UHURU advanced studies and guest investigator program
Various aspects of the UHURU program are discussed including satellite operations, software development, data analysis, and scientific research.
Giacconi, R.↗
SEARCH · Engineering Papers
Results for “operational analysis”
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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Spacelab user interaction
The results of the third and final phase of a study undertaken to define means of optimizing the Spacelab experiment data system by interactively manipulating the flow of data were presented. A number of payload applicable interactive techniques and an integrated interaction system for each of two possible payloads are described. These interaction systems have been functionally defined and are accompanied with block diagrams, hardware specifications, software sizing and speed requirements, operational procedures and cost/benefits analysis data for both onboard and ground based system elements. It is shown that accrued benefits are attributable to a reduction in data processing costs obtained by, generally, a considerable reduction in the quantity of data that might otherwise be generated without interaction. One other additional anticipated benefit includes the increased scientific value obtained by the quicker return of all useful data.
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Preliminary measurements of plasma fluctuations in an 8-cm mercury ion thruster
The investigation considered included an observation of the effects on the plasma fluctuations of a variation of several neutralizer parameters. The apparatus used in the investigation and the experimental techniques are discussed, taking into account the thruster, the thruster power supply, questions of thruster operation, transducers, and an analysis of time-varying data. The results presented are related to rms magnitudes, spectral data, and fluctuation correlations.
Serafini, J. S.↗
The Apollo gamma-ray spectrometer
A gamma-ray spectrometer has been flown on the Apollo 15 and 16 spacecraft to determine the lunar-surface composition and measure the cosmic gamma-ray flux. The instrument included a NaI(Tl) scintillation crystal coupled to a 7.6-cm photomultiplier tube, a plastic mantle for anti-coincidence rejection of charged particles, and 511 channels of analysis. Boom-mounted operation permitted a significant reduction in the background. The data were transmitted on an event-by-event basis. About 22% of the lunar surface was mapped and spectra of the cosmic gamma-ray flux over an energy range of 0.065-27.5 MeV have been obtained.
Harrington, T. M.↗
Shuttle user analysis (study 2.2). Volume 3: Business risk and value of operations in space (BRAVO). Part 2: User's manual
The purpose of the BRAVO User's Manual is to describe the BRAVO methodology in terms of step-by-step procedures. The BRAVO methodology then becomes a tool which a team of analysts can utilize to perform cost effectiveness analyses on potential future space applications with a relatively general set of input information and a relatively small expenditure of resources. An overview of the BRAVO procedure is given by describing the complete procedure in a general form.
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Shuttle user analysis (study 2.2). Volume 3: Business Risk and Value of Operations in Space (BRAVO). Part 1: Summary
The approach used in the study, the operation of the various analytical procedures, and the development and testing of BRAVO are described.
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NO sub X destruction by CO in NO sub X to NO converters of chemiluminescent NO analyzers
An instrument modification for chemiluminescent NO - NOx analyzers was developed which minimizes the NOx destruction in the NOx to NO converters of NO analyzers due to high concentrations of CO. This mechanism causes the NO analyzers to indicate incorrect NOx concentrations when the analyzers are operated in the NOx analysis mode. The modification is applicable to analyzers in which the detection chamber is evacuated.
Summers, R. L.↗
Improved analysis of electron penetration and numerical procedures for space radiation shielding
Electron penetration calculational techniques are reviewed with regard to their suitability for shield analysis in future space operations. Methods based on the transmission factors of Mar are discussed and a correction term for low-energy electrons, which results in slightly conservative shield estimates, is derived. This modified Mar's method provides estimates of the dose for electrons that penetrate through shields of arbitrary elemental material with an atomic number greater than four. A complete computer algorithm is included.
Wilson, J. W.↗
Description and review of global measurements of atmospheric species from GASP
Aerosol composition data were collected with a NASA F-106 aircraft. Present measurements include ozone, carbon monoxide, water vapor, aerosol and condensation nuclei number densities, sulphates, nitrates, and the chlorofluoromethanes. Meteorological and flight parameters are also recorded for use in data analysis. The present aircraft operations obtain data between 6 and 13.5 km from 65 degree N between Europe and the north Pacific, and from 23 degree S over South America and 42 degree S over New Zealand. Typical constituent data from the aircraft operations during the first one and a half years are presented. Instrumentation is discussed.
Gauntner, D. J.↗
The Automated Planetary Space Station
Results are presented for a study on mission definition and design to determine broad technology directions and needs for advanced planetary spacecraft and future planetary missions. The discussion covers mission selection, system design, and technology assessment and review for a multicomponent spacecraft exploration facility provided with nuclear power propulsion. As an example, the Automated Planetary Space Station at Jupiter is examined as a generic concept which has the capability of conducting in-depth investigations of different aspects of the entire Jovian system. Mission planning is discussed relative to low-thrust trajectory control, automatic target identification and landing, roving vehicle operation, and automated sample analysis.
Ivie, C. V.↗
Performance limitations of silicon solar cells
This paper discusses the performance limitations of silicon solar cells which have been identified and investigated using a detailed numerical analysis of solar cell operation. Efficiency limitations are discussed as related to doping densities, minority carrier lifetimes, widths of solar cell regions, surface recombination, antireflecting layers, and ohmic contact stripes. Areas in which improvements can be expected in performance are identified and discussed.
Hauser, J. R.↗
Development of automatic and manual flight director landing systems for the XV-15 tilt rotor aircraft in helicopter mode
The objective of this effort is to determine IFR approach path and touchdown dispersions for manual and automatic XV-15 tilt rotor landings, and to develop missed approach criteria. Only helicopter mode XV-15 operation is considered. The analysis and design sections develop the automatic and flight director guidance equations for decelerating curved and straight-in approaches into a typical VTOL landing site equipped with an MLS navigation aid. These system designs satisfy all known pilot-centered, guidance and control requirements for this flying task. Performance data, obtained from nonstationary covariance propagation dispersion analysis for the system, are used to develop the approach monitoring criteria. The autoland and flight director guidance equations are programmed for the VSTOLAND 1819B digital computer. The system design dispersion data developed through analysis and the 1819B digital computer program are verified and refined using the fixed-base, man-in-the-loop XV-15 VSTOLAND simulation.
Hofmann, L. G.↗
Technology requirements for advanced earth orbital transportation systems. Volume 3: Summary report - dual mode propulsion
The impact of dual-mode propulsion on cost-effective technology requirements for advanced earth-orbital transportation systems is considered. Additional objectives were to determine the advantages of the best dual mode concept relative to the LO2/LH2 concept of the basic study. Normal technology requirements applicable to horizontal take-off and landing single-stage-to-orbit systems utilizing dual mode rocket propulsion were projected to the 1985 time period. These technology projections were then incorporated in a vehicle parametric design analysis for two different operational concepts of a dual mode propulsion system. The resultant performance, weights and costs of each concept were compared. The selected propulsion concept was evaluated to confirm the parametric trending/scaling of weights and to optimize the configuration.
Hepler, A. K.↗
Technology requirements for advanced earth orbital transportation system. Volume 1: Executive summary
Normal technology requirements applicable to Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) systems were projected to the 1985 time period. These technology projections were then incorporated in a vehicle design analysis of three different operational concepts resulting in four configurations of a Single Stage to Orbit system. The resultant performance, weights and costs of each concept were then compared and a system concept selected. A figure of merit was developed for advanced technology programs based on a cost/performance basis. The selected advanced technology programs were then used to reassess the vehicle to determine the impact on performance, weight and cost. Based on study results, recommendations are provided in technology areas associated with earth orbit transportation systems. The recommendations address advanced space transportation system design considerations, both hardware and software technolgoy program requirements.
Hepler, A. K.↗
Description and review of global measurements of atmospheric species from GASP
A large volume of atmospheric constituent data is being collected in the global airlanes by specially equipped B-747 aircraft. This NASA program also obtains data from the similarly equipped NASA CV-990 aircraft during dedicated flights such as a recent near pole-to-pole latitude survey mission. Aerosol composition data are also collected with a NASA F-106 aircraft. Present measurements include ozone, carbon monoxide, water vapor, aerosol and condensation nuclei number densities, sulphates, nitrates, and the chlorofluoromethanes. Meteorological and flight parameters are also recorded for use in data analysis. The present aircraft operations obtain data between 6 and 13.5 km from 65 deg N between Europe and the North Pacific, and from 23 deg S over South America and 42 deg S over New Zealand. Typical constituent data from the aircraft operations during the first one and a half years are presented. Instrumentation is discussed.
Gauntner, D. J.↗
The orbiting deep space relay station - A study report
This paper is an interim report on a study being carried out to assess the requirements for tracking and communications with deep-space probes in the post-1985 time frame and to evaluate approaches to meeting those requirements. The orbiting deep-space relay station (ODSRS) is one approach to meeting those requirements that appears to have some significant advantages over ground-based stations. A detailed conceptual design of an ODSRS is compared with other tracking and communications system configuration options. The comparison includes a life-cycle cost analysis as well as operations and performance capabilities. Reported results of the study to date include a preliminary assessment of post-1985 requirements, a discussion of planned ODSRS system capabilities as well as of tracking and communications system advantages and problems that are peculiar to an OSDRS, a look at the current status of the conceptual design of the ODSRS, and a summary of the plan for the remainder of the study.
Hunter, J. A.↗
System implementation and operations session: Classification and mensuration, an approach to LANDSAT data analysis for crop identification
There are no author-identified significant results in this report.
Biffell, R.↗
ATLAS, an integrated structural analysis and design system. Volume 2: System design document
ATLAS is a structural analysis and design system, operational on the Control Data Corporation 6600/CYBER computers. The overall system design, the design of the individual program modules, and the routines in the ATLAS system library are described. The overall design is discussed in terms of system architecture, executive function, data base structure, user program interfaces and operational procedures. The program module sections include detailed code description, common block usage and random access file usage. The description of the ATLAS program library includes all information needed to use these general purpose routines.
Erickson, W. J.↗