Recent Upgrades to the Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM) Suite
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Soumyo Dutta↗
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Earth Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Earth-GRAM) 2024: User Guide
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P W White↗
Developments in GRAM for Planetary Missions
The presentation looks at developments in the Global Reference Atmosphere Model.
Soumyo Dutta↗
Global Reference Atmospheric Model and Trace Constituents
Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM-99) is an engineering-level model of the Earth's atmosphere. It provides both mean values and perturbations for density, temperature, pressure, and winds, as well as monthly- and geographically-varying trace constituent concentrations. From 0-27 km, thermodynamics and winds are based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Global Upper Air Climatic Atlas (GUACA) climatology. Above 120 km, GRAM is based on the NASA Marshall Engineering Thermosphere (MET) model. In the intervening altitude region, GRAM is based on Middle Atmosphere Program (MAP) climatology that also forms the basis of the 1986 COSPAR Intemationa1 Reference Atmosphere (CIRA). MAP data in GRAM are augmented by a specially-derived longitude variation climatology. Atmospheric composition is represented in GRAM by concentrations of both major and minor species. Above 120 km, MET provides concentration values for N2, O2, Ar, O, He, and H. Below 120 km, species represented also include H2O, O3, N2O, CO, CH, and CO2. Water vapor in GRAM is based on a combination of GUACA, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL), and NASA Langley Research Center climatologies. Other constituents below 120 km are based on a combination of AFGL and h4AP/CIRA climatologies. This report presents results of comparisons between GRAM Constituent concentrations and those provided by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) climatology of Summers (NRL,/MR/7641-93-7416, 1993). GRAM and NRL concentrations were compared for seven species (CH4, CO, CO2, H2O, N2O, O2, and O3) for months January, April, July, and October, over height range 0-115 km, and latitudes -90deg to + 90deg at 10deg increments. Average GRAM-NRL correlations range from 0.878 (for CO) to 0.975 (for O3), with an average over all seven species of 0.936 (standard deviation 0.049).
Justus, C.↗
Engineering-Level Model Atmospheres for Titan and Neptune
Engineering-level atmospheric models for Titan and Neptune have been developed for use in NASA s systems analysis studies of aerocapture applications in missions to the outer planets. Analogous to highly successful Global Reference Atmospheric Models for Earth (GRAM, Justus et al., 2000) and Mars (Mars-GRAM, Justus and Johnson, 2001, Justus et al., 2002) the new models are called Titan-GRAM and Neptune-GRAM. Like GRAM and Mars-GRAM, an important feature of Titan-GRAM and Neptune-GRAM is their ability to simulate quasi-random perturbations for Monte- Carlo analyses in developing guidance, navigation and control algorithms, and for thermal systems design.
Justus, C. G.↗
Engineering-Level Model Atmospheres For Titan and Mars
An engineering-level atmospheric model for Titan has been developed for use in NASA s systems analysis studies of aerocapture and entry, descent and landing (EDL) applications in potential missions to Titan. Analogous to highly successful Global Reference Atmospheric Models for Earth (GRAM) and Mars (Mars-GRAM), the new model is called Titan-GRAM. Like GRAM and Mars-GRAM, an important feature of Titan-GRAM is its ability to simulate quasi-random perturbations for Monte-Carlo analyses in developing guidance, navigation and control algorithms, and for thermal systems design. Titan-GRAM features and sample results will be presented. Features of Mars-GRAM especially related to EDL applications will also be presented and illustrated.
Justus, C. G.↗
Global Reference Atmospheric Models, Including Thermospheres, for Mars, Venus and Earth
This document is the viewgraph slides of the presentation. Marshall Space Flight Center's Natural Environments Branch has developed Global Reference Atmospheric Models (GRAMs) for Mars, Venus, Earth, and other solar system destinations. Mars-GRAM has been widely used for engineering applications including systems design, performance analysis, and operations planning for aerobraking, entry descent and landing, and aerocapture. Preliminary results are presented, comparing Mars-GRAM with measurements from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) during its aerobraking in Mars thermosphere. Venus-GRAM is based on the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Venus International Reference Atmosphere (VIRA), and is suitable for similar engineering applications in the thermosphere or other altitude regions of the atmosphere of Venus. Until recently, the thermosphere in Earth-GRAM has been represented by the Marshall Engineering Thermosphere (MET) model. Earth-GRAM has recently been revised. In addition to including an updated version of MET, it now includes an option to use the Naval Research Laboratory Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter Radar Extended Model (NRLMSISE-00) as an alternate thermospheric model. Some characteristics and results from Venus-GRAM and Earth-GRAM thermospheres are also presented.
Justh, Hilary L.↗
Venus Global Reference Atmospheric Model Status and Planned Updates
The Venus Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Venus-GRAM) was originally developed in 2004 under funding from NASA's In Space Propulsion (ISP) Aerocapture Project to support mission studies at the planet. Many proposals, including NASA New Frontiers and Discovery, as well as other studies have used Venus-GRAM to design missions and assess system robustness. After Venus-GRAM's release in 2005, several missions to Venus have generated a wealth of additional atmospheric data, yet few model updates have been made to Venus-GRAM. This paper serves to address three areas: (1) to present the current status of Venus-GRAM, (2) to identify new sources of data and other upgrades that need to be incorporated to maintain Venus-GRAM credibility and (3) to identify additional Venus-GRAM options and features that could be included to increase its capability. This effort will de-pend on understanding the needs of the user community, obtaining new modeling data and establishing a dedicated funding source to support continual up-grades. This paper is intended to initiate discussion that can result in an upgraded and validated Venus-GRAM being available to future studies and NASA proposals.
Justh, H. L.↗
Venus Global Reference Atmospheric Model Status and Planned Updates
The Venus Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Venus-GRAM) was originally developed in 2004 under funding from NASA's In Space Propulsion (ISP) Aerocapture Project to support mission studies at the planet. Many proposals, including NASA New Frontiers and Discovery, as well as other studies have used Venus-GRAM to design missions and assess system robustness. After Venus-GRAM's release in 2005, several missions to Venus have generated a wealth of additional atmospheric data, yet few model updates have been made to Venus-GRAM. This paper serves to address three areas: (1) to present the current status of Venus-GRAM, (2) to identify new sources of data and other upgrades that need to be incorporated to maintain Venus-GRAM credibility and (3) to identify additional Venus-GRAM options and features that could be included to increase its capability. This effort will de-pend on understanding the needs of the user community, obtaining new modeling data and establishing a dedicated funding source to support continual up-grades. This paper is intended to initiate discussion that can result in an upgraded and validated Venus-GRAM being available to future studies and NASA proposals.
Justh, H. L.↗
Development and production of a flame retardant, general purpose, pressure sensitive adhesive tape
The specification results for the finished tape properties were as follows: (1) adhesive strength (180 deg peel) on aluminum from 107 to 143 grams per centimeter (0.6 to 0.8 pounds per inch); (2) adhesive strength (180 deg peel) on stainless steel from 71 to 107 grams per centimeter (0.4 to 0.6 pounds per inch); (3) unwind resistance of 536 to 714 grams per centimeter (3 to 4 pounds per inch); (4) tensile strength minimum of 7143 grams per centimeter (40 pounds per inch); (5) elongation from 5 to 10% at break; (6) tear strength, Elmendorf from 200 to 350 grams (0.44 to 0.77 pounds); and (7) tear strength, tongue from 363 to 408 grams (0.8 to 0.9) pounds).
Monaghan, P. B.↗
Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model 2010 Version: Users Guide
This Technical Memorandum (TM) presents the Mars Global Reference Atmospheric Model 2010 (Mars-GRAM 2010) and its new features. Mars-GRAM is an engineering-level atmospheric model widely used for diverse mission applications. Applications include systems design, performance analysis, and operations planning for aerobraking, entry, descent and landing, and aerocapture. Additionally, this TM includes instructions on obtaining the Mars-GRAM source code and data files as well as running Mars-GRAM. It also contains sample Mars-GRAM input and output files and an example of how to incorporate Mars-GRAM as an atmospheric subroutine in a trajectory code.
Justh, H. L.↗
Planned Improvements to the Venus Global Reference Atmospheric Model
The Venus Global Reference Atmospheric Model (Venus-GRAM) is an engineering-level atmospheric model applicable for engineering design analyses, mission planning, and operational decision making. Missions to Venus have generated a wealth of atmospheric data, however, Venus-GRAM has not been updated since its development and release in 2005. GRAM upgrades and maintenance have depended on inconsistent and waning project-specific support. The NASA Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has agreed to provide funding support in Fiscal Year 2018 and 2019 to upgrade the GRAMs. This presentation will provide an overview of Venus-GRAM and the objectives, tasks, and milestones related to the GRAM upgrades.
Justh, H. L.↗
The Effects of Chronic Sleep Restriction on Calorie and Macronutrient Intake
Introduction: Chronic sleep restriction (CSR) has been associated with increased calorie intake and increased consumption of fats and carbohydrates, with inconsistent changes in protein. However, the majority of studies have either been observational field studies with no sleep intervention, or laboratory-based studies where food availability may not have reflected participants’ real-world choices. We hypothesized that calorie, fat, and carbohydrate intake would increase during a week of imposed CSR compared to a week of sleep satiation (SS) among individuals living in their home environment. Methods: Twelve healthy participants (6 females) kept a fixed sleep-wake schedule, with a constant waketime, at home for four weeks (actigraphy confirmed compliance). During weeks one and three, participants maintained 9 hours in bed. During weeks two and four, participants were randomly assigned to experimental weeks of 5 and 9 hours of time-in-bed in a crossover design. Participants documented their food consumption during both experimental weeks using a picture-based meal logging application (MealLogger). Intake of calories and macronutrients were classified by two blinded evaluators. Descriptive statistics were calculated in SAS (Cary, NC). Results: Participants averaged 4.43 ± 0.33 (SD) hours of sleep per night during CSR compared to 7.42 ± 0.42 hours during SS. Participants consumed a daily average of 1812 ± 672 kilocalories, 71 ± 31 grams of total fat, 217 ± 69 grams of carbohydrates, and 84 ± 40 grams of protein during CSR, compared to 1682 ± 514 kilocalories, 68 ± 23 grams of total fat, 198 ± 61 grams of carbohydrates, and 77 ± 32 grams of protein during SS. Conclusion: Preliminary descriptive findings suggest that, on average, participants consumed more calories, from an increase in consumption of each macronutrient group, during a week of sleep restriction compared to a week of sleep satiation. Further analysis is needed to determine whether these differences are statistically different and to identify when calories were consumed in each of the experimental conditions.
chronic sleep restriction↗
Characterization of viable bacteria from Siberian permafrost by 16S rDNA sequencing
Viable bacteria were found in permafrost core samples from the Kolyma-Indigirka lowland of northeast Siberia. The samples were obtained at different depths; the deepest was about 3 million years old. The average temperature of the permafrost is -10 degrees C. Twenty-nine bacterial isolates were characterized by 16S rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis, cell morphology, Gram staining, endospore formation, and growth at 30 degrees C. The majority of the bacterial isolates were rod shaped and grew well at 30 degrees C; but two of them did not grow at or above 28 degrees C, and had optimum growth temperatures around 20 degrees C. Thirty percent of the isolates could form endospores. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolates fell into four categories: high-GC Gram-positive bacteria, beta-proteobacteria, gamma-proteobacteria, and low-GC Gram-positive bacteria. Most high-GC Gram-positive bacteria and beta-proteobacteria, and all gamma-proteobacteria, came from samples with an estimated age of 1.8-3.0 million years (Olyor suite). Most low-GC Gram-positive bacteria came from samples with an estimated age of 5,000-8,000 years (Alas suite).
Non-NASA Center↗
Streptococcus pneumoniae HtrA is a dynamic and monomeric virulence factor capable of forming larger oligomeric complexes
Abstract High‐temperature requirement A (HtrA) proteases are a conserved family of serine proteases central to protein quality control and bacterial virulence. While Gram‐negative and human HtrAs are structurally well studied, Gram‐positive homologs remain essentially uncharacterized. Here, we present the first integrated structural and mechanistic analysis of a Gram‐positive HtrA, from Streptococcus pneumoniae , a virulence factor essential for adhesion and infection in vivo. Proteomic profiling of an htrA knockout and cleavage assays demonstrate that S. pneumoniae HtrA is required for protein quality control, with the PDZ domain mediating substrate recognition. Biochemically, S. pneumoniae HtrA exists exclusively as a monomer in solution, a striking divergence from canonical trimeric HtrAs that we show is shared with other Gram‐positive homologs. NMR analyses reveal that the monomer dynamically samples open and closed conformations, while cryo‐EM of a catalytic mutant identifies a hexamer stabilized by a unique LoopA–PDZ interaction. Together, these findings define S. pneumoniae HtrA as a dynamic monomer with interdomain coupling between its protease and PDZ domains, establishing Gram‐positive HtrAs as a mechanistically divergent subgroup within the HtrA family.
Lee, Eunjeong [Department of Biochemistry and Mole↗
Water hyacinths and alligator weeds for removal of lead and mercury from polluted waters
Removal of lead and mercury by water hyacinths (Eichhornia crassipes) (Mart.) Solms and alligator weeds (Alternanthera philoxeroides) (Mart.) Griesb. was investigated. Water hyacinths demonstrated the ability to remove 0.176 mg of lead and 0.150 mg of mercury per gram of dry plant material from distilled water and river water in a 24-hour period. One acre of water hyacinths is potentially capable of removing 105.6 grams of lead and 90.0 grams of mercury per day. Alligator weeds removed 0.101 mg of lead per gram of dry plant material in a 24-hour period. This same plant also demonstrated the ability to remove a minimum of 0.153 mg of mercury per gram of dry plant material in a six hour period.
Wolverton, B. C.↗
Improvements in the perturbation simulations of the global reference atmospheric model
The Global Reference Atmospheric Model (GRAM) program includes the capability for simulating pseudo-random perturbations in density, temperature, pressure, or wind components along a simulated reentry trajectory or other path through the atmosphere. Some concerns were expressed by GRAM users, however, that the mean-square perturbation gradients may be too large for small values of the vertical separation Delta z. The present GRAM perturbation simulations, based on a one-step autoregressive model, yield a power spectrum versus wavenumber k which is proportional to k sup -2 at high wavenumbers. This feature also produces mean-square perturbation differences which are directly proportional to Delta z, and mean-square perturbation gradients which are inversely proportional to Delta z. Thus, root-mean-square gradients, (Delta f/Delta z) sub rms, increase with decreasing Delta a as Delta z sup -1/2. A simple modification to GRAM is suggested which overcomes this problem, i.e., which produce root-mean-square gradient that remain bound as Delta z approaches zero. Possible applications of more sophisticated simulation approaches, e.g., second order autoregressive models, or fractal model techniques, were also explored briefly but found to yield improvements which appear too small to justify their considerable added complexity for use in the GRAM programs.
Justus, C. G.↗
Matching Crew Diet and Crop Food Production in BIO-Plex
This paper matches the BIO-Plex crop food production to the crew diet requirements. The expected average calorie requirement for BIO-Plex is 2,975 Calories per crewmember per day, for a randomly selected crew with a typical level of physical activity. The range of 2,550 to 3,400 Calories will cover about two-thirds of all crews. The exact calorie requirement will depend on the gender composition, individual weights, exercise, and work effort of the selected crew. The expected average crewmember calorie requirement can be met by 430 grams of carbohydrate, 100 grams of fat, and 90 grams of protein per crewmember per day, for a total of 620 grams. Some fat can replaced by carbohydrate. Each crewmember requires only 2 grams of vitamins and minerals per day. Only unusually restricted diets may lack essential nutrients. The Advanced Life Support (ALS) consensus is that BIO-Plex should grow wheat, potato, and soybean, and maybe sweet potato or peanut, and maybe lettuce and tomato. The BIO-Plex Biomass Production System food production and the external food supply must be matched to the crew diet requirement for calories and nutritional balance. The crop production and external supply specifications can each be varied as long as their sum matches the required diet specification. We have wide flexibility in choosing the crops and resupply. We can easily grow one-half the crew calories in one BIO-Plex Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) if we grow only the most productive crops (wheat, potato, and sweet potato) and it we achieve nominal crop productivity. If we assume higher productivity we can grow a wider variety of crops. If we grow one-half of the crew calories, externally supplied foods can easily provide the other half of the calories and balance the diet. We can not grow 95 percent of the crew calories in two BPCs at nominal productivity while growing a balanced diet. We produce maximum calories by growing wheat, potato, and peanut.
Jones, Harry↗