Centaur operations at the space station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Porter, J.; Thompson, W.; Bennett, F.; Holdridge, J.

1987-01-01

A study was conducted on the feasibility of using a Centaur vehicle as a testbed to demonstrate critical OTV technologies at the Space Station. Two Technology Demonstration Missions (TDMs) were identified: (1) Accommodations, and (2) Operations. The Accommodations TDM contained: (1) berthing, (2) checkout, maintenance and safing, and (3) payload integration missions. The Operations TDM contained: (1) a cryogenic propellant resupply mission, and (2) Centaur deployment activities. A modified Space Station Co-Orbiting Platform (COP) was selected as the optimum refueling and launch node due to safety and operational considerations. After completion of the TDMs, the fueled Centaur would carry out a mission to actually test deployment and help offset TDM costs. From the Station, the Centaur could carry a single payload in excess of 20,000 pounds to geosynchronous orbit or multiple payloads.

Erection of a Centaur Standard Shroud at Plum Brook Station’s B-3 Test Stand

NASA Image and Video Library

1972-08-21

A section of the Centaur Standard Shroud transported to Nuclear Rocket Dynamics and Control Facility, or B-3 Test Stand, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Plum Brook Station. B-3 was built in the early 1960s to test full-scale liquid hydrogen fuel systems in simulated altitude conditions. The facility was used in 1972, however, for testing of the Centaur Standard Shroud’s ejection system. In the late 1960s NASA engineers were planning the ambitious new Viking mission to send two rover vehicles to the surface of Mars. The Viking rovers were the heaviest payloads ever attempted and were over three times the weight of Atlas-Centaur’s previous heaviest payload. Consequently, NASA engineers selected the more powerful the Titan III rocket booster to mate with the Centaur. Concurrently, General Dynamics was in the process of introducing a new Centaur model for Titan—the D-1T. The biggest change for the D-1T was a completely new shroud designed by Lockheed, called the Centaur Standard Shroud. The shroud, its insulation, the Centaur ground-hold purge system, and the hydrogen tank venting system were all studied in B-3. After more than two years of preparations, the tests were run between April and July 1973. The tests determined the ultimate flight loads on two axes, established the Centaur’s load sharing, the level of propellant boiloff during launch holds, and the vent system capacity. The Centaur Standard Shroud performed flawlessly during the August 20 and September 9, 1975 launches of Viking 1 and 2.

Spectral Models of Kuiper Belt Objects and Centaurs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruikshank, Dale; Ore, Christina M. Dalle

2003-01-01

We present models of the spectral reflectances of groups of outer Solar System objects defined primarily by their colors in the spectral region 0.4 -1.2 microns, and which have geometric albedo 0.04 at wavelength 0.55 microns. Our models of the groups with the strongest reflectance gradients (reddest colors) use combinations of organic tholins. We test the hypothesis that metal-reddened igneous rock-forming minerals contribute to the red colors of Centaurs and KBOs by using the space-weathered lunar soil as one of the components of our models. We find that our models can admit the presence of moderate amounts of space-weathered (metal-reddened) minerals, but that they do not require this material to achieve the red colors of the reddest outer Solar System bodies. Our models with organic tholins are consistent with the results of other investigators.

Centaur space vehicle pressurized propellant feed system tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1972-01-01

Engine firing tests, using a full-scale flight-weight vehicle, were performed to evaluate a pressurized propellant feed system for the Centaur. The pressurant gases used were helium and hydrogen. The system was designed to replace the boost pumps currently used on Centaur. Two liquid oxygen tank pressurization modes were studied: (1) directly into the ullage and (2) below the propellant surface. Test results showed the two Centaur RL10 engines could be started and run over the range of expected flight variables. No system instabilities were encountered. Measured pressurization gas quantities agreed well with analytically predicted values.

New Limits to CO Outgassing in Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drahus, Michał; Yang, Bin; Lis, Dariusz C.; Jewitt, David

2017-07-01

Centaurs are small Solar system objects orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune. They are widely believed to be escapees from the trans-Neptunian region on their way to become Jupiter-family comets. Indeed, some Centaurs exhibit the characteristic cometary appearance. The sublimation of carbon monoxide has been proposed as a driver of activity in distant comets, but no strong detection of gaseous CO in a Centaur other than 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 has been reported to date. Here we report the results of a deep search for CO outgassing in three Centaurs: (315898), (342842), and (382004). Our survey was carried out using the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory on nine nights in late 2011. The targeted rotational line J(2-1) of CO is undetected in all three objects in spite of high instrumental sensitivity. We find the model-dependent 3σ upper limits to the CO production rate of 2.13 × 1027 molecules s-1 for (315898), 1.32 × 1027 molecules s-1 for (342842), and 1.17 × 1027 molecules s-1 for (382004), which are among the most sensitive obtained to date. These upper limits are consistently analysed in the context of published CO data of 14 Centaurs and one well-observed long-period comet, C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp), and support an earlier suggestion that the surfaces of most Centaurs are not dominated by exposed CO ice.

Centaurs and Activity Beyond the Water Sublimation Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jewitt, David

2017-08-01

Centaurs are icy objects in dynamical transition between the Kuiper belt, where they originate, and the Jupiter family comets. Water ice in inward drifting Centaurs should begin to sublimate measurably when their perihelion reaches the orbit of Jupiter (5 AU). Instead, a fraction of Centaurs become active (have a cometary appearance) even with perihelia at Saturn (10 AU). Of the many suggestions made for the origin of this distant activity, the current favorite and the one with the largest impact on cometary science is the crystallization of amorphous water ice. Amorphous ice is an excellent carrier of supervolatiles (e.g. CO, N2) which are released upon the exothermic transition to crystalline ice. If Centaur ice is amorphous, then so must be Kuiper belt ice, setting strong constraints on the internal temperature vs. time history of the Kuiper belt objects. If the crystallization hypothesis is correct, we should never find an active Centaur with a perihelion substantially beyond the so-called crystallization line at about 12 AU (because temperatures there are too low to trigger crystallization). We propose a simple search for distant activity in Centaurs with perihelia 15 to 20 AU, in which crystallization cannot occur, in order to challenge the crystallization hypothesis. The search is made possible by the tight and stable point spread function and sensitivity to near-nucleus coma of HST.

Autonomous rendezvous and docking operations of unmanned expendable cargo transfer vehicles (e.g. Centaur) with Space Station Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emmet, Brian R.

1991-01-01

This paper describes the results of the feasibility study using Centaur or other CTV's to deliver payloads to the Space Station Freedom (SSF). During this study was examined the requirements upon unmanned cargo transfer stages (including Centaur) for phasing, rendezvous, proximity operations and docking/berthing (capture).

Launch Vehicle Directorate and Centaur Rocket Model

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-05-21

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center’s Launch Vehicle Directorate in front of a full-scale model of the Centaur second-stage rocket. The photograph was taken to mark Centaur’s fiftieth launch. NASA Lewis managed the Centaur Program since 1962. At that time, the only prior launch attempt ended in failure. Lewis improved the spacecraft and tested it extensively throughout the early 1960s. In May 1966 an Atlas-Centaur sent the Surveyor spacecraft to the moon. It was the first successful soft landing on another planet. The Launch Vehicles Division was formed in 1969 to handle the increasing number of Centaur launches. The Lewis team became experts at integrating the payload with the Centaur and calculating proper trajectories for the missions. Centaur’s first 50 missions included Orbiting Astronomical Observatories, the Mariner 6 and 7 flybys of Mars, Mariner 9 which was the first spacecraft to orbit around another planet, the Pioneer 10 and 11 missions to the outer solar system, the Mariner 10 flyby of Venus and Mercury, the Viking 1 and 2 Mars landers, Voyagers 1 and 2 missions to Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, and the Pioneer 12 and 13 flights to Venus.

Cassini Orbiter and Huygens Probe aboard the Titan IV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The launch vehicle, Cassini spacecraft and attached Centaur stage encased in a payload fairing, altogether stand about 183 feet tall; mounted at the base of the launch vehicle are two upgraded solid rocket motors. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the Cassini mission for NASA's Office of Space Science.

The Launch of an Atlas/Centaur Launch Vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1978-01-01

The launch of an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle is shown in this photograph. The Atlas/Centaur, launched on November 13, 1978, carried the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 into the required orbit. The second observatory, the HEAO-2 (nicknamed the Einstein Observatory in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein) carried the first telescope capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects.

Design and Development of an In-Space Deployable Sun Shield for the Atlas Centaur

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dew, Michael; Allwein, Kirk; Kutter, Bernard; Ware, Joanne; Lin, John; Madlangbayan, Albert; Willey, Cliff; Pitchford, Brian; O'Neil, Gary

2008-01-01

The Centaur, by virtue of its use of high specific-impulse (Isp) LO2/LH2 propellants, has initial mass-to-orbit launch requirements less than half of those upper stages using storable propellants. That is, for Earth escape or GSO missions the Centaur is half the launch weight of a storable propellant upper stage. A drawback to the use of Liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, at 90 K and 20 K respectively, over storable propellants is the necessity of efficient cryogen storage techniques that minimize boil-off from thermal radiation in space. Thermal blankets have been used successfully to shield both the Atlas Centaur and Titan Centaur. These blankets are protected from atmospheric air loads during launch by virtue of the fact that the Centaur is enclosed within the payload fairing. The smaller Atlas V vehicle, the Atlas 400, has the Centaur exposed to the atmosphere during launch, and therefore, to date has not flown with thermal blankets shielding the Centaur. A design and development effort is underway to fly a thermal shield on the Atlas V 400 vehicle that is not put in place until after the payload fairing jettisons. This can be accomplished by the use of an inflatable and deployable thermal blanket referred to as the Centaur Sun Shield (CSS). The CSS design is also scalable for use on a Delta upper stage, and the technology potentially could be used for telescope shades, re-entry shields, solar sails and propellant depots. A Phase I effort took place during 2007 in a partnership between ULA and ILC Dover which resulted in a deployable proof-of-concept Sun Shield being demonstrated at a test facility in Denver. A Phase H effort is underway during 2008 with a partnership between ULA, ILC, NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) and NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to define requirements, determine materials and fabrication techniques, and to test components in a vacuum chamber at cold temperatures. This paper describes the Sun Shield development work to date, and the future plans leading up to a flight test in the 2011 time frame.

Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) static limit load structural tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eastwood, C.

1975-01-01

The structural capabilities of the jettisonable metal shroud were tested and the interaction of the shroud with the Centaur stage was evaluated. A flight-configured shroud and the assemblies of the associated Centaur stage were tested for applied axial and shear loads to flight limit values. The tests included various thermal, pressure, and load conditions to verify localized strength capabilities, to evaluate subsystem performance, and to determine the aging effect on insulation system properties. The tests series verified the strength capabilities of the shroud and of all associated flight assembles. Shroud deflections were shown to remain within allowable limits so long as load sharing members were connected between the shroud and the Centaur stage.

The Centaur--Jupiter Family Comet Link

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, Brenae; Malhotra, R.

2008-09-01

The Centaurs’ orbital evolution is characterized by strong chaos and frequent planetary close encounters. We have investigated the transition between the Centaurs and the Jupiter family comets (JFCs), the latter defined as having Tisserand parameter with respect to Jupiter of 2 < TJ < 3. We find that 80% of the known sample of Centaurs spend part of their dynamical lifetimes as JFCs. The amount of time spent as a JFC is typically on the order of a few hundred thousand years, similar to the dynamical lifetimes of JFCs. We also find that the majority of these objects are "handed off” toward the inner solar system from one giant planet to the next before being ejected. In contrast, the orbital evolution of the Centaurs that spend little or no time as JFCs is either dominated by Saturn or consists largely of hopping among mean motion resonances with Uranus and Neptune. This suggests that the JFCs may originate from a dynamically distinct subset of Centaurs.

The Investigations of Orbital Evolution of Centaurs 2060 Chiron, P/Oterma and P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalenko, N.; Churyumov, K.; Babenko, Yu.

2002-01-01

Chiron, comet 39P/Oterma and comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 are discussed. The orbital evolutions of chosen objects were traced 1 million years backward and forward from the present time. For numerical integration the program based on the Everhart implicit single sequence methods for integrating orbits was used. perturbations from the giant planets and very chaotic. It is now believed that Centaurs could be captured from the Kuiper Belt and in the future transform into the short-period comets. Currently more then 20 Centaurs are known. The cometary activity in one of them (2060 Chiron) has been detected up to now. simulated the past and future orbital evolution of active Centaur 2060 (95P) Chiron and two distant Jupiter-family comets with similar to Centaurs' perihelia and aphelia - comets 39P/Oterma and 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. Only our knowledge gathered from the Earth-based observations, orbital evolution investigations and future spacecraft missions will solve this problem.

Physical Properties of Centaur Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruikshank, Dale P.; DeVincenzi, Donald L. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Centaurs are objects in unstable orbits that cross the orbits of the giant planets. They are presumed to be recent additions to the planetary zone of the Solar System, having been dynamically perturbed from the Kulper Disk by the gravitational action of Neptune. Telescopic observations of Centaurs are important because they give us a view of the composition (and in some cases cometary activity) of large bodies that are normally to far from the Sun to be studied in detail. This paper reports on physical observations, primarily through spectroscopy, of the compositions of a small number of Centaurs that have been studied to date. In particular, the composition of 5145 Pholus is reviewed, following the published work of Crulkshank et al., in which compositional models that fit the spectrum well included H2O ice, the organic solid Titan tholin, a light hydrocarbon ice (e.g., CH3OH), the silicate mineral olivine, and amorphous carbon. The Centaur 1997 CU(26) shows evidence for H2O ice, but nothing else is yet identified.

Centaur liquid oxygen boost pump vibration test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tang, H. M.

1975-01-01

The Centaur LOX boost pump was subjected to both the simulated Titan Centaur proof flight and confidence demonstration vibration test levels. For each test level, both sinusoidal and random vibration tests were conducted along each of the three orthogonal axes of the pump and turbine assembly. In addition to these tests, low frequency longitudinal vibration tests for both levels were conducted. All tests were successfully completed without damage to the boost pump.

Reflections on Centaur Upper Stage Integration by the NASA Lewis (Glenn) Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graham, Scott R.

2015-01-01

The NASA Glenn (then Lewis) Research Center (GRC) led several expendable launch vehicle (ELV) projects from 1963 to 1998, most notably the Centaur upper stage. These major, comprehensive projects included system management, system development, integration (both payload and stage), and launch operations. The integration role that GRC pioneered was truly unique and highly successful. Its philosophy, scope, and content were not just invaluable to the missions and vehicles it supported, but also had significant Agency-wide benefits. An overview of the NASA Lewis Research Center (now the NASA Glenn Research Center) philosophy on ELV integration is provided, focusing on Atlas/Centaur, Titan/Centaur, and Shuttle/Centaur vehicles and programs. The necessity of having a stable, highly technically competent in-house staff is discussed. Significant depth of technical penetration of contractor work is another critical component. Functioning as a cohesive team was more than a concept: GRC senior management, NASA Headquarters, contractors, payload users, and all staff worked together. The scope, content, and history of launch vehicle integration at GRC are broadly discussed. Payload integration is compared to stage development integration in terms of engineering and organization. Finally, the transition from buying launch vehicles to buying launch services is discussed, and thoughts on future possibilities of employing the successful GRC experience in integrating ELV systems like Centaur are explored.

Reflections on Centaur Upper Stage Integration by the NASA Lewis (Glenn) Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graham, Scott R.

2014-01-01

The NASA Glenn (then Lewis) Research Center (GRC) led several expendable launch vehicle (ELV) projects from 1963 to 1998, most notably the Centaur upper stage. These major, comprehensive projects included system management, system development, integration (both payload and stage), and launch operations. The integration role that GRC pioneered was truly unique and highly successful. Its philosophy, scope, and content were not just invaluable to the missions and vehicles it supported, but also had significant Agencywide benefits. An overview of the NASA Lewis Research Center (now the NASA Glenn Research Center) philosophy on ELV integration is provided, focusing on Atlas/Centaur, Titan/Centaur, and Shuttle/Centaur vehicles and programs. The necessity of having a stable, highly technically competent in-house staff is discussed. Significant depth of technical penetration of contractor work is another critical component. Functioning as a cohesive team was more than a concept: GRC senior management, NASA Headquarters, contractors, payload users, and all staff worked together. The scope, content, and history of launch vehicle integration at GRC are broadly discussed. Payload integration is compared to stage development integration in terms of engineering and organization. Finally, the transition from buying launch vehicles to buying launch services is discussed, and thoughts on future possibilities of employing the successful GRC experience in integrating ELV systems like Centaur are explored.

The evolution of computer monitoring of real time data during the Atlas Centaur launch countdown

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, W. F.

1981-01-01

In the last decade, improvements in computer technology have provided new 'tools' for controlling and monitoring critical missile systems. In this connection, computers have gradually taken a large role in monitoring all flights and ground systems on the Atlas Centaur. The wide body Centaur which will be launched in the Space Shuttle Cargo Bay will use computers to an even greater extent. It is planned to use the wide body Centaur to boost the Galileo spacecraft toward Jupiter in 1985. The critical systems which must be monitored prior to liftoff are examined. Computers have now been programmed to monitor all critical parameters continuously. At this time, there are two separate computer systems used to monitor these parameters.

ADDJUST - An automated system for steering Centaur launch vehicles in measured winds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Swanson, D. C.

1977-01-01

ADDJUST (Automatic Determination and Dissemination of Just-Updated Steering Terms) is an automated computer and communication system designed to provide Atlas/Centaur and Titan/Centaur launch vehicles with booster-phase steering data on launch day. Wind soundings are first obtained, from which a smoothed wind velocity vs altitude relationship is established. Design for conditions at the end of the boost phase with initial pitch and yaw maneuvers, followed by zero total angle of attack through the filtered wind establishes the required vehicle attitude as a function of altitude. Polynomial coefficients for pitch and yaw attitude vs altitude are determined and are transmitted for validation and loading into the Centaur airborne computer. The system has enabled 14 consecutive launches without a flight wind delay.

Surveyor Atlas-Centaur Shroud Venting Structural Test in the Space Power Chambers

NASA Image and Video Library

1967-06-21

Setup of a Surveyor/Atlas/Centaur shroud in the Space Power Chambers for a leak test at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. Centaur was a 15,000-pound thrust second-stage rocket designed for the military in 1957 and 1958 by General Dynamics. It was the first major rocket to use the liquid hydrogen technology developed by Lewis in the 1950s. The Centaur Program suffered numerous problems before being transferred to Lewis in 1962. Several test facilities at Lewis’ main campus and Plum Brook Station were built or modified specifically for Centaur, including the Space Power Chambers. In 1961, NASA Lewis management decided to convert its Altitude Wind Tunnel into two large test chambers and later renamed it the Space Power Chambers. The conversion, which took over 2 years, included the removal of the tunnel’s internal components and insertion of bulkheads to seal off the new chambers. The larger chamber, seen here, could simulate altitudes of 100,000 feet. It was used for Centaur shroud separation and propellant management studies until the early 1970s. The leak test in this photograph was likely an attempt to verify that the shroud’s honeycomb shell did not seep any of its internal air when the chamber was evacuated to pressures similar to those found in the upper atmosphere.

Centaur Standard Shroud Test in the Space Power Facility

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-08-21

The Centaur Standard Shroud prepared for a jettison test in the Space Power Facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Plum Brook Station. In the late 1960s NASA engineers were planning the ambitious new Viking mission to send two rover vehicles to the surface of Mars. The Viking rovers were the heaviest payloads ever attempted by the Centaur second-stage rocket. Each Viking was over three times the weight of the Atlas-Centaur’s previous heaviest payload. Consequently, NASA engineers sought to mate the Centaur with the more powerful Titan III booster for the launches. General Dynamics created a new version of the Centaur, D-1T, specifically for Titan. The D-1T’s most significant modification was a completely new shroud designed by Lockheed, called the Centaur Standard Shroud. The conical two-piece covering encapsulated the payload to protect it against adverse conditions and improve the aerodynamics as the launch vehicle passed through the atmosphere. The shroud would be jettisoned when the vehicle reached the edge of space. A string of tests were conducted in Plum Brook’s Nuclear Rocket Dynamics and Control Facility (B-3) during 1973 and 1974. The new shroud performed flawlessly during the actual Viking launches in 1975. Viking 1 and 2 operated on the Martian surface until November 1982 and April 1980, respectively.

Centaur engine gimbal friction characteristics under simulated thrust load

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Askew, J. W.

1986-01-01

An investigation was performed to determine the friction characteristics of the engine gimbal system of the Centaur upper stage rocket. Because the Centaur requires low-gain autopilots in order to meet all stability requirements for some configurations, control performance (response to transients and limit-cycle amplitudes) depends highly on these friction characteristics. Forces required to rotate the Centaur engine gimbal system were measured under a simulated thrust load of 66,723 N (15,000 lb) and in an altitude/thermal environment. A series of tests was performed at three test conditions; ambient temperature and pressure, ambient temperature and vacuum, and cryogenic temperature and vacuum. Gimbal rotation was controlled, and tests were performed in which rotation amplitude and frequency were varied by using triangular and sinusoidal waveforms. Test data revealed an elastic characteristic of the gimbal, independent of the input signal, which was evident prior to true gimbal sliding. The torque required to initiate gimbal sliding was found to decrease when both pressure and temperature decreased. Results from the low amplitude and low frequency data are currently being used in mathematically modeling the gimbal friction characteristics for Centaur autopilot performance studies.

Centaur: A Mobile Dexterous Humanoid for Surface Operations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rehnmark, Fredrik; Ambrose, Robert O.; Goza, S. Michael; Junkin, Lucien; Neuhaus, Peter D.; Pratt, Jerry E.

2005-01-01

Future human and robotic planetary expeditions could benefit greatly from expanded Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) capabilities supporting a broad range of multiple, concurrent surface operations. Risky, expensive and complex, conventional EVAs are restricted in both duration and scope by consumables and available manpower, creating a resource management problem. A mobile, highly dexterous Extra-Vehicular Robotic (EVR) system called Centaur is proposed to cost-effectively augment human astronauts on surface excursions. The Centaur design combines a highly capable wheeled mobility platform with an anthropomorphic upper body mounted on a three degree-of-freedom waist. Able to use many ordinary handheld tools, the robot could conserve EVA hours by relieving humans of many routine inspection and maintenance chores and assisting them in more complex tasks, such as repairing other robots. As an astronaut surrogate, Centaur could take risks unacceptable to humans, respond more quickly to EVA emergencies and work much longer shifts. Though originally conceived as a system for planetary surface exploration, the Centaur concept could easily be adapted for terrestrial military applications such as de-Gig, surveillance and other hazardous duties.

Centaur engine gimbal friction characteristics under simulated thrust load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Askew, J. W.

1986-09-01

An investigation was performed to determine the friction characteristics of the engine gimbal system of the Centaur upper stage rocket. Because the Centaur requires low-gain autopilots in order to meet all stability requirements for some configurations, control performance (response to transients and limit-cycle amplitudes) depends highly on these friction characteristics. Forces required to rotate the Centaur engine gimbal system were measured under a simulated thrust load of 66,723 N (15,000 lb) and in an altitude/thermal environment. A series of tests was performed at three test conditions; ambient temperature and pressure, ambient temperature and vacuum, and cryogenic temperature and vacuum. Gimbal rotation was controlled, and tests were performed in which rotation amplitude and frequency were varied by using triangular and sinusoidal waveforms. Test data revealed an elastic characteristic of the gimbal, independent of the input signal, which was evident prior to true gimbal sliding. The torque required to initiate gimbal sliding was found to decrease when both pressure and temperature decreased. Results from the low amplitude and low frequency data are currently being used in mathematically modeling the gimbal friction characteristics for Centaur autopilot performance studies.

Specification and correlation of the sine vibration environment for Viking '75

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Snyder, R. E.; Trummel, M.; Wada, B. K.; Pohlen, J. C.

1974-01-01

Two Viking spacecraft will be individually launched on a new Titan IIIE/Centaur D-1T launch vehicle in August 1975. The method for the establishment of spacecraft sine vibration test levels prior to availability of any Titan IIIE/Centaur D-1T flight data by use of both computer simulations and data from previous Titan and Atlas Centaur vehicles is described. The specification level is compared with actual flight data obtained from a proof flight launch of the Titan IIIE/Centaur D-1T and a Viking dynamic simulator in January 1974. An objective of the proof flight launch was to obtain estimates of the flight loads and environments. The criteria used to minimize the structural weight that would result from an unmodified application of a sine test environment are described.

Rings from Close Encounters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohler, Susanna

2016-09-01

Weve recently discovered narrow sets of rings around two minor planets orbiting in our solar system. How did these rings form? A new study shows that they could be a result of close encounters between the minor planets and giants like Jupiter or Neptune.Unexpected Ring SystemsPositions of the centaurs in our solar system (green). Giant planets (red), Jupiter trojans (grey), scattered disk objects (tan) and Kuiper belt objects (blue) are also shown. [WilyD]Centaurs are minor planets in our solar system that orbit between Jupiter and Neptune. These bodies of which there are roughly 44,000 with diameters larger than 1 km have dynamically unstable orbits that cross paths with those of one or more giant planets.Recent occultation observations of two centaurs, 10199 Chariklo and 2060 Chiron, revealed that these bodies both host narrow ring systems. Besides our four giant planets, Chariklo and Chiron are the only other bodies in the solar system known to have rings. But how did these rings form?Scientists have proposed several models, implicating collisions, disruption of a primordial satellite, or dusty outgassing. But a team of scientists led by Ryuki Hyodo (Paris Institute of Earth Physics, Kobe University) has recently proposed an alternative scenario: what if the rings were formed from partial disruption of the centaur itself, after it crossed just a little too close to a giant planet?Tidal Forces from a GiantHyodo and collaborators first used past studies of centaur orbits to estimate that roughly 10% of centaurs experience close encounters (passing within a distance of ~2x the planetary radius) with a giant planet during their million-year lifetime. The team then performed a series of simulations of close encounters between a giant planet and a differentiated centaur a body in which the rocky material has sunk to form a dense silicate core, surrounded by an icy mantle.Some snapshots of simulation outcomes (click for a closer look!) for different initial states of the centaur internal structure, its spin, and the distance of closest approach of the centaur to the giant planet. Blue and red represent icy and silicate material, respectively. [Hyodo et al. 2016]The outcomes of the close encounters are diverse, depending strongly on the internal structure and spin of the minor planet and the geometry of the encounter. But the team finds that, in many scenarios, the centaur is only partially destroyed by tidal forces from the giant as it passes close by.In these cases the icy mantle and even some of the centaurs core can be ripped away and scattered, becoming gravitationally bound to the largest remaining clump of the core. The particles travel in highly eccentric orbits, gradually damping as they collide with each other and forming a disk around the remaining core. Further dynamical evolution of this disk could easily shape the rings that we observe today around Chariklo and Chiron.If Hyodo and collaborators scenario is correct, then Chariklo and Chiron are differentiated bodies with dense silicate cores, and their rings are either pure water ice, or a mixture of water ice and a small amount of silicate. Future observations of these minor planets will help to test this model and observations of other centaurs may discover yet more ring systems hiding in our solar system!BonusCheck out this awesomeanimation from ESO showing an artists impression of thering system around Chariklo! [ESO/L. Calada/M. Kornmesser]CitationRyuki Hyodo et al 2016 ApJ 828 L8. doi:10.3847/2041-8205/828/1/L8

NASA Researcher Andy Stofan Studying Fluid Sloshing

NASA Image and Video Library

1960-09-21

Andy Stofan views a small-scale tank built to study the sloshing characteristics of liquid hydrogen at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. Stofan was tasked with the study of propellant motion, or sloshing, in space vehicle propellant tanks. At the time, there was little knowledge of the behavior of fluids in microgravity or the effects of the launch on the propellant’s motion. Sloshing in the tank could alter a spacecraft’s trajectory or move the propellant away from the turbopump. Stofan became an expert and authored numerous technical reports on the subject. Stofan was assigned to the original Centaur Project Office in 1962 as a member of the Propellant Systems Section. Stofan was instrumental in solving a dynamic instability problem on the Centaur vehicle and served as the systems engineer for the development of the Centaur propellant utilization system. The solution was also applied to the upper-stages of Saturn. In 1966, Stofan was named Head of the Propellant Systems Section. Stofan continued rising through the managerial ranks at Lewis. In 1967 he became Project Manager of a test program that successfully demonstrated the use of a pressurization system for the Centaur vehicle; in 1969 the Assistant Project Manager on the Improved Centaur project; in 1970 Manager of the Titan/Centaur Project Office; in 1974 Director of the Launch Vehicles Division. In 1978, Stofan was appointed Deputy Associate Administrator for the Headquarters Office of Space Science. In 1982, he was named Director of Lewis Research Center.

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion Centaur Orbiter Spacecraft Design Overview

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oleson, Steve; McGuire, Melissa; Sarver-Verhey, Tim; Juergens, Jeff; Parkey, Tom; Dankanich, John; Fiehler, Doug; Gyekenyesi, John; Hemminger, Joseph; Gilland, Jim;

Modeling of the Orbital Evolution of 2060 Chiron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalenko, Nataliya S.; Babenko, Yury G.; Churyumov, Klim I.

2002-03-01

The origin of Centaurs is one of the most interesting problems of Solar system science, and it has not yet been solved. To shed light on this problem one can investigate Centaurs' past and future orbital evolution. In this paper we discuss the results of Chiron's orbital evolution modeling. It was the first discovered Centaur and is the brightest one. Numerical integration was produced for 1 Myr forward and backward from the present time. A program based on the Everhart single sequence method for integrating orbits was used.

Centaur Engine Display Installation

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-04-14

The 6,600 pound Centaur test article is a rare artifact recently transported from the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Alabama. Centaur, developed at NASA Glenn Research Center in the late 1950s, was the world's first high-energy upper stage, burning liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX), and has enabled the launch of some of NASA's most important scientific missions over its 50-year history. In this image, technicians prepare to mount the hardware on a permanent display stand close to the main entrance at NASA Glenn Research Center.

Vapor ingestion in Centaur liquid-hydrogen tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Symons, E. P.

1977-01-01

Vapor ingestion phenomena were investigated using scale models of the Centaur liquid hydrogen tank to determine the height of the free surface of the liquid when vapor is intially ingested into the tank outlet. Data are compared with an analysin and, is general the agreement is very good. Predictions are presented for minimum liquid levels required in the Centaur liquid hydrogen tank in order to prevent vapor ingestion when restarting the engines in space and the quantities of liquid remaining in the tank at vapor ingestion during main engine firing.

Capillary acquisition devices for high-performance vehicles: Executive summary. [evaluation of cryogenic propellant management techniques using the centaur launch vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blatt, M. H.; Bradshaw, R. D.; Risberg, J. A.

1980-01-01

Technology areas critical to the development of cryogenic capillary devices were studied. Passive cooling of capillary devices was investigated with an analytical and experimental study of wicking flow. Capillary device refilling with settled fluid was studied using an analytical and experimental program that resulted in successful correlation of a versatile computer program with test data. The program was used to predict Centaur D-1S LO2 and LH2 start basket refilling. Comparisons were made between the baseline Centaur D-1S propellant feed system and feed system alternatives including systems using capillary devices. The preferred concepts from the Centaur D-1S study were examined for APOTV and POTV vehicles for delivery and round trip transfer of payloads between LEO and GEO. Mission profiles were determined to provide propellant usage timelines and the payload partials were defined.

New Scattered Disk Object and Centaur Colors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brucker, Melissa; Wilcox, P.; Stansberry, J.

2013-10-01

We report B, V, and R magnitudes for scattered disk objects and centaurs from observations taken in December 2011 and August 2013 using the Lowell Observatory Perkins Telescope with PRISM and observations taken in March 2012 at the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT) on Mt. Graham, Arizona. Targeted scattered disk objects include 2002 CY224, 2003 UY117, 2006 QJ181, 2008 CT190, 2009 YG19, 2010 FD49, 2010 VZ98. Targeted centaurs include 2002 QX47, 2005 UJ438, 2006 UX184, and 2007 RH283. We will determine if the resultant centaur colors follow the bimodal distribution (B-R either red or gray) previously detected. We will also compare the resultant scattered disk object colors to those published for other scattered disk objects. This work is based on observations with the Perkins Telescope at Lowell Observatory, and with the VATT: The Alice P. Lennon Telescope and the Thomas J. Bannan Astrophysics Facility.

The Role of Flight Experiments in the Development of Cryogenic Fluid Management Technologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chato, David J.

2006-01-01

This paper reviews the history of cryogenic fluid management technology development and infusion into both the Saturn and Centaur vehicles. Ground testing and analysis proved inadequate to demonstrate full scale performance. As a consequence flight demonstration with a full scale vehicle was required by both the Saturn and Centaur programs to build confidence that problems were addressed. However; the flight vehicles were highly limited on flight instrumentation and the flight demonstration locked-in the design without challenging the function of design elements. Projects reviewed include: the Aerobee Sounding Rocket Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) tests which served as a valuable stepping stone to flight demonstration and built confidence in the ability to handle hydrogen in low gravity; the Saturn IVB Fluid Management Qualification flight test; the Atlas Centaur demonstration flights to develop two burn capability; and finally the Titan Centaur two post mission flight tests.

The Centaur G-Prime - Meeting mission needs today for tomorrow's space environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richardson, J. H.

1983-05-01

The performance history and capabilities, design features, and missions for the Centaur G-Prime upper stage for the STS are described. The Centaur has had 43 consecutive successes on expendable launch systems since 1971, and is equipped to transfer 13,500 lb from LEO to GEO. The vehicle dimensions include a 29.1 ft length, a 14.2 ft LH2 tank, and a 15 ft diameter designed for the Orbiter bay. It carries an avionics system that comprises a 16 K core memory computer, a four-gimballed platform inertial measurement group, a sequence control unit, a servo inverter unit, two remote multiplexing units, two signal conditioners, a telemetry system, batteries, etc. Twin RL-10 engines each furnish 16,500 lb of thrust. Near term missions for the Centaur include boosting the Galileo and Solar Polar Mission out of earth orbit towards their destination.

Centaur Rocket in Space Propulsion Research Facility (B-2)

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-07-21

A Centaur second-stage rocket in the Space Propulsion Research Facility, better known as B‒2, operating at NASA’s Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio. Centaur was designed to be used with an Atlas booster to send the Surveyor spacecraft to the moon in the mid-1960s. After those missions, the rocket was modified to launch a series of astronomical observation satellites into orbit and send space probes to other planets. Researchers conducted a series of systems tests at the Plum Brook test stands to improve the Centaur fuel pumping system. Follow up full-scale tests in the B-2 facility led to the eventual removal of the boost pumps from the design. This reduced the system’s complexity and significantly reduced the cost of a Centaur rocket. The Centaur tests were the first use of the new B-2 facility. B‒2 was the world's only high altitude test facility capable of full-scale rocket engine and launch vehicle system level tests. It was created to test rocket propulsion systems with up to 100,000 pounds of thrust in a simulated space environment. The facility has the unique ability to maintain a vacuum at the rocket’s nozzle while the engine is firing. The rocket fires into a 120-foot deep spray chamber which cools the exhaust before it is ejected outside the facility. B‒2 simulated space using giant diffusion pumps to reduce chamber pressure 10-6 torr, nitrogen-filled cold walls create cryogenic temperatures, and quartz lamps replicate the radiation of the sun.

The Dynamical History of 2060 Chiron and Its Proposed Ring System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, Jeremy; Horner, Jonti; Hinse, Tobias C.; Marsden, Stephen C.

2018-01-01

The surprising discovery of a ring system around the Centaur 10199 Chariklo in 2013 led to a reanalysis of archival stellar occultation data for the Centaur 2060 Chiron by Ortiz et al. One possible interpretation of that data is that a system of rings exists around Chiron. In this work, we study the dynamical history of the proposed Chiron ring system by integrating nearly 36,000 clones of the Centaur backward in time for 100 Myr under the influence of the Sun and the four giant planets. The severity of all close encounters between the clones and planets while the clones are in the Centaur region is recorded, along with the mean time between close encounters. We find that severe and extreme close encounters are very rare, making it possible that the Chiron ring system has remained intact since its injection into the Centaur region, which we find likely occurred within the past 8.5 Myr. Our simulations yield a backward dynamical half-life for Chiron of 0.7 Myr. The dynamical classes of a sample of clones are found. It is found that, on average, the Centaur lifetimes of resonance hopping clones are twice those of random-walk clones because of resonance sticking in mean motion resonances. In addition, we present MEGNO and chaotic lifetime maps of the region bound by 13 au ≤slant a≤slant 14 au and e≤slant 0.5. We confirm that the current mean orbital parameters of Chiron are located in a highly chaotic region of a - e phase space.

Photometry and taxonomy of trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs in support of a Herschel key program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perna, D.; Dotto, E.; Barucci, M. A.; Mazzotta Epifani, E.; Vilenius, E.; Dall'Ora, M.; Fornasier, S.; Müller, T. G.

2013-06-01

Context. The investigation of Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) provides essential information about the early conditions and evolution of the outer solar system. The radiometric technique combines measurements in the visible and thermal infrared; with these one can estimate the size and albedo of Centaurs and TNOs. Aims: Our aim is to obtain visible photometry of a sample of Centaurs and TNOs, a subset of the targets of the "TNOs are cool" key program at the Herschel Space Observatory. Methods: We carried out visible photometry of Centaurs and TNOs, making use of the DOLORES instrument at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG, La Palma, Spain). Results: We report photometric observations of 20 objects and present the computed absolute magnitudes. We derive the taxonomy of our targets (nine are classified for the first time, the results for five objects agree with the literature, the other targets are tentatively classified based on incomplete datasets) and combine the results with the literature, searching for correlations between taxonomy and dynamics. We look for comet-like activity in our Centaur sample, including (248835) 2006 SX368, which was previously described as active. Conclusions: We provide an accurate determination of the absolute magnitude and of the relative error for each of our targets. These values can be readily used in combination with thermal infrared data. The surface of TNO (65489) Ceto seems to be heterogeneous. Our results seem to support an evolutionary origin for the color dichotomy of Centaurs, and the occurrence of a strong mixing after the TNO formation. No evident cometary activity is detected around the five Centaurs in our sample; assuming that an unresolved coma is present around (248835) 2006 SX368, we use the "photometric model" to derive the possible dust production rate, finding that Qdust is in the range 1-31 kg/s. Based on observations made with the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG) operated on the island of La Palma by the Fundacion Galileo Galilei of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica) at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias (programs AOT19/TAC33, AOT20/TAC45, and AOT21/TAC56).

Roentgen Satellite (ROSAT)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1986-01-01

As result of the Challenger accident, the alternative possibility for launch of the ROSAT mission with an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle is being considered. An overview of the problems involved in having the ROSAT flight ready for either a Shuttle or Atlas/Centaur launch is presented.

Our Continuing Program of Optical Color Measurements of Centaurs and KBOs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanishin, W.; Tegler, S. C.; Consolmagno, G. J.

2012-05-01

We report on our continuing program of BVR color measurement of Centaurs and KBOs. Most of our measurements have been made with the Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT). We report of new colors obtained through October 2011.

OA-7 Atlas V Centaur mate to Booster

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-23

The Centaur upper stage of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket arrives at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Centaur stage is lifted and mated to the first stage booster. The rocket is being prepared for Orbital ATK's seventh commercial resupply mission, CRS-7, to the International Space Station. Orbital ATK's CYGNUS pressurized cargo module is scheduled to launch atop ULA's Atlas V rocket from Pad 41 on March 19, 2017. CYGNUS will deliver 7,600 of pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport to VIF

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-08

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, arrives at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Centaur will be mated to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites that will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018.

MARINER 10 LAUNCH VEHICLE ATLAS CENTAUR 34 UNDERGOES TANKING TEST AT LAUNCH COMPLEX 36B

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Atlas Centaur 34, undergoes tanking test on NASA Complex 36B at Cape Kennedy, Fla. Atlas Centaur 34 is under preparation to launch history's first duel-planet flight, the Mariner mission to Venus and Mercury, scheduled for early November. With all events going as planned, the Mariner spacecraft will fly by Venus in early February, 1974, and reach Mercury in late march, 1974. The spacecraft, Mariner 10, will carry two television cameras to photograph the planets, and six other scientific experiments to return planetary and interplanetary data back to Earth.

Atlas/Centaur Pioneer G operations summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Specifications of the Pioneer G and Atlas/Centaur 30 Launch Vehicle are provided, along with information concerning mission objectives. The Atlas/Centaur engine group will generate a 431,383 lb. thrust for an injection velocity of approximately 32,400 miles per hour using liquid oxygen and RP-1 propellants. In addition to detailed diagrams of equipment aboard the Pioneer G, an account is given of intended investigations of the interplanetary medium beyond the orbit of Mars, the nature of the asteroid belt, and the environmental and atmospheric characteristics of Jupiter. Pertinent data regarding the option of a Saturn-oriented trajectory are also reviewed and evaluated.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Stage Prep for Transport

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-27

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a cover is installed on a Centaur upper stage in preparation for its transport to Space Launch Complex 3. The Centaur will be mounted atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to boost NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

SPHINX Satellite Testing in the Electric Propulsion Laboratory

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-12-21

Researchers examine the Space Plasma-High Voltage Interaction Experiment (SPHINX) satellite in the Electric Propulsion Laboratory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. Lewis’ Spacecraft Technology Division designed SPHINX to study the electrical interaction of its experimental surfaces with space plasma. They sought to determine if higher orbits would improve the transmission quality of communications satellites. Robert Lovell, the Project Manager, oversaw vibrational and plasma simulation testing of the satellite in the Electric Propulsion Laboratory, seen here. SPHINX was an add-on payload for the first Titan/Centaur proof launch in early 1974. Lewis successfully managed the Centaur Program since 1962, but this would be the first Centaur launch with a Titan booster. Since the proof test did not have a scheduled payload, the Lewis-designed SPHINX received a free ride. The February 11, 1974 launch, however, proved to be one of the Launch Vehicle Division’s lowest days. Twelve minutes after the vehicle departed the launch pad, the booster and Centaur separated as designed, but Centaur’s two RL-10 engines failed to ignite. The launch pad safety officer destroyed the vehicle, and SPHINX never made it into orbit. Overall Centaur has an excellent success rate, but the failed SPHINX launch attempt caused deep disappointment across the center.

The Large-Grained Dust Coma of 174P/Echeclus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, James M.; Choi, Young-Jun; Weissman, Paul R.; Stansberry, John A.; Fernandez, Yanga R.; Roe, Henry G.; Buratti, Bonnie J.; Sung, Hyun-Il

2008-01-01

On 2005 December 30, Y.-J. Choi and P. R. Weissman discovered that the formerly dormant Centaur 2000 EC98 was in strong outburst. Previous observations by P. Rousselot et al. spanning a 3-year period indicated a lack of coma down to the 27 mag arcsec 2 level.We present Spitzer Space Telescope MIPS observations of this newly active Centaur--now known as 174P/Echeclus (2000 EC98)--or 60558 Echeclus--taken in 2006 late February. The images show strong signal at both the 24 and 70 micron bands and reveal an extended coma about 2' in diameter. Analyses yield estimates of the coma signal contribution that are in excess of 90% of the total signal in the 24 micron band. Dust production estimates ranging from 1.7-4 x 10(exp 2) kg/s are on the order of 30 times that seen in other Centaurs. Simultaneous visible-wavelength observations were also obtained with Palomar Observatory's 200-inch telescope, the 1.8-m Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope, the Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (BOAO) 1.8-m telescope, and Table Mountain Observatory's 0.6-m telescope, revealing a coma morphology nearly identical to the mid-IR observations. The grain size distribution derived from the data yields a log particle mass power-law with slope parameter (alpha) = -0.87 +/- 0.07, and is consistent with steady cometary-activity, such as that observed during the Stardust spacecraft's encounter at 81P/Wild 2, and not with an impact driven event, such as that caused by the Deep Impact experiment.

Launch mission summary: INTELSAT 5(F1) ATLAS/CENTAUR-56

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The technology and capability of the INTELSAT 5 series satellites and the Atlas-Centaur launch vehicle are described. Data relative to launch windows, flight plans, radar, and telemetry are included along with selected trajectory information and a sequence of flight events.

COMPASS Final Report: Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) Centaur Orbiter New Frontiers Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oleson, Steven R.; McGuire, Melissa L.

2011-01-01

Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) has been shown in past studies to enable missions to outer planetary bodies including the orbiting of Centaur asteroids. Key to the feasibility for REP missions are long life, low power electric propulsion (EP) devices, low mass Radioisotope Power System (RPS) and light spacecraft (S/C) components. In order to determine the key parameters for EP devices to perform these REP missions a design study was completed to design an REP S/C to orbit a Centaur in a New Frontiers (NF) cost cap. The design shows that an orbiter using several long lived (approx.200 kg xenon (Xe) throughput), low power (approx.700 W) Hall thrusters teamed with six (150 W each) Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generators (ASRG) can deliver 60 kg of science instruments to a Centaur in 10 yr within the NF cost cap. Optimal specific impulses (Isp) for the Hall thrusters were found to be around 2000 s with thruster efficiencies over 40 percent. Not only can the REP S/C enable orbiting a Centaur (when compared to an all chemical mission only capable of flybys) but the additional power from the REP system can be used to enhance science and simplify communications. The mission design detailed in this report is a Radioisotope Power System (RPS) powered EP science orbiter to the Centaur Thereus with arrival 10 yr after launch, ending in a 1 yr science mapping mission. Along the trajectory, approximately 1.5 yr into the mission, the REP S/C does a flyby of the Trojan asteroid Tlepolemus. The total (Delta)V of the trajectory is 8.9 km/s. The REP S/C is delivered to orbit on an Atlas 551 class launch vehicle with a Star 48 B solid rocket stage

The cometary activity of Centaur P/2004 A1 (LONEOS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Epifani, E. Mazzotta; Dall'Ora, M.; Perna, D.; Palumbo, P.; Colangeli, L.

2011-08-01

P/2004 A1 (LONEOS) is one of the few active objects in the dynamical class of Centaurs. It has been recently injected into an inner orbit with a perihelion distance q = 5.5 au. The aim of this paper is to characterize the dust coma of this peculiar object, 2.5 yr after its first 'new' perihelion passage inside the Solar system. Broad-band visible images taken at the TNG telescope in 2007 February were analysed in order to characterize the dust coma of the Centaur: it was still quite active at rh = 6.5 au post-perihelion, with a coma and a well-developed wide tail-like structure, with a measured R-Afρ= 162 ± 10 cm in an aperture radius ρ= 104 km. The (V - R) colour and the reddening values depict a scenario of a slightly red dust coma. A dust mass-loss rate of ? = 133 kg s-1 is derived from a photometric model, consistent with a scenario of a quite constant emission rate along the Centaur orbit. An upper limit for the Centaur radius of 3.5 km is derived by some realistic hypotheses on CO molecular production rate and on the mean grain scatterer size in the coma. Dynamical lifetime estimates compared to modelled loss rate result in a radius lower limit of 0.5 km, indicating therefore that the Centaur size is likely of the same order of magnitude of the short-period comets. Based on observations made at the Italian Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), operated on the island of La Palma by the Fundación Galileo Galilei of the INAF (Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica) at the Spanish Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias.

Study of liquid and vapor flow into a Centaur capillary device

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blatt, M. H.; Risberg, J. A.

1979-01-01

The following areas of liquid and vapor flow were analyzed and experimentally evaluated; 1) the refilling of capillary devices with settled liquid, and 2) vapor flow across wetted screens. These investigations resulted in: 1) the development of a versatile computer program that was successfully correlated with test data and used to predict Centaur D-1S LO2 and LH2 start basket refilling; 2) the development of a semi-empirical model that was only partially correlated with data due to difficulties in obtaining repeatable test results. Also, a comparison was made to determine the best propellant management system for the Centaur D-1S vehicle. The comparison identified the basline Centaur D-1S system (using pressurization, boost pumps and propellant settling) as the best candidate based on payload weight penalty. However, other comparison criteria and advanced mission condition were identified where pressure fed systems, thermally subcooled boost pumps and capillary devices would be selected as attractive alternatives.

An analytical study of reduced-gravity propellant settling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradshaw, R. D.; Kramer, J. L.; Masica, W. J.

1974-01-01

Full-scale propellant reorientation flow dynamics for the Centaur D-1T fuel tank were analyzed. A computer code using the simplified marker and cell technique was modified to include the capability for a variable-grid mesh configuration. Use of smaller cells near the boundary, near baffles, and in corners provides improved flow resolution. Two drop tower model cases were simulated to verify program validity: one case without baffles, the other with baffles and geometry identical to Centaur D-1T. Flow phenomena using the new code successfully modeled drop tower data. Baffles are a positive factor in the settling flow. Two full-scale Centaur D-1T cases were simulated using parameters based on the Titan/Centaur proof flight. These flow simulations indicated the time to clear the vent area and an indication of time to orient and collect the propellant. The results further indicated the complexity of the reorientation flow and the long time period required for settling.

Water Ice in 2060 Chiron and Its Implications for Centaurs and Kuiper Belt Objects.

PubMed

Luu; Jewitt; Trujillo

2000-03-10

We report the detection of water ice in the Centaur 2060 Chiron, based on near-infrared spectra (1.0-2.5 µm) taken with the 3.8 m United Kingdom Infrared Telescope and the 10 m Keck Telescope. The appearance of this ice is correlated with the recent decline in Chiron's cometary activity: the decrease in the coma cross section allows previously hidden solid-state surface features to be seen. We predict that water ice is ubiquitous among Centaurs and Kuiper Belt objects, but its surface coverage varies from object to object and thus determines its detectability and the occurrence of cometary activity.

Orbital evolution of some Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovalenko, Nataliya; Babenko, Yuri; Churyumov, Klim

2002-11-01

In this work we investigated the dynamical evolution of Centaurs objects 2060 (Chiron), 5145 (Pholus), 7066 (Nessus), 8405 (Asbolus), 10199 (Chariklo), 10370 (Hylonome), and Scattered-Disk object 15874. We have carried out orbital integration of test particles with initial orbits similar to those of these objects. Calculations were produced for +/-600kyr-10Myr starting at epoch and using the implicit single sequence Everhart methods. 12 variational orbits for each of selected Centaurs also have been numerically integrated for +/-200 kyr toward the past and the future. The most probable paths were traced up to +/-1 Myr. The character of orbital elements changes and peculiarities of close approaches to giant planets are discussed.

Graphite/epoxy composite adapters for the Space Shuttle/Centaur vehicle

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kasper, Harold J.; Ring, Darryl S.

1990-01-01

The decision to launch various NASA satellite and Air Force spacecraft from the Space Shuttle created the need for a high-energy upper stage capable of being deployed from the cargo bay. Two redesigned versions of the Centaur vehicle which employed a graphite/epoxy composite material for the forward and aft adapters were selected. Since this was the first time a graphite/epoxy material was used for Centaur major structural components, the development of the adapters was a major effort. An overview of the composite adapter designs, subcomponent design evaluation test results, and composite adapter test results from a full-scale vehicle structural test is presented.

Numerical modeling of on-orbit propellant motion resulting from an impulsive acceleration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aydelott, John C.; Mjolsness, Raymond C.; Torrey, Martin D.; Hochstein, John I.

1987-01-01

In-space docking and separation maneuvers of spacecraft that have large fluid mass fractions may cause undesirable spacecraft motion in response to the impulsive-acceleration-induced fluid motion. An example of this potential low gravity fluid management problem arose during the development of the shuttle/Centaur vehicle. Experimentally verified numerical modeling techniques were developed to establish the propellant dynamics, and subsequent vehicle motion, associated with the separation of the Centaur vehicle from the shuttle orbiter cargo bay. Although the shuttle/Centaur development activity was suspended, the numerical modeling techniques are available to predict on-orbit liquid motion resulting from impulsive accelerations for other missions and spacecraft.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport to VIF

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-08

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, departs the Delta Operations Center for the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Centaur then will be mated to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites that will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018.

Analysis of the orbit of the Centaur asteroid 2009 HW77

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wlodarczyk, I.; Cernis, K.; Eglitis, I.

2011-12-01

We present the time evolution of orbital elements of the Centaur asteroid 2009 HW77, discovered by KC and IE, forwards and backwards in time over a 10-Myr period. The dynamical behaviour is analysed using three software packages: the ORBFIT, the SWIFT and the MERCURY integrators. Changes in the orbital elements of 2009 HW77 clones are calculated using the classification of Horner et al. It is shown that close approaches to the giant planets significantly change the asteroid orbit. Our computations made with the SWIFT software and with the MERCURY software give similar results. The half-life is about 5 Myr in both the forward and backward integrations. Moreover, our computations suggest that the Centaur asteroid will be temporarily locked as a periodic asteroid connected with Jupiter with a Tisserand parameter smaller than 3. Hence it is dynamically similar to the Jupiter Family Comets. The mean duration in this state is about 82 kyr, but the behaviour and lifetime depend on whether capture occurs after a few hundred thousand years or a few hundred million years. Several clones of this dynamically interesting Centaur asteroid are temporarily locked up to four times as periodic asteroids connected with Jupiter, after which they are ejected from the Solar system. According to Bailey and Malhotra, asteroid 2009 HW77 may belong to the diffusing class of Centaurs, which can evolve into Jupiter Family Comets.

Atlas-Centaur Separation Test in the Space Power Chambers

NASA Image and Video Library

1963-11-21

An Atlas/Centaur mass model undergoes a separation test inside the Space Power Chambers at NASA Lewis Research Center. Lewis was in the midst of an extensive effort to prepare the Centaur second-stage rocket for its missions to send the Surveyor spacecraft to the moon as a precursor to the Apollo missions. As part of these preparations, Lewis management decided to convert its Altitude Wind Tunnel into two large test chambers—the Space Power Chambers. The conversion included the removal of the tunnel’s internal components and the insertion of bulkheads to seal off the new chambers within the tunnel. One chamber could simulate conditions found at 100 miles altitude, while this larger chamber simulated the upper atmosphere. In this test series, researchers wanted to verify that the vehicle’s retrorockets would properly separate the Centaur from the Atlas. The model was suspended horizontally on a trolley system inside chamber. A net was hung at one end to catch the jettisoned Atlas model. The chamber atmosphere was reduced to a pressure altitude of 100,000 feet, and high-speed cameras were synchronized to the ignition of the retrorockets. The simulated Centaur is seen here jettisoning from the Atlas out of view to the right. The study resulted in a new jettison method that would significantly reduce the separation time and thus minimize the danger of collision between the two stages during separation.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pan, Margaret; Wu, Yanqin, E-mail: pan@astro.utoronto.ca

Observations in 2013 and 2014 of the Centaur 10199 Chariklo and its ring system consistently indicated that the radial width of the inner, more massive ring varies with longitude. That strongly suggests that this ring has a finite eccentricity despite the fast differential precession that Chariklo’s large quadrupole moment should induce. If the inferred apse alignment is maintained by the ring’s self-gravity, as it is for the Uranian rings, we estimate a ring mass of a few times 10{sup 16} g and a typical particle size of a few meters. These values imply a collisional spreading time of ∼10{sup 5} years,more » which is somewhat shorter than the typical Centaur dynamical lifetime of a few million years and much shorter than the age of the solar system. In light of this time constraint, we evaluate previously suggested ring formation pathways including collisional ejection and satellite disruption. We also investigate in detail a contrasting formation mechanism, the lofting of dust particles off Chariklo’s surface into orbit via outflows of sublimating CO and/or N{sub 2} triggered after Chariklo was scattered inward by giant planets. This alternate scenario predicts that rings should be common among 100 km class Centaurs but rare among Kuiper Belt objects and smaller Centaurs. It also predicts that Centaurs should show seasonal variations in cometary activity with activity maxima occurring shortly after equinox.« less

WISE Views of Centaurs & Scattered Disk Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, J. M.; Walker, R.; Mainzer, A.; Blauvelt, E.; Masiero, J.; Grav, T.; Cutri, R.; Dailey, J.; Lisse, C. M.; Fernandez, Y. R.;

Infrared realization of dS2 in AdS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anninos, Dionysios; Hofman, Diego M.

2018-04-01

We describe a two-dimensional geometry that smoothly interpolates between an asymptotically AdS2 geometry and the static patch of dS2. We find this ‘centaur’ geometry to be a solution of dilaton gravity with a specific class of potentials for the dilaton. We interpret the centaur geometry as a thermal state in the putative quantum mechanics dual to the AdS2 evolved with the global Hamiltonian. We compute the thermodynamic properties and observe that the centaur state has finite entropy and positive specific heat. The static patch is the infrared part of the centaur geometry. We discuss boundary observables sensitive to the static patch region.

Viking Mars launch set for August 11

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Panagakos, N.

1975-01-01

The 1975-1976 Viking Mars Mission is described in detail, from launch phase through landing and communications relay phase. The mission's scientific goals are outlined and the various Martian investigations are discussed. These investigations include: geological photomapping and seismology; high-resolution, stereoscopic horizon scanning; water vapor and thermal mapping; entry science; meteorology; atmospheric composition and atmospheric density; and, search for biological products. The configurations of the Titan 3/Centaur combined launch vehicles, the Viking orbiters, and the Viking landers are described; their subsystems and performance characteristics are discussed. Preflight operations, launch window, mission control, and the deep space tracking network are also presented.

The composition of "ultra-red" TNOs and centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalle Ore, C. Morea; Barucci, M. A.; Emery, J. P.; Cruikshank, D. P.; de Bergh, C.; Roush, T. L.; Perna, D.; Merlin, F.; Dalle Ore, L. V.

2015-05-01

We present an analysis of the colors available for seven trans-neptunian objects (TNOs) and three centaurs among the reddest known, aimed at characterizing their surface chemical properties. In particular we seek to obtain evidence in support of the proposed correlation between the visible coloration of the surface of TNOs and their surface compositions (Brown, M.E., Schaller, E.L., Fraser, W.C. [2011]. Astrophys. J. 739, L60). The analysis focuses on nine available colors in the visible-near IR (0.3-4.5 μm) spectral range scaled to the V albedo to provide a proxy for the spectral shape of the objects. The colors include Spitzer IRAC data never published before, key in providing an effective constraint in the discrimination of ices contributing to the surface composition of the objects. Compositions are obtained by comparing the data to a grid of radiative transfer models convolved by the filter response functions of the colors adopted in the spectrum-proxies to match the resolution of the observations. We find evidence suggesting the presence of hydrocarbons and/or methanol on the surfaces of most objects in our sample, supporting the hypothesis by Brown et al. (Brown, M.E., Schaller, E.L., Fraser, W.C. [2011]. Astrophys. J. 739, L60) that the coloration of red TNOs could be linked to their methanol content. From our finding of methanol/hydrocarbon ices on the surfaces of the objects in our sample of very red TNOs and centaurs we infer that ultra-red objects in general might contain these ices and therefore might have formed in the outer part of the Solar System. We also deduce that the surfaces of most of the very red TNOs in our dataset are probably still quite pristine, and that their organic materials could have been produced by irradiation of the volatile ices whose traces are still present on their surface. Although our sample is small, we infer that the irradiation process is still in progress, as hinted by the centaurs' slightly elevated organic amounts at smaller perihelion distances. However, considering the relatively similar amounts of organics found in our data at a wide variety of perihelion distances, we also infer that it could have started before Neptune's migration. The technique used to constrain the composition described as part of this study introduces a new approach at investigating the surface chemistry of the very small and numerous objects that constitute the bulk of the TNO and centaur populations. This innovative method has the potential to provide constraints for irradiation theories and for models of dynamical and chemical evolution of the Solar System.

Environmental Impact Statement: Construction and Operation of Titan IV/Centaur Launch Complex, Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. Volume 3

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-08-01

Form 7.10 Draft EIS Public Hearings Attendance and Speakers Lists 8.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS APPENDIX A: GLOBAL WARMING APPENDIX B: WHITE...expected to contribute significantly to global warming . Impacts to air quality from operations would be the same for the alternative sites. NOISE Noise...and Abbreviations List of Acronyms and Abbreviations used in the Final EM. ● Appendix A - Global Warming This appendix provides a brief discussion of

Atlas Centaur Rocket With Reusable Booster Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martin, James A.

1993-01-01

Proposed modification of Atlas Centaur enables reuse of booster engines. Includes replacement of current booster engines with engine of new design in which hydrogen used for both cooling and generation of power. Use of hydrogen in new engine eliminates coking and clogging and improves performance significantly. Primary advantages: reduction of cost; increased reliability; and increased payload.

System design of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 11: Launch vehicle utilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varga, R. J.

1973-01-01

A summary of the spacecraft descriptions; the probe bus, large probe, small probe, and orbiter is presented. The highlights on the designs of the Atlas/Centaur spacecraft as compared to the corresponding Thor/Delta spacecraft designs are contained. A comparison is made of the two Atlas/Centaur spacecraft for reference. The major differences are the replacement of the probes of the forward end of the probe bus with the mechanically despun antenna of the orbiter and the replacement of the bicone antenna on the aft end with the orbit insertion motor. The cross sections of the large and small probes are compared. The major features of each probe are described. The Thor/Delta and Atlas/Centaur designs for the probe bus and orbiter are analyzed. The usable spacecraft mass for the Atlas/Centaur is roughly twice that for the Thor/Delta if the Type I trajectory is assumed. It is somewhat less for the Type II trajectory in the designated launch years. This additional mass capability leads to cost savings in many areas which are described.

A Photometric Survey of Centaur and Trans-Neptunian Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tegler, S. C.; Romanishin, W.; Weintraub, D. A.; Fink, U.; Fevig, R.

1997-07-01

We present a progress report on our program at the Steward Observatory 1.5-m and 2.3-m telescopes, the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility, and the Kitt Peak National Observatory 4.0-m telescope to carry out a B, V, R, J, H, and K band photometric survey of Centaur and Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). The goals of our program are to: (1) constrain the sizes and shapes and spin axis orientations of these objects, and (2) determine whether these objects exhibit a diversity of colors and therefore a diversity of surface compositions. We have constrained the sizes and shapes and spin axis orientations of the TNOs 1993 SC and 1994 TB and the Centaur 1995 GO. If we assume the axes of rotation are orthogonal to our line of sight, then 1993 SC is spherical (semi-major to semi-minor axis ratio, a/b <= 1.12) and 1994 TB and 1995 GO are elongated (a/b ~ 1.4). We find that the TNOs 1993 SC and 1994 TB and Centaurs 1993 HA2 and 5145 Pholus have extraordinarily red B-V and V-R colors, among the reddest in the Solar System. Extraordinarily red colors are consistent with surfaces rich in complex carbon-bearing molecules. The B-V, V-R, V-J, and J-K colors of 1995 GO are much less red (similar to redder Trojan asteroids). In the future, once we have a statistically significant number of observations, we will look for a Centuar and TNO color trend with perihelion distance. In addition, we will examine individual Centaurs and TNOs for a color trend with longitude. From such an analysis we will constrain the importance of cosmic ray bombardment, collisions, and coma formation on the surface evolution of Centaurs and TNOs. This research is supported by the NASA Origins of Solar Systems Program.

Locating the LCROSS Impact Craters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marshall, William; Shirley, Mark; Moratto, Zachary; Colaprete, Anthony; Neumann, Gregory A.; Smith, David E.; Hensley, Scott; Wilson, Barbara; Slade, Martin; Kennedy, Brian;

First ultraviolet reflectance measurements of several Kuiper Belt objects, Kuiper Belt object satellites, and new ultraviolet measurements of A Centaur

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stern, S. A.; Schindhelm, E.; Cunningham, N. J., E-mail: astern@swri.edu

We observed the 2600-3200 Å (hereafter, mid-UV) reflectance of two Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs), two KBO satellites, and a Centaur, using the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS). Other than measurements of the Pluto system, these constitute the first UV measurements obtained of KBOs, and KBO satellites, and new HST UV measurements of the Centaur 2060 Chiron. We find significant differences among these objects, constrain the sizes and densities of Haumea's satellites, and report the detection of a possible spectral absorption band in Haumea's spectrum near 3050 Å. Comparisons of these objects to previously published UV reflectance measurementsmore » of Pluto and Charon are also made here.« less

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur second stage is lifted up for transfer into the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

Future observations of and missions to Mercury

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, Alan S.; Vilas, Faith

1988-01-01

Key scientific objectives of Mercury explorations are discussed, and the methods by which remote observations of Mercury can be carried out from earth and from space are examined. Attention is also given to the scientific rationale and technical concepts for missions to Mercury. It is pointed out that multiple Venus-Mercury encounter trajectories exist which, through successive gravity assists, reduce mission performance requirements to levels deliverable by available systems, such as Titan-Centaur, Atlas-Centaur, and Shuttle/TOS. It is shown that a single launch in July of 1994, using a Titan-Centaur combination, could place a 1477-kg payload into orbit around Meercury. The components of a Mercury-orbiter payload designed to study surface geology and geochemistry, atmospheric composition and structure, the local particle and fields environment, and solid-body rotation dynamics are listed.

Solar Panel Integration as an Alternate Power Source on Centaur 2 (SPIAPS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gebara, Christine A.; Schuetze, Nich A.; Knochel, Aviana M.; Magruder, Darby F.

2011-01-01

The dream of exploration has inspired thousands throughout time. Space exploration, in particular, has taken the past century by storm and caused a great advance in technology. In this project, a retractable solar panel array will be developed for use on the Centaur 2 Rover. Energy generated by the solar panels will go to power the Centaur 2 Robot (C2) or Regolith & Environment Science & Oxygen & Lunar Volatile Extraction (RESOLVE) payload, an in-situ resource utilization project. Such payload is designed to drill into lunar and Martian terrain as well as be able to conduct other geological testing; RESOLVE is slated for testing in 2012. Ultimately, this project will fit into NASA s larger goal of deep space exploration as well as long term presence outside Earth s orbit.

Titan 4B/Centaur/Cassini prelaunch at LC 40

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The launch vehicle, Cassini spacecraft and attached Centaur stage encased in a payload fairing, altogether stand about 183 feet tall; mounted at the base of the launch vehicle are two upgraded solid rocket motors. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m.

High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)

NASA Image and Video Library

1978-11-13

The launch of an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle is shown in this photograph. The Atlas/Centaur, launched on November 13, 1978, carried the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-2 into the required orbit. The second observatory, the HEAO-2 (nicknamed the Einstein Observatory in honor of the centernial of the birth of Albert Einstein) carried the first telescope capable of producing actual photographs of x-ray objects.

Atlas-Centaur AC-18 performance evaluation for Applications Technology Satellite ATS-5 mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1971-01-01

The Atlas-Centaur with the ATS-5 spacecraft was successfully launched from Eastern Test Range on August 12, 1969, and the ATS-5 was placed in the required highly elliptical transfer orbit with apogee near synchronous altitude. From this orbit the ATS-5, using its apogee motor, achieved the desired near-synchronous circular equatorial orbit. All launch vehicle systems performed satisfactorily.

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

Operations are underway to stack the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur second stage onto the first stage in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

A close-up view of the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur second stage as it travels to the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur second stage has been lifted up and transferred into the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

United Launch Alliance team members assist as operation begin to lift the Atlas V Centaur second stage into the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur second stage is lifted up by crane for transfer into Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-10-31

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur second stage has been mated to the first stage in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

KSC00pp0700

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a Centaur rocket arrives for mating with the Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Centaur upper stage is 10.0 m (33-ft) long and 3.05 m (10 ft) in diameter. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-00pp0700

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, a Centaur rocket arrives for mating with the Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Centaur upper stage is 10.0 m (33-ft) long and 3.05 m (10 ft) in diameter. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

Centaur propellant acquisition system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blatt, M. H.; Aydelott, J. C.

1975-01-01

The desirability of replacing the hydrogen peroxide settling system of the Centaur D-1S with a capillary acquisition system was evaluated. A comprehensive screening was performed to select the most promising capillary device fluid acquisition, thermal conditioning, and fabrication techniques. Refillable start baskets and bypass feed start tanks were selected for detailed design. Critical analysis areas were settling and refilling, start sequence development with an initially dry boost pump, and cooling the fluid delivered to the boost pump to provide the necessary net positive suction head (NPSH). Design drawings were prepared for start basket and start tank concepts for both the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen tanks. System comparisons indicated that the start baskets using wicking flow for thermal conditioning, and thermal subcooling for providing boost pump NPSH, are the most desirable systems for future Centaur acquisition system development.

Rocket propulsion research at Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawson, Virginia P.

1992-01-01

A small contingent of engineers at NASA LeRC pioneered the basic research on liquid propellants for rockets shortly after World War 2. Carried on through the 1950s, this work influenced the important early decisions made by Abe Silverstein when he took charge of the Office of Space Flight Programs for NASA. He strongly supported the development of liquid hydrogen as a propulsion fuel in the face of resistance from Wernher von Braun. Members of the LeRC staff played an important role in bringing liquid hydrogen technology to the point of reliability through their management of the Centaur Program. This paper demonstrates how the personality and engineering intuition of Abe Silverstein shaped the Centaur program and left a lasting imprint on the laboratory research tradition. Many of the current leaders of LeRC received their first hands-on engineering experience when they worked on the Centaur program in the 1960s.

Rocket Propulsion Research at Lewis Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dawson, Virginia P.

1992-01-01

A small contingent of engineers at NASA Lewis Research Center pioneered in basic research on liquid propellants for rockets shortly after World War II. Carried on through the 1950s, this work influenced the important early decisions made by Abe Silverstein when he took charge of the Office of Space Flight Programs for NASA. He strongly supported the development of liquid hydrogen as a propulsion fuel in the face of resistance from Wernher von Braun. Members of the Lewis staff played an important role in bringing liquid hydrogen technology to the point of reliability through their management of the Centaur Program. This paper demonstrates how the personality and engineering intuition of Abe Silverstein shaped the Centaur program and left a lasting imprint on the laboratory research tradition. Many of the current leaders of Lewis Research Center received their first hands-on engineering experience when they worked on the Centaur program in the 1960s.

Titan 4B/Centaur/Cassini Service Tower Rollaway

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1997-01-01

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower is rolled away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The countdown clock for the Cassini mission began ticking earlier today at the T-26-hour mark. Other upcoming prelaunch milestones include activation of the final launch sequence for the Cassini spacecraft at the T-180-minute mark in the countdown, to be followed about an hour later by initiation of loading of the Titan IVB's Centaur stage with its complement of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m.

An overview of autonomous rendezvous and docking system technology development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nelson, Kurt D.

The Centaur upper stage was selected for an airborne avionics modernization program. The parts used in the existing avionics units were obsolete. Continued use of existing hardware would require substantial redesign, yet would result in the use of outdated hardware. Out of date processes, with very expensive and labor intensive technologies, were being used for manufacturing. The Atlas/Centaur avionics were to be procured at a fairly high rate that demanded the use of modern components. The new avionics also reduce size, weight, power, and parts count with a dramatic improvement in reliability. Finally, the cost leverage derived from upgrading the avionics as opposed to any other subsystem for the existing Atlas/Centaur was a very large consideration in the upgrade decision. The upgrade program is a multiyear effort that began in 1989. It includes telemetry, guidance and navigation, control electronics, thrust vector control, and redundancy levels.

Centaur Propellant Thermal Conditioning Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blatt, M. H.; Pleasant, R. L.; Erickson, R. C.

1976-01-01

A wicking investigation revealed that passive thermal conditioning was feasible and provided considerable weight advantage over active systems using throttled vent fluid in a Centaur D-1s launch vehicle. Experimental wicking correlations were obtained using empirical revisions to the analytical flow model. Thermal subcoolers were evaluated parametrically as a function of tank pressure and NPSP. Results showed that the RL10 category I engine was the best candidate for boost pump replacement and the option showing the lowest weight penalty employed passively cooled acquisition devices, thermal subcoolers, dry ducts between burns and pumping of subcooler coolant back into the tank. A mixing correlation was identified for sizing the thermodynamic vent system mixer. Worst case mixing requirements were determined by surveying Centaur D-1T, D-1S, IUS, and space tug vehicles. Vent system sizing was based upon worst case requirements. Thermodynamic vent system/mixer weights were determined for each vehicle.

TDRS-M Atlas V Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival, Offload, and Transport (Booster) to ASOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-06-26

The United Launch Alliance (ULA) Mariner arrives at Port Canaveral in Florida carrying an Atlas V rocket booster and centaur upper stage bounded for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The centaur upper stage is transported from the company's Mariner ship to the Delta Operations Center. The booster stage is transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center. The rocket is scheduled to launch the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-M. It will be the latest spacecraft destined for the agency's constellation of communications satellites that allows nearly continuous contact with orbiting spacecraft ranging from the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope to the array of scientific observatories. Liftoff atop the ULA Atlas V rocket is scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 on Aug. 3, 2017 at 9:02 a.m. EDT.

Possible ring material around centaur (2060) Chiron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ortiz, J. L.; Duffard, R.; Pinilla-Alonso, N.; Alvarez-Candal, A.; Santos-Sanz, P.; Morales, N.; Fernández-Valenzuela, E.; Licandro, J.; Campo Bagatin, A.; Thirouin, A.

2015-04-01

We propose that several short-duration events observed in past stellar occultations by Chiron were produced by ring material. Some similarities between these events and the characteristics of Chariklo's rings could indicate common mechanisms around centaurs. From a reanalysis of the stellar occultation data in the literature, we determined two possible orientations of the pole of Chiron's rings, with ecliptic coordinates λ = (352 ± 10)°, β = (37 ± 10)° or λ = (144 ± 10)°, β = (24 ± 10)°. The mean radius of the rings is (324 ± 10) km. One can use the rotational lightcurve amplitude of Chiron at different epochs to distinguish between the two solutions for the pole. Both solutions imply a lower lightcurve amplitude in 2013 than in 1988, when the rotational lightcurve was first determined. We derived Chiron's rotational lightcurve in 2013 from observations at the 1.23 m CAHA telescope, and indeed its amplitude was smaller than in 1988. We also present a rotational lightcurve in 2000 from images taken at the CASLEO 2.15 m telescope that is consistent with our predictions. Out of the two poles, the λ = (144 ± 10)°, β = (24 ± 10)° solution provides a better match to a compilation of rotational lightcurve amplitudes from the literature and those presented here. We also show that using this preferred pole orientation, Chiron's long-term brightness variations are compatible with a simple model that incorporates the changing brightness of the rings while the tilt angle with respect to the Earth is changing with time. Also, the variability of the water ice band in Chiron's spectra as seen in the literature can be explained to a large degree by an icy ring system whose tilt angle changes with time and whose composition includes water ice, analogously to the case of Chariklo. We present several possible formation scenarios for the rings from qualitative points of view and speculate on why rings might be common in centaurs. We also speculate on whether the known bimodal color distribution of the centaurs could be due to centaurs with rings and centaurs without rings. Table 1 is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/576/A18

InSight Atlas V Centaur Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

A United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage arrives at Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Transport / Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

A United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage arrives at Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

Chariklo vs Chiron: the stability of the rings due to planetary close encounters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sfair, Rafael; Araujo, Rosana; Cabo Winter, Othon

2017-10-01

The surprising discovery of a two well defined rings around the Centaur Chariklo was the first finding of such structures around a small body (Braga Ribas et al., 2014). Since it is known that the centaurs have a short lifetime (up to ten million years) and they experience a large number of encounters with the giant planets, one raises the question whether the rings would survive along the orbital evolution of Chariklo. In a previous work we analyzed through numerical simulations the effects of the close encounters with the giant planets experienced by an ensemble of 729 Chariklo-like objects (Araujo, Sfair & Winter, 2016). Even when considering the most extreme encounters, the most likely result (>90%) is the survival of the ring system without any significant orbital change. Here we intend to broaden our analysis to 2060 Chiron, another Centaur with a presumed ring system (Ortiz et al., 2015). Applying the same method of Araujo, Sfair & Winter (2016), initially we recorded the encounters with the giant planets performed by the clones of Chiron. We first notice Chiron's lifetime is shorter, and the number of encounters it experienced is significantly larger than by Chariklo. As a consequence, the rings of Chiron would be more susceptible to be disrupted by the close approaches with the giant planets. We attribute this dichotomy to the difference of orbital and physical parameters of the two centaurs.

Verification of Bioanalytical Method for Quantification of Exogenous Insulin (Insulin Aspart) by the Analyser Advia Centaur® XP.

PubMed

Mihailov, Rossen; Stoeva, Dilyana; Pencheva, Blagovesta; Pentchev, Eugeni

2018-03-01

In a number of cases the monitoring of patients with type I diabetes mellitus requires measurement of the exogenous insulin levels. For the purpose of a clinical investigation of the efficacy of a medical device for application of exogenous insulin aspart, a verification of the method for measurement of this synthetic analogue of the hormone was needed. The information in the available medical literature for the measurement of the different exogenous insulin analogs is insufficient. Thus, verification was required to be in compliance with the active standards in Republic of Bulgaria. A manufactured method developed for ADVIA Centaur XP Immunoassay, Siemens Healthcare, was used which we verified using standard solutions and a patient serum pool by adding the appropriate quantity exogenous insulin aspart. The method was verified in accordance with the bioanalytical method verification criteria and regulatory requirements for using a standard method: CLIA chemiluminescence immunoassay ADVIA Centaur® XP. The following parameters are determined and monitored: intra-day precision and accuracy, inter-day precision and accuracy, limit of detection and lower limit of quantification, linearity, analytical recovery. The routine application of the method for measurement of immunoreactive insulin using the analyzer ADVIA Centaur® XP is directed to the measurement of endogenous insulin. The method is applicable for measuring different types of exogenous insulin, including insulin aspart.

Chiron and the Centaurs: Escapees from the Kuiper Belt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stern, Alan; Campins, Humberto

1996-01-01

The outer Solar System has long appeared to be a largely empty place, inhabited only by the four giant planets, Pluto and a transient population of comets. In 1977 however, a faint and enigmatic object - 2060 Chiron - was discovered moving on a moderately inclined, strongly chaotic 51-year orbit which takes it from just inside Saturn's orbit out almost as far as that of Uranus. It was not initially clear from where Chiron originated. these objects become temporarily trapped on Centaur-like orbits Following Chiron's discovery, almost 15 years elapsed before other similar objects were discovered; five more have now been identified. Based on the detection statistics implied by these discoveries, it has become clear that these objects belong to a significant population of several hundred (or possibly several thousand) large icy bodies moving on relatively short-lived orbits between the giant planets. This new class of objects, known collectively as the Centaurs, are intermediate in diameter between typical comets (1-20 km) and small icy planets such as Pluto (approx. 2,300 km) and Triton (approx. 2,700 km). Although the Centaurs are interesting in their own right, they have taken on added significance following the recognition that they most probably originated in the ancient reservoir of comets and larger objects located beyond the orbit of Neptune known as the Kuiper belt.

DUKSUP: A Computer Program for High Thrust Launch Vehicle Trajectory Design and Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, C. H.; Spurlock, O. F.

2014-01-01

From the late 1960's through 1997, the leadership of NASA's Intermediate and Large class unmanned expendable launch vehicle projects resided at the NASA Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center (LeRC). One of LeRC's primary responsibilities --- trajectory design and performance analysis --- was accomplished by an internally-developed analytic three dimensional computer program called DUKSUP. Because of its Calculus of Variations-based optimization routine, this code was generally more capable of finding optimal solutions than its contemporaries. A derivation of optimal control using the Calculus of Variations is summarized including transversality, intermediate, and final conditions. The two point boundary value problem is explained. A brief summary of the code's operation is provided, including iteration via the Newton-Raphson scheme and integration of variational and motion equations via a 4th order Runge-Kutta scheme. Main subroutines are discussed. The history of the LeRC trajectory design efforts in the early 1960's is explained within the context of supporting the Centaur upper stage program. How the code was constructed based on the operation of the Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, the limits of the computers of that era, the limits of the computer programming languages, and the missions it supported are discussed. The vehicles DUKSUP supported (Atlas/Centaur, Titan/Centaur, and Shuttle/Centaur) are briefly described. The types of missions, including Earth orbital and interplanetary, are described. The roles of flight constraints and their impact on launch operations are detailed (such as jettisoning hardware on heating, Range Safety, ground station tracking, and elliptical parking orbits). The computer main frames on which the code was hosted are described. The applications of the code are detailed, including independent check of contractor analysis, benchmarking, leading edge analysis, and vehicle performance improvement assessments. Several of DUKSUP's many major impacts on launches are discussed including Intelsat, Voyager, Pioneer Venus, HEAO, Galileo, and Cassini.

DUKSUP: A Computer Program for High Thrust Launch Vehicle Trajectory Design and Optimization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spurlock, O. Frank; Williams, Craig H.

2015-01-01

From the late 1960s through 1997, the leadership of NASAs Intermediate and Large class unmanned expendable launch vehicle projects resided at the NASA Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center (LeRC). One of LeRCs primary responsibilities --- trajectory design and performance analysis --- was accomplished by an internally-developed analytic three dimensional computer program called DUKSUP. Because of its Calculus of Variations-based optimization routine, this code was generally more capable of finding optimal solutions than its contemporaries. A derivation of optimal control using the Calculus of Variations is summarized including transversality, intermediate, and final conditions. The two point boundary value problem is explained. A brief summary of the codes operation is provided, including iteration via the Newton-Raphson scheme and integration of variational and motion equations via a 4th order Runge-Kutta scheme. Main subroutines are discussed. The history of the LeRC trajectory design efforts in the early 1960s is explained within the context of supporting the Centaur upper stage program. How the code was constructed based on the operation of the AtlasCentaur launch vehicle, the limits of the computers of that era, the limits of the computer programming languages, and the missions it supported are discussed. The vehicles DUKSUP supported (AtlasCentaur, TitanCentaur, and ShuttleCentaur) are briefly described. The types of missions, including Earth orbital and interplanetary, are described. The roles of flight constraints and their impact on launch operations are detailed (such as jettisoning hardware on heating, Range Safety, ground station tracking, and elliptical parking orbits). The computer main frames on which the code was hosted are described. The applications of the code are detailed, including independent check of contractor analysis, benchmarking, leading edge analysis, and vehicle performance improvement assessments. Several of DUKSUPs many major impacts on launches are discussed including Intelsat, Voyager, Pioneer Venus, HEAO, Galileo, and Cassini.

Colors and Compositional Characteristics of Kuiper Belt Objects and Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lederer, S. M.; Vilas, F.; Jarvis, K. S.; French, L.

2001-11-01

We present a study designed by Painter et al. (DPS 2000) to search for evidence of aqueous alteration in the surface material of solar system objects. Using VRI broadband photometry, we will search for the presence of the 0.7 um absorption feature (indicative of Fe-bearing hydrated silicates) in KBOs and Centaurs. Vilas (Icarus 111, 1994) found a strong correlation between the presence of the 0.7-um feature in low-albedo asteroids with solar-like colors and the 3-um water of hydration feature, indicative of phyllosilicates. Recent work by Howell et al. (LPSC, 2001) confirms that the presence of the 0.7 um feature in low-albedo asteroids definitely indicates the presence of the 3.0-um water of hydration absorption feature, suggesting the action of aqueous alteration in asteroids. In addition, Feierberg et al. (Icarus 63, 1985) showed that when the U - B color difference is > 0.12 in ECAS photometry, the 3.0-um absorption feature is often present in low albedo asteroids. Therefore, if the U-B color difference is > 0.12 and the 0.7-um feature is present in UBVRI reflectance photometry, water of hydration is implied in KBOs and Centaurs. We pursue these studies based on the mixed flat or steeply reddened photometry of these objects: Water ice has been identified in near-IR dark, flat spectra of some Centaurs, providing a source for the action of aqueous alteration. The complex collisional history proposed for these objects suggests a potential source of heating that would melt water ice, providing a mechanism for aqueous alteration to occur. Finally, we will use BVR photometry to determine the B-V and V-R colors, as has been done by Tegler and Romanishin (Nature, 407). We will compare our results with colors of KBOs and Centaurs published in the literature. This research was supported by the National Research Council and the NASA Planetary Astronomy Program.

Environmental Impact Analysis Process. Preliminary Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Construction and Operation of Space Launch Complex 7. Volume 2. Appendices.

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-03-15

non -point source pollution managementprograms, and implement controls to improve water quality. Controls should be implemented for any project...Businesses or other for- Vandenberg AFB, and the launching of on the proposed information collection profit, non -profit institutions Ithe Titan Centaur. In...communications. The Titan Centaur launch vehicle is a modified Titan 34D designed to deliver a payload of up to U 32,000 pounds directly into polar orbit from VAFB

Launch mission summary: FLTSATCOM-D Atlas/Centaur-57

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

The largest and heaviest spacecraft yet to be launched into geosynchronous orbit by an Atlas Centaur launch vehicle, FLTSATCOM D is part of a versatile military satellite communication system which includes terminals at Navy land bases, and on naval aircraft, ships, and submarines. The design and capabilities of the launch vehicle are described as well as those of the satellite. Information relative to launch windows, flight plan, radar and telemetry coverage, selected trajectory information is presented. A brief sequence of flight events is included.

GOES-S Atlas V Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival, Offload, and

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-22

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster and Centaur stage for NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) are offloaded from the Mariner transport ship at the Army Wharf at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. They will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 41 at CCAFS. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the Atlas V rocket March 1.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage is lifted and mated atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Transport / Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California a crane lifts a United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage for mating atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Transport / Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage is transported to Space Launch Complex 3 for mating atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California technicians and engineers mate a United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California a crane lifts a United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage for mating atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

Orbit determination of trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs for the prediction of stellar occultations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desmars, J.; Camargo, J. I. B.; Braga-Ribas, F.; Vieira-Martins, R.; Assafin, M.; Vachier, F.; Colas, F.; Ortiz, J. L.; Duffard, R.; Morales, N.; Sicardy, B.; Gomes-Júnior, A. R.; Benedetti-Rossi, G.

2015-12-01

Context. The prediction of stellar occultations by trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs is a difficult challenge that requires accuracy both in the occulted star position and in the object ephemeris. Until now, the most used method of prediction, involving dozens of TNOs/Centaurs, has been to consider a constant offset for the right ascension and for the declination with respect to a reference ephemeris, usually the latest public version. This offset is determined as the difference between the most recent observations of the TNO/Centaur and the reference ephemeris. This method can be successfully applied when the offset remains constant with time, i.e. when the orbit is stable enough. In this case, the prediction even holds for occultations that occur several days after the last observations. Aims: This paper presents an alternative method of prediction, based on a new accurate orbit determination procedure, which uses all the available positions of the TNO from the Minor Planet Center database, as well as sets of new astrometric positions from unpublished observations. Methods: Orbits were determined through a numerical integration procedure called NIMA, in which we developed a specific weighting scheme that considers the individual precision of the observation, the number of observations performed during one night by the same observatory, and the presence of systematic errors in the positions. Results: The NIMA method was applied to 51 selected TNOs and Centaurs. For this purpose, we performed about 2900 new observations in several observatories (European South Observatory, Observatório Pico dos Dias, Pic du Midi, etc.) during the 2007-2014 period. Using NIMA, we succeed in predicting the stellar occultations of 10 TNOs and 3 Centaurs between July 2013 and February 2015. By comparing the NIMA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) ephemerides, we highlight the variation in the offset between them with time, by showing that, generally, the constant offset hypothesis is not valid, even for short time scales of a few weeks. Giving examples, we show that the constant offset method cannot accurately predict 6 out of the 13 observed positive occultations that have been successfully predicted by NIMA. The results indicate that NIMA is capable of efficiently refining the orbits of these bodies. Finally, we show that the astrometric positions given by positive occultations can help to refine the orbit of the TNO and, consequently, the future predictions. We also provide unpublished observations of the 51 selected TNOs and their ephemeris in a usable format by the SPICE library. We provide ephemerides of TNO/Centaurs usable with SPICE library and available at http://www.imcce.fr/~desmars/research/tno/The offset observations of the selected TNOs are only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/584/A96

Albedos of Centaurs, Jovian Trojans and Hildas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanishin, William

2017-01-01

I present optical V band albedo distributions for samples of outer solar system minor bodies including Centaurs, Jovian Trojans and Hildas. Diameters come almost entirely from the NEOWISE catalog (Mainzer etal 2016- Planetary Data System). Optical photometry (H values) for about 2/3 of the approximately 2700 objects studied are from PanStarrrs (Veres et al 2015 Icarus 261, 34). The PanStarrs optical photometry is supplemented by H values from JPL Horizons (corrected to be on the same photometric system as the PanStarrs data) for the objects in the NEOWISE catalog that are not in the PanStarrs catalog. I compare the albedo distributions of various pairs of subsamples using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test. Examples of potentially interesting comparisons include: (1) the median L5 Trojan cloud albedo is about 10% darker than that of the L4 cloud at a high level of statistical significance and (2) the median albedo of the gray Centaurs lies between that of the L4 and L5 Trojan groups.

The discovery of Chiron's cave, a prehistoric school of medicine for animals and humans

PubMed Central

Hausmann, Walter; Jöchle, Wolfgang

1988-01-01

Chiron the centaur, mythical inventor of medicine for animals and humans, and emblem of numerous veterinary associations worldwide, is possibly an historic personality of the prehomeric period (ca 1300 B.C.) Only 600 to 700 years later did the legend form that centaurs (in antique Greek: “hunters on horseback of the wild bull”) were wild creatures, half horse and half man, and associated with uncontrolled libido and its socially destructive forces. According to tradition, literary as well as folkloric, Chiron taught his medicine to the ruling class of his time in a specially prepared cave in the Pelion Mountains (=the healing mountains) of Eastern Thessalia. Following leads from ancient authors and local traditions, a cave fitting the location and description was discovered in 1981 by the senior author. Details about its location, and observations about its surroundings, including ancient and modern place names indicate once more that Chiron, the centaur, stands for an historic personality. ImagesFigure 2.Figure 3.Figure 4. PMID:17423157

Propulsion system tests on a full scale Centaur vehicle to investigate 3-burn mission capability of the D-lT configuration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Groesbeck, W. A.; Baud, K. M.; Lacovic, R. F.; Tabata, W. K.; Szabo, S. V., Jr.

1974-01-01

Propulsion system tests were conducted on a full scale Centaur vehicle to investigate system capability of the proposed D-lT configuration for a three-burn mission. This particular mission profile requires that the engines be capable of restarting and firing for a final maneuver after a 5-1/2-hour coast to synchronous orbit. The thermal conditioning requirements of the engine and propellant feed system components for engine start under these conditions were investigated. Performance data were also obtained on the D-lT type computer controlled propellant tank pressurization system. The test results demonstrated that the RL-10 engines on the Centaur vehicle could be started and run reliably after being thermally conditioned to predicted engine start conditions for a one, two and three burn mission. Investigation of the thermal margins also indicated that engine starts could be accomplished at the maximum predicted component temperature conditions with prestart durations less than planned for flight.

An analytical study of reduced-gravity flow dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradshaw, R. D.; Kramer, J. L.; Zich, J. L.

1976-01-01

Addition of surface tension forces to a marker-and-cell code and the performance of four incompressible fluid simulations in reduced gravity, were studied. This marker-and-cell code has a variable grid capability with arbitrary curved boundaries and time dependent acceleration fields. The surface tension logic includes a spline fit of surface marker particles as well as contact angle logic for straight and curved wall boundaries. Three types of flow motion were simulated with the improved code: impulsive settling in a model Centaur LH2 tank, continuous settling in a model and full scale Centaur LO2 tank and mixing in a Centaur LH2 tank. The impulsive settling case confirmed a drop tower analysis which indicated more orderly fluid collection flow patterns with this method providing a potential savings in settling propellants. In the LO2 tank, fluid collection and flow simulation into the thrust barrel were achieved. The mixing simulation produced good results indicating both the development of the flow field and fluid interface behavior.

Centaur boost pump turbine icing investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rollbuhler, R. J.

1976-01-01

An investigation was conducted to determine if ice formation in the Centaur vehicle liquid oxygen boost pump turbine could prevent rotation of the pump and whether or not this phenomenon could have been the failure mechanism for the Titan/Centaur vehicle TC-1. The investigation consisted of a series of tests done in the LeRC Space Power Chamber Facility to evaluate evaporative cooling behavior patterns in a turbine as a function of the quantity of water trapped in the turbine and as a function of the vehicle ascent pressure profile. It was found that evaporative freezing of water in the turbine housing, due to rapid depressurization within the turbine during vehicle ascent, could result in the formation of ice that would block the turbine and prevent rotation of the boost pump. But for such icing conditions to exist it would be necessary to have significant quantities of water in the turbine and/or its components, and the turbine housing temperature would have to be colder than 40 F at vehicle liftoff.

B, V, and R Band Photometry of Trans-Neptunian Objects and Centaur Objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tegler, S.; Romanishin, W.; Levine, J.; Butler, N.

1996-09-01

We present a progress report on our program at the Steward Observatory 2.3-m Telescope on Kitt Peak, Arizona to carry out B, V, and R band photometry of Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) and Centaur Objects. The goal of our program is to answer the following first order questions: (1) Is there color diversity and hence surface composition diversity among TNOs? (2) What is the mechanism responsible for the diversity among Centaurs (and possibly TNOs)? We present B, V, and R band photometry of two TNOs (1994 TB and 1993 SC) and four Centaurs (1995 GO, 1993 HA2, 5145 Pholus, and 2060 Chiron). We find that 1994 TB, 1993 SC, 1993 HA2, and 5145 Pholus are among the reddest objects in the solar system and 1995 GO and 2060 Chiron are solar in color. In order to determine whether a diversity exists among TNOs and the nature of the mechanism responsible for the diversity among Cenaturs, we present our colors as well as colors in the literature on two diagrams: (1) a B-V vs V-R diagram and (2) a V-R vs semi-major axis diagram. We draw a number of interesting conclusions from these diagrams. However, colors are needed for many more objects before firm conclusions can be drawn. This research is sponsored by the NASA Origins of Solar Systems Program. J. L. and N. B. thank the NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Program at Northern Arizona University.

GOES-S Atlas V Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival, Offload, and

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-22

Preparations are underway to offload the United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster and Centaur stage for NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) from the Mariner transport ship at the Army Wharf at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. They will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 41 at CCAFS. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the Atlas V rocket March 1.

Centaur feedline dynamics study using power spectral methods. [fundamental mode resonant frequencies of RL-10 oxygen and hydrogen feed lines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lorenzo, C. F.

1974-01-01

Tests were conducted to determine the dynamic characteristics of the Centaur/RL-10 oxygen and hydrogen feedlines. The fundamental-mode resonant frequencies were determined by applying power spectral methods to noise-generated data from hot firings of the RL-10 engine. The effect of net positive suction pressure of the main feed pumps on resonant frequency characteristics was determined to be a straight-line relation. Power spectral methods were also used to determine the dynamic characteristics of the boost pumps.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage OVI

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-08

At the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a Centaur upper stage is mated to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will boost NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, to orbit. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites that will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018.

Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System configuration and tradeoff study. Volume 3: Atlas Centaur launched TDRSS. Part 2: Final Report, 22 August 1972 - 1 April 1973

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

Configuration data and design information for the Atlas Centaur launched configuration are presented. Overall system definition, operations and control, and telecommunication service system, including link budgets, are discussed. A brief description of the user telecommunications equipment and ground station is presented. A summary description of the TDR spacecraft and all the subsystems is included. The data presented are largely in tabular form. A brief treatment of an optional configuration with enhanced telecommunications service is described.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Stage Offload

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-31

Inside Building B7525 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the Centaur upper stage for a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is offloaded from a transport truck. The launch vehicle will send NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, spacecraft to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff from Vandenberg is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Transport / Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California technicians and engineers prepare a United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage for lifting and mating atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Centaur Transport / Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-06

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, a United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage is prepared for transport to Space Launch Complex 3 for mating atop an Atlas V booster. The rocket will launch NASA's Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight is the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

A 20k Payload Launch Vehicle Fast Track Development Concept Using an RD-180 Engine and a Centaur Upper Stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toelle, Ronald (Compiler)

1995-01-01

A launch vehicle concept to deliver 20,000 lb of payload to a 100-nmi orbit has been defined. A new liquid oxygen/kerosene booster powered by an RD-180 engine was designed while using a slightly modified Centaur upper stage. The design, development, and test program met the imposed 40-mo schedule by elimination of major structural testing by increased factors of safety and concurrent engineering concepts. A growth path to attain 65,000 lb of payload is developed.

Atlas-Centaur Orbiting Astronomical Observatory Shroud Test

NASA Image and Video Library

1968-04-21

Researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center conducted a series of shroud jettison tests for the second Orbiting Astronomical Observatory (OAO-2) in the Space Power Chambers during April 1968. The Orbiting Astronomical Observatory satellites were designed by Goddard Space Flight Center to study and retrieve ultraviolet data on stars and galaxies which earthbound and atmospheric telescopes could not view due to ozone absorption. The shroud jettison system was tested in the Space Power Chambers. In 1961, NASA Lewis management decided to convert its Altitude Wind Tunnel into two large test chambers and later renamed it the Space Power Chambers. The conversion, which took over two years, included removing the tunnel’s internal components and inserting bulkheads to seal off the new chambers. The larger chamber, seen here, could simulate altitudes of 100,000 feet. These chambers were used for a variety of tests on the Centaur second-stage rocket until the early 1970s. The first OAO mission in 1965 failed due to problems with the satellite. OAO-2 would be launched on an Atlas/Centaur with a modified Agena shroud. The new shroud was 18 feet longer than the normal Centaur payload shrouds. This new piece of hardware was successfully qualified during three tests at 90,000 feet altitude in the Space Power Chambers in April 1968. For the first time, x-rays were used to verify the payload clearance once the shroud was sealed. OAO-2 was launched on December 7, 1968 and proved to be an extremely successful mission.

Discordant prostate specific antigen test results despite WHO assay standardization.

PubMed

Boegemann, Martin; Arsov, Christian; Hadaschik, Boris; Herkommer, Kathleen; Imkamp, Florian; Nofer, Jerzy-Roch; Gerß, Joachim; Albers, Peter; Semjonow, Axel

2018-05-01

Total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) are the most commonly used biomarkers for early detection of prostate cancer. Despite standardization efforts, many available PSA assays may still produce discordant results. In the present study, we compared four PSA assays calibrated to the WHO standards 96/670 and 96/668 for tPSA and fPSA, respectively. Within the scope of the Prostate Cancer Early Detection Study Based on a ''Baseline'' PSA Value in Young Men (PROBASE), we tested tPSA and fPSA in serum samples from 50 patients in the four different PROBASE sites using four WHO-calibrated assays from Roche (Elecsys, Cobas), Beckman-Coulter (Access-II) and Siemens (ADVIA Centaur). The comparison was performed using the Passing-Bablok regression method. Compared to Access, the median tPSA levels for Centaur, Elecsys, and Cobas were +3%, +11%-20%, and +17%-23%, respectively, while for median fPSA levels the differences for Centaur, Elecsys, and Cobas were +49%, +29%-31%, and +22%, respectively. Despite all investigated assays being WHO-calibrated, the Elecsys and Cobas tPSA assays produced considerably higher results than the Access and Centaur assays. Differences in fPSA-recovery between all investigated assays were even more pronounced. When applying the tPSA cutoff of 3.1 μg/L recommended for WHO-calibrated assays, the use of higher calibrated assays may lead to unnecessary prostate biopsies. Conversely, if the historical threshold of 4 μg/L is applied when using WHO-calibrated assays, it could lead to falsely omitted prostate biopsies.

Comparison of 4th-Generation HIV Antigen/Antibody Combination Assay With 3rd-Generation HIV Antibody Assays for the Occurrence of False-Positive and False-Negative Results.

PubMed

Muthukumar, Alagarraju; Alatoom, Adnan; Burns, Susan; Ashmore, Jerry; Kim, Anne; Emerson, Brian; Bannister, Edward; Ansari, M Qasim

2015-01-01

To assess the false-positive and false-negative rates of a 4th-generation human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) assay, the Abbott ARCHITECT, vs 2 HIV 3rd-generation assays, the Siemens Centaur and the Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Vitros. We examined 123 patient specimens. In the first phase of the study, we compared 99 specimens that had a positive screening result via the 3rd-generation Vitros assay (10 positive, 82 negative, and 7 indeterminate via confirmatory immunofluorescent assay [IFA]/Western blot [WB] testing). In the second phase, we assessed 24 HIV-1 RNA-positive (positive result via the nuclear acid amplification test [NAAT] and negative/indeterminate results via the WB test) specimens harboring acute HIV infection. The 4th-generation ARCHITECT assay yielded fewer false-positive results (n = 2) than the 3rd-generation Centaur (n = 9; P = .02) and Vitros (n = 82; P <.001) assays. One confirmed positive case had a false-negative result via the Centaur assay. When specimens from the 24 patients with acute HIV-1 infection were tested, the ARCHITECT assay yielded fewer false-negative results (n = 5) than the Centaur (n = 10) (P = .13) and the other 3rd-generation tests (n = 16) (P = .002). This study indicates that the 4th-generation ARCHITECT HIV assay yields fewer false-positive and false-negative results than the 3rd-generation HIV assays we tested. Copyright© by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Transport and Use of a Centaur Second Stage in Space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Strong, James M.; Morgowicz, Bernard; Drucker, Eric; Tompkins, Paul D.; Kennedy, Brian; Barber, Robert D,; Luzod, Louie T.; Kennedy, Brian Michael; Luzod, Louie T.

2010-01-01

As nations continue to explore space, the desire to reduce costs will continue to grow. As a method of cost reduction, transporting and/or use of launch system components as integral components of missions may become more commonplace in the future. There have been numerous scenarios written for using launch vehicle components (primarily space shuttle used external tanks) as part of flight missions or future habitats. Future studies for possible uses of launch vehicle upper stages might include asteroid diverter using gravity orbital perturbation, orbiting station component, raw material at an outpost, and kinetic impactor. The LCROSS (Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite) mission was conceived as a low-cost means of determining whether water exists at the polar regions of the moon. Manifested as a secondary payload with the LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) spacecraft aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle, LCROSS guided its spent Centaur Earth Departure Upper Stage (EDUS) into the lunar crater Cabeu's, as a kinetic impactor. This paper describes some of the challenges that the LCROSS project encountered in planning, designing, launching with and carrying the Centaur upper stage to the moon.

Titan 3E/Centaur D-1T Systems Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

A systems and operational summary of the Titan 3E/Centaur D-1T program is presented which describes vehicle assembly facilities, launch facilities, and management responsibilities, and also provides detailed information on the following separate systems: (1) mechanical systems, including structural components, insulation, propulsion units, reaction control, thrust vector control, hydraulic systems, and pneumatic equipment; (2) astrionics systems, such as instrumentation and telemetry, navigation and guidance, C-Band tracking system, and range safety command system; (3) digital computer unit software; (4) flight control systems; (5) electrical/electronic systems; and (6) ground support equipment, including checkout equipment.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage OVI

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-08

At the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane lifts a Centaur upper stage for mating to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will boost NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, to orbit. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites that will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage OVI

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-08

At the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, technicians and engineers monitor progress as a Centaur upper stage is mated to a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will boost NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, to orbit. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites that will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018.

KSC-2013-4428

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, a Centaur second stage is positioned atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-3790

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage that will boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for checkout in preparation for launch. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-3792

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage that will boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit arrives at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for checkout in preparation for launch. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-4429

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, a Centaur second stage is positioned atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

Carbon Monoxide in the Distantly Active Centaur (60558) 174P/Echeclus at 6 au

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wierzchos, K.; Womack, M.; Sarid, G.

2017-05-01

(60558) 174P/Echeclus is an unusual object that belongs to a class of minor planets called Centaurs, which may be intermediate between Kuiper Belt objects and Jupiter family comets. It is sporadically active throughout its orbit at distances too far for water ice, the source of activity for most comets, to sublimate. Thus, its coma must be triggered by another mechanism. In 2005, Echeclus had a strong outburst with peculiar behavior that raised questions about the nucleus’ homogeneity. To test nucleus models, we performed the most sensitive search to date for the highly volatile CO molecule via its J = 2-1 emission toward Echeclus during 2016 May-June (at 6.1 astronomical units from the Sun) using the Arizona Radio Observatory 10 m Submillimeter Telescope. We obtained a 3.6σ detection with a slightly blueshifted (δv = -0.55 ± 0.10 km s-1) and narrow (Δv FWHM = 0.53 ± 0.23 km s-1) line. The data are consistent with emission from a cold gas from the sunward side of the nucleus, as seen in two other comets at 6 au. We derive a production rate of Q(CO) = (7.7 ± 3.3) × {10}26 mol s-1, which is capable of driving the estimated dust production rates. Echeclus’ CO outgassing rate is ˜40 times lower than what is typically seen for another Centaur at this distance, 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. We also used the IRAM 30 m telescope to search for the CO J = 2-1 line, and derive an upper limit that is above the SMT detection. Compared with the relatively unprocessed comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp), Echeclus produces significantly less CO, as do Chiron and four other Centaurs.

Possible Sources of Polar Volatiles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schultz, P. H.

2011-12-01

Extensive analyses of returned Apollo samples demonstrated that the Moon is extremely volatile poor. While this conclusion remains true, various measurements since the late 90's implicated the presence of water: e.g., enhanced reflection of circularly polarized radar signals and suppression of epithermal neutrons near the poles. More recently, traces of H2O have been discovered inside volcanic glass, along with more significant amounts residing in hydrous minerals (apatite) returned from both highland and mare landing sites. Three recent lunar missions (DIXI, M3, Cassini) identified hydrous phases on/near the lunar surface, whereas the LCROSS probe detected significant quantities of volatiles (OH, H2O and other volatiles) excavated by the Centaur impact. These new mission results and sample studies, however, now allow testing different hypotheses for the generation, trapping, and replenishment of these volatiles. Solar-proton implantation must contribute to the hydrous phases in the lunar regolith in order to account for the observed time-varying abundances and occurrence near the lunar equator. This also cannot be the entire story. The relatively low speed LCROSS-Centaur impact (2.5km/s) could not vaporize such hydrous minerals, yet emissions lines of OH (from the thermal disassociation of H2O), along with other compounds (CO2, NH2) were detected within the first second, before ejecta could reach sunlight. Telescopic observations by Potter and Morgan (1985) discovered a tenuous lunar atmosphere of Na, but the LCROSS UV/Vis spectrometer did not detect the Na-D line until after the ejecta reached sunlight (along with a line pair attributed to Ag). With time, other volatile species emerged (OH, CO). The LAMP instrument on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter had a different viewpoint from the side (rather than from above) and detected many other atomic species release by the LCROSS-Centaur impact. Consequently, it appears that there is a stratigraphy for trapped species: surface layer of atomic/molecules over a regolith containing an assortment of cold-trapped elements (Na/Ca/Mg/K/Ag/Hg) and compounds (OH, CO, H2). In addition to the solar flux, cometary dust dominates the impact flux for particles less than 1g and dominates impact flashes observed telescopically (Cooke, pers. comm.). While large, volatile-rich impactors may be less frequent, they have the potential for injecting significant quantities (10-15%) into impact melts (Harris and Schultz, 2011). In addition, laboratory impact experiments at the NASA Ames Vertical Gun Range used high-speed spectroscopy to illustrate the capture of volatile fractions below the surface during hypervelocity impacts. On the Moon, melt-trapped volatiles comprising the regolith would be gradually recycled during each lunation during impact gardening, thereby titrating the supply of volatiles to the polar deep freeze. Consequently, diverse sources likely contributed this potpourri of trapped cold-trapped volatile

WISE Observations of Comets, Centaurs, & Scattered Disk Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, J.; Walker, R.; Mainzer, A.; Masiero, J.; Grav, T.; Cutri, R.; Dailey, J.; McMillan, R.; Lisse, C. M.; Fernandez, Y. R.;

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, arrives at the Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, is being transported to the Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, arrives inside the Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

Identification of water ice on the Centaur 1997 CU26.

PubMed

Brown, R H; Cruikshank, D P; Pendleton, Y; Veeder, G J

1998-05-29

Spectra of the Centaur 1997 CU26 were obtained at the Keck Observatory on 27 October 1997 (universal time). The data show strong absorptions at 1.52 and 2.03 micrometers attributable to water ice on the surface of 1997 CU26. The reflectance spectrum of 1997 CU26 is matched by the spectrum of a mixture of low-temperature, particulate water ice and spectrally featureless but otherwise red-colored material. Water ice dominates the spectrum of 1997 CU26, whereas methane or methane-like hydrocarbons apparently dominate the spectrum of the Kuiper belt object 1993 SC, perhaps indicating different origins, thermal histories, or both for these two objects.

Centaur in-tank explosion flow fields within STS and Titan 4 payload spaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eck, M.; Mukunda, M.

1988-01-01

Explosions are examined which result from the mixing of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen (LH2-LO2) such that the reactants are confined by the missile (CBM) body. Explosion which were confined by the ground surface (CBGS) were also studied, with results reported elsewhere. Initial attempts to predict the reported PYRO experimental results were unsuccessful. A new reaction energy addition hypothesis was then developed and tested. The results obtained provide reasonable agreement with the experiments both in the near and far field. Calculations were performed to predict the environment which would occur at the Galileo Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) location given a Centaur G' upper stage and an STS launch vehicle. It was concluded that the principle threat to the RTG in this environment would be the impact of a slug of LH2. No analyses were conducted to assess the response of the Galileo RTG to such an environment. It was shown that the flow field resulting from the failure of the Centaur G' tankage was benign. It was concluded that while the cryogen particle velocity was very high, the flow field density was extremely low. As a result, the dynamic pressure was a trivial eight psia.

A Basic Robotic Excavator (the Glenn Digger): Description, Design, and Initial Operation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauman, Steve; Newman, Paul; Izadnegahdar, Alain; Johnson, Kyle; Abel, Phillip

2016-01-01

This paper describes the design, commercial part selections, fabrication, assembly, installation, and initial operation of a two degree of freedom robotic excavator. Colloquially referred to as "the NASA Glenn Digger," it was designed specifically to be mounted onto, and to operate with, the then newly developed Centaur 2 robotic mobility base. The excavator, when mounted to Centaur 2, is designed to scoop loose regolith from the terrain, raise its loaded bucket up and dump the load into a hopper of at least a 1-m-height. The hopper represents the input to a machine that would process the raw material, such as to produce oxygen from lunar regolith as would be required for long-term lunar habitation. This equipment debuted at the annual Research and Technology Studies ("Desert RATS", Ref. 1) event held north of Flagstaff, Arizona, in September of 2010, when the Digger was successfully joined to Centaur 2 and the shoveling articulation was demonstrated. During 2011, the hardware was modified for added strength, strain gauges were added to measure loads, and the controls were improved in preparation for the 2011 Desert RATS event, where additional "field operations" experience was gained.

KSC-2013-4431

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket, with its Centaur second stage atop, stands in the Vertical Integration Facility as preparations continue for lift off of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4418

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur second stage that will help boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported from the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Launch Complex 41. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4421

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, a technician supports preparations for lifting the Centaur second stage of the United Launch Alliance rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4427

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, a Centaur second stage is lifted for stacking atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4423

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, engineers and technicians support lifting a Centaur second stage for stacking atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4417

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur second stage that will help boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported from the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Launch Complex 41. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4425

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, engineers and technicians support lifting a Centaur second stage for stacking atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-3789

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur upper stage that will boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for checkout in preparation for launch. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-4422

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, engineers and technicians support preparations for lifting the Centaur second stage of the United Launch Alliance rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4430

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, engineers and technicians inspect a Centaur second stage that was just stacked atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4424

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, engineers and technicians support lifting a Centaur second stage for stacking atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4419

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur second stage that will help boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported from the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to Launch Complex 41. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-4426

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41, a Centaur second stage is lifted for stacking atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that will be used to boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft to orbit. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

Titan/Centaur D-1TTC-5 Helios B flight data report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Adams, K. A.

1976-01-01

The fourth operational flight of the newest NASA unmanned launch vehicle is reported. The spacecraft was the Helios B, the second of two solar probes designed and built by the Federal Republic of Germany. The primary mission objective, to place the Helios spacecraft on a heliocentric orbit in the ecliptic plane with a perihelion distance of 0.29 AU, was successfully accomplished. After successful injection of the Helios spacecraft, a series of experiments were performed with the Centaur stage to demonstrate its operational capabilities. All objectives of the extended mission phase were successfully met. This report presents the analysis of the launch vehicle flight data for the primary mission phase of the TC-5 flight.

Assessment of candidate-expendable launch vehicles for large payloads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

In recent years the U.S. Air Force and NASA conducted design studies of 3 expendable launch vehicle configurations that could serve as a backup to the space shuttle--the Titan 34D7/Centaur, the Atlas II/Centaur, and the shuttle-derived SRB-X--as well as studies of advanced shuttle-derived launch vehicles with much larger payload capabilities than the shuttle. The 3 candidate complementary launch vehicles are judged to be roughly equivalent in cost, development time, reliability, and payload-to-orbit performance. Advanced shuttle-derived vehicles are considered viable candidates to meet future heavy lift launch requirements; however, they do not appear likely to result in significant reduction in cost-per-pound to orbit.

KSC-97PC1540

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-12

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The launch vehicle, Cassini spacecraft and attached Centaur stage encased in a payload fairing, altogether stand about 183 feet tall; mounted at the base of the launch vehicle are two upgraded solid rocket motors. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

Under the watchful eyes of technicians and engineers, the Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, arrives inside the Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, has been lifted from its transporter inside the Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, is being transported from the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to the Delta Operations Center for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

GOES-S Atlas V Centaur Stage Transport from ASOC to DOC

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-24

The Centaur upper stage that will help launch NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S, or GOES-S, has been positioned in at test cell inside the Delta Operations Center at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for further processing. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The GOES-R series - consisting of the GOES-R, GOES-S, GOES-T and GOES-U spacecraft - will significantly improve the detection and observation of environmental phenomena that directly affect public safety, protection of property and the nation's economic health and prosperity. GOES-S is slated to launch March 1, 2018 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

Analysis of infrared spectra of a stellar occultation by the active Centaur (2060) Chiron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gulbis, A.; Emery, J.; Ruprecht, J.; Bosh, A.; Person, M.; Bianco, F.; Bus, S.; Zangari, A.

2014-07-01

Chiron, the first known Centaur, orbits primarily between Saturn and Uranus. It was originally thought to be an asteroid, but has since exhibited cometary-like behavior [e.g., 1,2]. This behavior is unusual given Chiron's relatively large distance from the Sun and its nucleus being larger than that of other comets. Previous stellar occultation data suggested that Chiron is greater than approximately 180 km in diameter and detected narrow jets as well as a gravitationally-bound dust coma [3,4]. More recent measurements from Herschel place the size at 218 ± 20 km [5]. On 29 November 2011, Chiron occulted a fairly bright star (R=14.8) as seen from Hawai'i. We observed the event from the 3-m NASA Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF) on Mauna Kea and the 2-m Faulkes Telescope North at Haleakala (run by the Las Cumbres Observatory Global Telescope network, LCOGT). Data were taken as visible wavelength images at the Faulkes, using an Andor iXon 888 camera, and at the IRTF, using the MIT Optical Rapid Imaging System (MORIS [6]). Simultaneously, low-resolution, near-infrared, 0.9--2.4 micron spectra were taken using SpeX [7] on the IRTF. The MORIS lightcurve contains an occultation by Chiron's nucleus, with a chord corresponding to a minimum radius of 158 ± 14 km [8,9]. The Faulkes lightcurve, a station located 97 km to the north, contains deep, symmetric dips before and after the predicted midtime and no solid-body occultation. The extinction features are located roughly 300 km from Chiron's center, and are approximately 3 and 7 km in extent separated by 10--14 km [8,9]. The MORIS data were taken at ten times slower cadence (2 s) and show shallow dips at roughly the same distance from Chiron's center. These lightcurve features indicate optically thick material in a roughly circular distribution, suggesting the presence of a near-circular ring or shell of material. Here, we present an analysis of the IRTF SpeX data of the occultation. Although the cadence was relatively slow (at 9.6 s), we investigate the flux versus wavelength dependence of the data in order to characterize the dust coma and shell/ring particles. This work is placed in context with other active Centaurs, given the recent discovery of rings around (10199) Chariklo [10] and the dust/gas coma observed on 174P/Echeclus [e.g. 11].

The Dynamical History of Chariklo and Its Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, Jeremy; Horner, Jonti; Hinse, Tobias C.; Marsden, Stephen C.

2017-06-01

Chariklo is the only small solar system body confirmed to have rings. Given the instability of its orbit, the presence of rings is surprising, and their origin remains poorly understood. In this work, we study the dynamical history of the Chariklo system by integrating almost 36,000 Chariklo clones backward in time for 1 Gyr under the influence of the Sun and the four giant planets. By recording all close encounters between the clones and planets, we investigate the likelihood that Chariklo’s rings could have survived since its capture to the Centaur population. Our results reveal that Chariklo’s orbit occupies a region of stable chaos, resulting in its orbit being marginally more stable than those of the other Centaurs. Despite this, we find that it was most likely captured to the Centaur population within the last 20 Myr, and that its orbital evolution has been continually punctuated by regular close encounters with the giant planets. The great majority (>99%) of those encounters within 1 Hill radius of the planet have only a small effect on the rings. We conclude that close encounters with giant planets have not had a significant effect on the ring structure. Encounters within the Roche limit of the giant planets are rare, making ring creation through tidal disruption unlikely.

The Dynamical History of Chariklo and Its Rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wood, Jeremy R.; Horner, Jonti; Hinse, Tobias; Marsden, Stephen

2017-10-01

Chariklo is the only small Solar system body confirmed to have rings. Given the instability of its orbit, the presence of rings is surprising, and their origin remains poorly understood. In this work, we study the dynamical history of the Chariklo system by integrating almost 36,000 Chariklo clones backwards in time for one Gyr under the influence of the Sun and the four giant planets. By recording all close encounters between the clones and planets, we investigate the likelihood that Chariklo's rings could have survived since its capture to the Centaur population. Our results reveal that Chariklo's orbit occupies a region of stable chaos, resulting in its orbit being marginally more stable than those of the other Centaurs. Despite this, we find that it was most likely captured to the Centaur population within the last 20 Myr, and that its orbital evolution has been continually punctuated by regular close encounters with the giant planets. The great majority (> 99%) of those encounters within one Hill radius of the planet have only a small effect on the rings. We conclude that close encounters with giant planets have not had a significant effect on the ring structure. Encounters within the Roche limit of the giant planets are rare, making ring creation through tidal disruption unlikely.

Centaur Chiron's Calendar in our era

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spanos, S.

2012-01-01

Centaur Chiron's Calendar is an educational activity incorporated in environmental education which combines the principles of inter-scientific approach with fundamental astronomy conception. It is performed in school as a yearly environmental project. The famous centaur was teaching the hero Jason (and others) navigation based on stellar observation and medicine based on Pelion herbs collected at the right time of the year. Students are guided to discover his method of determination of the right time. The project evolves the creation of a photographic calendar based on collected pictures from the sunset during the various seasons of the year. It is developed in the same region that Chiron lived (Mount Pelion) according to mythology but it can be modified for use in other regions. Sunset positions are recorded daily or weekly and plotted on a wide-angle picture of the western hill crest. Students are then called to predict the date of a given sunset position. Students also record sunset time and duration of the day in order to relate it with the photographic calendar. The activity combines knowledge from various scientific fields such as history, geography and astronomy. Development of practical skills such as accurate observation, photography techniques and digital image processing is a welcomed side effect of this educational activity.

The Dynamical History of Chariklo and Its Rings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wood, Jeremy; Horner, Jonti; Marsden, Stephen C.

Chariklo is the only small solar system body confirmed to have rings. Given the instability of its orbit, the presence of rings is surprising, and their origin remains poorly understood. In this work, we study the dynamical history of the Chariklo system by integrating almost 36,000 Chariklo clones backward in time for 1 Gyr under the influence of the Sun and the four giant planets. By recording all close encounters between the clones and planets, we investigate the likelihood that Chariklo’s rings could have survived since its capture to the Centaur population. Our results reveal that Chariklo’s orbit occupies amore » region of stable chaos, resulting in its orbit being marginally more stable than those of the other Centaurs. Despite this, we find that it was most likely captured to the Centaur population within the last 20 Myr, and that its orbital evolution has been continually punctuated by regular close encounters with the giant planets. The great majority (>99%) of those encounters within 1 Hill radius of the planet have only a small effect on the rings. We conclude that close encounters with giant planets have not had a significant effect on the ring structure. Encounters within the Roche limit of the giant planets are rare, making ring creation through tidal disruption unlikely.« less

Pan-STARRS 1 observations of the unusual active Centaur P/2011 S1(Gibbs)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, H. W.; Ip, W. H.; Chen, W. P.

2014-05-01

P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) is an outer solar system comet or active Centaur with a similar orbit to that of the famous 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) has been observed by the Pan-STARRS 1 (PS1) sky survey from 2010 to 2012. The resulting data allow us to perform multi-color studies of the nucleus and coma of the comet. Analysis of PS1 images reveals that P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) has a small nucleus <4 km radius, with colors g {sub P1} – r {sub P1} = 0.5 ± 0.02, r {sub P1} – i {sub P1} = 0.12 ± 0.02, and i {submore » P1} – z {sub P1} = 0.46 ± 0.03. The comet remained active from 2010 to 2012, with a model-dependent mass-loss rate of ∼100 kg s{sup –1}. The mass-loss rate per unit surface area of P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) is as high as that of 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1, making it one of the most active Centaurs. The mass-loss rate also varies with time from ∼40 kg s{sup –1} to 150 kg s{sup –1}. Due to its rather circular orbit, we propose that P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) has 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1-like outbursts that control the outgassing rate. The results indicate that it may have a similar surface composition to that of 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. Our numerical simulations show that the future orbital evolution of P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) is more similar to that of the main population of Centaurs than to that of 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1. The results also demonstrate that P/2011 S1 (Gibbs) is dynamically unstable and can only remain near its current orbit for roughly a thousand years.« less

TNO/Centaurs grouping tested with asteroid data sets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fulchignoni, M.; Birlan, M.; Barucci, M. A.

2001-11-01

Recently, we have discussed the possible subdivision in few groups of a sample of 22 TNO and Centaurs for which the BVRIJ photometry were available (Barucci et al., 2001, A&A, 371,1150). We obtained this results using the multivariate statistics adopted to define the current asteroid taxonomy, namely the Principal Components Analysis and the G-mode method (Tholen & Barucci, 1989, in ASTEROIDS II). How these methods work with a very small statistical sample as the TNO/Centaurs one? Theoretically, the number of degrees of freedom of the sample is correct. In fact it is 88 in our case and have to be larger then 50 to cope with the requirements of the G-mode. Does the random sampling of the small number of members of a large population contain enough information to reveal some structure in the population? We extracted several samples of 22 asteroids out of a data-base of 86 objects of known taxonomic type for which BVRIJ photometry is available from ECAS (Zellner et al. 1985, ICARUS 61, 355), SMASS II (S.W. Bus, 1999, PhD Thesis, MIT), and the Bell et al. Atlas of the asteroid infrared spectra. The objects constituting the first sample were selected in order to give a good representation of the major asteroid taxonomic classes (at least three samples each class): C,S,D,A, and G. Both methods were able to distinguish all these groups confirming the validity of the adopted methods. The S class is hard to individuate as a consequence of the choice of I and J variables, which imply a lack of information on the absorption band at 1 micron. The other samples were obtained by random choice of the objects. Not all the major groups were well represented (less than three samples per groups), but the general trend of the asteroid taxonomy has been always obtained. We conclude that the quoted grouping of TNO/Centaurs is representative of some physico-chemical structure of the outer solar system small body population.

A Centaur Reconnaissance Mission: a NASA JPL Planetary Science Summer Seminar mission design experience

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chou, L.; Howell, S. M.; Bhattaru, S.; Blalock, J. J.; Bouchard, M.; Brueshaber, S.; Cusson, S.; Eggl, S.; Jawin, E.; Marcus, M.; Miller, K.; Rizzo, M.; Smith, H. B.; Steakley, K.; Thomas, N. H.; Thompson, M.; Trent, K.; Ugelow, M.; Budney, C. J.; Mitchell, K. L.

2017-12-01

The NASA Planetary Science Summer Seminar (PSSS), sponsored by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), offers advanced graduate students and recent doctoral graduates the unique opportunity to develop a robotic planetary exploration mission that answers NASA's Science Mission Directorate's Announcement of Opportunity for the New Frontiers Program. Preceded by a series of 10 weekly webinars, the seminar is an intensive one-week exercise at JPL, where students work directly with JPL's project design team "TeamX" on the process behind developing mission concepts through concurrent engineering, project design sessions, instrument selection, science traceability matrix development, and risks and cost management. The 2017 NASA PSSS team included 18 participants from various U.S. institutions with a diverse background in science and engineering. We proposed a Centaur Reconnaissance Mission, named CAMILLA, designed to investigate the geologic state, surface evolution, composition, and ring systems through a flyby and impact of Chariklo. Centaurs are defined as minor planets with semi-major axis that lies between Jupiter and Neptune's orbit. Chariklo is both the largest Centaur and the only known minor planet with rings. CAMILLA was designed to address high priority cross-cutting themes defined in National Research Council's Vision and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022. At the end of the seminar, a final presentation was given by the participants to a review board of JPL scientists and engineers as well as NASA headquarters executives. The feedback received on the strengths and weaknesses of our proposal provided a rich and valuable learning experience in how to design a successful NASA planetary exploration mission and generate a successful New Frontiers proposal. The NASA PSSS is an educational experience that trains the next generation of NASA's planetary explorers by bridging the gap between scientists and engineers, allowing for participants to learn how to design a mission and build a spacecraft in a collaborative and fast-pace environment.

A Dense Small-Scale Seismic Network in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (Northern Tanzania)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parisi, L.; Lombardo, L.; Rodriguez-Mustafa, M.; Mai, P. M.

2017-12-01

A temporary deployment consisting of sixteen broadband seismic stations is conducted for the first time in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA, Northern Tanzania), located at the boundary between the Tanzanian Craton and East African Rift. A deep knowledge of the faulting systems and tectonics of the area is needed to better understand the contribution of the synsedimentary faults to the deposition of the Olduvai and surrounding basins affecting the landscapes of the Homo Habilis first settlements. Complex fault systems have been mapped in the field but their connection, especially at depth, is not well known. A first batch of ten instruments was installed in June 2016. In June 2017 two stations were dismissed and a second batch of six stations was installed in new locations. The current network of fourteen stations will record until May 2018. Stations are equipped with Nanometrics Trillium Compact Posthole 120 s sensor and Centaur digitiser recording continuously at 200 Hz. The whole network covers 1400 km2 and station interspace ranges from 8 to 15 km. We analyse probabilistic power spectra densities of the seismic noise to obtain insights of its origin and test the performances of the stations. Although factories do not exist in the area and most of the stations are far from roads, ambient noise in the range 0.01 - 1 s is relatively high (between -120 dB and -100dB at 0.1 s) probably because of the abundance of livestock living in the NCA. Ambient noise in the period range 1 - 10 s (secondary microseisms) decreases from east to west. Although the main source of the microseisms is located in the Indian Ocean (east of the study area), a contribution from the low period tremors coming from the nearby active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai (north-east of the study area) is expected. Whereas the longer period noise (10 - 100 s) is very low in the vertical component seismograms, it is higher than the high noise model in the horizontal components for most of the stations. Although this can be due to sensor insulation issues, we find a strong variability even for sensors installed in the same conditions. We also present the first seismicity map of the NCA by using the first year of data. We detect events with ML ranging between 0.7 and 3.0, mostly located south where major fault systems have not been mapped at the surface yet.

AC-67/FLTSATCOM Launch with Isolated Cam Views/ Freeze of Lightning/ Press Conference

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

The FLTSATCOM system provides worldwide, high-priority UHF communications between naval aircraft, ships, submarines, and ground stations and between the Strategic Air Command and the national command authority network. This videotape shows the attempted launch of the 6th member of the satellite system on an Atlas Centaur rocket. Within a minute of launch a problem developed. The initial sign of the problem was the loss of telemetry data. The videotape shows three isolated views of the launch, and then a freeze shot of a lightning strike shortly after the launch. The tape then shows a press conference, with Mr. Wolmaster, Mr. Gibbs, and Air Force Colonel Alsbrooke. Mr. Gibbs summarizes the steps that would be taken to review the launch failure. The questions from the press mostly concern the weather conditions, and the possibility that the weather might have caused the mission failure.

KSC-2013-3786

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Atlas V launch vehicle, left, and Centaur upper stage that will boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station for checkout in preparation for launch. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/ Jim Grossman

KSC-2013-4420

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-12-13

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The United Launch Alliance Centaur second stage that will help boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 41. It will be lifted and mounted atop the Atlas V first stage already in position inside the Vertical Integration Facility. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-2013-3782

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-01

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – Following arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., the United Launch Alliance Atlas V first stage and Centaur upper stage that will boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center for checkout in preparation for launch. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

KSC-2013-3781

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-11-01

PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – Following arrival at Port Canaveral, Fla., the United Launch Alliance Atlas V first stage and Centaur upper stage that will boost the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, or TDRS-L, spacecraft into orbit is being transported to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center for checkout in preparation for launch. TDRS-L is the second of three next-generation satellites designed to ensure vital operational continuity for the NASA Space Network. It is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 atop an Atlas V rocket in January 2014. The current Tracking and Data Relay Satellite system consists of eight in-orbit satellites distributed to provide near continuous information relay service to missions such as the Hubble Space Telescope and International Space Station. For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/content/tracking-and-data-relay-satellite-tdrs/ Photo credit: NASA/ Kim Shiflett

OA-7 Atlas Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-02-06

The Mariner cargo ship arrives at the Army Outpost wharf at Port Canaveral, Florida, near the Kennedy Space Center. Aboard is the United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V booster and centaur stages for the Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station. After the rocket is offloaded, a transport truck takes the Atlas V vehicle hardware to the hangar at the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center (ASOC), located south of Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Scheduled to launch a Cygnus spacecraft on March 19, 2017, the Orbital ATK CRS-7 mission will deliver thousands of pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials that improve life on Earth and drive progress toward future space exploration.

Dust in the Outer Solar System as measured by Cassini-CDA: KBOs, Centaurs and TNOs as parent bodies?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altobelli, N.; Kempf, S.; Srama, R.

2017-09-01

We analyse 13 years of data acquired by the Cosmic Dust Analyser (CDA)-Entrance Grid (EG) subsystem on-board the Cassini spacecraft around Saturn. We confirm the presence of exogenous dust, originating from the interplanetary space and permanently crossing the Saturnian system. We analyse the range of possible heliocentric orbital elements in order to identify their possible origin. We observe particles whose dynamics is compatible with 'old' collisional debris from the Kuiper-Belt, migrating inward the Solar System under influence of the Poynting-Robertson drag, or relatively fresh grains from recently discovered cometary activity of Centaurs. A population of particles entering the Saturn's system with high velocities can be linked to Halley-type comets as parent bodies.

2011 Mars Science Laboratory Trajectory Reconstruction and Performance from Launch Through Landing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abilleira, Fernando

2013-01-01

The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission successfully launched on an Atlas V 541 Expendable Evolved Launch Vehicle (EELV) from the Eastern Test Range (ETR) at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida at 15:02:00 UTC on November 26th, 2011. At 15:52:06 UTC, six minutes after the MSL spacecraft separated from the Centaur upper stage, the spacecraft transmitter was turned on and in less than 20 s spacecraft carrier lock was achieved at the Universal Space Network (USN) Dongara tracking station located in Western Australia. MSL, carrying the most sophisticated rover ever sent to Mars, entered the Martian atmosphere at 05:10:46 SpaceCraft Event Time (SCET) UTC, and landed inside Gale Crater at 05:17:57 SCET UTC on August 6th, 2012. Confirmation of nominal landing was received at the Deep Space Network (DSN) Canberra tracking station via the Mars Odyssey relay spacecraft at 05:31:45 Earth Received Time (ERT) UTC. This paper summarizes in detail the actual vs. predicted trajectory performance in terms of launch vehicle events, launch vehicle injection performance, actual DSN/USN spacecraft lockup, trajectory correction maneuver performance, Entry, Descent, and Landing events, and overall trajectory and geometry characteristics.

Symbolics of the constellations of sagittarius and centaurus in russian traditional culture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagdasarov, R.

2001-12-01

Centaurus falls into the category of 'imaginary animals'. The Russian tradition used not only the symbol Sgr (a result of its acquaintance with the circle of Zodiac), but also the symbol Cen, which fact, as we shall demonstrate, is an evidence of certain mythological-astronomical conceptions. Both the constellations Sagittarius (Sgr) and Centaurus (Cen) are usually represented as versions of the picture of a fantastic being, a Centaur, shaped as man from head to waist, and as an animal, mostly, a horse, from waist down. 'Centaurus' (from the Greek word kev (or kevw)) for 'kill' and o, for 'bull') means 'bull killer', and is probably related to the opposition of the zodiacal constellations Taurus and Sagittarius. When the latter begins to rise on to the night sky, the former disappears completely from view. Sagittarius is represented at ancient monuments related to astronomy as a centaur holding a bow and pointing at certain stars. The constellation of Centaurus is also symbolised by a centaur, but holding not a bow, but a staff or a spear in one hand and an 'animal of sacrifice' in the other (Higinus, Astronomica, III, 37, 1; Chernetsov, 1975, Figure 1). The attributes stand for the Peliases Spear (The Mithological Dictionary, 1991), depicted in astrological maps as The Spear of Centaurus1, The Wolf (Lupus), the Panther or the Beast (Flammarion, 1994).

TDRS-M: Atlas V 2nd Stage Erection/Off-site Verticle Integration (OVI)

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-07-13

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage arrives at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. United Launch Alliance team members monitor the operation progress as the Centaur upper stage is lifted and mated to the Atlas V booster in the vertical position. The rocket is scheduled to help launch the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, TDRS-M. It will be the latest spacecraft destined for the agency's constellation of communications satellites that allows nearly continuous contact with orbiting spacecraft ranging from the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope to the array of scientific observatories. Liftoff atop the ULA Atlas V rocket is scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 in early August.

Annual ADP planning document

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mogilevsky, M.

1973-01-01

The Category A computer systems at KSC (Al and A2) which perform scientific and business/administrative operations are described. This data division is responsible for scientific requirements supporting Saturn, Atlas/Centaur, Titan/Centaur, Titan III, and Delta vehicles, and includes realtime functions, Apollo-Soyuz Test Project (ASTP), and the Space Shuttle. The work is performed chiefly on the GEL-635 (Al) system located in the Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF). The Al system can perform computations and process data in three modes: (1) real-time critical mode; (2) real-time batch mode; and (3) batch mode. The Division's IBM-360/50 (A2) system, also at the CIF, performs business/administrative data processing such as personnel, procurement, reliability, financial management and payroll, real-time inventory management, GSE accounting, preventive maintenance, and integrated launch vehicle modification status.

KSC-97PC1544

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-15

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing

KSC-97PC1546

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-15

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing

KSC-cassini

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-15

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing

KSC-97PC1547

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-15

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing

KSC-97PC1545

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-15

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing

KSC-97PC1543

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-15

A seven-year journey to the ringed planet Saturn begins with the liftoff of a Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini orbiter and its attached Huygens probe. This spectacular streak shot was taken from Hangar AF on Cape Canaveral Air Station, with a solid rocket booster retrieval ship in the foreground. Launch occurred at 4:43 a.m. EDT, Oct. 15, from Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station. After a 2.2-billion mile journey that will include two swingbys of Venus and one of Earth to gain additional velocity, the two-story tall spacecraft will arrive at Saturn in July 2004. The orbiter will circle the planet for four years, its complement of 12 scientific instruments gathering data about Saturn's atmosphere, rings and magnetosphere and conducting closeup observations of the Saturnian moons. Huygens, with a separate suite of six science instruments, will separate from Cassini to fly on a ballistic trajectory toward Titan, the only celestial body besides Earth to have an atmosphere rich in nitrogen. Scientists are eager to study further this chemical similarity in hopes of learning more about the origins of our own planet Earth. Huygens will provide the first direct sampling of Titan's atmospheric chemistry and the first detailed photographs of its surface. The Cassini mission is an international effort involving NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). The Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the U.S. contribution to the mission for NASA's Office of Space Science. The major U.S. contractor is Lockheed Martin, which provided the launch vehicle and upper stage, spacecraft propulsion module and radioisotope thermoelectric generators that will provide power for the spacecraft. The Titan IV/Centaur is a U.S. Air Force launch vehicle, and launch operations were managed by the 45th Space Wing

Using an Optionally Piloted Aircraft for Airborne Gravity Observations with the NOAA GRAV-D Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Youngman, M.; Johnson, J. A.; van Westrum, D.; Damiani, T.

2017-12-01

The U.S. National Geodetic Survey's (NGS) Gravity for the Redefintion of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV-D) project is collecting airborne gravity data to support a 1 cm geoid. Started in 2008, this project will collect airborne gravity data over the entire U.S. and territories by 2022. As of June 30, 2017, the project was almost 62% complete. With recent technological developments, NGS has been exploring using unmanned aircraft for airborne gravity measurements. This presentation will focus on results from two surveys over the U.S. Appalachian and Rocky Mountains using the Aurora Centaur Optionally Piloted Aircraft and the Micro-g Lacoste Turnkey Airborne Gravimeter System 7 (TAGS7). Collecting high quality data as well as dealing with remote locations has been a challenge for the GRAV-D project and the field of airborne gravity in general. Unmanned aircraft could potentially improve data quality, handle hard to reach locations, and reduce pilot fatigue. The optionally piloted Centaur aircraft is an attractive option because it is not restricted in U.S. airspace and delivers high quality gravity data. Specifically, the Centaur meets U.S. Federal Aviation Administration regulations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) by using a safety pilot on board to maintain line of sight and the ability to take control in the event of an emergency. Even though this is a sizeable UAS, most traditional gravimeters are too large and heavy for the platform. With a smaller and lighter design, the TAGS7 was used for its ability to conform to the aircraft's size restrictions, with the added benefit of upgraded performance capabilities. Two surveys were performed with this aircraft and gravimeter, one in April and one in August to September of 2017. Initial results indicate that the high-gain, fast response of the Centaur autopilot (optimized for flights without passengers), coupled with the full-force feedback sensor of the TAGS7, provides superior performance in all conditions, and allows for acquisition in periods of higher turbulence that were inaccessible before. Based on these surveys this technology has the potential to improve data quality and decrease costs of airborne gravity surveying.

Three Orbital Burns to Molniya Orbit Via Shuttle_Centaur G Upper Stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Craig H.

2015-01-01

An unclassified analytical trajectory design, performance, and mission study was done for the 1982 to 1986 joint National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-United States Air Force (USAF) Shuttle/Centaur G upper stage development program to send performance-demanding payloads to high orbits such as Molniya using an unconventional orbit transfer. This optimized three orbital burn transfer to Molniya orbit was compared to the then-baselined two burn transfer. The results of the three dimensional trajectory optimization performed include powered phase steering data and coast phase orbital element data. Time derivatives of the orbital elements as functions of thrust components were evaluated and used to explain the optimization's solution. Vehicle performance as a function of parking orbit inclination was given. Performance and orbital element data was provided for launch windows as functions of launch time. Ground track data was given for all burns and coasts including variation within the launch window. It was found that a Centaur with fully loaded propellant tanks could be flown from a 37 deg inclination low Earth parking orbit and achieve Molniya orbit with comparable performance to the baselined transfer which started from a 57 deg inclined orbit: 9,545 versus 9,552 lb of separated spacecraft weight, respectively. There was a significant reduction in the need for propellant launch time reserve for a 1 hr window: only 78 lb for the three burn transfer versus 320 lb for the two burn transfer. Conversely, this also meant that longer launch windows over more orbital revolutions could be done for the same amount of propellant reserve. There was no practical difference in ground tracking station or airborne assets needed to secure telemetric data, even though the geometric locations of the burns varied considerably. There was a significant adverse increase in total mission elapsed time for the three versus two burn transfer (12 vs. 1-1/4 hr), but could be accommodated by modest modifications to Centaur systems. Future applications were discussed. The three burn transfer was found to be a viable, arguably preferable, alternative to the two burn transfer.

Three Orbital Burns to Molniya Orbit via Shuttle Centaur G Upper Stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, Craig H.

2014-01-01

An unclassified analytical trajectory design, performance, and mission study was done for the 1982-86 joint NASA-USAF Shuttle/Centaur G upper stage development program to send performance-demanding payloads to high orbits such as Molniya using an unconventional orbit transfer. This optimized three orbital burn transfer to Molniya orbit was compared to the then-baselined two burn transfer. The results of the three dimensional trajectory optimization performed include powered phase steering data and coast phase orbital element data. Time derivatives of the orbital elements as functions of thrust components were evaluated and used to explain the optimization's solution. Vehicle performance as a function of parking orbit inclination was given. Performance and orbital element data was provided for launch windows as functions of launch time. Ground track data was given for all burns and coasts including variation within the launch window. It was found that a Centaur with fully loaded propellant tanks could be flown from a 37deg inclination low Earth parking orbit and achieve Molniya orbit with comparable performance to the baselined transfer which started from a 57deg inclined orbit: 9,545 lb vs. 9,552 lb of separated spacecraft weight respectively. There was a significant reduction in the need for propellant launch time reserve for a one hour window: only 78 lb for the three burn transfer vs. 320 lb for the two burn transfer. Conversely, this also meant that longer launch windows over more orbital revolutions could be done for the same amount of propellant reserve. There was no practical difference in ground tracking station or airborne assets needed to secure telemetric data, even though the geometric locations of the burns varied considerably. There was a significant adverse increase in total mission elapsed time for the three vs. two burn transfer (12 vs. 11/4 hrs), but could be accommodated by modest modifications to Centaur systems. Future applications were discussed. The three burn transfer was found to be a viable, arguably preferable, alternative to the two burn transfer.

Launch mission summary: INTELSAT 5 (F4) ATLAS/CENTAUR-58

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

The launch vehicle, spacecraft, and mission are described. Information relative to launch windows, flight plan, trajectory, and radar and telemetry coverage are included with brief sequence of flight events.

Applications of Tethers in Space: Workshop Proceedings, Volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baracat, W. A. (Compiler)

1986-01-01

Topics addressed include: tethered orbital transfer vehicle operations, Centaur and Shuttle tether technology; tethered constellations, gravitational effects; Shuttle continuous open wind tunnel; optimal control laws, electrodynamic tether technology; and space station facilities.

KSC-00pp0702

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check out a Centaur rocket for its lift up the launch tower to be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-00pp0705

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

In this long view of the launch tower at Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the upper stage Centaur rocket can be seen as it rises up the tower to be mated to the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already there. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC00pp0705

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

In this long view of the launch tower at Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the upper stage Centaur rocket can be seen as it rises up the tower to be mated to the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already there. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC00pp0703

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers guide the ascent of a Centaur rocket up the launch tower where it will be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-00pp0704

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lines help guide the ascent of a Centaur rocket up the launch tower where it will be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC00pp0704

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, lines help guide the ascent of a Centaur rocket up the launch tower where it will be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-00pp0703

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers guide the ascent of a Centaur rocket up the launch tower where it will be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC00pp0702

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-25

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers check out a Centaur rocket for its lift up the launch tower to be mated with the lower stage Atlas IIA rocket already in the tower. The Lockheed-built Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket will launch the latest Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) June 29 from CCAFS. The TDRS is one of three (labeled H, I and J) being built in the Hughes Space and Communications Company Integrated Satellite Factory in El Segundo, Calif. The new satellites will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the space shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-97PC1542

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-14

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower has been retracted away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft and its attached Huygens probe. This is the second launch attempt for the Saturn-bound mission; a first try Oct. 13 was scrubbed primarily due to concerns about upper level wind conditions. Liftoff Oct. 15 is set to occur during a launch window opening at 4:43 a.m. EDT and extending until 7:03 a.m. Clearly visible in this view are the 66-foot-tall, 17-foot-wide payload fairing atop the vehicle, in which Cassini and the attached Centaur stage are encased, the two-stage liquid propellant core vehicle, and the twin 112-foot long solid rocket motor upgrades (SRMUs) straddling the core vehicle. It is the SRMUs which ignite first to begin the launch sequence

Centaur propellant acquisition system study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blatt, M. H.; Walter, M. D.

1975-01-01

A study was performed to determine the desirability of replacing the hydrogen peroxide settling system on the Centaur D-1S with a capillary acquisition system. A comprehensive screening was performed to select the most promising capillary device fluid acquisition, thermal conditioning, and fabrication techniques. Refillable start baskets and bypass feed start tanks were selected for detailed design. Critical analysis areas were settling and refilling, start sequence development with an initially dry boost pump, and cooling the fluid delivered to the boost pump in order to provide necessary net position suction head (NPSH). Design drawings were prepared for the start basket and start tank concepts for both LO2 and LH2 tanks. System comparisons indicated that the start baskets using wicking for thermal conditioning, and thermal subcooling for boost pump NPSH, are the most desirable systems for future development.

Graphics enhanced computer emulation for improved timing-race and fault tolerance control system analysis. [of Centaur liquid-fuel booster

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szatkowski, G. P.

1983-01-01

A computer simulation system has been developed for the Space Shuttle's advanced Centaur liquid fuel booster rocket, in order to conduct systems safety verification and flight operations training. This simulation utility is designed to analyze functional system behavior by integrating control avionics with mechanical and fluid elements, and is able to emulate any system operation, from simple relay logic to complex VLSI components, with wire-by-wire detail. A novel graphics data entry system offers a pseudo-wire wrap data base that can be easily updated. Visual subsystem operations can be selected and displayed in color on a six-monitor graphics processor. System timing and fault verification analyses are conducted by injecting component fault modes and min/max timing delays, and then observing system operation through a red line monitor.

Evaluation of the Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Vitros ECi Anti-HCV test: comparison with three other methods.

PubMed

Watterson, Jeannette M; Stallcup, Paulina; Escamilla, David; Chernay, Patrick; Reyes, Alfred; Trevino, Sylvia C

2007-01-01

After observing a high incidence of low positive hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody screens by the Ortho-Clinical Vitros ECi test (Orthoclinical Diagnostics, Raritan, NJ), we compared results against those obtained using another chemiluminescent analyzer, as well as two U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved confirmatory methodologies. To ascertain the true anti-HCV status of samples deemed low-positive by the Ortho-Clinical Vitros ECi test, we tested samples using the ADVIA Centaur HCV screen test (Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics), the Chiron recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA) test (Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CA), and the Roche COBAS Amplicor HCV qualitative test (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) in a series of studies. Of 94 specimens positive by Vitros ECi, 19% were observed to be negative by Centaur. A separate study of 91 samples with signal-to-cutoff (s/co) values less than 8.0 showed that all but one was negative for HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA). In comparison with RIBA, 100% (77) samples positive by the Vitros ECi test with s/co values less than 12.0 were negative or indeterminate by RIBA. A final study comparing all four methods side-by-side showed 63% disagreement by Centaur for Vitros ECi low-positive samples, 75% disagreement by RIBA, and 97% disagreement by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In conclusion, the Ortho-Clinical Vitros ECi Anti-HCV test yields a high rate of false-positive results in the low s/co range in our patient population. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Araujo, R. A. N.; Sfair, R.; Winter, O. C., E-mail: ran.araujo@gmail.com, E-mail: rsfair@feg.unesp.br, E-mail: ocwinter@gmail.com

The Centaur population is composed of minor bodies wandering between the giant planets that frequently perform close gravitational encounters with these planets, leading to a chaotic orbital evolution. Recently, the discovery of two well-defined narrow rings was announced around the Centaur 10199 Chariklo. The rings are assumed to be in the equatorial plane of Chariklo and to have circular orbits. The existence of a well-defined system of rings around a body in such a perturbed orbital region poses an interesting new problem. Are the rings of Chariklo stable when perturbed by close gravitational encounters with the giant planets? Our approachmore » to address this question consisted of forward and backward numerical simulations of 729 clones of Chariklo, with similar initial orbits, for a period of 100 Myr. We found, on average, that each clone experiences during its lifetime more than 150 close encounters with the giant planets within one Hill radius of the planet in question. We identified some extreme close encounters that were able to significantly disrupt or disturb the rings of Chariklo. About 3% of the clones lose their rings and about 4% of the clones have their rings significantly disturbed. Therefore, our results show that in most cases (more than 90%), the close encounters with the giant planets do not affect the stability of the rings in Chariklo-like systems. Thus, if there is an efficient mechanism that creates the rings, then these structures may be common among these kinds of Centaurs.« less

Lunar transit telescope lander design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Omar, Husam A.

1991-01-01

The Program Development group at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has been involved in studying the feasibility of placing a 16 meter telescope on the lunar surface to scan the skies using visible/ Ultraviolet/ Infrared light frequencies. The precursor telescope is now called the TRANSIT LUNAR TELESCOPE (LTT). The Program Development Group at Marshall Space Flight Center has been given the task of developing the basic concepts and providing a feasibility study on building such a telescope. The telescope should be simple with minimum weight and volume to fit into one of the available launch vehicles. The preliminary launch date is set for 2005. A study was done to determine the launch vehicle to be used to deliver the telescope to the lunar surface. The TITAN IV/Centaur system was chosen. The engineering challenge was to design the largest possible telescope to fit into the TITAN IV/Centaur launch system. The telescope will be comprised of the primary, secondary and tertiary mirrors and their supporting system in addition to the lander that will land the telescope on the lunar surface and will also serve as the telescope's base. The lunar lander should be designed integrally with the telescope in order to minimize its weight, thus allowing more weight for the telescope and its support components. The objective of this study were to design a lander that meets all the constraints of the launching system. The basic constraints of the TITAN IV/Centaur system are given.

Lunar transit telescope lander design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Omar, Husam A.

1992-01-01

The Program Development group at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has been involved in studying the feasibility of placing a 16 meter telescope on the lunar surface to scan the skies using visible/ Ultraviolet/ Infrared light frequencies. The precursor telescope is now called the TRANSIT LUNAR TELESCOPE (LTT). The Program Development Group at Marshall Space Flight Center has been given the task of developing the basic concepts and providing a feasibility study on building such a telescope. The telescope should be simple with minimum weight and volume to fit into one of the available launch vehicles. The preliminary launch date is set for 2005. A study was done to determine the launch vehicle to be used to deliver the telescope to the lunar surface. The TITAN IV/Centaur system was chosen. The engineering challenge was to design the largest possible telescope to fit into the TITAN IV/Centaur launch system. The telescope will be comprised of the primary, secondary and tertiary mirrors and their supporting system in addition to the lander that will land the telescope on the lunar surface and will also serve as the telescope's base. The lunar lander should be designed integrally with the telescope in order to minimize its weight, thus allowing more weight for the telescope and its support components. The objective of this study were to design a lander that meets all the constraints of the launching system. The basic constraints of the TITAN IV/Centaur system are given.

Electromechanical rotary actuator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, S. P.; Mcmahon, W. J.

1995-01-01

An electromechanical rotary actuator has been developed as the prime mover for a liquid oxygen modulation valve on the Centaur Vehicle Rocket Engine. The rotary actuator requirements, design, test, and associated problems and their solutions are discussed in this paper.

Fifth FLTSATCOM to be launched

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Launch of the FLTSATOOM-E, into an elliptical orbit by the Atlas Centaur launch vehicle is announced. The launch and relevant launch operations are described. A chart of the launch sequence for FLTSATCOM-E communication satellite is given.

Electromechanical rotary actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, S. P.; McMahon, W. J.

1995-05-01

An electromechanical rotary actuator has been developed as the prime mover for a liquid oxygen modulation valve on the Centaur Vehicle Rocket Engine. The rotary actuator requirements, design, test, and associated problems and their solutions are discussed in this paper.

Applications technology satellite advanced missions study, volume 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, D. L.

1972-01-01

Four different spacecraft configurations were developed for geostationary service as a high power communications satellite. The first configuration is a Thor-Delta launch into a low orbit with a spiral ascent to synchronous altitude by ion engine propulsion. The spacecraft is earth oriented with rotating solar arrays. Configuration 2 is a direct injection Atlas/Centaur/Burner II vehicle which when in orbit is sun-oriented with a rotating transponder tower. Configurations 3 and 4 are Titan IIIC launches, and are therefore larger and heavier than Configuration 2. They are both sun-oriented, with rotating transponder towers and are directly injected into orbit. Technology discussed includes high power (up to 2 kW) transmitters with collectors radiating heat directly into space, and contoured antenna patterns designed to illuminate particular earth regions. There is also a review of potential users of the services which can be performed by this type satellite in such areas as information networking, public broadcasting and educational television.

77 FR 35690 - Medical Devices; Availability of Safety and Effectiveness Summaries for Premarket Approval...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-06-14

... ADVIA Centaur Anti- January 20, 2012. Diagnostics Inc. HBs2 Assay and Quality Control Material. P100005... Flowonix Medical, Prometra February 7, 2012. Inc. (approved under Programmable Medasys, Inc.). Infusion...

Launch mission summary: Intelsat 5 (F3) Atlas/Centaur-55

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

Intelsat 5 (F3) spacecraft, launch vehicle, and mission are described. Information relative to launch windows, flight plan, radar and telemetry coverage, selected trajectory information, and a brief sequence of flight events is provided.

The cyclotron energization through auroral wave experiments (CENTAUR 2B)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Winningham, J. D.

1992-01-01

The CENTAUR 2B mission, a dual payload program, is in many aspects the same as the previous missions from Cape Perry and Norway in 1985. It was planned that these payloads would be launched from Andoya, Norway, Nov. 1989 from the Universal II launcher. The payloads are identical, but would have been launched at different azimuths as far north and as far west as possible. Particle experiments include the angular resolving energy analyzer (AREA), the fast ion mass spectrometer (FIMS), the spectrographic particle images (SPI), and finally, the differential ion flux probe (DIFP). SwRI was responsible for the scientific payload, which includes the power supplies, the power supply interfacing, the manipulating of the data from the instruments to format it for the telemetry system, all mechanical structure and restraint mechanisms, and the payload subskin. The status of the various components of this program is given.

KSC-97PC1539

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-10-12

At Launch Complex 40 on Cape Canaveral Air Station, the Mobile Service Tower is rolled away from the Titan IVB/Centaur carrying the Cassini spacecraft, marking a major milestone in the launch countdown sequence. Retraction of the structure began about an hour later than scheduled due to minor problems with ground support equipment. The countdown clock for the Cassini mission began ticking earlier today at the T-26-hour mark. Other upcoming prelaunch milestones include activation of the final launch sequence for the Cassini spacecraft at the T-180-minute mark in the countdown, to be followed about an hour later by initiation of loading of the Titan IVB's Centaur stage with its complement of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. Liftoff of Cassini on the journey to Saturn and its moon Titan is slated to occur during a window opening at 4:55 a.m. EDT, Oct. 13, and extending through 7:15 a.m

A Survey For TNOs Using the APS POSS I Database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhoads, E.

2005-05-01

The digitized first epoch Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS I) was an ideal and unused archive for the purpose of data mining Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). When accounting for overlap in TNO phase space and the area of the plates covered by stars and galaxies, the effective sky coverage area for this search was 4931 square degrees for Plutinos, and 4992 square degrees for classical TNOs. Using constraints based on the properties of known TNOs, computer codes were used to separate TNO candidates from millions of stars and galaxies. Lists of possible TNO, Centaur, and asteroid candidates were created. The results of this survey yielded 17 reliable TNOs and TNO candidates, including Pluto, Quaoar, and Varuna. In addition to the TNOs, 27 Centaur and 29 Asteroid candidates were found. The TNO Quaoar was pre-covered, and the Main Belt Asteroid (395) Delia was also recovered.

Automated Mars surface sample return mission concepts for achievement of essential scientific objectives

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, W. L.; Norton, H. N.; Darnell, W. L.

1975-01-01

Mission concepts were investigated for automated return to Earth of a Mars surface sample adequate for detailed analyses in scientific laboratories. The minimum sample mass sufficient to meet scientific requirements was determined. Types of materials and supporting measurements for essential analyses are reported. A baseline trajectory profile was selected for its low energy requirements and relatively simple implementation, and trajectory profile design data were developed for 1979 and 1981 launch opportunities. Efficient spacecraft systems were conceived by utilizing existing technology where possible. Systems concepts emphasized the 1979 launch opportunity, and the applicability of results to other opportunities was assessed. It was shown that the baseline missions (return through Mars parking orbit) and some comparison missions (return after sample transfer in Mars orbit) can be accomplished by using a single Titan III E/Centaur as the launch vehicle. All missions investigated can be accomplished by use of Space Shuttle/Centaur vehicles.

Project Centaur. [for earth dayside magnetic cleft investigation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brence, W. A.; Hardin, J. W.; Crook, E. D.; Roberts, H.

1982-01-01

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Canada Centre for Space Science, National Research Council of Canada (NRCC), conducted a cooperative sounding rocket campaign in the Canadian Arctic during November/December 1981. The objective of the campaign was to investigate the earth's dayside magnetic cleft region. The project was named CENTAUR for Cleft Energetics Transport and Ultraviolet Radiation. Remote launch support facilities were established at Cape Parry, NWT, Canada (70 deg 10 min N latitude, 124 deg 40 min W longitude). The cleft region is accessible from this location when launched poleward during reasonably quiet magnetic activity. Five large sounding rockets were launched (3 NASA, 2 NRCC). About 30 scientific experiments were launched, and an extensive array of ground based experiments was established at Cape Parry and at Sachs Harbour, Banks Island, 130 miles poleward. This paper discusses the unique organization, planning, facilities, instrumentation, and operation required to support the campaign, and looks briefly at the results.

Photometric observations of nine Transneptunian objects and Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hromakina, T.; Perna, D.; Belskaya, I.; Dotto, E.; Rossi, A.; Bisi, F.

2018-02-01

We present the results of photometric observations of six Transneptunian objects and three Centaurs, estimations of their rotational periods and corresponding amplitudes. For six of them we present also lower limits of density values. All observations were made using 3.6-m TNG telescope (La Palma, Spain). For four objects - (148975) 2001 XA255, (281371) 2008 FC76, (315898) 2008 QD4, and 2008 CT190 - the estimation of short-term variability was made for the first time. We confirm rotation period values for two objects: (55636) 2002 TX300 and (202421) 2005 UQ513, and improve the precision of previously reported rotational period values for other three - (120178) 2003 OP32, (145452) 2005 RN43, (444030) 2004 NT33 - by using both our and literature data. We also discuss here that small distant bodies, similar to asteroids in the Main belt, tend to have double-peaked rotational periods caused by the elongated shape rather than surface albedo variations.

Low gravity reorientation in a scale-model Centaur liquid-hydrogen tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Salzman, J. A.; Masica, W. J.; Lacovic, R. F.

1973-01-01

An experiment was conducted to investigate the process of liquid reorientation from one end of a scale-model Centaur liquid-hydrogen tank to the other end by means of low-level accelerations. Prior to reorientation, the liquid was stabilized at the top of the tank at a Bond number of 15. Tanks both with and without ring baffles and with tank radii of 5.5 and 7.0 centimeters were used in the study. Reorientation acceleration values were varied to obtain Bond numbers of 200 and 450. Liquid fill levels of 20 and 70 percent were used. From the data in this study, relations were developed to estimate reorientation event times in unbaffled tanks through the point of final liquid clearing from the top of the tank. The insertion of ring baffles drastically changed the reorientation flow profiles but resulted in only minor differences in the times of tank-top uncovering and liquid collection.

Evaluation of a new ultrasensitive assay for cardiac troponin I.

PubMed

Casals, Gregori; Filella, Xavier; Bedini, Josep Lluis

2007-12-01

We evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of a new ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I assay (cTnI) on the ADVIA Centaur system (TnI-Ultra). The evaluation included the determination of detection limit, within-assay and between-assay variation and comparison with two other non-ultrasensitive methods. Moreover, cTnI was determined in 120 patients with acute chest pain with three methods. To evaluate the ability of the new method to detect MI earlier, it was assayed in 8 MI patients who first tested negative then positive by the other methods. The detection limit was 0.009 microg/L and imprecision was <10% at all concentrations evaluated. In comparison with two other methods, 10% of the anginas diagnosed were recategorized to MI. The ADVIA Centaur TnI-Ultra assay presented high reproducibility and high sensitivity. The use of the recommended lower cutpoint (0.044 microg/L) implied an increased and earlier identification of MI.

Variability of assay methods for total and free PSA after WHO standardization.

PubMed

Foj, L; Filella, X; Alcover, J; Augé, J M; Escudero, J M; Molina, R

2014-03-01

The variability of total PSA (tPSA) and free PSA (fPSA) results among commercial assays has been suggested to be decreased by calibration to World Health Organization (WHO) reference materials. To characterize the current situation, it is necessary to know its impact in the critical cutoffs used in clinical practice. In the present study, we tested 167 samples with tPSA concentrations of 0 to 20 μg/L using seven PSA and six fPSA commercial assays, including Access, ARCHITECT i2000, ADVIA Centaur XP, IMMULITE 2000, Elecsys, and Lumipulse G1200, in which we only measured tPSA. tPSA and fPSA were measured in Access using the Hybritech and WHO calibrators. Passing-Bablok analysis was performed for PSA, and percentage of fPSA with the Hybritech-calibrated access comparison assay. For tPSA, relative differences were more than 10 % at 0.2 μg/L for ARCHITECT i2000, and at a critical concentration of 3, 4, and 10 μg/L, the relative difference was exceeded by ADVIA Centaur XP and WHO-calibrated Access. For percent fPSA, at a critical concentration of 10 %, the 10 % relative difference limit was exceeded by IMMULITE 2000 assay. At a critical concentration of 20 and 25 %, ADVIA Centaur XP, ARCHITECT i2000, and IMMULITE 2000 assays exceeded the 10 % relative difference limit. We have shown significant discordances between assays included in this study despite advances in standardization conducted in the last years. Further harmonization efforts are required in order to obtain a complete clinical concordance.

FORMATION OF CENTAURS’ RINGS THROUGH THEIR PARTIAL TIDAL DISRUPTION DURING PLANETARY ENCOUNTERS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hyodo, Ryuki; Charnoz, Sébastien; Genda, Hidenori

Centaurs are minor planets orbiting between Jupiter and Neptune that have or had crossing orbits with one or more giant planets. Recent observations and reinterpretation of previous observations have revealed the existence of ring systems around 10199 Chariklo and 2060 Chiron. However, the origin of the ring systems around such a minor planet is still an open question. Here, we propose that the tidal disruption of a differentiated object that experiences a close encounter with a giant planet could naturally form diverse ring–satellite systems around the Centaurs. During the close encounter, the icy mantle of the passing object is preferentiallymore » ripped off by the planet's tidal force and the debris is distributed mostly within the Roche limit of the largest remnant body. Assuming the existence of a 20−50 wt% silicate core below the icy mantle, a disk of particles is formed when the objects pass within 0.4–0.8 of the planet's Roche limit with the relative velocity at infinity 3−6 km s{sup −1} and 8 hr initial spin period of the body. The resultant ring mass is 0.1%–10% of the central object's mass. Such particle disks are expected to spread radially, and materials spreading beyond the Roche limit would accrete into satellites. Our numerical results suggest that ring formation would be a natural outcome of such extreme close encounters, and Centaurs can naturally have such ring systems because they cross the orbits of the giant planets.« less

Albedos of Jovian Trojans, Hildas and Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanishin, William; Tegler, Stephen C.

2017-10-01

We present distributions of optical V band albedos for samples of outer solar system minor bodies including Centaurs, Jovian Trojans and Hildas. Diameters come almost entirely from the NEOWISE catalog (Mainzer etal 2016- Planetary Data System). Optical photometry (H values) for about 2/3 of the approximately 2700 objects studied are from PanStarrrs (Veres et al 2015 Icarus 261, 34). The PanStarrs optical photometry is supplemented by H values from JPL Horizons (corrected to be on the same photometric system as the PanStarrs data) for the objects in the NEOWISE catalog that are not in the PanStarrs catalog. We compare the albedo distributions of various pairs of subsamples using the nonparametric Wilcoxon rank sum test. Examples of potentially interesting comparisons include: (1) The Hildas are 15-25% darker than the Trojans at a very high level of statistical significance. If the Hildas and Trojans started out with similar surfaces, the Hildas may have darkened due to the effects of gardening as they pass through zone III of the asteroid belt. (2) The median albedo of the gray Centaurs lies between that of the L4 and L5 Trojan groups (3) The median L5 Trojan cloud albedo is about 10% darker than that of the L4 cloud at a high level of significance. However, the modes of the L4 and L5 albedo distributions are very similar, perhaps indicating the presence of a distinct brighter component in the L4 cloud that is not found in the L5 cloud.

76 FR 60080 - Notice of Receipt of Complaint; Solicitation of Comments Relating to the Public Interest

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-09-28

.... The complaint names as respondent Apple Inc. of CA. The complainant, proposed respondents, other... Commission has received a complaint filed on behalf of VIA Technologies Inc., IP-First, LLC and Centaur...

Rotational properties of the binary and non-binary populations in the trans-Neptunian belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thirouin, A.; Noll, K. S.; Ortiz, J. L.; Morales, N.

2014-09-01

We present results for the short-term variability of binary trans-Neptunian objects (BTNOs). We performed CCD photometric observations using the 3.58 m Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG), the 1.5 m Sierra Nevada Observatory (OSN) telescope, and the 1.23 m Centro Astronómico Hispano Alemán (CAHA) telescope at Calar Alto Observatory. We present results based on five years of observations and report the short-term variability of six BTNOs. Our sample contains three classical objects: (174567) 2003 MW12, or Varda, (120347) 2004 SB60, or Salacia, and 2002 VT130; one detached disk object: (229762) 2007 UK126; and two resonant objects: (341520) 2007 TY430 and (38628) 2000 EB173, or Huya. For each target, possible rotational periods and/or photometric amplitudes are reported. We also derived some physical properties from their light curves, such as density, primary and secondary sizes, and albedo. We compiled and analyzed a vast light curve database for TNOs including centaurs to determine the light-curve amplitude and spin frequency distributions for the binary and non-binary populations. The mean rotational periods, from the Maxwellian fits to the frequency distributions, are 8.63 ± 0.52 h for the entire sample, 8.37 ± 0.58 h for the sample without the binary population, and 10.11 ± 1.19 h for the binary population alone. Because the centaurs are collisionally more evolved, their rotational periods might not be so primordial. We computed a mean rotational period, from the Maxwellian fit, of 8.86 ± 0.58 h for the sample without the centaur population, and of 8.64 ± 0.67 h considering a sample without the binary and the centaur populations. According to this analysis, regular TNOs spin faster than binaries, which is compatible with the tidal interaction of the binaries. Finally, we examined possible formation models for several systems studied in this work and by our team in previous papers. Appendix A is available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.orgFull Table 1 is only available at the CDS via anonymous ftp to http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr (ftp://130.79.128.5) or via http://cdsarc.u-strasbg.fr/viz-bin/qcat?J/A+A/569/A3

Spectral properties of the nucleus of short-period comets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toth, I.; Lamy, P. L.

2000-10-01

Comets, Edgeworth-Kuiper-Belt Objects (EKBOs), Centaurs and low albedo asteroids contain a considerable amount of information regarding some of the primordial processes that governed the formation of the early Solar System planetesimals. Opportunities to determine the colors of cometary nuclei are rare and relevant ground-based observations are difficult to perform. Color diversities and similarities between different types of small bodies have already been considered ([1] and references therein). We pursue this analysis further by introducing new BVRI colors obtained from our survey of cometary nuclei with the Hubble Space Telescope [2] as well as recent data obtained on EKBOs. We present preliminary results on the distribution of the BVRI colors (histograms, two-color diagrams) and possible relationships between the colors and orbital elements as well as the determined body sizes. The mean colors of the selected sample of the short-period (s-p) comets are: < (B-V) > = 0.91, < (V-R) > = 0.52, and < (V-I) > = 0.84. Pearson's linear correlation analysis of the (B-V) versus (V-R) and (V-R) versus (V-I) colors show significant correlations for the EKBOs+Centaurs sample while the s-p sample seems to be uncorrelated, with a few outliers. The linear regression lines of the EKBOs+Centaurs sample crosses through the sample of the s-p comets. There are no correlations of the colors versus perihelion distances, effective radii and perihelion distances as well as the (a,sin(i)) diagrams. This work was supported by grants from CNRS and CNES, France and partially by the the Hungarian Research Foundation OTKA T025049. [1] Luu, J., 1993. Icarus 104, 138. [2] Lamy, P.L. et al., this conference

Cryogenic Orbital Testbed (CRYOTE) Ground Test Article, Final Report

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Wesley L.; Rhys, Noah O.; Bradley, David E.; Wollen, Mark; Kutter, Bernard; Gravlee, Mari; Walls, Laurie K.

2015-01-01

Liquid propulsion has been used since Robert Goddard started developing a liquid oxygen (LO2) and gasoline powered rocket and fired it in 1923 (Ref. 1). In the following decades engineers settled on the combination of liquid hydrogen (LH2) and LO2 as the most efficient propellant combination for in-space travel. Due to their low temperatures (LH2 at 20 K and LO2 at 90 K), they require special handling and procedures. General Dynamics began developing LO2 and LH2 upper stages in 1956 in the form of Centaur, these efforts were soon funded by the Department of Defense in conjunction with NASA (beginning in 1958) (Ref. 2). Meanwhile NASA also worked with McDonnell Douglas to develop the SIV-B stage for the Saturn V rocket. In the subsequent years, the engineers were able to push the Centaur to up to 9 hr of orbital lifetime and the SIV-B to up to 6 hr. Due to venting the resultant boil-off from the high heat loads through the foam insulation on the upper stages, both vehicles remained in a settled configuration throughout the flights, thus the two phases of propellant (liquid and vapor) were separated at a known location. The one exception to this were the Titan/Centaur missions, which thanks to the lower boil-off using three layers of multilayer insulation (MLI), were able to coast unsettled for up to 5.25 hr during direct geosynchronous orbit insertion missions. In the years since there has been a continuous effort to extend the life of these upper stages from hours to days or even months.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jewitt, David, E-mail: jewitt@ucla.edu

Most comets are volatile-rich bodies that have recently entered the inner solar system following long-term storage in the Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud reservoirs. These reservoirs feed several distinct, short-lived “small body” populations. Here, we present new measurements of the optical colors of cometary and comet-related bodies including long-period (Oort cloud) comets, Damocloids (probable inactive nuclei of long-period comets) and Centaurs (recent escapees from the Kuiper belt and precursors to the Jupiter family comets). We combine the new measurements with published data on short-period comets, Jovian Trojans and Kuiper belt objects to examine the color systematics of the comet-relatedmore » populations. We find that the mean optical colors of the dust in short-period and long-period comets are identical within the uncertainties of measurement, as are the colors of the dust and of the underlying nuclei. These populations show no evidence for scattering by optically small particles or for compositional gradients, even at the largest distances from the Sun, and no evidence for ultrared matter. Consistent with earlier work, ultrared surfaces are common in the Kuiper belt and on the Centaurs, but not in other small body populations, suggesting that this material is hidden or destroyed upon entry to the inner solar system. The onset of activity in the Centaurs and the disappearance of the ultrared matter in this population begin at about the same perihelion distance (∼10 AU), suggesting that the two are related. Blanketing of primordial surface materials by the fallback of sub-orbital ejecta, for which we calculate a very short timescale, is the likely mechanism. The same process should operate on any mass-losing body, explaining the absence of ultrared surface material in the entire comet population.« less

The thermal emission of Centaurs and trans-Neptunian objects at millimeter wavelengths from ALMA observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lellouch, E.; Moreno, R.; Müller, T.; Fornasier, S.; Santos-Sanz, P.; Moullet, A.; Gurwell, M.; Stansberry, J.; Leiva, R.; Sicardy, B.; Butler, B.; Boissier, J.

2017-12-01

The sensitivity of ALMA makes it possible to detect thermal mm/submm emission from small and/or distant solar system bodies at the sub-mJy level. While the measured fluxes are primarily sensitive to the objects' diameters, deriving precise sizes is somewhat hampered by the uncertain effective emissivity at these wavelengths. Following recent work presenting ALMA data for four trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) with satellites, we report on ALMA 233 GHz (1.29 mm) flux measurements of four Centaurs (2002 GZ32, Bienor, Chiron, Chariklo) and two other TNOs (Huya and Makemake), sampling a range of sizes, albedos, and compositions. These thermal fluxes are combined with previously published fluxes in the mid/far infrared in order to derive their relative emissivity at radio (mm/submm) wavelengths, using the Near Earth Asteroid Standard Model (NEATM) and thermophysical models. We reassess earlier thermal measurements of these and other objects - including Pluto/Charon and Varuna - exploring, in particular, effects due to non-spherical shape and varying apparent pole orientation whenever information is available, and show that these effects can be key for reconciling previous diameter determinations and correctly estimating the spectral emissivities. We also evaluate the possible contribution to thermal fluxes of established (Chariklo) or claimed (Chiron) ring systems. For Chariklo, the rings do not impact the diameter determinations by more than 5%; for Chiron, invoking a ring system does not help in improving the consistency between the numerous past size measurements. As a general conclusion, all the objects, except Makemake, have radio emissivities significantly lower than unity. Although the emissivity values show diversity, we do not find any significant trend with physical parameters such as diameter, composition, beaming factor, albedo, or color, but we suggest that the emissivity could be correlated with grain size. The mean relative radio emissivity is found to be 0.70 ± 0.13, a value that we recommend for the analysis of further mm/submm data.

Systems design study of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 1. Technical analyses and tradeoffs, sections 5-6 (part 2 of 4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

System configuration concepts, and tradeoffs are presented for the Atlas/Centaur, and the Thor/Delta probes. Spacecraft system definition, and the probe system definition are discussed along with the mission reliability.

The cart before the horse: Mariner spacecraft and launch vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1984-01-01

Evolution of unmanned space exploration (Pioneer, Ranger, Surveyor, and Prospector) up to 1960, and the problems in the design and use of the Atlas Centaur launch vehicle were discussed. The Mariner Program was developed from the experience gained from the previous unmanned flights.

Mathematical and computational studies of the stability of axisymmetric annular capillary free surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Albright, N.; Concus, P.; Karasalo, I.

1977-01-01

Of principal interest is the stability of a perfectly wetting liquid in an inverted, vertical, right circular-cylindrical container having a concave spheroidal bottom. The mathematical conditions that the contained liquid be in stable static equilibrium are derived, including those for the limiting case of zero contact angle. Based on these results, a computational investigation is carried out for a particular container that is used for the storage of liquid fuels in NASA Centaur space vehicles, for which the axial ratio of the container bottom is 0.724. It is found that for perfectly wetting liquids the qualitative nature of the onset of instability changes at a critical liquid volume, which for the Centaur fuel tank corresponds to a mean fill level of approximately 0.503 times the tank's radius. Small-amplitude periodic sloshing modes for this tank were calculated; oscillation frequencies or growth rates are given for several Bond numbers and liquid volumes, for normal modes having up to six angular nodes.

A survey for TNOs using the APS POSS I database

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhoads, E.; Humphries, R.; Woodward, C.; Larsen, J.

2004-12-01

The digitized first epoch Palomar Observatory Sky Survey (POSS I) is an ideal and unused archive for the purpose of data mining Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs). When accounting for overlap in TNO phase space and the area of the plates covered by stars and galaxies, the effective sky coverage area for this search was 4931 square degrees for Plutinos, and 4992 square degrees for classical TNOs. Using constraints based on the properties of known TNOs, computer codes were used to separate TNO candidates from millions of stars and galaxies. Lists of possible TNO, Centaur, and asteroid candidates were created. The results of this survey yielded 17 reliable TNOs and TNO candidates, including Pluto, Quaoar, and Varuna. In addition to the TNOs, 28 Centaur and 31 Asteroid candidates were found. The TNO Quaoar was pre-covered, and the Main Belt Asteroid (395) Delia was also recovered. I would like to thank the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium for helping to fund my research.

The 250AH/90A active lithium-thionyl chloride cell for Centaur-G application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolla, A. E.; Tura, D. D.

1987-01-01

A high rate active Li/SOCl2 cell was designed for use in a 28 volt, 250 amp-hour space battery system. The lithium battery is being considered as a replacement of its heavier silver-zinc counterpart on board the Centaur-G booster rocket which is used to launch payloads from the Space Shuttle cargo bay into deep-space. Basically a feasibility study, this development effort is demonstrating the ability of the lithium cell to deliver up to 90 amps safely at power densities of approximately 25 watts per pound. Test data on 4 prototype units is showing an energy density of 85 watt-hours per pound and 9.0 watt-hours/cu in. The cells tested typically delivered 280 to 300 amp-hours under ambient temperature test conditions using alternating continuous loads of 90, 55, and 20 amperes throughout life. Data from four cells tested are presented to demonstrate the capability of Li/SOCl2 technology for a C/3 discharge rate in active and hermetic cell units.

Nuclear reactor power for a space-based radar. SP-100 project

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bloomfield, Harvey; Heller, Jack; Jaffe, Leonard; Beatty, Richard; Bhandari, Pradeep; Chow, Edwin; Deininger, William; Ewell, Richard; Fujita, Toshio; Grossman, Merlin

1986-01-01

A space-based radar mission and spacecraft, using a 300 kWe nuclear reactor power system, has been examined, with emphasis on aspects affecting the power system. The radar antenna is a horizontal planar array, 32 X 64 m. The orbit is at 61 deg, 1088 km. The mass of the antenna with support structure is 42,000 kg; of the nuclear reactor power system, 8,300 kg; of the whole spacecraft about 51,000 kg, necessitating multiple launches and orbital assembly. The assembly orbit is at 57 deg, 400 km, high enough to provide the orbital lifetime needed for orbital assembly. The selected scenario uses six Shuttle launches to bring the spacecraft and a Centaur G upper-stage vehicle to assembly orbit. After assembly, the Centaur places the spacecraft in operational orbit, where it is deployed on radio command, the power system started, and the spacecraft becomes operational. Electric propulsion is an alternative and allows deployment in assembly orbit, but introduces a question of nuclear safety.

First heated jettison test on the Centaur standard shroud

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1974-01-01

The first in a planned series of heated jettison tests on the Centaur Standard Shround was conducted at NASA Plum Brook Station's Space Power Facility on November 19, 1973. The first 250-second portion of the test sequence involved heating the shroud with a specially-built fixture designed to provide a simulation of the heating environment encountered by the shroud during its ascent through the earth's atmosphere. The two heater halves, which were mounted on a rail system, were then retracted. This was followed by the jettison of the two shroud halves into catch nets positioned at 90 deg to the heater rails. The condition which made this test unique compared to the planned subsequent tests was the location of the maximum thermal line at 32 deg from the shroud separation plane. Information on the test hardware, configuration, and sequence is presented. Shroud thermal and deflection data encountered during the heating portion of the test sequence is compared with free-skin design temperatures in various graphical formats.

Debiasing the Distant Solar System Populations Using Pan-STARRS1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lilly Schunova, Eva; Weryk, Robert J.; Chastel, Serge; Denneau, Larry; Jedicke, Robert; Wainscoat, Richard J.; Chambers, Kenneth C.

2017-10-01

We discuss our on-going effort to identify Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) in the Pan-STARRS1 dataset, and to debias the size-frequency distributions (SFD) of detected TNO sub-populations in order to estimate their true population sizes. To measure our detection efficiency we used the model of Grav et al. (2011)[1], which includes Kuiper belt Objects (KBOs), Scattered Disc Objects (SDOs), and Centaurs. Our debiasing method accounts for the per-chip CCD sensitivity as well as CCD cell gaps. The search method for finding distant Solar System objects, which was developed for our initial work (Weryk et al., 2016)[2], led to discovery of 29 Centaurs, 243 KBOs and 61 SDOs from Pan-STARRS data spanning years 2010-2015. Our work is extended using more recent PS1 data.[1] Grav, T., et al. (2011), Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific, Volume 123, Issue 902, pp. 423.[2] Weryk, R.J., et al. (2016), eprint arXiv:1607.04895.

Discovery of A New Retrograde Trans-Neptunian Object: Hint of A Common Orbital Plane for Low Semi-Major Axis, High Inclination TNOs and Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ying-Tung; Lin, Hsing-Wen; Holman, Matthew J.; Payne, Matthew John; Fraser, Wesley Cristopher; Lacerda, Pedro; Ip, Wing-Huen; Pan-STARRS 1 Builders

2016-10-01

The origin of high inclination objects beyond Jupiter, including trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs, remains uncertain. We report the discovery of a retrograde TNO, which we nickname "Niku", detected by the Pan-STARRS 1 Outer Solar System Survey. The numerical integrations show that the orbital dynamics of Niku are very similar to those of 2008 KV42 (Drac), with a half-life of ~ 500 Myr and analogous orbital evolution. Comparing similar high inclination members announced by the Minor-Planet Center (q > 10 AU, a < 100 AU and i > 60), we find these objects exhibit a surprising clustering of ascending node, populating a common orbital plane. The statistical significance of 3.8-sigma suggests it is unlikely to be coincidental. An unknown mechanism is required to explain the observed clustering. This discovery may provide a pathway to investigating a possible reservoir of high-inclination objects.

Early Rockets

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-07-25

An Atlas Centaur rocket (AC-S9) was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station complex 36B carrying into orbit the Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) spacecraft. CRRES was a joint NASA/Air Force mission to study the effects of chemical release on the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere.

Voyager 1's Launch Vehicle

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-09-05

The Titan/Centaur-6 launch vehicle was moved to Launch Complex 41 at Kennedy Space Center in Florida to complete checkout procedures in preparation for launch. The photo is dated January 1977. This launch vehicle carried Voyager 1 into space on September 5, 1977. https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA21739

High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-01-01

Managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center and designed by TRW, the first High Energy Astronomy Observatory was launched August 12, 1977 aboard an Atlas Centaur rocket. HEAO-1, devoted to the study of X-rays in space, carried four instruments all used primarily in a scarning mode. The mission lasted seventeen months.

69PC-23

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-02-24

An Atlas-Centaur rocket carrying the Mariner 6 spacecraft lifted off from Cape Kennedy’s Launch Complex 36B at 8:29 P.M. EST, February 24, 1969. The spacecraft’s journey to Mars will span five months, bringing it to within 2,000 miles to help determine whether that planet can support life.

Titan/Centaur D-1T TC-2, Helios A flight data report. [of space missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Background data of spacecraft launching and flight are presented. A system analysis of the space vehicles is included, specifically on: (1) electronic equipment, (2) hydraulic equipment, (3) telemetry, (4) propulsion systems, (5) software (computers), and (6) guidance. Spacecraft and launch vehicle configurations are shown and described.

Launch Vehicles

NASA Image and Video Library

1990-09-25

The Atlas-Centaur, AC-68 vehicle, with the FLTSATCOM (F-8 Communication Satellite) aboard, on the Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The FLTSATCOM will provide communications for ships and submarines at sea, planes in the air and military ground units throughout the world. It will also provide instant communications between the President and the Commanding Officers.

KSC-01pp0873

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., prepare to open the solar panel on the GOES-M satellite. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-01pp0875

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., check the solar panel on the GOES-M satellite. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0799

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., work on the GOES-M satellite. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-01pp0881

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., a worker checks components of the GOES-M satellite. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Meeting the Centaur on the Way

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DuBois, Fletcher

2006-01-01

This article is an example of the use of an autobiographical curriculum theory approach which centers on the production of multiple educational lifelines across time and subject. Reactions to and questions about a late Medieval painting at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC are used to raise issues concerning what it means to be taught…

Comet 29P/SW1 outburst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trigo-Rodriguez, Josep M.

2008-10-01

The present outburst experienced by this Centaur (#IAUC 8978) is the brightest detected since September 2004 [for more details see Trigo-Rodriguez et al. (2008) A&A485, pp. 599-606]. In the previously reported work the outburst frequency was established in 7.3 outbursts/year, typically reaching a +13 maximum magnitude or less.

An integrated autonomous rendezvous and docking system architecture using Centaur modern avionics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nelson, Kurt

1991-01-01

The avionics system for the Centaur upper stage is in the process of being modernized with the current state-of-the-art in strapdown inertial guidance equipment. This equipment includes an integrated flight control processor with a ring laser gyro based inertial guidance system. This inertial navigation unit (INU) uses two MIL-STD-1750A processors and communicates over the MIL-STD-1553B data bus. Commands are translated into load activation through a Remote Control Unit (RCU) which incorporates the use of solid state relays. Also, a programmable data acquisition system replaces separate multiplexer and signal conditioning units. This modern avionics suite is currently being enhanced through independent research and development programs to provide autonomous rendezvous and docking capability using advanced cruise missile image processing technology and integrated GPS navigational aids. A system concept was developed to combine these technologies in order to achieve a fully autonomous rendezvous, docking, and autoland capability. The current system architecture and the evolution of this architecture using advanced modular avionics concepts being pursued for the National Launch System are discussed.

Planetary mission applications for space storable propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chase, R. L.; Cork, M. J.; Young, D. L.

1974-01-01

This paper presents the results of a study to compare space-storable with earth-storable spacecraft propulsion systems, space-storable with solid kick stages, and several space-storable development options on the basis of benefits received for cost expenditures required. The results show that, for a launch vehicle with performance less than that of Shuttle/Centaur, space-storable spacecraft propulsion offers an incremental benefit/cost ratio between 1.0 and 5.5 when compared to earth-storable systems for three of the four missions considered. In the case of VOIR 83, positive benefits were apparent only for a specific launch vehicle-spacecraft propulsion combination. A space-storable propulsion system operating at thrust of 600 lbf, 355 units of specific impulse, and with blowdown pressurization, represents the best choice for the JO 81 mission on a Titan/Centaur if only spacecraft propulsion modifications are considered. For still higher performance, a new solid-propellant kick stage with space-storable spacecraft propulsion is preferred over a system which uses space-storable propellants for both the kick stage and the spacecraft system.

Harmonization of the Bayer ADVIA Centaur and Abbott AxSYM automated B-type natriuretic peptide assay in patients on hemodialysis.

PubMed

Barak, Mira; Weinberger, Ronit; Marcusohn, Jerom; Froom, Paul

2005-01-01

There are two fully automated high-throughput clinical instruments for brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) assays, the Bayer ADVIA Centaur assay, and the Abbott AxSYM assay. Although both recommend a cut-off value of 100 pg/mL, we are unaware of previous studies that have compared the unadjusted results of the two methods, required for proper evaluation of patients undergoing this test on different platforms. From 43 hemodialysis patients, 80 paired samples were collected by venipuncture into plastic evacuated tubes containing EDTA. The Bayer assay yielded lower values than the Abbott assay, with linear regression of 0.53 x Abbott assay (95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.56) being forced through 0, demonstrating an r(2)-value of 0.954. Regression for the Abbott assay was 1.79 x Bayer assay (95% CI, 1.69-1.89). The cut-off values for abnormal BNP results analyzed on the Abbott system are not identical to those on the Bayer system, and this needs to be taken into account when comparing studies on the clinical utility of these systems.

Activity of (2060) Chiron possibly caused by impacts?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cikota, Stefan; Fernández-Valenzuela, Estela; Ortiz, Jose Luis; Morales, Nicolás; Duffard, René; Aceituno, Jesus; Cikota, Aleksandar; Santos-Sanz, Pablo

2018-04-01

The centaur 95P/(2060) Chiron is showing comet-like activity since its discovery, but the mass-loss mechanisms triggering its activity remained unexplained. Although the collision rates in the centaur region are expected to be very low, and impacts are thought not to be responsible for the mass-loss, since the recent indications that Chiron might possess a ring similar to Chariklo's, and assuming that there is debris orbiting around, the impact triggered mass-loss mechanism should not be excluded as a possible cause of its activity. From time series observations collected on Calar Alto Observatory in Spain between 2014 and 2016, we found that the photometric scatter in Chiron's data is larger than a control star's scatter, indicating a possible microactivity, possibly caused by debris falling back to Chiron's surface and lifting small clouds of material. We also present rotational light curves, and measurements of Chiron's absolute magnitudes, which are consistent with the models supporting the presumption that Chiron possesses rings. By co-adding the images acquired in 2015, we have detected an ˜5 arcsec long tail, showing a surface brightness of 25.3 mag(V) arcsec-2.

Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) Heated Altitude Jettison Tests

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Altitude jettison tests, at a pressure of 20 torr (0.39 psia), were performed on the Centaur Standard Shroud (CSS) in a 100-foot diameter vacuum chamber. These jettison tests were part of a series of flight qualification tests which were performed on the new CSS system in preparation for the Helios and Viking missions. The first two tests subjected the CSS to a thermal cycle which simulated aerodynamic heating during ascent flight and the third test was performed at altitude pressure and in ambient temperature conditions. The purpose of the ambient temperature test was to provide base line data by which the separate machanical and thermal factors that influence jettison performance could be evaluated individually. The CSS was successfully jettisoned in each of the three tests. Also, thermal, stress, and structural deflection data were obtained which verified the analytical predictions of CSS response to flight environmental conditions and performance during jettison. In addition, much important information was obtained on critical CSS-to-payload clearance losses due to shell motions prior to and during jettison. The effectiveness of the separation system was successfully demonstrated at maximum flight temperatures.

Solar System Observations with Spitzer Space Telescope: Preliminary Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruikshank, Dale P.

2005-01-01

The programs of observations of Solar System bodies conducted in the first year of the operation of the Spitzer Space Telescope as part of the Guaranteed Observing Time allocations are described. Initial results include the determination of the albedos of a number of Kuiper Belt objects and Centaurs from observations of their flux densities at 24 and 70 microns, and the detection of emission bands in the spectra of several distant asteroids (Trojans) around 10 and 25 microns. The 10 Kuiper Belt objects observed to date have albedos in the range 0.08 - 0.15, significantly higher than the earlier estimated 0.04. An additional KBO [(55565) 2002 AW(sub l97)] has an albedo of 0.17 plus or minus 0.03. The emission bands in the asteroid spectra are indicative of silicates, but specific minerals have not yet been identified. The Centaur/comet 29P/Schwassmann-Wachmann 1 has a nucleus surface albedo of 0.025 plus or minus 0.01, and its dust production rate was calculated from the properties of the coma. Several other investigations are in progress as the incoming data are processed and analyzed.

LCROSS: Volatiles and Exosphere Associated with a Permanently Shadowed Region in Cabeus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wooden, Diane; Colaprete, Anthony; Heldmann, Jennifer; Ennico, Kimberly; Shirley, Mark; Marshall, William

2010-01-01

We discuss the volatile species in the LCROSS data set in addition to water that were observed by the LCROSS Shepherding Spacecraft before its own demise in the four minutes following the first impact by the Centaur. The stochastic nature of the temporal variations observed by the nadir-viewing near-infrared spectrometer combined with the diversity of the volatile species suggests that these species were in situ in the permanently shadowed crater and were released by a combination of the centaur impact and the resulting warming of the regolith by the impact and ejecta debris blanket. Adding to this intrigue are the pre-impact observations by the UVVisual spectrometer that reveal that the field-of-view into the permanently shadowed crater contains UV emission lines, The UV lines are clearly revealed once the descent of the shepherding spacecraft narrows the field-of-view of the UV-Vis spectrometer so as to exclude any surrounding bright terrain. Our suggestion is that this emission comes from tenuous gases, i.e., there appears to be a potential association between the cold, permanently shadowed region and an exosphere.

Centaur Test Bed (CTB) for Cryogenic Fluid Management

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakla, Steven; Kutter, Bernard; Wall, John

2006-01-01

Future missions such as NASA s space exploration vision and DOD satellite servicing will require significant increases in the understanding and knowledge of space based cryogenic fluid management (CFM), including the transfer and storage of cryogenic fluids. Existing CFM capabilities are based on flight of upper stage cryogenic vehicles, scientific dewars, a few dedicated flight demonstrations and ground testing. This current capability is inadequate to support development of the CEV cryogenic propulsion system, other aspects of robust space exploration or the refueling of satellite cryo propulsion systems with reasonable risk. In addition, these technologies can provide significant performance increases for missions beyond low-earth orbit to enable manned missions to the Moon and beyond. The Centaur upper-stage vehicle can provide a low cost test platform for performing numerous flight demonstrations of the full breadth of required CFM technologies to support CEV development. These flight demonstrations can be performed as secondary mission objectives using excess LH2 and/or LO2 from the main vehicle propellant tanks following primary spacecraft separation at minimal cost and risk.

Giant comets and mass extinctions of life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Napier, W. M.

2015-03-01

I find evidence for clustering in age of well-dated impact craters over the last 500 Myr. At least nine impact episodes are identified, with durations whose upper limits are set by the dating accuracy of the craters. Their amplitudes and frequency are inconsistent with an origin in asteroid breakups or Oort cloud disturbances, but are consistent with the arrival and disintegration in near-Earth orbits of rare, giant comets, mainly in transit from the Centaur population into the Jupiter family and Encke regions. About 1 in 10 Centaurs in Chiron-like orbits enter Earth-crossing epochs, usually repeatedly, each such epoch being generally of a few thousand years' duration. On time-scales of geological interest, debris from their breakup may increase the mass of the near-Earth interplanetary environment by two or three orders of magnitude, yielding repeated episodes of bombardment and stratospheric dusting. I find a strong correlation between these bombardment episodes and major biostratigraphic and geological boundaries, and propose that episodes of extinction are most effectively driven by prolonged encounters with meteoroid streams during bombardment episodes. Possible mechanisms are discussed.

Removal of carbonyl sulfide using activated carbon adsorption.

PubMed

Sattler, Melanie L; Rosenberk, Ranjith Samuel

2006-02-01

Wastewater treatment plant odors are caused by compounds such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), methyl mercaptans, and carbonyl sulfide (COS). One of the most efficient odor control processes is activated carbon adsorption; however, very few studies have been conducted on COS adsorption. COS is not only an odor causing compound but is also listed in the Clean Air Act as a hazardous air pollutant. Objectives of this study were to determine the following: (1) the adsorption capacity of 3 different carbons for COS removal; (2) the impact of relative humidity (RH) on COS adsorption; (3) the extent of competitive adsorption of COS in the presence of H2S; and (4) whether ammonia injection would increase COS adsorption capacity. Vapor phase react (VPR; reactivated), BPL (bituminous coal-based), and Centaur (physically modified to enhance H2S adsorption) carbons manufactured by Calgon Carbon Corp. were tested in three laboratory-scale columns, 6 in. in depth and 1 in. in diameter. Inlet COS concentrations varied from 35 to 49 ppmv (86-120 mg/m3). RHs of 17%, 30%, 50%, and 90% were tested. For competitive adsorption studies, H2S was tested at 60 ppmv, with COS at 30 ppmv. COS, RH, H2S, and ammonia concentrations were measured using an International Sensor Technology Model IQ-350 solid state sensor, Cole-Parmer humidity stick, Interscan Corp. 1000 series portable analyzer, and Drager Accuro ammonia sensor, respectively. It was found that the adsorption capacity of Centaur carbon for COS was higher than the other two carbons, regardless of RH. As humidity increased, the percentage of decrease in adsorption capacity of Centaur carbon, however, was greater than the other two carbons. The carbon adsorption capacity for COS decreased in proportion to the percentage of H2S in the gas stream. More adsorption sites appear to be available to H2S, a smaller molecule. Ammonia, which has been found to increase H2S adsorption capacity, did not increase the capacity for COS.

Rosetta/VIRTIS-M spectral data: Comet 67P/CG compared to other primitive small bodies.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Sanctis, M. C.; Capaccioni, F.; Filacchione, G.; Erard, S.; Tosi, F.; Ciarniello, M.; Raponi, A.; Piccioni, G.; Leyrat, C.; Bockelée-Morvan, D.; Drossart, P.; Fornasier, S.

2014-12-01

VIRTIS-M, the Visible InfraRed Thermal Imaging Spectrometer, onboard the Rosetta Mission orbiter (Coradini et al., 2007) acquired data of the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko in the 0.25-5.1 µm spectral range. The initial data, obtained during the first mission phases to the comet, allow us to derive albedo and global spectral properties of the comet nucleus as well as spectra of different areas on the nucleus. The characterization of cometary nuclei surfaces and their comparison with those of related populations such as extinct comet candidates, Centaurs, near-Earth asteroids (NEAs), trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), and primitive asteroids is critical to understanding the origin and evolution of small solar system bodies. The acquired VIRTIS data are used to compare the global spectral properties of comet 67P/CG to published spectra of other cometary nuclei observed from ground or visited by space mission. Moreover, the spectra of 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko are also compared to those of primitive asteroids and centaurs. The comparison can give us clues on the possible common formation and evolutionary environment for primitive asteroids, centaurs and Jupiter-family comets. Authors acknowledge the funding from Italian and French Space Agencies. References: Coradini, A., Capaccioni, F., Drossart, P., Arnold, G., Ammannito, E., Angrilli, F., Barucci, A., Bellucci, G., Benkhoff, J., Bianchini, G., Bibring, J. P., Blecka, M., Bockelee-Morvan, D., Capria, M. T., Carlson, R., Carsenty, U., Cerroni, P., Colangeli, L., Combes, M., Combi, M., Crovisier, J., De Sanctis, M. C., Encrenaz, E. T., Erard, S., Federico, C., Filacchione, G., Fink, U., Fonti, S., Formisano, V., Ip, W. H., Jaumann, R., Kuehrt, E., Langevin, Y., Magni, G., McCord, T., Mennella, V., Mottola, S., Neukum, G., Palumbo, P., Piccioni, G., Rauer, H., Saggin, B., Schmitt, B., Tiphene, D., Tozzi, G., Space Science Reviews, Volume 128, Issue 1-4, 529-559, 2007.

Analytical verification and method comparison of the ADVIA Centaur® Intact Parathyroid Hormone assay.

PubMed

Fernández-Galán, Esther; Bedini, Josep Lluís; Filella, Xavier

2017-12-01

This study is the first verification of the novel iPTH Siemens ADVIA Centaur® Intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTHm) chemiluminescence immunoassay based on monoclonal antibodies. We also compared the iPTH results obtained using this assay with the previous ADVIA Centaur® Parathyroid Hormone assay (iPTHp) based on polyclonal antibodies. The analytical performance study of iPTHm assay included LoD, LoQ, intra- and inter-assay reproducibility, and linearity. A comparison study was performed on 369 routine plasma samples. The results were analyzed independently for patients with normal and abnormal GFR, as well as patients on hemodialysis. In addition, clinical concordance between assays was assessed. Finally, we studied PTH stability of plasma samples at 4°C. For the iPTHm assay LoD and LoQ were 0.03pmol/L and 0.10pmol/L, respectively. Intra- and inter-assay CV were between 2.3% and 6.2%. Linearity was correct in the range from 3.82 to 203.08pmol/L. Correlation studies showed a good correlation (r=0.99) between iPTHm and iPTHp, with bias of -2.55% (IC -3.48% to -1.62%) in the range from 0.32 to 117.07pmol/L. Clinical concordance, assessed by Kappa Index, was 0.874. The stability study showed that differences compared to basal iPTH concentration did not exceed 20% in any of the samples analyzed. The iPTHm assay demonstrated acceptable performance and a very good clinical concordance with iPTHp assay, currently used in our laboratory. Thus, the novel iPTHm assay can replace the previous iPTHp assay, since results provided by both assays are very similar. In our study, the stability of iPTH is not affected by storage up to 14days. Copyright © 2017 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-08-01

This picture is of an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, carrying the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1, on Launch Complex 36 at the Air Force Eastern Test Range prior to launch on August 12, 1977. The Kennedy Space Center managed the launch operations that included a pre-aunch checkout, launch, and flight, up through the observatory separation in orbit.

Observations of Planet Crossing Asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tholen, David J.

1999-01-01

This grant funds the investigation of the Solar System's planet crossing asteroid population, principally the near Earth and trans-Neptunian objects, but also the Centaurs. Investigations include colorimetry at both visible and near infrared wavelengths, light curve photometry, astrometry, and a pilot project to find near Earth objects with small aphelion distances, which requires observations at small solar elongations.

Centaurus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdin, P.

2000-11-01

(the Centaur; abbrev. Cen, gen. Centauri; area 1060 sq. deg.) A southern constellation which lies between Vela and Lupus, and surrounds Crux on three sides. It culminates at midnight in early April. Its origin dates back at least to ancient Greece, where it was identified with Chiron in Greek mythology. The brightest stars of Centaurus were cataloged by Ptolemy (c. AD 100-175) in the Almagest....

Intelsat communications satellite scheduled for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1983-01-01

To be placed into a highly elliptical transfer orbit by the Atlas Centaur (AC-61) launch vehicle, the INTELSAT V-F satellite has 12,000 voice circuits and 2 color television channels and incorporates a maritime communication system for ship to shore communications. The stages of the launch vehicle and the launch operations are described. A table shows the launch sequence.

NASA Lewis Research Center low-gravity fluid management technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aydelott, J. C.; Carney, M. J.; Hochstein, J. I.

1985-01-01

A history of the Lewis Research Center in space fluid management technology program is presented. Current programs which include numerical modeling of fluid systems, heat exchanger/radiator concept studies, and the design of the Cryogenic Fluid Management Facility are discussed. Recent analytical and experimental activities performed to support the Shuttle/Centaur development activity are highlighted.

KSC-01pp0877

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

Workers (at left) at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., observe the inside of the solar panel on the GOES-M satellite. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-01pp0879

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., look at components on the GOES-M satellite after opening the solar panel. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-01pp0880

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., confer about their findings after opening the solar panel on the GOES-M satellite. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC-01pp0876

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-16

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., observe the solar panel on the GOES-M satellite as they open it. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Ara

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murdin, P.

2000-11-01

(the Altar; abbrev. Ara, gen. Arae; area 237 sq. deg.) A southern constellation that lies between Scorpius and Apus, and culminates at midnight in early June. It is said to represent the altar upon which in Greek mythology the gods swore allegiance before their battle against the Titans, and that upon which Chiron, the centaur, is about to sacrifice Lupus, the wolf (which was a neighboring conste...

KSC01pp0808

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-17

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., begin deploying the magnetometer boom on the GOES-M satellite. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0795

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., an overhead crane lifts the GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) from the transporter. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite will undergo testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0798

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., workers look over the GOES-M satellite after removal of its protective cover. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite will undergo testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0800

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

While an overhead crane lifts the GOES-M satellite at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., workers check the underside. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0803

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., the GOES-M satellite is lifted at an angle on a workstand. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0802

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., a worker (right) turns the GOES-M satellite, bringing its side into view. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0809

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-17

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., begin deploying the magnetometer boom on the GOES-M satellite. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0810

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-13

Workers at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., deploy the magnetometer boom on the GOES-M satellite. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Physical studies of Centaurs and Trans-Neptunian Objects with the Atacama Large Millimeter Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moullet, Arielle; Lellouch, Emmanuel; Moreno, Raphael; Gurwell, Mark

2011-05-01

Once completed, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) will be the most powerful (sub)millimeter interferometer in terms of sensitivity, spatial resolution and imaging. This paper presents the capabilities of ALMA applied to the observation of Centaurs and Trans-Neptunian Objects, and their possible output in terms of physical properties. Realistic simulations were performed to explore the performances of the different frequency bands and array configurations, and several projects are detailed along with their feasibility, their limitations and their possible targets. Determination of diameters and albedos via the radiometric method appears to be possible on ˜500 objects, while sampling of the thermal lightcurve to derive the bodies' ellipticity could be performed at least 30 bodies that display a significant optical lightcurve. On a limited number of objects, the spatial resolution allows for direct measurement of the size or even surface mapping with a resolution down to 13 milliarcsec. Finally, ALMA could separate members of multiple systems with a separation power comparable to that of the HST. The overall performance of ALMA will make it an invaluable instrument to explore the outer Solar System, complementary to space-based telescopes and spacecrafts.

Water on the Moon Confirmed

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Showstack, Randy

2009-11-01

When NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) and a companion rocket purposely slammed into a crater at the Moon's south pole on 9 October, some observers on Earth lamented as anticlimactic the raised plumes of material that were partially blocked by a crater ridge and were difficult to see with backyard telescopes. However, it turns out that the projectiles struck it big. “Indeed, yes, we found water. We didn’t find just a little bit; we found a significant amount,” said Anthony Colaprete, LCROSS principal investigator with the NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif. At a 13 November news briefing, Colaprete lifted a 2-gallon plastic bucket and said preliminary results indicate that instruments detected about a dozen buckets' worth of water in parts of the two plumes, the first generated by the spent Centaur upper stage of the Atlas V launch vehicle at 1131 UTC and the second generated by LCROSS about 4 minutes later. NASA described the two plumes as a high-angle plume of vapor and fine dust and a lower-angle ejecta curtain of heavier material. LCROSS and the Centaur upper stage hit the permanently shadowed Cabeus crater.

KSC-07pd1528

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- This panoramic view of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station shows the two mobile service towers on the ground after their demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

Planetary Science Enabled by High Power Ion Propulsion Systems from NASA's Prometheus Program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, John

2004-11-01

NASA's Prometheus program seeks to develop new generations of spacecraft nuclear-power and ion propulsion systems for applications to future planetary missions. The Science Definition Team for the first mission in the Prometheus series, the Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO), has defined science objectives for in-situ orbital exploration of the icy Galilean moons (Europa, Ganymede, Callisto) and the Jovian magnetosphere along with remote observations of Jupiter's atmosphere and aurorae, the volcanic moon Io, and other elements of the Jovian system. Important to this forum is that JIMO power and propulsion systems will need to be designed to minimize magnetic, radio, neutral gas, and plasma backgrounds that might otherwise interfere with achievement of mission science objectives. Another potential Prometheus mission of high science interest would be an extended tour of primitive bodies in the solar system, including asteroids, Jupiter family comets, Centaurs, and Kuiper Belt Objects (KBO). The final landed phase of this mission might include an active keplerian experiment for detectable (via downlink radio doppler shift) acceleration of a small kilometer-size Centaur or KBO object, likely the satellite of a larger object observable from Earth. This would have obvious application to testing of mitigation techniques for Earth impact hazards.

KSC-07pd1520

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B has been identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

De-biased populations of Kuiper belt objects from the deep ecliptic survey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adams, E. R.; Benecchi, S. D.; Gulbis, A. A. S.

2014-09-01

The Deep Ecliptic Survey (DES) was a survey project that discovered hundreds of Kuiper Belt objects from 1998 to 2005. Extensive follow-up observations of these bodies has yielded 304 objects with well-determined orbits and dynamical classifications into one of several categories: Classical, Scattered, Centaur, or 16 mean-motion resonances with Neptune. The DES search fields are well documented, enabling us to calculate the probability on each frame of detecting an object with its particular orbital parameters and absolute magnitude at a randomized point in its orbit. The detection probabilities range from a maximum of 0.32 for the 3:2 resonant object 2002more » GF {sub 32} to a minimum of 1.5 × 10{sup –7} for the faint Scattered object 2001 FU {sub 185}. By grouping individual objects together by dynamical classes, we can estimate the distributions of four parameters that define each class: semimajor axis, eccentricity, inclination, and object size. The orbital element distributions (a, e, and i) were fit to the largest three classes (Classical, 3:2, and Scattered) using a maximum likelihood fit. Using the absolute magnitude (H magnitude) as a proxy for the object size, we fit a power law to the number of objects versus H magnitude for eight classes with at least five detected members (246 objects). The Classical objects are best fit with a power-law slope of α = 1.02 ± 0.01 (observed from 5 ≤ H ≤ 7.2). Six other dynamical classes (Scattered plus five resonances) have consistent magnitude distribution slopes with the Classicals, provided that the absolute number of objects is scaled. Scattered objects are somewhat more numerous than Classical objects, while there are only a quarter as many 3:2 objects as Classicals. The exception to the power law relation is the Centaurs, which are non-resonant objects with perihelia closer than Neptune and therefore brighter and detectable at smaller sizes. Centaurs were observed from 7.5 < H < 11, and that population is best fit by a power law with α = 0.42 ± 0.02. This is consistent with a knee in the H-distribution around H = 7.2 as reported elsewhere. Based on the Classical-derived magnitude distribution, the total number of objects (H ≤ 7) in each class is: Classical (2100 ± 300 objects), Scattered (2800 ± 400), 3:2 (570 ± 80), 2:1 (400 ± 50), 5:2 (270 ± 40), 7:4 (69 ± 9), 5:3 (60 ± 8). The independent estimate for the number of Centaurs in the same H range is 13 ± 5. If instead all objects are divided by inclination into 'Hot' and 'Cold' populations, following Fraser et al., we find that α{sub Hot} = 0.90 ± 0.02, while α{sub Cold} = 1.32 ± 0.02, in good agreement with that work.« less

Mariner Mars 1971: Press kit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mittauer, R. T.

1971-01-01

The news release describes the 1971 launches of Mariner 8 and 9 which were to be the first attempt by NASA to orbit another planet, Mars. Described are: (1) mission capsule; (2) planetary missions; (3) aiming zones; (4) the spacecraft; (5) scientific experiments to be performed; (6) Atlas Centaur launch vehicle; (7) launch operations; (8) tracking and data system and mission operations; and (9) Mariner Mars 71 team and subcontractors.

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

Enclosed in its payload fairing, NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) is mated to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The satellite will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

A crane begins to lift the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. GOES-R will be mated to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage in preparation for launch in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

New life for expendable launchers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopez, Ramon L.; Waskul, Greg

The U.S. commercial expendable launch vehicle (ELV) industry is examined. The use of Titan, Delta, Atlas-Centaur, and Liberty boosters to launch domestic and foreign commercial payloads is analyzed. The ELV commercialization agreement which explains the division of liability between the parties is described. Consideration is given to the competition to the U.S. industry from Europe's Ariane, China's Long March, and the Soviet Proton launchers.

KSC01pp0794

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After arrival at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., the GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) is attached to an overhead crane. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite will undergo testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0801

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

With the GOES-M satellite tilted on a workstand at Astrotech, Titusville, Fla, workers check out a part of the underside. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite is undergoing testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

ESO Large Program on physical studies of Trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs: Final results of the visible spectrophotometric observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fornasier, S.; Doressoundiram, A.; Tozzi, G. P.; Barucci, M. A.; Boehnhardt, H.; de Bergh, C.; Delsanti, A.; Davies, J.; Dotto, E.

2004-07-01

The Large Program on physical studies of TNOs and Centaurs, started at ESO Cerro Paranal on April 2001, has recently been concluded. This project was devoted to the investigation of the surface properties of these icy bodies through photometric and spectroscopic observations. In this paper we present the latest results on these pristine bodies obtained from the spectrophotometric investigation in the visible range. The newly obtained spectrophotometric data on 3 Centaurs and 5 TNOs, coming from 2 observing runs at the Very Large Telescope (VLT), show a large variety of spectral characteristics, comprising both gray and red objects in the two different populations. A very broad and weak absorption feature, centered around 7000 Å , has been revealed in the spectrum of the gray TNO 2003 AZ84. This absorption is very similar to a feature observed on low albedo main belt asteroids and attributed to the action of the aqueous alteration process on minerals. This process was previously also claimed as the most plausible explanation for some peculiar visible absorption bands observed on 2000 EB173 and 2000 GN171 in the framework of the Large Program (Lazzarin et al. \\cite{Lazzarin03}; de Bergh et al. \\cite{Bergh04}). This detection seems to reinforce the hypothesis that aqueous alteration might have taken place also at such large heliocentric distances. We also report the results of a spectroscopic investigation performed outside the Large Program on the very interesting TNO 2000 GN171 during part of its rotational period. This object, previously observed twice in the framework of the Large Program, had shown during the early observations a very peculiar absorption band tentatively attributed to aqueous alteration processes. As this feature was not confirmed in a successive spectrum, we recently repeated the investigations of 2000 GN171, finding out that it has an heterogeneous composition. Finally an analysis of the visible spectral slopes is reported for all the data coming from the Large Program and those available in literature. Based on observations obtained at the VLT Observatory Cerro Paranal of European Southern Observatory, ESO, Chile, in the framework of programs 167.C-0340(G), 071.C-0500.

Rotational Properties of Centaurs (32532) Thereus and (8405) Asbolus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brucker, Melissa; Romanishin, W. J.; Tegler, S. C.; Consolmagno, G. J.; J., S.

2009-12-01

We present lightcurves of Centaurs (32532) Thereus and (8405) Asbolus from observations taken October 29 through November 2, 2005 on the 1.8m Vatican Advanced Technology Telescope (VATT). Our double-peaked period for Thereus of 8.338±0.002h is consistent with 8.3378±0.0012h from Farnham and Davies (2003 Icarus 164, 418-427), 8.3091±0.0001h from Ortiz et al. (2002 A&A 388, 661-666; 2003 A&A 407, 1149-1155), and 8.33858±0.00056h from Rabinowitz et al. (2007 AJ 133, 26-43). The maximum amplitude of the lightcurve has increased from 0.18mag in Fall 2001 (Ortiz et al. 2002, Farnham and Davies 2003) to 0.34±0.08mag in Fall 2003 (Rabinowitz et al. 2007) to 0.375mag in Fall 2005. For Asbolus, our double-peaked period is 8.932±0.002h, consistent with the period of 8.9351±0.0003h derived by Davies et al. (1998 Icarus 134, 213-227) but inconsistent with the period of 8.87±0.02h of Brown and Luu (1997 Icarus 126, 218-224). Asbolus's lightcurve amplitude has changed from 0.46 in April 1996 (Brown and Luu 1997) to 0.14±0.02 in June 2001 (Kern 2006, PhD Dissertation, MIT, Cambridge, MA) and 0.14±0.1 in Fall 2003 (Rabinowitz et al. 2007) to 0.32 in Fall 2005. We assume that changes in amplitude are due to changes in viewing aspects with respect to their rotational axes. Future work: determine amplitudes from October 2008 observations and constrain rotational pole positions and axis ratios for both Centaurs with an amplitude-aspect model. This work is based on observations with the VATT: The Alice P. Lennon Telescope and the Thomas J. Bannan Astrophysics Facility. We gratefully acknowledge support from NASA Planetary Astronomy grant NNG06G138G to Northern Arizona University and the University of Oklahoma.

Taxonomy of trans-Neptunian objects and Centaurs as seen from spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merlin, F.; Hromakina, T.; Perna, D.; Hong, M. J.; Alvarez-Candal, A.

2017-08-01

Context. Taxonomy of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs has been made in previous works using broadband filters in the visible and near infrared ranges. This initial investigation led to the establishment of four groups with the aim to provide the mean colors of the different classes with possible links with any physical or chemical properties. However, this taxonomy was only made with the Johnson-Cousins filter system and the ESO J, H, Ks filters combination, and any association with other filter system is not yet available. Aims: We aim to edit complete visible to near infrared taxonomy and extend this work to any possible filters system. To do this, we generate mean spectra for each individual group, from a data set of 43 spectra. This work also presents new spectra of the TNO (38628) Huya, on which aqueous alteration has been suspected, and the Centaur 2007 VH305. Methods: To generate the mean spectra for each taxonomical group, we first averaged the data for each of the four taxonomical groups and checked that spectroscopic and photometric data were consistent according to their relative errors. Results: We obtained four complete spectra corresponding to the different classes from 0.45 to 2.40 microns. Our results based on spectroscopy are in good agreements with those obtained in photometry for the bluest (BB) and reddest (RR) objects. At the contrary, no clear patterns appear for the two intermediate groups (BR and IR). Both BR and IR mean-spectra are almost intermixed, probably due to the fact that part of these objects have not always clear affiliation to one particular taxonomical group. Conclusions: We provide mean spectra that could be used to edit colors in different filters system working in this wavelength range. This work clearly establish the mean spectra of the BB and RR group while the two other groups need probably further refinement. Part of the data presented here have been performed under ESO Programmes ID 178.C-0867 and ID 091.C-0224.

RTO Technical Publications: A Quarterly Listing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2004-01-01

The titles of five reports are listed here, together with an abstract for each. The titles include: 1) 'Spectral Models of Kuiper Belt Objects and Centaurs'; 2) 'Simulation of and for Military Decision Making'; 3) 'Abundance of the Radioactive Be-10 in the Cosmic Radiation up to 2 GeV/nucleon with the Balloon-borne Instrument ISOMAX1998'; 4) 'Optical Air Flow Measurements in Flight'; 5) 'Flight Test Measurement Techniques for Laminar Flow'.

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

A crane is used to lift the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. GOES-R will be mated to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage in preparation for launch in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

Enclosed in its payload fairing, NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) is lifted into the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. GOES-R will be mated to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage in preparation for launch aboard the rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

Preparations are underway to lift NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R), enclosed in its payload fairing at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. GOES-R will be mated to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage in preparation for launch in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

A crane has been attached to the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. GOES-R will be mated to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage in preparation for launch in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

A computer program for the calculation of thermal stratification and self-pressurization in a liquid hydrogen tank

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Arnett, R. W.; Voth, R. O.

1972-01-01

An analysis and computer program are described for calculating the thermal stratification and the associated self-pressurization of a closed liquid hydrogen tank. FORTRAN-IV language is used and runs were made on IBM 360/65 and CDC 3600 computers. Comparisons are made between the program calculations and test results from both ground and orbital coast tests of a Centaur space vehicle.

Candidate Technologies for the Integrated Health Management Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Neal F., Jr.; Martin, Fred H.

1993-01-01

The purpose of this report is to assess Vehicle Health Management (VHM) technologies for implementation as a demonstration. Extensive studies have been performed to determine technologies which could be implemented on the Atlas and Centaur vehicles as part of a bridging program. This paper discusses areas today where VHM can be implemented for benefits in reliability, performance, and cost reduction. VHM Options are identified and one demonstration is recommended for execution.

KSC01pp0796

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., the GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) satellite is tilted on a workstand so that workers can remove part of the protective cover. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite will undergo testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Solar System Research with the Spacewatch 1.8-m Telescope

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McMillan, Robert S.

2001-01-01

During this grant period, the 1.8-m Spacewatch telescope was put into routine operation to search for asteroids and comets ranging in location from near-Earth space to regions beyond the orbit of Neptune. All of these classes of objects can be detected simultaneously with our uniform scanning procedures. We are studying near Earth objects (NEOs), main belt asteroids, comets, Centaurs, and trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), as well as the interrelationships of these classes and their bearing on the origin and evolution of the solar system. The Spacewatch 1.8-meter telescope is sensitive to V(mag) < 22.6 in sidereal scanning mode and is able to reach even fainter in longer 'staring' exposures, with a field of view 0.5 degrees square. These faint limits make the operation of the Spacewatch 1.8-m telescope complementary to asteroid surveys being done by other groups. Specifically, EAs smaller than 100 m in diameter and small main belt asteroids can be found, as well as more distant objects such as Centaurs/Scattered Disk Objects (SDOs) and TNOs. The 1.8-m telescope is also being used to do recoveries and astrometry of recently-discovered asteroids that subsequently become too faint for the other groups before good orbits are established.

KSC-07pd1527

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-07pd1522

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station kicks up a wall of dust. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-07pd1525

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station careens to the left after 122 pounds of explosives eliminated the base. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

A portrait of the extreme solar system object 2012 DR30

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiss, Cs.; Szabó, Gy.; Horner, J.; Conn, B. C.; Müller, T. G.; Vilenius, E.; Sárneczky, K.; Kiss, L. L.; Bannister, M.; Bayliss, D.; Pál, A.; Góbi, S.; Verebélyi, E.; Lellouch, E.; Santos-Sanz, P.; Ortiz, J. L.; Duffard, R.; Morales, N.

2013-07-01

2012 DR30 is a recently discovered solar system object on a unique orbit, with a high eccentricity of 0.9867, a perihelion distance of 14.54 AU, and a semi-major axis of 1109 AU, in this respect outscoring the vast majority of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We performed Herschel/PACS and optical photometry to uncover the sizeand albedo of 2012 DR30, together with its thermal and surface properties. The body is 185 km in diameter and has a relatively low V-band geometric albedo of ~8%. Although the colours of the object indicate that 2012 DR30 is an RI taxonomy class TNO or Centaur, we detected an absorption feature in the Z-band that is uncommon among these bodies. A dynamical analysis of the target's orbit shows that 2012 DR30 moves on a relatively unstable orbit and was most likely only recently placed on its current orbit from the most distant and still highly unexplored regions of the solar system. If categorised on dynamical grounds 2012 DR30 is the largest Damocloid and/or high inclination Centaur observed so far. Herschel is an ESA space observatory with science instruments provided by European-led Principal Investigator consortia and with important participation from NASA.Appendices are available in electronic form at http://www.aanda.org

The disturbing function for polar Centaurs and transneptunian objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Namouni, F.; Morais, M. H. M.

2017-10-01

The classical disturbing function of the three-body problem is based on an expansion of the gravitational interaction in the vicinity of nearly coplanar orbits. Consequently, it is not suitable for the identification and study of resonances of the Centaurs and transneptunian objects on nearly polar orbits with the Solar system planets. Here, we provide a series expansion algorithm of the gravitational interaction in the vicinity of polar orbits and produce explicitly the disturbing function to fourth order in eccentricity and inclination cosine. The properties of the polar series differ significantly from those of the classical disturbing function: the polar series can model any resonance, as the expansion order is not related to the resonance order. The powers of eccentricity and inclination of the force amplitude of a p:q resonance do not depend on the value of the resonance order |p - q| but only on its parity. Thus, all even resonance order eccentricity amplitudes are ∝e2 and odd ones ∝e to lowest order in eccentricity e. With the new findings on the structure of the polar disturbing function and the possible resonant critical arguments, we illustrate the dynamics of the polar resonances 1:3, 3:1, 2:9 and 7:9 where transneptunian object 471325 could currently be locked.

KSC-07pd1521

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 36-B crashes to the ground. It is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-07pd1523

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After the dust settles at Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the ruins of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-B are visible. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

KSC-07pd1526

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Smoke and dust rising from the ground of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station signifies the destruction of the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

A ring system detected around the Centaur (10199) Chariklo.

PubMed

Braga-Ribas, F; Sicardy, B; Ortiz, J L; Snodgrass, C; Roques, F; Vieira-Martins, R; Camargo, J I B; Assafin, M; Duffard, R; Jehin, E; Pollock, J; Leiva, R; Emilio, M; Machado, D I; Colazo, C; Lellouch, E; Skottfelt, J; Gillon, M; Ligier, N; Maquet, L; Benedetti-Rossi, G; Ramos Gomes, A; Kervella, P; Monteiro, H; Sfair, R; El Moutamid, M; Tancredi, G; Spagnotto, J; Maury, A; Morales, N; Gil-Hutton, R; Roland, S; Ceretta, A; Gu, S-h; Wang, X-b; Harpsøe, K; Rabus, M; Manfroid, J; Opitom, C; Vanzi, L; Mehret, L; Lorenzini, L; Schneiter, E M; Melia, R; Lecacheux, J; Colas, F; Vachier, F; Widemann, T; Almenares, L; Sandness, R G; Char, F; Perez, V; Lemos, P; Martinez, N; Jørgensen, U G; Dominik, M; Roig, F; Reichart, D E; LaCluyze, A P; Haislip, J B; Ivarsen, K M; Moore, J P; Frank, N R; Lambas, D G

2014-04-03

Hitherto, rings have been found exclusively around the four giant planets in the Solar System. Rings are natural laboratories in which to study dynamical processes analogous to those that take place during the formation of planetary systems and galaxies. Their presence also tells us about the origin and evolution of the body they encircle. Here we report observations of a multichord stellar occultation that revealed the presence of a ring system around (10199) Chariklo, which is a Centaur--that is, one of a class of small objects orbiting primarily between Jupiter and Neptune--with an equivalent radius of 124 ±  9 kilometres (ref. 2). There are two dense rings, with respective widths of about 7 and 3 kilometres, optical depths of 0.4 and 0.06, and orbital radii of 391 and 405 kilometres. The present orientation of the ring is consistent with an edge-on geometry in 2008, which provides a simple explanation for the dimming of the Chariklo system between 1997 and 2008, and for the gradual disappearance of ice and other absorption features in its spectrum over the same period. This implies that the rings are partly composed of water ice. They may be the remnants of a debris disk, possibly confined by embedded, kilometre-sized satellites.

Prostate Cancer Pathology Resource Network

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-07-01

The PCBN is organized with a Coordinating Center (JHU – led by Bruce Trock, Ph.D.), and Network Sites at NYU (led by Jonathan Melamed, M.D. and Peng...Resource Network Site must contribute biospecimens from a minimum of 50 patients per year, with the expectation that biospecimen contribution will...available to the Pathology Resource Network Site . o Each year both sites have contributed over 500 newly accrued specimens, with specimens obtained as

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Orbital parameters of Kuiper Belt objects (Volk+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Volk, K.; Malhotra, R.

2017-11-01

Our starting point is the list of minor planets in the outer solar system cataloged in the database of the Minor Planet Center (http://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/lists/t_centaurs.html and http://www.minorplanetcenter.net/iau/lists/t_tnos.html) as of 2016 October 20. The complete listing of our sample, including best-fit orbital parameters and sky locations, is provided in Table1. (1 data file).

An autonomous rendezvous and docking system using cruise missile technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, ED; Nicholson, Bruce

1991-01-01

In November 1990 General Dynamics demonstrated an AR&D system for members of the Strategic Avionics Technology Working Group. This simulation utilized prototype hardware derived from the Cruise Missile and Centaur avionics systems. The object of this proof of concept demonstration was to show that all the accuracy, reliability, and operational requirements established for a spacecraft to dock with Space Station Freedom could be met by the proposed AR&D system.

Space science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

A fact sheet on the NASA space science program is presented. Some of the subjects considered include the following: (1) the Orbiting Astronomical Observatory, (2) the Orbiting Solar Observatory, (3) the Small Astronomy Satellite, (4) lunar programs, (5) planetary programs using the Mariner, Pioneer 10, and Viking space probes, and (6) the Scout, Thor-Delta, and Atlas-Centaur launch vehicles. For each program there is a description of the effort, the schedule, management, program officials, and funding aspects in outline form.

KSC-2009-3177

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-15

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech Space Operations Facility in Titusville, Fla., garbed media representatives attend a showing of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS. The LRO includes five instruments: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. They will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket no earlier than June 17 from Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

KSC-2009-3178

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-15

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At Astrotech Space Operations Facility in Titusville, Fla., NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are being prepared for fairing installation. The LRO includes five instruments: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. They will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket no earlier than June 17 from Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

GOES-R Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-11-09

A view from high up inside the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. A crane lifts the payload fairing containing NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES-R) for mating to the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage. The satellite will launch aboard the Atlas V rocket in November. GOES-R is the first satellite in a series of next-generation NOAA GOES Satellites.

Intelsat satellite scheduled for launch

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The launch schedule for Intelsat 5-B, the prime Intelsat satellite to provide communications services between the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is presented. The planned placement of the satellite into an elliptical transfer orbit, and circularization of the orbit at geosynchronous altitude over the equator are described. Characteristics of the Atlas Centaur launch vehicle, AC-56, are given. The launch operation is summarized and the launch sequence presented. The Intelsat team and contractors are listed.

KSC01pp0797

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-12

At Astrotech, Titusville, Fla., the GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) satellite is tilted on a workstand so that workers can remove the rest of the protective cover. The GOES-M provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking and meteorological research. The satellite will undergo testing at Astrotech before its scheduled launch July 12 on an Atlas-IIA booster, Centaur upper stage from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Nature vs. nurture debate on TNO carbons: constraints from Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brunetto, R.

2012-02-01

We compare spectroscopic data of irradiated laboratory analogs with those of an interplanetary dust particle of cometary origin. We investigate if this comparison can help constraining the origin of carbonaceous materials on small icy bodies in the outer Solar System (TNOs, Centaurs, etc.). We suggest that Raman spectroscopy can help in interpreting the observed heterogeneity of the extraterrestrial carbonaceous component and in constraining the irradiation dose accumulated in space.

Lateral Prefrontal Cortex Contributes to Fluid Intelligence Through Multinetwork Connectivity.

PubMed

Cole, Michael W; Ito, Takuya; Braver, Todd S

2015-10-01

Our ability to effectively adapt to novel circumstances--as measured by general fluid intelligence--has recently been tied to the global connectivity of lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC). Global connectivity is a broad measure that summarizes both within-network connectivity and across-network connectivity. We used additional graph theoretical measures to better characterize the nature of LPFC connectivity and its relationship with fluid intelligence. We specifically hypothesized that LPFC is a connector hub with an across-network connectivity that contributes to fluid intelligence independent of within-network connectivity. We verified that LPFC was in the top 10% of brain regions in terms of across-network connectivity, suggesting it is a strong connector hub. Importantly, we found that the LPFC across-network connectivity predicted individuals' fluid intelligence and this correlation remained statistically significant when controlling for global connectivity (which includes within-network connectivity). This supports the conclusion that across-network connectivity independently contributes to the relationship between LPFC connectivity and intelligence. These results suggest that LPFC contributes to fluid intelligence by being a connector hub with a truly global multisystem connectivity throughout the brain.

The Effect of Pitch, Roll, and Yaw on Airborne Gravity Observations of the NOAA GRAV-D Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Childers, V. A.; Kanney, J.; Youngman, M.

2017-12-01

Aircraft turbulence can wreak havoc on the gravity measurementby beam-style gravimeters. Prior studies have confirmed the correlation of poor quality airborne gravity data collection to amplified aircraft motion. Motion in the aircraft is the combined effect of the airframe design, the autopilot and its performance, and the weather/wind regime. NOAA's National Geodetic Survey has launched the Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum project (GRAV-D) to provide the foundation for a new national vertical datum by 2022. This project requires collecting airborne gravity data covering the entire country and its holdings. The motion of the aircraft employed in this project is of prime importance because we use a beam-style gravimeter mounted on a gyro-stabilized platform to align the sensor to a time-averaged local vertical. Aircraft turbulence will tend to drive the platform off-level, allowing horizontal forces to map into the vertical gravity measurement. Recently, the GRAV-D project has experimented with two new factors in airborne gravity data collection. The first aspect is the use of the Aurora optionally piloted Centaur aircraft. This aircraft can be flown either with or without a pilot, but the autopilot is specifically designed to be very accurate. Incorporated into the much smaller frame of this aircraft is a new gravimeter developed by Micro-g LaCoste, called the Turnkey Airborne Gravimeter System 7 (TAGS7). This smaller, lighter instrument also has a new design whereby the beam is held fixed in an electromagnetic force field. The result of this new configuration is notably improved data quality in wind conditions higher than can be tolerated by our current system. So, which caused the improvement, the aircraft motion or the new meter? This study will start to tease apart these two effects with recently collected survey data. Specifically, we will compare the motion profile of the Centaur aircraft with other aircraft in the GRAV-D portfolio that we use successfully. In addition, we will investigate the relationship of aircraft motion, as measured by pitch, roll, and yaw, to airborne gravity quality in the Centaur operation as well as measurement aboard other aircraft with the beam-style sensor.

Cooperation and Contagion in Web-Based, Networked Public Goods Experiments

PubMed Central

Suri, Siddharth; Watts, Duncan J.

2011-01-01

A longstanding idea in the literature on human cooperation is that cooperation should be reinforced when conditional cooperators are more likely to interact. In the context of social networks, this idea implies that cooperation should fare better in highly clustered networks such as cliques than in networks with low clustering such as random networks. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of web-based experiments, in which 24 individuals played a local public goods game arranged on one of five network topologies that varied between disconnected cliques and a random regular graph. In contrast with previous theoretical work, we found that network topology had no significant effect on average contributions. This result implies either that individuals are not conditional cooperators, or else that cooperation does not benefit from positive reinforcement between connected neighbors. We then tested both of these possibilities in two subsequent series of experiments in which artificial seed players were introduced, making either full or zero contributions. First, we found that although players did generally behave like conditional cooperators, they were as likely to decrease their contributions in response to low contributing neighbors as they were to increase their contributions in response to high contributing neighbors. Second, we found that positive effects of cooperation were contagious only to direct neighbors in the network. In total we report on 113 human subjects experiments, highlighting the speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of web-based experiments over those conducted in physical labs. PMID:21412431

Cooperation and contagion in web-based, networked public goods experiments.

PubMed

Suri, Siddharth; Watts, Duncan J

2011-03-11

A longstanding idea in the literature on human cooperation is that cooperation should be reinforced when conditional cooperators are more likely to interact. In the context of social networks, this idea implies that cooperation should fare better in highly clustered networks such as cliques than in networks with low clustering such as random networks. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a series of web-based experiments, in which 24 individuals played a local public goods game arranged on one of five network topologies that varied between disconnected cliques and a random regular graph. In contrast with previous theoretical work, we found that network topology had no significant effect on average contributions. This result implies either that individuals are not conditional cooperators, or else that cooperation does not benefit from positive reinforcement between connected neighbors. We then tested both of these possibilities in two subsequent series of experiments in which artificial seed players were introduced, making either full or zero contributions. First, we found that although players did generally behave like conditional cooperators, they were as likely to decrease their contributions in response to low contributing neighbors as they were to increase their contributions in response to high contributing neighbors. Second, we found that positive effects of cooperation were contagious only to direct neighbors in the network. In total we report on 113 human subjects experiments, highlighting the speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of web-based experiments over those conducted in physical labs.

A financial network perspective of financial institutions' systemic risk contributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wei-Qiang; Zhuang, Xin-Tian; Yao, Shuang; Uryasev, Stan

2016-08-01

This study considers the effects of the financial institutions' local topology structure in the financial network on their systemic risk contribution using data from the Chinese stock market. We first measure the systemic risk contribution with the Conditional Value-at-Risk (CoVaR) which is estimated by applying dynamic conditional correlation multivariate GARCH model (DCC-MVGARCH). Financial networks are constructed from dynamic conditional correlations (DCC) with graph filtering method of minimum spanning trees (MSTs). Then we investigate dynamics of systemic risk contributions of financial institution. Also we study dynamics of financial institution's local topology structure in the financial network. Finally, we analyze the quantitative relationships between the local topology structure and systemic risk contribution with panel data regression analysis. We find that financial institutions with greater node strength, larger node betweenness centrality, larger node closeness centrality and larger node clustering coefficient tend to be associated with larger systemic risk contributions.

Effects of low frequency rTMS treatment on brain networks for inner speech in patients with schizophrenia and auditory verbal hallucinations.

PubMed

Bais, Leonie; Liemburg, Edith; Vercammen, Ans; Bruggeman, Richard; Knegtering, Henderikus; Aleman, André

2017-08-01

Efficacy of repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) targeting the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) for the treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) remains under debate. We assessed the influence of a 1Hz rTMS treatment on neural networks involved in a cognitive mechanism proposed to subserve AVH. Patients with schizophrenia (N=24) experiencing medication-resistant AVH completed a 10-day 1Hz rTMS treatment. Participants were randomized to active stimulation of the left or bilateral TPJ, or sham stimulation. The effects of rTMS on neural networks were investigated with an inner speech task during fMRI. Changes within and between neural networks were analyzed using Independent Component Analysis. rTMS of the left and bilateral TPJ areas resulted in a weaker network contribution of the left supramarginal gyrus to the bilateral fronto-temporal network. Left-sided rTMS resulted in stronger network contributions of the right superior temporal gyrus to the auditory-sensorimotor network, right inferior gyrus to the left fronto-parietal network, and left middle frontal gyrus to the default mode network. Bilateral rTMS was associated with a predominant inhibitory effect on network contribution. Sham stimulation showed different patterns of change compared to active rTMS. rTMS of the left temporo-parietal region decreased the contribution of the left supramarginal gyrus to the bilateral fronto-temporal network, which may reduce the likelihood of speech intrusions. On the other hand, left rTMS appeared to increase the contribution of functionally connected regions involved in perception, cognitive control and self-referential processing. These findings hint to potential neural mechanisms underlying rTMS for hallucinations but need corroboration in larger samples. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison of sine dwell and broadband methods for modal testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Jay-Chung

1989-01-01

The objectives of modal tests for large complex spacecraft structural systems are outlined. The comparison criteria for the modal test methods, namely, the broadband excitation and the sine dwell methods, are established. Using the Galileo spacecraft modal test and the Centaur G Prime upper stage vehicle modal test as examples, the relative advantage or disadvantage of each method is examined. The usefulness or shortcomings of the methods are given from a practical engineering viewpoint.

KSC-97PC870

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-05-30

A Titan IVB core vehicle and its twin Solid Rocket Motor Upgrades (SRMUs) depart from the Solid Rocket Motor Assembly and Readiness Facility (SMARF), Cape Canaveral Air Station (CCAS), en route to Launch Complex 40. At the pad, the Centaur upper stage will be added and, eventually, the prime payload, the Cassini spacecraft. Cassini will explore the Saturnian system, including the planet’s rings and moon, Titan. Launch of the Cassini mission to Saturn is scheduled for Oct. 6 from Pad 40, CCAS

Insights for the Third Offset: Addressing Challenges of Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence in Military Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-09-01

third-offset/. 33 Sydney J . Freedberg Jr., “Carter, Roper Unveil Army’s New Ship-Killer Missile: ATACMS Upgrade,” Breaking Defense, October 28, 2016...39 For example, human-machine collaboration to improve the quality and speed of decision making. Sydney J . Freedberg Jr., “Centaur...unpublished thesis), United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, 2000. 47 Stephen Anno and William E. Einspahr, “The Grenada Invasion,” in

Development of concepts for the protection of space launchers against lightning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taillet, Joseph

1988-12-01

Following a review of the characteristics of lightning and the effects of lightning on space launchers, various strategies for protection against lightning are discussed. Special attention is given to the damage inflicted on the Apollo 12 and Atlas/Centaur vehicles by lightning. It is demonstrated that the protection of space launchers is best performed by the real-time observation of atmospheric discharges at high altitude by such systems as the interferometric lightning alert system, SAFIR.

GOES-S Countdown to T-Zero, Episode 3: Rocket Science

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-27

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket reaches another major milestone on the road to T-Zero, as NOAA's GOES-S spacecraft prepares for launch. Stacking the rocket begins with the booster - the largest component - and continues with the addition of four solid rocket motors and the Centaur upper stage. GOES-S, the next in a series of advanced weather satellites, is slated to launch aboard the Atlas V from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

KSC-2009-3296

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are moved closer to the mobile service tower on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3295

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, arrive on Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Surrounding the launch pad are the lightning protection towers. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Developing Evaluation Measures for the Second Stage Next Generation Engine on Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-03-01

xii THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK xiii LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS CDR Critical Design Review DCSS Delta Cryogenic Second Stage...seen below in Figure 5, include the Common Booster Core powered by a Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 engine, a Delta Cryogenic Second Stage (DCSS...do have one significant similarity. The Centaur of the Atlas V and Delta IV Cryogenic Second Stage, both use variants of the Pratt and Whitney

TDRS-M Spacecraft Lift and Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-08-09

NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-M) is stacked atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage. It will be the latest spacecraft destined for the agency's constellation of communications satellites that allows nearly continuous contact with orbiting spacecraft ranging from the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope to the array of scientific observatories. Liftoff atop the ULA Atlas V rocket is scheduled to take place from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41 on Aug. 18, 2017.

Project Intelsat 5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1980-01-01

With 12,000 voice circuits and 2 television channels, intelsat 5, the first of a new generation of international telecommunication satellites, has almost double the communication capability of early satellites in the series. The 1,928 kilogram (at a lunch) satellite will be placed into geosynchronous orbit over the Atlantic Ocean to provide communications between North America and Europe. The characteristics of the Atlas Centaur launch vehicle to be used are described and the flights events of the launch sequence are tabulated.

System design of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 4: Probe bus and orbiter spacecraft vehicle studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bozajian, J. M.

1973-01-01

The requirements, trades, and design descriptions for the probe bus and orbiter spacecraft configurations, structure, thermal control, and harness are defined. Designs are developed for Thor/Delta and Atlas/Centaur launch vehicles with the latter selected as the final baseline. The major issues examined in achieving the baseline design are tabulated. The importance of spin axis orientation because of the effect on science experiments and earth communications is stressed.

TC-2 post Helios experiment data review. [postflight systems analysis of spacecraft performance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Data are presented from a systems postflight analysis of the Centaur Launch Vehicle and Helios. Also given is a comparison of data from preflight analyses. Topics examined are: (1) propellant behavior; (2) helium usage; (3) propellant tank pressurization; (4) propellant tank thermodynamics; (5) component heating; thermal control; and thermal protection system; (6) main engine system; (7) H2O2 consumption; (8) boost pump post-meco performance; and (9) an overview of other systems.

The Centaur Director kicks off Environment and Energy Awareness Week

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

The opening of Environmental and Energy Awareness Week at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex kicked off with a visit by Center Director Roy Bridges and the Awareness team, who presented him with a t-shirt. Exhibits and displays by KSC and 45th Space Wing organizations detail accomplishments in minimizing environmental impacts and conserving resources. They are on view April 19 - 22 at various sites at KSC, Cape Canaveral Air Station and Patrick Air Force Base.

Physical Properties of Cometary Nucleus Candidates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jewitt, David; Hillman, John (Technical Monitor)

2003-01-01

In this proposal we aim to study the physical properties of the Centaurs and the dead comets, these being the precursors to, and the remnants from, the active cometary nuclei. The nuclei themselves are very difficult to study, because of the contaminating effects of near-nucleus coma. Systematic investigation of the nuclei both before they enter the zone of strong sublimation and after they have depleted their near-surface volatiles should neatly bracket the properties of these objects, revealing evolutionary effects.

Power System Overview for the Small RPS Centaur Flyby and the Mars Polar Hard Lander NASA COMPASS Studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cataldo, Robert L.

2014-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Radioisotope Power System Program Office (RPSPO) sponsored two studies lead by their mission analysis team. The studies were performed by NASA GRCs Collaborative Modeling for Parametric Assessment of Space Systems (COMPASS) team. Typically a complete toplevel design reference mission (DRM) is performed assessing conceptual spacecraft design, launch mass, trajectory, science strategy and sub-system design such as, power, propulsion, structure and thermal.

The Centaur Director kicks off Environment and Energy Awareness Week

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1999-01-01

Center Director Roy Bridges (right) gets ready to drive an electric car, provided by Florida Power & Light, to the opening of Environmental and Energy Awareness Week at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Exhibits and displays by KSC and 45th Space Wing organizations detail accomplishments in minimizing environmental impacts and conserving resources. They are on view April 19 - 22 at various sites at KSC, Cape Canaveral Air Station and Patrick Air Force Base.

Searching for moving objects in HSC-SSP: Pipeline and preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ying-Tung; Lin, Hsing-Wen; Alexandersen, Mike; Lehner, Matthew J.; Wang, Shiang-Yu; Wang, Jen-Hung; Yoshida, Fumi; Komiyama, Yutaka; Miyazaki, Satoshi

2018-01-01

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program (HSC-SSP) is currently the deepest wide-field survey in progress. The 8.2 m aperture of the Subaru telescope is very powerful in detecting faint/small moving objects, including near-Earth objects, asteroids, centaurs and Tran-Neptunian objects (TNOs). However, the cadence and dithering pattern of the HSC-SSP are not designed for detecting moving objects, making it difficult to do so systematically. In this paper, we introduce a new pipeline for detecting moving objects (specifically TNOs) in a non-dedicated survey. The HSC-SSP catalogs are sliced into HEALPix partitions. Then, the stationary detections and false positives are removed with a machine-learning algorithm to produce a list of moving object candidates. An orbit linking algorithm and visual inspections are executed to generate the final list of detected TNOs. The preliminary results of a search for TNOs using this new pipeline on data from the first HSC-SSP data release (2014 March to 2015 November) present 231 TNO/Centaurs candidates. The bright candidates with Hr < 7.7 and i > 5 show that the best-fitting slope of a single power law to absolute magnitude distribution is 0.77. The g - r color distribution of hot HSC-SSP TNOs indicates a bluer peak at g - r = 0.9, which is consistent with the bluer peak of the bimodal color distribution in literature.

Production of activated char from Illinois coal for flue gas cleanup

USGS Publications Warehouse

Lizzio, A.A.; DeBarr, J.A.; Kruse, C.W.

1997-01-01

Activated chars were produced from Illinois coal and tested in several flue gas cleanup applications. High-activity chars that showed excellent potential for both SO2 and NOx removal were prepared from an Illinois No. 2 bituminous coal. The SO2 (120 ??C) and NOx (25 ??C) removal performance of one char compared favorably with that of a commercial activated carbon (Calgon Centaur). The NOx removal performance of the same char at 120 ??C exceeded that of the Centaur carbon by more than 1 order of magnitude. Novel char preparation methods were developed including oxidation/thermal desorption and hydrogen treatments, which increased and preserved, respectively, the active sites for SO2 and NOx adsorption. The results of combined SO2/NOx removal tests, however, suggest that SO2 and NOx compete for similar adsorption sites and SO2 seems to be more strongly adsorbed than NO. A low-activity, low-cost char was also developed for cleanup of incinerator flue gas. A three-step method involving coal preoxidation, pyrolysis, and CO2 activation was used to produce the char from Illinois coal. Five hundred pounds of the char was tested on a slipstream of flue gas from a commercial incinerator in Germany. The char was effective in removing >97% of the dioxins and furans present in the flue gas; mercury levels were below detectable limits.

NASA Researchers Examine a Pratt and Whitney RL-10 Rocket Engine

NASA Image and Video Library

1962-04-21

Lead Test Engineer John Kobak (right) and a technician use an oscilloscope to test the installation of a Pratt and Whitney RL-10 engine in the Propulsion Systems Laboratory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center. In 1955 the military asked Pratt and Whitney to develop hydrogen engines specifically for aircraft. The program was canceled in 1958, but Pratt and Whitney decided to use the experience to develop a liquid-hydrogen rocket engine, the RL-10. Two of the 15,000-pound-thrust RL-10 engines were used to power the new Centaur second-stage rocket. Centaur was designed to carry the Surveyor spacecraft on its mission to soft-land on the Moon. Pratt and Whitney ran into problems while testing the RL-10 at their facilities. NASA Headquarters assigned Lewis the responsibility for investigating the RL-10 problems because of the center’s long history of liquid-hydrogen development. Lewis’ Chemical Rocket Division began a series of tests to study the RL-10 at its Propulsion Systems Laboratory in March 1960. The facility contained two test chambers that could study powerful engines in simulated altitude conditions. The first series of RL-10 tests in early 1961 involved gimballing the engine as it fired. Lewis researchers were able to yaw and pitch the engine to simulate its behavior during a real flight.

Mars Sample Return mission: Two alternate scenarios

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1991-01-01

Two scenarios for accomplishing a Mars Sample Return mission are presented herein. Mission A is a low cost, low mass scenario, while Mission B is a high technology, high science alternative. Mission A begins with the launch of one Titan IV rocket with a Centaur G' upper stage. The Centaur performs the trans-Mars injection burn and is then released. The payload consists of two lander packages and the Orbital Transfer Vehicle, which is responsible for supporting the landers during launch and interplanetary cruise. After descending to the surface, the landers deploy small, local rovers to collect samples. Mission B starts with 4 Titan IV launches, used to place the parts of the Planetary Transfer Vehicle (PTV) into orbit. The fourth launch payload is able to move to assemble the entire vehicle by simple docking routines. Once complete, the PTV begins a low thrust trajectory out from low Earth orbit, through interplanetary space, and into low Martian orbit. It deploys a communication satellite into a 1/2 sol orbit and then releases the lander package at 500 km altitude. The lander package contains the lander, the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), two lighter than air rovers (called Aereons), and one conventional land rover. The entire package is contained with a biconic aeroshell. After release from the PTV, the lander package descends to the surface, where all three rovers are released to collect samples and map the terrain.

Space Power Facility at NASA’s Plum Brook Station

NASA Image and Video Library

1969-02-21

Exterior view of the Space Power Facility at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio. The $28.4-million facility, which began operations in 1969, is the largest high vacuum chamber ever built. The chamber is 100 feet in diameter and 120 feet high. It produces a vacuum deep enough to simulate the conditions at 300 miles altitude. The facility can sustain a high vacuum; simulate solar radiation via a 4-megawatt quartz heat lamp array, solar spectrum by a 400-kilowatt arc lamp, and cold environments. The Space Power Facility was originally designed to test nuclear power sources for spacecraft during long durations in a space atmosphere, but it was never used for that purpose. The facility’s first test in 1970 involved a 15 to 20-kilowatt Brayton Cycle Power System for space applications. Three different methods of simulating solar heat were employed during the Brayton tests. The facility was also used for jettison tests of the Centaur Standard Shroud. The shroud was designed for the new Titan-Centaur rocket that was scheduled to launch the Viking spacecraft to Mars. The new shroud was tested under conditions that simulated the time from launch to the separation of the stages. Test programs at the facility include high-energy experiments, shroud separation tests, Mars Lander system tests, deployable Solar Sail tests and International Space Station hardware tests.

KSC-07pd1524

NASA Image and Video Library

2007-06-16

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Within sight of the KSC Vehicle Assembly Building (at left on the horizon), the 209-foot-tall mobile service tower on Pad 39-A of Space Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station waits for its demise. The tower is one of two that were identified for demolition. The old towers are being toppled as part of the ongoing project to demolish the historic site to prevent corrosion from becoming a safety concern. A majority of the steel will be recycled and the rest will be taken to the landfill at CCAFS. Complex 36 was the birthplace of NASA's planetary launch program. It was built for the Atlas/Centaur development program and was operated under NASA's sponsorship until the late 1980s. Complex 36 hosted many historic missions over the years including Surveyor that landed on the moon and Mariner that orbited Mars and included one to Mercury. Two of the most historic launches were the Pioneer 10 and 11 space probes that were launched to Jupiter and are now outside of the solar system in interstellar space. Also, the historic Pioneer Venus spacecraft included an orbiter and a set of probes that were dispatched to the surface. While Launch Complex 36 is gone, the Atlas/Centaur rocket continues to be launched as the Atlas V from Complex 41. Photo credit: NASA/Charisse Nahser

An overview of autonomous rendezvous and docking system technology development at General Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kuenzel, Fred

1991-01-01

The Centaur avionics suite is undergoing a dramatic modernization for the commercial, DoD Atlas and Titan programs. The system has been upgraded to the current state-of-the-art in ring laser gyro inertial sensors and Mil-Std-1750A processor technology. The Cruise Missile avionic system has similarly been evolving for many years. Integration of GPS into both systems has been underway for over five years with a follow-on cruise missile system currently in flight test. Rendezvous and Docking related studies have been conducted for over five years in support of OMV, CTV, and Advanced Upper Stages, as well as several other internal IR&D's. The avionics system and AR&D simulator demonstrated to the SATWG in November 1990 has been upgraded considerably under two IR&D programs in 1991. The Centaur modern avionics system is being flown in block upgrades which started in July of 1990. The Inertial Navigation Unit will fly in November of 1991. The Cruise Missile avionics systems have been fully tested and operationally validated in combat. The integrated AR&D system for space vehicle applications has been under development and testing since 1990. A Joint NASA / GD ARD&L System Test Program is currently being planned to validate several aspects of system performance in three different NASA test facilities in 1992.

On sine dwell or broadband methods for modal testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, Jay-Chung; Wada, Ben K.

1987-01-01

For large, complex spacecraft structural systems, the objectives of the modal test are outlined. Based on these objectives, the comparison criteria for the modal test methods, namely, the broadband excitation and the sine dwell methods are established. Using the Galileo spacecraft modal test and the Centaur G Prime upper stage vehicle modal test as examples, the relative advantages or disadvantages of each method are examined. The usefulness or shortcoming of the methods are given from a practicing engineer's view point.

KSC-97PC1276

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-08-22

Richard Spehalski, program manager of the Cassini mission, and Hamid Hassan, the European Space Agency Huygens project manager, stand in front of the Cassini spacecraft in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF). The Cassini spacecraft is scheduled to launch on an Air Force Titan IV/Centaur launch vehicle on Oct. 6, 1997. It is destined to arrive at Saturn in July 2004, to study Saturn, its rings, moons and magnetic environment for a four-year period. The Cassini project is managed for NASA by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif

High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-09-20

This Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle, carrying the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-3, lifted off on September 20, 1979. The HEAO-3's mission was to survey and map the celestial sphere for gamma-ray flux and make detailed measurements of cosmic-ray particles. It carried three scientific experiments: a gamma-ray spectrometer, a cosmic-ray isotope experiment, and a heavy cosmic-ray nuclei experiment. The HEAO-3 was originally identified as HEAO-C but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.

The investigation of man-made modifications of the ionosphere. [effects of detonations and rocket exhaust

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bernhardt, P. A.; Darosa, A. V.; Price, K. M.

1980-01-01

Topics covered include: (1) the application of ionosphere modifications models to the simulation of results obtained when rocket-borne explosives were detonated in the ionosphere; (2) the problem of hypersonic vapor releases from orbiting vehicles; (3) measuring the electron content reduction resulting from the firing of a Centaur rocket in the ionosphere; and (4) the preliminary design of the critical frequency tracker which displays the value of electron concentration at the peak of the F 2 region, in real time.

KSC-2009-3300

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers check out the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, after its lift into the mobile service tower. The LRO/LCROSS will be mated to the Atlas V rocket for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3293

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Encased in the fairing, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are moved out of Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville. It is being transported to Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3294

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Enroute to Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, move past the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3299

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are moved into the mobile service tower. The LRO will be mated to the Atlas V rocket for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3303

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are mated with the Atlas V rocket inside the mobile service tower for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3301

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, workers prepare the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, for mating inside the mobile service tower with the Atlas V rocket for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3302

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are mated with the Atlas V rocket inside the mobile service tower for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3292

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Encased in the fairing, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are moved out of Astrotech Space Operations in Titusville. It is being transported to Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

Cygnus Orbital ATK OA-6 Liftoff

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-22

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with a single-engine Centaur upper stage stands ready to boost an Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft on a resupply mission to the International Space Station. Science payloads include the second generation of a portable onboard printer to demonstrate three-dimensional printing, an instrument for first space-based observations of the chemical composition of meteors entering Earth’s atmosphere and an experiment to study how fires burn in microgravity.

Cygnus Orbital ATK OA-6 Rollout

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-03-21

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 41, a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with a single-engine Centaur upper stage stands ready to boost an Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft on a resupply mission to the International Space Station. Science payloads include the second generation of a portable onboard printer to demonstrate three-dimensional printing, an instrument for first space-based observations of the chemical composition of meteors entering Earth’s atmosphere and an experiment to study how fires burn in microgravity.

GOES-S Atlas V Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival, Offload, and

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-22

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster for NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) was offloaded from the Mariner transport ship at the Army Wharf at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 41 at CCAFS. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the Atlas V rocket March 1.

GOES-S Atlas V Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival, Offload, and

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-22

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster for NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) is offloaded from the Mariner transport ship at the Army Wharf at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The booster will be transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 41 at CCAFS. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the Atlas V rocket March 1.

GOES-S Atlas V Booster and Centaur Stages Arrival, Offload, and

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-01-22

After being offloaded from the Mariner transport ship at the Army Wharf at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster for NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-S (GOES-S) is being transported to the Atlas Spaceflight Operations Center near Space Launch Complex 41 at CCAFS. GOES-S is the second in a series of four advanced geostationary weather satellites. The satellite is slated to launch aboard the Atlas V rocket March 1.

System design of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 5: Probe vehicle studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nolte, L. J.; Stephenson, D. S.

1973-01-01

A summary of the key issues and studies conducted for the Pioneer Venus spacecraft and the resulting probe designs are presented. The key deceleration module issues are aerodynamic configuration and heat shield material selection. The design and development of the pressure vessel module are explained. Thermal control and science integration of the pressure vessel module are explained. The deceleration module heat shield, parachute and separation/despin are reported. The Thor/Delta and Atlas/Centaur baseline descriptions are provided.

Vapor ingestion in a cylindrical tank with a concave elliptical bottom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klavins, A.

1974-01-01

An approximate analytical technique is presented for estimating the liquid residual in a tank of arbitrary geometry due to vapor ingestion at any drain rate and acceleration level. The bulk liquid depth at incipient pull-through is defined in terms of the Weber and Bond numbers and two functions that describe the fluid velocity field and free surface shape appropriate to the tank geometry. Numerical results are obtained for the Centaur LH2 tank using limiting approximations to these functions.

OA-7 Lift and Mate to Booster

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-17

The payload fairing containing the Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized cargo module is lowered onto the Centaur upper stage, or second stage, of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch atop the Atlas V from pad 41. Cygnus will deliver 7,600 pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station.

OA-7 Lift and Mate to Booster

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-17

The payload fairing containing the Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized cargo module is mated to the Centaur upper stage, or second stage, of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch atop the Atlas V from pad 41. Cygnus will deliver 7,600 pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station.

Axial jet mixing of ethanol in cylindrical containers during weightlessness

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aydelott, J. C.

1979-01-01

An experimental program was conducted to examine the liquid flow patterns that result from the axial jet mixing of ethanol in 10-centimeter-diameter cylindrical tanks in weightlessness. A convex hemispherically ended tank and two Centaur liquid-hydrogen-tank models were used for the study. Four distinct liquid flow patterns were observed to be a function of the tank geometry, the liquid-jet velocity, the volume of liquid in the tank, and the location of the tube from which the liquid jet exited.

KSC01pp0784

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-11

At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the GOES-M satellite is offloaded from the yawning mouth of the C-5 aircraft. It will be transferred to Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., for final testing. The GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, I-M Series) provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking, and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to be launched on an Atlas-IIA booster, with a Centaur upper stage, July 12 from Launch Pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

KSC01pp0785

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-11

At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, the GOES-M satellite, encased in a container, begins its trek to Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., where it will undergo final testing. The GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, I-M Series) provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking, and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to be launched on an Atlas-IIA booster, with a Centaur upper stage, July 12 from Launch Pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Does network topology influence systemic risk contribution? A perspective from the industry indices in Chinese stock market.

PubMed

Long, Haiming; Zhang, Ji; Tang, Nengyu

2017-01-01

This study considers the effect of an industry's network topology on its systemic risk contribution to the stock market using data from the CSI 300 two-tier industry indices from the Chinese stock market. We first measure industry's conditional-value-at-risk (CoVaR) and the systemic risk contribution (ΔCoVaR) using the fitted time-varying t-copula function. The network of the stock industry is established based on dynamic conditional correlations with the minimum spanning tree. Then, we investigate the connection characteristics and topology of the network. Finally, we utilize seemingly unrelated regression estimation (SUR) of panel data to analyze the relationship between network topology of the stock industry and the industry's systemic risk contribution. The results show that the systemic risk contribution of small-scale industries such as real estate, food and beverage, software services, and durable goods and clothing, is higher than that of large-scale industries, such as banking, insurance and energy. Industries with large betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and clustering coefficient and small node occupancy layer are associated with greater systemic risk contribution. In addition, further analysis using a threshold model confirms that the results are robust.

How does network design constrain optimal operation of intermittent water supply?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lieb, Anna; Wilkening, Jon; Rycroft, Chris

2015-11-01

Urban water distribution systems do not always supply water continuously or reliably. As pipes fill and empty, pressure transients may contribute to degraded infrastructure and poor water quality. To help understand and manage this undesirable side effect of intermittent water supply--a phenomenon affecting hundreds of millions of people in cities around the world--we study the relative contributions of fixed versus dynamic properties of the network. Using a dynamical model of unsteady transition pipe flow, we study how different elements of network design, such as network geometry, pipe material, and pipe slope, contribute to undesirable pressure transients. Using an optimization framework, we then investigate to what extent network operation decisions such as supply timing and inflow rate may mitigate these effects. We characterize some aspects of network design that make them more or less amenable to operational optimization.

Co-extinction in a host-parasite network: identifying key hosts for network stability.

PubMed

Dallas, Tad; Cornelius, Emily

2015-08-17

Parasites comprise a substantial portion of total biodiversity. Ultimately, this means that host extinction could result in many secondary extinctions of obligate parasites and potentially alter host-parasite network structure. Here, we examined a highly resolved fish-parasite network to determine key hosts responsible for maintaining parasite diversity and network structure (quantified here as nestedness and modularity). We evaluated four possible host extinction orders and compared the resulting co-extinction dynamics to random extinction simulations; including host removal based on estimated extinction risk, parasite species richness and host level contributions to nestedness and modularity. We found that all extinction orders, except the one based on realistic extinction risk, resulted in faster declines in parasite diversity and network structure relative to random biodiversity loss. Further, we determined species-level contributions to network structure were best predicted by parasite species richness and host family. Taken together, we demonstrate that a small proportion of hosts contribute substantially to network structure and that removal of these hosts results in rapid declines in parasite diversity and network structure. As network stability can potentially be inferred through measures of network structure, our findings may provide insight into species traits that confer stability.

Entropy-based link prediction in weighted networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhongqi; Pu, Cunlai; Ramiz Sharafat, Rajput; Li, Lunbo; Yang, Jian

2017-01-01

Information entropy has been proved to be an effective tool to quantify the structural importance of complex networks. In the previous work (Xu et al, 2016 \\cite{xu2016}), we measure the contribution of a path in link prediction with information entropy. In this paper, we further quantify the contribution of a path with both path entropy and path weight, and propose a weighted prediction index based on the contributions of paths, namely Weighted Path Entropy (WPE), to improve the prediction accuracy in weighted networks. Empirical experiments on six weighted real-world networks show that WPE achieves higher prediction accuracy than three typical weighted indices.

Design, implementation, and initial results from a water-quality monitoring network for Atlanta, Georgia, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Horowitz, A.J.; Elrick, K.A.; Smith, J.J.

2005-01-01

In cooperation with the City of Atlanta, Georgia, the US Geological Survey has designed and implemented a water-quantity and quality monitoring network that measures a variety of biological and chemical constituents in water and suspended sediment. The network consists of 20 long-term monitoring sites and is intended to assess water-quality trends in response to planned infrastructural improvements. Initial results from the network indicate that nonpoint-source contributions may be more significant than point-source contributions for selected sediment associated trace elements and nutrients. There also are indications of short-term discontinuous point-source contributions of these same constituents during baseflow.

Physical properties of the extreme Centaur and super-comet candidate 2013 AZ60

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pál, A.; Kiss, Cs.; Horner, J.; Szakáts, R.; Vilenius, E.; Müller, Th. G.; Acosta-Pulido, J.; Licandro, J.; Cabrera-Lavers, A.; Sárneczky, K.; Szabó, Gy. M.; Thirouin, A.; Sipőcz, B.; Dózsa, Á.; Duffard, R.

2015-11-01

We present estimates of the basic physical properties including size and albedo of the extreme Centaur 2013 AZ60. These properties have been derived from optical and thermal infrared measurements. Our optical measurements revealed a probable full period of ≈9.4 h with a shallow amplitude of 4.5%. By combining optical brightness information and thermal emission data, we are able to derive a diameter of 62.3 ± 5.3 km and a geometric albedo of 2.9%, which corresponds to an extremely dark surface. Additionally, our finding of ≳50 Jm-2 K-1 s- 1/2 for the thermal inertia is also remarkable for objects in such a distance. The results of dynamical simulations yield an unstable orbit, with a 50% probability that the target will be ejected from the solar system within 700 000 yr. The current orbit of this object and its instability could imply a pristine cometary surface. This possibility agrees with the observed low geometric albedo and red photometric colour indices for the object, which match the surface of a dormant comet well, as would be expected for a long-period cometary body approaching perihelion. Although it was approaching ever closer to the Sun, however, the object exhibited star-like profiles in each of our observations, lacking any sign of cometary activity. According to the albedo, 2013 AZ60 is a candidate for the darkest body among the known trans-Neptunian objects.

The Centaur Chariklo and its rings system from stellar occultations in 2017

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leiva, Rodrigo; Sicardy, Bruno; Camargo, Julio; Ortiz, Jose Luis; Berard, Diane; Desmars, Josselin; Chariklo Occultations Team; Rio Group; Lucky Star Occultation Team; Granada Occultation Team

2017-10-01

A stellar occultation in June 3, 2013 revealed the presence of a dense ring system around the Centaur object (10199) Chariklo (Braga-Ribas et al., Nature 2014). Subsequent analysis of occultation data and long-term photometric variations indicate that Chariklo's body is elongated (Leiva et al. 2017, submitted) and that the main ring exhibits significant longitudinal variations of the radial width (Bérard et al. 2017, in press). We report three multi-chord high-quality stellar occultation by Chariklo on April 9, 2017 and June 22, 2017 from Namibia, and July 23 2017 from South America. The analysis of this new data set is underway, but preliminary results are consistent with triaxial ellipsoidal models. From this analysis we will:-present refined models for the size and shape of Chariklo's main body andevaluate the heights and slopes of its topographic features.-give constraints on the longitudinal width variations of Chariklo's rings andexplore the possibility to obtain the rings apsidal precession rate.Chariklo's shape and topography have strong consequences on the dynamics of the rings through Lindblad-type resonances between mean motion of the ring particles and the spin of the main body, while the rings precession rate gives constraints on the dynamical oblateness of the main body.**Part of the research leading to these results has received funding from the European Research Council under the European Community’s H2020 (2014-2020/ ERC Grant Agreement n 669416 ”LUCKY STAR”).

Chimeric creatures in Greek mythology and reflections in science.

PubMed

Bazopoulou-Kyrkanidou, E

2001-04-15

"The Chimaera" in Homer's Iliad, "was of divine stock, not of men, in the forepart a lion, in the hinder a serpent, and in the midst a goat, ellipsis Bellerophon slew her, trusting in the signs of the gods." In Hesiod's Theogony it is emphasized that "Chimaera ellipsis had three heads, one of a grim-eyed lion, another of a goat, and another of a snakeellipsis". In addition to this interspecies animal chimera, human/animal chimeras are referred to in Greek mythology, preeminent among them the Centaurs and the Minotaur. The Centaurs, as horse/men, first appear in Geometric and early Archaic art, but in the literature not until early in the fifth century B.C. The bullheaded-man Minotaur, who is not certainly attested in the literary evidence until circa 500 B.C., first appears in art about 650 B.C. Attempts, in the fourth century B.C. and thereafter, to rationalize their mythical appearance were in vain; their chimeric nature retained its fascinating and archetypal form over the centuries. Early in the 1980s, experimental sheep/goat chimeras were produced removing the reproductive barrier between these two animal species. Late in the 1990s, legal, political, ethical, and moral fights loomed over a patent bid on human/animal chimeras. Chimeric technology is recently developed; however, the concept of chimerism has existed in literary and artistic form in ancient mythology. This is yet another example where art and literature precede scientific research and development. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss. Inc.

Heterophilic interference in specimens yielding false-reactive results on the Abbott 4th generation ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay.

PubMed

Lavoie, S; Caswell, D; Gill, M J; Kadkhoda, K; Charlton, C L; Levett, P N; Hatchette, T; Garceau, R; Maregmen, J; Mazzulli, T; Needle, R; Kadivar, K; Kim, J

2018-07-01

False-reactivity in HIV-negative specimens has been detected in HIV fourth-generation antigen/antibody or 'combo' assays which are able to detect both anti-HIV-1/HIV-2 antibodies and HIV-1 antigen. We sought to characterize these specimens and determine the effect of heterophilic interference. Specimens previously testing as false-reactive on the Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab combo assay and re-tested on a different (Siemens ADVIA Centaur HIV Ag/Ab) assay. A subset of these specimens were also pre-treated with heterophilic blocking agents and re-tested on the Abbott assay. Here we report that 95% (252/264) of clinical specimens that were repeatedly reactive on the Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab combo assay (S/Co range, 0.94-678) were negative when re-tested on a different fourth generation HIV combo assay (Siemens ADVIA Centaur HIV Ag/Ab). All 264 samples were subsequently confirmed to be HIV negative. On a small subset (57) of specimens with available volume, pre-treatment with two different reagents (HBT; Heterophilic Blocking Tube, NABT; Non-Specific Blocking Tube) designed to block heterophilic antibody interference either eliminated (HBT) or reduced (NABT) the false reactivity when re-tested on the ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab combo assay. Our results suggest that the Abbott ARCHITECT HIV Ag/Ab combo assay can be prone to heterophilic antibody interference. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of the exhaust plume on the lightning triggering conditions for launch vehicles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eriksen, Frederick J.; Rudolph, Terence H.; Perala, Rodney A.

1991-01-01

Apollo 12 and Atlas Centaur 67 are two launch vehicles that have experienced triggered lightning strikes. Serious consequences resulted from the events; in the case of Atlas Centaur 67, the vehicle and the payload were lost. These events indicate that it is necessary to develop launch rules which would prevent such occurrences. In order to develop valid lightning related rules, it is necessary to understand the effects of the plume. Some have assumed that the plume can be treated as a perfect conductor, and have computed electric field enhancement factors on that basis. The authors have looked at the plume, and believe that these models are not correct, because they ignore the fluid motion of the conducting plates. The authors developed a model which includes this flow character. In this model, the external field is excluded from the plume as it would be for any good conductor, but, in addition, the charge must distribute so that the charge density is zero at some location in the exhaust. When this condition is included in the calculation of triggering enhancement factors, they can be two to three times larger than calculated by other methods which include a conductive plume but don't include the correct boundary conditions. Here, the authors review the relevant features of rocket exhausts for the triggered lightning problem, present an approach for including flowing conductive gases, and present preliminary calculations to demonstrate the effect that the plume has on enhancement factors.

Altitude Wind Tunnel at NASA Glenn Research Center: An Interactive History

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

When constructed in the Early 1940s, the Altitude Wind Tunnel (AWT) at NASA Glenn Research Center was the nation's only wind tunnel capable of studying full scale engines under realistic flight conditions. It played a significant role in the development of the first U.S. jet engines as well as technologies such as the afterburner and variable-area nozzle. In the late 1950s, the tunnels interior components were removed so that hardware for Project Mercury could be tested in altitude conditions. In 1961, a portion of the tunnel was converted into one of the country's first large vacuum tanks and renamed the Space Power Chamber (SPC). SPC was used extensively throughout the 1960s for the Centaur rocket program. This multimedia piece allows one to interactively learn about the Altitude Wind Tunnel facility. and the research performed there. The piece contains: (1) A chronological history of the AWT from its construction during World War II and the testing of early jet engines, through the Mercury and Centaur programs of the 1960s and up to the final use of the building for the Microwave Systems laboratory. (2) Photographic surveys of the facility in it wind tunnel, vacuum tank and final configurations. (3) Browsable gallery of over 200 captioned photographs and video clips.(4) A nine minute documentary of the AWT produced by NASA in 1961 (5) Links to over 70 reports and publications related to AWT research and the history of the NACA.

Incentive Mechanism for P2P Content Sharing over Heterogenous Access Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, Kenichiro; Hashimoto, Ryo; Yoshino, Makoto; Shinkuma, Ryoichi; Takahashi, Tatsuro

In peer-to-peer (P2P) content sharing, users can share their content by contributing their own resources to one another. However, since there is no incentive for contributing contents or resources to others, users may attempt to obtain content without any contribution. To motivate users to contribute their resources to the service, incentive-rewarding mechanisms have been proposed. On the other hand, emerging wireless technologies, such as IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks, beyond third generation (B3G) cellular networks and mobile WiMAX, provide high-speed Internet access for wireless users. Using these high-speed wireless access, wireless users can use P2P services and share their content with other wireless users and with fixed users. However, this diversification of access networks makes it difficult to appropriately assign rewards to each user according to their contributions. This is because the cost necessary for contribution is different in different access networks. In this paper, we propose a novel incentive-rewarding mechanism called EMOTIVER that can assign rewards to users appropriately. The proposed mechanism uses an external evaluator and interactive learning agents. We also investigate a way of appropriately controlling rewards based on the system service's quality and managing policy.

Does network topology influence systemic risk contribution? A perspective from the industry indices in Chinese stock market

PubMed Central

Long, Haiming; Tang, Nengyu

2017-01-01

This study considers the effect of an industry’s network topology on its systemic risk contribution to the stock market using data from the CSI 300 two-tier industry indices from the Chinese stock market. We first measure industry’s conditional-value-at-risk (CoVaR) and the systemic risk contribution (ΔCoVaR) using the fitted time-varying t-copula function. The network of the stock industry is established based on dynamic conditional correlations with the minimum spanning tree. Then, we investigate the connection characteristics and topology of the network. Finally, we utilize seemingly unrelated regression estimation (SUR) of panel data to analyze the relationship between network topology of the stock industry and the industry’s systemic risk contribution. The results show that the systemic risk contribution of small-scale industries such as real estate, food and beverage, software services, and durable goods and clothing, is higher than that of large-scale industries, such as banking, insurance and energy. Industries with large betweenness centrality, closeness centrality, and clustering coefficient and small node occupancy layer are associated with greater systemic risk contribution. In addition, further analysis using a threshold model confirms that the results are robust. PMID:28683130

Fruit traits and temporal abundance shape plant-frugivore interaction networks in a seasonal tropical forest.

PubMed

Ramos-Robles, Michelle; Dáttilo, Wesley; Díaz-Castelazo, Cecilia; Andresen, Ellen

2018-04-02

Interactions between fleshy fruited plants and frugivores are crucial for the structuring and functioning of biotic communities, particularly in tropical forests where both groups are diverse and play different roles in network organization. However, it remains poorly understood how different groups of frugivore species and fruit traits contribute to network structure. We recorded interactions among 28 plant species and three groups of frugivores (birds, bats, and non-flying mammals) in a seasonal forest in Mexico to determine which species contribute more to network structure and evaluate the importance of each species. We also determined whether fruit abundance, water content, morphology traits, and fruiting phenology are related to network parameters: the number of interactions, species contribution to nestedness, and species strength. We found that plants did not depend on a single group of frugivores, but rather on one species of each group: the bird Pitangus sulphuratus, the bat Sturnira parvidens, and the non-flying mammal Procyon lotor. The abundance, size, and water content of the fruits were significantly related to the contribution to nestedness, number of interactions, and species strength index of plant species. Tree species and birds contributed mainly to the nested structure of the network. We show that the structure of plant-frugivore networks in this seasonal forest is non-random and that fruit traits (i.e., abundance, phenology, size, and water content) are important factors shaping plant-frugivore networks. Identification of the key species and their traits that maintain the complex structure of species interactions is therefore fundamental for the integral conservation of tropical forests.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Visible colors of Centaurs and KBOs (Peixinho+, 2015)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peixinho, N.; Delsanti, A.; Doressoundiram, A.

2015-02-01

Table 2: significant Spearman-rho correlations detected between all colors and all orbital parameters of Centaurs, scattered disk objects, scattered or detached objects, Plutinos, other resonants, classical KBOs, binary or multiple KBOs, KBOs (without Haumea family and retrograde orbits), all objects (also without Haumea family and retrograde orbits), and KBOs except classical KBOs (also without Haumea family and retrograde orbits). First and second columns indicate the variables, third column the number of objects with both variables measured, forth column indicate the correlation value and its 68.2% error interval, fifth column indicates the p-value of the correlation, sixth column indicate the equivalent confidence level of the p-value in Gaussian sigmas, columns seven to nine indicate the detail of the False Discovery Correction for confidence levels of 2.5σ and 3σ (see Sect. 3.4), tenth column indicates the maximum detectable rho at a 2.5σ confidence level with a 10% risk of missing it, eleventh column indicates the maximum detectable rho at a 3σ confidence level with a 10% risk of missing it (see Sect. 3.2) Table 5: Compilation of R-band absolute magnitude, not corrected for the phase-angle, of Spectral gradient, B-V, V-R, R-I, V-I, B-I, B-R, and corresponding orbital and orbital related parameters of 366 Centaurs and KBOs. For each object/observation, we computed the reflectance spectrum using equation (3) from Delsanti et al. (2001A&A...380..347D), when 2 or more filters were available. The resulting spectra were manually checked, and obviously deviant data from a given filter were removed from the dataset. Color indexes are computed within one given epoch, leading to colors obtained from "simultaneous" photometry (the different bands were observed over a maximum timespan of 2 hours). Then the average colors indexes and their one σ errors from different papers and epochs are computed for each object using equations (1) and (2) from Hainaut and Delsanti (2002A&A...389..641H), providing more accurate estimates when multiple measurements are available. Absolute magnitude in R band (HR) are computed for each object/epoch whenever a R-band magnitude is available, using: HR=R-5log(rΔ), where R is the R-band magnitude, r and Δ the helio- and geocentric distances at the time of observations, respectively.Different values for a given object were also averaged using the aforementioned equations (1) and (2). We did not correct for any phase effect. (5 data files).

Neural networks supporting autobiographical memory retrieval in post-traumatic stress disorder

PubMed Central

Jacques, Peggy L.; Kragel, Philip A.; Rubin, David C.

2013-01-01

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects the functional recruitment and connectivity between neural regions during autobiographical memory (AM) retrieval that overlap with default and control networks. Whether such univariate changes relate to potential differences in the contribution of large-scale neural networks supporting cognition in PTSD is unknown. In the current functional MRI (fMRI) study we employ independent component analysis to examine the influence the engagement of neural networks during the recall of personal memories in PTSD (15 participants) compared to non-trauma exposed, healthy controls (14 participants). We found that the PTSD group recruited similar neural networks when compared to controls during AM recall, including default network subsystems and control networks, but there were group differences in the spatial and temporal characteristics of these networks. First, there were spatial differences in the contribution of the anterior and posterior midline across the networks, and with the amygdala in particular for the medial temporal subsystem of the default network. Second, there were temporal differences in the relationship of the medial prefrontal subsystem of the default network, with less temporal coupling of this network during AM retrieval in PTSD relative to controls. These findings suggest that spatial and temporal characteristics of the default and control networks potentially differ in PTSD versus healthy controls, and contribute to altered recall of personal memory. PMID:23483523

High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)

NASA Image and Video Library

1977-01-01

This photograph shows the High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO)-1 being assembled at TRW Systems of Redondo Beach, California. The HEAO was designed and developed by TRW, Inc. under the project management of the Marshall Space Flight Center. The first observatory, designated HEAO-1, was launched on August 12, 1977 aboard an Atlas/Centaur launch vehicle and was designed to survey the sky for additional x-ray and gamma-ray sources as well as pinpointing their positions. The HEAO-1 was originally identified as HEAO-A but the designation was changed once the spacecraft achieved orbit.

Delta IV Heavy Centaur Stage Mate to Booster - Parker Solar Prob

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-02

The second stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy is mated to the common booster core inside the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy will launch NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission in July 2018. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection.

Space nuclear power system and the design of the nuclear electric propulsion OTV

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buden, D.; Garrison, P. W.

1984-01-01

Payload increases of three to five times that of the Shuttle/Centaur can be achieved using nuclear electric propulsion. Various nuclear power plant options being pursued by the SP-100 Program are described. These concepts can grow from 100 kWe to 1 MWe output. Spacecraft design aspects are addressed, including thermal interactions, plume interactions, and radiation fluences. A baseline configuration is described accounting for these issues. Safety aspects of starting the OTV transfer from an altitude of 300 km indicate no significant additional risk to the biosphere.

Study of ballistic mode comet Encke mission opportunities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollenbeck, G. R.; Vanpelt, J. M.

1974-01-01

An analysis was conducted of the space mission to intercept the comet Encke. The two basic types of flight geometry considered for the mission are described. The primary interactions between time-of-flight and performance characteristics are displayed. The representative spacecraft characteristics for the Titan 3/Centaur launch vehicle are tabulated. The navigation analyses for the two missions are developed to show: (1) assessment of the navigation feasibility of the missions, (2) determination of the total velocity budget for the trim maneuvers, and (3) evaluation of dispersions at comet encounter.

Amphiaraos of Attica: the "Second Asclepius".

PubMed

Iavazzo, Christos; Gkegkes, Ioannis D; Gkegke, Xanthi-Ekaterini D; Ntziora, Fotinie

2012-01-01

Amphiaraos is one of the most prominent Greek heroes. He was the son of god Apollo and student of Centaur Chiron from whom he learned the art of medicine. He was thought to be the "Second Asclepius" and he had many sanctuaries around Greece of which the most well known is the Amphiaraeion of Oropos, near Athens. The aim of this study is to present the genealogical tree and life of Amphiaraos, as well as the methods used in his sanctuaries in order to offer cure in the ill pilgrims.

KSC-2009-3298

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, are lifted into the mobile service tower. The LRO/LCROSS will be mated to the Atlas V rocket for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

KSC-2009-3297

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-05-28

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – On Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, a crane is attached to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, to lift them into the mobile service tower. The LRO/LCROSS will be mated to the Atlas V rocket for launch. The LRO includes five instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA and LROC. Along with LCROSS, they will be launched aboard an Atlas V/Centaur rocket on June 17. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis

The New Horizons Kuiper Belt Extended Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, S. A.; Weaver, H. A.; Spencer, J. R.; Elliott, H. A.

2018-06-01

The central objective of the New Horizons prime mission was to make the first exploration of Pluto and its system of moons. Following that, New Horizons has been approved for its first extended mission, which has the objectives of extensively studying the Kuiper Belt environment, observing numerous Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) and Centaurs in unique ways, and making the first close flyby of the KBO 486958 2014 MU69. This review summarizes the objectives and plans for this approved mission extension, and briefly looks forward to potential objectives for subsequent extended missions by New Horizons.

OA-7 Lift and Mate to Booster

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-17

United Launch Alliance (ULA) technicians monitor the progress as the payload fairing containing the Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized cargo module is lowered onto the Centaur upper stage, or second stage, of the ULA Atlas V rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch atop the Atlas V from pad 41. Cygnus will deliver 7,600 pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station.

Systems design study of the Pioneer Venus spacecraft. Volume 1. Technical analyses and tradeoffs, sections 1-4 (part 1 of 4)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1973-01-01

The results are reported of the Pioneer Venus studies from 2 October 1972 through 30 June 1973. Many missions were considered, involving two launch vehicles (Thor/Delta and Atlas/Centaur), and different launch opportunities and spacecraft configurations to meet varying science requirements, all at minimum cost. The sequence of events is described and the specific studies conducted are summarized. The effects of science payload on mission and spacecraft design are discussed along with the mission analyses.

Low launch-energy trajectories to the outer solar system via Venus and earth gravity-assist flybys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Diehl, Roger; Belbruno, Edward; Bender, David; Myers, Mark; Stetson, Douglas

1988-01-01

Recent cancellation of the program to develop a Centaur upper stage for use in the Space Transportation System (STS) has motivated considerable interest in trajectory modes with low launch-energy requirements to the outer solar system. Flyby encounters of the inner planets, especially Venus and earth, may be used to enable missions to Jupiter, Saturn, and a restricted class of comets. An examination of mission opportunities to these targets is presented through the end of this century using gravity-assist trajectories.

Atlas_V_OA-7_Payload_Mate_to_Booster

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-03-17

The payload fairing containing the Orbital ATK Cygnus pressurized cargo module is lifted and mated onto the Centaur upper stage, or second stage, of the United Launch Alliance (ULA) rocket in the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Orbital ATK CRS-7 commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station is scheduled to launch atop the Atlas V from pad 41. Cygnus will deliver 7,600 pounds of supplies, equipment and scientific research materials to the space station.

KSC01pp0783

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-04-11

At the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility, a truck begins offloading the container with the GOES-M satellite from the yawning mouth of the C-5 aircraft. It will be transferred to Astrotech in Titusville, Fla., for final testing. The GOES-M (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, I-M Series) provides weather imagery and quantitative sounding data used to support weather forecasting, severe storm tracking, and meteorological research. The satellite is scheduled to be launched on an Atlas-IIA booster, with a Centaur upper stage, July 12 from Launch Pad 36-A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station

Social Networks, the ‘Work’ and Work Force of Chronic Illness Self-Management: A Survey Analysis of Personal Communities

PubMed Central

Vassilev, Ivaylo; Rogers, Anne; Blickem, Christian; Brooks, Helen; Kapadia, Dharmi; Kennedy, Anne; Sanders, Caroline; Kirk, Sue; Reeves, David

2013-01-01

Self-management support forms a central aspect of chronic Illness management nationally and globally. Evidence for the success of self-management support has mainly focussed on individually-centred outcomes of behavioural change. While it is recognised that social network members play an important role there is currently a gap in knowledge regarding who provides what type of support and under what circumstances. This is relevant for understanding the division of labour and the meeting of needs for those living with a long-term condition. We therefore took a network approach to explore self-management support conceptualising it as types of illness ‘work’ undertaken within peoples’ social networks. 300 people from deprived areas and with chronic illnesses took part in a survey conducted in 2010 in the North West of England. A concentric circles diagram was used as a research tool with which participants identified 2,544 network members who contributed to illness management. The results provide an articulation of how social network members are substantially involved in illness management. Whilst partners and close family make the highest contributions there is evidence of inputs from a wide range of relationships. Network member characteristics (type of relationship, proximity, frequency of contact) impact on the amount of illness work undertaken in peoples’ networks. In networks with ‘no partner’ other people tend to contribute more in the way of illness related work than in networks with a partner. This indicates a degree of substitutability between differently constituted networks, and that the level and type of input by different members of a network might change according to circumstances. A network perspective offers an opportunity to redress the balance of an exclusively individual focus on self-management because it addresses the broader set of contributions and resources available to people in need of chronic illness management and support. PMID:23565162

Oscillations contribute to memory consolidation by changing criticality and stability in the brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Jiaxing; Skilling, Quinton; Ognjanovski, Nicolette; Aton, Sara; Zochowski, Michal

Oscillations are a universal feature of every level of brain dynamics and have been shown to contribute to many brain functions. To investigate the fundamental mechanism underpinning oscillatory activity, the properties of heterogeneous networks are compared in situations with and without oscillations. Our results show that both network criticality and stability are changed in the presence of oscillations. Criticality describes the network state of neuronal avalanche, a cascade of bursts of action potential firing in neural network. Stability measures how stable the spike timing relationship between neuron pairs is over time. Using a detailed spiking model, we found that the branching parameter σ changes relative to oscillation and structural network properties, corresponding to transmission among different critical states. Also, analysis of functional network structures shows that the oscillation helps to stabilize neuronal representation of memory. Further, quantitatively similar results are observed in biological data recorded in vivo. In summary, we have observed that, by regulating the neuronal firing pattern, oscillations affect both criticality and stability properties of the network, and thus contribute to memory formation.

INEGI's Network of GPS permanent stations in Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez Franco, G. A.

2013-05-01

The Active National Geodetic Network administered by INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía) is a set of 24 GPS permanent stations in Mexico that was established in 1993 for a national rural cadastral project, its has been mainly used for geodetic surveys through Mexico including international borders, and has been progressing to contribute to national, regional and international reference frames through the delivering of GPS data or coordinate solutions from INEGI Processing Center to SIRGAS and NAREF. Recently GAMIT/GLOBK Processing of permanent stations in Mexico was realized from 2007-2011 to determine station's velocity. Related to natural hazards, a subset of INEGI network contributes to the project Real Time Integrated Atmosferic Water Wapor and TEC from GPS. The GPS network planned evolution consider changing to a GNSS network, adding stations to IGS, maintain the services of the present, and contribute to multidisciplinary geodetic studies through data publicly available.

Assessment of topographic and drainage network controls on debris-flow travel distance along the west coast of the United States

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coe, Jeffrey A.; Reid, Mark E.; Brien, Dainne L.; Michael, John A.

2011-01-01

To better understand controls on debris-flow entrainment and travel distance, we examined topographic and drainage network characteristics of initiation locations in two separate debris-flow prone areas located 700 km apart along the west coast of the U.S. One area was located in northern California, the other in southern Oregon. In both areas, debris flows mobilized from slides during large storms, but, when stratified by number of contributing initiation locations, median debris-flow travel distances in Oregon were 5 to 8 times longer than median distances in California. Debris flows in Oregon readily entrained channel material; entrainment in California was minimal. To elucidate this difference, we registered initiation locations to high-resolution airborne LiDAR, and then examined travel distances with respect to values of slope, upslope contributing area, planform curvature, distance from initiation locations to the drainage network, and number of initiation areas that contributed to flows. Results show distinct differences in the topographic and drainage network characteristics of debris-flow initiation locations between the two study areas. Slope and planform curvature of initiation locations (landslide headscarps), commonly used to predict landslide-prone areas, were not useful for predicting debris-flow travel distances. However, a positive, power-law relation exists between median debris-flow travel distance and the number of contributing debris-flow initiation locations. Moreover, contributing area and the proximity of the initiation locations to the drainage network both influenced travel distances, but proximity to the drainage network was the better predictor of travel distance. In both study areas, flows that interacted with the drainage network flowed significantly farther than those that did not. In California, initiation sites within 60 m of the network were likely to reach the network and generate longtraveled flows; in Oregon, the threshold was 80 m.

The brain's default network: origins and implications for the study of psychosis.

PubMed

Buckner, Randy L

2013-09-01

The brain's default network is a set of regions that is spontaneously active during passive moments. The network is also active during directed tasks that require participants to remember past events or imagine upcoming events. One hypothesis is that the network facilitates construction of mental models (simulations) that can be used adaptively in many contexts. Extensive research has considered whether disruption of the default network may contribute to disease. While an intriguing possibility, a specific challenge to this notion is the fact that it is difficult to accurately measure the default network in patients where confounds of head motion and compliance are prominent. Nonetheless, some intriguing recent findings suggest that dysfunctional interactions between front-oparietal control systems and the default network contribute to psychosis. Psychosis may be a network disturbance that manifests as disordered thought partly because it disrupts the fragile balance between the default network and competing brain systems.

The brain's default network: origins and implications for the study of psychosis

PubMed Central

Buckner, Randy L.

2013-01-01

The brain's default network is a set of regions that is spontaneously active during passive moments. The network is also active during directed tasks that require participants to remember past events or imagine upcoming events. One hypothesis is that the network facilitates construction of mental models (simulations) that can be used adaptively in many contexts. Extensive research has considered whether disruption of the default network may contribute to disease. While an intriguing possibility, a specific challenge to this notion is the fact that it is difficult to accurately measure the default network in patients where confounds of head motion and compliance are prominent. Nonetheless, some intriguing recent findings suggest that dysfunctional interactions between front-oparietal control systems and the default network contribute to psychosis. Psychosis may be a network disturbance that manifests as disordered thought partly because it disrupts the fragile balance between the default network and competing brain systems. PMID:24174906

The Integrated Distributed Virtual Research Network: An Introduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-06-01

Tom Kile , Theron Trout, and Gary Cohn for their extensive contribution to this document to include reviews, comments, and edits, which contributed...to the quality of the document. The ARL Integrated Distributed Virtual Research Testbed (IDVRT) team, consisting of Alex Tarantin, Khoa Bui, Tom Kile ...n. Network Engineer (non-voting member) Tom Kile o. Network Engineer (non-voting member) Theron Trout p. Non-voting members (serving at the

Baseline morning cortisol level as a predictor of pituitary-adrenal reserve: a comparison across three assays.

PubMed

Sbardella, Emilia; Isidori, Andrea M; Woods, Conor P; Argese, Nicola; Tomlinson, Jeremy W; Shine, Brian; Jafar-Mohammadi, Bahram; Grossman, Ashley B

2017-02-01

The short ACTH stimulation test (250 μg) is the dynamic test most frequently used to assess adrenal function. It is possible that a single basal cortisol could be used to predict the dynamic response, but research has been hampered by the use of different assays and thresholds. To propose a morning baseline cortisol criterion of three of the most commonly used modern cortisol immunoassays - Advia Centaur (Siemens), Architect (Abbott) and the Roche Modular System (Roche) - that could predict adrenal sufficiency. Observational, retrospective cross-sectional study at two centres. Retrospective analysis of the results of 1019 Short Synacthen tests (SSTs) with the Advia Centaur, 449 SSTs with the Architect and 2050 SSTs with the Roche Modular System assay. Serum cortisol levels were measured prior to injection of 250 μg Synacthen and after 30 min. Overall, we were able to collate data from a total of 3518 SSTs in 3571 patients. Using receiver-operator curve analysis, baseline cortisol levels for predicting passing the SST with 100% specificity were 358 nmol/l for Siemens, 336 nmol/l for Abbott and 506 nmol/l for Roche. Utilizing these criteria, 589, 158 and 578 SSTs, respectively, for Siemens, Abbott and Roche immunoassays could have been avoided. We have defined assay-specific morning cortisol levels that are able to predict the integrity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. We propose that this represents a valid tool for the initial assessment of adrenal function and has the potential to obviate the need for dynamic testing in a significant number of patients. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

How can we explain the presence of rings around the Centaur Chariklo?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Moutamid, Maryame; Kral, Quentin; Sicardy, Bruno; Charnoz, Sebastien; Roques, Françoise; Nicholson, Philip D.; Burns, Joseph A.

2014-05-01

Recently two rings have been detected around the small body known as (10199) Chariklo (Braga-Ribas et al. 2014). Chariklo is the largest Centaur, with a diameter of 250 km and a dynamical lifetime estimated at less than 10 Myrs, given its orbital position. By the technique of multi-chord stellar occultation, Felipe Braga-Ribas and colleagues observed two dense rings around this asteroid separated by a gap of 14 km, with widths of 7 km and 3 km, optical depths 0.4 and 0.06, and radii from the central body of 391 km and 405 km, respectively. This raises several questions concerning the stability of such a ring system and its origin. In this talk we will try to present the first attempt at answering these issues from a dynamical point of view.The presence of rings around such a body is an exciting but surprising result. Several scenarios could account for their formation: - A violent impact such as the Moon-forming collision could potentially lead to the creation of a ring. - The potential presence of larger bodies surviving the initial impact and acting as shepherd satellites for the rings could make it long-lived. - Another scenario involves a small satellite (less than 2 km) which is destroyed by tidal effects as it migrates inwards to the Roche limit... We hope to present preliminary results of these studies. This diminutive ring system opens the way to a new view of the evolution of small bodies as it is hard to believe that Chariklo is an isolated case.

OSSOS. VIII. The Transition between Two Size Distribution Slopes in the Scattering Disk

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawler, S. M.; Shankman, C.; Kavelaars, J. J.; Alexandersen, M.; Bannister, M. T.; Chen, Ying-Tung; Gladman, B.; Fraser, W. C.; Gwyn, S.; Kaib, N.; Petit, J.-M.; Volk, K.

2018-05-01

The scattering trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs) can be measured to smaller sizes than any other distant small-body population. We use the largest sample yet obtained, 68 discoveries, primarily by the Outer Solar System Origins Survey (OSSOS), to constrain the slope of its luminosity distribution, with sensitivity to much fainter absolute H-magnitudes than previous work. Using the analysis technique in Shankman et al., we confirm that a single slope for the H-distribution is not an accurate representation of the scattering TNOs and Centaurs, and that a break in the distribution is required, in support of previous conclusions. A bright-end slope of α b = 0.9 transitioning to a faint-end slope α f of 0.4–0.5 with a differential number contrast c from 1 (a knee) to 10 (a divot) provides an acceptable match to our data. We find that break magnitudes H b of 7.7 and 8.3, values both previously suggested for dynamically hot Kuiper Belt populations, are equally non-rejectable for a range of α f and c in our statistical analysis. Our preferred divot H-distribution transitions to α f = 0.5 with a divot of contrast c = 3 at H b = 8.3, while our preferred knee H-distribution transitions to α f = 0.4 at H b = 7.7. The intrinsic population of scattering TNOs required to match the OSSOS detections is 3 × 106 for H r < 12, and 9 × 104 for H r < 8.66 (D ≳ 100 km), with Centaurs having an intrinsic population two orders of magnitude smaller.

NASA Engineer Examines the Design of a Regeneratively-Cooled Rocket Engine

NASA Image and Video Library

1958-12-21

An engineer at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Lewis Research Center examines a drawing showing the assembly and details of a 20,000-pound thrust regeneratively cooled rocket engine. The engine was being designed for testing in Lewis’ new Rocket Engine Test Facility, which began operating in the fall of 1957. The facility was the largest high-energy test facility in the country that was capable of handling liquid hydrogen and other liquid chemical fuels. The facility’s use of subscale engines up to 20,000 pounds of thrust permitted a cost-effective method of testing engines under various conditions. The Rocket Engine Test Facility was critical to the development of the technology that led to the use of hydrogen as a rocket fuel and the development of lightweight, regeneratively-cooled, hydrogen-fueled rocket engines. Regeneratively-cooled engines use the cryogenic liquid hydrogen as both the propellant and the coolant to prevent the engine from burning up. The fuel was fed through rows of narrow tubes that surrounded the combustion chamber and nozzle before being ignited inside the combustion chamber. The tubes are visible in the liner sitting on the desk. At the time, Pratt and Whitney was designing a 20,000-pound thrust liquid-hydrogen rocket engine, the RL-10. Two RL-10s would be used to power the Centaur second-stage rocket in the 1960s. The successful development of the Centaur rocket and the upper stages of the Saturn V were largely credited to the work carried out Lewis.

Institutional Memory Preservation at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Coffey, J.; Moreman, Douglas; Dyer, J.; Hemminger, J. A.

1999-01-01

In this era of downsizing and deficit reduction, the preservation of institutional memory is a widespread concern for U.S. companies and governmental agencies. The National Aeronautical and Space Administration faces the pending retirement of many of the agency's long-term, senior engineers. NASA has a marvelous long-term history of success, but the agency faces a recurring problem caused by the loss of these engineers' unique knowledge and perspectives on NASA's role in aeronautics and space exploration. The current work describes a knowledge elicitation effort aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of preserving the more personal, heuristic knowledge accumulated over the years by NASA engineers, as contrasted with the "textbook" knowledge of launch vehicles. Work on this project was performed at NASA Glenn Research Center and elsewhere, and focused on launch vehicle systems integration. The initial effort was directed toward an historic view of the Centaur upper stage which is powered by two RL-10 engines. Various experts were consulted, employing a variety of knowledge elicitation techniques, regarding the Centaur and RL-10. Their knowledge is represented in searchable Web-based multimedia presentations. This paper discusses the various approaches to knowledge elicitation and knowledge representation employed, and assesses successes and challenges in trying to perform large-scale knowledge preservation of institutional memory. It is anticipated that strategies for knowledge elicitation and representation that have been developed in this grant will be utilized to elicit knowledge in a variety of domains including the complex heuristics that underly use of simulation software packages such as that being explored in the Expert System Architecture for Rocket Engine Numerical Simulators.

A Comparison of Geographic Information Systems, Complex Networks, and Other Models for Analyzing Transportation Network Topologies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alexandrov, Natalia (Technical Monitor); Kuby, Michael; Tierney, Sean; Roberts, Tyler; Upchurch, Christopher

2005-01-01

This report reviews six classes of models that are used for studying transportation network topologies. The report is motivated by two main questions. First, what can the "new science" of complex networks (scale-free, small-world networks) contribute to our understanding of transport network structure, compared to more traditional methods? Second, how can geographic information systems (GIS) contribute to studying transport networks? The report defines terms that can be used to classify different kinds of models by their function, composition, mechanism, spatial and temporal dimensions, certainty, linearity, and resolution. Six broad classes of models for analyzing transport network topologies are then explored: GIS; static graph theory; complex networks; mathematical programming; simulation; and agent-based modeling. Each class of models is defined and classified according to the attributes introduced earlier. The paper identifies some typical types of research questions about network structure that have been addressed by each class of model in the literature.

Reconstruction of metabolic networks in a fluoranthene-degrading enrichments from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon polluted soil.

PubMed

Zhao, Jian-Kang; Li, Xiao-Ming; Ai, Guo-Min; Deng, Ye; Liu, Shuang-Jiang; Jiang, Cheng-Ying

2016-11-15

Microbial degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is the primary process of removing PAHs from environments. The metabolic pathway of PAHs in pure cultures has been intensively studied, but cooperative metabolisms at community-level remained to be explored. In this study, we determined the dynamic composition of a microbial community and its metabolic intermediates during fluoranthene degradation using high-throughput metagenomics and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Subsequently, a cooperative metabolic network for fluoranthene degradation was constructed. The network shows that Mycobacterium contributed the majority of ring-hydroxylating and -cleavage dioxygenases, while Diaphorobacter contributed most of the dehydrogenases. Hyphomicrobium, Agrobacterium, and Sphingopyxis contributed to genes encoding enzymes involved in downstream reactions of fluoranthene degradation. The contributions of various microbial groups were calculated with the PICRUSt program. The contributions of Hyphomicrobium to alcohol dehydrogenases were 62.4% in stage 1 (i.e., when fluoranthene was rapidly removed) and 76.8% in stage 3 (i.e., when fluoranthene was not detectable), respectively; the contribution of Pseudomonas were 6.6% in stage 1 and decreased to 1.2% in subsequent stages. To the best of the author's knowledge, this report describes the first cooperative metabolic network to predict the contributions of various microbial groups during PAH-degradation at community-level. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Early prenatal interview: implementation of a sheet link "carried" by patient. The Aurore perinatal network experience].

PubMed

Dupont, C; Gonnaud, F; Touzet, S; Luciani, F; Perié, M-A; Molenat, F; Evrard, A; Fernandez, M-P; Roy, J; Rudigoz, R-C

2008-11-01

Early prenatal interview has needed the implementation of a new communication tool between follow-up pregnancy professionals: a link sheet filled and carried by patients. To assess the utilization of link sheet by trained professionals, the contribution of the interview and the patient acceptation of the link sheet. Descriptive survey from the database of link sheets returned by professionals to Aurore perinatal network and semi-guided interviews with 100 randomized patients. One thousand one hundred and nineteen link sheets were sent to Aurore perinatal network by 55 professionals out of 78 trained. For primipare, precocious prenatal interview contribution has concerned health care security (60%) and emotional security (56%). For multipare, this contribution has concerned mainly emotional security (80%). No interviewed patient has refused link sheet principle. Link sheet principle, like implemented by Aurore perinatal network, seems pertinent to professionals and patients but it constitutes only one of the elements of network elaboration of personalized care.

Comparison of SIRTF dewar performance in the 900 km and 100,000 km orbits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. H.; Maa, S. S.; Ng, Y. S.

1990-01-01

Feasibility studies showed that the Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) can be launched into a 100,000-km high earth orbit (HEO) using a Titan/Centaur launch vehicle. This paper compares the performance of an all-superfluid helium dewar system for SIRTF under conditions of the LEO (900-km) and the HEO missions. Results show that the SIRTF all-superfluid He dewar can achieve a 5-yr lifetime for the 100,000 km HEO mission, with 20 percent margin. Methods to achieve further enhancement of dewar lifetime for the HEO mission are suggested.

KSC-2009-1756

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-02-20

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Russian AH-124-100 aircraft arrives at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's skid strip in Florida carrying the Centaur stage of the Atlas V rocket that will launch NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS. The two spacecraft will be integrated with the Atlas V and tested for final flight worthiness. Launch is scheduled for the spring. LCROSS and LRO are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. Photo credit: NASA/Troy Cryder

KSC00pp0762

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-06-18

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers (at left) oversee the lifting of the nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H). Once at the top, the fairing will be mated with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket, which is already stacked, for launch on June 29. The satellite will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC00pp0765

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-06-18

The nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is close to the top of the launch tower at Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is being lifted to mate with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket, which is already stacked, for launch on June 29. The satellite will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-00pp0762

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-06-18

At Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, workers (at left) oversee the lifting of the nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H). Once at the top, the fairing will be mated with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket, which is already stacked, for launch on June 29. The satellite will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC-00pp0765

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-06-18

The nose fairing covering the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-H) is close to the top of the launch tower at Launch Pad 36A, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It is being lifted to mate with the Atlas IIA/Centaur rocket, which is already stacked, for launch on June 29. The satellite will augment the TDRS system’s existing Sand Ku-band frequencies by adding Ka-band capability. TDRS will serve as the sole means of continuous, high-data-rate communication with the Space Shuttle, with the International Space Station upon its completion, and with dozens of unmanned scientific satellites in low earth orbit

KSC00pp0621

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

KSC00pp0618

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L launches toward space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

KSC-00pp0621

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

KSC-00pp0618

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L launches toward space from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

KSC-00pp0623

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The night sky is briefly turned bright as day with the launch of the Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L. Liftoff occurred at 3:07 a.m. EDT. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

KSC00pp0619

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

KSC-00pp0619

NASA Image and Video Library

2000-05-03

The Atlas II/Centaur rocket carrying the NASA/NOAA weather satellite GOES-L lifts off at 3:07 a.m. EDT from Pad A at Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The primary objective of the GOES-L is to provide a full capability satellite in an on-orbit storage condition, in order to assure NOAA continuity in services from a two-satellite constellation. Launch services are being provided by the 45th Space Wing. Once in orbit, the spacecraft is to be designated GOES-11 and will complete its 90-day checkout in time for availability during the 2000 hurricane season

Reflectance Spectra of Titan Tholins at Cryogenic Temperatures and Implications for Compositional Interpretation of Red Objects in the Outer Solar System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roush, T. L.; Dalton, J. B.

2002-01-01

We report the visual and near-infrared (0.4-2.5 micron) laboratory bi-directional reflectance of Titan tholin at cryogenic temperatures (approx. 100-300 K). When compared with room temperature measurements, the visual and near-infrared color of Titan tholin becomes slightly redder by approx. 5% at low temperatures in the 0.4-1.3 micron region. We estimate the influence of these colr changes on the interpretation of the Centaur Pholus and find that the modest color changes will not significantly alter existing interpretations.

Summary of the study of disposal of nuclear waste into space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rom, F. E.

1973-01-01

The space shuttle together with expendable and nonexpendable orbital stages such as the space tug or Centaur can safely dispose of waste material by ejecting it from the solar system. The safety problems associated with all phases of launching and operation (normal, emergency, and accident) of such a system are being examined. It appears that solutions can be found that should make the risks acceptable when compared to the benefits to be obtained from the disposal of the nuclear waste. The techniques proposed to make such a system acceptable need to be carefully verified by further study and experiment.

IUS application to NASA planetary missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hanford, Denton; Saucier, Sidney

1987-01-01

The considerations involved in the selection of a new upper stage to launch three planetary missions following the decision to cancel the use of Centaur are discussed, and the methods by which the selected IUS will fly these missions are described. It is shown that the IUS is capable of accomplishing all three misssions (Magellan, Galileo, and Ulysses) with some compromises in mission transit time. Relatively minor modifications to the IUS, airborne support equipment, and software are required. The first of the three missions is to be accomplished two and a half years from go-ahead by the use of existing IUS flight hardware.

Main-belt asteroid exploration - Mission options for the 1990s

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yen, Chen-Wan L.

1989-01-01

An extensive investigation of the ways to rendezvous with diverse groups of asteroids residing between 2.0 and 5.0 AU is made, and the extent of achievable missions using the STS upper-stage launch vehicles (IUS 2-Stage/Star-48 or NASA Centaur) is examined. With judicious use of earth, Mars, and Jupiter gravity assists, rendezvous with some asteroids in all regions of space is possible. It is also shown that the STS upper stages are capable of carrying out missions beyond a single rendezvous, namely with several flybys and/or multiple rendezvous.

Delta IV Heavy Centaur Stage Mate to Booster - Parker Solar Prob

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-02

The second stage of a United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy is being mated to the common booster core inside the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy will launch NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission in July 2018. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection.

Delta IV Heavy Centaur Stage Mate to Booster - Parker Solar Prob

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-02

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) worker monitors the progress as the second stage of a ULA Delta IV Heavy is mated to the common booster core inside the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy will launch NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission in July 2018. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection.

Delta IV Heavy Centaur Stage Mate to Booster - Parker Solar Prob

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-02

United Launch Alliance (ULA) workers monitor the progress as the second stage of a ULA Delta IV Heavy is mated to the common booster core inside the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy will launch NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission in July 2018. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection.

Delta IV Heavy Centaur Stage Mate to Booster - Parker Solar Prob

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-03-02

United Launch Alliance (ULA) workers assist as the second stage of a ULA Delta IV Heavy is mated to the common booster core inside the Horizontal Integration Facility near Space Launch Complex 37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Delta IV Heavy will launch NASA's upcoming Parker Solar Probe mission in July 2018. The mission will perform the closest-ever observations of a star when it travels through the Sun's atmosphere, called the corona. The probe will rely on measurements and imaging to revolutionize our understanding of the corona and the Sun-Earth connection.

KSC-73P-0116

NASA Image and Video Library

1973-03-16

CAPE KENNEDY, Fla. -- In the AO Building at Cape Kennedy Air Force Station in Florida, the Pioneer G spacecraft awaits the installation of its protective payload fairing. The interplanetary space probe is scheduled for launch atop an Atlas Centaur rocket from Cape Kennedy April 5, 1973. Pioneer G's nearly two-year mission will take it on an investigation of the asteroid belt, then on to Jupiter, largest planet in our solar system. NASA's launch teams from the Kennedy Space Center will direct final testing and the launch itself. The mission is a project of the Ames Research Center. Photo Credit: NASA

KSC-2009-3755

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A closeup of NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, ready for liftoff on an Atlas V/Centaur rocket from Launch Pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. LRO and LCROSS are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. The LRO also includes seven instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA , CRATER, Mini-RF and LROC. Launch is scheduled for 5:12 p.m. EDT June 18. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

KSC-2009-3753

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, stand ready for liftoff on an Atlas V/Centaur rocket from Launch Pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. LRO and LCROSS are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. The LRO also includes seven instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA , CRATER, Mini-RF and LROC. Launch is scheduled for 5:12 p.m. EDT June 18. Photo credit: NASA/Ken Thornsley

KSC-2009-3782

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, lifts off from Launch Pad 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida atop an Atlas V/Centaur rocket. LRO and LCROSS are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. The LRO also includes seven instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA , CRATER, Mini-RF and LROC. Launch was on-time at 5:32 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Tom Farrar, Kevin O'Connell

KSC-2009-3786

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trailing a column of fire, the Atlas V/Centaur carrying NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, hurtles off Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. LRO and LCROSS are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. The LRO also includes seven instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA , CRATER, Mini-RF and LROC. Launch was on-time at 5:32 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray

KSC-2009-3749

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-17

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Atlas V/Centaur rocket with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, on top are on the pad at Launch Complex-41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. LRO and LCROSS are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. The LRO also includes seven instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA, CRATER, Mini-RF and LROC. Launch is scheduled for 5:22 p.m. EDT June 18 . Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller

KSC-2009-3785

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-06-18

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Trailing a column of fire, the Atlas V/Centaur carrying NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO, and NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, known as LCROSS, hurtles off Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. LRO and LCROSS are the first missions in NASA's plan to return humans to the moon and begin establishing a lunar outpost by 2020. The LRO also includes seven instruments that will help NASA characterize the moon's surface: DIVINER, LAMP, LEND, LOLA , CRATER, Mini-RF and LROC. Launch was on-time at 5:32 p.m. EDT. Photo credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph, Tony Gray

ADDJUST-A View of the First 25 Years

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nieberding, Joe; Williams, Craig H.

2015-01-01

Various technologies and innovative launch operations were developed during the 50 years of the Centaur upper stage—the first launch vehicle to use high performing liquid hydrogen fuel. One innovation was “ADDJUST”, which enabled the successful negotiation of upper level winds measured only hours before launch. Initial causes for its creation, development, and operation during countdown are detailed. Problem definition, wind measuring/monitoring process, pitch and yaw steering coefficient generation, loads analysis, angle of attack, major risks/concerns, and anecdotal recollections are provided. Launch availability improved from as low as 55 to 95 percent due to ADDJUST, which is still in use.

A Study of the Effects of Faint Dust Comae on the Spectra of Asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rondón, E.; Carvano, J.; Lorenz-Martins, S.

2017-09-01

The presence of dust comae on asteroids and centaurs is a phenomenon that became accepted in the last decades and which challenges the traditional definitions of asteroids and comets. A possible way of improving the chances of discovery of Active Asteroids is to use large multi-colour surveys or catalogs, like SDSS Moving Object Catalog. In this work we analyze the effects of faint dust comae on asteroid spectra and then use it to investigate the effects that a faint dust comae would have over the spectrum, magnitude, and radial profile of asteroids.

KSC-97PC1110

NASA Image and Video Library

1997-07-22

Flight mechanics from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., lower the Cassini spacecraft onto its launch vehicle adapter in KSC’s Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility. The adapter will later be mated to a Titan IV/Centaur expendable launch vehicle that will lift Cassini into space. Scheduled for launch in October, the Cassini mission, a joint US-European four-year orbital surveillance of Saturn's atmosphere and magnetosphere, its rings, and its moons, seeks insight into the origins and evolution of the early solar system. It will take seven years for the spacecraft to reach Saturn. JPL is managing the Cassini project for NASA

TDRS-M Spacecraft Lift & Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2017-08-09

A crane is used to lift the payload fairing containing NASA's Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-M) at the Vertical Integration Facility at Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. TDRS-M will be stacked atop the United Launch Alliance Atlas V Centaur upper stage. TDRS-M will be the latest spacecraft destined for the agency's constellation of communications satellites that allows nearly continuous contact with orbiting spacecraft ranging from the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope to the array of scientific observatories. Liftoff atop the ULA Atlas V rocket is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2017.

InSight Atlas V Boattail Halves Arrival, Offload, Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-19

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the boattail adaptor interface that will connect the Centaur upper stage to the payload fairing is offloaded for NASA's upcoming Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight will liftoff atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to send the spacecraft on the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff from Vandenberg is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

InSight Atlas V Boattail Halves Arrival, Offload, Mate

NASA Image and Video Library

2018-02-19

At Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the boattail adaptor interface that will connect the Centaur upper stage to the payload fairing arrives for NASA's upcoming Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport, or InSight, mission to land on Mars. InSight will liftoff atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket to send the spacecraft on the first mission to explore the Red Planet's deep interior. It will investigate processes that shaped the rocky planets of the inner solar system including Earth. Liftoff from Vandenberg is scheduled for May 5, 2018.

Investigation of Super*Zip separation joint

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bement, Laurence J.; Schimmel, Morry L.

1988-01-01

An investigation to determine the most likely cause of two failures of five tests on 79 inch diameter Lockheed Super*Zip spacecraft separation joints being used for the development of a Shuttle/Centaur propulsion system. This joint utilizes an explosively expanded tube to fracture surrounding prenotched aluminum plates to achieve planar separation. A test method was developed and more than 300 tests firings were made to provide an understanding of severance mechanisms and the functional performance effects of system variables. An approach for defining functional margin was developed, and specific recommendations were made for improving existing and future systems.

COMPASS Final Report: Saturn Moons Orbiter Using Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP): Flagship Class Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oleson, Steven R.; McGuire, Melissa L.

2011-01-01

The COllaborative Modeling and Parametric Assessment of Space Systems (COMPASS) team was approached by the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) In-Space Project to perform a design session to develop Radioisotope Electric Propulsion (REP) Spacecraft Conceptual Designs (with cost, risk, and reliability) for missions of three different classes: New Frontier s Class Centaur Orbiter (with Trojan flyby), Flagship, and Discovery. The designs will allow trading of current and future propulsion systems. The results will directly support technology development decisions. The results of the Flagship mission design are reported in this document

Physical properties of transneptunian objects, Centaurs, and Trojans from thermal observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, M.

2014-07-01

The most productive way to measure the size and albedo of small bodies throughout the Solar System is through studies of their thermal emission. This is complicated for the cold bodies in the outer Solar System, whose thermal emission peaks at wavelengths for which the Earth's atmosphere is opaque. While the relatively warm Trojans are marginally accessible from the ground in the Q band, the sizes of only a handful of transneptunian objects (TNOs) and Centaurs were known before Spitzer was launched in 2003. Spitzer/MIPS photometry at wavelengths of 24 and 70 microns allowed size and albedo of tens of TNOs and Centaurs to be measured. Herschel (operational in 2009--2013) allowed photometry of a total of ˜140 TNOs at wavelengths between 70 and 500 microns using PACS and SPIRE, chiefly in the framework of the Key Programme ``TNOs are Cool!''. I will present selected results from these surveys and discuss their implications on our knowledge of the origin and evolution of the Solar System, as evidenced by its coldest members. Of particular interest are the sizes of binary systems. Where their masses are known from spatially resolved observations, diameter measurements allow the bulk mass density to be determined, providing a unique probe of the object's interior. In the past few years, we have witnessed a remarkable increase in the number of successfully observed stellar occultations by TNOs and other small bodies. They provide an elegant, model-independent, and accurate way of measuring projected TNO dimensions at the time of the event and at the location of the observer(s). Even satellites or ring systems can be detected this way. However, predictable occultations are rare events and will likely stay infrequent, even in the post-Gaia era. Studies of the ensemble properties of the transneptunian populations will continue to rely on thermal observations. Reliable thermal modeling requires some knowledge of the target's temperature. Optimally, this is obtained through the data themselves, requiring a wavelength coverage straddling the emission peak and including the temperature-sensitive Wien slope. Spitzer covered this range for TNOs and allowed first derivations of the typical thermal inertia: TNO surfaces appear to show the extremely low thermal inertia expected for cold regoliths. Unfortunately, Herschel's wavelength made it largely insensitive to TNO temperatures. The same will hold true for ALMA and for JWST (however useful they will be for TNO science otherwise). If approved, the Japanese-led mission SPICA, with its proposed European camera SAFARI, will be the next observatory to provide sensitive photometric capabilities at the required wavelength range, between some 35 and 210 microns.

Observations of Planet Crossing Asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tholen, David J.; Whiteley, Robert J.; Lambert, Joy; Connelley, Michael; Salyk, Colette

2002-01-01

The goals of this research were the physical and dynamical characterization of planet crossing asteroids (Earth crossers, Mars crossers, Centaurs, and Pluto crossers, meaning trans-Neptunian objects), including colorimetry, rotational studies, and astrometry. Highlights are listed as follows: 1) Produced one doctoral dissertation (R. J. Whiteley, A Compositional and Dynamical Survey of the Near-Earth Asteroids). A key result is the fraction of Q-type asteroids among the near-Earth population was found to be about one-third; 2) Had prediscovery image showing the binary nature of trans-Neptunian object 1998 WW31, which is the first TNO to have a satellite found in orbit around it; 3) Discovery of shortest known rotation period for any asteroid (2000 D08, rotation period 78 seconds); it is just one of several fast-rotating small asteroids observed during the course of this project; 4) Discovery of a Centaur asteroid (1998 QM107) with, at the time, the smallest known orbital eccentricity among the Centaurs (0.13) and nearly in a 1:1 resonance with Uranus (semimajor axis of 19.9 AU); 5) Discovery of Apollo-type asteroid 1999 OW3, with a surprisingly bright absolute magnitude of 14.6 (estimated diameter of 4.6 km), brightest Apollo found in that calendar year; 6) Discovery of Aten-type asteroid 2000 SG344, which has the highest cumulative Earth impact probability among the near-Earth asteroids and a very Earth-similar orbit; 7) Instrumental in repairing the orbit of a numbered near-Earth asteroid for which prediscovery observations had been mis-attributed to it (2000 VN2); 8) Second-opposition recovery of 30-meter diameter Apollo-type asteroid 1998 KY26 in early 2002 when it was at a favorable magnitude of 24.8; 9) Primary contributor of astrometric observations of the CONTOUR fragments to the CONTOUR project following the failure of the spacecraft s kick motor; and 10) Development of orbit and ephemeris computation code that handles short observational arcs, observations at small solar elongations where indeterminacy is a known problem, and a small number of observations (including just two). Starting in 2000 November, the Spaceguard Central Node began prioritizing near-Earth asteroids in need of astrometric observation. Our own follow-up efforts relied on these listings, with emphasis given to the faintest objects where the combination of a 2.2-m telescope and a site with subarcsecond seeing produces a limiting magnitude close to 25, which represents a unique and valuable capability. The attached table, last updated in August, demonstrates the arc-lengthening capabilities of a faint limiting magnitude. Tabulated are the arc lengths before and after our observation(s), whether our observation is the last one available for the object in question, and the approximate magnitude of the object at the time of the observation.

Correction to: The NMR contribution to protein-protein networking in Fe-S protein maturation.

PubMed

Banci, Lucia; Camponeschi, Francesca; Ciofi-Baffoni, Simone; Piccioli, Mario

2018-05-31

The article "The NMR contribution to protein-protein networking in Fe-S protein maturation", written by Lucia Banci, Francesca Camponeschi, Simone Ciofi‑Baffoni, Mario Piccioli was originally published electronically on the publisher's internet portal (currently SpringerLink) on 22 March, 2018 without open access.

Exploring Practice-Research Networks for Critical Professional Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Appleby, Yvon; Hillier, Yvonne

2012-01-01

This paper discusses the contribution that practice-research networks can make to support critical professional development in the Learning and Skills sector in England. By practice-research networks we mean groups or networks which maintain a connection between research and professional practice. These networks stem from the philosophy of…

Spike phase synchronization in multiplex cortical neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jalili, Mahdi

2017-01-01

In this paper we study synchronizability of two multiplex cortical networks: whole-cortex of hermaphrodite C. elegans and posterior cortex in male C. elegans. These networks are composed of two connection layers: network of chemical synapses and the one formed by gap junctions. This work studies the contribution of each layer on the phase synchronization of non-identical spiking Hindmarsh-Rose neurons. The network of male C. elegans shows higher phase synchronization than its randomized version, while it is not the case for hermaphrodite type. The random networks in each layer are constructed such that the nodes have the same degree as the original network, thus providing an unbiased comparison. In male C. elegans, although the gap junction network is sparser than the chemical network, it shows higher contribution in the synchronization phenomenon. This is not the case in hermaphrodite type, which is mainly due to significant less density of gap junction layer (0.013) as compared to chemical layer (0.028). Also, the gap junction network in this type has stronger community structure than the chemical network, and this is another driving factor for its weaker synchronizability.

Effects of multi-stakeholder platforms on multi-stakeholder innovation networks: Implications for research for development interventions targeting innovations at scale

PubMed Central

Schut, Marc; Hermans, Frans; van Asten, Piet; Leeuwis, Cees

2018-01-01

Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) have been playing an increasing role in interventions aiming to generate and scale innovations in agricultural systems. However, the contribution of MSPs in achieving innovations and scaling has been varied, and many factors have been reported to be important for their performance. This paper aims to provide evidence on the contribution of MSPs to innovation and scaling by focusing on three developing country cases in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Through social network analysis and logistic models, the paper studies the changes in the characteristics of multi-stakeholder innovation networks targeted by MSPs and identifies factors that play significant roles in triggering these changes. The results demonstrate that MSPs do not necessarily expand and decentralize innovation networks but can lead to contraction and centralization in the initial years of implementation. They show that some of the intended next users of interventions with MSPs–local-level actors–left the innovation networks, whereas the lead organization controlling resource allocation in the MSPs substantially increased its centrality. They also indicate that not all the factors of change in innovation networks are country specific. Initial conditions of innovation networks and funding provided by the MSPs are common factors explaining changes in innovation networks across countries and across different network functions. The study argues that investigating multi-stakeholder innovation network characteristics targeted by the MSP using a network approach in early implementation can contribute to better performance in generating and scaling innovations, and that funding can be an effective implementation tool in developing country contexts. PMID:29870559

Effects of multi-stakeholder platforms on multi-stakeholder innovation networks: Implications for research for development interventions targeting innovations at scale.

PubMed

Sartas, Murat; Schut, Marc; Hermans, Frans; Asten, Piet van; Leeuwis, Cees

2018-01-01

Multi-stakeholder platforms (MSPs) have been playing an increasing role in interventions aiming to generate and scale innovations in agricultural systems. However, the contribution of MSPs in achieving innovations and scaling has been varied, and many factors have been reported to be important for their performance. This paper aims to provide evidence on the contribution of MSPs to innovation and scaling by focusing on three developing country cases in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda. Through social network analysis and logistic models, the paper studies the changes in the characteristics of multi-stakeholder innovation networks targeted by MSPs and identifies factors that play significant roles in triggering these changes. The results demonstrate that MSPs do not necessarily expand and decentralize innovation networks but can lead to contraction and centralization in the initial years of implementation. They show that some of the intended next users of interventions with MSPs-local-level actors-left the innovation networks, whereas the lead organization controlling resource allocation in the MSPs substantially increased its centrality. They also indicate that not all the factors of change in innovation networks are country specific. Initial conditions of innovation networks and funding provided by the MSPs are common factors explaining changes in innovation networks across countries and across different network functions. The study argues that investigating multi-stakeholder innovation network characteristics targeted by the MSP using a network approach in early implementation can contribute to better performance in generating and scaling innovations, and that funding can be an effective implementation tool in developing country contexts.

How Verbal and Spatial Manipulation Networks Contribute to Calculation: An fMRI Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zago, Laure; Petit, Laurent; Turbelin, Marie-Renee; Andersson, Frederic; Vigneau, Mathieu; Tzourio-Mazoyer, Nathalie

2008-01-01

The manipulation of numbers required during calculation is known to rely on working memory (WM) resources. Here, we investigated the respective contributions of verbal and/or spatial WM manipulation brain networks during the addition of four numbers performed by adults, using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Both manipulation and…

Inverse targeting —An effective immunization strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, C. M.; Mihaljev, T.; Herrmann, H. J.

2012-05-01

We propose a new method to immunize populations or computer networks against epidemics which is more efficient than any continuous immunization method considered before. The novelty of our method resides in the way of determining the immunization targets. First we identify those individuals or computers that contribute the least to the disease spreading measured through their contribution to the size of the largest connected cluster in the social or a computer network. The immunization process follows the list of identified individuals or computers in inverse order, immunizing first those which are most relevant for the epidemic spreading. We have applied our immunization strategy to several model networks and two real networks, the Internet and the collaboration network of high-energy physicists. We find that our new immunization strategy is in the case of model networks up to 14%, and for real networks up to 33% more efficient than immunizing dynamically the most connected nodes in a network. Our strategy is also numerically efficient and can therefore be applied to large systems.

Suicide ideation of individuals in online social networks.

PubMed

Masuda, Naoki; Kurahashi, Issei; Onari, Hiroko

2013-01-01

Suicide explains the largest number of death tolls among Japanese adolescents in their twenties and thirties. Suicide is also a major cause of death for adolescents in many other countries. Although social isolation has been implicated to influence the tendency to suicidal behavior, the impact of social isolation on suicide in the context of explicit social networks of individuals is scarcely explored. To address this question, we examined a large data set obtained from a social networking service dominant in Japan. The social network is composed of a set of friendship ties between pairs of users created by mutual endorsement. We carried out the logistic regression to identify users' characteristics, both related and unrelated to social networks, which contribute to suicide ideation. We defined suicide ideation of a user as the membership to at least one active user-defined community related to suicide. We found that the number of communities to which a user belongs to, the intransitivity (i.e., paucity of triangles including the user), and the fraction of suicidal neighbors in the social network, contributed the most to suicide ideation in this order. Other characteristics including the age and gender contributed little to suicide ideation. We also found qualitatively the same results for depressive symptoms.

Performance evaluation of four dominant anti-hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) kits in Japan for preventing de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Eiji; Deguchi, Matsuo; Kagita, Masanori; Yoshioka, Nori; Kita, Mifumi; Asari, Seishi; Suehisa, Etsuji; Hidaka, Yoh; Iwatani, Yoshinori

2015-01-01

The determination of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) has become an important means of evaluating the risk factors of de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection before starting intensive immunosuppressive drug therapies. Four dominant HBcAb determination reagents used in Japan were evaluated with HBcIgM, HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAb, and HBV DNA reagents in order to study their clinical utility. Four kinds of HBcAb reagent kits (HBcAb Total and HBcAb-IgG reagent) were evaluated with 526 clinical specimens, including 344 negative specimens, at Osaka University Hospital. The dynamic range of each kit was evaluated by testing serially diluted serum from pooled sera with high HBcAb concentration. The reagent that showed the largest dynamic range was the Lumipulse HBcAb-N (HBcAb-IgG reagent). Regarding clinical sensitivity and specificity, Centaur HBcAb (HBcAb Total reagent) gave several "doubtful negative" results and ARCHITECT HBcII (HBcAb Total reagent) had the most discrepant positive results. By comparing the cut-off-index distribution of negative specimens using a parameter of "distance from the mean to the cut-off divided by the SD", Centaur was determined to be the best (distance/SD = 12.65), with Lumipulse and Elecsys Anti-HBc (HBcAb Total reagent) in the second group (8.13 and 7.00, respectively), and ARCHITECT rated as the worst (3.25). In this evaluation, Elecsys and Lumipulse HBcAb kits showed good clinical sensitivity and specificity and were considered to be suitable for evaluating the risk factors of de novo HBV infection.

Lunar Limb Observatory: An Incremental Plan for the Utilization, Exploration, and Settlement of the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lowman, Paul. D., Jr.

1996-01-01

This paper proposes a comprehensive incremental program, Lunar Limb Observatory (LLO), for a return to the Moon, beginning with robotic missions and ending with a permanent lunar settlement. Several recent technological developments make such a program both affordable and scientifically valuable: robotic telescopes, the Internet, light-weight telescopes, shared- autonomy/predictive graphics telerobotic devices, and optical interferometry systems. Reasons for focussing new NASA programs on the Moon include public interest, Moon-based astronomy, renewed lunar exploration, lunar resources (especially helium-3), technological stimulus, accessibility of the Moon (compared to any planet), and dispersal of the human species to counter predictable natural catastrophes, asteroidal or cometary impacts in particular. The proposed Lunar Limb Observatory would be located in the crater Riccioli, with auxiliary robotic telescopes in M. Smythii and at the North and South Poles. The first phase of the program, after site certification, would be a series of 5 Delta-launched telerobotic missions to Riccioli (or Grimaldi if Riccioli proves unsuitable), emplacing robotic telescopes and carrying out surface exploration. The next phase would be 7 Delta-launched telerobotic missions to M. Smythii (2 missions), the South Pole (3 missions), and the North Pole (2 missions), emplacing robotic telescopes to provide continuous all-sky coverage. Lunar base establishment would begin with two unmanned Shuttle/Fitan-Centaur missions to Riccioli, for shelter emplacement, followed by the first manned return, also using the Shuttle/Fitan-Centaur mode. The main LLO at Riccioli would then be permanently or periodically inhabited, for surface exploration, telerobotic rover and telescope operation and maintenance, and support of Earth-based student projects. The LLO would evolve into a permanent human settlement, serving, among other functions, as a test area and staging base for the exploration, settlement, and terraforming of Mars.

The Phase Curve Survey of the Irregular Saturnian Satellites: A Possible Method of Physical Classification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, James M.; Grav, Tommy; Buratti, Bonnie J.; Hicks, Michael D.

2006-01-01

During its 2005 January opposition, the saturnian system could be viewed at an unusually low phase angle. We surveyed a subset of Saturn's irregular satellites to obtain their true opposition magnitudes, or nearly so, down to phase angle values of 0.01 deg. Combining our data taken at the Palomar 200-inch and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory's 4-m Blanco telescope with those in the literature, we present the first phase curves for nearly half the irregular satellites originally reported by Gladman et al. [2001. Nature 412, 163-166], including Paaliaq (SXX), Siarnaq (SXXIX), Tarvos (SXXI), Ijiraq (SXXII), Albiorix (SXVI), and additionally Phoebe's narrowest angle brightness measured to date. We find centaur-like steepness in the phase curves or opposition surges in most cases with the notable exception of three, Albiorix and Tarvos, which are suspected to be of similar origin based on dynamical arguments, and Siarnaq.During its 2005 January opposition, the saturnian system could be viewed at an unusually low phase angle. We surveyed a subset of Saturn's irregular satellites to obtain their true opposition magnitudes, or nearly so, down to phase angle values of 0.01 deg. Combining our data taken at the Palomar 200-inch and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory's 4-m Blanco telescope with those in the literature, we present the first phase curves for nearly half the irregular satellites originally reported by Gladman et al. [2001. Nature 412, 163-166], including Paaliaq (SXX), Siarnaq (SXXIX), Tarvos (SXXI), Ijiraq (SXXII), Albiorix (SXVI), and additionally Phoebe's narrowest angle brightness measured to date. We find centaur-like steepness in the phase curves or opposition surges in most cases with the notable exception of three, Albiorix and Tarvos, which are suspected to be of similar origin based on dynamical arguments, and Siarnaq.

Signatures Of A Putative Planetary Mass Solar Companion On The Orbital Distribution Of Tno's And Centaurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomes, Rodney S.; Soares, J. S.

2012-05-01

Gomes et al. 2006 (Icarus 184, 589) show that a planetary mass solar companion (PMSC) can produce orbits in an inner Oort cloud that can account for Sedna's orbit. On the other hand, one should expect that this faraway planet would also produce some peculiar orbital distribution for distant TNO's and Centaurs. A pair of interesting orbits in this respect are those of 2006 SQ372 and 2000 OO67. These objects have very large semimajor axes and perihelion between Uranus and Neptune orbits. It has been claimed that a likely source for 2006 SQ372 is the Oort cloud. Yet a PMSC has an important effect on objects at inner Oort cloud distances, say between 300 AU and 2000 AU, to make their perihelion distances to continually oscillate with a large enough amplitude to account for objects both inside and outside Neptune's orbit. This naturally produces an extra amount of TNO's with semimajor axes between 300 and 2000 AU and perihelion inside Neptune's orbit, like 2006 SQ372 and 2000 OO67. This signature should be found in present observations. To deal with this problem we construct a numerical simulator and apply it to populations of distant TNO's produced by numerical integration of planetesimals and planets according to the Nice model, either including or not a PMSC. With the results from the numerical simulator we compare the model with and without the PMSC with observations. We conclude that a PMSC is compatible with the existence of 2006 SQ372 and 2000 OO67 and, in fact, although not conclusively, we can also claim that the observations of 2006 SQ372 and 2000 OO67, compared to all other scattered objects, would be lucky events if no PMSC exists.

Impact of light exposure on thyroid-stimulating hormone results using the Siemens Advia Centaur TSH-3Ultra assay.

PubMed

Armer, Jane; Giles, Diane; Lancaster, Ian; Brownbill, Kathryn

2017-09-01

Background Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is used as the first-line test of thyroid function. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics recommend that Siemens Centaur reagents must be protected from light in the assay information and on reagent packaging. We have compared the effect of light exposure on results using Siemens TSH-3Ultra and follicle-stimulating hormone reagents. The thyroid-stimulating hormone reagent includes fluoroscein thiocyanate whereas the follicle-stimulating hormone reagent does not. Methods Three levels of quality controls were analysed using SiemensTSH-3Ultra and follicle-stimulating hormone reagent packs that had been kept protected from light or exposed to light at 6-h intervals for 48 h and then at 96 h. Results Thyroid-stimulating hormone results were significantly lower after exposure of TSH-3Ultra reagent packs to light. Results were >15% lower at all three levels of quality control following 18 h of light exposure and continued to decrease until 96 h. There was no significant difference in follicle-stimulating hormone results whether reagents had been exposed to or protected from light. Conclusions Thyroid-stimulating hormone results but not follicle-stimulating hormone results are lowered after exposure of reagent packs to light. Laboratories must ensure that TSH-3Ultra reagents are not exposed to light and analyse quality control samples on every reagent pack to check that there has not been light exposure prior to delivery. The labelling on TSH-3Ultra reagent packs should reflect the significant effect of light exposure compared with the follicle-stimulating hormone reagent. We propose that the effect of light exposure on binding of fluoroscein thiocyanate to the solid phase antibody causes the falsely low results.

Lunar Limb Observatory: an Incremental Plan for the Utilization, Exploration, and Settlement of the Moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowman, Paul. D., Jr.

1996-10-01

This paper proposes a comprehensive incremental program, Lunar Limb Observatory (LLO), for a return to the Moon, beginning with robotic missions and ending with a permanent lunar settlement. Several recent technological developments make such a program both affordable and scientifically valuable: robotic telescopes, the Internet, light-weight telescopes, shared- autonomy/predictive graphics telerobotic devices, and optical interferometry systems. Reasons for focussing new NASA programs on the Moon include public interest, Moon-based astronomy, renewed lunar exploration, lunar resources (especially helium-3), technological stimulus, accessibility of the Moon (compared to any planet), and dispersal of the human species to counter predictable natural catastrophes, asteroidal or cometary impacts in particular. The proposed Lunar Limb Observatory would be located in the crater Riccioli, with auxiliary robotic telescopes in M. Smythii and at the North and South Poles. The first phase of the program, after site certification, would be a series of 5 Delta-launched telerobotic missions to Riccioli (or Grimaldi if Riccioli proves unsuitable), emplacing robotic telescopes and carrying out surface exploration. The next phase would be 7 Delta-launched telerobotic missions to M. Smythii (2 missions), the South Pole (3 missions), and the North Pole (2 missions), emplacing robotic telescopes to provide continuous all-sky coverage. Lunar base establishment would begin with two unmanned Shuttle/Fitan-Centaur missions to Riccioli, for shelter emplacement, followed by the first manned return, also using the Shuttle/Fitan-Centaur mode. The main LLO at Riccioli would then be permanently or periodically inhabited, for surface exploration, telerobotic rover and telescope operation and maintenance, and support of Earth-based student projects. The LLO would evolve into a permanent human settlement, serving, among other functions, as a test area and staging base for the exploration, settlement, and terraforming of Mars.

Near-Infrared photometry of BOs and Centaurs in support of Spitzer Space Telescope data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinilla-Alonso, Noemi; Emery, Josh P.; Trilling, David; Mommert, Michael

2014-08-01

We propose to measure near-infrared broadband colors of Centaurs and Kuiper Belt objects (KBOs). The proposed ground-based observations will complement 3.6 and 4.5 microns photometry of these bodies obtained with the Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) on the Spitzer Space Telescope. Extending reflectances past 2.5 micron with Spitzer enables sensitive searches for absorptions in the 3 to 5 micron region, where relevant species (e.g., complex organics, H2O, CO2, CH4, hydrated silicates) have their fundamental absorption bands. In order to assess the presence of absorptions, however, the Spitzer photometry must be tied to shorter wavelength near-infrared reflectances. Recently, Wright et al. (2012) combined IRAC/Spitzer and NIR colors for a sample of cold KBOs and showed how powerful this technique is detecting the presence of volatiles. In semester 2011B we obtained Gemini NIR data for 12 KBOs (results were presented in the DPS Meeting 2012 and part is included in the Master Dissertation of D. Wright, under the supervision of J.P. Emery). In semester 2011B and 2013A we obtained Gemini NIR data for 12 and 7 KBOs respectively (part of these results were presented in the DPS Meeting 2012 and part is included in the Master Dissertation of D. Wright, under the supervision of J.P. Emery). But our sample is not yet completed and we need more time to complete our study and cover a larger number of targets from our sample of Spitzer data. Approximately 54 objects in our sample that lack NIR colors are visible from GEMINI South in 2014B semester, we propose here to observe 16 of these objects.

Organic Solid Matter as a Coloring Agent in Outer Solar System Bodies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cruikshank, D. P.; DalleOre, C. M.; Roush, T. L.; Khare, B. N.; Fonda, Mark (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Small bodies in the outer Solar System OSS, exhibit a range of color, or slope of the reflectance in the photovisual spectral region, ranging from neutral to very red, sometimes with and sometimes without distinct absorption bands. These objects range in geometric albedo from 0.03 to 1.0, with the higher albedo objects typically showing clear evidence of water ice. Water ice has also been found in a few objects with albedo 0. 1 or less. We explore here the identification of the material or materials that color these icy and non-icy surfaces through scattering models that incorporate minerals, meteoritic material, and organic solids (tholins) produced ID the laboratory by energy deposition in ices and gases. These models must match not only the color in the photovisual region, but the spectral reflectance properties throughout the near-infrared. Among some classes of objects, such as Kuiper Belt objects, the coloring agent may be a single material that is present in greater or lesser abundance, thus accounting for the range in color from neutral to very red. This may also apply to the Centaur objects, the Jovian Trojans, and the outer-main belt asteroids, each taken as a separate class. If so, each class may be colored to varying degrees by a different material, or they all might be colored by a common material that is widespread throughout the OSS, from 3 to 50 AU, and beyond. In this paper, we model the reflectances of "Kuiper Belt objects, Centaurs, Trojans, outer ARAB asteroids, and planetary satellites. Our models show that the reddest surfaces cannot be colored by minerals or meteoritic materials, but can be matched throughout the photovisual and near-infrared by organic solids, specifically certain tholins.

Cross-reactivity of insulin analogues with three insulin assays.

PubMed

Dayaldasani, A; Rodríguez Espinosa, M; Ocón Sánchez, P; Pérez Valero, V

2015-05-01

Immunometric assays have recently shown higher specificity in the detection of human insulin than radioimmunoassays with almost no cross-reaction with proinsulin or C peptide. The introduction of the new insulin analogues on the market, however, has raised the need to define their cross-reactivity in these assays. Several studies have been published in this regard with different results. The analogues studied were insulins lispro, aspart, glargine, detemir, and glulisine. Insulin concentrations were measured in Immulite(®) 2000 and Advia Centaur(®) XP (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics), and Elecsys(®) Modular Analytics E170 (Roche). All samples were processed 15 times in the same analytical run following a random sequence. Those samples which showed statistically and clinically significant changes in insulin concentration were reprocessed using increasing concentrations of analogue, and this was done twice, using two different serum pools, one with a low concentration of insulin and one with a high concentration of insulin. In the Elecsys(®) E170 analyser, glargine showed statistical changes (comparison of mean concentrations with p < 0.05) and clinically significant changes in measured insulin (percentage difference 986.2% > reference change value: 59.8%), and the interference increased with increasing concentrations of analogue; the differences were not significant in the case of the other analogues. In the Advia Centaur(®) and Immulite(®) 2000 only the results for glulisine did not present significance (percentage difference 44.7% < reference change value 103.5%). Increasing concentrations of aspart, glargine, and lispro showed increased interference in Immulite(®) 2000. In the Elecsys(®) E170 assay, relevant cross-reactivity was only detected with insulin glargine, whereas in the other analysers all analogues except glulisine showed significant interference. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Wide-field investigation of the Kuiper Belt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trujillo, Chadwick Aaron

Two wide-field surveys have been conducted for Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) and Centaurs using the largest close- packed CCD Mosaic cameras in the world. The first is a wide-field ecliptic survey of 157 square degrees to limiting red magnitude 21.1, responsible for the discovery of 3 KBOs and 1 Centaur. The second is a much deeper survey of 76 square degrees to limiting red magnitude 23.7, which found 86 KBOs. Data were analysed using the same software methods, and a maximum-likelihood simulation was used to debias the observations in a consistent manner. Fundamental quantities describing the Kuiper Belt are derived from these data: size distribution, inclination distribution, radial extent, and total mass. We find that the KBOs follow a differential power law size distribution with index q = 3.8 (+0.3, -0.4 1σ = 68.27% confidence), consistent with the crushed rock size distributions measured in hypervelocity impact experiments. In addition, the debiased inclinations of the Classical KBOs are consistent with a thick Gaussian distribution with half-width 20 (+8, -2 1σ) degrees. The Scattered KBOs are consistent with a Gaussian model with half-width 11 (+6, -3 1σ) degrees, with modal inclination 20 (+9, -4 1σ) degrees. The inclination measurements indicate that the KBOs are in a highly erosive state, with velocity dispersions of 1 to 2 kilometers per second. Strong evidence is presented for a truncation of the Classical KBOs at heliocentric distances beyond 50 AU. The total number and mass of the Scattered KBOs is about 3 times larger than that of the Classical KBOs, with a combined mass from the two populations of about 0.3 Earth masses.