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At least 1,189 records · Page 66

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NASA NTRS1999

Shuttle Laser Altimeter

The Shuttle Laser Altimeter (SLA) is a Hitchhiker experiment that has flown twice; first on STS-72 in January 1996 and then on STS-85 in August 1997. Both missions produced successful laser altimetry and surface lidar data products from approximately 80 hours per mission of SLA data operations. A total of four Shuttle missions are planned for the SLA series. This paper documents SLA mission results and explains SLA pathfinder accomplishments at the mid-point in this series of Hitchhiker missions. The overall objective of the SLA mission series is the transition of the Goddard Space Flight Center airborne laser altimeter and lidar technology to low Earth orbit as a pathfinder for NASA operational space-based laser remote sensing devices. Future laser altimeter sensors will utilize systems and approaches being tested with SLA, including the Multi-Beam Laser Altimeter (MBLA) and the Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS). MBLA is the land and vegetation laser sensor for the NASA Earth System Sciences Pathfinder Vegetation Canopy Lidar (VCL) Mission, and GLAS is the Earth Observing System facility instrument on the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat). The Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter, now well into a multi-year mapping mission at the red planet, is also directly benefiting from SLA data analysis methods, just as SLA benefited from MOLA spare parts and instrument technology experience [5] during SLA construction in the early 1990s.

Bufton, Jack L.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Flight Hardware Fabricated for Combustion Science in Space

NASA Glenn Research Center s Telescience Support Center (TSC) allows researchers on Earth to operate experiments onboard the International Space Station (ISS) and the space shuttles. NASA s continuing investment in the required software, systems, and networks provides distributed ISS ground operations that enable payload developers and scientists to monitor and control their experiments from the Glenn TSC. The quality of scientific and engineering data is enhanced while the long-term operational costs of experiments are reduced because principal investigators and engineering teams can operate their payloads from their home institutions.

OMalley, Terence F.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Science operations for future space astrophysics missions

Plans for astrophysics science operations during the decade of the nineties are described from the point of view of a scientist who wishes to make a space-borne astronomical observation or to use archival astronomical data. In the process of preparing a proposal making an observation, and carrying out data processing, analysis, and dissemination of results, the scientist will be able to use a variety of services and infrastructure, including the 'Astrophysics Data System'. The current status and plans for these science operations services are described.

Riegler, Guenther H.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Test Rack Development for Extended Operation of Advanced Stirling Convertors at NASA Glenn Research Center

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Lockheed Martin Space Company (LMSC), Sun power Inc., and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) have been developing an Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) for use as a power system on space science missions. This generator will make use of free-piston Stirling convertors to achieve higher conversion efficiency than currently available alternatives. NASA GRC's support of ASRG development includes extended operation testing of Advanced Stirling Convertors (ASCs) developed by Sunpower Inc. In the past year, NASA GRC has been building a test facility to support extended operation of a pair of engineering level ASCs. Operation of the convertors in the test facility provides convertor performance data over an extended period of time. Mechanical support hardware, data acquisition software, and an instrumentation rack were developed to prepare the pair of convertors for continuous extended operation. Short-term tests were performed to gather baseline performance data before extended operation was initiated. These tests included workmanship vibration, insulation thermal loss characterization, low-temperature checkout, and fUll-power operation. Hardware and software features are implemented to ensure reliability of support systems. This paper discusses the mechanical support hardware, instrumentation rack, data acquisition software, short-term tests, and safety features designed to support continuous unattended operation of a pair of ASCs.

Dugala, Gina M.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Final shuttle-derived atmospheric database: Development and results from thirty-two flights

The final Shuttle-derived atmospheric data base is presented. The relational data base is comprised of data from 32 Space Transportation System (STS) descent flights, to include available meteorology data taken in support of each flight. For the most part, the available data are restricted to the middle atmosphere. In situ accelerations, sensed by the tri-redundant Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to an accuracy better than 1 mg, are combined with post-flight Best Estimate Trajectory (BET) information and predicted, flight-substantiated Orbiter aerodynamics to provide determinations up to altitudes of 95 km. In some instances, alternate accelerometry data with micro-g resolution were utilized to extend the data base well into the thermosphere. Though somewhat limited, the ensemble of flights permit a reasonable sampling of monthly, seasonal, and latitudinal variations which can be utilized for atmospheric science investigations and model evaluations and upgrades as appropriate. More significantly, the unparallel vertical resolution in the Shuttle-derived results indicate density shears normally associated with internal gravity waves or local atmospheric instabilities. Consequently, these atmospheres can also be used as stress-atmospheres for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN and C) system development and analysis as part of any advanced space vehicle design activities.

Findlay, John T.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem (Pace) Mission Overview: From Concept to Launch

Abstract for Technical Review: The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a strategic climate continuity mission that was defined in the 2010 document Responding to the Challenge of Climate and Environmental Change: NASA’s Plan for Climate-Centric Architecture for Earth Observations and Applications from Space (referred to as the “Climate Initiative”). Launched in February 2024, the PACE mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records. PACE will extend the high quality ocean ecological, ocean biogeochemical, cloud, and aerosol particle data records begun by NASA in the 1990s, building on the exceptional heritages of the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). NASA Headquarters directed the mission development and implementation to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with guidance to utilize a Design-to-Cost (DTC) process. Mission studies were conducted to define appropriate approaches within and across elements while maximizing science capabilities at a high cost confidence. Mission baseline requirements development is also embedded within the DTC process, as these requirements were not established at the onset of the mission concept development. The PACE project office at NASA’s GSFC was responsible for the satellite development, launch and commissioning. The NASA Headquarters PACE Program Science office is responsible for supporting the science data processing system and assembling competed community science teams, which includes field-based vicarious calibration and data product validation efforts to support the PACE Project Science team. The PACE observatory is comprised of three instruments, the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and two polarimeters, the Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter 2 (HARP2) and the Spectro-Polarimeter for Exploration (SPEXone) and the PACE spacecraft. The observatory has been commissioned and is performing on-orbit science data collection operations. Summary for Program: The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a strategic climate continuity mission that was defined in the 2010 document Responding to the Challenge of Climate and Environmental Change: NASA’s Plan for Climate-Centric Architecture for Earth Observations and Applications from Space (referred to as the “Climate Initiative”). Launched in February 2024 under the leadership of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the PACE mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records. PACE will extend the high quality ocean ecological, ocean biogeochemical, cloud, and aerosol particle data records begun by NASA in the 1990s. The PACE observatory is comprised of the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), the Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter 2 (HARP2) and the Spectro-Polarimeter for Exploration (SPEXone), along with the PACE spacecraft.

Robert H Estep, Jr↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Mission Overview and Status from Concept to Launch

The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a strategic climate continuity mission that was defined in the 2010 document Responding to the Challenge of Climate and Environmental Change: NASA’s Plan for Climate-Centric Architecture for Earth Observations and Applications from Space (referred to as the “Climate Initiative”). Launched in February 2024, the PACE mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records. PACE will extend the high quality ocean ecological, ocean biogeochemical, cloud, and aerosol particle data records begun by NASA in the 1990s, building on the exceptional heritages of the Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS), the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR), and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS). NASA Headquarters directed the mission development and implementation to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with guidance to utilize a Design-to-Cost (DTC) process. Mission studies were conducted to define appropriate approaches within and across elements while maximizing science capabilities at a high cost confidence. Mission baseline requirements development is also embedded within the DTC process, as these requirements were not established at the onset of the mission concept development. The PACE project office at NASA’s GSFC was responsible for the satellite development, launch and commissioning. The NASA Headquarters PACE Program Science office is responsible for supporting the science data processing system and assembling competed community science teams, which includes field-based vicarious calibration and data product validation efforts to support the PACE Project Science team. The PACE observatory is comprised of three instruments, the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and two polarimeters, the Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter 2 (HARP2) and the Spectro-Polarimeter for Exploration (SPEXone) and the PACE spacecraft. The observatory has been commissioned and is performing on-orbit science data collection operations. Summary for Program: The Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission is a strategic climate continuity mission that was defined in the 2010 document Responding to the Challenge of Climate and Environmental Change: NASA’s Plan for Climate-Centric Architecture for Earth Observations and Applications from Space (referred to as the “Climate Initiative”). Launched in February 2024 under the leadership of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), the PACE mission represents NASA’s next investment in ocean biology, clouds, and aerosol data records. PACE will extend the high quality ocean ecological, ocean biogeochemical, cloud, and aerosol particle data records begun by NASA in the 1990s. The PACE observatory is comprised of the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), the Hyper-Angular Rainbow Polarimeter 2 (HARP2) and the Spectro-Polarimeter for Exploration (SPEXone), along with the PACE spacecraft.

Robby Estep↗

DOE OSTI2015

Analysis and prediction of aperiodic hydrodynamic oscillatory time series by feed-forward neural networks, fuzzy logic, and a local nonlinear predictor

Forecasting of aperiodic time series is a compelling challenge for science. In this work, we analyze aperiodic spectrophotometric data, proportional to the concentrations of two forms of a thermoreversible photochromic spiro-oxazine, that are generated when a cuvette containing a solution of the spiro-oxazine undergoes photoreaction and convection due to localized ultraviolet illumination. We construct the phase space for the system using Takens' theorem and we calculate the Lyapunov exponents and the correlation dimensions to ascertain the chaotic character of the time series. Finally, we predict the time series using three distinct methods: a feed-forward neural network, fuzzy logic, and a local nonlinear predictor. We compare the performances of these three methods.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

DOE OSTI2015

Novel structures and physics of nanomagnets (invited)

Nanoscale magnets with characteristic dimensions in the range of 1–100 nm are important in several areas of nanoscience and technology. First, this length scale spans the typical important dimensions of exchange lengths and domain-wall widths, which means that significant control of magnetic properties can be obtained by varying grain or particle dimensions. Second, the nonequilibrium synthetic processes used for clusters, particles, and films, often lead to new real-space crystal structures with completely novel spin structures and magnetic properties. Third, a basic-science challenge in this class of matter involves the spin-polarized quantum mechanics of many-electron systems containing 10–10 000 atoms. Finally, the materials under study may have important future applications in high-density data storage, ultra-small spintronic devices, or high-energy magnetic materials. In this article, we discuss our recent work on novel Fe-Au nanoclusters, MnAu-Mn core-shell structures, and complex high-anisotropy Co-rich intermetallic compound clusters. We also present new results on Fe-based alloys including the magnetic properties of semiconducting FeSi{sub 2} nanoclusters and spin correlations in FeGe nanocluster films.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

NASA NTRS1985

Study of application of space telescope science operations software for SIRTF use

The design and development of the Space Telescope Science Operations Ground System (ST SOGS) was evaluated to compile a history of lessons learned that would benefit NASA's Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF). Forty-nine specific recommendations resulted and were categorized as follows: (1) requirements: a discussion of the content, timeliness and proper allocation of the system and segment requirements and the resulting impact on SOGS development; (2) science instruments: a consideration of the impact of the Science Instrument design and data streams on SOGS software; and (3) contract phasing: an analysis of the impact of beginning the various ST program segments at different times. Approximately half of the software design and source code might be useable for SIRTF. Transportability of this software requires, at minimum, a compatible DEC VAX-based architecture and VMS operating system, system support software similar to that developed for SOGS, and continued evolution of the SIRTF operations concept and requirements such that they remain compatible with ST SOGS operation.

Dignam, F.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Computer sciences

The Computer Science Program provides advanced concepts, techniques, system architectures, algorithms, and software for both space and aeronautics information sciences and computer systems. The overall goal is to provide the technical foundation within NASA for the advancement of computing technology in aerospace applications. The research program is improving the state of knowledge of fundamental aerospace computing principles and advancing computing technology in space applications such as software engineering and information extraction from data collected by scientific instruments in space. The program includes the development of special algorithms and techniques to exploit the computing power provided by high performance parallel processors and special purpose architectures. Research is being conducted in the fundamentals of data base logic and improvement techniques for producing reliable computing systems.

Smith, Paul H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Hubble Space Telescope: A cosmic time machine

The mission of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is to explore the expanding and evolving universe. During the 3,000 operating hours every year for the next 15 years or more, the HST will be used to study: galaxies; pulsars; globular clusters; neighboring stars where planets may be forming; binary star systems; condensing gas clouds and their chemical composition; and the rings of Saturn and the swirling ultraviolet clouds of Venus. The major technical achievements - its nearly perfect mirrors, its precise guidance system of rate gyroscopes, reaction wheels, star trackers, and fine guidance sensors are briefly discussed. The scientific instruments on board HST are briefly described. The integration of the equipment and instruments is outlined. The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) has approved time for 162 observations from among 556 proposals. The mission operation and data flow are explained.

Westphal, J. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

NASA/MSFC FY91 Global Scale Atmospheric Processes Research Program Review

The reports presented at the annual Marshall Research Review of Earth Science and Applications are compiled. The following subject areas are covered: understanding of atmospheric processes in a variety of spatial and temporal scales; measurements of geophysical parameters; measurements on a global scale from space; the Mission to Planet Earth Program (comprised of and Earth Observation System and the scientific strategy to analyze these data); and satellite data analysis and fundamental studies of atmospheric dynamics.

Leslie, Fred W.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Current technology applications in a future spaceborne lidar system

NASA is currently developing the Lidar In-space Technology Experiment (LITE) to demonstrate the first use of a lidar system for remote sensing of the atmosphere. LITE will serve as a testbed for evolving technologies. Carried by the Space Shuttle, it is a reusable experiment capable of many reflights with a short turn-around time. This requires that the instrument be of a modular design to facilitate any changes in science data requirements or to incorporate newer technology into the various subsystems. In addition, LITE is required to utilize proven technology and off-the-shelf products in its design. This paper will describe how the design of the instrument, from conceptual to final, must take into account these design requirements as well as those requirements and considerations inherent in a space flight environment.

Crockett, Sharon K.↗

NASA NTRS2003

The NASA Scientific Data Purchase: Summary and Evaluation

This report summarizes the results of the NASA Scientific Data Purchase (SDP) program implemented by the Stennis Space Center Earth Science Application Directorate in fiscal years 1998-2002. The SDP was conducted in support of NASA's Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) program (currently known as NASA's Earth Science Enterprise). This Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) provides major observational capabilities for NASA's Earth system science research and the U.S. Global Change Research Program. Observations supported through the SDP were selected based upon their application to the five science themes of the MTPE/ESE: 1) Land cover and land use change research; 2) Seasonal to interannual climate variability and prediction; 3) Natural hazards research and applications; 4) Long-term climate: Natural variability and change research; 5) Atmospheric ozone research. The MTPE/ESE science themes, although they have evolved over time, are driven by a set of key science questions that help focus the research program on characterizing the Earth system.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2013

Advances in SPICE Support of Planetary Science

SPICE is the de facto international standard for determining the geometric conditions-parameters such as altitude, lighting angles, and LAT/LON coverage of an instrument footprint-pertaining to scientific observations acquired by instruments on board robotic spacecraft. This system, comprised of data and allied software, is used for planning science observations and for analyzing the data returned from those observations. Use of SPICE is not a NASA requirement but is recommended by NASA's Planetary Data System and by the International Planetary Data Alliance. Owing in part to its reliability, stability, portability and user support, the use of SPICE has spread to many national space agencies, including those of the U.S., Europe (ESA), Japan, Russia and India. SPICE has been in use since the Magellan mission to Venus and so has many well-known capabilities. But the NAIF Team responsible for implementing SPICE continues to add new features; this presentation describes a number of these.

computational capability↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Advance Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program

NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) develops early-stage technologies to enhance scientific understanding. ESTO’s technologies can be reliably and confidently applied to a broad range of science measurements and missions, as well as facilitate practical applications to benefit society at large. As the lead technology office within the Earth Science Division of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, ESTO is focused on the technological challenges inherent to space-based investigations of our planet's dynamic, interrelated systems. Through flexible, science-driven technology strategies and a competitive selection process, ESTO-funded technologies have supported numerous Earth science missions as well as commercial applications. From next generation sensors and instruments to communication and information systems, ESTO technologies enable many NASA missions and data services. The Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program is one focal area of ESTO. AIST innovates information system technologies that enable the development of new observing systems as well as agile science investigations through data analytics and artificial intelligence tools and algorithms. AIST utilizes an end-to-end development approach with the goal of infusing mature technologies into future missions, measurements, and analysis. One thrust of AIST is data exploitation and analysis using an analytic center framework to make observational data and model output more accessible and usable to scientists conducting specific investigations as well as to extract higher-level science content and information from the data. The framework accelerates scientific discovery by harmonizing the data, tools, and computational resources. NASA’s upcoming Surface, Biology and Geology (SBG) mission is one such mission whose data architecture will leverage many of the technologies developed through the AIST program. This talk will highlight current and future program development goals.

Laura Rogers↗

NASA NTRS2021

VAPRE: A tool to support the design optimization of planetary entry probe missions

The importance of the atmospheric data collected by planetary entry probes has been emphasized since the results of Galileo in 1995 and are reflected in the interest . The results add to our fundamental understanding about the formation and the evolution of our solar system. Of special interest are the Outer Planets Saturn, Uranus and Neptune, serving as missing puzzle pieces to the existing data sets. In order to maximize the data and science return from those missions, the tool VAPRE is developed to facilitate the design optimization of planetary entry probe missions by increasing the trade-space. Using a data set of interplanetary trajectories, it assesses the change in availability and accessibility of entry sites on the planets with respect to their latitudes depending on the hyperbolic arrival velocity. In this paper, we introduce the motivation behind the implementation of VAPRE, the science and engineering input gathered to bridge the knowledge between both fields, the design structure of the implementation as well as the significance and future development and potential of the tool VAPRE for future mission concept developments for planetary probe and lander missions.

Simon, Amy↗