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At least 1,747 records · Page 97

Proceedings of a Workshop on Assessment of Techniques for Measuring Tropospheric N sub x O sub y

Human impact on the troposphere, particularly on the regional to global scale is assessed. One area of required research is instrumentation development, which is aimed at improving the capability to measure important trace gases and aerosols which are key species in the major atmospheric biogeochemical cycles. To focus on specific needs, the Instrumentation Workshop for NxOy Tropospheric Species was conducted. The workshop discussed measurement needs and instrument capabilities for NxOy species, including NO, NO2, HNO3, HNO2, PAN, and NO3 aerosols. The status and measurement capabilities of various techniques (operational as well as conceptual) were discussed, along with future instrument and technology needs.

Source record↗

Microstrip antennas for SAR applications

Current and future microstrip antenna technology development for Spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR) are summarized. Some of the electrical and mechanical characteristics of previously and presently developed microstrip SAR antennas are shown. The SEASAT, the SIR-A and presently the SIR-B antennas are all designed for operation at L-band with approximately 22 MHz of bandwidth. The antennas have linear polarization with minimum of 20 dB of polarization purity. Both the SEASAT and SIR-A antennas were designed for a fixed pointing angle of 20.5 deg and 47 deg, respectively. However, the SIR-B has the added feature of mechanical beam steering in elevation (range). With the exception of different mechanical characteristics, it is concluded that present spaceborne SAR antennas have only single frequency and single polarization performance. The lack of large spaceborne antennas operating at the higher degree of fabrication tolerance required for a given performance; and larger feed and radiating element losses.

Haddad, H. A.↗

Airloads research study. Volume 1: Flight test loads acquisition

The acquisition of B-1 aircraft flight loads data for use in subsequent tasks of the Airloads Research Study is described. The basic intent is to utilize data acquired during B-1 aircraft tests, analyze these data beyond the scope of Air Force requirements, and prepare research reports that will add to the technology base for future large flexible aircraft. Flight test data obtained during the airloads survey program included condition-describing parameters, surface pressures, strain gage outputs, and loads derived from pressure and strain gauges. Descriptions of the instrumentation, data processing, and flight load survey program are included. Data from windup-turn and steady yaw maneuvers cover a Mach number range from 0.7 to 2.0 for a wing sweep position of 67.5 deg.

Bartlett, M. D.↗

Space Station Technology, 1983

This publication is a compilation of the panel summaries presented in the following areas: systems/operations technology; crew and life support; EVA; crew and life support: ECLSS; attitude, control, and stabilization; human capabilities; auxillary propulsion; fluid management; communications; structures and mechanisms; data management; power; and thermal control. The objective of the workshop was to aid the Space Station Technology Steering Committee in defining and implementing a technology development program to support the establishment of a permanent human presence in space. This compilation will provide the participants and their organizations with the information presented at this workshop in a referenceable format. This information will establish a stepping stone for users of space station technology to develop new technology and plan future tasks.

Wright, R. L.↗

Shuttle flight data analysis

As the STS moves into routine operations, the direction of the work is shifting to an in-depth assessment of performance and its impact on the design and development of a future generation of vehicles. Particular emphasis is placed on providing an accurate physical explanation of anomalies, assessing the quality of simulation provided by the ground test facilities utilized, understanding the ground to flight extrapolation procedures, and the limitations of theoretical prediction techniques. The results are expected to provide direction and focus for future research and technology programs to enable substantial technological improvements in the next generation vehicles. The recent approval of the Orbital Experiments (OEX) Program's Shuttle Infrared Leeside Temperature Sensing (SILTS), Shuttle Entry Air Data System (SEADS), and Shuttle Upper Atmospheric Mass Spectrometer (SUMS) experiments to be integrated for flight on OV-102 in late 1985 is a firm indication of a strong commitment to a continuing and vigorous program in shuttle flight data analysis.

Walberg, G. D.↗

NASA Ames summary high school apprenticeship research program, 1983 research papers

Engineering enrollments are rising in universities; however, the graduate engineer shortage continues. Particularly, women and minorities will be underrepresented for years to come. As one means of solving this shortage, Federal agencies facing future scientific and technological challenges were asked to participate in the Summer High School Apprenticeship Research Program (SHARP). This program was created 4 years ago to provide an engineering experience for gifted female and minority high school students at an age when they could still make career and education decisions. The SHARP Program is designed for high school juniors (women and minorities) who are U.S. citizens, are 16 years old, and who have unusually high promise in mathematics and science through outstanding academic performance in high school. Students who are accepted into this summer program will earn as they learn by working 8 hours a day in a 5-day work week. This work-study program features weekly field trips, lectures and written reports, and job experience related to the student's career interests.

Powell, P.↗

Perspectives on energy storage wheels for space station application

Several of the issues of the workshop are addressed from the perspective of a potential Space Station developer and energy wheel user. Systems' considerations are emphasized rather than component technology. The potential of energy storage wheel (ESW) concept is discussed. The current status of the technology base is described. Justification for advanced technology development is also discussed. The study concludes that energy storage in wheels is an attractive concept for immediate technology development and future Space Station application.

Oglevie, R. E.↗

CELSS Transportation Analysis

Regenerative life support systems based on the use of biological material was considered for inclusion in manned spacecraft. Biological life support systems are developed in the controlled ecological life support system (CELSS) program. Because of the progress achieved in the CELSS program, it is determined which space missions may profit from use of the developing technology. Potential transportation cost savings by using CELSS technology for selected future manned space missions was evaluated. Six representative missions were selected which ranged from a low Earth orbit mission to those associated with asteroids and a Mars sortie. The crew sizes considered varied from four persons to five thousand. Other study parameters included mission duration and life support closure percentages, with the latter ranging from complete resupply of consumable life support materials to 97% closure of the life support system. The analytical study approach and the missions and systems considered, together with the benefits derived from CELSS when applicable are described.

Olson, R. L.↗

Technology requirements to be addressed by the NASA Lewis Research Center Cryogenic Fluid Management Facility program

The NASA Lewis Research Center is responsible for the planning and execution of a scientific program which will provide advance in space cryogenic fluid management technology. A number of future space missions were identified that require or could benefit from this technology. These fluid management technology needs were prioritized and a shuttle attached reuseable test bed, the cryogenic fluid management facility (CFMF), is being designed to provide the experimental data necessary for the technology development effort.

Aydelott, J. C.↗

CELSS transportation analysis

The results of a study conducted in order to estimate where potential transportation cost savings can be anticipated by using CELSS technology for selected future manned space missions, are presented. Six manned missions ranging from a low earth orbit mission to those associated with asteroids and a Mars sortie are selected from NASA planning forecasts for study during an analysis of the transportation system. Several environmental control and life-support systems which are used in developing life-support closure scenarios are investigated for estimates of weight, volume, and power requirements. It is shown that when the scenarios are combined with the transportation analysis, mission life-support cost estimates are provided.

Olson, R. L.↗

Technology requirements to be addressed by the NASA Lewis Research Center Cryogenic Fluid Management Facility program

The NASA Lewis Research Center is responsible for the planning and execution of a scientific program which will provide advance in space cryogenic fluid management technology. A number of future space missions were identified that require or could benefit from this technology. These fluid management technology needs were prioritized and a shuttle attached reuseable test bed, the cryogenic fluid management facility (CFMF), is being designed to provide the experimental data necessary for the technology development effort.

Aydelott, J. C.↗

A technique for incorporating the NASA spacelab payload dedicated experiment processor software into the simulation system for the payload crew training complex

The feasibility of some off-the-shelf microprocessors and state-of-art software is assessed (1) as a development system for the principle investigator (pi) in the design of the experiment model, (2) as an example of available technology application for future PI's experiments, (3) as a system capable of being interactive in the PCTC's simulation of the dedicated experiment processor (DEP), preferably by bringing the PI's DEP software directly into the simulation model, (4) as a system having bus compatibility with host VAX simulation computers, (5) as a system readily interfaced with mock-up panels and information displays, and (6) as a functional system for post mission data analysis.

Bremmer, D. A.↗

ACTS Experiments Program

An overview of the ACTS Experiments Program is presented. ACTS is being developed and will flight test the advanced technologies associated with: a Ka-band multibeam antenna, onboard signal processing and switching as well as laser communications. A nominal 3 yr experiments program is planned. Through the experiments program, the capabilities of the ACTS system will be made available to U.S. industry, university and government experimenters to test, prove the feasibility and evaluate the key ACTS system technologies. Communication modes of operation using the baseband processor and microwave switch matrix are presented, along with the antenna coverage pattern. Potential experiment categories are also presented and briefly discussed. An overall schedule of activities associated with the experiments program is outlined. Results of the ACTS Experiments Program will provide information vital to successful industry implementation of ACTS technology in a future operational system.

Schertler, R. J.↗

Current status of advanced solar array technology development

This paper describes the current status of the JPL high performance solar array development program. Recent progress in solar cell, blanket and structure technologies is described. Future plans for integrating this work are discussed. The impact of the Mariner Mark II mission set on the future direction taken by this development program is assessed.

Scott-Monck, J.↗

Opportunities for PV applications

Workshop members devoted the majority of time to discussing future prospects for technology support of photovoltaic applications. Photovoltaics has provided power for almost every spacecraft launched in the free world in the last 25 years. Over this time, photovoltaics has demonstrated impressive growth in power level, operating lifetime and specific power (W/kg and W/square m). Yet, the current attitude toward this reliable form of space power generation is likely to preclude further dramatic performance gains.

Scott-Monck, John A.↗

Communications satellites in the fiber optics era

Three new satellite technologies, i.e., electronically hopped antenna beams, on-board switching, and laser intersatellite links, will soon be tested on experimental satellites. These technologies will enable future satellites to capture significant amounts of data and voice traffic. Fiber cables on the continents will dominate trunking routes, but satellites functioning as switches will be more flexible and reliable, and will cost less than terrestrial-based switches. When satellite switches and laser intersatellite links are combined, the resulting satellite networks will provide cost-effective, independent voice/data networks in the coming global village. They will augment existing terrestrial networks for thin route and low data rate links.

Lovell, R. R.↗

Computational Fluid Dynamics: Past, Present, And Future

Paper reviews development of computational fluid dynamics and explores future prospects of technology. Report covers such topics as computer technology, turbulence, development of solution methodology, developemnt of algorithms, definition of flow geometries, generation of computational grids, and pre- and post-data processing.

Kutler, Paul↗

Design and experimental evaluation of a swept supercritical Laminar Flow Control (LFC) airfoil

A large chord swept supercritical laminar flow control (LFC) airfoil was designed, constructed, and tested in the NASA Langley 8-ft Transonic Pressure Tunnel (TPT). The LFC airfoil experiment was established to provide basic information concerning the design and compatibility of high-performance supercritical airfoils with suction boundary layer control achieved through discrete fine slots or porous surface concepts. It was aimed at validating prediction techniques and establishing a technology base for future transport designs and drag reduction. Good agreement was obtained between measured and theoretically designed shockless pressure distributions. Suction laminarization was maintained over an extensive supercritical zone up to high Reynolds numbers before transition gradually moved forward. Full-chord laminar flow was maintained on the upper and lower surfaces at M sub infinity = 0.82 up to R sub c is less than or equal to 12 x 10 to the 6th power. When accounting for both the suction and wake drag, the total drag could be reducted by at least one-half of that for an equivalent turbulent airfoil. Specific objectives for the LFC experiment are given.

Harvey, W. D.↗