Date: Mon, 8 Feb 93 07:22:24 From: Space Digest maintainer Reply-To: Space-request@isu.isunet.edu Subject: Space Digest V16 #131 To: Space Digest Readers Precedence: bulk Space Digest Mon, 8 Feb 93 Volume 16 : Issue 131 Today's Topics: Astro/Space Frequently Seen Acronyms Clinton's Promises (space) in Charlotte Observer IRAS - 10 Years Ago NORAD and METEOROIDS Russian solar sail flight possibly set for Feb. 4th Space Station Freedom Media Handbook - 11/18 Welcome to the Space Digest!! Please send your messages to "space@isu.isunet.edu", and (un)subscription requests of the form "Subscribe Space " to one of these addresses: listserv@uga (BITNET), rice::boyle (SPAN/NSInet), utadnx::utspan::rice::boyle (THENET), or space-REQUEST@isu.isunet.edu (Internet). ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 4 Feb 93 06:02:35 GMT From: Mark Bradford Subject: Astro/Space Frequently Seen Acronyms Newsgroups: sci.astro,sci.space,sci.space.shuttle,news.answers Archive-name: space/acronyms Edition: 8 Acronym List for sci.astro, sci.space, and sci.space.shuttle: Edition 8, 1992 Dec 7 Last posted: 1992 Aug 27 This list is offered as a reference for translating commonly appearing acronyms in the space-related newsgroups. If I forgot or botched your favorite acronym, please let me know! Also, if there's an acronym *not* on this list that confuses you, drop me a line, and if I can figure it out, I'll add it to the list. Note that this is intended to be a reference for *frequently seen* acronyms, and is most emphatically *not* encyclopedic. If I incorporated every acronym I ever saw, I'd soon run out of disk space! :-) The list will be posted at regular intervals, every 30 days. All comments regarding it are welcome; I'm reachable as bradfrd2@ncar.ucar.edu. Note that this just tells what the acronyms stand for -- you're on your own for figuring out what they *mean*! Note also that the total number of acronyms in use far exceeds what I can list; special-purpose acronyms that are essentially always explained as they're introduced are omitted. Further, some acronyms stand for more than one thing; as of Edition 3 of the list, these acronyms appear on multiple lines, unless they're simply different ways of referring to the same thing. Thanks to everybody who's sent suggestions since the first version of the list, and especially to Garrett A. Wollman (wollman@griffin.uvm.edu), who is maintaining an independent list, somewhat more verbose in character than mine, and to Daniel Fischer (dfi@specklec.mpifr-bonn.mpg.de), who is maintaining a truly HUGE list (535 at last count) of acronyms and terms, mostly in German (which I read, fortunately). Special thanks this time to Ken Hollis at NASA, who sent me a copy of NASA Reference Publication 1059 Revised: _Space Transportation System and Associated Payloads: Glossary, Acronyms, and Abbreviations_, a truly mammoth tome -- almost 300 pages of TLAs. Special Bonus! At the end of this posting, you will find a perl program written by none other than Larry Wall, whose purpose is to scramble the acronym list in an entertaining fashion. Thanks, Larry! A&A: Astronomy and Astrophysics AAO: Anglo-Australian Observatory AAS: American Astronomical Society AAS: American Astronautical Society AAVSO: American Association of Variable Star Observers ACE: Advanced Composition Explorer ACRV: Assured Crew Return Vehicle (or) Astronaut Crew Rescue Vehicle ADFRF: Ames-Dryden Flight Research Facility (was DFRF) (NASA) AGN: Active Galactic Nucleus AGU: American Geophysical Union AIAA: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics AIPS: Astronomical Image Processing System AJ: Astronomical Journal ALEXIS: Array of Low Energy X-ray Imaging Sensors ALPO: Association of Lunar and Planetary Observers ALS: Advanced Launch System ANSI: American National Standards Institute AOA: Abort Once Around (Shuttle abort plan) AOCS: Attitude and Orbit Control System Ap.J: Astrophysical Journal APM: Attached Pressurized Module (a.k.a. Columbus) APU: Auxiliary Power Unit ARC: Ames Research Center (NASA) ARTEMIS: Advanced Relay TEchnology MISsion ASA: Astronomical Society of the Atlantic ASI: Agenzia Spaziale Italiano ASRM: Advanced Solid Rocket Motor ATDRS: Advanced Tracking and Data Relay Satellite ATLAS: Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science ATM: Amateur Telescope Maker ATO: Abort To Orbit (Shuttle abort plan) AU: Astronomical Unit AURA: Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy AW&ST: Aviation Week and Space Technology (a.k.a. AvLeak) AXAF: Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility BATSE: Burst And Transient Source Experiment (on CGRO) BBXRT: Broad-Band X-Ray Telescope (ASTRO package) BEM: Bug-Eyed Monster BH: Black Hole BIMA: Berkeley Illinois Maryland Array BNSC: British National Space Centre BTW: By The Way C&T: Communications & Tracking CCAFS: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station CCD: Charge-Coupled Device CCDS: Centers for the Commercial Development of Space CD-ROM: Compact Disk Read-Only Memory CFA: Center For Astrophysics CFC: ChloroFluoroCarbon CFF: Columbus Free Flyer CFHT: Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope CGRO: (Arthur Holley) Compton Gamma Ray Observatory (was GRO) CHARA: Center for High Angular Resolution Astronomy CIRRIS: Cryogenic InfraRed Radiance Instrument for Shuttle CIT: Circumstellar Imaging Telescope CM: Command Module (Apollo spacecraft) CMCC: Central Mission Control Centre (ESA) CNES: Centre National d'Etude Spatiales CNO: Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen CNSR: Comet Nucleus Sample Return COBE: COsmic Background Explorer COMPTEL: COMPton TELescope (on CGRO) COSTAR: Corrective Optics Space Telescope Axial Replacement CRAF: Comet Rendezvous / Asteroid Flyby CRRES: Combined Release / Radiation Effects Satellite CSM: Command and Service Module (Apollo spacecraft) CSTC: Consolidated Satellite Test Center (USAF) CTIO: Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory DCX: Delta Clipper eXperimental DDCU: DC-to-DC Converter Unit DFRF: Dryden Flight Research Facility (now ADFRF) DMSP: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program DOD: Department Of Defense (sometimes DoD) DOE: Department Of Energy DOT: Department Of Transportation DSCS: Defense Satellite Communications System DSN: Deep Space Network DSP: Defense Support Program (USAF/NRO) EAFB: Edwards Air Force Base ECS: Environmental Control System EDO: Extended Duration Orbiter EGRET: Energetic Gamma Ray Experiment Telescope (on CGRO) EJASA: Electronic Journal of the Astronomical Society of the Atlantic ELV: Expendable Launch Vehicle EMU: Extravehicular Mobility Unit EOS: Earth Observing System ERS: Earth Resources Satellite (as in ERS-1) ESA: European Space Agency ESO: European Southern Observatory ET: (Shuttle) External Tank ETLA: Extended Three Letter Acronym ETR: Eastern Test Range EUV: Extreme UltraViolet EUVE: Extreme UltraViolet Explorer EVA: ExtraVehicular Activity FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions FAST: Fast Auroral SnapshoT explorer FFT: Fast Fourier Transform FGS: Fine Guidance Sensors (on HST) FHST: Fixed Head Star Trackers (on HST) FIR: Far InfraRed FITS: Flexible Image Transport System FOC: Faint Object Camera (on HST) FOS: Faint Object Spectrograph (on HST) FRR: Flight-Readiness Review FTP: File Transfer Protocol FTS: Flight Telerobotic Servicer FUSE: Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer FWHM: Full Width at Half Maximum FYI: For Your Information GAS: Get-Away Special GBT: Green Bank Telescope GCVS: General Catalog of Variable Stars GEM: Giotto Extended Mission GEO: Geosynchronous Earth Orbit GDS: Great Dark Spot GHRS: Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (on HST) GIF: Graphics Interchange Format GLOMR: Global Low-Orbiting Message Relay GMC: Giant Molecular Cloud GMRT: Giant Meter-wave Radio Telescope GMT: Greenwich Mean Time (also called UT) GOES: Geostationary Orbiting Environmental Satellite GOX: Gaseous OXygen GPC: General Purpose Computer GPS: Global Positioning System GRO: Gamma Ray Observatory (now CGRO) GRS: Gamma Ray Spectrometer (on Mars Observer) GRS: Great Red Spot GSC: Guide Star Catalog (for HST) GSFC: Goddard Space Flight Center (NASA) GTO: Geostationary Transfer Orbit HAO: High Altitude Observatory HD: Henry Draper catalog entry HEAO: High Energy Astronomical Observatory HeRA: Hermes Robotic Arm HF: High Frequency HGA: High Gain Antenna HLC: Heavy Lift Capability HLV: Heavy Lift Vehicle HMC: Halley Multicolor Camera (on Giotto) HR: Hertzsprung-Russell (diagram) HRI: High Resolution Imager (on ROSAT) HSP: High Speed Photometer (on HST) HST: Hubble Space Telescope HUT: Hopkins Ultraviolet Telescope (ASTRO package) HV: High Voltage IAPPP: International Amateur/Professional Photoelectric Photometry IAU: International Astronomical Union IAUC: IAU Circular ICE: International Cometary Explorer IDA: International Dark-sky Association IDL: Interactive Data Language IGM: InterGalactic Medium IGY: International Geophysical Year IMHO: In My Humble Opinion IOTA: Infrared-Optical Telescope Array IOTA: International Occultation Timing Association IPS: Inertial Pointing System IR: InfraRed IRAF: Image Reduction and Analysis Facility IRAS: InfraRed Astronomical Satellite ISAS: Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (Japan) ISM: InterStellar Medium ISO: Infrared Space Observatory ISO: International Standards Organization ISPM: International Solar Polar Mission (now Ulysses) ISY: International Space Year IUE: International Ultraviolet Explorer IUS: Inertial Upper Stage JEM: Japanese Experiment Module (for SSF) JGR: Journal of Geophysical Research JILA: Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics JPL: Jet Propulsion Laboratory JSC: Johnson Space Center (NASA) KAO: Kuiper Airborne Observatory KPNO: Kitt Peak National Observatory KSC: Kennedy Space Center (NASA) KTB: Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary (from German) LANL: Los Alamos National Laboratory LaRC: Langley Research Center (NASA) LDEF: Long Duration Exposure Facility LEM: Lunar Excursion Module (a.k.a. LM) (Apollo spacecraft) LEO: Low Earth Orbit LeRC: Lewis Research Center (NASA) LEST: Large Earth-based Solar Telescope LFSA: List of Frequently Seen Acronyms (!) LGA: Low Gain Antenna LGM: Little Green Men LH: Liquid Hydrogen (also LH2 or LHX) LLNL: Lawrence-Livermore National Laboratory LM: Lunar Module (a.k.a. LEM) (Apollo spacecraft) LMC: Large Magellanic Cloud LN2: Liquid N2 (Nitrogen) LOX: Liquid OXygen LRB: Liquid Rocket Booster LSR: Local Standard of Rest LTP: Lunar Transient Phenomenon MB: Manned Base MCC: Mission Control Center MECO: Main Engine CutOff MMH: MonoMethyl Hydrazine MMT: Multiple Mirror Telescope MMU: Manned Maneuvering Unit MNRAS: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society MOC: Mars Observer Camera (on Mars Observer) MOL: Manned Orbiting Laboratory MOLA: Mars Observer Laser Altimeter (on Mars Observer) MOMV: Manned Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle MOTV: Manned Orbital Transfer Vehicle MPC: Minor Planets Circular MRSR: Mars Rover and Sample Return MRSRM: Mars Rover and Sample Return Mission MSFC: (George C.) Marshall Space Flight Center (NASA) MTC: Man Tended Capability NACA: National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (became NASA) NASA: National Aeronautics and Space Administration NASDA: NAtional Space Development Agency (Japan) NASM: National Air and Space Museum NASP: National AeroSpace Plane NBS: National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) NDV: NASP Derived Vehicle NERVA: Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application NGC: New General Catalog NICMOS: Near Infrared Camera / Multi Object Spectrometer (HST upgrade) NIMS: Near-Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (on Galileo) NIR: Near InfraRed NIST: National Institute for Standards and Technology (was NBS) NLDP: National Launch Development Program NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAO: National Optical Astronomy Observatories NRAO: National Radio Astronomy Observatory NRO: National Reconnaissance Office NS: Neutron Star NSA: National Security Agency NSF: National Science Foundation NSO: National Solar Observatory NSSDC: National Space Science Data Center NTR: Nuclear Thermal Rocket(ry) NTT: New Technology Telescope OAO: Orbiting Astronomical Observatory OCST: Office of Commercial Space Transportation OMB: Office of Management and Budget OMS: Orbital Maneuvering System OPF: Orbiter Processing Facility ORFEUS: Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrometer OSC: Orbital Sciences Corporation OSCAR: Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio OSSA: Office of Space Science and Applications OSSE: Oriented Scintillation Spectrometer Experiment (on CGRO) OTA: Optical Telescope Assembly (on HST) OTHB: Over The Horizon Backscatter OTV: Orbital Transfer Vehicle OV: Orbital Vehicle PAM: Payload Assist Module PAM-D: Payload Assist Module, Delta-class PI: Principal Investigator PLSS: Portable Life Support System PM: Pressurized Module PMC: Permanently Manned Capability PMIRR: Pressure Modulated InfraRed Radiometer (on Mars Observer) PMT: PhotoMultiplier Tube PSF: Point Spread Function PSR: PulSaR PV: Photovoltaic PVO: Pioneer Venus Orbiter QSO: Quasi-Stellar Object RCI: Rodent Cage Interface (for SLS mission) RCS: Reaction Control System REM: Rat Enclosure Module (for SLS mission) RF: Radio Frequency RFI: Radio Frequency Interference RIACS: Research Institute for Advanced Computer Science RMS: Remote Manipulator System RNGC: Revised New General Catalog ROSAT: ROentgen SATellite ROUS: Rodents Of Unusual Size (I don't believe they exist) RSN: Real Soon Now RTG: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator RTLS: Return To Launch Site (Shuttle abort plan) SAA: South Atlantic Anomaly SAGA: Solar Array Gain Augmentation (for HST) SAMPEX: Solar Anomalous and Magnetospheric Particle EXplorer SAO: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory SAR: Search And Rescue SAR: Synthetic Aperture Radar SARA: Satellite pour Astronomie Radio Amateur SAREX: Search and Rescue Exercise SAREX: Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment SAS: Space Activity Suit SAS: Space Adaptation Syndrome SAT: Synthetic Aperture Telescope S/C: SpaceCraft SCA: Shuttle Carrier Aircraft SCT: Schmidt-Cassegrain Telescope SDI: Strategic Defense Initiative SDIO: Strategic Defense Initiative Organization SEI: Space Exploration Initiative SEST: Swedish ESO Submillimeter Telescope SETI: Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence SID: Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance SIR: Shuttle Imaging Radar SIRTF: Space (formerly Shuttle) InfraRed Telescope Facility SL: SpaceLab SLAR: Side-Looking Airborne Radar SLC: Space Launch Complex SLS: Space(lab) Life Sciences SMC: Small Magellanic Cloud SME: Solar Mesosphere Explorer SMEX: SMall EXplorers SMM: Solar Maximum Mission SN: SuperNova (e.g., SN1987A) SNR: Signal to Noise Ratio SNR: SuperNova Remnant SNU: Solar Neutrino Units SOFIA: Stratospheric Observatory For Infrared Astronomy SOHO: SOlar Heliospheric Observatory SPAN: Space Physics and Analysis Network SPDM: Special Purpose Dextrous Manipulator SPOT: Systeme Probatoire pour l'Observation de la Terre SPS: Solar Power Satellite SRB: Solid Rocket Booster SRM: Solid Rocket Motor SSF: Space Station Fred (er, Freedom) SSI: Solid-State Imager (on Galileo) SSI: Space Studies Institut SSME: Space Shuttle Main Engine SSPF: Space Station Processing Facility SSRMS: Space Station Remote Manipulator System SST: Spectroscopic Survey Telescope SST: SuperSonic Transport SSTO: Single Stage To Orbit STIS: Space Telescope Imaging Spectrometer (to replace FOC and GHRS) STS: Shuttle Transport System (or) Space Transportation System STScI: Space Telescope Science Institute SWAS: Submillimeter Wave Astronomy Satellite SWF: ShortWave Fading TAL: Transatlantic Abort Landing (Shuttle abort plan) TAU: Thousand Astronomical Unit (mission) TCS: Thermal Control System TDRS: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite TDRSS: Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System TES: Thermal Emission Spectrometer (on Mars Observer) TIROS: Television InfraRed Observation Satellite TLA: Three Letter Acronym TOMS: Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer TPS: Thermal Protection System TSS: Tethered Satellite System UARS: Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite UBM: Unpressurized Berthing Mechanism UDMH: Unsymmetrical DiMethyl Hydrazine UFO: Unidentified Flying Object UGC: Uppsala General Catalog UHF: Ultra High Frequency UIT: Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (Astro package) UKST: United Kingdom Schmidt Telescope USAF: United States Air Force USMP: United States Microgravity Payload UT: Universal Time (a.k.a. GMT, UTC, or Zulu Time) UTC: Coordinated Universal Time (a.k.a. UT) UV: UltraViolet UVS: UltraViolet Spectrometer VAB: Vehicle Assembly Building (formerly Vertical Assembly Building) VAFB: Vandenberg Air Force Base VEEGA: Venus-Earth-Earth Gravity Assist (Galileo flight path) VHF: Very High Frequency VLA: Very Large Array VLBA: Very Long Baseline Array VLBI: Very Long Baseline Interferometry VLF: Very Low Frequency VLT: Very Large Telescope VMS: Vertical Motion Simulator VOIR: Venus Orbiting Imaging Radar (superseded by VRM) VPF: Vertical Processing Facility VRM: Venus Radar Mapper (now called Magellan) WD: White Dwarf WFPC: Wide Field / Planetary Camera (on HST) WFPCII: Replacement for WFPC WIYN: Wisconsin / Indiana / Yale / NOAO telescope WSMR: White Sands Missile Range WTR: Western Test Range WUPPE: Wisconsin Ultraviolet PhotoPolarimter Experiment (Astro package) XMM: X-ray Multi Mirror XUV: eXtreme UltraViolet YSO: Young Stellar Object #!/usr/bin/perl # 'alt', An Acronym Scrambling Program, by Larry Wall $THRESHOLD = 2; srand; while (<>) { next unless /^([A-Z]\S+): */; $key = $1; $acro{$key} = $'; @words = split(/\W+/,$'); unshift(@words,$key); $off = 0; foreach $word (@words) { next unless $word =~ /^[A-Z]/; *w = $&; vec($w{$word}, $off++ % 6, 1) = 1; } } foreach $letter (A .. Z) { *w = $letter; @w = keys %w; if (@w < $THRESHOLD) { @d = `egrep '^$letter' /usr/dict/words`; chop @d; push(@w, @d); } } foreach $key (sort keys %acro) { $off = 0; $acro = $acro{$key}; $acro =~ s/((([A-Z])[A-Z]*)[a-z]*)/ &pick($3, $2, $1, ++$off) || $& /eg; print "$key: $acro"; } sub pick { local($letter, $prefix, $oldword, $off) = @_; $i = 0; if (length($prefix) > 1 && index($key,$prefix) < 0) { if ($prefix eq $oldword) { $prefix = ''; } else { $prefix = $letter; } } if (length($prefix) > 1) { local(*w) = substr($prefix,0,1); do { $word = $w[rand @w]; } until $word ne $oldword && $word =~ /^$prefix/i || ++$i > 30; $word =~ s/^$prefix/$prefix/i; $word; } elsif (length($prefix) == 1) { local(*w) = $prefix; do { $word = $w[rand @w]; } until $word ne $oldword && vec($w{$word}, $off, 1) || ++$i > 10; $word = "\u\L$word" if $word =~ tr/a-z/A-Z/; $word; } else { local(*w) = substr($oldword,0,1); do { $word = $w[rand @w]; } until $word ne $oldword && $word =~ tr/a-z/A-Z/ == 0 || ++$i > 30; $word; } } -- Mark Bradford (bradfrd2@ncar.ucar.edu) <> To err is human, to moo bovine. "It's an ill wind that gathers no moss." ------------------------------ Date: 31 Jan 1993 17:08:44 -0500 From: Pat Subject: Clinton's Promises (space) in Charlotte Observer Newsgroups: sci.space Interesting. today the washington post reported on a GAO audit of NASA that indicated that 80% of all NASA programs missed their original cost estimates by flight time. The statistics indicated that most projects were off by less then 100% but that some projects would miss by factors of up to 5. The granted example was TSS. estimated at 50 million dollars it ran 263 million by last august. THe major problem was that NASA engineers are overoptimistic in the costs for technical developement. there was aquote that this" can do" attitude allows the creations of new projects, but that a total lack of realism permeates the developement offices in terms of costs and schedules. The report boded ill for Freedom, currently the largest and most complex project under NASA's management. The report also blamed NASA management for continoulsy reshuffling mission priorities putting projects on hold for years at a time. COngress also was blamed for failing to fund multi-year projects. The report indicated that multi-year funding would help on certain projects. Now my question, is? Why not put NASA into a National Labs type structure. Give each center 5 year budgets, research golals and priorities and then see how they go. rather then having multiple centers controlling parts of each mission, put it under one center, until a major mode change. I.E. Goddard builds a BIRD, KSC launches it and JPL runs the science mission. comments? pat ------------------------------ Date: 3 Feb 93 18:25:23 GMT From: Curtis Roelle Subject: IRAS - 10 Years Ago Newsgroups: sci.space,sci.astro,alt.sci.planetary Gerry Santoro - CAC/PSU writes: >W/r the anniversery of IRAS ...... >Does anyone else remember the comet IRAS-Aracki-Alcock? (sp?) I walked into work one morning as a co-worker announced, "Well if anyone's seen the comet, Curt has, right?" Blushing with embarrassment I asked sheepishly, "what comet?" He handed me a finder chart from that morning's Washington Post, which I studied in order to be certain of where to find it that evening. Upon arriving home, about 50 miles outside of Washington, I left the car at the bottom of the drive with the engine running, snatched the finder chart, sprang from the veicle, and gazed upward. In an instant it was clear that the Post's finder chart was way off because the comet was obvious, although it was nowhere near the charted position. Over the next few nights it moved from Ursa Major into the southern sky. One of the last nights it was seen by me, I was sweeping the southern sky with binoculars. Didn't see the comet but located the twin star clusters M46 and M46 in Puppis, or so I thought. I pointed a 6" telescope at them and noticed one of the clusters could not be resolved into stars. What these two objects turned out to be were the open cluster M48 and Iras-Iracki-Alcock! It seems the comet also passed through or very close to a cluster one night -- probably M48 but I don't have that night's notes handy right now. Anybody else recall that event? Curt Roelle ------------------------------ Date: 31 Jan 1993 17:15:46 -0500 From: Pat Subject: NORAD and METEOROIDS Newsgroups: sci.space In article <1993Jan22.212400.1@uwovax.uwo.ca> pbrown@uwovax.uwo.ca writes: |Here is an open question I hope someone can help me with. After several |months of trying to pursue this from "normal" channels I have become |quite frustrated. |In an effort to complete the data "loop" and gather all avaliable |information about the event we have tried contacting NORAD and seeing |what radar data might be avaliable on the event. Basically we have found out |that they detected the object, but little else. That radar data when |coupled with the videotapes (some 27 in all) AND the recovered meteorite |could add immensely to our general understanding of reentry problems, |fireball dynamics etc. In many ways the information about the event could |be useful from NORAD's standpoint, once all the analysis is done. |Now, we have tried to get the data or at least someone to tell us directly |that we can't have it without any luck. What options might I have? Is there |anyone out there who might have a contact that could help us with this |problem? |Any suggestions would be appreciated, as the data currently stands to be |lost altogether on a most unique event, unless someone intervenes. |As a side question, would anyone know where DMSP data can be obtained |from? DMSP data for a while was being released through NOAA. due to problems with GOES. Now as for it currently, try contacting an Air FOrce meteorology office, and then working north from that. I believe that DMSP data is not considered classified, especially after a few days:-) Now for NORAD data, they may have restricitions on teh resolution of the Data they will release from their tapes. Being canadians, i am not sure if you could do a FOIA, but given you are NORAD partners, I am sure the data can be made available. What I reccomend is you call your local MP and ask for the tapes to be released on an expedited basis. They may have to censor out some radar data of other military aircraft operating near the fireball, but I am sure that something can be done. Unless they feel there is some gap in the radar data that unveils a weakness, it should be releasable. especially now that the SU is unlikely to be sending nuclear armed bombers here, it should be okay. pat ------------------------------ Date: 3 Feb 93 16:24:37 GMT From: Curtis Roelle Subject: Russian solar sail flight possibly set for Feb. 4th Newsgroups: sci.space glennc@cs.sfu.ca (Glenn Chapman) writes: > Best viewing will probably occur near sunrise, when the >mirror, which is pointed towards the sun, is reflecting light while towards >the earth's edge just before it enters the terminator for the earth's shadow. >Exact times will depend on the orbital elements and your location Is it correct that this technology may have applications in illuminating the earth at night >yuck!< ? (When will they start selling advertising space on large space reflectors :-) If this type of device is to be used for nocturnal illumination, then why are they testing it during Full Moon? Is it simply an engineering test, testing the deployment mechanism, etc.? > Hope this helps those that are looking for it. I will provide better >information as I get it. Please do. We wouldn't want anyone's astrophotos ruined by the thing. Curt Roelle ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1993 05:20:20 GMT From: Bruce Dunn Subject: Space Station Freedom Media Handbook - 11/18 Newsgroups: sci.space From NASA SPACELINK: "6_10_2_6_4.TXT" (15086 bytes) was created on 10-06-92 Lewis Research Center Traditional Center Roles and Responsibilities The Lewis Research Center was established in 1941 at Cleveland, Ohio, adjacent to the airport. It was one of three centers operated by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) nationwide. The center was named for George W. Lewis, NACA's Director of Research from 1924 to 1947. The Center developed an international reputation for its research on jet propulsion systems in the new jet age. Lewis' original objective was in aeronautics propulsion research. The Engine Research Laboratory, as it was first called, was responsible for creating technology to improve aircraft engines and components, studying fuels and combustion, and performing fundamental research in those areas of physics, chemistry and metallurgy relevant to propulsion. In October 1958, the NACA Centers became the nucleus of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Today, Lewis government personnel number about 2,800 people plus 1,400 on-site contractors and the Center has 100 buildings and 500 specialized R&D facilities spread out over 360 acres. In addition to offices and laboratories for almost every kind of physical research such as fluid mechanics, physics, materials, fuels, combustion, thermodynamics, lubrication, heat transfer and electronics, Lewis has a variety of engineering test cells for experiments with components such as compressors, pumps, conductors, turbines, nozzles and controls. Whereas Lewis personnel have continued their traditional work in aircraft propulsion, they have expanded their expertise into space propulsion, space power and satellite communications. Lewis has managed the development of many NASA launch vehicles in the past 25 years, including the Atlas, Titan and Centaur rocket vehicles. In space communications, Lewis is currently managing the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) program. Lewis is also noted worldwide for its expertise in space power. Additionally, they have applied this fundamental knowledge to terrestrial applications such as solar and wind energy, automotive propulsion, advanced technology batteries, fuel cells and biomedical engineering. A number of large facilities at Lewis can simulate the operating environment for a complete system: altitude chambers for aircraft engines, large supersonic wind tunnels, space simulation chambers for electric rockets or spacecraft and a 420-foot-deep zero-gravity facility. Some problems are amenable to detection and solution only in the complete system and at essentially full scale. Some of the unique facilities supporting programs and basic research include the following: * Power Systems Facility, * Propulsion Systems Laboratories, * 8- by 6-foot Transonic/Supersonic Wind Tunnel, * 9- by 15-foot Low Speed Anechoic Wind Tunnel, * 10- by 10-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel, * Icing Research Tunnel, * Engine Research Building, * High Pressure Facility, * Vertical Lift Facility, * Electric Propulsion Laboratory, * Rocket Engine Test Facility, * Zero-Gravity Facility, * Energy Conversion Laboratory, * Power Systems Facility, * Materials and Structures Laboratory, * Materials Processing Laboratory, * Basic Materials Laboratory, * Central Process Air System, * Research Analysis Center, and * Plum Brook Space Power Facility (which includes a 100 ft. diameter by 120 ft. high vacuum chamber, the largest in the free world). The new Power Systems Facility will test the Space Station Freedom Power System. Lewis is well-prepared to manage the end-to-end electric power system architecture for the station including solar arrays, batteries and common power distribution. Space Station Freedom Unique Activities (Summary) Solar Arrays A series of six solar array wings will be utilized to provide electric power aboard the Space Station Freedom during its early years. Each 39- by 112-foot wing consists of two blanket assemblies, each covered with 16,400 solar cells. Each wing blanket assembly consists of solar cells attached to a flexible substitute, permitting the wing to be completely stowed for deployment. Batteries The energy obtained from the sunlight will be stored in Nickel- Hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries for later use when the station is in the Earth's shadow. A battery orbital replacement unit (ORU) is made up of 38 Ni-H2 cells, the wiring harness and mechanical/thermal support components. Two ORUs in series will comprise a single battery, with a total of six batteries in each PV module. Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) The 160 VDC Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system is designed specifically to meet aerospace system requirements. The system is based upon rapid semiconductor switching in DC to DC Conversion Units (DDCUs) and electro-mechanical devices to tailor voltage and energy levels of the system. The PMAD system will deliver controlled power to many scattered and different user loads.f Elements and Systems Electrical Power System (EPS) NASA Lewis Research Center is responsible for the end-to-end electric power system architecture for the space station. The EPS provides all user and housekeeping electrical power and is capable of expansion as the station is assembled and grows. Initially, the EPS will supply 18.75 kW of electrical power, which will increase to 56.25 kW at PMC (Permanently Manned Capability). The EPS consists of power generation and energy storage subsystems grouped into a Photovoltaic (PV) Module which feeds power into the Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) subsystem. Power Generation Subsystem AJphotovoltaic (PV) power generation subsystem was selected for the Space Station Freedom. A PV system has solar arrays for power generation and chemical energy storage (batteries) to store excess solar array energy during periods of sunlight and provide power during periods of shade. Power for the space station will be provided by flexible, deployable solar array wings. This configuration minimizes the complexity of the assembly process by taking advantage of the technology demonstrated on Space Shuttle Flight STS-41B. Each 39 ft. x 112 ft. (11.9 m. x 34.2 m.) wing consists of two blanket assemblies covered with solar cells. These are stowed in blanket boxes which are attached to a deployment canister. Each pair of blankets is to be deployed and supported by an extendible mast. A tension mechanism will supply tension to the blanket as it reaches complete extension. The entire wing will be tied structurally to the Photovoltaic Module by means of the beta gimbal assembly. In order to provide the power needed during the period of space station assembly, two solar wings and other elements of the power system are scheduled to be carried up on each of the Photovoltaic Modules, providing increments of 18.75 kW of power per module. Energy Storage Subsystem The primary purpose of the Energy Storage Subsystem (ESS) is to provide electrical power during the eclipse portion of each orbit. The ESS stores energy for this purpose during the isolation portion of the orbit and is capable of providing both peaking and contingency power. The ESS consists of six nickel-hydrogen (Ni-H2) batteries, each with a dedicated battery charge/discharge unit (BCDU), per PV module. This configuration is known as the full battery complement configuration. Each of the PV modules, however, is scheduled to be placed into orbit in the "offloaded" configuration consisting of four batteries and BCDUs, with the final two batteries being added later. Each battery assembly consists of two 38-cell battery ORUs. The Ni/H2 battery design has been chosen for SSF because of its high energy density (light weight) and proven heritage in space applications since the early 1970s. Solar Power Module (SPM) The SPM consists of the power generation subsystem, the energy storage subsystem, a PV Module thermal control subsystem and Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) components, all mounted on a structure called the Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA). The SPM generates 18.75 kW of power for the loads and is mounted on the Space Station Freedom outboard of the alpha gimbal assemblies. By definition, the collection of PV Modules on each end of the Space Station Freedom are called Solar Power Modules (i.e., a grouping of one or more Photovoltaic Modules). The solar array wings will be mounted on the PV Module structure by means of the beta gimbal assemblies which allow for the changes of angle needed by the wings to track the sun as the seasons change throughout the year. The basic structure within the PV Module consists of the Integrated Equipment Assembly (IEA). There is one IEA in each of the PV Modules. The energy storage subsystem will include four batteries per Module, at the time of the initial Man-tended Configuration. These provide power during time periods when the sun is not visible. In later stages of the Station assembly the four batteries will be replaced by six per Module in order to allow for both greater eclipse power capability and longer battery life. The thermal control system maintains component temperatures within safe limits by means of a coolant circulated through chilled plates on which the components are mounted. The coolant rejects heat into space through a radiator assembly which is also mounted on the IEA. The PMAD components regulate the DC voltage supplied by the arrays to usable levels and control the charging and discharging of the SPM batteries. Primary Power Distribution The 160 VDC Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system is designed specifically to meet aerospace system requirements. The system is based upon rapid semiconductor switching DC to DC Converter Units (DDCUs) and electromechanical devices to tailor voltage and energy levels of the system. The overall distribution equipment will include cables, load converters, regulators switches and other electrical equipment. The overall distribution subsystem will be composed of equipment necessary to process, control and distribute power to other station subsystems, elements and attached payloads. Electrical loads will receive power from the primary power system via secondary power switches connected to DDCUs. The DDCUs serve a dual function in the SSF power system. First they will serve as power transformers from primary to secondary power. Secondly, they will act to isolate the primary power system from the secondary one. This is beneficial in several ways. Above all, the primary power system will not be subjected to any harmful effect due to secondary power problems, and secondary power will not be subject to any degraded power quality from transient primary power transmission problems. A significant design decision for the primary power system has been the use of the structural truss system as the principal ground system. This has resulted in a significant reduction in cable weight for the SSF Power System. This decision was made possible by a change in the design of the structural truss from a composite design to a conductive aluminum material. Terrestrial AC power systems were used as a basis for the design of the primary power protection system. The protection system employs time coordinated overcurrent trip devices similar to those found in AC electrical power distribution cabinets encountered in everyday life. These devices are designed to detect, locate and interrupt electrical faults in the primary system, without endangering either personnel or equipment, while not interrupting power to the entire SSF. Facilities Power Systems Facility (PSF) The PSF provides the capability for development, testing, and evaluation of prototype power systems hardware for the space station program. The facility is used to test systems in support of both the baseline program and evolutionary growth phases, to simulate anomalies during flight, and support testing needs for future refinements. The PSF has a total area of approximately 31,000 square feet and includes a high bay test area with Class 100,000 Clean Room capability, a loading-unloading-workshop area, laboratory rooms and support areas. Batteries, other system components, and the Power Management and Distribution System will be tested in PSF. The building site has been selected for its close proximity to the existing solar array field in recognition of the importance of using line lengths representative of the space station electrical power distribution system. Electrical transient interactions are very sensitive to line lengths and component separation as well as the detailed characteristics of the power source. While some studies will be done using simulators for the power generation system, others will require use of the outside solar array, powered by the sun.f Space Station Freedom Systems Directorate NASA's Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, is responsible for the Work Package 4 portion of the Space Station Freedom Program. The Space Station Systems Directorate is responsible for the design and development of the Electric Power System. In effect, this Directorate is the Space Station Freedom Electrical Power System Projects Office. The Project Control Office's responsibilities include resources control, contracts, administrative services, configuration management and technical documentation. The Systems Engineering and Integration Division performs system engineering and analysis for the overall Electrical Power System. The Photovoltaic Power Module Division is responsible for all activities associated with the design, development, test, and implementation of the photovoltaic systems. The Electrical Systems Division has responsibility for the Power Management and Distribution System development. The Operations Division manages all Directorate activities associated with Lewis space station power system facilities and in planning electric power system mission operations. This organization currently includes approximately 250 civil servants. There are an additional 150 people in other Lewis organizations working on areas such as reliability and quality assurance, loads, structural dynamics and thermal IV and V test and evaluation, construction and outfitting of the Power Systems Facility and power related research. Lewis Research Center/Rocketdyne Team Support An additional 80 contract personnel will be locally involved in the assembly of the large solar arrays, batteries and other power system components which will be tested in the Power Systems Facility at Lewis and then shipped to the Kennedy Space Center. Actual assembly of the first development photovoltaic (PV) power module will begin in September of 1992, with testing scheduled for March of 1993. The integrated assembly and checkout function of the space station's power modules to be done at Lewis will continue through the end of the decade. The material above is one of many files from SPACELINK A Space-Related Informational Database Provided by the NASA Educational Affairs Division Operated by the Marshall Space Flight Center On a Data General ECLIPSE MV7800 Minicomputer SPACELINK may be contacted in three ways: 1) Using a modem, by phone at 205-895-0028 2) Using Telnet, at spacelink.msfc.nasa.gov 3) Using FTP capability. Username is anonymous and Password is guest. Address is 192.149.89.61. -- Bruce Dunn Vancouver, Canada Bruce_Dunn@mindlink.bc.ca ------------------------------ End of Space Digest Volume 16 : Issue 131 ------------------------------