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At least 1,297 records · Page 72
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Airborne reconnaissance XIII; Proceedings of the Meeting, San Diego, CA, Aug. 7-9, 1989

The present conference on airborne reconnaissance discusses topics in imagery exploitation, reconsystem modeling and analysis, and reconnaissance optics and electronics configurations. Attention is given to airborne minefield detection, the optimization of an IR linescanner for RPV operations, real-time display of IR linescanner data for RPVs, three-dimensional model-guided site recognition, the AMIDARS high-performance real-time display, and MMW sensor image analysis. Also discussed are reconnaissance concepts for the 3-5 micron spectral window, sensor concept development for hazard detection, a stabilization system for a large aperture camera, three-axis image stabilization with a two-axis mirror, the results of performance tests on the TOW target collimator design, and the replacement of film by electrooptic media in advanced tactical airborne reconnaissance.

Henkel, Paul A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Detection of a stellar flare at extreme ultraviolet wavelengths

During the all-sky survey conducted by the Rosat Wide Field Camera, the binary flare star system BY Draconis was monitored with coverage by the IUE satellite far-UV and optical observations and by the Rosat X-ray telescope for part of the time. A stellar flare was detected in all four wavebands. This is the first unambiguous EUV detection of a flare and one of the widest simultaneous wavelength-range coverages obtained. The peak luminosity and total energy of this flare in the photon energy range 0.08-0.18 keV are comparable with the values obtained for a number of flares integrated over a larger energy range by Exosat satellite observations in 1983-86. It is concluded that radiation in the EUV carries away a substantial fraction of the total flare energy.

Barstow, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

GAMCIT: A gamma ray burst detector

The origin of celestial gamma ray bursts remains one of the great mysteries of modern astrophysics. The GAMCIT Get-Away-Special payload is designed to provide new and unique data in the search for the sources of gamma ray bursts. GAMCIT consists of three gamma ray detectors, an optical CCD camera, and an intelligent electronics system. This paper describes the major components of the system, including the electronics and structural designs.

Surka, Derek M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Passive MMW camera for low visibility landings

A passive, millimeter wave imaging sensor for aircraft landing in low or poor visibility conditions is described. The sensor can be incorporated in a camera for future enhanced/synthetic vision systems. Contrast is provided by differences in material reflectivities, temperature, and sky illumination of the scene being imaged. Photographic images of the system's fog penetration capabilities are presented. A combinatorial geometry technique is used to construct the scene geometries. This technique uses eight basic geometric shapes which are used as building blocks for 3-D complex-shaped objects. The building blocks are then combined via union, intersection and exclusion operations to form 3-D scene objects and the combinatorial geometry package determines ray intercepts with scene objects, providing the specific surfaces and propagation distance for the scene.

Shoucri, Merit↗
NASA NTRS1997

STS-81 Flight Day 3

On this third day of the STS-81 mission, the flight crew, Cmdr. Michael A. Baker, Pilot Brent W. Jett, Mission Specialists, John M. Grunsfeld, Marsha S. Ivins, Peter J.K. Wisoff, and Jerry M. Linenger, spend most of their workday completing preparations for the rendezvous and linkup of the Space Shuttle with the Mir Space Station. Pilot Brent Jett finishes the checkout of navigation tools that will be used during the rendezvous. Later he joins John Grunsfeld and they install a camera in the Orbiter Docking System to provide television views of the docking target on the Mir. Commander Mike Baker will use this later as he flies Atlantis to its docking with Mir.

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NASA NTRS2000

IVHM Technologies at JPL

Integrated Vehicle Health Management Technologies at Jet Propulsion Laboratory are presented. The topics include: 1) Wireless Sensors; 2) Extreme Ultraviolet Radiation (XUV) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Robotics Future Communication Architecture; 3) Micro Communication and Avionics Systems (MCAS); 4) NASA/DARPA Wireless Camera; and 5) Wireless Camera Assembly.

Baroth, Ed↗
NASA NTRS2001

Water Ice and Life's Roots in Space

Nearly three decades ago as Voyager 2 spacecraft raced out of the Solar System. NASA engineers turned its camera arm around (at the request of the American astronomer Carl Sagan) to take a parting snapshot of Earth. Earth's image was a single pale blue pixel, its color caused by the Rayleigh scattering of sunlight in the water of our oceans. Earth is a water planet, and this is the color of life. No matter how far we travel on our planet, no matter how high or deep, if we find liquid water, we find some form of life that manages to survive there. And yet there is a cruel irony. Water in its solid crystalline form is hostile to life. Organisms can roost in geysers, wallow in brine and gulp down acid, but they cowered from ice. The rigid ordering of water molecules in ice crystals expels impurities and tears organic tissue beyond repair. In fact, about the only good thing you can say about ice is that it gets out of the way: Its low density ensures that it floats and leaves the water dwelling creatures in peace. Recent discoveries have caused us to rethink this basic premise. New lines of evidence both observational and experimental - suggest that prebiotic organic compounds are not only comfortable in, but in fact had their origin in a peculiar form of solid water ice that is ubiquitous in interstellar space, but completely absent from Earth. Only recently have we been able to create even submicroscopic quantities of this ice in terrestrial laboratories, yet it constitutes the most abundant form of water in the universe. Interstellar ice is a far cry from the ice we are so familiar with on Earth. This interstellar ice has no crystalline structure, and despite the fact that its temperature is a scant few degrees above absolute zero (where all molecular motion ceases), it is highly reactive and can flow like water when exposed to radiation. It is in fact this ice's similarity to liquid water that allows it to participate in the creation of the very first organic compounds.

Blake, David↗
NASA NTRS2002

STS-109 Crew Interviews - Linnehan

STS-109 Mission Specialist 3 (MS3) Richard M. Linnehan is seen during a prelaunch interview. He answers questions about his lifelong desire to become an astronaut and his career path, which included becoming a zoo veterinarian. He gives details on the Columbia Orbiter mission, which has as its main purpose the maintenance and augmentation of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). As MS3, his primary role in the mission pertains to EVAs (Extravehicular Activities) 1, 3, and 5. During EVA 1, Linnehan and another crewmember will replace one of two flexible solar arrays on the HST with a smaller, more efficient rigid solar array. The second solar array will be replaced on EVA 2 by other crewmembers. EVA 3 will involve the replacement of the Power Control Unit (PCU), and will require the first complete powering down of HST since its deployment. The possibility of a serious problem occurring is greatest during this portion of the mission because the original PCU was not built to be replaced. In EVA 5, Linnehan and another crewmember will install a replacement cooling system on NICMOS (Near Infrared Camera Multi-Object Spectrometer), which has not been operational. Linnehan discusses his role during the mission as well as that of his crewmates, and provides an abbreviated timeline, including possible contingencies.

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NASA NTRS2002

STS-109 Flight Day 3 Highlights

This footage from the third day of the STS-109 mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) begins with the grappling of the HST by the robotic arm of the Columbia Orbiter, operated by Mission Specialist Nancy Currie. During the grappling, numerous angles deliver close-up images of the telescope which appears to be in good shape despite many years in orbit around the Earth. Following the positioning of the HST on its berthing platform in the Shuttle bay, the robotic arm is used to perform an external survey of the telescope. Some cursory details are given about different equipment which will be installed on the HST including a replacement cooling system for the Near Infrared Camera Multi-Object Spectrometer (NICMOS) and the Advanced Camera for Surveys. Following the survey, there is footage of the retraction of both of the telescope's two flexible solar arrays, which was successful. These arrays will be replaced by rigid solar arrays with decreased surface area and increased performance.

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NASA NTRS1984

Slow Scan Telemedicine

Originally developed under contract for NASA by Ball Bros. Research Corporation for acquiring visual information from lunar and planetary spacecraft, system uses standard closed circuit camera connected to a device called a scan converter, which slows the stream of images to match an audio circuit, such as a telephone line. Transmitted to its destination, the image is reconverted by another scan converter and displayed on a monitor. In addition to assist scans, technique allows transmission of x-rays, nuclear scans, ultrasonic imagery, thermograms, electrocardiograms or live views of patient. Also allows conferencing and consultation among medical centers, general practitioners, specialists and disease control centers. Commercialized by Colorado Video, Inc., major employment is in business and industry for teleconferencing, cable TV news, transmission of scientific/engineering data, security, information retrieval, insurance claim adjustment, instructional programs, and remote viewing of advertising layouts, real estate, construction sites or products.

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NASA NTRS2004

Feasibility Study of Utilizing Existing Infrared Array Cameras for Daylight Star Tracking on NASA's Ultra Long Duration Balloon (ULDB) Missions

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of developing a daytime star tracker for ULDB flights using a commercially available off-the-shelf infrared array camera. This report describes the system used for ground-based tests, the observations, the test results, and gives recommendations for continued development.

Tueller, Jack↗
NASA NTRS1972

A Holographic Interferometer System for Measuring Density Profiles in High-Velocity Flows

This paper describes a holographic interferometric technique for obtaining density measurements across a test gas that is traveling at a velocity of over 5500 meters per second in an expansion tube facility. Interferometric data describing the flow in the test section are obtained using a long coherence length cw argon laser in a holographic system and a rotating drum camera recorder. The object beam, which passes through the test section, intersects the reference beam at a small angle (5 degrees) to form an interference pattern of about 170 lines per millimeter, and is recorded as a hologram. Before a test, this hologram is placed in its original position and rotated slightly so that an interference pattern is generated by the intersection of the reconstructed and real-time object beams. This interference pattern is adjusted to a series of bright, horizontal fringes having a spatial frequency of about 5 fringes per centimeter. During the few milliseconds it takes the test gas to pass through the test section, variations in the gas density across the 8.4-centimeter test section produce phase variations in the object beam and result in a varying interference pattern. A rotating drum camera with a 0.15-millimeter slit aligned perpendicular to the fringes is used to record the varying fringe shifts with a time resolution of about 3 microseconds. The average gas density across the test section is determined by measuring these fringe shifts.

Burner, Alpheus W.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Large Multispectral and Albedo Panoramas Acquired by the Pancam Instruments on the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity

Introduction. The panoramic camera (Pancam) multispectral, stereoscopic imaging systems on the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity [1] have acquired and downlinked more than 45,000 images (~35 Gbits of data) over more than 700 combined sols of operation on Mars as of early January 2005. A large subset of these images were acquired as part of 26 large multispectral and/or broadband "albedo" panoramas (15 on Spirit, 11 on Opportunity) covering large ranges of azimuth (12 spanning 360 ) and designed to characterize major regional color and albedo characteristics of the landing sites and various points along both rover traverses.

Bell, J. F., III↗
NASA NTRS2005

Large decreases in ionospheric total electron content as a result of thermospheric composition changes during geomagnetic storms

The geomagnetic storms of April 17-21,2002 and May 29-30,2003 caused large decreases in the O/N2 column density ratio in the thermosphere. For these storms, ON2 column density decreases of greater than 50% were observed to extend to mid-to-low latitudes with the FUV sensitive Earth Camera of the Visible Imaging System (VIS) on the Polar spacecraft. Simultaneously in these same regions, the ground-based GPS network observed approximately 80% reductions in the Total Electron Content (TEC) of the ionosphere. The reduction in the Om2 column density ratio is due mainly to increases in the molecular species that have welled-up into the thermosphere from the lower levels of the atmosphere due to auroral heating. The geomagnetic-storm driven increase in molecular densities at typical ionospheric heights rapidly charge exchange with the ambient ionized atoms and subsequently dissociatively recombine with the ionospheric electrons leading to a reduction in the total charge density. The transition boundaries between high and low regions of O/N2 as well as TEC can be tracked in the images and the thermospheric winds can be determined from the motion of the boundaries. The motion of these boundaries during the development of the geomagnetic storm will be discussed.

Sigwarth, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS2005

STS-114 Flight Day 3 Highlights

Video coverage of Day 3 includes highlights of STS-114 during the approach and docking of Discovery with the International Space Station (ISS). The Return to Flight continues with space shuttle crew members (Commander Eileen Collins, Pilot James Kelly, Mission Specialists Soichi Noguchi, Stephen Robinson, Andrew Thomas, Wendy Lawrence, and Charles Camarda) seen in onboard activities on the fore and aft portions of the flight deck during the orbiter's approach. Camarda sends a greeting to his family, and Collins maneuvers Discovery as the ISS appears steadily closer in sequential still video from the centerline camera of the Orbiter Docking System. The approach includes video of Discovery from the ISS during the orbiter's Rendezvous Pitch Maneuver, giving the ISS a clear view of the thermal protection systems underneath the orbiter. Discovery docks with the Destiny Laboratory of the ISS, and the shuttle crew greets the Expedition 11 crew (Commander Sergei Krikalev and NASA ISS Science Officer and Flight Engineer John Phillips) of the ISS onboard the station. Finally, the Space Station Remote Manipulator System hands the Orbiter Boom Sensor System to its counterpart, the Shuttle Remote Manipulator System.

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NASA NTRS2005

The Diversity of Martian Volcanic features as Seen in the MOC, THEMIS, and MOM Data Sets

This one-year project (which included one-year no-cost tension) focused on the evolution of the summit areas of Martian volcanoes. It extended the studies conducted under an earlier MDAP project (Grant NAG5-9576, Principal Investigator P. Mouginis- Mark). By using data collected from the Mars Orbiter Camera (MOC), Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and the Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) instruments, we tried to better understand the diversity of constructional volcanism on Mars, and hence further understand the eruption processes. By inspecting THEMIS and MOC data, we explored the following four questions: (1) Where might near-surface volatiles have been released at the summits of the Tharsis volcanoes? Is the trapping and subsequent remobilization of degassed volatiles [Scott and Wilson, 19991 adequate to produce eruptions responsible for extensive deposits such as the ones identified on Arsia Mons [Mouginis-Mark, 2002]? To answer this question, we investigated the diversity of eruption styles by studying the summit areas of Arsia, Pavonis and Ascraeus Montes. (2) What are the geomorphic characteristics of the valley system on Hecates Tholus, a volcano that we have previously proposed experienced explosive activity [Mouginis-Murk et al., 1982]? Our inspection of THEMIS data suggests that water release on the volcano took place over an extended period of time, suggesting that hydrothermal activity may have taken place here. (3) How similar are the collapse processes observed at Martian and terrestrial calderas? New THEMIS data provide a more complete view of the entire Olympus Mons caldera, thereby enabling the comparison with the collapse features at Masaya volcano, Nicaragua, to be investigated. (4) What can we learn about the emplacement of long lava flows in the lava plains of Eastern Tharsis? The result of this work provided a greater understanding of the temporal and spatial variations in the eruptive history of volcanoes on Mars, and the influence of the volatiles within the top few kilometers of the volcanic edifice. This relationship in turn pertains to the availability of volatiles (both juvenile magmatic volatiles and ground water contained within the near-surface rocks) and to magma supply rates at appreciable distances (tens to hundreds of kilometers) from the centers of volcanoes. Explosive volcanism on Mars, a major factor in the release of water at the surface, may have been driven not only by volatiles within the parental melt, but also by magma encountering water or ice at shallow depth within the volcano [Mouginis-Mark et al., 1982, 1988; Crown and Greeley, 1993; Robinson et al., 19931.

Mouginis-Mark, Peter J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

General-Purpose Stereo Imaging Velocimetry Technique Developed for Space and Industrial Applications

A new three-dimensional, full-field analysis technique has been developed for industrial and space applications. Stereo Imaging Velocimetry (SIV) will provide full-field analysis for three-dimensional flow data from any optically transparent fluid that can be seeded with tracer particles. The goal of SIV is to provide a means to measure three-dimensional fluid velocities quantitatively and qualitatively at many points. SIV is applicable to any optically transparent fluid experiment. Except for the tracer particles, this measurement technique is nonintrusive. Velocity accuracies are on the order of 95 to 99 percent of fullfield. The system components of SIV include camera calibration, centroid determination, overlap decomposition, particle tracking, stereo matching, and three-dimensional velocity analysis. SIV has been used successfully for space shuttle experiments as well as for fluid flow applications for business and industry.

McDowell, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2005

The Dynamics of Thermospheric Composition and Ionospheric Total Electron Content During Geomagnetic Storms

The geomagnetic storms of April 17-21,2002 and May 29-30,2003 caused large decreases in the O/N2 column density ratio in the thermosphere. For these storms, O/N2 column density decreases of greater than 50% were observed to extend to mid-to-low latitudes with the FUV sensitive Earth Camera of the Visible Imaging System (VIS) on the Polar spacecraft. Simultaneously in these same regions, the ground-based GPS network observed approximately 80% reductions in the Total Electron Content (TEC) of the ionosphere. The reduction in the O/N2 column density ratio is due mainly to increases in the molecular species that have welled-up into the thermosphere from the lower levels of the atmosphere due to auroral heating. The geomagnetic-storm driven increase in molecular densities at typical ionospheric heights rapidly charge exchange with the ambient ionized atoms and subsequently dissociatively recombine with the ionospheric electrons leading to a reduction in the total charge density. The transition boundaries between high and low regions of O/N2 as well as TEC can be tracked in the images and the thermospheric winds may be inferred from the motion of the boundaries. The motion of these boundaries during the development of the geomagnetic storm will be discussed.

Sigwarth, John B.↗