Fiber-optic radar calibration

A simple fiber-optic radar calibration target is described. Its operation is based on a wideband fiber, a laser transmitter that is directly modulated by the down-converted radar signal and an optical diode receiver recovering said signal. Further up-conversion having a common local oscillator with the first mixer ensures fidelity of the calibration return. Measured useful bandwidth exceeds 200 MHz and practically any radar RF frequency can be handled when suitable mixers are employed. Amplifiers can be added to the down-converted path as desired to compensate for the fiber loss. Modulation and LO sweep provide easy ways of introducing artificial fluctuations and Doppler frequencies. Particularly pulsed radars are readily tested with the proposed scheme as no restrictions are posed by the radar's TR-switch delays.     

Analysis of the Integrity of the Microwave Landing System (MLS) Data Eu nctions

The microwave landing system (MLS) transmits angle, data, andrange information for use by airborne receivers. In this paper, theintegrity of the data functions is analyzed in terms of the probabilityof undetected errors remaining in the data. The data format andintegrity requirements were derived from the MLS standards andguidance material defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Results show that the performancerequirements can be met by: 1) averaging the received data bits ofseveral samples of the same word using a majority voting;2) reducing the bit error rate at the output of the receiver'sdecoder; and 3) a combination of the above techniques.     

Shuttle performance improvements through multiple database integration

The ability to model and analyze system performance is a key enabler when you are extending the operational life of complex systems. This is especially true when the system is operating in a hostile environment, such as space. This paper discusses a change made to the Space Shuttle main engines (SSMES) that affected the solid rocket booster (SRB) performance, and illustrates how databases maintained by the different subsystem contractors can be integrated, correlated, and evaluated to improve a subsystem component performance model. The enhanced model can be used not only for better prediction of component performance on the existing system, but can be used on upgrades to the system, or the next generation space shuttle solid rocket. motor.     

A method for improving extended Kalman filter performance forangle-only passive ranging

A relatively simple method is presented which eliminates previously reported (Oct. 1985) erratic estimation performance associated with Cartesian formulations of the extended Kalman filter (EKF) for the 2D angle-only emitter location problem. The technique is based on an initialization procedure which combines a priori probability density function (pdf) information with single measurement a posteriori pdf information in a manner which is more efficient than the EKF. Simulation results are presented which demonstrate the utility of the technique as compared with a previously offered modified gain EKF     

The Electron Beam Instrument (F6) on Freja

The Electron Beam Instrument (F6) onFreja is the first attempt to apply the electron drift technique in a region of large ambient magnetic fields. The paper describes the operational principles, the technical realization, and the difficulties encountered in the derivation of the electric fields.     

Stellar infrared astronomy with EDISON

In this review the IR emission from circumstellar material is discussed, both of ionized gas and dust grains, and the astrophysical information that can be extracted from such observations. Some emphasis is placed on the possibilities of stellar IR astronomy using a large space-borne telescope, especially with respect to the much better spatial and spectral resolution of such a telescope compared to the current generation of ground-based and space IR telescopes.     

Field formation around negatively biased solar arrays in the LEO-plasma

Heavy emission caused by impacting plasma ions results in a fast discharging effect of the initially large surface potentials on the dielectric solar cells. This eventually counteracts the energization process of the plasma ions to the cover glasses and leaves no significant electric fields. Thus, with an existing thermal plasma, electrons are again able to reach dielectric surfaces. Strong localized electric fields of the order of several 10 kV/cm form near the interconnector-cover glass interface.