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At least 1,549 records · Page 86
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NASA NTRS1973

Minitrack tracking function description, volume 2

The minitrack tracking function is described and specific operations are identified. The subjects discussed are: (1) preprocessor listing, (2) minitrack hardware, (3) system calibration, (4) quadratic listing, and (5) quadratic flow diagram. Detailed information is provided on the construction of the tracking system and its operation. The calibration procedures are supported by mathematical models to show the application of the computer programs.

Englar, T. S.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Tracking-station coordinates from Geos 1 and Geos 2 optical flash data.

Center-of-mass coordinates for 28 NASA MOTS and SAO Baker-Nunn camera sites have been obtained from optical flash data from Geos 1 (1965 89A) and Geos 2 (1968 002A). More than 25,000 observations in about 100 two-day arcs were used in dynamical solutions (SAO 1969 AGU gravity model). Comparison of results with local survey solutions and with solutions from deep-space vehicle tracking suggests accuracy of about 2 meters in longitude and height and 5 meters in latitude. The relatively larger error in latitude arose from propagation of gravity-model error largely along the track of these high-inclination satellites. The results have also been compared with the solutions of the SAO 1969 standard earth for station coordinates on the North American datum. The solution obtained in the present work is much closer to the survey results in chord length between stations.

Marsh, J. G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Chemistry and particle track studies of Apollo 14 glasses.

The abundance and the composition of Apollo 14 glasses have been studied. Glass particles were analyzed for Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Na, and K by electron microprobe analysis. The refractive indices of 26 particles were determined by the oil immersion method. Track analyses have been carried out in order to determine the uranium content and the radiation history of glass particles. The proper identification of galactic and solar flare nuclei tracks makes it possible to estimated residence times of the glass particles in the top layer of the lunar soil.

Glass, B. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Earth-moon mass ratio from Mariner 9 radio tracking data.

The phase-coherent range and Doppler tracking data obtained as a basis for the navigation of the Mariner 9 spacecraft from earth to Mars determine also the earth-moon mass ratio. As the earth revolves about the center of mass of the earth-moon system, a sinusoidal curve is impressed on the range and Doppler tracking data with a frequency equal to the sidereal mean motion of the moon. The mass ratio was determined from range and Doppler data obtained over a period of 15 weeks. The results from the Mariner Mars 1971 data are presented in a table together with previous results obtained in connection with other spacecraft.

Wong, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Boulder tracks and nature of lunar soil.

Boulder tracks from 19 different locations on the Moon, observable in Lunar Orbiter photographs, have been examined. Measurements of the track width indicate that some of the boulders sank considerably deeper than others. It is suggested that lunar surface materials vary from place to place; the state of compaction (density of lunar soil) is probably one of the significant variables. Using bearing capacity theory, modified to be applicable to the rolling boulder problem by theoretical studies and extensive testing, the friction angle of the lunar soil was estimated. Most of the results were between 24 and 47 degrees with an arithmetic average of 37 degrees.

Hovland, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Fossil track and thermoluminescence studies of Luna 20 material.

Track densities in 85 feldspar crystals from L-2009 range from 2,500,000 per sq cm to greater than one billion per sq cm. This track distribution represents an intermediate case between what have been previously defined as lightly and heavily irradiated soils and suggests that the Luna 20 sample consists of a mixture of a mature, heavily irradiated component with another, lightly irradiated component. Using a two-component mixing model, the age of the lightly irradiated component is about 270,000,000 yr. It is possible, but by no means certain, that this is associated with the formation of the crater Apollonius C. At about 200 C the ratio of natural thermoluminescence to that induced by a standard irradiation is similar to that in Apollo 12 and 14 cores below about 7 cm. This confirms that most of the Luna 20 sample represents subsurface material.

Crozaz, G.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The ATS-F/Nimbus-E tracking experiment.

The objective of the ATS-F/Nimbus-E tracking experiment, the first of its kind, is presented. Specifically, this experiment has a twofold purpose: first, to gain experience in the practical use of satellite-to-satellite range and range rate data for very accurate orbit determination (this was its original intent); and second, to evaluate the real usefulness of such a technique for geodetic studies despite the fact that the 1000-km Nimbus orbit is not ideally suited for such a purpose. The accuracies of the tracking systems of the satellite-to-satellite and satellite-to-ground link (ATS-F to the Rosman, N.C. ground station) will be about 0.035 cm/sec in range rate and about 1 m in range - utilizing a 10 sec integration time. With these values it is possible to obtain, based upon performed error analyses, orbit height errors of the order of 0.1 to 0.3 m for the near earth orbiting Nimbus spacecraft. This experiment will therefore hopefully prove to be a significant first step for future earth applications spacecraft carrying altimeters systems for measuring ocean height variations.

Von Bun, F. O.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Tracking the Apollo Lunar Rover with interferometry techniques.

Apollo 16 and 17 Lunar Rover position history while transporting astronauts over the lunar surface has been determined to a resolution of better than 1 m and uncertainties of less than 25 m utilizing a specialized very-long baseline interferometry (VLBI) tracking technique. This paper describes the technique, discusses the National Aeronautics and Space Administration worldwide tracking system used to obtain data, discusses the data, and presents results.

Salzberg, I. M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Satellite-tracking and earth-dynamics research programs

Satellite tracking and earth dynamics research programs are discussed. Geodetic and geophysical investigations are reported along with atmospheric research using satellite drag data. Satellite tracking network functions and support groups which are discussed include: network operations, communications, data-services division, moonwatch, and programming group.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1974

The real-time acquisition and tracking program for the USNS Vanguard

The computer program for the real-time acquisition and tracking program uses a variety of filtering algorithms including an extended Kalman filter to derive real-time orbit determination (position-velocity state vectors) from shipboard tracking and navigation data. Results from Apollo missions are given to show that orbital parameters can be estimated quickly and accurately using these methods.

Brammer, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Track studies of samples 72255 and 72275

Optical microscopic studies of two intermediate pieces of 72255, located 1 to 3 cm below the surface, indicate an upper limit to the track exposure age of 15 to 20 m.y. A striking feature of the track studies of breccias 72255 and 72275 is the peculiar etching behavior of many of the feldspar and olivine crystals. After standard etching procedures, crystal surfaces are frequently irregular and bumpy, presumably owing to nonuniform dissolution of the surface. Although this effect was not observed in feldspars or olivines in samples from other missions, it is apparently widespread among Apollo 17 samples.

Hutcheon, I. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Decision feedback loop for tracking a polyphase modulated carrier

A multiple phase modulated carrier tracking loop for use in a frequency shift keying system is described in which carrier tracking efficiency is improved by making use of the decision signals made on the data phase transmitted in each T-second interval. The decision signal is used to produce a pair of decision-feedback quadrature signals for enhancing the loop's performance in developing a loop phase error signal.

Simon, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Satellite-tracking and earth-dynamics research programs

The following activities in Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory's (SAO) earth-dynamics programs are covered: (1) satellite-tracking network operations; (2) satellite geodesy and geophysics programs; (3) atmospheric research. Approximately 46,000 successful range measurements were acquired by the SAO laser stations in Peru, South Africa, Brazil, and Arizona. The Peole satellite-tracking campaign conducted in conjunction with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales was completed in August 1973. The SAO network obtained 4482 validated returns of 310 arcs of Peole. These data are of particular value for obtaining more accurate gravity-field and zonal-harmonics coefficients.

Weiffenbach, G. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

GEOS-C orbit determination with satellite to satellite tracking

The feasibility of employing satellite to satellite tracking in lieu of ground based tracking to satisfy the orbit determination requirements of the GEOS-C mission was studied. It is shown that with proper estimation procedures it is possible to obtain from S.S.T. data a GEOS-C orbit whose altitude error averages about 1 meter. The usefulness of this type for geopotential recovery is also indicated.

Argentiero, P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Satellite-tracked cumulus velocities

The research indicates that extreme caution must be exercised in converting cloud velocities into winds. The motion of fair-weather cumuli obtained by tracking their shadows over Springfield, Missouri revealed that the standard deviation in the individual cloud motion is several times the tracking error. The motion of over-ocean cumuli near Barbados clearly indicated the complicated nature of cumulus velocities. Analysis of whole-sky images obtained near Tampa, Florida failed to show significant continuity and stability of cumulus plumes, less than 0.3 mile in diameter. Cumulus turrets with 0.3 to 2 mile in size appear to be the best target to infer the mean wind within the subcloud layers. Cumulus or stratocumulus cells consisting of x number of turrets do not always move with wind. The addition and deletion of turrets belonging to a specific cell appear to be the cause of the erratic motion of a tracer cell. It may by concluded that the accuracy of wind estimates is unlikely to be better than 2m/sec unless the physical and dynamical characteristics of cumulus motion is futher investigated.

Fujita, T. T.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Coherent receiver employing nonlinear coherence detection for carrier tracking

The concept of nonlinear coherence employed in carrier tracking to improve telecommunications efficiency is disclosed. A generic tracking loop for a coherent receiver is shown having seven principle feedback signals which may be selectively added and applied to a voltage controlled oscillator to produce a reference signal that is phase coherent with a received carrier. An eighth feedback signal whose nonrandom components are coherent with the phase detected and filtered carrier may also be added to exploit the sideband power of the received signal. A ninth feedback signal whose nonrandom components are also coherent with the quadrature phase detected and filtered carrier could be additionally or alternatively included in the composite feedback signal to the voltage controlled oscillator.

Lindsey, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Variable beamwidth monopulse feed for Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS)

The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite with a set of circularly-polarized, amplitude-sensing monopulse patterns suitable for acquiring and tracking user spacecraft at Ku-band (15.0 GHz) is discussed. The possibility of increasing the less than 0.4-degree half-power beamwidth of the data beam to almost 1.0 degree during the acquisition phase is predicated on the use of feeds situated in the first bright-ring of the Airy diffraction structure. A complex-vector simulation equivalent to the Kirchhoff-Kottler or Franz formulations is used to compute transmitted and received field information for a dual-reflector (Cassegrain) antenna configuration in a three-dimensional space.

Schmidt, R. F.↗