP event processing frameworks (e.g. Athena for ATLAS) with column-wise storage, which typically results in better compression and more efficient support for many analysis use-cases. One disadvantage is that these containers, TTree in the HEP use-case, require to contain the same attributes for each entry/row (representing events), which can make extending the list of attributes very costly in storage, even if those are only required for a small subsample of events. Since the initial design, the ATLAS software framework features powerful navigational infrastructure to allow storing custom data extensions for subsamples of events in separate, but synchronized containers. This allows adding event augmentations to ATLAS standard data products (such as DAOD-PHYS or PHYSLITE) avoiding duplication of those core data products, while limiting their size increase. For this functionality, the framework does not rely on any associations made by the I/O technology (i.e. ROOT), however it supports TTree friends and builds the associated index to allow for analysis outside of the ATLAS framework. A prototype based on the Long-Lived Particle search is implemented and preliminary results with this prototype will be presented. At this point, augmented data are stored within the same file as the core data. Storing them in separate files will be investigated in future, as this could provide more flexibility, e.g. certain sites may only want a subset of several augmentations or augmentations can be archived to tape once their analysis is complete.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Shuttle extravehicular activity signal processor pulse amplitude modulation decommutator

To provide data with long-term stability and accuracy, the pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) decommutator was synchronized to the PAM-return to zero wavetrain, and each channel was sampled with a common sample and hold circuit and digitized sequentially. The digital value of each channel was then scaled by the digital value of the calibration channels. The corrected digital value of each channel was stored for one complete frame and then transferred to the multiplexer-demultiplexer at a high rate in one block of serial digital data. A test model was built to demonstrate this design approach taken for the PAM decom and performance data was provided. The accuracies obtained with various signal to noise ratios are shown.

Noble, D. E.↗

Exploration Ground Data Systems (xGDS) Overview

xGDS supports rapid scientific decision making by synchronizing the time and mapped location of observation notes, instrument data, photos, video, samples and other data. xGDS is a suite of web tools, developed at NASA Ames Research Center to support remote science operations in analog missions and prototype new ideas for planetary exploration. During operations, xGDS displays science data in real-time with geographic context, supporting key decisions (e.g. sample site selection). Post-operations, xGDS enables efficient analysis of data by correlating data products in time and on the map. xGDS has been developed in close collaboration with science teams since 2009, and used enthusiastically by upwards of 100 scientists to support scientific field research and data analysis.

Ground Data System↗

Uncertainty Error Modeling for Non-Linear State Estimation With Unsynchronized SCADA and µPMU Measurements

Distribution systems of the future smart grid require enhancements to the reliability of distribution system state estimation (DSSE) in the face of low measurement redundancy, unsynchronized measurements, and dynamic load profiles. Micro phasor measurement units (µPMUs) facilitate co-synchronized measurements with high granularity, albeit at an often prohibitively expensive installation cost. Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) measurements can supplement µPMU data, although they are received at a slower sampling rate. Further complicating matters is the uncertainty associated with load dynamics and unsynchronized measurements–not only are the SCADA and µPMU measurements not synchronized with each other, but the SCADA measurements themselves are received at different time intervals with respect to one another. This paper proposes a non-linear state estimation framework which models dynamic load uncertainty error by updating the variances of the unsynchronized measurements, leading to a time-varying system of weights in the weighted least squares state estimator. Case studies are performed on the 33-Bus Distribution System in MATPOWER, using Ornstein–Uhlenbeck stochastic processes to simulate dynamic load conditions.

Cooper, Austin↗

Sampling analysis for the Earth Radiation Budget Satellite System mission based on orbital coverage and cloud variability

The reported study represents an extension of an investigation by Harrison et al. (1976). Based on the results of sampling studies, two 98 deg inclined orbits coupled with a 56 deg inclination orbit appear to satisfy the science requirements on both regional and zonal scales. The NOAA sun-synchronous satellites in the TIROS-N series could adequately cover the high latitudes and a satellite having an inclination of 56 deg could provide sampling in the mid and low latitude areas where variations in radiation energetics are most dynamic. Attention is given to studies of time and space coverage, zonal evaluations, a regional analysis, and statistics describing the regional variations of cloud cover. A table is presented with data concerning the uncertainty of monthly mean reflected irradiance due to cloud variability for selected northern hemisphere regions.

Harrison, E. F.↗

Evaluating the design of an earth radiation budget instrument with system simulations. Part 2: Minimization of instantaneous sampling errors for CERES-I

Much of the new record of broadband earth radiation budget satellite measurements to be obtained during the late 1990s and early twenty-first century will come from the dual-radiometer Clouds and Earth's Radiant Energy System Instrument (CERES-I) flown aboard sun-synchronous polar orbiters. Simulation studies conducted in this work for an early afternoon satellite orbit indicate that spatial root-mean-square (rms) sampling errors of instantaneous CERES-I shortwave flux estimates will range from about 8.5 to 14.0 W/m on a 2.5 deg latitude and longitude grid resolution. Rms errors in longwave flux estimates are only about 20% as large and range from 1.5 to 3.5 W/sq m. These results are based on an optimal cross-track scanner design that includes 50% footprint overlap to eliminate gaps in the top-of-the-atmosphere coverage, and a 'smallest' footprint size to increase the ratio in the number of observations lying within to the number of observations lying on grid area boundaries. Total instantaneous measurement error also depends on the variability of anisotropic reflectance and emission patterns and on retrieval methods used to generate target area fluxes. Three retrieval procedures from both CERES-I scanners (cross-track and rotating azimuth plane) are used. (1) The baseline Earth Radiaton Budget Experiment (ERBE) procedure, which assumes that errors due to the use of mean angular dependence models (ADMs) in the radiance-to-flux inversion process nearly cancel when averaged over grid areas. (2) To estimate N, instantaneous ADMs are estimated from the multiangular, collocated observations of the two scanners. These observed models replace the mean models in computation of satellite flux estimates. (3) The scene flux approach, conducts separate target-area retrievals for each ERBE scene category and combines their results using area weighting by scene type. The ERBE retrieval performs best when the simulated radiance field departs from the ERBE mean models by less than 10%. For larger perturbations, both the scene flux and collocation methods produce less error than the ERBE retrieval. The scene flux technique is preferable, however, because it involves fewer restrictive assumptions.

Stowe, Larry↗

Hybrid Analog/Digital Receiver

Advanced hybrid analog/digital receiver processes intermediate-frequency (IF) signals carrying digital data in form of phase modulation. Uses IF sampling and digital phase-locked loops to track carrier and subcarrier signals and to synchronize data symbols. Consists of three modules: IF assembly, signal-processing assembly, and test-signal assembly. Intended for use in Deep Space Network, but presumably basic design modified for such terrestrial uses as communications or laboratory instrumentation where signals weak and/or noise strong.

Brown, D. H.↗

Implementation of a 1550-nm laser system for beam characterization at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator

Accurately recording an electron bunch’s longitudinal profile is an important diagnostic for wakefield accelerators employing shaped bunches to increase transformer ratios. Electro-optic sampling of terahertz radiation from the bunch is an attractive approach due to its non-destructive nature. In preparation for future characterization experiments, the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator test facility has recently installed a 1550 nm laser system, including the necessary support systems to synchronize with the photoinjector laser system at 81.25 MHz. We report here on the initial installation and synchronization demonstrations.

Ody, Alexander [Argonne, PHY]↗

A Method for Dynamic Kolsky Bar Compression at High Temperatures: Application to Ti-6Al-4V

Abstract An experimental apparatus for measuring the dynamic behavior of materials subjected to strain rates on the order of 10 $$^3$$ 3 s $$^{-1}$$ - 1 and temperatures up to 800°C with a unique triple actuation system is developed in this work. This system is based on the traditional Kolsky (or split-Hopkinson pressure) bar design, with the addition of an external furnace used to heat the specimen to the desired temperature. A synchronized triple pneumatic actuation system is used to control the motion and timing of the the sample, incident, and transmitted bars. The cold contact time (CCT), or the time during which the heated sample is in contact with the room temperature bars before compression, is measured experimentally and carefully controlled to minimize the development of a temperature gradient across the sample and avoid heating of the bars. Experiments are performed in conjunction with ultra high speed imaging and 2D digital image correlation (DIC), as well as high speed thermal imaging. To verify the viability of the proposed system, experiments were conducted on Ti-6Al-4V (wt.%) at temperatures from 25°C up to and 800°C at an average strain rate of approximately 1200 s $$^{-1}$$ - 1 .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Shuttle user analysis (study 2.2): Volume 3. Business Risk And Value of Operations in space (BRAVO). Part 4: Computer programs and data look-up

Computer program listings as well as graphical and tabulated data needed by the analyst to perform a BRAVO analysis were examined. Graphical aid which can be used to determine the earth coverage of satellites in synchronous equatorial orbits was described. A listing for satellite synthesis computer program as well as a sample printout for the DSCS-11 satellite program and a listing of the symbols used in the program were included. The APL language listing for the payload program cost estimating computer program was given. This language is compatible with many of the time sharing remote terminals computers used in the United States. Data on the intelsat communications network was studied. Costs for telecommunications systems leasing, line of sight microwave relay communications systems, submarine telephone cables, and terrestrial power generation systems were also described.

Source record↗