NC Space Grant News Archives National Space Grant Presents to Obama Transition Team - 08 Jan 2009 The Obama Transition team invited the National Space Grant Program to DC to give an overview to the team. State directors Yervant Terzian (New York), Mary Sandy (Virginia), Luke Flynn (Hawaii), Bill Hiscock (Montana) and Chris Koehler (Colorado, and Council Chair) worked to assemble the documentation, which is available in PDF format here (2.04MB). NC Space Grant Student's Work on NOVA Episode - 05 Dec 2008 Footage shot by NC Space Grant undergraduate Zena Cardman will be part of a NOVA episode about the Phoenix Lander. She filmed a series of interviews with Dr. Chris McKay of NASA Ames while on Axel Heiberg Island in the high Canadian Arctic, studying some unusual perennial springs. The episode will air nationally on the PBS series NOVA on Tuesday, December 30th. NC Space Grant Students Present at SNCURCS - 02 Dec 2008 The North Carolina Space Grant was well represented at the State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium, held November 22 at Appalachian State University. Of 246 students making poster & oral presentations, 37 were from NC Space Grant universities. Photos from the weekend are available here. UNC-Chapel Hill Physics/Astronomy Student Honored by NASA - 10 Nov 2008 Congratulations to Rebecca Holmes of UNC-Chapel Hill for being selected to attend the opening ceremonies of the International Year of Astronomy event in Paris in January 2009. This is a great honor and achievement! Rebecca is one of forty-six undergraduate and graduate students selected to represent NASA in their local communities as recipients of the agency's International Year of Astronomy (IYA) Student Ambassadors Program. Only two students were chosen to attend the opening ceremonies of an IYA event in Paris in January 2009.

Aero/Space News Changing Sea Ice along the Antarctic Peninsula   09 Jan 2009 - NASA Earth Observatory Changing weather conditions left their mark on sea ice along the Antarctic Peninsula in late 2008 and early 2009. In mid-December 2008, melt water resting on the sea ice colored it sky blue. At the beginning of 2009, however, the sea ice appeared snowy white, and cracks had begun along the ice margin. More names mentioned for NASA post   09 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com President-elect Barack Obama's transition team is vetting a handful of potential replacements for NASA Administrator Michael Griffin, including Earth scientist Charles Kennel, sources tell Space.com. DLR Scholarship For Interdisciplinary Space Research   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Bonn, Germany (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - The 'SpaceLife' programme of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum fur Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) is the winning entry in response to a call for proposals by the Helmholtz Association (Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft) for research scholarship programmes for early-stage researchers, beating competing entries from other Helmholtz Centres. Hubble Images Galactic Core in Unprecedented New Detail   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Baltimore MD (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - This composite color infrared image of the center of our Milky Way galaxy reveals a new population of massive stars and new details in complex structures in the hot ionized gas swirling around the central 300 light-years. Human Spaceflight To Mars Proposed Using Combination Of Space Shuttles   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Hartford CT (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - Veteran inventor, business pioneer, futurist, and entrepreneur, Eric Knight, unveiled today his concept to enable the human exploration of Mars in a handful of years - instead of the 20-year timetable proposed by NASA and other space authorities. Jupiter-Like Planets Could Form Around Twin Suns   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Rochester NY (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - Life on a planet ruled by two suns might be a little complicated. Two sunrises, two sunsets. Twice the radiation field. Lunar Rock-Like Material May Someday House Moon Colonies   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Blacksburg VA (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - Dwellings in colonies on the moon one day may be built with new, highly durable bricks developed by students from the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech. Spacehab To Support Pre-Launch Preparations For Russian Module   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Houston TX (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - Spacehab, has reached an agreement in principal with RSC Energia, Russia's largest manufacturer of aerospace and space equipment, to provide facilities and support services for its Mini Research Module (MRM1). Star Light, Star Bright, Its Explanation Is Out Of Sight   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Baltimore MD (SPX) Jan 09, 2009 - A mysterious flash of light from somewhere near or far in the universe is still keeping astronomers in the dark long after it was first detected by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope in 2006. It might represent an entirely new class of stellar phenomena that has previously gone undetected in the universe, say researchers. Study: Pebbles can move against wind   09 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Calgary, Alberta (UPI) Jan 8, 2009 - Pebbles that become part of clastic rocks in places like Arizona's Lower Antelope Canyon don't move with the wind but against it, a geosciences professor said. Moon buggy to debut in inaugural parade   09 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Before it gets to space, a moon buggy will make history by being the first to boogie along an inaugural parade. Scientists learn to live on moon dirt   08 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com On the slopes of Hawaii's Mauna Kea volcano , scientists are testing methods for producing fuel, water and oxygen from lunar soil and rock. Giant planets have to grow up fast   08 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Compared to small, rocky worlds like Earth, Jupiter-class gas giant planets form quickly or not at all, a new study shows. TierneyLab: The Pluto Files   08 Jan 2009 - NYT > Space & Cosmos - Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company Neil deGrasse Tyson has a new book out about Pluto, but it’s still not a planet. Wind turbine whips up UFO buzz in Britain   08 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: Take one wrecked wind turbine, add several eyewitness reports about lights in the sky, and you have a rip-roaring UFO sensation in Britain. Windows 7 beta available worldwide on Friday   08 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Las Vegas (AFP) Jan 8, 2009 - Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer announced Wednesday that a test version of the US software titan's Windows 7 operating system will be available worldwide on Friday. France to supply technology for Vietnam satellite: state media   08 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Hanoi (AFP) Jan 8, 2009 - Vietnam has chosen France to supply the technology for its second satellite, state media reported Thursday. First asteroids found with Earthlike crust   08 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com College Park, Md. (UPI) Jan 8, 2009 - Two meteorites found in Antarctica are from an asteroid with an outer layer or crust similar to the Earth's continents, U.S. scientists said Thursday. Loud noise permeates cosmos, NASA says   08 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Greenbelt, Md. (UPI) Jan 8, 2009 - A mysterious extra-loud radio noise permeates the universe, preventing astronomers from observing heat from the first stars, U.S. scientists at NASA said. Wall crumbling between televisions and computers   08 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Las Vegas (AFP) Jan 8, 2009 - The wall between televisions and computers is crumbling and Internet pioneer Yahoo! is swinging a virtual hammer. Sony debuts pocket-sized notebook computer   08 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Las Vegas (AFP) Jan 7, 2009 - Japanese electronics giant Sony on Wednesday debuted a powerful, fashionable notebook computer small enough to fit in a purse or suit jacket. National Space Grant Presents to Obama Transition Team   08 Jan 2009 - NC Space Grant The Obama Transition team invited the National Space Grant Program to DC to give an overview to the team. State directors Yervant Terzian (New York), Mary Sandy (Virginia), Luke Flynn (Hawaii), Bill Hiscock (Montana) and Chris Koehler (Colorado, and Council Chair) worked to assemble the documentation, which is available in PDF format here (2.04MB). Earthquake Swarm in Yellowstone Park   08 Jan 2009 - NASA Earth Observatory Between December 26, 2008, and January 6, 2009, several hundred small earthquakes rumbled beneath Yellowstone Lake in northern Wyoming. Mysterious space boom detected   08 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Astronomers detect a strange radio noise from the distant cosmos. We Have a Long Way to Go - Presentation by NASA Administrator Mike Griffin to the Space Transportation Association 8 January 2009   08 Jan 2009 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Last year, I addressed the considerations governing the design of NASA's Constellation architecture. However, judging by the many questions I receive on the topic, I didn't do a very good job, so I will try again today. NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 8 January 2009   08 Jan 2009 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery to Move to Launch Pad Wednesday   08 Jan 2009 - NASA Breaking News Space shuttle Discovery is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday, Jan. 14, as preparations for the STS-119 mission move forward. Rolling to the Start   08 Jan 2009 - NASA Image of the Day Space shuttle Discovery rolled out of Orbiter Processing Facility 3 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on its way to the Vehicle Assembly Building (in the... New NASA Balloon Successfully Flight-Tested Over Antarctica   08 Jan 2009 - NASA Breaking News NASA and the National Science Foundation have successfully launched and demonstrated a newly designed super pressure balloon prototype that may enable a new era of high-altitude scientific research. Japan to track greenhouse gases from space   07 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Japan's space agency will launch a satellite later this month to monitor greenhouse gases around the world, officials said Wednesday. Japan to monitor greenhouse gases from space   07 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Japan's space agency will launch a satellite later this month to monitor greenhouse gases around the world, officials said Wednesday. Theory Ties Radio Signal to Universe's First Stars   07 Jan 2009 - NYT > Space & Cosmos - Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company A mysterious radio static that seems to pervade the universe has astronomers theorizing as to its source. Thompson Files: F-22 deterrent   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Arlington VA (UPI) Jan 6, 2009 - Lockheed Martin Chief Executive Officer Robert J. Stevens made waves in the media recently by suggesting his company's F-22 fighter might serve as a substitute for nuclear weapons in deterring aggression. A Change Of Seasons On Mars   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Pasadena CA (JPL) Jan 08, 2009 - Summer turned to autumn for the Phoenix Mars Lander on December 26, 2008. This image, taken on December 21 by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, shows the lander during the last waning days of northern hemisphere summer. Ariancespace Celebrates Year Of Successes   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Evry, France (SPX) Jan 08, 2009 - Arianespace confirmed its position as the world's leading launch Service and Solutions company in 2008, and is actively gearing up for 2009 with its expanded family of launchers. Cassiopeia A Comes Alive Across Time And Space   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Huntsville AL (SPX) Jan 07, 2009 - Two new efforts have taken a famous supernova remnant from the static to the dynamic. A new movie of data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory shows changes in time never seen before in this type of object. A separate team will also release a dramatic three-dimensional visualization of the same remnant. Fermi Telescope Unveils A Dozen New Pulsars   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Greenbelt MD (SPX) Jan 08, 2009 - NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has discovered 12 new gamma-ray-only pulsars and has detected gamma-ray pulses from 18 others. The finds are transforming our understanding of how these stellar cinders work. ISRO To Launch Four Foreign Satellites This Year   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Bangalore (PTI) Jan 08, 2009 - Indian Space Research Organisation will launch four foreign satellites this year as it seeks to make further inroads into the international satellite-building and launch services market in 2009. Indian Farmers To Consult Scientists Via Satellite   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Shillong (PTI) Jan 08, 2009 - Farmers of Northeast can now interact with top scientists of the country and seek solutions to their problems related to farming, market, health and weather dynamics from their nearest Village Resource Centres (VRC). Kogod Students Pioneer Branding Potential Of International Space Station   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Washington DC (SPX) Jan 08, 2009 - A Kogod consulting practicum spent the fall investigating whether the U.S. portion of the International Space Station (ISS), set for completion in 2010, might provide branding opportunities. The three second-year MBA students presented their recommendations to NASA on Dec. 11. Milky Way bigger, denser than thought   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Long Beach CA (UPI) Jan 5, 2009 - The Milky Way galaxy is 15 percent larger and 50 percent denser than scientists previously thought, findings presented in California Monday found. NASA Seeks Concept Proposals For Ares V Heavy Lift Rocket   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Washington DC (SPX) Jan 08, 2009 - NASA has issued a request for proposal for the Ares V rocket that will perform heavy lift and cargo functions as part of the next generation of spacecraft that will return humans to the moon. The request is for Phase I concept definition and requirements development for the Ares V rocket. Proposals are due to NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., no later than 1 p.m. CDT on Feb. 9. Physicist Offers Foundation For Uprooting A Hallowed Principle Of Physics   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Bloomington IN (SPX) Jan 08, 2009 - Physicists at Indiana University have developed a promising new way to identify a possible abnormality in a fundamental building block of Einstein's theory of relativity known as 'Lorentz invariance.' If confirmed, the abnormality would disprove the basic tenet that the laws of physics remain the same for any two objects traveling at a constant speed or rotated relative to one another. Sagittarius offers planet clues   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Rochester, N.Y. (UPI) Jan 6, 2009 - U.S. astronomers say planets may be able to form around certain types of binary star systems. Study Reveals Hazards Of Severe Space Weather   07 Jan 2009 - Space News From SpaceDaily.Com Washington DC (SPX) Jan 08, 2009 - A NASA-funded study describes how extreme solar eruptions could have severe consequences for communications, power grids and other technology on Earth. Runaway stars go ballistic   07 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com New images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope reveal 14 young, runaway stars plowing through regions of dense interstellar gas, creating brilliant arrowhead structures and trailing tails of glowing gas. Earth life headed for Mars moon   07 Jan 2009 - MSNBC.com: Space - Copyright 2009 msnbc.com Russia is pushing forward on a robotic mission to Mars dubbed Phobos-Grunt — now seemingly on a countdown clock that ticks away for an October launch. Rotorcraft Technology for HALE Aeroelastic Analysis   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Much of technology needed for analysis of HALE nonlinear aeroelastic problems is available from rotorcraft methodologies. Consequence of similarities in operating environment and aerodynamic surface configuration. Technology available - theory developed, validated by comparison with test data, incorporated into rotorcraft codes.... Advanced Land Imager Assessment System   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Advanced Land Imager Assessment System (ALIAS) supports radiometric and geometric image processing for the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) instrument onboard NASA s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite. ALIAS consists of two processing subsystems for radiometric and geometric processing of the ALI s multispectral imagery. The radiometric processing subsystem characterizes and corrects, where possible, radiometric qualities including: coherent, impulse; and random noise; signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs); detector operability; gain; bias; saturation levels; striping and banding; and the stability of detector performance.... Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A scheme for protection against short circuits has been devised for series strings of lithium electrochemical cells that contain built-in short-circuit protection devices, which go into a high-resistance, current-limiting state when heated by excessive current. If cells are simply connected in a long series string to obtain a high voltage and a short circuit occurs, whichever short-circuit protection device trips first is exposed to nearly the full string voltage, which, typically, is large enough to damage the device. Depending on the specific cell design, the damage can defeat the protective function, cause a dangerous internal short circuit in the affected cell, and/or cascade to other cells.... HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 Compatibility Library   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 Compatibility Library contains C-language functions that provide uniform access to HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 files through one set of application programming interface (API) calls. ('HDFEOS 2' and 'HDF-EOS 5' are defined in the immediately preceding article.) Without this library, differences between the APIs of HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 would necessitate writing of different programs to cover HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5. The API associated with this library is denoted 'he25.' For nearly every HDF-EOS 5 API call, there is a corresponding he25 API call. If a file in question is in the HDF-EOS 5 format, the code reverts to the corresponding HDF-EOS 5 call; if the file is in the HDF-EOS 2 format, the code translates the arguments to HDF-EOS 2 equivalents (if necessary), calls the HDFEOS 2 call, and retranslates the results back to HDF-EOS 5 (if necessary).... Radio Ranging System for Guidance of Approaching Spacecraft   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A radio communication and ranging system has been proposed for determining the relative position and orientations of two approaching spacecraft to provide guidance for docking maneuvers. On Earth, the system could be used similarly for guiding approaching aircraft and for automated positioning of large, heavy objects. In principle, the basic idea is to (1) measure distances between radio transceivers on the two spacecraft and (2) compute the relative position and orientations from the measured distances.... Specialized Color Function for Display of Signed Data   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: This Mathematica script defines a color function to be used with Mathematica's plotting modules for differentiating data attaining both positive and negative values. Positive values are shown as shades of blue, and negative values are shown in red. The intensity of the color reflects the absolute value of the data value.... Delivering Alert Messages to Members of a Work Force   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Global Alert Resolution Network (GARNET) is a software system for delivering emergency alerts as well as less-urgent messages to members of the Goddard Space Flight Center work force via an intranet or the Internet, and can be adapted to similar use in other large organizations.... Nonventing, Regenerable, Lightweight Heat Absorber   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A lightweight, regenerable heat absorber (RHA), developed for rejecting metabolic heat from a space suit, may also be useful on Earth for short-term cooling of heavy protective garments. Unlike prior space-suit-cooling systems, a system that includes this RHA does not vent water. The closed system contains water reservoirs, tubes through which water is circulated to absorb heat, an evaporator, and an absorber/radiator.... Multibeam Altimeter Navigation Update Using Faceted Shape Model   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A method of incorporating information, acquired by a multibeam laser or radar altimeter system, pertaining to the distance and direction between the system and a nearby target body, into an estimate of the state of a vehicle upon which the system is mounted, involves the use of a faceted model to represent the shape of the target body. Fundamentally, what one seeks to measure is the distance from the vehicle to the target body.... Delivering Images for Mars Rover Science Planning   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A methodology has been developed for delivering, via the Internet, images transmitted to Earth from cameras on the Mars Explorer Rovers, the Phoenix Mars Lander, the Mars Science Laboratory, and the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft. The images in question are used by geographically dispersed scientists and engineers in planning Rover scientific activities and Rover maneuvers pertinent thereto.... Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A room-temperature electrocatalytic process that effects the overall chemical reaction CO2 + 2H2O yields CH4 + 2O2 has been investigated as a means of removing carbon dioxide from air and restoring oxygen to the air. The process was originally intended for use in a spacecraft life-support system, in which the methane would be vented to outer space. The process may also have potential utility in terrestrial applications in which either or both of the methane and oxygen produced might be utilized or vented to the atmosphere.... FPGA Coprocessor for Accelerated Classification of Images   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An effort related to that described in the preceding article focuses on developing a spaceborne processing platform for fast and accurate onboard classification of image data, a critical part of modern satellite image processing. The approach again has been to exploit the versatility of recently developed hybrid Virtex-4FX field-programmable gate array (FPGA) to run diverse science applications on embedded processors while taking advantage of the reconfigurable hardware resources of the FPGAs. In this case, the FPGA serves as a coprocessor that implements legacy C-language support-vector-machine (SVM) image-classification algorithms to detect and identify natural phenomena such as flooding, volcanic eruptions, and sea-ice break-up.... Heterogeneous Superconducting Low-Noise Sensing Coils   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A heterogeneous material construction has been devised for sensing coils of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometers that are subject to a combination of requirements peculiar to some advanced applications, notably including low-field magnetic resonance imaging for medical diagnosis. The requirements in question are the following: The sensing coils must be large enough (in some cases having dimensions of as much as tens of centimeters) to afford adequate sensitivity; The sensing coils must be made electrically superconductive to eliminate Johnson noise (thermally induced noise proportional to electrical resistance); and Although the sensing coils must be cooled to below their superconducting- transition temperatures with sufficient cooling power to overcome moderate ambient radiative heat leakage, they must not be immersed in cryogenic liquid baths. For a given superconducting sensing coil, this combination of requirements can be satisfied by providing a sufficiently thermally conductive link between the coil and a cold source.... Progress toward Making Epoxy/Carbon-Nanotube Composites   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A modicum of progress has been made in an effort to exploit single-walled carbon nanotubes as fibers in epoxy-matrix/fiber composite materials. Two main obstacles to such use of carbon nanotubes are the following: (1) bare nanotubes are not soluble in epoxy resins and so they tend to agglomerate instead of becoming dispersed as desired; and (2) because of lack of affinity between nanotubes and epoxy matrices, there is insufficient transfer of mechanical loads between the nanotubes and the matrices. Part of the effort reported here was oriented toward (1) functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with methyl methacrylate (MMA) to increase their dispersability in epoxy resins and increase transfer of mechanical loads and (2) ultrasonic dispersion of the functionalized nanotubes in tetrahydrofuran, which was used as an auxiliary solvent to aid in dispersing the functionalized nanotubes into a epoxy resin.... 'Bootstrap' Configuration for Multistage Pulse-Tube Coolers   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A bootstrap configuration has been proposed for multistage pulse-tube coolers that, for instance, provide final-stage cooling to temperatures as low as 20 K. The bootstrap configuration supplants the conventional configuration, in which customarily the warm heat exchangers of all stages reject heat at ambient temperature. In the bootstrap configuration, the warm heat exchanger, the inertance tube, and the reservoir of each stage would be thermally anchored to the cold heat exchanger of the next warmer stage. The bootstrapped configuration is superior to the conventional setup, in some cases increasing the 20 K cooler's coefficient of performance two-fold over that of an otherwise equivalent conventional layout.... Miniature High-Force, Long-Stroke SMA Linear Actuators   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Improved long-stroke shape-memory-alloy (SMA) linear actuators are being developed to exert significantly higher forces and operate at higher activation temperatures than do prior SMA actuators. In these actuators, long linear strokes are achieved through the principle of displacement multiplication, according to which there are multiple stages, each intermediate stage being connected by straight SMA wire segments to the next stage so that relative motions of stages are additive toward the final stage, which is the output stage. Prior SMA actuators typically include polymer housings or shells, steel or aluminum stages, and polymer pads between successive stages of displacement-multiplication assemblies.... MODIS Atmospheric Data Handler   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Atmosphere Data Handler software converts the HDF data to ASCII format, and outputs: (1) atmospheric profiles of temperature and dew point and (2) total precipitable water. Quality-control data are also considered in the export procedure.... XML DTD and Schemas for HDF-EOS   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An Extensible Markup Language (XML) document type definition (DTD) standard for the structure and contents of HDF-EOS files and their contents, and an equivalent standard in the form of schemas, have been developed.... Spaceborne Hybrid-FPGA System for Processing FTIR Data   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Progress has been made in a continuing effort to develop a spaceborne computer system for processing readout data from a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer to reduce the volume of data transmitted to Earth. The approach followed in this effort, oriented toward reducing design time and reducing the size and weight of the spectrometer electronics, has been to exploit the versatility of recently developed hybrid field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) to run diverse software on embedded processors while also taking advantage of the reconfigurable hardware resources of the FPGAs.... Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The term 'electromagnetically clean solar array' ('EMCSA') refers to a panel that contains a planar array of solar photovoltaic cells and that, in comparison with a functionally equivalent solar-array panel of a type heretofore used on spacecraft, (1) exhibits less electromagnetic interferences to and from other nearby electrical and electronic equipment and (2) can be manufactured at lower cost. The reduction of electromagnetic interferences is effected through a combination of (1) electrically conductive, electrically grounded shielding and (2) reduction of areas of current loops (in order to reduce magnetic moments). The reduction of cost is effected by designing the array to be fabricated as a more nearly unitary structure, using fewer components and fewer process steps.... Deployable Crew Quarters   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The deployable crew quarters (DCQ) have been designed for the International Space Station (ISS). Each DCQ would be a relatively inexpensive, deployable boxlike structure that is designed to fit in a rack bay. It is to be occupied by one crewmember to provide privacy and sleeping functions for the crew.... Spatial and Temporal Low-Dimensional Models for Fluid Flow   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A document discusses work that obtains a low-dimensional model that captures both temporal and spatial flow by constructing spatial and temporal four-mode models for two classic flow problems. The models are based on the proper orthogonal decomposition at two reference Reynolds numbers. Model predictions are made at an intermediate Reynolds number and compared with direct numerical simulation results at the new Reynolds number.... Reducing Liquid Loss during Ullage Venting in Microgravity   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A centripetal-force-based liquid/gas separator has been proposed as a means of reducing the loss of liquid during venting of the ullage of a tank in microgravity as a new supply of liquid is pumped into the tank. Centripetal-force-based liquid/gas separators are used on Earth, where mechanical drives (e.g., pumps and spinners) are used to impart flow speeds sufficient to generate centripetal forces large enough to effect separation of liquids from gases. For the proposed application, the separator would be designed so that there would be no need for such a pump because the tank-pressure-induced outflow speed during venting of the ullage would be sufficient for centripetal separation.... Simulating Attitudes and Trajectories of Multiple Spacecraft   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computer program called '42' simulates the attitudes and trajectories of multiple spacecraft flying in formation anywhere in the Solar System.... Oxide Fiber Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Cells   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: LiCoO2 and LiNiO2 fibers have been investigated as alternatives to LiCoO2 and LiNiO2 powders used as lithium-intercalation compounds in cathodes of rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical cells. In making such a cathode, LiCoO2 or LiNiO2 powder is mixed with a binder [e.g., poly(vinylidene fluoride)] and an electrically conductive additive (usually carbon) and the mixture is pressed to form a disk. The binder and conductive additive contribute weight and volume, reducing the specific energy and energy density, respectively.... Crew Activity Analyzer   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The crew activity analyzer (CAA) is a system of electronic hardware and software for automatically identifying patterns of group activity among crew members working together in an office, cockpit, workshop, laboratory, or other enclosed space. The CAA synchronously records multiple streams of data from digital video cameras, wireless microphones, and position sensors, then plays back and processes the data to identify activity patterns specified by human analysts. The processing greatly reduces the amount of time that the analysts must spend in examining large amounts of data, enabling the analysts to concentrate on subsets of data that represent activities of interest.... Distributing Data to Hand-Held Devices in a Wireless Network   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: ADROIT is a developmental computer program for real-time distribution of complex data streams for display on Web-enabled, portable terminals held by members of an operational team of a spacecraft-command-and-control center who may be located away from the center. Examples of such terminals include personal data assistants, laptop computers, and cellular telephones. ADROIT would make it unnecessary to equip each terminal with platform- specific software for access to the data streams or with software that implements the information-sharing protocol used to deliver telemetry data to clients in the center.... System for Removing Pollutants from Incinerator Exhaust   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A system for removing pollutants -- primarily sulfur dioxide and mixed oxides of nitrogen (NOx) -- from incinerator exhaust has been demonstrated. The system is also designed secondarily to remove particles, hydrocarbons, and CO. The system is intended for use in an enclosed environment, for which a prior NOx-and-SO2-removal system designed for industrial settings would not be suitable.... HDF-EOS 5 Validator   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computer program partly automates the task of determining whether an HDF-EOS 5 file is valid in that it conforms to specifications for such characteristics as attribute names, dimensionality of data products, and ranges of legal data values. ['HDF-EOS' and variants thereof are defined in 'Converting EOS Data From HDF-EOS to netCDF' (GSC-15007-1), which is the first of several preceding articles in this issue of NASA Tech Briefs.] Previously, validity of a file was determined in a tedious and error-prone process in which a person examined human-readable dumps of data-file-format information. The present software helps a user to encode the specifications for an HDFEOS 5 file, and then inspects the file for conformity with the specifications: First, the user writes the specifications in Extensible Markup Language (XML) by use of a document type definition (DTD) that is part of the program. Next, the portion of the program (denoted the validator) that performs the inspection is executed, using, as inputs, the specifications in XML and the HDF-EOS 5 file to be validated.... HDF-EOS Web Server   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A shell script has been written as a means of automatically making HDF-EOS-formatted data sets available via the World Wide Web. ('HDF-EOS' and variants thereof are defined in the first of the two immediately preceding articles.) The shell script chains together some software tools developed by the Data Usability Group at Goddard Space Flight Center to perform the following actions: Extract metadata in Object Definition Language (ODL) from an HDF-EOS file, Convert the metadata from ODL to Extensible Markup Language (XML), Reformat the XML metadata into human-readable Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Publish the HTML metadata and the original HDF-EOS file to a Web server and an Open-source Project for a Network Data Access Protocol (OPeN-DAP) server computer, and Reformat the XML metadata and submit the resulting file to the EOS Clearinghouse, which is a Web-based metadata clearinghouse that facilitates searching for, and exchange of, Earth-Science data.... Demisable Reaction-Wheel Assembly   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A document discusses the concept of a demisable motor-drive-and-flywheel assembly [reaction-wheel assembly (RWA)] used in controlling the attitude of a spacecraft. Demisable as used here does not have its traditional legal meaning; instead, it signifies susceptible to melting, vaporizing, and/or otherwise disintegrating during re-entry of the spacecraft into the atmosphere of the Earth so as not to pose a hazard to anyone or anything on the ground. Prior RWAs include parts made of metals (e.g., iron, steel, and titanium) that melt at high temperatures and include structures of generally closed character that shield some parts (e.g., magnets) against re-entry heating.... Replication of Space-Shuttle Computers in FPGAs and ASICs   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A document discusses the replication of the functionality of the onboard space-shuttle general-purpose computers (GPCs) in field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The purpose of the replication effort is to enable utilization of proven space-shuttle flight software and software-development facilities to the extent possible during development of software for flight computers for a new generation of launch vehicles derived from the space shuttles. The replication involves specifying the instruction set of the central processing unit and the input/output processor (IOP) of the space-shuttle GPC in a hardware description language (HDL).... Reducing Surface Clutter in Cloud Profiling Radar Data   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An algorithm has been devised to reduce ground clutter in the data products of the CloudSat Cloud Profiling Radar (CPR), which is a nadir-looking radar instrument, in orbit around the Earth, that measures power backscattered by clouds as a function of distance from the instrument. Ground clutter contaminates the CPR data in the lowest 1 km of the atmospheric profile, heretofore making it impossible to use CPR data to satisfy the scientific interest in studying clouds and light rainfall at low altitude. The algorithm is based partly on the fact that the CloudSat orbit is such that the geodetic altitude of the CPR varies continuously over a range of approximately 25 km.... Ka-Band Transponder for Deep-Space Radio Science   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A one-page document describes a Ka-band transponder being developed for use in deep-space radio science. The transponder receives in the Deep Space Network (DSN) uplink frequency band of 34.2 to 34.7 GHz, transmits in the 31.8- to 32.3 GHz DSN downlink band, and performs regenerative ranging on a DSN standard 4-MHz ranging tone subcarrier phase-modulated onto the uplink carrier signal. A primary consideration in this development is reduction in size, relative to other such transponders.... SiC JFET Transistor Circuit Model for Extreme Temperature Range   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A technique for simulating extreme-temperature operation of integrated circuits that incorporate silicon carbide (SiC) junction field-effect transistors (JFETs) has been developed. The technique involves modification of NGSPICE, which is an open-source version of the popular Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) general-purpose analog-integrated-circuit-simulating software. NGSPICE in its unmodified form is used for simulating and designing circuits made from silicon-based transistors that operate at or near room temperature.... Logic Gates Made of N-Channel JFETs and Epitaxial Resistors   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Prototype logic gates made of n-channel junction field-effect transistors (JFETs) and epitaxial resistors have been demonstrated, with a view toward eventual implementation of digital logic devices and systems in silicon carbide (SiC) integrated circuits (ICs). This development is intended to exploit the inherent ability of SiC electronic devices to function at temperatures from 300 to somewhat above 500 C and withstand large doses of ionizing radiation. SiC-based digital logic devices and systems could enable operation of sensors and robots in nuclear reactors, in jet engines, near hydrothermal vents, and in other environments that are so hot or radioactive as to cause conventional silicon electronic devices to fail.... Predicting Properties of Unidirectional-Nanofiber Composites   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A theory for predicting mechanical, thermal, electrical, and other properties of unidirectional-nanofiber/matrix composite materials is based on the prior theory of micromechanics of composite materials. In the development of the present theory, the prior theory of micromechanics was extended, through progressive substructuring, to the level of detail of a nanoscale slice of a nanofiber. All the governing equations were then formulated at this level.... Range Imaging without Moving Parts   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Range-imaging instruments of a type now under development are intended to generate the equivalent of three-dimensional images from measurements of the round-trip times of flight of laser pulses along known directions. These instruments could also provide information on characteristics of targets, including roughnesses and reflectivities of surfaces and optical densities of such semi-solid objects as trees and clouds. Unlike in prior range-imaging instruments based on times of flight along known directions, there would be no moving parts; aiming of the laser beams along the known directions would not be accomplished by mechanical scanning of mirrors, prisms, or other optical components.... Converting EOS Data from HDF-EOS to netCDF   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A C-language computer program accepts, as input, a set of scientific data and metadata from an Earth Observing System (EOS) satellite and converts the set from (1) the format in which it was created and delivered to (2) another format for processing and exchange of data on Earth.... Converting from XML to HDF-EOS   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computer program recreates an HDF-EOS file from an Extensible Markup Language (XML) representation of the contents of that file. This program is one of two programs written to enable testing of the schemas described in the immediately preceding article to determine whether the schemas capture all details of HDF-EOS files.... Sealing and External Sterilization of a Sample Container   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A method of (1) sealing a sample of possibly biologically environment outer surface of the container, sealed container The method now proposed was originally to return samples be environments that contain some ... TDR Using Autocorrelation and Varying-Duration Pulses   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: In an alternative to a prior technique of time-domain-reflectometry (TDR) in which very short excitation pulses are used, the pulses have very short rise and fall times and the pulse duration is varied continuously between a minimum and a maximum value. In both the present and prior techniques, the basic idea is to (1) measure the times between the generation of excitation pulses and the reception of reflections of the pulses as indications of the locations of one or more defects along a cable and (2) measure the amplitudes of the reflections as indication of the magnitudes of the defects. In general, an excitation pulse has a duration T. Each leading and trailing edge of an excitation pulse generates a reflection from a defect, so that a unique pair of reflections is associated with each defect.... Communication Limits Due to Photon-Detector Jitter   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A theoretical and experimental study was conducted of the limit imposed by photon-detector jitter on the capacity of a pulse-position-modulated optical communication system in which the receiver operates in a photon-counting (weak-signal) regime. Photon-detector jitter is a random delay between impingement of a photon and generation of an electrical pulse by the detector. In the study, jitter statistics were computed from jitter measurements made on several photon detectors.... Update on Development of SiC Multi-Chip Power Modules   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Progress has been made in a continuing effort to develop multi-chip power modules (SiC MCPMs). This effort at an earlier stage was reported in 'SiC Multi-Chip Power Modules as Power-System Building Blocks' (LEW-18008-1), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 31, No. 2 (February 2007), page 28. The following recapitulation of information from the cited prior article is prerequisite to a meaningful summary of the progress made since then: 1) SiC MCPMs are, more specifically, electronic power-supply modules containing multiple silicon carbide power integrated-circuit chips and silicon-on-insulator (SOI) control integrated-circuit chips.... NASA Tech Briefs, December 2008   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Topics covered include: Crew Activity Analyzer; Distributing Data to Hand-Held Devices in a Wireless Network; Reducing Surface Clutter in Cloud Profiling Radar Data; MODIS Atmospheric Data Handler; Multibeam Altimeter Navigation Update Using Faceted Shape Model; Spaceborne Hybrid-FPGA System for Processing FTIR Data; FPGA Coprocessor for Accelerated Classification of Images; SiC JFET Transistor Circuit Model for Extreme Temperature Range; TDR Using Autocorrelation and Varying-Duration Pulses; Update on Development of SiC Multi-Chip Power Modules; Radio Ranging System for Guidance of Approaching Spacecraft; Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays; Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series; Electromagnetically Clean Solar Arrays; Logic Gates Made of N-Channel JFETs and Epitaxial Resistors; Improved Short-Circuit Protection for Power Cells in Series; Communication Limits Due to Photon-Detector Jitter; System for Removing Pollutants from Incinerator Exhaust; Sealing and External Sterilization of a Sample Container; Converting EOS Data from HDF-EOS to netCDF; HDF-EOS 2 and HDF-EOS 5 Compatibility Library; HDF-EOS Web Server; HDF-EOS 5 Validator; XML DTD and Schemas for HDF-EOS; Converting from XML to HDF-EOS; Simulating Attitudes and Trajectories of Multiple Spacecraft; Specialized Color Function for Display of Signed Data; Delivering Alert Messages to Members of a Work Force; Delivering Images for Mars Rover Science Planning; Oxide Fiber Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Lithium Cells; Electrocatalytic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methane; Heterogeneous Superconducting Low-Noise Sensing Coils; Progress toward Making Epoxy/Carbon-Nanotube Composites; Predicting Properties of Unidirectional-Nanofiber Composites; Deployable Crew Quarters; Nonventing, Regenerable, Lightweight Heat Absorber; Miniature High-Force, Long-Stroke SMA Linear Actuators; 'Bootstrap' Configuration for Multistage Pulse-Tube Coolers; Reducing Liquid Loss during Ullage Venting in Microgravity; Ka-Band Transponder for Deep-Space Radio Science; Replication of Space-Shuttle Computers in FPGAs and ASICs; Demisable Reaction-Wheel Assembly; Spatial and Temporal Low-Dimensional Models for Fluid Flow; Advanced Land Imager Assessment System; Range Imaging without Moving Parts.... An ATP System for Deep-Space Optical Communication   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) system is proposed for aiming an optical-communications downlink laser beam from deep space. In providing for a direction reference, the concept exploits the mature technology of star trackers to eliminate the need for a costly and potentially hazardous laser beacon. The system would include one optical and two inertial sensors, each contributing primarily to a different portion of the frequency spectrum of the pointing signal: a star tracker (<10 Hz), a gyroscope (<50 Hz), and a precise fluid-rotor inertial angular-displacement sensor (sometimes called, simply, 'angle sensor') for the frequency range >50 Hz.... Control Architecture for Robotic Agent Command and Sensing   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Control Architecture for Robotic Agent Command and Sensing (CARACaS) is a recent product of a continuing effort to develop architectures for controlling either a single autonomous robotic vehicle or multiple cooperating but otherwise autonomous robotic vehicles. CARACaS is potentially applicable to diverse robotic systems that could include aircraft, spacecraft, ground vehicles, surface water vessels, and/or underwater vessels. CARACaS incudes an integral combination of three coupled agents: a dynamic planning engine, a behavior engine, and a perception engine.... SHINE Virtual Machine Model for In-flight Updates of Critical Mission Software   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: This software is a new target for the Spacecraft Health Inference Engine (SHINE) knowledge base that compiles a knowledge base to a language called Tiny C - an interpreted version of C that can be embedded on flight processors. This new target allows portions of a running SHINE knowledge base to be updated on a 'live' system without needing to halt and restart the containing SHINE application. This enhancement will directly provide this capability without the risk of software validation problems and can also enable complete integration of BEAM and SHINE into a single application.... Onboard Data Processor for Change-Detection Radar Imaging   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computer system denoted a change-detection onboard processor (CDOP) is being developed as a means of processing the digitized output of a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) apparatus aboard an aircraft or spacecraft to generate images showing changes that have occurred in the terrain below between repeat passes of the aircraft or spacecraft over the terrain. When fully developed, the CDOP is intended to be capable of generating SAR images and/or SAR differential interferograms in nearly real time. The CDOP is expected to be especially useful for understanding some large-scale natural phenomena and/or mitigating natural hazards: For example, it could be used for near-real-time observation of surface changes caused by floods, landslides, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, glaciers, and sea ice movements.... CO2 Sensors Based on Nanocrystalline SnO2 Doped with CuO   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Nanocrystalline tin oxide (SnO2) doped with copper oxide (CuO) has been found to be useful as an electrical-resistance sensory material for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide in air. SnO2 is an n-type semiconductor that has been widely used as a sensing material for detecting such reducing gases as carbon monoxide, some of the nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons. Without doping, SnO2 usually does not respond to carbon dioxide and other stable gases.... Hybrid Multifoil Aerogel Thermal Insulation   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: This innovation blends the merits of multifoil insulation (MFI) with aerogel-based insulation to develop a highly versatile, ultra-low thermally conductive material called hybrid multifoil aerogel thermal insulation (HyMATI). The density of the opacified aerogel is 240 mg/cm3 and has thermal conductivity in the 20 mW/mK range in high vacuum and 25 mW/mK in 1 atmosphere of gas (such as argon) up to 800 C. It is stable up to 1,000 C. This is equal to commercially available high-temperature thermal insulation. The thermal conductivity of the aerogel is 36 percent lower compared to several commercially available insulations when tested in 1 atmosphere of argon gas up to 800 C.... Expert System Control of Plant Growth in an Enclosed Space   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Expert System is an enclosed, controlled environment for growing plants, which incorporates a computerized, knowledge-based software program that is designed to capture the knowledge, experience, and problem-solving skills of one or more human experts in a particular discipline. The Expert System is trained to analyze crop/plant status, to monitor the condition of the plants and the environment, and to adjust operational parameters to optimize the plant-growth process. This system is intended to provide a way to remotely control plant growth with little or no human intervention.... Providing Internet Access to High-Resolution Mars Images   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The OnMars server is a computer program that provides Internet access to high-resolution Mars images, maps, and elevation data, all suitable for use in geographical information system (GIS) software for generating images, maps, and computational models of Mars. The OnMars server is an implementation of the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map Service (WMS) server. Unlike other Mars Internet map servers that provide Martian data using an Earth coordinate system, the OnMars WMS server supports encoding of data in Mars-specific coordinate systems.... Ensemble: an Architecture for Mission-Operations Software   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Ensemble is the name of an open architecture for, and a methodology for the development of, spacecraft mission operations software. Ensemble is also potentially applicable to the development of non-spacecraft mission-operations- type software. Ensemble capitalizes on the strengths of the open-source Eclipse software and its architecture to address several issues that have arisen repeatedly in the development of mission-operations software: Heretofore, mission-operations application programs have been developed in disparate programming environments and integrated during the final stages of development of missions.... Root Source Analysis/ValuStream[Trade Mark] - A Methodology for Identifying and Managing Risks   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Root Source Analysis (RoSA) is a systems engineering methodology that has been developed at NASA over the past five years. It is designed to reduce costs, schedule, and technical risks by systematically examining critical assumptions and the state of the knowledge needed to bring to fruition the products that satisfy mission-driven requirements, as defined for each element of the Work (or Product) Breakdown Structure (WBS or PBS). This methodology is sometimes referred to as the ValuStream method, as inherent in the process is the linking and prioritizing of uncertainties arising from knowledge shortfalls directly to the customer's mission driven requirements.... Virtual Satellite   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Virtual Satellite (VirtualSat) is a computer program that creates an environment that facilitates the development, verification, and validation of flight software for a single spacecraft or for multiple spacecraft flying in formation. In this environment, enhanced functionality and autonomy of navigation, guidance, and control systems of a spacecraft are provided by a virtual satellite that is, a computational model that simulates the dynamic behavior of the spacecraft. Within this environment, it is possible to execute any associated software, the development of which could benefit from knowledge of, and possible interaction (typically, exchange of data) with, the virtual satellite.... Mars Image Collection Mosaic Builder   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computer program assembles images from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) Mars Observer Camera Narrow Angle (MOCNA) collection to generate a uniform-high-resolution, georeferenced, uncontrolled mosaic image of the Martian surface. At the time of reporting the information for this article, the mosaic covered 7 percent of the Martian surface and contained data from more than 50,000 source images acquired under various light conditions at various resolutions.... Making Superconducting Welds between Superconducting Wires   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A technique for making superconducting joints between wires made of dissimilar superconducting metals has been devised. The technique is especially suitable for fabrication of superconducting circuits needed to support persistent electric currents in electromagnets in diverse cryogenic applications. Examples of such electromagnets include those in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and in superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs).... Coating Reduces Ice Adhesion   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Shuttle Ice Liberation Coating (SILC) has been developed to reduce the adhesion of ice to surfaces on the space shuttle. SILC, when coated on a surface (foam, metal, epoxy primer, polymer surfaces), will reduce the adhesion of ice by as much as 90 percent as compared to the corresponding uncoated surface. This innovation is a durable coating that can withstand several cycles of ice growth and removal without loss of anti-adhesion properties.... Bimaterial Thermal Compensators for WGM Resonators   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Bimaterial thermal compensators have been proposed as inexpensive means of preventing (to first order) or reducing temperature-related changes in the resonance frequencies of whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonators. A bimaterial compensator would apply, to a WGM resonator, a pressure that would slightly change the shape of the resonator and thereby change its resonance frequencies. Through suitable choice of the compensator dimensions and materials, it should be possible to make the temperature dependence of the pressure-induced frequency shift equal in magnitude and opposite in sign to the temperature dependence of the frequency shift of the uncompensated resonator so that, to first order, a change in temperature would cause zero net change in frequency.... Small-Body Extensions for the Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP)   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An extension to the SOAP software allows users to work with tri-axial ellipsoid-based representations of planetary bodies, primarily for working with small, natural satellites, asteroids, and comets. SOAP is a widely used tool for the visualization and analysis of space missions. The small body extension provides the same visualization and analysis constructs for use with small bodies.... The Interplanetary Overlay Networking Protocol Accelerator   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A document describes the Interplanetary Overlay Networking Protocol Accelerator (IONAC) an electronic apparatus, now under development, for relaying data at high rates in spacecraft and interplanetary radio-communication systems utilizing a delay-tolerant networking protocol. The protocol includes provisions for transmission and reception of data in bundles (essentially, messages), transfer of custody of a bundle to a recipient relay station at each step of a relay, and return receipts. Because of limitations on energy resources available for such relays, data rates attainable in a conventional software implementation of the protocol are lower than those needed, at any given reasonable energy-consumption rate.... Improved Airborne System for Sensing Wildfires   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Wildfire Airborne Sensing Program (WASP) is engaged in a continuing effort to develop an improved airborne instrumentation system for sensing wildfires. The system could also be used for other aerial-imaging applications, including mapping and military surveillance. Unlike prior airborne fire-detection instrumentation systems, the WASP system would not be based on custom-made multispectral line scanners and associated custom- made complex optomechanical servomechanisms, sensors, readout circuitry, and packaging.... Algorithm for Wavefront Sensing Using an Extended Scene   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A recently conceived algorithm for processing image data acquired by a Shack-Hartmann (SH) wavefront sensor is not subject to the restriction, previously applicable in SH wavefront sensing, that the image be formed from a distant star or other equivalent of a point light source. That is to say, the image could be of an extended scene. (One still has the option of using a point source.) The algorithm can be implemented in commercially available software on ordinary computers. The steps of the algorithm are the following: 1.... VHF Wide-Band, Dual-Polarization Microstrip-Patch Antenna   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The figure depicts selected aspects of a very-high-frequency (VHF) microstrip patch antenna designed and built to satisfy requirements specific to an airborne synthetic-aperture radar system for measuring the thickness of sea ice. One of the requirements is that the antenna be capable of functioning over the relatively wide frequency band of 127 to 172 MHz corresponding to a fractional bandwidth of about 30 percent relative to a nominal mid-band frequency of 149.5 MHz. Another requirement is that the antenna be capable of functioning in either or both of two orthogonal linear polarizations.... Scripting Module for the Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP)   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: This add-on module to the SOAP software can perform changes to simulation objects based on the occurrence of specific conditions. This allows the software to encompass simulation response of scheduled or physical events. Users can manipulate objects in the simulation environment under programmatic control.... Waveguide Harmonic Generator for the SIM   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A second-harmonic generator (SHG) serves as the source of the visible laser beam in an onboard calibration scheme for NASA's planned Space Interferometry Mission (SIM), which requires an infrared laser beam and a visible laser beam coherent with the infrared laser beam. The SHG includes quasi-phase-matched waveguides made of MgO-doped, periodically poled lithium niobate, pigtailed with polarization- maintaining optical fibers. Frequency doubling by use of such waveguides affords the required combination of coherence and sufficient conversion efficiency for the intended application.... Whispering Gallery Mode Resonator with Orthogonally Reconfigurable Filter Function   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An optical resonator has been developed with reconfigurable filter function that has resonant lines that can be shifted precisely and independently from each other, creating any desirable combination of resonant lines. This is achieved by changing the axial distribution of the effective refractive index of the resonator, which shifts the resonant frequency of particular optical modes, leaving all the rest unchanged. A reconfigurable optical filter is part of the remote chemical detector proposed for the Mars mission (Planetary Instrument Definition and Development Program PIDDP), but it is also useful for photonic communications devices.... Providing Internet Access to High-Resolution Lunar Images   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The OnMoon server is a computer program that provides Internet access to high-resolution Lunar images, maps, and elevation data, all suitable for use in geographical information system (GIS) software for generating images, maps, and computational models of the Moon. The OnMoon server implements the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Web Map Service (WMS) server protocol and supports Moon-specific extensions. Unlike other Internet map servers that provide Lunar data using an Earth coordinate system, the OnMoon server supports encoding of data in Moon-specific coordinate systems.... Method for Thermal Spraying of Coatings Using Resonant-Pulsed Combustion   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A method has been devised for high-volume, high-velocity surface deposition of protective metallic coatings on otherwise vulnerable surfaces. Thermal spraying is used whereby the material to be deposited is heated to the melting point by passing through a flame. Rather than the usual method of deposition from the jet formed from the combustion products, this innovation uses non-steady combustion (i.e. high-frequency, periodic, confined bursts), which generates not only higher temperatures and heat transfer rates, but exceedingly high impingement velocities an order of magnitude higher than conventional thermal systems.... Mass Spectrometer Containing Multiple Fixed Collectors   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A miniature mass spectrometer that incorporates features not typically found in prior mass spectrometers is undergoing development. This mass spectrometer is designed to simultaneously measure the relative concentrations of five gases (H2, He, N2, O2, and Ar) in air, over the relative-concentration range from 10(exp -6) to 1, during a sampling time as short as 1 second. It is intended to serve as a prototype of a product line of easy-to-use, portable, lightweight, highspeed, relatively inexpensive instruments for measuring concentrations of multiple chemical species in such diverse applications as detecting explosive or toxic chemicals in air, monitoring and controlling industrial processes, measuring concentrations of deliberately introduced isotopes in medical and biological investigations, and general environmental monitoring.... DMAC and NMP as Electrolyte Additives for Li-Ion Cells   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: Dimethyl acetamide (DMAC) and N-methyl pyrrolidinone (NMP) have been found to be useful as high-temperature-resilience-enhancing additives to a baseline electrolyte used in rechargeable lithium-ion electrochemical cells. The baseline electrolyte, which was previously formulated to improve low-temperature performance, comprises LiPF6 dissolved at a concentration of 1.0 M in a mixture comprising equal volume proportions of ethylene carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and dimethyl carbonate. This and other electrolytes comprising lithium salts dissolved in mixtures of esters (including alkyl carbonates) have been studied in continuing research directed toward extending the lower limits of operating temperatures and, more recently, enhancing the high-temperature resilience of such cells.... Using LDPC Code Constraints to Aid Recovery of Symbol Timing   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A method of utilizing information available in the constraints imposed by a low-density parity-check (LDPC) code has been proposed as a means of aiding the recovery of symbol timing in the reception of a binary-phase-shift-keying (BPSK) signal representing such a code in the presence of noise, timing error, and/or Doppler shift between the transmitter and the receiver. This method and the receiver architecture in which it would be implemented belong to a class of timing-recovery methods and corresponding receiver architectures characterized as pilotless in that they do not require transmission and reception of pilot signals. Acquisition and tracking of a signal of the type described above have traditionally been performed upstream of, and independently of, decoding and have typically involved utilization of a phase-locked loop (PLL).... Expressions Module for the Satellite Orbit Analysis Program   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Expressions Module is a software module that has been incorporated into the Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP). The module includes an expressions- parser submodule built on top of an analytical system, enabling the user to define logical and numerical variables and constants. The variables can capture output from SOAP orbital-prediction and geometric-engine computations.... Integrated Formation Optical Communication and Estimation System   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An architecture has been designed that integrates formation estimation methodologies, precision formation sensing, and high-bandwidth formation communication into a robust, strap-on system that meets knowledge and communication requirements for the majority of planned, precision formation missions. Specifically, the integrated system supports (a) sub-millimeter metrology, (b) multiple greater than 10 Mbps communication channels over a large, 10 deg field-of-view (FOV), and (c) generalized formation estimation methodologies. The sensing sub-system consists of several absolute, metrology gauges with up to 0.1 mm precision that use amplitude-modulated lasers and a LISA-heritage phase meter.... System for Measuring Flexing of a Large Spaceborne Structure   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An optoelectronic metrology system is used for determining the attitude and flexing of a large spaceborne radar antenna or similar structure. The measurements are needed for accurate pointing of the antenna and correction and control of the phase of the radar signal wavefront. The system includes a dual-field-of-view star tracker; a laser ranging unit (LRU) and a position-sensitive-detector (PSD)-based camera mounted on an optical bench; and fiducial targets at various locations on the structure.... On-Orbit Multi-Field Wavefront Control with a Kalman Filter   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A document describes a multi-field wavefront control (WFC) procedure for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on-orbit optical telescope element (OTE) fine-phasing using wavefront measurements at the NIRCam pupil. The control is applied to JWST primary mirror (PM) segments and secondary mirror (SM) simultaneously with a carefully selected ordering. Through computer simulations, the multi-field WFC procedure shows that it can reduce the initial system wavefront error (WFE), as caused by random initial system misalignments within the JWST fine-phasing error budget, from a few dozen micrometers to below 50 nm across the entire NIRCam Field of View, and the WFC procedure is also computationally stable as the Monte-Carlo simulations indicate.... Object Recognition using Feature- and Color-Based Methods   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: An improved adaptive method of processing image data in an artificial neural network has been developed to enable automated, real-time recognition of possibly moving objects under changing (including suddenly changing) conditions of illumination and perspective. The method involves a combination of two prior object-recognition methods one based on adaptive detection of shape features and one based on adaptive color segmentation to enable recognition in situations in which either prior method by itself may be inadequate. The chosen prior feature-based method is known as adaptive principal-component analysis (APCA); the chosen prior color-based method is known as adaptive color segmentation (ACOSE).... Tool for Inspecting Alignment of Twinaxial Connectors   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A proposed tool would be used to inspect alignments of mating twinaxial-connector assemblies on interconnecting wiring harnesses. More specifically, the tool would be used to inspect the alignment of each contact pin of each connector on one assembly with the corresponding socket in the corresponding connector on the other assembly. It is necessary to inspect the alignment because if mating of the assemblies is attempted when any pin/socket pair is misaligned beyond tolerance, the connection will not be completed and the dielectric material in the socket will be damaged (see Figure 1).... Detecting Phycocynanin-Pigmented Microbes in Reflected Light   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A recently invented method of measuring concentrations of phycocynanin-pigmented algae and bacteria in water is based on measurement of the spectrum of reflected sunlight. When present in sufficiently high concentrations, phycocynanin-pigmented microorganisms can be hazardous to the health of humans who use, and of animals that depend on, an affected body of water. The present method is intended to satisfy a need for a rapid, convenient means of detecting hazardous concentrations of phycocynanin-pigmented microorganisms.... Stable Calibration of Raman Lidar Water-Vapor Measurements   07 Jan 2009 - New NASA STI Abstract: A method has been devised to ensure stable, long-term calibration of Raman lidar measurements that are used to determine the altitude-dependent mixing ratio of water vapor in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. Because the lidar measurements yield a quantity proportional to the mixing ratio, rather than t