NC Space Grant News Archives CREST-1 University Student Spaceflight Program - STS-134 Flight Opportunity - Time Critical - 08 Jul 2010 The CREST-1 University Student Spaceflight Program (CUSSP), part of the American Aerospace CREST-1 mission, is a time-critical opportunity for university student investigators to conduct experiments on STS-134, the historic last scheduled voyage of the Space Shuttle. Critical Deadline: American Aerospace will accommodate all university student experimenters that reserve their launch opportunity by AUGUST 2, 2010. See the American Aerospace website for additional information. eXploration Habitat (X-Hab) Academic Innovation Challenge - 23 Jun 2010 The National Space Grant Foundation has announced the X-Hab Academic Innovation Competition. This university level competition is designed to engage and retain students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines. NASA will directly benefit from the competition by sponsoring the development of innovative inflatable loft concepts that could be applied to exploration habitats. The challenge is for senior and graduate level design courses in which students design, manufacture, assemble, and test an inflatable loft that will be integrated onto an existing NASA-built operational hard shell prototype. Computational Model for Mars Tumbleweed Rovers - 21 Jun 2010 Dr. Andre Mazzoleni, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at NC State, has published a paper on research that is sponsored by NC Space Grant. Dr. Mazzoleni and his team developed a computational model for Mars 'tumbleweed rovers,' designed to be propelled by the Martian winds. See the June issue of the 'Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets' and the NC State this linkfor how rising juniors and seniors may apply.

Aero/Space News Flooding in Pakistan   31 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired on July 30, 2010 (top), and June 5, 2010 (bottom), these images show flooding along the Indus River in Pakistan. Earth from the Moon   31 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Orbiting the Moon 372,335 kilometers away from Earth, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured this image of Earth on June 12, 2010. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 31 July 2010   31 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 31 July 2010 NASA Awards Electrical Systems Engineering Services Contract   31 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Awards Electrical Systems Engineering Services Contract NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 30 July 2010   31 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. NASA's First Robotic Crew Member To Tweet From Space Station, Available For Interviews   31 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA's Robonaut 2 has no voice but is ready to tell you its story -- in 140 characters or less. The prototype robot will travel to space this fall to give NASA a deeper understanding of human-robotic interaction. NASA's Hibernating Mars Rover May Not Call Home   31 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA mission controllers have not heard from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit since March 22, and the rover is facing its toughest challenge yet -- trying to survive the harsh Martian winter. Area of Mars Identified as Good Place to Look for Evidence of Past Life   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A spot on Mars called Nili Fossae that is rich in clay mineral-rich rocks could be a prime spot to search for the fossilized remains of Martian life that may have existed 4 billion years ago, a new study suggests. Whole New Mercury Promised by NASA Spacecraft   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A NASA spacecraft that has been studying Mercury, the innermost planet in our solar system, is about eight months away from achieving its main objective of entering the planet's orbit. But, after a series of flybys, the steadfast probe has already unlocked valuable information about the planet closest to our sun. Mars Rover Spirit May Not Survive Martian Winter   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA's beleaguered Mars rover Spirit, which has been hibernating on the surface of Mars since March, is facing its toughest challenge yet - the harsh conditions of the Martian winter. And the rover may lose. NASA Adds Video Camera To Next Mars Rover   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA has added a video camera to its next Mars rover to take viewers on Earth along for a ride when it lands on the Martian surface. Vote on House NASA Bill Appears Unlikely Before September   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A controversial House NASA authorization bill that appeared headed for a floor vote today has stalled. One Saturn Moon Blows Oxygen to Another   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A comprehensive model of Saturn's magnetosphere and moons has revealed that the ringed planet's largest moon Titan gets its oxygen from the icy geysers on another. Icy geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus send icy vapor into space, which breaks down and migrates to Titan's atmosphere. Hunt for Life's Building Blocks in Space Gets NASA Boost   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA did not violate federal law or congressional guidance by taking actions that would prematurely kill the Constellation program, a new report says. Ambitious Venus Mission Ideas Include Robots, Planes, Humans   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com After over 20 years of neglect, the planet Venus is once more drawing NASA's eye for ambitious new missions. NASA's Moon Program Slowdown Within the Law, Report Finds   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA did not violate federal law or congressional guidance by taking actions that would prematurely kill the Constellation program, a new report says. Five Years of Mid-Infrared Evolution of the Remnant of SN 1987A: The Encounter Between the Blast Wave and the Dusty Equatorial Ring   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We have used the Spitzer satellite to monitor the laid-IR evolution of SN 1987A over a 5 year period spanning the epochs between days 6000 and 8000 since the explosion. The supernova (SN) has evolved into a supernova remnant (SNR) and its radiative output, is dominated by the interaction of the SN blast wave with the pre-existing equatorial ring (ER). The mid-IR spectrum is dominated by emission from approximately 180 K silicate dust, collisionally-heated by the hot X-ray emitting gas with a temperature and density of 5 x 10(exp 6) K and approximately 3 x 10(exp 4) per cubic centimeter, respectively.... In Situ Instrumentation for Sub-Surface Planetary Geochemistry   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Novel instrumentation is under development at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, building upon earth-based techniques for hostile environments, to infer geochemical processes important to formation and evolution of solid bodies in our Solar System. A prototype instrument, the Pulsed Neutron Generator Gamma Ray and Neutron Detectors (PNG-GRAND), has a 14 MeV pulsed neutron generator coupled with gamma ray and neutron detectors to measure quantitative elemental concentrations and bulk densities of a number of major, minor and trace elements at or below the surfaces with approximately a meter-sized spatial resolution down to depths of about 50 cm without the need to drill. PNG-GRAND's in situ a meter-scale measurements and adaptability to a variety of extreme space environments will complement orbital kilometer-scale and in-situ millimeter scale elemental and mineralogical measurements to provide a more complete picture of the geochemistry of planets, moons, asteroids and comets.... Hollow Fiber Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator Development and Testing for Advanced Spacesuits   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The spacesuit water membrane evaporator (SWME) is being developed to perform the thermal control function for advanced spacesuits to take advantage of recent advances in micropore membrane technology in providing a robust heat-rejection device that is potentially less sensitive to contamination than is the sublimator. Principles of a sheet membrane SWME design were demonstrated using a prototypic test article that was tested in a vacuum chamber at JSC in July 1999. The Membrana Celgard X50-215 microporous hollow fiber (HoFi) membrane was selected after recent contamination tests as the most suitable candidate among commercial alternatives for HoFi SWME prototype development.... Analytical Dimensional Reduction of a Fuel Optimal Powered Descent Subproblem   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Current renewed interest in exploration of the moon, Mars, and other planetary objects is driving technology development in many fields of space system design. In particular, there is a desire to land both robotic and human missions on the moon and elsewhere. The landing guidance system must be able to deliver the vehicle to a desired soft landing while meeting several constraints necessary for the safety of the vehicle.... Advanced Response Surface Modeling of Ares I Roll Control Jet Aerodynamic Interactions   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Ares I rocket uses roll control jets. These jets have aerodynamic implications as they impinge on the surface and protuberances of the vehicle. The jet interaction on the body can cause an amplification or a reduction of the rolling moment produced by the jet itself, either increasing the jet effectiveness or creating an adverse effect.... Mounting and Alignment of IXO Mirror Segments   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A suspension-mounting scheme is developed for the IXO (International X-ray Observatory) mirror segments in which the figure of the mirror segment is preserved in each stage of mounting. The mirror, first fixed on a thermally compatible strongback, is subsequently transported, aligned and transferred onto its mirror housing. In this paper, we shall outline the requirement, approaches, and recent progress of the suspension mount processes.... The Top 10 Questions for Active Debris Removal   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews the requirement and issues around removal of debris from the earth orbital environment. The 10 questions discussed are: 1. Which region (LEO/MEO/GEO) has the fastest projected growth rate and the highest collision activities? 2.... Development of Fiber-Based Laser Systems for LISA   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews the rationale, and the development of a fiber-based laser for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. The reasons that the fiber based Laser has been chosen over the traditionally used Non-planar ring oscillator (NPRO) are given and the characteristics of the Fiber laser are reviewed.... Data Acquisition and Processing System for Airborne Wind Profiling with a Pulsed, 2-Micron, Coherent-Detection, Doppler Lidar System   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A data acquisition and signal processing system is being developed for a 2-micron airborne wind profiling coherent Doppler lidar system. This lidar, called the Doppler Aerosol Wind Lidar (DAWN), is based on a Ho:Tm:LuLiF laser transmitter and 15-cm diameter telescope. It is being packaged for flights onboard the NASA DC-8, with the first flights in the summer of 2010 in support of the NASA Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (GRIP) campaign for the study of hurricanes.... Investing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funds to Advance Capability, Reliability, and Performance in NASA Wind Tunnels   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Aeronautics Test Program (ATP) is implementing five significant ground-based test facility projects across the nation with funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The projects were selected as the best candidates within the constraints of the ARRA and the strategic plan of ATP. They are a combination of much-needed large scale maintenance, reliability, and system upgrades plus creating new test beds for upcoming research programs. The projects are: 1.) Re-activation of a large compressor to provide a second source for compressed air and vacuum to the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at the Ames Research Center (ARC) 2.) Addition of high-altitude ice crystal generation at the Glenn Research Center Propulsion Systems Laboratory Test Cell 3, 3.) New refrigeration system and tunnel heat exchanger for the Icing Research Tunnel at the Glenn Research Center, 4.) Technical viability improvements for the National Transonic Facility at the Langley Research Center, and 5.) Modifications to conduct Environmentally Responsible Aviation and Rotorcraft research at the 14 x 22 Subsonic Tunnel at Langley Research Center.... Embracing Safe Ground Test Facility Operations and Maintenance   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Conducting integrated operations and maintenance in wind tunnel ground test facilities requires a balance of meeting due dates, efficient operation, responsiveness to the test customer, data quality, effective maintenance (relating to readiness and reliability), and personnel and facility safety. Safety is non-negotiable, so the balance must be an 'and' with other requirements and needs. Pressure to deliver services faster at increasing levels of quality in under-maintained facilities is typical.... Structured Transition of Wind Tunnel Operations Skills from Government-to Contractor-Managed   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In 2004, NASA awarded the Research, Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering (ROME) contract at NASA Langley Research Center to a team led by Jacobs Technology, Inc. A key component of the contract was the transitioning of the five large wind tunnel facilities from NASA managed and NASA or NASA/contractor workforces to fully contractor operated. The contractor would manage daily operations while NASA would continue to develop long-term strategies, make decisions regarding commitment of funds and commitment of facilities, and provide oversight of the contractor's performance.... The Role and Quality of Software Safety in the NASA Constellation Program   30 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In this study, we examine software safety risk in the early design phase of the NASA Constellation spaceflight program. Obtaining an accurate, program-wide picture of software safety risk is difficult across multiple, independently-developing systems. We leverage one source of safety information, hazard analysis, to provide NASA quality assurance managers with information regarding the ongoing state of software safety across the program.... Rare Find: Failed Star Circling Sun-Like Star   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A very young failed star, known as a brown dwarf, was discovered in a close orbit around a nearby, young sun-like star - in closer proximity to each other than most young brown dwarf and planetary companions that have been previously found by direct imaging, according to a new study. Commercial Spaceflight Supporters Rally to Stall Vote on NASA Bill   30 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A flurry of behind-the-scenes maneuvering took place late Wednesday as opponents of a NASA authorization bill fought back efforts by lawmakers to push for a floor vote on the measure before they break for the summer district work period Aug. 2. Fires and Smoke near Moscow   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 28, 2010, this natural-color image shows fires east of Moscow blanketing the region in thick smoke. GOES-13 Satellite Sees Severe Storms Strike U.S. East Coast   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory 2010-07-27 - One of the most destructive storms in years struck Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area on July 25, 2010. Strong winds downed trees and power lines, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power, stopping elevators, and darkening malls and movie theaters. Falling trees killed at least two people. The following morning, crews were working furiously to restore power to homes, traffic lights, and even a water treatment plant. NOAA SATOPS Morning Report: Friday, July 30, 2010   30 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NOAA SATOPS Morning Report: Friday, July 30, 2010 Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 30 July 2010   30 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 30 July 2010 NASA Selects Orbital for Major Sounding Rocket Program Prime Contract   30 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Selects Orbital for Major Sounding Rocket Program Prime Contract Lockheed Martin Commends Bi-Partisan Support for NASA FY 2011 Budget   30 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Lockheed Martin Commends Bi-Partisan Support for NASA FY 2011 Budget NASA Awards Electrical Systems Engineering Services Contract   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA has awarded a sole-source interim contract for electrical systems engineering services to MEI Technologies in Houston. NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report 30 July 2010   30 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report 30 July 2010 Tweetup at HQ   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day NASA astronaut TJ Creamer talks about his experience in space during a 'Tweetup' at NASA Headquarters, Thursday, July 29, 2010, in Washington. Creamer, who spent 161 days living aboard the International Space Station as part of the Expedition 22/23 crew, set up the orbiting outpost's live Internet connection and posted updates about the mission to his Twitter account, sending the first live tweet from orbit. Image Credit: NASA/Paul E. Alers IFPTE/AFGE Letter on NASA Authorization Act   30 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. IFPTE/AFGE Letter on NASA Authorization Act NASA's Hibernating Mars Rover May Not Call Home   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA mission controllers have not heard from the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit since March 22, and the rover is facing its toughest challenge yet – trying to survive the harsh Martian winter. NASA's First Robotic Crew Member To Tweet From Space Station, Available For Interviews   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA's Robonaut 2 has no voice but is ready to tell you its story -- in 140 characters or less. The prototype robot will travel to space this fall to give NASA a deeper understanding of human-robotic interaction. NASA Awards Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility Support Contract   30 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News Nasa Awards Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, Space Vehicle Mockup Facility Support Contract Commercial Spaceflight Supports Rally to Stall Vote on NASA Bill   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A flurry of behind-the-scenes maneuvering took place late Wednesday as opponents of a NASA authorization bill fought back efforts by lawmakers to push for a floor vote on the measure before they break for the summer district work period Aug. 2. Mars Rover Opportunity Finally Sees Martian Dust Devil   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com After six-and-a-half years roaming the surface of Mars, a NASA rover has spotted its first dust devil on the red planet. Giant Sand Dunes on Titan Shaped by Backward Winds   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Gusty winds that blow in reverse of prevailing weather on Saturn's largest moon Titan appear to shape some of the moon's odd equatorial sand dunes, a new study finds. Chinese Space Junk Won't Endanger Space Station Crew   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA is tracking a piece of Chinese space junk that is headed uncomfortably close to the International Space Station and may force the outpost's crew to take shelter in their Russian lifeboats as a precaution. NASA Authorization Bill Headed for Vote in House   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on a NASA authorization bill as early as July 29. New Report Urges U.S. Space Launch Policy Overhaul   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The U.S. government should permit China to launch U.S.-built commercial satellites and force an overhaul of the U.S. Air Force�s relationship with its principal launch-services provider, a U.S. think tank has concluded. Application of the FUN3D Unstructured-Grid Navier-Stokes Solver to the 4th AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop Cases   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: FUN3D Navier-Stokes solutions were computed for the 4th AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop grid convergence study, downwash study, and Reynolds number study on a set of node-based mixed-element grids. All of the baseline tetrahedral grids were generated with the VGRID (developmental) advancing-layer and advancing-front grid generation software package following the gridding guidelines developed for the workshop. With maximum grid sizes exceeding 100 million nodes, the grid convergence study was particularly challenging for the node-based unstructured grid generators and flow solvers.... FUN3D Grid Refinement and Adaptation Studies for the Ares Launch Vehicle   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This paper presents grid refinement and adaptation studies performed in conjunction with computational aeroelastic analyses of the Ares crew launch vehicle (CLV). The unstructured grids used in this analysis were created with GridTool and VGRID while the adaptation was performed using the Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) code FUN3D with a feature based adaptation software tool. GridTool was developed by ViGYAN, Inc. while the last three software suites were developed by NASA Langley Research Center.... Thermal Design Considerations of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Science Instrument Control and Data Handler (SI C and DH-2)   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Following a failure in side 1 of the HST SI C&DH in September 2008, HST Servicing Mission 4 (SM-4) was delayed so that a SI C&DH Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) could be qualified for flight. This second generation SI C&DH (SI C&DH-2) included several enhancements which increased its thermal dissipation near critical components. In order to maintain the SI C&DH-2 within its operational temperature limits, several thermal modifications were installed prior to its final qualification testing.... Math: The Gateway to Great Careers   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation examines the role of mathematical proficiency and how it relates to advantages in careers. It emphasises the role of math in attaining entrance to college, graduate schools, and a career that is interesting and well paying.... Solid-State, High Energy 2-Micron Laser Development for Space-Based Remote Sensing   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Lidar (light detection and ranging) remote sensing enjoys the advantages of excellent vertical and horizontal resolution; pointing capability; a signal source independent from natural light; and control and knowledge of transmitted wavelength, pulse shape, and polarization and received polarization. Lidar in space is an emerging technology now being developing to fit applications where passive sensors cannot meet current measurement requirements. Technical requirements for space lidar are more demanding than for ground-based or airborne systems.... Overview of NASA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) Research   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation is an overview of the research for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). Included is a review of the current air transportation system and the challenges of air transportation research. Also included is a review of the current research highlights and significant accomplishments.... Statistical Analysis of CFD Solutions from the Fourth AIAA Drag Prediction Workshop   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A graphical framework is used for statistical analysis of the results from an extensive N-version test of a collection of Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics codes. The solutions were obtained by code developers and users from the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Russia using a variety of grid systems and turbulence models for the June 2009 4th Drag Prediction Workshop sponsored by the AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Technical Committee. The aerodynamic configuration for this workshop was a new subsonic transport model, the Common Research Model, designed using a modern approach for the wing and included a horizontal tail.... Stability of Hypersonic Boundary Layers on a Cone at an Angle of Attack   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The stability and receptivity of a three-dimensional hypersonic boundary layer over a 7deg half-angle straight cone at an angle of attack of 6deg is numerically investigated at a freestream Mach number of 6.0 and a Reynolds number of 10.4x10(exp 6)/m. The generation and evolution of stationary crossflow vortices are also investigated by performing simulations with three-dimensional roughness elements located on the surface of the cone. The flow fields with and without the roughness elements are obtained by solving the full Navier- Stokes equations in cylindrical coordinates using a fifth-order accurate weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) scheme for spatial discretization and a third-order total-variation-diminishing (TVD) Runge-Kutta scheme for temporal integration.... Computational Aeroelastic Analysis of Ares Crew Launch Vehicle Bi-Modal Loading   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes analysis, with and without dynamic aeroelastic effects, is presented for the Ares I-X launch vehicle at transonic Mach numbers and flight Reynolds numbers for two grid resolutions and two angles of attack. The purpose of the study is to quantify the force and moment increment imparted by the sudden transition from fully separated flow around the crew module - service module junction to that of the bi-modal flow state in which only part of the flow reattaches. The bi-modal flow phenomenon is of interest to the guidance, navigation and control community because it causes a discontinuous jump in forces and moments.... Computational Aeroelastic Analysis of the Ares Launch Vehicle During Ascent   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This paper presents the static and dynamic computational aeroelastic (CAE) analyses of the Ares crew launch vehicle (CLV) during atmospheric ascent. The influence of launch vehicle flexibility on the static aerodynamic loading and integrated aerodynamic force and moment coefficients is discussed. The ultimate purpose of this analysis is to assess the aeroelastic stability of the launch vehicle along the ascent trajectory.... Blunt-Body Entry Vehicle Aerothermodynamics: Transition and Turbulence on the CEV and MSL Configurations   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Recent, current, and planned NASA missions that employ blunt-body entry vehicles pose aerothermodynamic problems that challenge the state-of-the art of experimental and computational methods. The issues of boundary-layer transition and turbulent heating on the heat shield have become important in the designs of both the Mars Science Laboratory and Crew Exploration Vehicle. While considerable experience in these general areas exists, that experience is mainly derived from simple geometries; e.g. sharp-cones and flat-plates, or from lifting bodies such as the Space Shuttle Orbiter.... A Survey of Factors Affecting Blunt Leading-Edge Separation for Swept and Semi-Slender Wings   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A survey is presented of factors affecting blunt leading-edge separation for swept and semi-slender wings. This class of separation often results in the onset and progression of separation-induced vortical flow over a slender or semi-slender wing. The term semi-slender is used to distinguish wings with moderate sweeps and aspect ratios from the more traditional highly-swept, low-aspect-ratio slender wing.... Roughness Based Crossflow Transition Control for a Swept Airfoil Design Relevant to Subsonic Transports   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A high fidelity transition prediction methodology has been applied to a swept airfoil design at a Mach number of 0.75 and chord Reynolds number of approximately 17 million, with the dual goal of an assessment of the design for the implementation and testing of roughness based crossflow transition control and continued maturation of such methodology in the context of realistic aerodynamic configurations. Roughness based transition control involves controlled seeding of suitable, subdominant crossflow modes in order to weaken the growth of naturally occurring, linearly more unstable instability modes via a nonlinear modification of the mean boundary layer profiles. Therefore, a synthesis of receptivity, linear and nonlinear growth of crossflow disturbances, and high-frequency secondary instabilities becomes desirable to model this form of control.... Description of a Website Resource for Turbulence Modeling Verification and Validation   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The activities of the Turbulence Model Benchmarking Working Group - which is a subcommittee of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fluid Dynamics Technical Committee - are described. The group s main purpose is to establish a web-based repository for Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence model documentation, including verification and validation cases. This turbulence modeling resource has been established based on feedback from a survey on what is needed to achieve consistency and repeatability in turbulence model implementation and usage, and to document and disseminate information on new turbulence models or improvements to existing models.... High-Speed Boundary-Layer Transition Induced by an Isolated Roughness Element   29 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Progress on an experimental effort to quantify the instability mechanisms associated with roughness-induced transition in a high-speed boundary layer is reported in this paper. To simulate the low-disturbance environment encountered during high-altitude flight, the experimental study was performed in the NASA-Langley Mach 3.5 Supersonic Low-Disturbance Tunnel. A flat plate trip sizing study was performed first to identify the roughness height required to force transition.... Space Farms Could Mine Minerals From Moon Dirt   29 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Future missions to the Moon or Mars could use plants as bio-harvesters to extract valuable elements from the alien soils Warmer Climate Entails Increased Release of Carbon Dioxide by Inland Lakes   29 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Much organically bound carbon is deposited on inland lake bottoms and Swedish researchers have shown in a new study in Nature that carbon retention by sediment at lake bottoms is highly temperature-sensitive and that a warmer climate would result in increased carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. (Swedish Research Council release) Mountain Marmots Made Bigger by Climate Change, Says New Study   29 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Longer summers are causing large mountain rodents called to grow larger and get better at surviving, according to a 33-year study published today in Nature. (Natural Environment Research Council release) Key Compound of Ozone Destruction Detected   29 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory For the first time, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) scientists have successfully measured in the ozone layer the chlorine compound ClOOCl which plays an important role in stratospheric ozone depletion. (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology release) Converging Weather Patterns Caused Last Winter's Huge Snows   29 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory The extraordinarily cold, snowy weather that hit parts of the US East Coast and Europe was the result of a collision of two periodic weather patterns in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, a new study in the journal Geophysical Research Letters finds. (American Geophysical Union release) Bull Fire in California's Sequoia National Forest   29 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Outlined in red in this true=color image from July 27, 2010, the Bull Fire produced thick plumes of smoke as it burned near the southern edge of the Sequoia National Forest in southern California. NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 29 July 2010   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 29 July 2010   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 29 July 2010 Brown Dwarf Found Orbiting a Young Sun-Like Star   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Astronomers have imaged a very young brown dwarf, or failed star, in a tight orbit around a young nearby sun-like star. Your Help Urgently Needed to Save the Future of Human Spaceflight   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. If you care about the future of American space exploration, your urgent help is necessary. The only hope for the average citizen to one day travel to space is in danger due to the actions of certain members of Congress. NOAA SATOPS Morning Report: Thursday, July 29, 2010   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NOAA SATOPS Morning Report: Thursday, July 29, 2010 NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 28 July 2010   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. GRAIL Spacecraft Takes Shape   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Engineers have conducted a fuel tank check of one of NASA's GRAIL mission spacecraft (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory), scheduled for launch in 2011. Wyle Scientist to Study Stress in Haughton-Mars Project Spaceflight Analog   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Wyle Scientist to Study Stress in Haughton-Mars Project Spaceflight Analog Spirit Remains Silent at Troy   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Spirit Remains Silent at Troy Opportunity in Good Health and Continues to Drive, Despite Lack of Downlink   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Due to Odyssey's safing event none of the planned Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) downlink passes for this period occurred. Martian Dust Devil Whirls Into Opportunity's View   29 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. In its six-and-a-half years on Mars, NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity had never seen a dust devil before this month, despite some systematic searches in past years and the fact that its twin rover, Spirit, has seen dozens of dust devils. Hurricane Celia   29 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day Perfectly circular, powerful Hurricane Celia spaned hundreds of miles over the Pacific Ocean in this image from June 24, 2010. Rough-textured clouds surround the storm’s distinct eye. Farther from the center of the storm, spiral arms appear thinner and smoother. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, or MODIS, on NASA’s Aqua satellite captured this true-color image of Hurricane Celia at 1:55 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on June 24, 2010. Just five minutes later, the U.S. National Hurricane Center classified Celia as a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 135 miles per hour. Image Credit: NASA New Space Telescope Mirrors Get Frosty Treatment   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA is putting the mirrors for its ambitious new James Webb Space Telescope through the ultimate cold test. Huge Star Burns Fast and Furious in Photo   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A bright hot star with more than 70 times the mass of our sun will live fast and die young. How Astronomy Lit Up the Solar System   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Astronomy has come a long way in the 401 years since Galileo turned his first primitive telescope to the sky, so it's no surprise we see a very different solar system than the field's earliest pioneers. Alien Planets Gather Close Around Dying Star   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A pair of alien planets is locked in an orbital embrace around a dying star, a new study discovered. TechNewsDaily: Fuel-Efficient Finalist Vehicles Announced for Auto X Prize   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The racetrack portion of the $10 million Progressive Insurance Automotive X Prize competition is over. Check It Out: Planetary Triangle Forming in the Evening Sky   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A trio of planets converging in the night sky this week to give casual skywatchers the perfect chance to see Mars, Venus and Saturn. Preliminary Geological Findings on the BP-1 Simulant   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The following is a summation of information and discussion between Doug Stoeser of the USGS and Doug Rickman of NASA in February and March, 2010 pertaining to the BP-1 simulant. The analytical results and the bulk of the text are from communications from Dr. Stoeser.... New Evidence for a Black Hole in the Compact Binary Cygnus X-3   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The bright and highly variable X-ray and radio source known as Cygnus X-3 was among the first X-ray sources discovered, yet it remains in many ways an enigma. Its known to consist of a massive. Wolf-Rayet primary in an extremely tight orbit with a compact object.... The Astrophysics Science Division Annual Report 2009   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is one of the largest and most diverse astrophysical organizations in the world, with activities spanning a broad range of topics in theory, observation, and mission and technology development. Scientific research is carried out over the entire electromagnetic spectrum - from gamma rays to radio wavelengths - as well as particle physics and gravitational radiation. Members of ASD also provide the scientific operations for three orbiting astrophysics missions - WMAP, RXTE, and Swift, as well as the Science Support Center for the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.... GFSSP (Generalized Fluid System Simulation Program) in ER-43   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews the internship assignment of the author and his work on the GFSSP among other assignments.... HST WFC3 Early Release Science: Emission-Line Galaxies from IR Grism Observations   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We present grism spectra of emission line galaxies (ELGs) from 0.6-1.6 microns from the Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). These new infrared grism data augment previous optical Advanced Camera for Surveys G800L (0.6-0.95 micron) grism data in GOODS South, extending the wavelength coverage well past the G800L red cutoff. The ERS grism field was observed at a depth of 2 orbits per grism, yielding spectra of hundreds of faint objects, a subset of which are presented here.... SensorWeb 3G: Extending On-Orbit Sensor Capabilities to Enable Near Realtime User Configurability   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This research effort prototypes an implementation of a standard interface, Web Coverage Processing Service (WCPS), which is an Open Geospatial Consortium(OGC) standard, to enable users to define, test, upload and execute algorithms for on-orbit sensor systems. The user is able to customize on-orbit data products that result from raw data streaming from an instrument. This extends the SensorWeb 2.0 concept that was developed under a previous Advanced Information System Technology (AIST) effort in which web services wrap sensors and a standardized Extensible Markup Language (XML) based scripting workflow language orchestrates processing steps across multiple domains.... Prediction Activities at NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) is a core NASA resource for the development and use of satellite observations through the integrating tools of models and assimilation systems. Global ocean, atmosphere and land surface models are developed as components of assimilation and forecast systems that are used for addressing the weather and climate research questions identified in NASA's science mission. In fact, the GMAO is actively engaged in addressing one of NASA's science mission s key questions concerning how well transient climate variations can be understood and predicted.... Analytic Modeling of Pressurization and Cryogenic Propellant Conditions for Lunar Landing Vehicle   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews the development, validation and application of the model to the Lunar Landing Vehicle. The model named, Computational Propellant and Pressurization Program -- One Dimensional (CPPPO), is used to model in this case cryogenic propellant conditions of the Altair Lunar lander. The validation of CPPPO was accomplished via comparison to an existing analytic model (i.e., ROCETS), flight experiment and ground experiments.... Detailed Comparison of DNS to PSE for Oblique Breakdown at Mach 3   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A pair of oblique waves at low amplitudes is introduced in a supersonic flat-plate boundary layer. Their downstream development and the concomitant process of laminar to turbulent transition is then investigated numerically using Direct Numerical Simulations (DNS) and Parabolized Stability Equations (PSE). This abstract is the last part of an extensive study of the complete transition process initiated by oblique breakdown at Mach 3.... Compliant tactile sensor that delivers a force vector   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Tactile Sensor. The sensor includes a compliant convex surface disposed above a sensor array, the sensor array adapted to respond to deformation of the convex surface to generate a signal related to an applied force vector. The applied force vector has three components to establish the direction and magnitude of an applied force.... Development of Superconducting Transition Edge Sensors Based on Electron-Phonon Decoupling   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We have successfully fabricated a superconducting transition edge sensor (TES), bolometer that centers on the use of electron-phonon decoupling (EPD) for thermal isolation. We have selected a design approach that separates the two functions of far-infrared and THz radiative power absorption and temperature measurement, allowing separate optimization of the performance of each element. We have integrated molybdenum/gold (Mo/Au) bilayer TES and ion assisted thermally evaporated (IAE) bismuth (Bi) films as radiation absorber coupled to a low-loss microstripline from niobium (Nb) ground plane to a twin-slot antenna structure.... Peak-Seeking Control Using Gradient and Hessian Estimates   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A peak-seeking control method is presented which utilizes a linear time-varying Kalman filter. Performance function coordinate and magnitude measurements are used by the Kalman filter to estimate the gradient and Hessian of the performance function. The gradient and Hessian are used to command the system toward a local extremum.... NASA and Public-Private Partnerships   28 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews ways to build public-private partnerships with NASA, and the many efforts that Ames Research Center is engaged in in building partnerships with private businesses, not profit organizations and universities.... Tiny Satellites Can Do Big Science   28 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The shrinking technology of cell phones, laptops and cameras are now leading to palm-sized satellites. NASA Goes Deep in Search of Extreme Environments   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory An expedition has discovered the deepest known hydrothermal vent in the world, nearly 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) below the surface of the western Caribbean Sea. First-of-its-Kind Map Depicts Global Forest Heights   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Using NASA satellite data, scientists have produced a first-of-its kind map that details the heights of the world's forests. NASA Goddard Felt July 16 Quake   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory A small earthquake, centered near Germantown, Md., occurred at 5:04 a.m. EDT on July 16, and its vibrations were felt from West Virginia to Connecticut. Study Finds Amazon Storm Killed Half a Billion Trees   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory A single, huge, violent storm that swept across the whole Amazon forest in 2005 killed half a billion trees, according to a new study funded by NASA and Tulane University, New Orleans. Supercomputer Reproduces a Cyclone's Birth, May Boost Forecasting   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory NASA's Pleiades supercomputer has helped develop a simulation of tropical cyclone Nargis, which devastated Myanmar in 2008. Dominic Point Fire, Montana   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Taken July 25, 2010, this astronaut photograph shows the Dominic Point Fire burning in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana. Smoke over Moscow   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 27, 2010, this natural-color image shows haze over Moscow as fires burn in the east-southeast. Challenger Center Is Ready To Return to NASA Desert RATS   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA will conduct its annual Desert RATS activity in northern Arizona later this summer. Challenger Center will be participating once again as it did last year. NASA Blog: Planets Large and Small: Dimitar Sasselov: the Kepler Planetary Candidates in My TED Talk   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Two weeks ago I gave a talk at TED Global 2010 which was very well received, but caused confusion. I referred to past results from the NASA Kepler mission. IceCube spies unexplained pattern of cosmic rays   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. IceCube spies unexplained pattern of cosmic rays NASA Sets Briefing To Preview Space Station Spacewalk   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Sets Briefing To Preview Space Station Spacewalk NOAA SATOPS Morning Report Wednesday, July 28, 2010   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NOAA SATOPS Morning Report Wednesday, July 28, 2010 NASA Astronaut Piers Sellers Returns T-Shirt That Orbited Earth to Save the Children   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Astronaut Piers Sellers Returns T-Shirt That Orbited Earth to Save the Children NASA Selects Sounding Rockets Operations Contractor   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Selects Sounding Rockets Operations Contractor Lockheed Martin Honors Onizuka Air Force Station for Its Contributions to National Space Missions   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Lockheed Martin Honors Onizuka Air Force Station for Its Contributions to National Space Missions NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 27 July 2010   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 28 July 2010   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 28 July 2010 Curiosity Rover Grows by Leaps and Bounds   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Talk about a growth-spurt. In one week, Curiosity grew by approximately 1 meter (3.5 feet) when spacecraft technicians and engineers attached the rover's neck and head (called the Remote Sensing Mast) to its body. Brilliant Star in a Colorful Neighborhood   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. A spectacular new image from ESO's Wide Field Imager at the La Silla Observatory in Chile shows the brilliant and unusual star WR 22 and its colorful surroundings. NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community and On-line Application Launchpad Site   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Student Ambassadors Virtual Community and On-line Application Launchpad Site Into the Looking Glass   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day Recently, technicians at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., completed a series of cryogenic tests on six James Webb Space Telescope beryllium mirror segments at the center's X-ray & Cryogenic Facility. During testing, the mirrors were subjected to extreme temperatures dipping to -415 degrees Fahrenheit, permitting engineers to measure in extreme detail how the shape of the mirror changes as it cools. The Webb telescope has 18 mirrors, each of which will be tested twice in the Center's X-ray & Cryogenic Facility to ensure that the mirror will maintain its shape in a space environment -- once with bare polished beryllium and then again after a thin coating of gold is applied. The cryogenic test gauges how each mirror changes temperature and shape over a range of operational temperatures in space. This helps predict how well the telescope will image infrared sources. The mirrors are designed to stay cold to allow scientists to observe the infrared light they reflect using a telescope and instruments optimized to detect this light. Warm objects give off infrared light, or heat. If the Webb telescope mirror is too warm, the faint infrared light from distant galaxies may be lost in the infrared glow of the mirror itself. Thus, the Webb telescope's mirrors need to operate in a deep cold or cryogenic state, at around -379 degree Fahrenheit. Image Credit: NASA NASA Selects Sounding Rockets Operations Contractor   28 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA selected Orbital Sciences Corp.'s, Technical Services Division in Greenbelt, Md., for the agency's Sounding Rockets Operations contract. NASA GSFC Solicitation: Consultation and Support Services for Public Outreach Contest   28 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA GSFC Solicitation: Consultation and Support Services for Public Outreach Contest Cave Will Make Klingon Tourists Feel at Home   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A new audio tour in Klingon will guide Trekkers through the spelunking frontier of Australia's Jenolan Caves. Violent Spacequakes Shake Earth's Magnetic Field   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Like an earthquake in space, so-called spacequakes are temblors in Earth's magnetic field caused by plasma flying off the sun. More Than 1,300 Space Shuttle Workers Get Layoff Notices   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Hundreds of engineers and technicians working on NASA's space shuttles received layoff notices this week from United Space Alliance. Astrobiology Field Reports: Sampling Microbial Muck   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Astrobiology Magazine's Henry Bortman reports from the Pavilion Lake Research Project in British Columbia, Canada where he collected nasty-smelling microbial slime at nearby lakes. UK to Launch Homegrown Mini-Satellite Cube   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The UK Space Agency has announced it will develop and launch a miniature cube-shaped satellite to be used for inexpensive science missions in low-Earth orbit. Asteroid Could Threaten the Earth in 2182   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A large asteroid in space that has a remote chance of slamming into to Earth would be more likely hit the Earth in 2182, if it crashed into our planet at all, a new study suggests. Massive Black Hole Bends Light to Magnify Distant Galaxy   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A giant black hole spouting energy from inside a galaxy is acting like a cosmic magnifying glass, giving astronomers a clear view of an even more distant galaxy behind it. Model Checking - My 27-Year Quest to Overcome the State Explosion Problem   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Model Checking is an automatic verification technique for state-transition systems that are finite=state or that have finite-state abstractions. In the early 1980 s in a series of joint papers with my graduate students E.A. Emerson and A.P. Sistla, we proposed that Model Checking could be used for verifying concurrent systems and gave algorithms for this purpose. At roughly the same time, Joseph Sifakis and his student J.P. Queille at the University of Grenoble independently developed a similar technique.... Development of a Geomagnetic Storm Correction to the International Reference Ionosphere E-Region Electron Densities Using TIMED/SABER Observations   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Auroral infrared emission observed from the TIMED/SABER broadband 4.3 micron channel is used to develop an empirical geomagnetic storm correction to the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) E-region electron densities. The observation-based proxy used to develop the storm model is SABER-derived NO+(v) 4.3 micron volume emission rates (VER). A correction factor is defined as the ratio of storm-time NO+(v) 4.3 micron VER to a quiet-time climatological averaged NO+(v) 4.3 micron VER, which is linearly fit to available geomagnetic activity indices.... On Acoustic Source Specification for Rotor-Stator Interaction Noise Prediction   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This paper describes the use of measured source data to assess the effects of acoustic source specification on rotor-stator interaction noise predictions. Specifically, the acoustic propagation and radiation portions of a recently developed coupled computational approach are used to predict tonal rotor-stator interaction noise from a benchmark configuration. In addition to the use of full measured data, randomization of source mode relative phases is also considered for specification of the acoustic source within the computational approach.... Coloured Petri Net Refinement Specification and Correctness Proof with Coq   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In this work, we address the formalisation of symmetric nets, a subclass of coloured Petri nets, refinement in COQ. We first provide a formalisation of the net models, and of their type refinement in COQ. Then the COQ proof assistant is used to prove the refinement correctness lemma. An example adapted from a protocol example illustrates our work.... jFuzz: A Concolic Whitebox Fuzzer for Java   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We present jFuzz, a automatic testing tool for Java programs. jFuzz is a concolic whitebox fuzzer, built on the NASA Java PathFinder, an explicit-state Java model checker, and a framework for developing reliability and analysis tools for Java. Starting from a seed input, jFuzz automatically and systematically generates inputs that exercise new program paths. jFuzz uses a combination of concrete and symbolic execution, and constraint solving. Time spent on solving constraints can be significant.... Machine-Checkable Timed CSP   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The correctness of safety-critical embedded software is crucial, whereas non-functional properties like deadlock-freedom and real-time constraints are particularly important. The real-time calculus Timed Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP) is capable of expressing such properties and can therefore be used to verify embedded software. In this paper, we present our formalization of Timed CSP in the Isabelle/HOL theorem prover, which we have formulated as an operational coalgebraic semantics together with bisimulation equivalences and coalgebraic invariants.... Proceedings of the First NASA Formal Methods Symposium   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Topics covered include: Model Checking - My 27-Year Quest to Overcome the State Explosion Problem; Applying Formal Methods to NASA Projects: Transition from Research to Practice; TLA+: Whence, Wherefore, and Whither; Formal Methods Applications in Air Transportation; Theorem Proving in Intel Hardware Design; Building a Formal Model of a Human-Interactive System: Insights into the Integration of Formal Methods and Human Factors Engineering; Model Checking for Autonomic Systems Specified with ASSL; A Game-Theoretic Approach to Branching Time Abstract-Check-Refine Process; Software Model Checking Without Source Code; Generalized Abstract Symbolic Summaries; A Comparative Study of Randomized Constraint Solvers for Random-Symbolic Testing; Component-Oriented Behavior Extraction for Autonomic System Design; Automated Verification of Design Patterns with LePUS3; A Module Language for Typing by Contracts; From Goal-Oriented Requirements to Event-B Specifications; Introduction of Virtualization Technology to Multi-Process Model Checking; Comparing Techniques for Certified Static Analysis; Towards a Framework for Generating Tests to Satisfy Complex Code Coverage in Java Pathfinder; jFuzz: A Concolic Whitebox Fuzzer for Java; Machine-Checkable Timed CSP; Stochastic Formal Correctness of Numerical Algorithms; Deductive Verification of Cryptographic Software; Coloured Petri Net Refinement Specification and Correctness Proof with Coq; Modeling Guidelines for Code Generation in the Railway Signaling Context; Tactical Synthesis Of Efficient Global Search Algorithms; Towards Co-Engineering Communicating Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems; and Formal Methods for Automated Diagnosis of Autosub 6000.... A Module Language for Typing by Contracts   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Assume-guarantee reasoning is a popular and expressive paradigm for modular and compositional specification of programs. It is becoming a fundamental concept in some computer-aided design tools for embedded system design. In this paper, we elaborate foundations for contract-based embedded system design by proposing a general-purpose module language based on a Boolean algebra allowing to define contracts.... Wind Tunnel Investigation of Ground Wind Loads for Ares Launch Vehicle   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A three year program was conducted at the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Aeroelasticity Branch (AB) and Transonic Dynamics Tunnel (TDT) with the primary objective to acquire scaled steady and dynamic ground-wind loads (GWL) wind-tunnel data for rollout, on-pad stay, and on-pad launch configurations for the Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle (FTV). The experimental effort was conducted to obtain an understanding of the coupling of aerodynamic and structural characteristics that can result in large sustained wind-induced oscillations (WIO) on such a tall and slender launch vehicle and to generate a unique database for development and evaluation of analytical methods for predicting steady and dynamic GWL, especially those caused by vortex shedding, and resulting in significant WIO. This paper summarizes the wind-tunnel test program that employed two dynamically-aeroelastically scaled GWL models based on the Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle. The first model tested, the GWL Checkout Model (CM), was a relatively simple model with a secondary objective of restoration and development of processes and methods for design, fabrication, testing, and data analysis of a representative ground wind loads model.... Automated Verification of Design Patterns with LePUS3   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Specification and [visual] modelling languages are expected to combine strong abstraction mechanisms with rigour, scalability, and parsimony. LePUS3 is a visual, object-oriented design description language axiomatized in a decidable subset of the first-order predicate logic. We demonstrate how LePUS3 is used to formally specify a structural design pattern and prove ( verify ) whether any JavaTM 1.4 program satisfies that specification.... Generalized Abstract Symbolic Summaries   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Current techniques for validating and verifying program changes often consider the entire program, even for small changes, leading to enormous V&V costs over a program s lifetime. This is due, in large part, to the use of syntactic program techniques which are necessarily imprecise. Building on recent advances in symbolic execution of heap manipulating programs, in this paper, we develop techniques for performing abstract semantic differencing of program behaviors that offer the potential for improved precision.... A Comparative Study of Randomized Constraint Solvers for Random-Symbolic Testing   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The complexity of constraints is a major obstacle for constraint-based software verification. Automatic constraint solvers are fundamentally incomplete: input constraints often build on some undecidable theory or some theory the solver does not support. This paper proposes and evaluates several randomized solvers to address this issue.... Analysis of Instabilities in Non-Axisymmetric Hypersonic Boundary Layers Over Cones   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Hypersonic flows over circular cones constitute one of the most important generic configurations for fundamental aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic studies. In this paper, numerical computations are carried out for Mach 6 flows over a 7-degree half-angle cone with two different flow incidence angles and a compression cone with a large concave curvature. Instability wave and transition-related flow physics are investigated using a series of advanced stability methods ranging from conventional linear stability theory (LST) and a higher-fidelity linear and nonlinear parabolized stability equations (PSE), to the 2D eigenvalue analysis based on partial differential equations.... Analysis of a Transonic Alternating Flow Phenomenon Observed During Ares Crew Launch Vehicle Wind Tunnel Tests   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A transonic wind tunnel test of the Ares I-X Rigid Buffet Model (RBM) identified a Mach number regime where unusually large buffet loads are present. A subsequent investigation identified the cause of these loads to be an alternating flow phenomenon at the Crew Module-Service Module junction. The conical design of the Ares I-X Crew Module and the cylindrical design of the Service Module exposes the vehicle to unsteady pressure loads due to the sudden transition from separated to attached flow about the cone-cylinder junction with increasing Mach number.... Comparing Techniques for Certified Static Analysis   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A certified static analysis is an analysis whose semantic validity has been formally proved correct with a proof assistant. The recent increasing interest in using proof assistants for mechanizing programming language metatheory has given rise to several approaches for certification of static analysis. We propose a panorama of these techniques and compare their respective strengths and weaknesses.... Towards Co-Engineering Communicating Autonomous Cyber-Physical Systems   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In this paper, we sketch a framework for interdisciplinary modeling of space systems, by proposing a holistic view. We consider different system dimensions and their interaction. Specifically, we study the interactions between computation, physics, communication, uncertainty and autonomy.... Introduction of Virtualization Technology to Multi-Process Model Checking   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Model checkers find failures in software by exploring every possible execution schedule. Java PathFinder (JPF), a Java model checker, has been extended recently to cover networked applications by caching data transferred in a communication channel. A target process is executed by JPF, whereas its peer process runs on a regular virtual machine outside.... A Game-Theoretic Approach to Branching Time Abstract-Check-Refine Process   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Since the complexity of software systems continues to grow, most engineers face two serious problems: the state space explosion problem and the problem of how to debug systems. In this paper, we propose a game-theoretic approach to full branching time model checking on three-valued semantics. The three-valued models and logics provide successful abstraction that overcomes the state space explosion problem.... Applying Formal Methods to NASA Projects: Transition from Research to Practice   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: NASA project managers attempt to manage risk by relying on mature, well-understood process and technology when designing spacecraft. In the case of crewed systems, the margin for error is even tighter and leads to risk aversion. But as we look to future missions to the Moon and Mars, the complexity of the systems will increase as the spacecraft and crew work together with less reliance on Earth-based support.... Modeling Guidelines for Code Generation in the Railway Signaling Context   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Modeling guidelines constitute one of the fundamental cornerstones for Model Based Development. Their relevance is essential when dealing with code generation in the safety-critical domain. This article presents the experience of a railway signaling systems manufacturer on this issue.... Towards a Framework for Generating Tests to Satisfy Complex Code Coverage in Java Pathfinder   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We present work on a prototype tool based on the JavaPathfinder (JPF) model checker for automatically generating tests satisfying the MC/DC code coverage criterion. Using the Eclipse IDE, developers and testers can quickly instrument Java source code with JPF annotations covering all MC/DC coverage obligations, and JPF can then be used to automatically generate tests that satisfy these obligations. The prototype extension to JPF enables various tasks useful in automatic test generation to be performed, such as test suite reduction and execution of generated tests.... Formal Methods for Automated Diagnosis of Autosub 6000   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This is a progress report on applying formal methods in the context of building an automated diagnosis and recovery system for Autosub 6000, an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The diagnosis task involves building abstract models of the control system of the AUV. The diagnosis engine is based on Livingstone 2, a model-based diagnoser originally built for aerospace applications. Large parts of the diagnosis model can be built without concrete knowledge about each mission, but actual mission scripts and configuration parameters that carry important information for diagnosis are changed for every mission.... Software Model Checking Without Source Code   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We present a framework, called AIR, for verifying safety properties of assembly language programs via software model checking. AIR extends the applicability of predicate abstraction and counterexample guided abstraction refinement to the automated verification of low-level software. By working at the assembly level, AIR allows verification of programs for which source code is unavailable-such as legacy and COTS software-and programs that use features-such as pointers, structures, and object-orientation-that are problematic for source-level software verification tools.... Component-Oriented Behavior Extraction for Autonomic System Design   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Rich and multifaceted domain specific specification languages like the Autonomic System Specification Language (ASSL) help to design reliable systems with self-healing capabilities. The GEAR game-based Model Checker has been used successfully to investigate properties of the ESA Exo- Mars Rover in depth. We show here how to enable GEAR s game-based verification techniques for ASSL via systematic model extraction from a behavioral subset of the language, and illustrate it on a description of the Voyager II space mission.... Building a Formal Model of a Human-Interactive System: Insights into the Integration of Formal Methods and Human Factors Engineering   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Both the human factors engineering (HFE) and formal methods communities are concerned with finding and eliminating problems with safety-critical systems. This work discusses a modeling effort that leveraged methods from both fields to use model checking with HFE practices to perform formal verification of a human-interactive system. Despite the use of a seemingly simple target system, a patient controlled analgesia pump, the initial model proved to be difficult for the model checker to verify in a reasonable amount of time.... Assessment of Hybrid RANS/LES Turbulence Models for Aeroacoustics Applications   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Predicting the noise from aircraft with exposed landing gear remains a challenging problem for the aeroacoustics community. Although computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has shown promise as a technique that could produce high-fidelity flow solutions, generating grids that can resolve the pertinent physics around complex configurations can be very challenging. Structured grids are often impractical for such configurations.... Formal Methods Applications in Air Transportation   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The U.S. air transportation system is the most productive in the world, moving far more people and goods than any other. It is also the safest system in the world, thanks in part to its venerable air traffic control system. But as demand for air travel continues to grow, the air traffic control system s aging infrastructure and labor-intensive procedures are impinging on its ability to keep pace with demand.... Tactical Synthesis Of Efficient Global Search Algorithms   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Algorithm synthesis transforms a formal specification into an efficient algorithm to solve a problem. Algorithm synthesis in Specware combines the formal specification of a problem with a high-level algorithm strategy. To derive an efficient algorithm, a developer must define operators that refine the algorithm by combining the generic operators in the algorithm with the details of the problem specification.... TLA+: Whence, Wherefore, and Whither   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The evolution of my ideas on specification and verification, and how they led to the TLA+ specification language. What is good and bad about TLA+. A brief description of the next version of TLA+ and its tools.... Depositing nanometer-sized particles of metals onto carbon allotropes   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A process for depositing nanometer-sized metal particles onto a substrate in the absence of aqueous solvents, organic solvents, and reducing agents, and without any required pre-treatment of the substrate, includes preparing an admixture of a metal compound and a substrate by dry mixing a chosen amount of the metal compound with a chosen amount of the substrate; and supplying energy to the admixture in an amount sufficient to deposit zero valance metal particles onto the substrate. This process gives rise to a number of deposited metallic particle sizes which may be controlled. The compositions prepared by this process are used to produce polymer composites by combining them with readily available commodity and engineering plastics.... Deductive Verification of Cryptographic Software   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We report on the application of an off-the-shelf verification platform to the RC4 stream cipher cryptographic software implementation (as available in the openSSL library), and introduce a deductive verification technique based on self-composition for proving the absence of error propagation.... From Goal-Oriented Requirements to Event-B Specifications   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In goal-oriented requirements engineering methodologies, goals are structured into refinement trees from high-level system-wide goals down to fine-grained requirements assigned to specific software/ hardware/human agents that can realise them. Functional goals assigned to software agents need to be operationalised into specification of services that the agent should provide to realise those requirements. In this paper, we propose an approach for operationalising requirements into specifications expressed in the Event-B formalism.... Observing Supernova 1987A with the Refurbished Hubble Space Telescope   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The young remnant of supernova 1987A (SN 1987A) offers an unprecedented glimpse into the hydrodynamics and kinetics of fast astrophysical shocks. We have been monitoring SN 1987A with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) since it was launched. The recent repair of the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) allows us to compare observations in 2004, just before its demise, with those in 2010, shortly after its resuscitation by NASA astronauts.... Combined Heat Transfer in High-Porosity High-Temperature Fibrous Insulations: Theory and Experimental Validation   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Combined radiation and conduction heat transfer through various high-temperature, high-porosity, unbonded (loose) fibrous insulations was modeled based on first principles. The diffusion approximation was used for modeling the radiation component of heat transfer in the optically thick insulations. The relevant parameters needed for the heat transfer model were derived from experimental data.... Stochastic Formal Correctness of Numerical Algorithms   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We provide a framework to bound the probability that accumulated errors were never above a given threshold on numerical algorithms. Such algorithms are used for example in aircraft and nuclear power plants. This report contains simple formulas based on Levy's and Markov's inequalities and it presents a formal theory of random variables with a special focus on producing concrete results.... Air traffic management evaluation tool   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Method and system for evaluating and implementing air traffic management tools and approaches for managing and avoiding an air traffic incident before the incident occurs. The invention provides flight plan routing and direct routing or wind optimal routing, using great circle navigation and spherical Earth geometry. The invention provides for aircraft dynamics effects, such as wind effects at each altitude, altitude changes, airspeed changes and aircraft turns to provide predictions of aircraft trajectory (and, optionally, aircraft fuel use).... Guidelines for Computing Longitudinal Dynamic Stability Characteristics of a Subsonic Transport   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A systematic study is presented to guide the selection of a numerical solution strategy for URANS computation of a subsonic transport configuration undergoing simulated forced oscillation about its pitch axis. Forced oscillation is central to the prevalent wind tunnel methodology for quantifying aircraft dynamic stability derivatives from force and moment coefficients, which is the ultimate goal for the computational simulations. Extensive computations are performed that lead in key insights of the critical numerical parameters affecting solution convergence.... Carbon nanotube growth density control   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Method and system for combined coarse scale control and fine scale control of growth density of a carbon nanotube (CNT) array on a substrate, using a selected electrical field adjacent to a substrate surface for coarse scale density control (by one or more orders of magnitude) and a selected CNT growth temperature range for fine scale density control (by multiplicative factors of less than an order of magnitude) of CNT growth density. Two spaced apart regions on a substrate may have different CNT growth densities and/or may use different feed gases for CNT growth.... Theorem Proving in Intel Hardware Design   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: For the past decade, a framework combining model checking (symbolic trajectory evaluation) and higher-order logic theorem proving has been in production use at Intel. Our tools and methodology have been used to formally verify execution cluster functionality (including floating-point operations) for a number of Intel products, including the Pentium(Registered TradeMark)4 and Core(TradeMark)i7 processors. Hardware verification in 2009 is much more challenging than it was in 1999 - today s CPU chip designs contain many processor cores and significant firmware content.... Development of Ceramic Solid-State Laser Host Material   27 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Polycrystalline ceramic laser materials are gaining importance in the development of novel diode-pumped solid-state lasers. Compared to single-crystals, ceramic laser materials offer advantages in terms of ease of fabrication, shape, size, and control of dopant concentrations. Recently, we have developed Neodymium doped Yttria (Nd:Y2O3) as a solid-state ceramic laser material.... Despite Losing Tools, Cosmonauts Complete Spacewalk   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Two Russian cosmonauts have accidentally lost a tool in space while spacewalking outside the International Space Station early Tuesday. MISSION UPDATE: Spacewalkers Come Back Inside   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com LIVE COVERAGE: Spacewalkers Install Antenna Cables   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Russian Cosmonauts Lose Tool During Spacewalk   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Two Russian cosmonauts have accidentally lost a tool in space while spacewalking outside the International Space Station early Tuesday. Severe Storms Strike U.S. East Coast   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 25, 2010, this image shows storm clouds traveling toward the east, passing over Washington, DC. Dust Storm over the Red Sea   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 24, 2010, this natural-color image shows dust plumes blowing off the coast of Africa, over the Red Sea, and toward the Arabian Peninsula. Dust off Western Africa   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 25, 2010, this natural-color image shows a dust plume hundreds of kilometers long over the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Antarctica Traced from Space   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory The point where ice separates from land is called the 'grounding line,' and for scientists, an accurate map of the grounding line is a first step toward a complete calculation of how much ice the continent is losing. Arctic Voyage Illuminating Ocean Optics   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory During NASA's ICESCAPE voyage to the Arctic, scientists have been looking at the phytoplankton in the Arctic's Chukchi Sea -- how many, how big and at what depths they are found. Cutting Into Arctic Sea Ice   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Throughout NASA's ICESCAPE mission, an icebreaker ship 'parked' amid an ice floe and teams of ice scientists stepped foot on the floating ice for a close up look. SPACE.com's International Space Station Expedition Coverage   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Complete SPACE.com coverage of the Expedition 18 mission to the ISS. LIVE COVERAGE: Lost Object Poses No Threat to Space Station   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Russian Cosmonauts Begin Spacewalk at Space Station   27 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Two Russian cosmonauts are planning to float outside the International Space Station Monday to change out a broken camera and hook up a new room. New Horizons Images: LORRI Looks Back at "Old Friend" Jupiter   27 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. In early 2007 New Horizons flew through the Jupiter system snapping stunning, close-up images of Jupiter and its largest moons. Fast forward to 2010 and New Horizons has given us another glimpse of old friend Jupiter. NOAA SEC Space Weather Outlook #10- 31   27 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NOAA SEC Space Weather Outlook #10- 31 NASA Opens Online Voting For Next Desert RATS Exploration Site   27 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA is inviting the public to choose an area in northern Arizona where explorers will conduct part of the annual Desert Research and Technology Studies, known as Desert RATS. CSF Welcomes New Members   27 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. CSF is pleased to announce that Andrews Space, Inc., DCI Services and Consulting, MEI Technologies, Special Aerospace Services, and SRA International have joined the Federation as Associate Members Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 27 July 2010   27 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 27 July 2010 NASA Opens Online Voting For Next Desert RATS Exploration Site   27 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA is inviting the public to choose an area in northern Arizona where explorers will conduct part of the annual Desert Research and Technology Studies, known as Desert RATS. Huge Satellite Poses 150-Year Threat of Space Debris   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The huge European satellite Envisat is possible the most dangerous piece of space debris circling the Earth for the next 150 years, experts say. Finishing Touches Put on Troubled Weather Satellite   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The next U.S. weather satellite has received its final observing instrument and will begin pre-launch environmental testing in October, NASA announced last week. Solar Sail Experiment Could Prove Space-Time Theory   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Solar sails are gaining popularity and could be tapped to settle an unproven theory by famed scientist Albert Einstein. NASA Panel Calls for Asteroid Defense Office   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Protecting Earth from menacing space rocks that could impact our planet should be designated a top-level NASA strategic goal, according to an agency task force. Astronaut Makes 1st Sign Language Address from Space Station   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com American Sign Language made its debut on the International Space Station in an address by NASA astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson. Experimental U.S. Missile Defense Satellites Pass Big Tests   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A pair of U.S. missile defense satellites has passed vital tests in space after spotting three missile test launches from orbit. Parachute Drag Model   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: DTV-SIM is a computer program that implements a mathematical model of the flight dynamics of a missile-shaped drop test vehicle (DTV) equipped with a multistage parachute system that includes two simultaneously deployed drogue parachutes and three main parachutes deployed subsequently and simultaneously by use of pilot parachutes. DTV-SIM was written to support air-drop tests of the DTV/parachute system, which serves a simplified prototype of a proposed crew capsule/parachute landing system.... Fast and Easy Searching of Files in Unisys 2200 Computers   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A program has been written to enable (1) fast and easy searching of symbolic files for one or more strings of characters, dates, or numerical values in specific fields or columns and (2) summarizing results of searching other fields or columns.... High-Altitude Hydration System   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Three methods are being developed for keeping water from freezing during high-altitude climbs so that mountaineers can remain hydrated. Three strategies have been developed. At the time of this reporting two needed to be tested in the field and one was conceptual.... The Application of Ultrasonic Inspection to Crimped Electrical Connections   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The development of a new ultrasonic measurement technique to quantitatively assess wire crimp terminations is discussed. The development of a prototype instrument, based on a modified, commercially available, crimp tool, is demonstrated for applying this technique when wire crimps are installed. The crimp tool has three separate crimping locations that accommodate the three different ferrule diameters.... NASA Tech Briefs, July 2010   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Topics covered include: Wirelessly Interrogated Wear or Temperature Sensors; Processing Nanostructured Sensors Using Microfabrication Techniques; Optical Pointing Sensor; Radio-Frequency Tank Eigenmode Sensor for Propellant Quantity Gauging; High-Temperature Optical Sensor; Integral Battery Power Limiting Circuit for Intrinsically Safe Applications; Configurable Multi-Purpose Processor; Squeezing Alters Frequency Tuning of WGM Optical Resonator; Automated Computer Access Request System; Range Safety for an Autonomous Flight Safety System; Fast and Easy Searching of Files in Unisys 2200 Computers; Parachute Drag Model; Evolutionary Scheduler for the Deep Space Network; Modular Habitats Comprising Rigid and Inflatable Modules; More About N2O-Based Propulsion and Breathable-Gas Systems; Ultrasonic/Sonic Rotary-Hammer Drills; Miniature Piezoelectric Shaker for Distribution of Unconsolidated Samples to Instrument Cells; Lunar Soil Particle Separator; Advanced Aerobots for Scientific Exploration; Miniature Bioreactor System for Long-Term Cell Culture; Electrochemical Detection of Multiple Bioprocess Analytes; Fabrication and Modification of Nanoporous Silicon Particles; High-Altitude Hydration System; Photon Counting Using Edge-Detection Algorithm; Holographic Vortex Coronagraph; Optical Structural Health Monitoring Device; Fuel-Cell Power Source Based on Onboard Rocket Propellants; Polar Lunar Regions: Exploiting Natural and Augmented Thermal Environments; Simultaneous Spectral Temporal Adaptive Raman Spectrometer - SSTARS; Improved Speed and Functionality of a 580-GHz Imaging Radar; Bolometric Device Based on Fluxoid Quantization; Algorithms for Learning Preferences for Sets of Objects; Model for Simulating a Spiral Software-Development Process; Algorithm That Synthesizes Other Algorithms for Hashing; Algorithms for High-Speed Noninvasive Eye-Tracking System; and Adapting ASPEN for Orbital Express.... Ultrasonic/Sonic Rotary-Hammer Drills   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Ultrasonic/sonic rotary-hammer drill (USRoHD) is a recent addition to the collection of apparatuses based on ultrasonic/sonic drill corer (USDC). As described below, the USRoHD has several features, not present in a basic USDC, that increase efficiency and provide some redundancy against partial failure. USDCs and related apparatuses were conceived for boring into, and/or acquiring samples of, rock or other hard, brittle materials of geological interest.... Polar Lunar Regions: Exploiting Natural and Augmented Thermal Environments   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In the polar regions of the Moon, some areas within craters are permanently shadowed from solar illumination and can drop to temperatures of 100 K or lower. These sites may serve as cold traps, capturing ice and other volatile compounds, possibly for eons. Interestingly, ice stored in these locations could potentially alter how lunar exploration is conducted.... Algorithm That Synthesizes Other Algorithms for Hashing   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: An algorithm that includes a collection of several subalgorithms has been devised as a means of synthesizing still other algorithms (which could include computer code) that utilize hashing to determine whether an element (typically, a number or other datum) is a member of a set (typically, a list of numbers). Each subalgorithm synthesizes an algorithm (e.g., a block of code) that maps a static set of key hashes to a somewhat linear monotonically increasing sequence of integers. The goal in formulating this mapping is to cause the length of the sequence thus generated to be as close as practicable to the original length of the set and thus to minimize gaps between the elements.... Photon Counting Using Edge-Detection Algorithm   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: New applications such as high-datarate, photon-starved, free-space optical communications require photon counting at flux rates into gigaphoton-per-second regimes coupled with subnanosecond timing accuracy. Current single-photon detectors that are capable of handling such operating conditions are designed in an array format and produce output pulses that span multiple sample times. In order to discern one pulse from another and not to overcount the number of incoming photons, a detection algorithm must be applied to the sampled detector output pulses.... Radio-Frequency Tank Eigenmode Sensor for Propellant Quantity Gauging   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Although there are several methods for determining liquid level in a tank, there are no proven methods to quickly gauge the amount of propellant in a tank while it is in low gravity or under low-settling thrust conditions where propellant sloshing is an issue. Having the ability to quickly and accurately gauge propellant tanks in low-gravity is an enabling technology that would allow a spacecraft crew or mission control to always know the amount of propellant onboard, thus increasing the chances for a successful mission. The Radio Frequency Mass Gauge (RFMG) technique measures the electromagnetic eigenmodes, or natural resonant frequencies, of a tank containing a dielectric fluid.... Automated Computer Access Request System   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Automated Computer Access Request (AutoCAR) system is a Web-based account provisioning application that replaces the time-consuming paper-based computer-access request process at Johnson Space Center (JSC). Auto- CAR combines rules-based and role-based functionality in one application to provide a centralized system that is easily and widely accessible. The system features a work-flow engine that facilitates request routing, a user registration directory containing contact information and user metadata, an access request submission and tracking process, and a system administrator account management component.... Holographic Vortex Coronagraph   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A holographic vortex coronagraph (HVC) has been proposed as an improvement over conventional coronagraphs for use in high-contrast astronomical imaging for detecting planets, dust disks, and other broadband light scatterers in the vicinities of stars other than the Sun. Because such light scatterers are so faint relative to their parent stars, in order to be able to detect them, it is necessary to effect ultra-high-contrast (typically by a factor of the order of 1010) suppression of broadband light from the stars. Unfortunately, the performances of conventional coronagraphs are limited by low throughput, dispersion, and difficulty of satisfying challenging manufacturing requirements.... High-Temperature Optical Sensor   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A high-temperature optical sensor (see Figure 1) has been developed that can operate at temperatures up to 1,000 C. The sensor development process consists of two parts: packaging of a fiber Bragg grating into a housing that allows a more sturdy thermally stable device, and a technological process to which the device is subjected to in order to meet environmental requirements of several hundred C. This technology uses a newly discovered phenomenon of the formation of thermally stable secondary Bragg gratings in communication-grade fibers at high temperatures to construct robust, optical, high-temperature sensors. Testing and performance evaluation (see Figure 2) of packaged sensors demonstrated operability of the devices at 1,000 C for several hundred hours, and during numerous thermal cycling from 400 to 800 C with different heating rates. The technology significantly extends applicability of optical sensors to high-temperature environments including ground testing of engines, flight propulsion control, thermal protection monitoring of launch vehicles, etc.... Evolutionary Scheduler for the Deep Space Network   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computer program assists human schedulers in satisfying, to the maximum extent possible, competing demands from multiple spacecraft missions for utilization of the transmitting/receiving Earth stations of NASA s Deep Space Network. The program embodies a concept of optimal scheduling to attain multiple objectives in the presence of multiple constraints.... Thermal Stability Testing of a Fischer-Tropsch Fuel and Various Blends with Jet A   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Fischer-Tropsch (F-T) jet fuel composition differs from petroleum-based, conventional commercial jet fuel because of differences in feedstock and production methodology. Fischer-Tropsch fuel typically has a lower aromatic and sulfur content and consists primarily of iso and normal parafins. The ASTM D3241 specification for Jet Fuel Thermal Oxidation Test (JFTOT) break point testing method was used to test the breakpoint of a baseline conventional Jet A, a commercial grade F-T jet fuel, and various blends of this F-T fuel in Jet A. The testing completed in this report was supported by the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Subsonics Fixed Wing Project.... Fuel-Cell Power Source Based on Onboard Rocket Propellants   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The use of onboard rocket propellants (dense liquids at room temperature) in place of conventional cryogenic fuel-cell reactants (hydrogen and oxygen) eliminates the mass penalties associated with cryocooling and boil-off. The high energy content and density of the rocket propellants will also require no additional chemical processing. For a 30-day mission on the Moon that requires a continuous 100 watts of power, the reactant mass and volume would be reduced by 15 and 50 percent, respectively, even without accounting for boiloff losses.... Advanced Aerobots for Scientific Exploration   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Picosat and Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Systems Engineering (PAUSE) project is developing balloon-borne instrumentation systems as aerobots for scientific exploration of remote planets and for diverse terrestrial purposes that can include scientific exploration, mapping, and military surveillance. The underlying concept of balloon-borne gondolas housing outer-space-qualified scientific instruments and associated data-processing and radio-communication equipment is not new. Instead, the novelty lies in numerous design details that, taken together, make a PAUSE aerobot smaller, less expensive, and less massive, relative to prior aerobots developed for similar purposes: Whereas the gondola (including the instrumentation system housed in it) of a typical prior aerobot has a mass of hundreds of kilograms, the mass of the gondola (with instrumentation system) of a PAUSE aerobot is a few kilograms.... More About N2O-Based Propulsion and Breathable-Gas Systems   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Modular, lightweight, fully equipped buildings comprising hybrids of rigid and inflatable structures can be assembled on Earth and then transported to and deployed on the Moon for use as habitats. Modified versions of these buildings could also prove useful on Earth as shelters that can be rapidly and easily erected in emergency situations and/or extreme environments: examples include shelters for hurricane relief and for Antarctic exploration. A building according to the proposal (see figure) would include a rigid composite- material module containing an inner room, plus two inflatable sections that, once inflated, would contain two anterooms.... Electrochemical Detection of Multiple Bioprocess Analytes   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: An apparatus that includes highly miniaturized thin-film electrochemical sensor array has been demonstrated as a prototype of instruments for simultaneous detection of multiple substances of interest (analytes) and measurement of acidity or alkalinity in bioprocess streams. Measurements of pH and of concentrations of nutrients and wastes in cell-culture media, made by use of these instruments, are to be used as feedback for optimizing the growth of cells or the production of desired substances by the cultured cells. The apparatus is designed to utilize samples of minimal volume so as to minimize any perturbation of monitored processes.... Lunar Soil Particle Separator   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Lunar Soil Particle Separator (LSPS) beneficiates soil prior to in situ resource utilization (ISRU). It can improve ISRU oxygen yield by boosting the concentration of ilmenite, or other iron-oxide-bearing materials found in lunar soils, which can substantially reduce hydrogen reduction reactor size, as well as drastically decreasing the power input required for soil heating... Fabrication and Modification of Nanoporous Silicon Particles   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Silicon-based nanoporous particles as biodegradable drug carriers are advantageous in permeation, controlled release, and targeting. The use of biodegradable nanoporous silicon and silicon dioxide, with proper surface treatments, allows sustained drug release within the target site over a period of days, or even weeks, due to selective surface coating. A variety of surface treatment protocols are available for silicon-based particles to be stabilized, functionalized, or modified as required.... Bolometric Device Based on Fluxoid Quantization   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The temperature dependence of fluxoid quantization in a superconducting loop. The sensitivity of the device is expected to surpass that of other superconducting- based bolometric devices, such as superconducting transition-edge sensors and superconducting nanowire devices. Just as important, the proposed device has advantages in sample fabrication.... Model for Simulating a Spiral Software-Development Process   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A discrete-event simulation model, and a computer program that implements the model, have been developed as means of analyzing a spiral software-development process. This model can be tailored to specific development environments for use by software project managers in making quantitative cases for deciding among different software-development processes, courses of action, and cost estimates. A spiral process can be contrasted with a waterfall process, which is a traditional process that consists of a sequence of activities that include analysis of requirements, design, coding, testing, and support.... Modular Habitats Comprising Rigid and Inflatable Modules   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Modular, lightweight, fully equipped buildings comprising hybrids of rigid and inflatable structures can be assembled on Earth and then transported to and deployed on the Moon for use as habitats. Modified versions of these buildings could also prove useful on Earth as shelters that can be rapidly and easily erected in emergency situations and/or extreme environments: examples include shelters for hurricane relief and for Antarctic exploration.... Optical Structural Health Monitoring Device   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This non-destructive, optical fatigue detection and monitoring system relies on a small and unobtrusive light-scattering sensor that is installed on a component at the beginning of its life in order to periodically scan the component in situ. The method involves using a laser beam to scan the surface of the monitored component. The device scans a laser spot over a metal surface to which it is attached.... Range Safety for an Autonomous Flight Safety System   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Range Safety Algorithm software encapsulates the various constructs and algorithms required to accomplish Time Space Position Information (TSPI) data management from multiple tracking sources, autonomous mission mode detection and management, and flight-termination mission rule evaluation. The software evaluates various user-configurable rule sets that govern the qualification of TSPI data sources, provides a prelaunch autonomous hold-launch function, performs the flight-monitoring-and-termination functions, and performs end-of-mission safing... Adapting ASPEN for Orbital Express   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: By studying the Orbital Express mission, modeling the spacecraft and scenarios, and testing the system, a technique has been developed that uses recursive decomposition to represent procedural actions declaratively, schema-level uncertainty reasoning to make uncertainty reasoning tractable, and lightweight, natural language processing to automatically parse procedures to produce declarative models. Schema-level uncertainty reasoning has, at its core, the basic assumption that certain variables are uncertain, but not independent. Once any are known, then the others become known.... Algorithms for High-Speed Noninvasive Eye-Tracking System   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Two image-data-processing algorithms are essential to the successful operation of a system of electronic hardware and software that noninvasively tracks the direction of a person s gaze in real time. The system was described in High-Speed Noninvasive Eye-Tracking System (NPO-30700) NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 31, No. 8 (August 2007), page 51. To recapitulate from the cited article: Like prior commercial noninvasive eyetracking systems, this system is based on (1) illumination of an eye by a low-power infrared light-emitting diode (LED); (2) acquisition of video images of the pupil, iris, and cornea in the reflected infrared light; (3) digitization of the images; and (4) processing the digital image data to determine the direction of gaze from the centroids of the pupil and cornea in the images.... Miniature Bioreactor System for Long-Term Cell Culture   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A prototype miniature bioreactor system is designed to serve as a laboratory benchtop cell-culturing system that minimizes the need for relatively expensive equipment and reagents and can be operated under computer control, thereby reducing the time and effort required of human investigators and reducing uncertainty in results. The system includes a bioreactor, a fluid-handling subsystem, a chamber wherein the bioreactor is maintained in a controlled atmosphere at a controlled temperature, and associated control subsystems. The system can be used to culture both anchorage-dependent and suspension cells, which can be either prokaryotic or eukaryotic.... Wirelessly Interrogated Wear or Temperature Sensors   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Sensors for monitoring surface wear and/or temperature without need for wire connections have been developed. Excitation and interrogation of these sensors are accomplished by means of a magnetic-field-response recorder. In a sensor of the present type as in the previously reported ones, the capacitance and, thus, the resonance frequency, varies as a known function of the quantity of interest that one seeks to determine.... Configurable Multi-Purpose Processor   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Advancements in technology have allowed the miniaturization of systems used in aerospace vehicles. This technology is driven by the need for next-generation systems that provide reliable, responsive, and cost-effective range operations while providing increased capabilities such as simultaneous mission support, increased launch trajectories, improved launch, and landing opportunities, etc. Leveraging the newest technologies, the command and telemetry processor (CTP) concept provides for a compact, flexible, and integrated solution for flight command and telemetry systems and range systems.... Optical Pointing Sensor   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The optical pointing sensor provides a means of directly measuring the relative positions of JPL s Formation Control Testbed (FCT) vehicles without communication. This innovation is a steerable infrared (IR) rangefinder that gives measurements in terms of range and bearing to a passive retroreflector.... Processing Nanostructured Sensors Using Microfabrication Techniques   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Standard microfabrication techniques can be implemented and scaled to help assemble nanoscale microsensors. Currently nanostructures are often deposited onto materials primarily by adding them to a solution, then applying the solution in a thin film. This results in random placement of the nanostructures with no controlled order, and no way to accurately reproduce the placement.... Improved Speed and Functionality of a 580-GHz Imaging Radar   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: With this high-resolution imaging radar system, coherent illumination in the 576-to-589-GHz range and phase-sensitive detection are implemented in an all-solid-state design based on Schottky diode sensors and sources. By employing the frequency-modulated, continuous-wave (FMCW) radar technique, centimeter-scale range resolution has been achieved while using fractional bandwidths of less than 3 percent. The high operating frequencies also permit centimeter-scale cross-range resolution at several-meter standoff distances without large apertures.... Simultaneous Spectral Temporal Adaptive Raman Spectrometer - SSTARS   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Raman spectroscopy is a prime candidate for the next generation of planetary instruments, as it addresses the primary goal of mineralogical analysis, which is structure and composition. However, large fluorescence return from many mineral samples under visible light excitation can render Raman spectra unattainable. Using the described approach, Raman and fluorescence, which occur on different time scales, can be simultaneously obtained from mineral samples using a compact instrument in a planetary environment.... Integral Battery Power Limiting Circuit for Intrinsically Safe Applications   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A circuit topology has been designed to guarantee the output of intrinsically safe power for the operation of electrical devices in a hazardous environment. This design uses a MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) as a switch to connect and disconnect power to a load. A test current is provided through a separate path to the load for monitoring by a comparator against a preset threshold level.... Algorithms for Learning Preferences for Sets of Objects   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A method is being developed that provides for an artificial-intelligence system to learn a user's preferences for sets of objects and to thereafter automatically select subsets of objects according to those preferences. The method was originally intended to enable automated selection, from among large sets of images acquired by instruments aboard spacecraft, of image subsets considered to be scientifically valuable enough to justify use of limited communication resources for transmission to Earth. The method is also applicable to other sets of objects: examples of sets of objects considered in the development of the method include food menus, radio-station music playlists, and assortments of colored blocks for creating mosaics.... Inertia and Double Bending of Light from Equivalence   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Careful examination of light paths in an accelerated reference frame, with use of Special Relativity, can account fully for the observed bending of light in a gravitational field, not just half of it as reported in 1911. This analysis also leads to a Machian formulation of inertia similar to the one proposed by Einstein in 1912 and later derived from gravitational field equations in Minkowsky Space by Sciama in 1953. There is a clear inference from equivalence that there is some type of inertial mass increase in a gravitational field.... Upgrade Summer Severe Weather Tool in MIDDS   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The goal of this task was to upgrade the severe weather database from the previous phase by adding weather observations from the years 2004 - 2009, re-analyze the data to determine the important parameters, make adjustments to the index weights depending on the analysis results, and update the MIDDS GUI. The added data increased the period of record from 15 to 21 years. Data sources included local forecast rules, archived sounding data, surface and upper air maps, and two severe weather event databases covering east-central Florida. Four of the stability indices showed increased severe weather predication.... Spacecraft VHF Radio Propagation Analysis in Ocean Environments Including Atmospheric Effects   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Communication Systems Simulation Laboratory (CSSL) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Johnson Space Center (JSC) is tasked to perform spacecraft and ground network communication system simulations. The CSSL has developed simulation tools that model spacecraft communication systems and the space/ground environment in which they operate. This paper is to analyze a spacecraft's very high frequency (VHF) radio signal propagation and the impact to performance when landing in an ocean.... Two-Speed Gearbox Dynamic Simulation Predictions and Test Validation   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Dynamic simulations and experimental validation tests were performed on a two-stage, two-speed gearbox as part of the drive system research activities of the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Subsonics Rotary Wing Project. The gearbox was driven by two electromagnetic motors and had two electromagnetic, multi-disk clutches to control output speed. A dynamic model of the system was created which included a direct current electric motor with proportional-integral-derivative (PID) speed control, a two-speed gearbox with dual electromagnetically actuated clutches, and an eddy current dynamometer.... Optimal Compression of Floating-Point Astronomical Images Without Significant Loss of Information   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We describe a compression method for floating-point astronomical images that gives compression ratios of 6 - 10 while still preserving the scientifically important information in the image. The pixel values are first preprocessed by quantizing them into scaled integer intensity levels, which removes some of the uncompressible noise in the image. The integers are then losslessly compressed using the fast and efficient Rice algorithm and stored in a portable FITS format file.... Squeezing Alters Frequency Tuning of WGM Optical Resonator   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Mechanical squeezing has been found to alter the frequency tuning of a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonator that has an elliptical shape and is made of lithium niobate. It may be possible to exploit this effect to design reconfigurable optical filters for optical communications and for scientific experiments involving quantum electrodynamics. Some background information is prerequisite to a meaningful description of the squeezing-induced alteration of frequency tuning: The spectrum of a WGM resonator is represented by a comblike plot of intensity versus frequency.... Miniature Piezoelectric Shaker for Distribution of Unconsolidated Samples to Instrument Cells   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The planned Mars Science Laboratory mission requires inlet funnels for channeling unconsolidated powdered samples from the sampling and sieving mechanisms into instrument test cells, which are required to reduce cross-contamination of the samples and to minimize residue left in the funnels after each sample transport. To these ends, a solid-state shaking mechanism has been created that requires low power and is lightweight, but is sturdy enough to survive launch vibration. The funnel mechanism is driven by asymmetrically mounted, piezoelectric flexure actuators that are out of the load path so that they do not support the funnel mass.... Flight Test Results From the Rake Airflow Gage Experiment on the F-15B Airplane   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Rake Airflow Gage Experiment involves a flow-field survey rake that was flown on the Propulsion Flight Test Fixture at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center using the Dryden F-15B research test bed airplane. The objective of this flight test was to ascertain the flow-field angularity, local Mach number profile, total pressure distortion, and dynamic pressure at the aerodynamic interface plane of the Channeled Centerbody Inlet Experiment. This new mixed-compression, supersonic inlet is planned for flight test in the near term.... Optimal Low Energy Earth-Moon Transfers   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The optimality of a low-energy Earth-Moon transfer is examined for the first time using primer vector theory. An optimal control problem is formed with the following free variables: the location, time, and magnitude of the transfer insertion burn, and the transfer time. A constraint is placed on the initial state of the spacecraft to bind it to a given initial orbit around a first body, and on the final state of the spacecraft to limit its Keplerian energy with respect to a second body.... In-Flight Carbon Dioxide Exposures and Related Symptoms: Association, Susceptibility, and Operational Implications   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The effects of ambient carbon dioxide and exposure limits have been well studied on Earth. However, informal crew reports on the International Space Station have suggested that astronauts are developing CO2-related symptoms such as headache and lethargy at lower than expected CO2 levels and that symptoms tend to resolve when CO2 level is decreased. In-flight data to date support an association between elevated ppCO2 and CO2-related symptoms, but more research is needed to conclude causality.... Design and Analysis of the International X-Ray Observatory Mirror Modules   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Soft X-Ray Telescope (SXT) modules are the fundamental focusing assemblies on NASA's next major X-ray telescope mission, the International X-Ray Observatory (IXO). The preliminary design and analysis of these assemblies has been completed, addressing the major engineering challenges and leading to an understanding of the factors effecting module performance. Each of the 60 modules in the Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA) supports 200-300 densely packed 0.4 mm thick glass mirror segments in order to meet the unprecedented effective area required to achieve the scientific objectives of the mission.... CFD Models of a Serpentine Inlet, Fan, and Nozzle   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Several computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes were used to analyze the Versatile Integrated Inlet Propulsion Aerodynamics Rig (VIIPAR) located at NASA Glenn Research Center. The rig consists of a serpentine inlet, a rake assembly, inlet guide vanes, a 12-in. diameter tip-turbine driven fan stage, exit rakes or probes, and an exhaust nozzle with a translating centerbody. The analyses were done to develop computational capabilities for modeling inlet/fan interaction and to help interpret experimental data.... Materials International Space Station Experiment-6 (MISSE-6) Atomic Oxygen Fluence Monitor Experiment   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: An atomic oxygen fluence monitor was flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment-6 (MISSE-6). The monitor was designed to measure the accumulation of atomic oxygen fluence with time as it impinged upon the ram surface of the MISSE 6B Passive Experiment Container (PEC). This was an active experiment for which data was to be stored on a battery-powered data logger for post-flight retrieval and analysis.... Individual Susceptibility to Hypobaric Environments: An Update   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Astronauts are at risk for developing decompression sickness (DCS) while exposed to the hypobaric environment of the extravehicular suit in space, in terrestrial hypobaric chambers, and during ascent from neutral buoyancy training dives. There is increasing recognition that DCS risk is different between diving and altitude exposures, with many individual parameters and environmental factors implicated as risk factors for development of DCS in divers but are not recognized as risk factors in altitude exposures. Much of the literature to date has focused on patent foramen ovale (PFO), which has long been considered a major risk factor for DCS in diving exposures, but its link to serious DCS in altitude exposures remains unclear.... Physical Processes for Driving Ionospheric Outflows in Global Simulations   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We review and assess the importance of processes thought to drive ionospheric outflows, linking them as appropriate to the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field, and to the spatial and temporal distribution of their magnetospheric internal responses. These begin with the diffuse effects of photoionization and thermal equilibrium of the ionospheric topside, enhancing Jeans' escape, with ambipolar diffusion and acceleration. Auroral outflows begin with dayside reconnexion and resultant field-aligned currents and driven convection.... Experimental Charging Behavior of Orion UltraFlex Array Designs   26 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The present ground based investigations give the first definitive look describing the charging behavior of Orion UltraFlex arrays in both the Low Earth Orbital (LEO) and geosynchronous (GEO) environments. Note the LEO charging environment also applies to the International Space Station (ISS). The GEO charging environment includes the bounding case for all lunar mission environments.... Debate Heats Up Over Meteor's Role in Ice Age   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com New studies of sediment layers show that widespread fire from a meteor explosion was not the trigger for abrupt climate change 12,900 years ago. Russian Cosmonauts to Take Spacewalk   26 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Two Russian cosmonauts are planning to float outside the International Space Station Monday to change out a broken camera and hook up a new room. Sabancaya Volcano, Peru   26 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory The snowy peaks of the three Peruvian volcanoes provide a stark contrast to the surrounding desert of the Puna Plateau in this astronaut photo from July 15, 2010. GAO: NASA Constellation Program and Appropriations Restrictions, Part II B-320091, July 23, 2010   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA's actions to date with regard to the Constellation program have not violated either the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 or the provision in the fiscal year 2010 Exploration appropriation. European Planetary Science Congress, 19-24 Sept. 2010   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. European Planetary Science Congress, 19-24 Sept. 2010 NASA's Marshall Center to Hold Annual 'Intern Poster Expo' July 29   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA's Marshall Center to Hold Annual 'Intern Poster Expo' July 29 Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin Demonstrate New Docking System Technology   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Ball Aerospace, Lockheed Martin Demonstrate New Docking System Technology SAIC Awarded $80 Million Subcontract to Support NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. SAIC Awarded $80 Million Subcontract to Support NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Astronauts in the Oval Office   26 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day President Barack Obama greets the STS-132 Atlantis crew and International Space Station astronaut T.J. Creamer in the Oval Office, July 26, 2010. From left, STS-132 Commander Ken Ham; Expedition 22/23 Flight Engineer T.J. Creamer; STS-132 Mission Specialists Piers Sellers, Garret Reisman, and Steve Bowen; President Obama; STS-132 Mission Specialist Michael Good; and STS-132 Pilot Tony Antonelli. Official White House Photo by Pete Souza NASA Simulates Space Exploration At Remote Arctic Crater Site   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA personnel are among a group of international researchers who are in the Canadian Arctic assessing concepts for future planetary exploration as part of the Haughton-Mars Project, or HMP-2010. Getting Out of the Gravity Well on One Thin Dime   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. As of this writing no dissent has been heard from the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, so the cuts might stick. It might be useful to review what the Obama Administration originally asked for - and why. NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 26 July 2010   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 25 July 2010   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. NASA Advisory Council Ad-Hoc Task Force on Planetary Defense Meeting August 2010   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Advisory Council Ad-Hoc Task Force on Planetary Defense Meeting August 2010 Astrotech Subsidiary Secures $9.5 Million NASA Contract   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Astrotech Subsidiary Secures $9.5 Million NASA Contract NASA Simulates Space Exploration At Remote Arctic Crater Site   26 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA personnel are among a group of international researchers who are in the Canadian Arctic assessing concepts for future planetary exploration as part of the Haughton-Mars Project, or HMP-2010. Dreamy, Young Stars   26 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day The Orion Nebula is a 'happening' place where stars are born and this colony of hot, young stars is stirring up the cosmic scene in this image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope. The young stars dip and peak in brightness; shifting cold and hot spots on the stars' surfaces cause brightness levels to change. In addition, surrounding disks of lumpy planet-forming material can obstruct starlight. Spitzer is keeping tabs on the young stars, providing data on their changing ways. The hottest stars in the region are the Trapezium cluster. This image was taken after Spitzer's liquid coolant ran dry in May 2009, marking the beginning of its 'warm' mission. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 26 July 2010   26 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 25 July 2010 First Person: False Alarm Leads to Once-in-a-Lifetime Shooting Star   25 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A bright fireball streaks through the Phoenix sky, spotted fortuitously. Huge Space Rock (Meeting) Descends on New York   25 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Space rock aficionados are set to descend on New York for the 73rd Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society, beginning Monday and running through July 30. Savaii, Samoa   25 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 1, 2010, this natural-color image shows south-central Savai’i Island in Somoa. Vegetation coats the mountainous landscape. Spacecraft Orbiting Mars Suffers Malfunction   25 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA engineers are working to revive the space agency's oldest spacecraft in orbit around Mars from an unexpected malfunction. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 4, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 4, 2009 NASA Astronaut Sends First Signed Message from Orbit   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. The number of languages used on the International Space Station has recently increased. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness November 13, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness November 13, 2009 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness November 6, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness November 6, 2009 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness October 30, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness October 30, 2009 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness October 23, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness October 23, 2009 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness October 16, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness October 16, 2009 Kepler Results Exaggerated (again)   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Looks like Fox News, The Australian, and the Daily Mail have jumped the gun again. To read their headlines and their short stories, you'd think that a bunch of Earthlike planets have been confirmed circling other stars with 'both land and water'. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 25 July 2010   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 25 July 2010 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness November 20, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness November 20, 2009 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 18, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 18, 2009 NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 11, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 11, 2009 Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report 23 July 2010   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Expendable Launch Vehicle Status Report 23 July 2010 Wayne Hale's NASA Blog: Trip Reports   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. The last couple of weeks have been very busy for me, so pardon my lack of blog posts. I have been on travel for several days and you should have a report on three trips. NASA Cassini Significant Events 07/07/10 - 07/13/10   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. The most recent spacecraft telemetry was acquired on July 13 from the Deep Space Network tracking complex at Canberra, Australia. The Cassini spacecraft is in an excellent state of health and all subsystems are operating normally. NASA Cassini Significant Events 07/014/10 - 07/20/10   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. The most recent spacecraft telemetry was acquired on July 20 from the Deep Space Network tracking complex at Canberra, Australia. The Cassini spacecraft is in an excellent state of health and all subsystems are operating normally. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 31, 2009   25 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Spaceline Current Awareness December 31, 2009 Big Price Drop for Suborbital Spaceflights Foreseen By 2014   24 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com By 2014, a ticket for suborbital flight is likely to cost between $50,000 and $100,000 as the industry develops to offer hundreds or even thousands of flights annually, experts say. NASA's Astronaut Twitter Account Hacked   24 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Houston, we have a social networking problem. A hacker broke into NASA's astronaut Twitter feed Friday to peddle flat screen televisions. Severe Drought in Southern Russia   24 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory This vegetation index image shows how drought limited plant growth in southern Russia between June 26 and July 11, 2010. Tropical Storm Bonnie   24 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 23, 2010, this natural-color image shows Tropical Storm Bonnie spanning southern Florida. NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 24 July 2010   24 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. NASA ISS On-Orbit Status 23 July 2010   24 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 24 July 2010   24 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 23 July 2010   24 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 23 July 2010 NOAA SATOPS Morning Report: Friday, July 23, 2010   24 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NOAA SATOPS Morning Report: Friday, July 23, 2010 New Mars Rover Takes First Drive ... On Earth   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA's next-generation Mars rover, Curiosity, took its first baby steps on Earth today, making two slow drives forward and back on the floor of the clean room where it is being constructed. American Student-Built Rocket Wins International Contest   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A small rocket built by a team of American students from Pennsylvania soared into first place in an international contest held Friday in Farnborough, England - becoming the first U.S. team to win the high-flying event. Why Are Rockets Launched from Florida?   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Rockets have been blasting off from Florida for 60 years, but why is the Space Coast a prime spot for launches? Neil Armstrong's Travel Papers Allegedly Stolen By Customs Worker   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A customs declaration form filled out by Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong was allegedly stolen by a U.S. customs worker and his friend, federal prosecutors have announced. Comet Smacked Neptune 200 Years Ago, Data Suggests   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com New measurements of Neptune's atmosphere from a European space telescope suggest that a comet may have impacted the outer-most planet in our solar system approximately two centuries ago. Student Experiments Headed for Space Station   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com NASA has selected nine experiments designed by schoolchildren for astronauts to conduct on the International Space Station this summer. Best Map of Mars Ever Made Hits Internet   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Ever wanted to explore the surface of Mars? Now you can - at least virtually - thanks to a powerful camera aboard a spacecraft in orbit around Mars that has made the most accurate global map of the red planet in history. 60 Years of Rocket Launches: The Rise of America's Florida Spaceport   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com American rockets have been blasting off from Florida's Cape Canaveral for 60 years and show no sign of stopping. Senate Panel Cuts Commercial Spaceship Funding for NASA   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A Senate panel approved a $19 billion NASA budget Wednesday that would cut in half the U.S. space agency�s 2011 request for a new commercial crew initiative while pumping an unsought $3 billion into continued development of the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle and a heavy-lift rocket needed to launch it into deep space. Summer Meteor Shower Season in Full Swing   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com For skywatchers in the Northern Hemisphere, late summer is usually regarded as the prime meteor-viewing season. Life's Little Mysteries: Why Do Rockets Launch from Florida?   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Today, Cape Canaveral is America's gateway to the cosmos, but it wasn't the first place from which rockets were launched. Video - Can We All Get Along ... in Space?   23 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com 35 years ago Apollo and Soyuz joined together in low earth orbit showing that rivals can ease their hostilities towards one another. The same thing is happening in Washington as Congress and the White House compromise on what's next for NASA. The Prediction of Broadband Shock-Associated Noise from Dualstream and Rectangular Jets Using RANS CFD   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Supersonic jets operating off-design produce broadband shock-associated noise. Broadband shock-associated noise is characterized by multiple broadband peaks in the far-field and is often the dominant source of noise towards the sideline and upstream direction relative to the jet axis. It is due to large scale coherent turbulence structures in the jet shear layers interacting with the shock cell structure.... 3D Lunar Terrain Reconstruction from Apollo Images   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Generating accurate three dimensional planetary models is becoming increasingly important as NASA plans manned missions to return to the Moon in the next decade. This paper describes a 3D surface reconstruction system called the Ames Stereo Pipeline that is designed to produce such models automatically by processing orbital stereo imagery. We discuss two important core aspects of this system: (1) refinement of satellite station positions and pose estimates through least squares bundle adjustment; and (2) a stochastic plane fitting algorithm that generalizes the Lucas-Kanade method for optimal matching between stereo pair images..... Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulation of Hypersonic Turbine-Based Combined-Cycle (TBCC) Inlet Mode Transition   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Methods of computational fluid dynamics were applied to simulate the aerodynamics within the turbine flowpath of a turbine-based combined-cycle propulsion system during inlet mode transition at Mach 4. Inlet mode transition involved the rotation of a splitter cowl to close the turbine flowpath to allow the full operation of a parallel dual-mode ramjet/scramjet flowpath. Steady-state simulations were performed at splitter cowl positions of 0deg, -2deg, -4deg, and -5.7deg, at which the turbine flowpath was closed half way.... An Integrated Architecture for On-Board Aircraft Engine Performance Trend Monitoring and Gas Path Fault Diagnostics   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Aircraft engine performance trend monitoring and gas path fault diagnostics are closely related technologies that assist operators in managing the health of their gas turbine engine assets. Trend monitoring is the process of monitoring the gradual performance change that an aircraft engine will naturally incur over time due to turbomachinery deterioration, while gas path diagnostics is the process of detecting and isolating the occurrence of any faults impacting engine flow-path performance. Today, performance trend monitoring and gas path fault diagnostic functions are performed by a combination of on-board and off-board strategies.... Micro-Ramps for External Compression Low-Boom Inlets   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The application of vortex generators for flow control in an external compression, axisymmetric, low-boom concept inlet was investigated using RANS simulations with three-dimensional (3-D), structured, chimera (overset) grids and the WIND-US code. The low-boom inlet design is based on previous scale model 1- by 1-ft wind tunnel tests and features a zero-angle cowl and relaxed isentropic compression centerbody spike, resulting in defocused oblique shocks and a weak terminating normal shock. Validation of the methodology was first performed for micro-ramps in supersonic flow on a flat plate with and without oblique shocks.... Coupled Analysis of an Inlet and Fan for a Quiet Supersonic Jet   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A computational analysis of a Gulfstream isentropic external compression supersonic inlet coupled to a Rolls-Royce fan has been completed. The inlet was designed for a small, low sonic boom supersonic vehicle with a design cruise condition of M = 1.6 at 45,000 ft. The inlet design included an annular bypass duct that routed flow subsonically around an engine-mounted gearbox and diverted flow with high shock losses away from the fan tip.... Climate Change and Examples of Combined HyspIRI VSWIR/TIR Advanced Level Products for Urban Ecosystems Analysis   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: It is estimated that 60-80% of the world population will live in urban environments by the end of this century. This growth of the urban population will effect the climate. This slide presentation examines the use of combined HyspIRI Visible ShortWave Infrared (VSWIR)/Thermal Infrared (TIR) to observe, monitor, measure and model many of the components that comprise urban ecosystems cycles.... Design of a Slowed-Rotor Compound Helicopter for Future Joint Service Missions   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: A slowed-rotor compound helicopter has been synthesized using the NASA Design and Analysis of Rotorcraft (NDARC) conceptual design software. An overview of the design process and the capabilities of NDARC are presented. The benefits of trading rotor speed, wing-rotor lift share, and trim strategies are presented for an example set of sizing conditions and missions.... Candidate Exercise Technologies and Prescriptions   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews potential exercise technologies to counter the effects of space flight. It includes a overview of the exercise countermeasures project, a review of some of the candidate exercise technologies being considered and a few of the analog exercise hardware devices, and a review of new studies that are designed to optimize the current and future exercise protocols.... The Influence of Friction Stir Weld Tool Form and Welding Parameters on Weld Structure and Properties: Nugget Bulge in Self-Reacting Friction Stir Welds   23 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Although friction stir welding (FSW) was patented in 1991, process development has been based upon trial and error and the literature still exhibits little understanding of the mechanisms determining weld structure and properties. New concepts emerging from a better understanding of these mechanisms enhance the ability of FSW engineers to think about the FSW process in new ways, inevitably leading to advances in the technology. A kinematic approach in which the FSW flow process is decomposed into several simple flow components has been found to explain the basic structural features of FSW welds and to relate them to tool geometry and process parameters.... JPL scientist recognized for interferometry innovations   23 Jul 2010 - PlanetQuest - the Search for Another Earth - Copyright 2008 JPL scientist Michael Shao can remember what his college advisor told him when he first decided to venture into a little-known field called 'stellar interferometry' for his graduate thesis. New Map of Antarctica's Icy Edge   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory This image shows the latest estimate of the ice edge around Law Promontory, which juts out from East Antarctica’s coastline near Stefansson Bay. Volcanic Activity at Kilauea   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory A plume of water vapor, sulfur dioxide, and other volcanic gases continued to escape from Kilauea’s Halema‘uma‘u Crater on July 15, 2010. Typhoon Chanthu   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory Acquired July 22, 2010, this natural-color image shows Tropical Storm Chanthu over the coast of southern China. Bumper Crops in China   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Earth Observatory This vegetation image shows expansive plant growth in northern and eastern China under nearly ideal weather in June 2010. NASA Spacecraft Camera Yields Most Accurate Mars Map Ever   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News A camera aboard NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft has helped develop the most accurate global Martian map ever. Researchers and the public can access the map via several websites and explore and survey the entire surface of the Red Planet. NASA Spacecraft Camera Yields Most Accurate Mars Map Ever   23 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. A camera aboard NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft has helped develop the most accurate global Martian map ever. Researchers and the public can access the map via several websites and explore and survey the entire surface of the Red Planet. NASA Astronaut Sends First Signed Message from Orbit   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News The number of languages used on the International Space Station has recently increased. Fractured   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day This observation from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows the floor of a large impact crater in the southern highlands, north of the giant Hellas impact basin. Most of the crater floor is dark, with abundant small ripples of wind-blown material. However, a pit in the floor of the crater has exposed light-toned, fractured rock. The light-toned material appears fractured at several different scales. These fractures, called joints, result from stresses on the rock after its formation. Joints are similar to faults, but have undergone virtually no displacement. With careful analysis, joints can provide insight into the forces that have affected a rock, and thus yielding clues into its geologic history. The fractures appear dark, which may be due to dark, wind-blown sand, precipitation of different minerals along the fracture, or both. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona NASA Seeks Undergrads to Defy Gravity for Science and Engineering   23 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA is offering undergraduate students an opportunity to test an experiment in weightless science as part of the agency's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program. Claims of 100 Earth-Like Planets Not True   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Despite some overzealous news headlines recently, NASA's Kepler spacecraft has not indentified more than 100 Earth-like planets in the galaxy. TechNewsDaily: New Supersonic Passenger Jet Set for Takeoff   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Pristine Impact Crater Discovered in Egypt Desert   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com What may be the best-preserved small impact crater on Earth was recently discovered in the remote Egyptian desert, scientists announced Thursday. Astronomers Find Largest Molecules Ever Known in Space   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com Astronomers have found evidence of buckyballs - carbon molecules shaped like soccer balls - in the nebula around a distant white dwarf star. Solar Sail Camera Spots Cosmic Explosion   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A solar sail soaring through space on nothing but sunlight has caught its first glimpse of a violent gamma-ray burst - one of the most powerful explosions in the universe. Superfast Star Shot Out of Milky Way   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com A super-hot blue star hurtling through space has been shot completely out of the Milky Way, new Hubble Space Telescope photos reveal. House Version of NASA Bill Puts Brakes on Commercial Spaceship Plan   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com House lawmakers released a draft of NASA authorizing legislation Monday that focuses on fielding a government-owned system capable of ferrying crews to and from the International Space Station by the end of 2015. Space Commercialization   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Space commercialization is necessary to fulfill national goals and the associated policy and strategic objectives that will enable space exploration and development.... Microstructural Characterization of Metal Foams: An Examination of the Applicability of the Theoretical Models for Modeling Foams   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Establishing the geometry of foam cells is useful in developing microstructure-based acoustic and structural models. Since experimental data on the geometry of the foam cells are limited, most modeling efforts use the three-dimensional, space-filling Kelvin tetrakaidecahedron. The validity of this assumption is investigated in the present paper.... Notes on SAW Tag Interrogation Techniques   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We consider the problem of interrogating a single SAW RFID tag with a known ID and known range in the presence of multiple interfering tags under the following assumptions: (1) The RF propagation environment is well approximated as a simple delay channel with geometric power-decay constant alpha >/= 2. (2) The interfering tag IDs are unknown but well approximated as independent, identically distributed random samples from a probability distribution of tag ID waveforms with known second-order properties, and the tag of interest is drawn independently from the same distribution. (3) The ranges of the interfering tags are unknown but well approximated as independent, identically distributed realizations of a random variable rho with a known probability distribution f(sub rho) , and the tag ranges are independent of the tag ID waveforms. In particular, we model the tag waveforms as random impulse responses from a wide-sense-stationary, uncorrelated-scattering (WSSUS) fading channel with known bandwidth and scattering function. A brief discussion of the properties of such channels and the notation used to describe them in this document is given in the Appendix.... Air Traffic Sector Configuration Change Frequency   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Several techniques for partitioning airspace have been developed in the literature. The question of whether a region of airspace created by such methods can be used with other days of traffic, and the number of times a different partition is needed during the day is examined in this paper. Both these aspects are examined for the Fort Worth Center airspace sectors.... Raman Scattering in a New Carbon Material   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Samples of a new carbon material, Diamonite-B, were fabricated under high pressure from a commercial carbon black--identified as mixed fullerenes. The new material is neither graphite-like nor diamond-like, but exhibits electrical properties close to graphite and mechanical properties close to diamond. The use of Raman spectroscopy to investigate the vibrational dynamics of this new carbon material and to provide structural characterization of its short-, medium- and long-range order is reported.... Back-Face Strain for Monitoring Stable Crack Extension in Precracked Flexure Specimens   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Calibrations relating back-face strain to crack length in precracked flexure specimens were developed for different strain gage sizes. The functions were verified via experimental compliance measurements of notched and precracked ceramic beams. Good agreement between the functions and experiments occurred, and fracture toughness was calculated via several operational methods: maximum test load and optically measured precrack length; load at 2 percent crack extension and optical precrack length; maximum load and back-face strain crack length.... Lubrication of Nitinol 60   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The mechanical properties of Nitinol 60, 60 wt% Ni, 40 wt% Ti (55 at.% Ni, 45 at.% Ti) are sufficiently attractive to warrant its consideration as a lubricated triboelement. Triboelements are always run lubricated. The ability to lubricate Nitinol 60 by the oils usually used on spacecraft mechanisms--Pennzane 2001A, Krytox 143AC and Castrol 815Z--was experimentally determined.... Active Vibration Reduction of Titanium Alloy Fan Blades (FAN1) Using Piezoelectric Materials   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing smart adaptive structures to improve fan blade damping at resonances using piezoelectric (PE) transducers. In this paper, a digital resonant control technique emulating passive shunt circuits is used to demonstrate vibration reduction of FAN1 Ti real fan blade at the several target modes. Single-mode control and multi-mode control using one piezoelectric material are demonstrated.... Investigation of Loop Heat Pipe Survival and Restart After Extreme Cold Environment Exposure   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: NASA plans human exploration near the South Pole of the Moon, and other locations where the environment is extremely cold. This paper reports on the heat transfer performance of a loop heat pipe (LHP) exposed to extreme cold under the simulated reduced gravitational environment of the Moon. A common method of spacecraft thermal control is to use a LHP with ammonia working fluid.... NASA's Planned Fuel Cell Development Activities for 2009 and Beyond in Support of the Exploration Vision   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: NASA s Energy Storage Project is one of many technology development efforts being implemented as part of the Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP), under the auspices of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD). The Energy Storage Project is a focused technology development effort to advance lithium-ion battery and proton-exchange-membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technologies to meet the specific power and energy storage needs of NASA Exploration missions. The fuel cell portion of the project has as its focus the development of both primary fuel cell power systems and regenerative fuel cell (RFC) energy storage systems, and is led by the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) in partnership with the Johnson Space Center (JSC), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the Kennedy Space Center (KSC), academia, and industrial partners.... Rotorcraft Research at the NASA Vertical Motion Simulator   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: In the 1970 s the role of the military helicopter evolved to encompass more demanding missions including low-level nap-of-the-earth flight and operation in severely degraded visual environments. The Vertical Motion Simulator (VMS) at the NASA Ames Research Center was built to provide a high-fidelity simulation capability to research new rotorcraft concepts and technologies that could satisfy these mission requirements. The VMS combines a high-fidelity large amplitude motion system with an adaptable simulation environment including interchangeable and configurable cockpits.... Development of a User Interface for a Regression Analysis Software Tool   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: An easy-to -use user interface was implemented in a highly automated regression analysis tool. The user interface was developed from the start to run on computers that use the Windows, Macintosh, Linux, or UNIX operating system. Many user interface features were specifically designed such that a novice or inexperienced user can apply the regression analysis tool with confidence.... NASA Subsonic Rotary Wing Project-Multidisciplinary Analysis and Technology Development: Overview   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation reviews the objectives of the Multidisciplinary Analysis and Technology Development (MDATD) in the Subsonic Rotary Wing project. The objectives are to integrate technologies and analyses to enable advanced rotorcraft and provide a roadmap to guide Level 1 and 2 research. The MDATD objectives will be met by conducting assessments of advanced technology benefits, developing new or enhanced design tools, and integrating Level 2 discipline technologies to develop and enable system-level analyses and demonstrations.... NASA Subsonic Rotary Wing Project   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: This slide presentation will outline the rationale for, and the initial results of, a contractor study being performed by a SAIC-led team of Bell Helicopter Textron, Sensis, and Optimal Synthesis. Together, this team represents an extensive body of subject matter expertise as related to rotorcraft technologies and design, airspace demand modeling simulation, and terminal area operations and flight path planning. The initial conceptual design results of a fleet of civil tiltrotor aircraft ranging in size from 10 to 120 passengers is a key highlight of the work to be presented.... Laser Surface Preparation for Adhesive Bonding of Aerospace Structural Composites   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: Adhesive bonds are critical to the integrity of built-up structures. Disbonds can often be detected but the strength of adhesion between surfaces in contact is not obtainable without destructive testing. Typically the number one problem in a bonded structure is surface contamination, and by extension, surface preparation.... Evolving Systems and Adaptive Key Component Control   22 Jul 2010 - New NASA STI Abstract: We propose a new framework called Evolving Systems to describe the self-assembly, or autonomous assembly, of actively controlled dynamical subsystems into an Evolved System with a higher purpose. An introduction to Evolving Systems and exploration of the essential topics of the control and stability properties of Evolving Systems is provided. This chapter defines a framework for Evolving Systems, develops theory and control solutions for fundamental characteristics of Evolving Systems, and provides illustrative examples of Evolving Systems and their control with adaptive key component controllers.... How to Find Aliens: Follow the Photosynthesis   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com By calculating where photosynthesis might be possible around the galaxy, scientists are developing a new way to figure out where Earth-like planets might be located. Black Hole Knocked Off Axis By Galaxy Collision   22 Jul 2010 - SPACE.com The discovery of a giant, spinning black hole that was shoved around twice, causing its axis to point in a different direction from before, has led astronomers to believe that a violent collision between two galaxies was the likely cause of such strange cosmic behavior. NASA JSC Solicitation: Aircraft Maintenance Operational Support and Microgravity Services   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA JSC Solicitation: Aircraft Maintenance Operational Support and Microgravity Services NASA ARC Solicitation: Educational Outreach   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA ARC Solicitation: Educational Outreach NASA LaRC Solicitation: Innovation Assessment Process   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA LaRC Solicitation: Innovation Assessment Process NASA Telescope Finds Elusive Buckyballs in Space for First Time   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Telescope Finds Elusive Buckyballs in Space for First Time Central Black Hole Powers Milky Way's Fastest Stars   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. The black hole at the center of the galaxy is to blame for sling-shotting 'hypervelocity stars' out of the Milky Way at up to 1.8 million miles per hour, according to new evidence from research involving a University of Michigan astronomer. NASA Awards Modeling and Simulation Contract   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Awards Modeling and Simulation Contract NOAA Announces Funding Availability for Formal K-12 Education Projects   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NOAA Announces Funding Availability for Formal K-12 Education Projects House Committee supports full competition on shuttle decision   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. House Committee supports full competition on shuttle decision Final instruments on NASA climate/weather satellite integrated   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. The last of five instruments slated to fly on the upcoming NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) climate and weather satellite have been successfully integrated, according to NASA officials. The polar-orbiting satellite is scheduled to launch in late 2011. Lulin   22 Jul 2010 - NASA Image of the Day NASA's Swift satellite views Comet Lulin as it made it closest approach to Earth in February 2009. Lulin, like all comets, is a clump of frozen gases mixed with dust. These 'dirty snowballs' cast off gas and dust whenever they venture near the sun. Comet Lulin, which is formally known as C/2007 N3, was discovered in 2008 by astronomers at Taiwan's Lulin Observatory. Lulin passed closest to Earth -- 38 million miles, or about 160 times farther than the moon -- late on the evening of Feb. 23, 2009, for North America. Image Credit: NASA, Swift, Univ. Leicester, DSS (STScI/AURUA), Dennis Bodewits, et al. NASA Legislation Embraced by Appropriations Committee Presents Unified Senate Position on Space   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Legislation Embraced by Appropriations Committee Presents Unified Senate Position on Space NASA Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #5143   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. NASA Hubble Space Telescope Daily Report #5143 Ball Aerospace Completes Integration of CrIS Sensor on NPP Weather Satellite   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Ball Aerospace Completes Integration of CrIS Sensor on NPP Weather Satellite Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 22 July 2010   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. Joint USAF/NOAA Report of Solar and Geophysical Activity 22 July 2010 AIA Statement Urging Congress to Pass NASA Authorization Act of 2010   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. AIA Statement Urging Congress to Pass NASA Authorization Act of 2010 NASA ISS On-orbit Status Report 22 July 2010   22 Jul 2010 - SpaceRef Top Stories - Copyright 2007, SpaceRef Interactive Inc. All ISS systems continue to function nominally, except those noted previously or below. NASA Telescope Finds Elusive Buckyballs In Space For First Time   22 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News Astronomers using NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope have discovered carbon molecules, known as 'buckyballs,' in space for the first time. Buckyballs are soccer-ball-shaped molecules that were first observed in a laboratory 25 years ago. NASA'S Hubble Shows Hyperfast Star Was Booted From Milky Way   22 Jul 2010 - NASA Breaking News NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has detected a hypervelocity star – a rare phenomenon moving three times faster than our sun.