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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 1,171 records · Page 65
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Communications satellite systems capacity analysis

Analog and digital modulation techniques are compared with regard to efficient use of the geostationary orbit by communications satellites. Included is the definition of the baseline systems (both space and ground segments), determination of interference susceptibility, calculation of orbit spacing, and evaluation of relative costs. It is assumed that voice or TV is communicated at 14/11 GHz using either FM or QPSK modulation. Both the Fixed-Satellite Service and the Broadcasting-Satellite Service are considered. For most of the cases examined the digital approach requires a satellite spacing less than or equal to that required by the analog approach.

Browne, L.↗
NASA NTRS1982

NASA space system technology model future mission system needs

The overall technology model is outlined and the objectives and descriptions of the primary and secondary propulsion drives presented. The primary propulsion driver missions are the geostationary platform; the coherent optical system of modular imaging collectors (COSMIC); the 100 meter thinned aperature telescope; and the orbiting deep space relay station (ODSRS). The secondary propulsion driver missions are space platform alpha, the space station, and the automated planetary station.

Reese, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Land Mobile Satellite Service (LMSS): A conceptual system design and identification of the critical technologies. Part 1: Executive summary

A system design for a satellite aided land mobile service is described. The advanced system is based on a geostationary satellite which employs a large UHF reflector to communicate with small user antennas on mobile vehicles. It is shown that the system through multiple beam antennas and frequency reuse provides for radiotelephone and dispatch channels. It is concluded that the system is technologically feasible to provide service to rural and remote regions.

Naderi, F.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Land Mobile Satellite Service (LMSS): A conceptual system design and identification of the critical technologies: Part 2: Technical report

A conceptual system design for a satellite-aided land mobile service is described. A geostationary satellite which employs a large (55-m) UHF reflector to communicate with small inexpensive user antennas on mobile vehicles is discussed. It is shown that such a satellite system through multiple beam antennas and frequency reuse can provide thousands of radiotelephone and dispatch channels serving hundreds of thousands of users throughout the U.S.

Naderi, F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Visible infrared spin-scan radiometer atmospheric sounder radiometric calibration - An inflight evaluation from intercomparisons with HIRS and radiosonde measurements

The ability to conduct soundings from a geostationary platform has been demonstrated with the Visible IR spin-scan radiometer Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) aboard GOES-4. While a negative offset reaching 2.0-3.0 C for the upper atmospheric CO2 bands of VAS was observed in comparisons with High Resolution IR Radiation Sounder (HIRS) measurements and analyses of radiosonde data, VAS radiances are consistent with that material. After removing the offset, the temperature profiles derived from VAS radiances agree very well with those observed by radiosondes. Time variations in the atmospheric state are discernible from VAS soundings at three-hour intervals, and were confirmed by radiosonde observations.

Menzel, W. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

System design concepts and requirements for aeroassisted orbital transfer vehicles

The Orbital Transfer Vehicle (OTV) is an advanced upper stage concept which will deliver spacecraft from operating systems at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) such as Space Shuttle, Earth-To-Orbit (ETO) vehicles, and Space Operations Center (SOC), to High Earth Orbit (HEO) and planetary excursions. The OTV will be driven by the need to achieve significant reductions in the operational costs for delivering payloads to Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO). Aeroassist is a technological capability that has a potential for OTV's ranging from mission enhancing (reusable OTV for payload delivery) to mission enabling (manned GEO and some DOD). It is shown that the use of aeroassist for OTV's is a high leverage technology which can potentially reduce space transportation costs and enable a number of highly desirable missions.

Austin, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

July 29, 1977, magnetospheric studies - Impulsive waves, global dynamics and geomagnetic indices

Problems of magnetospheric physics addressed by the Coordinated Data Analysis Workshop are grouped into general areas. Immediate magnetospheric response to changes in the solar wind is considered in studies of impulsive waves traced through the magnetosphere to the ground, and interpreted in terms of fast-mode wave propagation. Magnetopause geometry and microstructure after the arrival of the interplanetary shock were analyzed with data from near-geostationary satellites. A model of particle convection during the first quarter of the day gave important evidence that the convection electric field penetrated to small radial distances for extended intervals, and another model is presented which relates the local time of substorm onset to the sector of the tail that was stressed immediately after the onset of daytime reconnection. The evidence for different reconnection patterns is assessed, and a pattern not previously considered is introduced.

Kivelson, M. G.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Multiple-spacecraft and correlated riometer study of magnetospheric substorm phenomena

Double-spacecraft observations presented suggest that growth phase phenomena are widespread in the outer magnetosphere and can occur simultaneously at nightside locations 4-5 hours apart in local time. Evidence is also adduced from multiple-spacecraft data and comprehensive magnetometer and riometer data against the concept that growth phase features are not generally due to substorm activity at other locations in the auroral or polar regions. A close relationship is noted between putative energy input to the magnetosphere and the sensitive response of the magnetic field and energetic particles at pre- and near-midnight geostationary orbit locations. This relationship is shown explicitly for the cases of three event periods. Data are also presented which suggest that growth phase features at synchronous orbit can be strictly controlled by IMF orientations.

Baker, D. N.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The Centaur family

The Centaur upper stage has been used with Atlas and Titan boosters for a total of 66 launches, and is now being considered for future use with the Space Shuttle. Centaur's high-energy oxygen-hydrogen propellant combination provides the maximum performance capability for launching geosynchronous and earth-escape missions with both boosters. Shuttle/Centaur performance, combined with the demonstrated low-thrust operating capability of the Centaur engines, will allow gentle transfer of large communications spacecraft into geostationary orbit, thus significantly increasing the economies of communication satellites. This paper presents Centaur configurations, payload capabilities, and payload envelopes for future applications.

Rector, W. F., III↗
NASA NTRS1983

Frost Forecasting for Fruitgrowers

Progress in forecasting from satellite data reviewed. University study found data from satellites displayed in color and used to predict frost are valuable aid to agriculture. Study evaluated scheme to use Earth-temperature data from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite in computer model that determines when and where freezing temperatures endanger developing fruit crops, such as apples, peaches and cherries in spring and citrus crops in winter.

Martsolf, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Distribution of Mount St. Helens dust inferred from satellites and meteorological data

Visible and infrared pictures from two Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite Systems satellites, in circular orbits at about 19,000 nautical miles, are available continuously at approximately 30 minute intervals. Still pictures and film loops from this system vividly depict the events associated with the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. The initial explosion, shock wave, and visible horizontal dust distribution during the following week are readily apparent. Meteorological wind and height fields permit the inference of the vertical distribution of volcanic dust as well as explain the atmospheric behavior which caused the visible and nonvisible dust distribution.

Laver, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

NASA Educational Briefs for the Classroom. Orbits of Bodies in Space

The difference between an orbit and a revolution is explained and it is shown why space shuttle Columbia's period of revolution was longer than its orbital period. Parameters of orbits examined include apoapsis, periapsis, apogee, perigee, aphelion, perihelion, orbital plane, and inclination. Orbit velocity and duration, Newton's law of gravitation, and Kepler's three laws of motion are considered. The principles involved in geostationary satellites are also explored.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Interpretation of remotely sensed data and its applications in oceanography

The methodology of interpretation of remote sensing data and its oceanographic applications are described. The elements of image interpretation for different types of sensors are discussed. The sensors utilized are the multispectral scanner of LANDSAT, and the thermal infrared of NOAA and geostationary satellites. Visual and automatic data interpretation in studies of pollution, the Brazil current system, and upwelling along the southeastern Brazilian coast are compared.

Parada, N. D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of the operational program for satellite meteorology

The geostationary and polar satellites comprising the current operational system are discussed. The data acquisition capabilities of both satellite types and their complementary functions are reviewed. The advanced very high resolution radiometer on the TIROS N satellites is particularly addressed along with the imaging and atmospheric sounding instrumentation aboard the GOES satellites. The dissemination of the satellite data to the prospective users is also discussed.

Johnson, D. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Key scientific questions and the role of satellites

Some of the research opportunities that are available from geostationary satellite data, especially from MONEX during the Global Weather Experiment are described. In addition, the International Cloud Climatology Program is described and the use of satellite imagery in studying mesoscale convection complexes is discussed. Finally, information derived from satellite data on ocean winds is examined.

Bierly, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Interaction between the SPS solar power satellite solar array and the magnetospheric plasma

The results of study to determine the effects of space plasmas on a large GaAs solar cell array using solar reflectors at a concentration ratio of two in geostationary orbit are summarized. It was concluded that the system could function in the GEO environment if certain design changes were implemented. These included conductive coatings on the solar cells, changing the reflector material from Kapton to a higher conductivity material, and oversizing the array to compensate for a 0.7% parasitic load due to losses from the ambient magnetospheric plasma. The operation of the solar powered earth orbit transfer vehicle (EOTV) was also examined and it was concluded that LEO servere arcing would take place on all high voltage negative portions of the array. The parasitic load loss at LEO was estimated at 3%. Operation of a high voltage array at LEO represents a major problem. Charge exchange ion feedback from argon ion thrusters located near the EOTV solar array was also examined and all problems found were believed to be solvable by the placement of protective ground screens.

Freeman, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1983

VISSR Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) Research Review

The VAS, an experimental instrument flown onboard Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES), is capable of achieving mutlispectral imagery of atmospheric temperature, water vapor, and cloudiness patterns over short time intervals. In addition, this instrument provides an atmospheric sounding capability from geosynchronous orbit. The VAS demonstration is an effort for evaluating the VAS instrument's performance, and for demonstrating the capabilities of a VAS prototype system to provide useful geosynchronous satellite data for supporting weather forecasts and atmospheric research. The demonstration evaluates the performance of the VAS Instruments on GOES-4-5, and -6, develops research oriented and prototype/operational VAS data processing systems, determines the accuracy of certain basic and derived meteorological parameters that can be obtained from the VAS instrument, and assesses the utility of VAS derived information in analyzing severe weather situations.

Greaves, J. R.↗