NASA News NASA News: Combined news feeds from multiple NASA sources includeing NASA Breaking News, NASA Scientific and Technical Information, NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate, and Science@NASA. Last Updated: 2008-08-28 The Eagle Prepares to Land   28 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day The Apollo 11 Lunar Module Eagle, in a landing configuration was photographed in lunar orbit from the Command and Service Module Columbia. Inside the... NASA And Challenger Center Combining Efforts For Students   28 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education, Alexandria, Va., announced Thursday a cooperative Space Act Agreement. NASA Updates Shuttle Atlantis' Move To Launch Pad Tuesday   28 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Space shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to roll out to Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, Sept. 2. RS Ophiuchi in Quiescence: Why Is It X-ray Faint?   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The short interval between successive outbursts of RS Oph strongly suggests that it has a high mass white dwarf accreting at a high rate. This, in turn, suggests the possibility of prominent X-ray emission from RS Oph in quiescence. However, archival quiescent X-ray observations of RS Oph show it to be a modest soft X-ray source but not a strong 2-10 keV X-ray source.... Hemispheric and Topographic Asymmetry of Magnetospheric Particle Irradiation for Icy Moon Surfaces   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: All surfaces of icy moons without significant atmospheres, i.e. all except Titan in the giant planet systems, are irradiated by hot plasma and more energetic charged particles from the local magnetospheric environments. This irradiation can significantly impact the chemical composition, albedo, and detectable presence of signs of life on the sensible surfaces, while also limiting lifetimes and science operations of orbital spacecraft for extreme radiation environments as at Europa. Planning of surface remote sensing and lander operations, and interpretation of remote sensing and in-situ measurements, should include consideration of natural shielding afforded by the body of the moon, by any intrinsic or induced magnetic fields as at Ganyrnede, and by topographic structures.... Jurassic Diabase from Leeseburg, VA: A Proposed Lunar Simulant   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: A study of future lunar seismology and heat flow is being carried out as part of the NASA Lunar Sortie Science Program. This study will include new lunar drilling techniques, using a regolith simulant, for emplacement of instruments. Previous lunar simulants, such as JSC-1 and MLS-1, were not available when the study began, so a local simulant source was required.... Thermal Vacuum Testing of a Multi-Evaporator Miniature Loop Heat Pipe   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Under NASA's New Millennium Program Space Technology 8 Project, four experiments are being developed for future small system applications requiring low mass, low power, and compactness. GSFC is responsible for developing the Thermal Loop experiment, which is an advanced thermal control system consisting of a miniature loop heat pipe (MLHP) with multiple evaporators and condensers. The objective is to validate the operation of an MLHP, including reliable start-ups, steady operation, heat load sharing, and tight temperature control over the range of 273K to 308K. An MLHP Breadboard has been built and tested for 1200 hours under the laboratory environment and 500 hours in a thermal vacuum chamber.... Framework Based Guidance Navigation and Control Flight Software Development   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: This viewgraph presentation describes NASA's guidance navigation and control flight software development background. The contents include: 1) NASA/Goddard Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) Flight Software (FSW) Development Background; 2) GN&C FSW Development Improvement Concepts; and 3) GN&C FSW Application Framework.... Reliability Effects of Surge Current Testing of Solid Tantalum Capacitors   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Solid tantalum capacitors are widely used in space applications to filter low-frequency ripple currents in power supply circuits and stabilize DC voltages in the system. Tantalum capacitors manufactured per military specifications (MIL-PRF-55365) are established reliability components and have less than 0.001% of failures per 1000 hours (the failure rate is less than 10 FIT) for grades D or S, thus positioning these parts among electronic components with the highest reliability characteristics. Still, failures of tantalum capacitors do happen and when it occurs it might have catastrophic consequences for the system.... Fast X-ray Oscillations during Magnetar Flares   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The giant flares produced by highly magnetized neutron stars, 'magnetars,' are the brightest sources of high energy radiation outside our solar system. Serendipitous observations with NASA's Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) of the two most recent flares resulted in the discovery of high frequency oscillations in their X-ray fluxes. The frequencies of these oscillations range from approx. 20 Hz to as high as 1800 Hz, and may represent the first detection of global oscillation modes of neutron stars.... The First Swift BAT Gamma-Ray Burst Catalog   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: We present the first Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) catalog of gamma ray bursts (GRBs), which contains bursts detected by the BAT between 2004 December 19 and 2007 June 16. This catalog (hereafter BAT1 catalog) contains burst trigger time, location, 90% error radius, duration, fluence, peak flux, and time averaged spectral parameters for each of 237 GRBs, as measured by the BAT. The BAT-determined position reported here is within 1.75' of the Swift X-ray Telescope (XRT)-determined position for 90% of these GRBs. The BAT T(sub 90) and T(sub 50) durations peak at 80 and 20 seconds, respectively.... NASA's Ares I and Ares V Launch Vehicles--Effective Space Operations Through Efficient Ground Operations   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The United States (U.S.) is charting a renewed course for lunar exploration, with the fielding of a new human-rated space transportation system to replace the venerable Space Shuttle, which will be retired after it completes its missions of building the International Space Station (ISS) and servicing the Hubble Space Telescope. Powering the future of space-based scientific exploration will be the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle, which will transport the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle to orbit where it will rendezvous with the Altair Lunar Lander, which will be delivered by the Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle (fig. 1). This configuration will empower rekindled investigation of Earth's natural satellite in the not too distant future.... Factors which Limit the Value of Additional Redundancy in Human Rated Launch Vehicle Systems   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has embarked on an ambitious program to return humans to the moon and beyond. As NASA moves forward in the development and design of new launch vehicles for future space exploration, it must fully consider the implications that rule-based requirements of redundancy or fault tolerance have on system reliability/risk. These considerations include common cause failure, increased system complexity, combined serial and parallel configurations, and the impact of design features implemented to control premature activation.... Controlling Charging and Arcing on a Solar Powered Auroral Orbiting Spacecraft   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Global Precipitation Measurement satellite (GPM) will be launched into a high inclination (65 degree) orbit to monitor rainfall on a global scale. Satellites in high inclination orbits have been shown to charge to high negative potentials, with the possibility of arcing on the solar arrays, when three conditions are met: a drop in plasma density below approximately 10,000 cm(exp -3), an injection of energetic electrons of energy more that 7-10 keV, and passage through darkness. Since all of these conditions are expected to obtain for some of the GPM orbits, charging calculations were done using first the Space Environment and Effects (SEE) Program Interactive Spacecraft Charging Handbook, and secondly the NASA Air-force Spacecraft Charging Analyzer Program (NASCAP-2k).... Integrated Vehicle Ground Vibration Testing in Support of Launch Vehicle Loads and Controls Analysis   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: All structural systems possess a basic set of physical characteristics unique to that system. These unique physical characteristics include items such as mass distribution and damping. When specified, they allow engineers to understand and predict how a structural system behaves under given loading conditions and different methods of control.... A Novel 24 GHz One-Shot, Rapid and Portable Microwave Imaging System   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Development of microwave and millimeter wave imaging systems has received significant attention in the past decade. Signals at these frequencies penetrate inside of dielectric materials and have relatively small wavelengths. Thus. imaging systems at these frequencies can produce images of the dielectric and geometrical distributions of objects.... Analysis of Regolith Simulant Ejecta Distributions from Normal Incident Hypervelocity Impact   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has established the Constellation Program. The Constellation Program has defined one of its many goals as long-term lunar habitation. Critical to the design of a lunar habitat is an understanding of the lunar surface environment; of specific importance is the primary meteoroid and subsequent ejecta environment.... Technical Progress on the Ares I-X Flight Test   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Ares I-X will be NASA's first test flight for a new human-rated launch vehicle since 1981, and the team is well on its way toward completing the vehicle's design and hardware fabrication for an April 2009 launch. This uncrewed suborbital development test flight gives NASA its first opportunities to: gather critical data about the flight dynamics of the integrated launch vehicle; understand how to control its roll during flight; better characterize the stage separation environments during future flight; and demonstrate the first stage recovery system. The Ares I-X Flight Test Vehicle (FTV) incorporates a mix of flight and mockup hardware.... Summary of Liquid Propulsion System Needs in Support of the Constellation Program   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: In January 2004, the President of the United States established the Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) to complete the International Space Station, retire the Space Shuttle and develop its replacement, and expand the human presence on the Moon as a stepping stone to human exploration of Mars and worlds beyond. In response, NASA developed the Constellation Program, consisting of the components shown in Figure 1. This paper will summarize the manned spaceflight liquid propulsion system needs in support of the Constellation Program over the next 10 years.... A New Concurrent Multiscale Methodology for Coupling Molecular Dynamics and Finite Element Analyses   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The coupling of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with finite element methods (FEM) yields computationally efficient models that link fundamental material processes at the atomistic level with continuum field responses at higher length scales. The theoretical challenge involves developing a seamless connection along an interface between two inherently different simulation frameworks. Various specialized methods have been developed to solve particular classes of problems.... Space Shuttle Orbiter Atlantis Liquid Oxygen Prevalve Detent Roller Cracking Investigation   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: During routine inspections of the Space Shuttle's Main Propulsion System (MPS) Liquid Oxygen (LO2) pre-valve, the mechanism provided to maintain the valve in the open position was found cracked. The mechanism is a Vespel roller held against the valve visor by a stack of Belleville springs. The roller has been found cracked 3 times.... Constellation Program Life-cycle Cost Analysis Model (LCAM)   27 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Constellation Program (CxP) is NASA's effort to replace the Space Shuttle, return humans to the moon, and prepare for a human mission to Mars. The major elements of the Constellation Lunar sortie design reference mission architecture are shown. Unlike the Apollo Program of the 1960's, affordability is a major concern of United States policy makers and NASA management.... Morning Frost on the Surface of Mars   27 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day A thin layer of water frost is visible on the ground around NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander in this image taken by the Surface Stereo Imager at 6 a.m. on Sol... Fatigue Crack Growth Threshold Testing of Metallic Rotorcraft Materials   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Results are presented for a program to determine the near-threshold fatigue crack growth behavior appropriate for metallic rotorcraft alloys. Four alloys, all commonly used in the manufacture of rotorcraft, were selected for study: Aluminum alloy 7050, 4340 steel, AZ91E Magnesium, and Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V (beta-STOA). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sponsored this research to advance efforts to incorporate damage tolerance design and analysis as requirements for rotorcraft certification.... Modifications to Axially Symmetric Simulations Using New DSMC (2007) Algorithms   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Several modifications aimed at improving physical accuracy are proposed for solving axially symmetric problems building on the DSMC (2007) algorithms introduced by Bird. Originally developed to solve nonequilibrium, rarefied flows, the DSMC method is now regularly used to solve complex problems over a wide range of Knudsen numbers. These new algorithms include features such as nearest neighbor collisions excluding the previous collision partners, separate collision and sampling cells, automatically adaptive variable time steps, a modified no-time counter procedure for collisions, and discontinuous and event-driven physical processes.... Heat Transfer in Conical Corner and Short Superelliptical Transition Ducts   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Local surface heat transfer measurements were experimentally mapped using a transient liquid-crystal heat-transfer technique on the surface of two circular-to-rectangular transition ducts. One has a transition cross section defined by conical corners (Duct 1) and the other by an elliptical equation with changing coefficients (Duct 2). Duct 1 has a length-to-diameter ratio of 0.75 and an exit plane aspect ratio of 1.5.... The General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) Program   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The General Aviation Propulsion (GAP) Program Turbine Engine Element focused on the development of an advanced small turbofan engine. Goals were good fuel consumption and thrust-to-weight ratio, and very low production cost. The resulting FJX-2 turbofan engine showed the potential to meet all of these goals.... Vibroacoustic Response of Residential Housing due to Sonic Boom Exposure: A Summary of two Field Tests   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Two experiments have been performed to measure the vibroacoustic response of houses exposed to sonic booms. In 2006, an old home in the base housing area of Edwards Air Force Base, built around 1960 and demolished in 2007, was instrumented with 288 transducers. During a 2007 follow-on test, a newer home in the base housing area, built in 1997, was instrumented with 112 transducers.... Measured Rattle Threshold of Residential House Windows   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Window rattle is a common indoor noise effect in houses exposed to low frequency noise from such sources as railroads, blast noise and sonic boom. Human perception of rattle can be negative that is a motivating factor of the current research effort to study sonic boom induced window rattle. A rattle study has been conducted on residential houses containing windows of different construction at a variety of geographic locations within the United States.... Models in the Design and Validation of Eddy Current Inspection for Cracking in the Shuttle Reaction Control System Thruster   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Two numerical methods, FEM and VIM, were used to simulate eddy current NDE for cracks in a complex thruster geometry. Model demonstrated trends observed in experimental studies. Sensitivity studies performed to determine the ideal probe orientations and frequencies for varying crack lengths.... Experimental Evaluation of a Planning Language Suitable for Formal Verification   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The marriage of model checking and planning faces two seemingly diverging alternatives: the need for a planning language expressive enough to capture the complexity of real-life applications, as opposed to a language simple, yet robust enough to be amenable to exhaustive verification and validation techniques. In an attempt to reconcile these differences, we have designed an abstract plan description language, ANMLite, inspired from the Action Notation Modeling Language (ANML) [17]. We present the basic concepts of the ANMLite language as well as an automatic translator from ANMLite to the model checker SAL (Symbolic Analysis Laboratory) [7].... Wind Tunnel Testing of Powered Lift, All-Wing STOL Model   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Short take-off and landing (STOL) systems can offer significant capabilities to warfighters and, for civil operators thriving on maximizing efficiencies they can improve airspace use while containing noise within airport environments. In order to provide data for next generation systems, a wind tunnel test of an all-wing cruise efficient, short take-off and landing (CE STOL) configuration was conducted in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center (LaRC) 14- by 22-foot Subsonic Wind Tunnel. The test s purpose was to mature the aerodynamic aspects of an integrated powered lift system within an advanced mobility configuration capable of CE STOL. The full-span model made use of steady flap blowing and a lifting centerbody to achieve high lift coefficients.... Overview of CFD Validation Experiments for Circulation Control Applications at NASA   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Circulation control is a viable active flow control approach that can be used to meet the NASA Subsonic Fixed Wing project s Cruise Efficient Short Take Off and Landing goals. Currently, circulation control systems are primarily designed using empirical methods. However, large uncertainty in our ability to predict circulation control performance has led to the development of advanced CFD methods.... Combustion Performance and Emissions Characteristics for a Well-Stirred Reactor for Low Volatility Hydrocarbon Fuels   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The performance and gaseous emissions were measured for a well-stirred reactor operating under lean conditions for two fuels: JP8 and a synthetic Fisher-Tropsch fuel over a range of equivalence ratios from 0.6 down to lean blowout. The lean blowout characteristics were determined in LBO experiments at loading parameter values from 0.7 to 1.4. The lean blowout characteristics were then explored under higher loading conditions by simulating higher altitude operation with the use of nitrogen to dilute the air.... A New Approach to Inferences for Pancake Domes on Venus   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Figure 1 shows a radar image and topography for flat-topped, steep-sided 'pancake' domes on Venus. At least 145 such domes have been identified on Venus [I] and are thought to be volcanic in origin [2]. Based on analysis of the dome surfaces, [3] suggested that only the late stage surface fractures are preserved, indicating entrainment and annealing of fractures during emplacement, consistent with a basaltic composition.... The Impact of Aerosols on Cloud and Precipitation Processes: Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Aerosols and especially their effect on clouds are one of the key components of the climate system and the hydrological cycle [Ramanathan et al., 2001]. Yet, the aerosol effect on clouds remains largely unknown and the processes involved not well understood. A recent report published by the National Academy of Science states 'The greatest uncertainty about the aerosol climate forcing - indeed, the largest of all the uncertainties about global climate forcing - is probably the indirect effect of aerosols on clouds [NRC, 2001].' The aerosol effect on clouds is often categorized into the traditional 'first indirect (i.e., Twomey)' effect on the cloud droplet sizes for a constant liquid water path [Twomey, 1977] and the 'semi-direct' effect on cloud coverage [e.g., Ackerman et al ., 2001].' Enhanced aerosol concentrations can also suppress warm rain processes by producing a narrow droplet spectrum that inhibits collision and coalescence processes [e.g., Squires and Twomey, 1961; Warner and Twomey, 1967; Warner, 1968; Rosenfeld, 19991.... Operational Experience with Long Duration Wildfire Mapping: UAS Missions Over the Western United States   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, United States Forest Service, and National Interagency Fire Center have developed a partnership to develop and demonstrate technology to improve airborne wildfire imaging and data dissemination. In the summer of 2007, a multi-spectral infrared scanner was integrated into NASA's Ikhana Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) (a General Atomics Predator-B) and launched on four long duration wildfire mapping demonstration missions covering eight western states. Extensive safety analysis, contingency planning, and mission coordination were key to securing an FAA certificate of authorization (COA) to operate in the national airspace.... 1D-VAR Retrieval Using Superchannels   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Since modern ultra-spectral remote sensors have thousands of channels, it is difficult to include all of them in a 1D-var retrieval system. We will describe a physical inversion algorithm, which includes all available channels for the atmospheric temperature, moisture, cloud, and surface parameter retrievals. Both the forward model and the inversion algorithm compress the channel radiances into super channels.... Pressure and Thrust Measurements of a High-Frequency Pulsed Detonation Tube   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: This paper describes measurements of a small-scale, high-frequency pulsed detonation tube. The device utilized a mixture of H2 fuel and air, which was injected into the device at frequencies of up to 1200 Hz. Pulsed detonations were demonstrated in an 8-inch long combustion volume, at about 600 Hz, for the quarter wave mode of resonance.... An Instrument to Enable Identification of Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions Using Concurrent CO Measurements   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: We have developed an instrument concept that will enable the measurement of CO from the top of the atmosphere to the Earth's surface with very high sensitivity and at the high spatial and temporal resolutions required by the NRC Decadal Survey mission Active Sensing of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) over Nights, Days and Seasons (ASCENDS). We are developing an innovative CO sensor that will enable the ASCENDS mission to differentiate between anthropogenic and natural sources and sinks of global carbon. The NRC Decadal Survey places particular emphasis on retrieving CO information for the planetary boundary layer.... Aircraft Engine On-Line Diagnostics Through Dual-Channel Sensor Measurements: Development of an Enhanced System   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: In this paper, an enhanced on-line diagnostic system which utilizes dual-channel sensor measurements is developed for the aircraft engine application. The enhanced system is composed of a nonlinear on-board engine model (NOBEM), the hybrid Kalman filter (HKF) algorithm, and fault detection and isolation (FDI) logic. The NOBEM provides the analytical third channel against which the dual-channel measurements are compared.... Unified Application Vapor Screen Flow Visualization and Pressure Sensitive Paint Measurement Techniques to Vortex- and Shock Wave-Dominated Flow Fields   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Laser vapor screen (LVS) flow visualization and pressure sensitive paint (PSP) techniques were applied in a unified approach to wind tunnel testing of slender wing and missile configurations dominated by vortex flows and shock waves at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic speeds. The off-surface cross-flow patterns using the LVS technique were combined with global PSP surface static pressure mappings to characterize the leading-edge vortices and shock waves that coexist and interact at high angles of attack (alpha). The synthesis of LVS and PSP techniques was also effective in identifying the significant effects of passive surface porosity and the presence of vertical tail surfaces on the flow topologies.... An Experimental and Numerical Study of a Supersonic Burner for CFD Model Development   26 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: A laboratory scale supersonic burner has been developed for validation of computational fluid dynamics models. Detailed numerical simulations were performed for the flow inside the combustor, and coupled with finite element thermal analysis to obtain more accurate outflow conditions. A database of nozzle exit profiles for a wide range of conditions of interest was generated to be used as boundary conditions for simulation of the external jet, or for validation of non-intrusive measurement techniques.... When Galaxies Collide   26 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day Galaxies don't normally look like this. That's because this image of NGC 3256 shows two galaxies that are slowly colliding. Quite possibly, in hundreds... NASA's Mars Rover Opportunity Climbing Out of Victoria Crater   26 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA's Mars Exploration rover Opportunity is heading back out to the Red Planet's surrounding plains nearly a year after descending into a large Martian crater to examine exposed ancient rock layers. NASA Renames Observatory For Fermi, Reveals Entire Gamma-Ray Sky   26 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA's newest observatory, the Gamma-Ray Large Area Space Telescope, or GLAST, has begun its mission of exploring the universe in high-energy gamma rays. MISSE Thermal Control Materials with Comparison to Previous Flight Experiments   25 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Many different passive thermal control materials were flown as part of the Materials on International Space Station Experiment (MISSE), including inorganic coatings, anodized aluminum, and multi-layer insulation materials. These and other material samples were exposed to the low Earth orbital environment of atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, thermal cycling, and hard vacuum, though atomic oxygen exposure was limited for some samples. Materials flown on MISSE-1 and MISSE-2 were exposed to the space environment for nearly four years.... A SEP Mission to Jupiter Using the Stretched Lens Array   25 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: As space exploration continues to be a primary focus of NASA, solar electric propulsion (SEP) becomes a forerunner in the mode of transportation to reach other planets in our solar system. Several critical issues emerge as potential barriers to this approach such as reducing solar array radiation damage, operating the array at high voltage (>300 V) for extended times for Hall or ion thrusters, and designing an array that will be resistant to micrometeoroid impacts and the differing environmental conditions as the vehicle travels further into space. It is also of great importance to produce an array that is light weight to preserve payload mass fraction and to do this at a cost that is lower than today's arrays.... Health and Environment Linked for Information Exchange (HELIX)-Atlanta: A CDC-NASA Joint Environmental Public Health Tracking Collaborative Project   25 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: HELIX-Atlanta was developed to support current and future state and local EPHT programs to implement data linking demonstration projects which could be part of the CDC EPHT Network. HELIX-Atlanta is a pilot linking project in Atlanta for CDC to learn about the challenges the states will encounter. NASA/MSFC and the CDC are partners in linking environmental and health data to enhance public health surveillance. ~ The use of NASA technology creates value added geospatial products from existing environmental data sources to facilitate public health linkages.... Sculpting the South Pillar   25 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day Eta Carinae, one of the most massive and unstable stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, has a profound effect on its environment. Found in the South... NASA Invites Media To Experience Lunar Exploration Up Close   25 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Reporters will have a unique chance to experience lunar life, including driving across and touching a simulated moonscape, on Monday, Sept. 8, at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. News: 2007 Hurricane Forecasts Took Blow from Winds and Saharan Dry, Dusty Air   23 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory A new analysis of environmental conditions over the Atlantic Ocean shows that hot, dry air associated with dust outbreaks from the Sahara desert was a likely contributor to the quieter-than-expected 2007 hurricane season. News: Project Anniversary Shows Value of Long-Term Investment in Climate Research   23 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) to study the role that clouds play in the climate celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer. News: NASA Study Lights Path to How Smoke Changes Cloud Cover, Climate   23 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Researchers have identified the common thread that determines how aerosols from human activity, like the particles released from forest fires, influence cloud cover and affect climate. Natural Hazards: Smoke over Libya   23 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Black smoke billowed over the Libyan landscape on August 20, 2008, likely caused by a fire at an oil refinery. Design of an Indoor Sonic Boom Simulator at NASA Langley Research Center   22 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Construction of a simulator to recreate the soundscape inside residential buildings exposed to sonic booms is scheduled to start during the summer of 2008 at NASA Langley Research Center. The new facility should be complete by the end of the year. The design of the simulator allows independent control of several factors that create the indoor soundscape.... Evaluation of Composite Structures Technologies for Application to NASA's Vision for Space Exploration (CoSTS)   22 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: A trade study was conducted to determine the suitability of composite structures for weight and life cycle cost savings in primary and secondary structural systems for crew exploration vehicles, crew and cargo launch vehicles, landers, rovers, and habitats. The results of the trade study were used to identify and rank order composite material technologies that can have a near-term impact on a broad range of exploration mission applications. This report recommends technologies that should be developed to enable usage of composites on Vision for Space Exploration vehicles towards mass and life-cycle cost savings.... NASA Earth Observations Informing Renewable Energy Management and Policy Decision Making   22 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The NASA Applied Sciences Program partners with domestic and international governmental organizations, universities, and private entities to improve their decisions and assessments. These improvements are enabled by using the knowledge generated from research resulting from spacecraft observations and model predictions conducted by NASA and providing these as inputs to the decision support and scenario assessment tools used by partner organizations. The Program is divided into eight societal benefit areas, aligned in general with the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) themes.... Natural Hazards: Well-head Flare in Libya   22 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Black smoke from a well-head flare billowed over the Libyan landscape on August 20, 2008. Media Telecon Scheduled To Discuss Rocket Launch Failure   22 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Representatives from NASA and Alliant Techsystems, or ATK, will hold a media teleconference Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. EDT to discuss this morning's failure of a rocket launch carrying two NASA hypersonic experimental payloads. NASA and ATK Investigate Failed Launch Of Hypersonic Experiments   22 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News An Alliant Tech Systems suborbital rocket carrying two NASA hypersonic experiments was destroyed shortly after liftoff from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia Friday. No injuries or property damage were immediately reported. Magnetic Monster in Erupting Galaxy   22 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has found an answer to a long-standing puzzle by resolving giant but delicate filaments shaped by a strong magnetic field... Aerodynamic Design of a Dual-Flow Mach 7 Hypersonic Inlet System for a Turbine-Based Combined-Cycle Hypersonic Propulsion System   21 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: A new hypersonic inlet for a turbine-based combined-cycle (TBCC) engine has been designed. This split-flow inlet is designed to provide flow to an over-under propulsion system with turbofan and dual-mode scramjet engines for flight from takeoff to Mach 7. It utilizes a variable-geometry ramp, high-speed cowl lip rotation, and a rotating low-speed cowl that serves as a splitter to divide the flow between the low-speed turbofan and the high-speed scramjet and to isolate the turbofan at high Mach numbers.... Effects of a Rotating Aerodynamic Probe on the Flow Field of a Compressor Rotor   21 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: An investigation of distortions of the rotor exit flow field caused by an aerodynamic probe mounted in the rotor is described in this paper. A rotor total pressure Kiel probe, mounted on the rotor hub and extending up to the mid-span radius of a rotor blade channel, generates a wake that forms additional flow blockage. Three types of high-response aerodynamic probes were used to investigate the distorted flow field behind the rotor.... Aircraft Engine On-Line Diagnostics Through Dual-Channel Sensor Measurements: Development of a Baseline System   21 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: In this paper, a baseline system which utilizes dual-channel sensor measurements for aircraft engine on-line diagnostics is developed. This system is composed of a linear on-board engine model (LOBEM) and fault detection and isolation (FDI) logic. The LOBEM provides the analytical third channel against which the dual-channel measurements are compared.... Low Frequency Noise Contamination in Fan Model Testing   21 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Aircraft engine noise research and development depends on the ability to study and predict the noise created by each engine component in isolation. The presence of a downstream pylon for a model fan test, however, may result in noise contamination through pylon interactions with the free stream and model exhaust airflows. Additionally, there is the problem of separating the fan and jet noise components generated by the model fan.... Vibroacoustic Response Data of Stiffened Panels and Cylinders   21 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: NASA has collected vibroacoustic response data on a variety of complex, aerospace structures to support research into numerical modeling of such structures. This data is being made available to the modeling community to promote the development and validation of analysis methods for these types of structures. Existing data from two structures is described, as well as plans for a data set from a third structure.... Vibration Response Models of a Stiffened Aluminum Plate Excited by a Shaker   21 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Numerical models of structural-acoustic interactions are of interest to aircraft designers and the space program. This paper describes a comparison between two energy finite element codes, a statistical energy analysis code, a structural finite element code, and the experimentally measured response of a stiffened aluminum plate excited by a shaker. Different methods for modeling the stiffeners and the power input from the shaker are discussed.... Natural Hazards: Fires in Idaho   21 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory A handful of wildfires sprang up in Idaho in the third week of August 2008, affecting hundreds of acres in forests and wilderness areas west of the Bitterroot Range Mountains. Fay Delays NASA Kennedy Space Center Partial Reopening   21 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Voyager Squashes View of Solar System   21 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day This artist's rendering depicts NASA's Voyager 2 spacecraft as it studies the outer limits of the heliosphere--a magnetic 'bubble' around the solar system... NASA Ames Awards Contract for Engineering Support   21 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., Thursday awarded a cost plus fixed fee indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity task order contract valued at $42 million to ASRC Research and Technology Solutions (ARTS), of Greenbelt, Md. NASA Kennedy to Reopen for Normal Operations Friday   21 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Managers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla., plan to reopen the center for normal operations Friday morning for workers' first shift. A Simple Stochastic Model for Generating Broken Cloud Optical Depth and Top Height Fields   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: A simple and fast algorithm for generating two correlated stochastic twodimensional (2D) cloud fields is described. The algorithm is illustrated with two broken cumulus cloud fields: cloud optical depth and cloud top height retrieved from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS). Only two 2D fields are required as an input.... X-Ray Dust Scattering At Small Angles: The Complete Halo Around GX13+1   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The exquisite angular resolution available with Chandra should allow precision measurements of faint diffuse emission surrounding bright sources, such as the X-ray scattering halos created by interstellar dust. However, the ACIS CCDs suffer from pileup when observing bright sources, and this creates difficulties when trying to extract the scattered halo near the source. The initial study of the X-ray halo around GX13+1 using only the ACIS-I detector done by Smith, Edgar & Shafer (2002) suffered from a lack of sensitivity within 50' of the source, limiting what conclusions could be drawn.... Variability of Disk Emission in Pre-Main Sequence and Related Stars. I. HD 31648 and HD 163296 - Isolated Herbig Ae Stars Driving Herbig-Haro Flows   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Infrared photometry and spectroscopy covering a time span of a quarter century are presented for HD 31648 (MWC 480) and HD 163296 (MWC 275). Both are isolated Herbig Ae stars that exhibit signs of active accretion, including driving bipolar flows with embedded Herbig-Haro (HH) objects. HD 163296 was found to be relatively quiescent photometrically in its inner disk region, with the exception of a major increase in emitted flux in a broad wavelength region centered near 3 pm in 2002.... X-Ray Emitting Ejecta in Puppis A Observed with Suzaku   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: We report the detection and localization of X-ray emitting ejecta in the middle-aged Galactic supernova remnant Puppis A using five observations with the Suzaku X-ray Imaging Spectrometer to survey the eastern and middle portions of the remnant. A roughly 3' x 5', double-peaked region in the north center is found to be highly enriched in Si and other elements relative to the rest of the remnant. The X-ray fitted abundances are otherwise well below the solar values.... The Sensitivity of Coded Mask Telescopes   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Simple formulae are often used to estimate the sensitivity of coded mask X-ray or gamma-ray telescopes, but t,hese are strictly only applicable if a number of basic assumptions are met. Complications arise, for example, if a grid structure is used to support the mask elements, if the detector spatial resolution is not good enough to completely resolve all the detail in the shadow of the mask or if any of a number of other simplifying conditions are not fulfilled. We derive more general expressions for the Poisson-noise-limited sensitivity of astronomical telescopes using the coded mask technique, noting explicitly in what circumstances they are applicable.... Comparison of Satellite-Derived and In-Situ Observations of Ice and Snow Surface Temperatures over Greenland   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The most practical way to get a spatially broad and continuous measurements of the surface temperature in the data-sparse cryosphere is by satellite remote sensing. The uncertainties in satellite-derived LSTs must be understood to develop internally-consistent decade-scale land-surface temperature (LST) records needed for climate studies. In this work we assess satellite-derived 'clear-sky' LST products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER), and LSTs derived from the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) over snow and ice on Greenland.... Regional Similarity of Leveed Lava Flows on the Mars Plains   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The dynamics of lava flow movement are controlled by the fluid interior. Crust, solids, and nondeformable material can only retard the advance or spreading of a lava flow. Figure 1 shows a typical large, channelized lava flow found on the Mars plains.... Spatial and Alignment Analyses for a field of Small Volcanic Vents South of Pavonis Mons Mars   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Tharsis province of Mars displays a variety of small volcanic vent (10s krn in diameter) morphologies. These features were identified in Mariner and Viking images [1-4], and Mars Orbiter Laser Altimeter (MOLA) data show them to be more abundant than originally observed [5,6]. Recent studies are classifying their diverse morphologies [7-9].... DC/DC Converter Stability Testing Study   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: This report presents study results on hybrid DC/DC converter stability testing methods. An input impedance measurement method and a gain/phase margin measurement method were evaluated to be effective to determine front-end oscillation and feedback loop oscillation. In particular, certain channel power levels of converter input noises have been found to have high degree correlation with the gain/phase margins.... Detection and Characterization of Boundary-Layer Transition in Flight at Supersonic Conditions Using Infrared Thermography   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Infrared thermography is a powerful tool for investigating fluid mechanics on flight vehicles. (Can be used to visualize and characterize transition, shock impingement, separation etc.). Updated onboard F-15 based system was used to visualize supersonic boundary layer transition test article. (Tollmien-Schlichting and cross-flow dominant flow fields). Digital Recording improves image quality and analysis capability. (Allows accurate quantitative (temperature) measurements, Greater enhancement through image processing allows analysis of smaller scale phenomena).... Modeling the Non-Linear Response of Fiber-Reinforced Laminates Using a Combined Damage/Plasticity Model   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The present work is concerned with modeling the non-linear response of fiber reinforced polymer laminates. Recent experimental data suggests that the non-linearity is not only caused by matrix cracking but also by matrix plasticity due to shear stresses. To capture the effects of those two mechanisms, a model combining a plasticity formulation with continuum damage has been developed to simulate the non-linear response of laminates under plane stress states.... Wave Propagation Through Inhomogeneities With Applications to Novel Sensing Techniques   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The paper describes phenomena observed as a result of laser pencil beam interactions with abrupt interfaces including aerodynamic shocks. Based on these phenomena, a novel flow visualization technique based on a laser scanning pencil beam is introduced. The technique reveals properties of light interaction with interfaces including aerodynamic shocks that are not seen using conventional visualization.... Using COMSOL Multiphysics Software to Model Anisotropic Dielectric and Metamaterial Effects in Folded-Waveguide Traveling-Wave Tube Slow-Wave Circuits   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The electromagnetic effects of conventional dielectrics, anisotropic dielectrics, and metamaterials were modeled in a terahertz-frequency folded-waveguide slow-wave circuit. Results of attempts to utilize these materials to increase efficiency are presented.... Assessment of the Visible Channel Calibrations of the TRMM VIRS and MODIS on Aqua and Terra   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Several recent research satellites carry self-calibrating multispectral imagers that can be used for calibrating operational imagers lacking complete self-calibrating capabilities. In particular, the visible (VIS, 0.65 m) channels on operational meteorological satellites are generally calibrated before launch, but require vicarious calibration techniques to monitor the gains and offsets once they are in orbit. To ensure that the self-calibrating instruments are performing as expected, this paper examines the consistencies between the VIS channel (channel 1) reflectances of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instruments on the Terra and Aqua satellites and the Version 5a and 6 reflectances of the Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission using a variety of techniques.... Design of a Mars Airplane Propulsion System for the Aerial Regional-Scale Environmental Survey (ARES) Mission Concept   20 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Aerial Regional-Scale Environmental Survey (ARES) is a Mars exploration mission concept that utilizes a rocket propelled airplane to take scientific measurements of atmospheric, surface, and subsurface phenomena. The liquid rocket propulsion system design has matured through several design cycles and trade studies since the inception of the ARES concept in 2002. This paper describes the process of selecting a bipropellant system over other propulsion system options, and provides details on the rocket system design, thrusters, propellant tank and PMD design, propellant isolation, and flow control hardware.... Natural Hazards: Typhoon Nuri   20 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Typhoon Nuri first formed in the Western Pacific Ocean, east of the Philippines. As it traveled westward, the storm system reached typhoon status on August 18, 2008. Natural Hazards: Phytoplankton Bloom in the Barents Sea   20 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory The waters of the Barents Sea off the northeast coast of Norway were bright with a bloom of phytoplankton on August 12, 2008. Natural Hazards: Tropical Storm Fay   20 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Tropical Storm Fay became the sixth named storm system of the 2008 Atlantic hurricane season after forming over the Dominican Republic on August 15. Natural Hazards: Bushfires in Northern Territory, Australia   20 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Numerous large bushfires were burning in the tropical savannas of Arnhem Land, in Northern Territory, Australia, in mid-August 2008. The Shuttle's Unlikely Predecessor   20 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day The M2-F1, the unlikely forefather to the shuttle, was the world's first manned lifting body. Made of wood with an internal framework of steel tubes and... Space Station Provides Boost To High School Students In California   20 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Students from Buchanan High School in Clovis, Calif., who are taking part in a 48 hour space station simulation, will get an extra boost when they receive a call from the real International Space Station. NASA Kennedy Space Center Partly Reopens   20 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News James Webb Space Telescope - L2 Communications for Science Data Processing   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: JWST is the first NASA mission at the second Lagrange point (L2) to identify the need for data rates higher than 10 megabits per second (Mbps). JWST will produce approximately 235 Gigabits of science data every day that will be downlinked to the Deep Space Network (DSN). To get the data rates desired required moving away from X-band frequencies to Ka-band frequencies.... BRDF of Salt Pan Regolith Samples   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Laboratory Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) measurements of salt pan regolith samples are presented in this study in an effort to understand the role of spatial and spectral variability of the natural biome. The samples were obtained from Etosha Pan, Namibia (19.20 deg S, 15.93 deg E, alt. 1100 m). It is shown how the BRDF depends on the measurement geometry - incident and scatter angles and on the sample particle sizes.... Mars Crustal Dichotomy: Large Lowland Impact Basins may have Formed in Pre-Thinned Crust   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Crater retention ages of large impact basins on Mars suggest most formed in a relatively short time, perhaps in less than 200 million years. Large basins in the lowlands have thinner central regions than similar size basins in the highlands. Large lowland impact basins, which we previously suggested might explain the low topography and thin crust of the northern part of Mars, may have formed in crust already thinned by yet earlier processes.... An Improved Formulation for Calorimetric Emittance Testing of Spacecraft Thermal Control Coatings   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Spacecraft often really heavily on passive thermal control to maintain operating temperature. An important parameter in the spacecraft heat balance equation is the emittance of thermal control coatings as a function of coating temperature. One method for determining the emittance of spacecraft thermal control from elevated temperature to cryogenic temperatures relies on a calorimetric technique.... Role of Gravity Waves in Determining Cirrus Cloud Properties   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Cirrus clouds are important in the Earth's radiation budget. They typically exhibit variable physical properties within a given cloud system and from system to system. Ambient vertical motion is a key factor in determining the cloud properties in most cases.... The Water Vapor Variability - Satellite/Sondes (WAVES) Field Campaigns   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Three NASA-funded field campaigns have been hosted at the Howard University Research Campus in Beltsville, MD. In each of the years 2006, 2007 and 2008, WAVES field campaigns have coordinated ozonesonde launches, lidar operations and other measurements with A-train satellite overpasses for the purposes of satellite validation. The unique mix of measurement systems, physical location and the interagency, international group of researchers and students has permitted other objectives, such as mesoscale meteorological studies, to be addressed as well. We review the goals and accomplishments of the three WAVES missions with the emphasis on the nonsatellite validation component of WAVES, as the satellite validation activities have been reported elsewhere.... Recent Results on the Accurate Measurements of the Dielectric Constant of Seawater at 1.413GHZ   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Measurements of the complex. dielectric constant of seawater at 30.00 psu, 35.00 psu and 38.27 psu over the temperature range from 5 C to 3 5 at 1.413 GHz are given and compared with the Klein-Swift results. A resonant cavity technique is used. The calibration constant used in the cavity perturbation formulas is determined experimentally using methanol and ethanediol (ethylene glycol) as reference liquids.... TRMM Gridded Text Products   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: NASA's Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) has many products that contain instantaneous or gridded rain rates often among many other parameters. However, these products because of their completeness can often seem intimidating to users just desiring surface rain rates. For example one of the gridded monthly products contains well over 200 parameters.... The Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT): The Mission Design Solution Space and the Art of the Possible   19 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Although the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) was studied as a candidate NASA Origins Probe mission, the real world presents a broader set of options, pressures, and constraints. Fundamentally, SPIRIT is a far-IR observatory for high-resolution imaging and spectroscopy designed to address a variety of compelling scientific questions. How do planetary systems form from protostellar disks, dousing some planets in water while leaving others dry?... NASA's Kennedy Space Center Closes for Tropical Storm Fay   19 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA's Kennedy Space Center will be closed Tuesday, Aug. 19, because of the potential threat from Tropical Storm Fay. Current plans call for the center to be closed for 24 hours. The Life of Stars   19 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day NASA's Hubble Space Telescope captured this stunning true-color picture of the giant galactic nebula NGC 3603 on March 5, 1999 with its Wide Field Planetary... NASA to Announce New Name For GLAST, First Light Findings   19 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA will hold a media teleconference on Tuesday, August 26, at 2 p.m. EDT, to announce the first results from NASA's Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope and the observatory's new name. NASA Ames Awards Contract For Aerospace Testing Support   19 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., Monday awarded a contract modification valued at $34.8 million to Jacobs Technology Inc. of Tullahoma, Tenn. NASA Seeks Input For Commercial Lunar Communications & Navigation   19 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA issued a Request for Information, or RFI, on Monday to gauge interest and solicit ideas from private companies in providing communications and navigation services that would support the development of exploration, scientific and commercial capabilities on the moon over the next 25 years. Evaluation of Advanced Composite Structures Technologies for Application to NASA's Vision for Space Exploration   18 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: AS&M performed a broad assessment survey and study to establish the potential composite materials and structures applications and benefits to the Constellation Program Elements. Trade studies were performed on selected elements to determine the potential weight or performance payoff from use of composites. Weight predictions were made for liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks, interstage cylindrical shell, lunar surface access module, ascent module liquid methane tank, and lunar surface manipulator.... Signal Analysis Algorithms for Optimized Fitting of Nonresonant Laser Induced Thermal Acoustics Damped Sinusoids   18 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: This study seeks a numerical algorithm which optimizes frequency precision for the damped sinusoids generated by the nonresonant LITA technique. It compares computed frequencies, frequency errors, and fit errors obtained using five primary signal analysis methods. Using variations on different algorithms within each primary method, results from 73 fits are presented.... On the Relationship between Solar Wind Speed, Earthward-Directed Coronal Mass Ejections, Geomagnetic Activity, and the Sunspot Cycle Using 12-Month Moving Averages   18 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: For 1996 .2006 (cycle 23), 12-month moving averages of the aa geomagnetic index strongly correlate (r = 0.92) with 12-month moving averages of solar wind speed, and 12-month moving averages of the number of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) (halo and partial halo events) strongly correlate (r = 0.87) with 12-month moving averages of sunspot number. In particular, the minimum (15.8, September/October 1997) and maximum (38.0, August 2003) values of the aa geomagnetic index occur simultaneously with the minimum (376 km/s) and maximum (547 km/s) solar wind speeds, both being strongly correlated with the following recurrent component (due to high-speed streams). The large peak of aa geomagnetic activity in cycle 23, the largest on record, spans the interval late 2002 to mid 2004 and is associated with a decreased number of halo and partial halo CMEs, whereas the smaller secondary peak of early 2005 seems to be associated with a slight rebound in the number of halo and partial halo CMEs.... NASA To Brief Media About Ares I Thrust Oscillation Plans   18 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA will host a media teleconference on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 11:30 a.m. EDT, to discuss results and recommendations from the Ares I thrust oscillation focus team. Great Southern Land   18 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day This sweeping mosaic of Saturn's moon Enceladus provides broad regional context for the ultra-sharp, close-up views NASA's Cassini spacecraft acquired... NASA Engineers Complete Engine Test Series For Ares I Rocket   18 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., have completed a series of tests on a key component of the J-2X engine. The J-2X powers the upper stage of the Ares I rocket, which will launch human explorers to the International Space Station and to the moon. Scintillation Breakdowns in Chip Tantalum Capacitors   15 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Scintillations in solid tantalum capacitors are momentarily local breakdowns terminated by a self-healing or conversion to a high-resistive state of the manganese oxide cathode. This conversion effectively caps the defective area of the tantalum pentoxide dielectric and prevents short-circuit failures. Typically, this type of breakdown has no immediate catastrophic consequences and is often considered as nuisance rather than a failure.... Arctic Eclipse   15 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day NASA's Terra satellite was rounding the top of the globe, making its way from the eastern tip of Siberia and across the Arctic Ocean towards northern Norway and northwest Russia, when it captured this unique view of a total solar eclipse on Aug NASA To Take Corrective Action In Spacesuit Contract Protest   15 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA has concluded that corrective action is appropriate in the Government Accountability Office bid protest of Exploration Systems & Technology, Inc. NASA determined that a compliance issue requires the termination of the contract for the Constellation Space Suit System with Oceaneering International, Inc. of Houston for the convenience of the government NASA Kennedy Space Center Awards Custodial Services Contract   15 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA has selected Brevard Achievement Center Inc., of Rockledge, Fla., to provide custodial services at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla. Natural Hazards: Dust Storms in Afghanistan and Pakistan   13 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory On August 10, 2008, dual dust storms filled the skies over northern Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, as well as southern Afghanistan and Pakistan. Piercing the Darkness   13 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day A sliver of 'ringshine' pierces the darkness in this view that looks toward the unilluminated side of Saturn's rings. The ring shadows fall into darkness beyond the terminator in the north NASA Astronaut Ready to Answer Your Questions From Space   13 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Flying 220 miles above the Earth aboard the International Space Station, NASA astronaut Greg Chamitoff is ready to take your questions. Feature: Devastating Drought Settles on the High Plains   12 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory A drought to rival the Dust Bowl settled over the southern Great Plains in summer 2008. Natural Hazards: Aleutian Islands' Kasatochi Volcano Erupts   12 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory After earthquakes and other seismic activity starting on August 7, 2008, Kasatochi Volcano began erupting large plumes of ash and gases in subsequent days. Thousands of travelers were stranded when the ash cloud delayed flights into and out of Alaska. The Unveiling   12 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day On its 100,000th orbit of planet Earth, the Hubble Space Telescope peered into a small portion of the Tarantula Nebula near the star cluster NGC 2074, unveiling its stellar nursery Prizes Awarded At NASA's General Aviation Technology Challenge   12 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA awarded a total of $97,000 in prizes at the 2008 General Aviation Technology Challenge. Analysis of a Dynamic Multi-Track Airway Concept for Air Traffic Management   11 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The Dynamic Multi-track Airways (DMA) Concept for Air Traffic Management (ATM) proposes a network of high-altitude airways constructed of multiple, closely spaced, parallel tracks designed to increase en-route capacity in high-demand airspace corridors. Segregated from non-airway operations, these multi-track airways establish high-priority traffic flow corridors along optimal routes between major terminal areas throughout the National Airspace System (NAS). Air traffic controllers transition aircraft equipped for DMA operations to DMA entry points, the aircraft use autonomous control of airspeed to fly the continuous-airspace airway and achieve an economic benefit, and controllers then transition the aircraft from the DMA exit to the terminal area.... Role of Lidar Technology in Future NASA Space Missions   11 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The past success of lidar instruments in space combined with potentials of laser remote sensing techniques in improving measurements traditionally performed by other instrument technologies and in enabling new measurements have expanded the role of lidar technology in future NASA missions. Compared with passive optical and active radar/microwave instruments, lidar systems produce substantially more accurate and precise data without reliance on natural light sources and with much greater spatial resolution. NASA pursues lidar technology not only as science instruments, providing atmospherics and surface topography data of Earth and other solar system bodies, but also as viable guidance and navigation sensors for space vehicles.... NASA to Brief Reporters About Constellation Program   11 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA will host a media teleconference Monday, Aug. 11, at 3 p.m. EDT, to brief reporters about ongoing assessments regarding the budget and schedule for the Constellation Program. Project FIRE   11 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day The Apollo Program's Project FIRE (Flight Investigation Reentry Environment) studied the effects of reentry heating on spacecraft materials Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel Releases Annual Report   11 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel, or ASAP, has released its 2007 Annual Report. The report examines NASA's safety performance and advises the agency on ways to better that performance. Hubble Unveils Colorful Star Birth Region on 100,000th Orbit   11 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News In commemoration of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope completing its 100,000th orbit during its 18th year of exploration and discovery, scientists aimed Hubble to take a snapshot of a dazzling region of celestial birth and renewal. NASA 'Inspire' Interns Work To Become Future Explorers And Innovators   11 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News In the coming weeks, high school and college students across the country will soon be heading back to school. A fortunate few will share some unique experiences. They will tell how they were at NASA for two months conducting cutting-edge research and working to send American astronauts to the moon and beyond. NASA to Realign Constellation Program Milestones   11 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News In a news conference Monday, NASA managers discussed how the agency will be adjusting the budget, schedule and technical performance milestones for its Constellation Program to ensure the first crewed flight of the Ares I rocket and Orion crew capsule in March 2015. Natural Hazards: Plume from Kilauea Volcano   09 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory As summer progressed, the summit crater in Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii's big island continued a pattern of intermittent activity that began in early 2008. On August 7, a plume of ash and gas streamed away from the island. Natural Hazards: Monsoon Rains Flood Pakistan   09 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Unusually intense monsoon rains pounded Pakistan in late July and early August 2008, causing deadly floods. Linear FMCW Laser Radar for Precision Range and Vector Velocity Measurements   08 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: An all fiber linear frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) coherent laser radar system is under development with a goal to aide NASA s new Space Exploration initiative for manned and robotic missions to the Moon and Mars. By employing a combination of optical heterodyne and linear frequency modulation techniques and utilizing state-of-the-art fiber optic technologies, highly efficient, compact and reliable laser radar suitable for operation in a space environment is being developed. Linear FMCW lidar has the capability of high-resolution range measurements, and when configured into a multi-channel receiver system it has the capability of obtaining high precision horizontal and vertical velocity measurements.... The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater: An Educational Investigation for Students into the Planetary Impact Process and its Environmental Consequences   08 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: Planetary impact craters are a common surface feature of many planetary bodies, including the Earth, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Venus, and Jupiter s moons, Ganymede and Callisto. The NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA, is located about 5 km inside the outer rim of the Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater. The Chesapeake Bay Impact Crater, with a diameter of 85 km is the sixth largest impact crater on our planet.... Scientific Goals and Objectives for the Human Exploration of Mars: 1. Biology and Atmosphere/Climate   08 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: To prepare for the exploration of Mars by humans, as outlined in the new national vision for Space Exploration (VSE), the Mars Exploration Program Analysis Group (MEPAG), chartered by NASA's Mars Exploration Program (MEP), formed a Human Exploration of Mars Science Analysis Group (HEM-SAG), in March 2007. HEM-SAG was chartered to develop the scientific goals and objectives for the human exploration of Mars based on the Mars Scientific Goals, Objectives, Investigations, and Priorities.1 The HEM-SAG is one of several humans to Mars scientific, engineering and mission architecture studies chartered in 2007 to support NASA s plans for the human exploration of Mars. The HEM-SAG is composed of about 30 Mars scientists representing the disciplines of Mars biology, climate/atmosphere, geology and geophysics from the U.S., Canada, England, France, Italy and Spain.... Problems Associated with Grid Convergence of Functionals   08 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: The current use of functionals to evaluate order-of-convergence of a numerical scheme can lead to incorrect values. The problem comes about because of interplay between the errors from the evaluation of the functional, e.g., quadrature error, and from the numerical scheme discretization. Alternative procedures for deducing the order-property of a scheme are presented.... Efficient Modal Basis Selection Criteria for Reduced-Order Nonlinear Simulation   08 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: A modal basis selection technique for a reduced-order nonlinear numerical simulation with application to two-dimensional structures is presented as a two-step procedure. A system identification analysis is first performed using proper orthogonal decomposition. Using these results, a set of load-invariant bases consisting of the normal modes is next selected.... Turbulent Aeroheating Testing of Mars Science Laboratory Entry Vehicle   08 Aug 2008 - New NASA STI Abstract: An experimental investigation of turbulent aeroheating on the Mars Science Laboratory entry vehicle heat shield has been conducted in the Arnold Engineering Development Center Hypervelocity Wind Tunnel No. 9. Testing was performed on a 6-in. (0.1524 m) diameter MSL model in pure N2 gas in the tunnel's Mach 8 and Mach 10 nozzles at free stream Reynolds numbers of 4.1 x 10(exp 6)/ft to 49 x 10(exp 6)/ft (1.3 x 10(exp 7)/m to 19 x 10(exp 6/ft) and 1.2 x 10(exp 6)/ft to 19 x 10(exp 6)/ft (0.39 x 10(exp 7)/m to 62 x 10(exp 7)/m), respectively. These conditions were sufficient to span the regime of boundary-layer flow from completely laminar to fully-developed turbulent flow over the entire forebody.... Natural Hazards: Tropical Storm Kammuri   08 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Tropical Storm Kammuri formed in the South China Sea in the first week of August 2008 and drenched Guangdong Province, including the city of Hong Kong, on August 6. Space Station Invaded By Students From Outer Space Base   08 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News Arizona Kids and teens are set to blast their local libraries into orbit after completing Outer Space Base, a library series of space science programs in Tucson. Peony Nebula Star Settles for Silver Medal   08 Aug 2008 - NASA Image of the Day If our galaxy were to host its own version of the Olympics, the title for the brightest known star would go to a massive star called Eta Carina NASA Awards Enterprise Architecture Services Contract   08 Aug 2008 - NASA Breaking News NASA has awarded an enterprise architecture services contract to Information Dynamics of Elyria, Ohio. Agency-wide services under the contract will include business and data architecture, technical architecture, architecture integration and governance, and compliance reporting services. News: NASA Data Show Some African Drought Linked to Warmer Indian Ocean   07 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory A new study has identified a link between a warming Indian Ocean and less rainfall in eastern and southern Africa. News: Patagonian Glacier Yields Clues for Improved Understanding of Global Climate Change   07 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Patagonia was thought to be subjected mainly to westerly winds off the Pacific, but a dual ice core analysis yielded the first evidence that this region also comes under the influence of meteorological regimes that arise further south, in the Antarctic. (Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement press release) News: Tracking Down Abrupt Climate Changes   07 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Research suggests that extreme cooling that occurred within a short number of years 12,700 years ago was associated with a sudden change in the wind systems. (Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres press release) News: Cold and Ice, and Heat, Episodically Gripped Tropical Regions 300 Million Years Ago   07 Aug 2008 - NASA's Earth Observatory Researchers' look into 'deep time' sheds light on period considered analogous to today's climate. (National Science Foundation press release)