|
|
Liquid Methane Tank is an im
…
It's not a new home brewing
…
10/14/09
| Description |
It's not a new home brewing system, the world's largest holiday ornament or even an ambitious Death Star model. This spherical propellant tank is an important component of testing for the Altair lunar lander, an integral part of NASA's Constellation Program. This 4-foot diameter propellant tank lives at NASA's Glenn Research Center's Small Multipurpose Research Facility (SMiRF). It will be covered in 60 layers of high performance insulation, filled with liquid methane and extensively tested in a simulated lunar thermal environment within the SMiRF vacuum chamber. Determining how liquid methane would react to being stored on the moon could dramatically influence lunar travel, this method holds the potential to be less expensive, higher performing and safer than current rocket propellants. Photographer: Helmut Bamberger (Jacobs Technology, Inc) |
| Date |
10/14/09 |
|
21st Century Crew Exploratio
…
In this NASA video segment d
…
2008
| Description |
In this NASA video segment discover how NASA is redesigning the space vehicle that will carry astronauts back to the moon. This design includes three components: the ARES rocket, the ALTAIR Lunar Lander, and the ORION space capsule. The ORION capsule will house four to six astronauts during lift-off and landing. This video segment takes a look at early tests using a mock-up of Orion. This video is a NASA eClips (TM) program. |
| Date |
2008 |
|
Astronomers Use Hubble to 'W
…
| Title |
Astronomers Use Hubble to 'Weigh' Dog Star's Companion |
|
Astronomers Use Hubble to 'W
…
| Title |
Astronomers Use Hubble to 'Weigh' Dog Star's Companion |
|
Technicians at General Atomi
…
| Photo Description |
Technicians at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., carefully thread control lines through a bulkhead during engine installation on NASA's Altair aircraft. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
July 10, 2002 |
|
Technicians at General Atomi
…
| Photo Description |
Technicians at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., carefully install a turboprop engine to the rear fuselage of NASA's Altair aircraft during final assembly operations. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
July 10, 2002 |
|
Technician Shawn Warren care
…
| Photo Description |
Technician Shawn Warren carefully smoothes out the composite skin of an instrument fairing atop the upper fuselage of the Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., facility at Adelanto, Calif. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
July 10, 2002 |
|
The payload bay in the nose
…
| Photo Description |
The payload bay in the nose of NASA's Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), shown here during final construction at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., will be able to carry up to 700 lbs. of sensors, imaging equipment and other instruments for Earth science missions. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
July 10, 2002 |
|
Technician Dave Brown instal
…
| Photo Description |
Technician Dave Brown installs a drilling template during construction of the all-composite left wing of NASA's Altair aircraft at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
July 10, 2002 |
|
The left wing of NASA's Alta
…
| Photo Description |
The left wing of NASA's Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) rests in a jig during construction at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
July 10, 2002 |
|
| Photo Description |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA joined forces to conduct a series of environmental science demonstration flights with the Altair unmanned aerial vehicle in mid-November 2005. During a flight over the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, sensors on the aircraft gathered ocean color and atmospheric chemistry measurements and observed marine mammals and their environment. The flight also conducted low-tide coastal mapping and NOAA law enforcement surveillance of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. An earlier mission the same week saw the Altair collect similar data during an 18.5-hour flight off the coast of northern and central California and several hundred miles out to sea. NASA coordinated use of Altair with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and provided mission management expertise to NOAA. |
| Project Description |
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) to demonstrate technologies that will expand the capabilities of remotely operated, uninhabited aircraft to perform high-altitude earth science missions. To accomplish the task, GA-ASI is developing an enlarged version of its Predator reconnaissance aircraft, the Predator B?, including an extended-wingspan Altair version for NASA, to meet these requirements. |
| Photo Date |
November 16, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA joined forces to conduct a series of environmental science demonstration flights with the Altair unmanned aerial vehicle in mid-November 2005. During a flight over the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, sensors on the aircraft gathered ocean color and atmospheric chemistry measurements and observed marine mammals and their environment. The flight also conducted low-tide coastal mapping and NOAA law enforcement surveillance of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. An earlier mission the same week saw the Altair collect similar data during an 18.5-hour flight off the coast of northern and central California and several hundred miles out to sea. NASA coordinated use of Altair with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and provided mission management expertise to NOAA. |
| Project Description |
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) to demonstrate technologies that will expand the capabilities of remotely operated, uninhabited aircraft to perform high-altitude earth science missions. To accomplish the task, GA-ASI is developing an enlarged version of its Predator reconnaissance aircraft, the Predator B?, including an extended-wingspan Altair version for NASA, to meet these requirements. |
| Photo Date |
November 16, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA joined forces to conduct a series of environmental science demonstration flights with the Altair unmanned aerial vehicle in mid-November 2005. During a flight over the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, sensors on the aircraft gathered ocean color and atmospheric chemistry measurements and observed marine mammals and their environment. The flight also conducted low-tide coastal mapping and NOAA law enforcement surveillance of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. An earlier mission the same week saw the Altair collect similar data during an 18.5-hour flight off the coast of northern and central California and several hundred miles out to sea. NASA coordinated use of Altair with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and provided mission management expertise to NOAA. |
| Project Description |
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) to demonstrate technologies that will expand the capabilities of remotely operated, uninhabited aircraft to perform high-altitude earth science missions. To accomplish the task, GA-ASI is developing an enlarged version of its Predator reconnaissance aircraft, the Predator B?, including an extended-wingspan Altair version for NASA, to meet these requirements. |
| Photo Date |
November 16, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA joined forces to conduct a series of environmental science demonstration flights with the Altair unmanned aerial vehicle in mid-November 2005. During a flight over the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast, sensors on the aircraft gathered ocean color and atmospheric chemistry measurements and observed marine mammals and their environment. The flight also conducted low-tide coastal mapping and NOAA law enforcement surveillance of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary. An earlier mission the same week saw the Altair collect similar data during an 18.5-hour flight off the coast of northern and central California and several hundred miles out to sea. NASA coordinated use of Altair with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and provided mission management expertise to NOAA. |
| Project Description |
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) to demonstrate technologies that will expand the capabilities of remotely operated, uninhabited aircraft to perform high-altitude earth science missions. To accomplish the task, GA-ASI is developing an enlarged version of its Predator reconnaissance aircraft, the Predator B?, including an extended-wingspan Altair version for NASA, to meet these requirements. |
| Photo Date |
November 16, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
An ocean color senor, a passive microwave vertical sounder and an electro-optical sensor were mounted on the Altair UAV for the NOAA-NASA flight demonstration. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
April 20, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
A satellite antenna, electro-optical/infrared and ocean color sensors (front) were among payloads installed on the Altair for the NOAA-NASA UAV flight demonstration. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
April 20, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
A pilot for General Atomics Aeronautical Systems guides the Altair remotely operated aircraft from a ground control station using both visual and telemetered data. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
April 20, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
The long, slender wings of General Atomics Altair UAV are in evidence during a series of climatic and environmental monitoring missions for NOAA and NASA in the spring of 2005. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
April 20, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
Terrence Hertz, Deputy Associate Administrator for Technology, NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate, at the NOAA/NASA Altair flight demonstration kickoff. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
April 20, 2005 |
|
| Photo Description |
A high-tech infrared imaging sensor in its underbelly pod, the Altair unmanned aircraft flew repeated passes over the Esperanza fire to aid firefighting efforts. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
October 25, 2006 |
|
| Photo Description |
Equipped with a pod-mounted infrared imaging sensor, the Altair UAS aided fire mapping efforts over wildfires in central and southern California in late 2006. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
October 25, 2006 |
|
| Photo Description |
A high-tech infrared imaging sensor in its underbelly pod, the Altair UAS aided firefighting efforts over central and southern California wildfires in late 2006. |
| Project Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) for NASA under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA is using the Altair as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. As a technology demonstrator, Altair will help validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, including over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. It is also being used to demonstrate the capabilities of UAVs to conduct missions related to Earth Science, disaster management, homeland security and law enforcement. The Altair took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The Altair is a modified version of GA-ASI's MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was developed for the U.S. Air Force. Differences from the military aircraft include a longer wingspan to enable the Altair to sustain higher altitudes, a triplex redundant flight control system and modified avionics and electronics to support its civil missions. It is flown by a pilot from a ground control station, with flight commands and data relayed to and from the aircraft via either a satellite communications link or by direct radio link. The Altair also has full Global Positioning System (GPS) capability to assist in navigation. The Altair is designed to carry a 700-lb. payload of instruments and imaging equipment in its forward fuselage payload bay for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. It can also carry up to 3,000 pounds of payload externally at lower altitudes and for shorter durations. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. Built almost entirely of composite materials, Altair is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted Honeywell TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. It has a maximum gross takeoff weight of 7,400 lbs, including 3,000 lbs of fuel. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is currently being leased by NASA for a five-year period and is scheduled to eventually be acquired by NASA to serve as an aerial platform to support the aerospace agency's suborbital science program. |
| Photo Date |
October 25, 2006 |
|
The remotely-piloted Altair
…
| Photo Description |
The remotely-piloted Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) took to the air on its first checkout flight on June 9, 2003 at El Mirage, California. The aircraft was developed for NASA by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. as a long-endurance, high-altitude platform for development of UAV technologies and environmental science missions. |
| Project Description |
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair, a modified version of its MQ-9 Predator B unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as an aerial platform for a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions on each wing give the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Following successful completion of basic airworthiness flight tests in 2003, Altair is scheduled to be acquired by NASA for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, collision-avoidance and other technologies required to enable UAVs to operate safely and routinely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Photo Date |
June 9, 2003 |
|
NOAA researchers install and
…
Altair UAV lifting off on ma
…
Altair UAV lifting off on ma
…
Remotely-operated Altair dep
…
Altair unmanned aerial vehic
…
On a NASA/NOAA Altair scienc
…
STS-39 Mission Insignia
| Name of Image |
STS-39 Mission Insignia |
| Date of Image |
1991-02-21 |
| Full Description |
The arrowhead shape of the STS-39 crew patch represents a skyward aim to learn more about our planet's atmosphere and space environment in support of the Department of Defense. Our national symbol is represented by the star constellation Aguila (the eagle) as its brightest star, Altair, lifts a protective canopy above Earth. The Space Shuttle encircles the spectrum which represents x-ray, ultraviolet, visible and infrared electromagnetic radiation to be measured by a variety of scientific instruments. |
|
70 Virginis b: A New Water P
…
| Title |
70 Virginis b: A New Water Planet? |
| Explanation |
The star 70 Virginis [ http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~gmarcy/planetsearch/70vir/70vir.html ] has a planet. This recent discovery [ http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~gmarcy/planetsearch/70vir/70vir.ps ] is the second known case of a planet orbiting a normal star other than our Sun [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950813.html ] itself. The first case involved 51 Pegasi [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951201.html ] and was announced last year. The star 70 Vir, shown in the center of the above false-color picture, is very much like the Sun [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950925.html ]. The planet [ http://pio06.urel.berkeley.edu/documentation/Marcy2.html ] is not visible above - the unusual structure surrounding the star is caused by the telescope. The planet, designated 70 Vir b for short, was discovered [ http://www.physics.sfsu.edu/~gmarcy/planetsearch/planetsearch.html ] by very slight periodic shifts in its colors. Defining characteristics of this planet include that it is at least eight times the mass of Jupiter [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951206.html ], it's orbit is much smaller than Jupiter [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950625.html ]'s, and it's temperature allows water [ http://www.mother.com/uswaternews/news.html ] to exist in liquid form - like on the Earth [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap951118.html ]. Life on Earth [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950622.html ] is based on liquid water [ http://miranda.bu.edu/cps-wamnet.html ] - could life exist here too? [ http://altair.syr.edu:2024/SETI/toc.html ] |
|
COBE Hotspots: The Oldest St
…
| Title |
COBE Hotspots: The Oldest Structures Known |
| Explanation |
Above are two microwave [ http://ux9.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/ALSTool/EMSpec/EMSpec.html ] images of the sky, looking north and south of our galaxy [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap950908.html ]'s equator, based on data from NASA's COBE satellite. After computer processing to remove contributions from nearby objects and the effects of the earth's motion [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap960205.html ], they show "spots". These spots [ http://ux9.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/cosmic-microwave-background-anisotropy.html ] are the oldest structures known - probably the oldest structures humanity will ever know. They are also the most distant. As our universe expanded [ http://www.ncsa.uiuc.edu/Cyberia/Cosmos/CosmicMysteryTour.html ] and cooled, conglomerations of mass formed - these are some of the first. They confirm that only a million years after the big-bang [ http://www2.ari.net/home/odenwald/qadir/acosm.html ] - which occurred roughly 15 billion years ago [ http://www.as.utexas.edu/PIO/SD_scripts/0419.html ] - parts of the universe [ http://altair.syr.edu:2024/SETI/TUTORIAL/bigbang.html ] were visibly hotter than other parts. By studying the size and distribution of the spots found with COBE [ http://spectrum.lbl.gov/www/cobe/cobe.html ] and future missions [ http://cobi.gsfc.nasa.gov/msam-ripples.html ], astronomers hope to learn what matter and processes caused the spots to form - and hence determine the composition [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/htmltest/gifcity/matter.html ], density [ http://www.as.utexas.edu/PIO/SD_scripts/0420.html ], and future [ http://www2.ari.net/home/odenwald/qadir/q26.html ] of our universe. |
|
Lockheed/Detroit XRO-1 Altai
…
| Title |
Lockheed/Detroit XRO-1 Altair |
| Description |
Lockheed/Detroit XRO-1 Altair: The metal fuselage-wooden winged Lockheed XRO-1 Altair carried the distinction of being the first aircraft with retractable gear operated by the U. S. Navy. This aircraft appeared at Langley in the summer of 1932. |
| Date |
07.28.1932 |
|
Lockheed/Detroit Y1C-23 Alta
…
| Title |
Lockheed/Detroit Y1C-23 Altair |
| Description |
Lockheed/Detroit Y1C-23 Altair: This Lockheed Y1C-23 Altair is mounted in the 30 x 60 Full Scale Tunnel for propeller tests. Normally flown out of Bolling Field, Washington, D. C., the Y1C-23 was not assigned to Langley, only loaned for these tests. The Altair was tested at Langley in July 1932. |
| Date |
07.22.1932 |
|
Altair
| Title |
Altair |
| Description |
For the first time ever, a star spinning so fast its mid-section is stretched out has been directly measured by an ultra-high-resolution NASA telescope system on Palomar Mountain near San Diego."Measuring the shape of this star, Altair, was as difficult as standing in Los Angeles, looking at a hen's egg in New York, and trying to prove that it's oval-shaped and not circular," said Dr. Charles Beichman, chief scientist for astronomy and physics at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Altair is a well-known member of the Summer Triangle, clearly visible in the summer night sky across the United States. Scientists using the Palomar Testbed Interferometer, which links multiple telescopes, measured the star's radius at different angles on the sky. They noticed the size of the star varied with changing angles, which was the first tip-off that Altair is not perfectly round."This surprising observation led to a bit of challenging detective work to properly interpret the data," said principal investigator Dr. Gerard van Belle of JPL. "We measured the size of another star, Vega, at the same time, which didn't change with angle, so we knew this wasn't just a fluke of the telescope." Previous studies of Altair raised the prospect that the star might have midriff bulge, but never before had the shape been measured directly. Earlier measurements of the star's spectrum, or light-wave pattern, had hinted that Altair was rotating very fast. When a gaseous orb, like a star, spins fast enough, it tends to expand at the middle, like a beach ball that is squeezed at the top and bottom. Altair is a perfect example -- it rotates at least once every 10.4 hours, and the new Palomar observations reveal the diameter at its equator is at least 14 percent greater than at its poles. For a star that spins slowly, this effect is miniscule. For example, our Sun rotates once every 30 days and has an equator only .001 percent greater in diameter than its poles. By measuring Altair's size at separate positions along its edge, van Belle and his colleagues determined that Altair rotates at a speed of at least 210 kilometers per second (470,000 miles per hour) at the equator. Future studies may pin down the speed more precisely."Determining the shape of another star helps us learn about the forces that control the shape and structure of all stars, including our star, the Sun," Beichman said. "This tells us more about the Sun's behavior and ultimate fate." The Palomar Testbed Interferometer has three 50-centimeter (20-inch) telescopes. To study Altair, the telescopes were used two at a time. The combined light from the telescope pairs provided sharpness comparable to a telescope as large as a football field."Altair is the twelfth brightest star in the sky -- you'd think that everything there is to know about this star would have been discovered already," said co-investigator Dr. David Ciardi of the University of Florida, Gainesville. "It's a good example of, the surprises you're going to encounter when you are able to look at even familiar stars with unprecedented resolution." The Palomar Testbed Interferometer is paving the way for the Keck Interferometer, Space Interferometry Mission and Terrestrial Planet Finder, all part of NASA's Origins program. The program will hunt for Earthlike planets that might harbor life around other stars. "In the long run, we'll use these interferometric capabilities to search for planets around nearby stars. This is an important first step," said Beichman. Van Belle and Ciardi co-authored the Altair paper, scheduled to appear in the October 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal, with Robert Thompson of JPL and the University of Wyoming, Laramie, Dr. Rachel Akeson of the JPL/Caltech Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, Pasadena, Calif., and Dr. Elizabeth Lada of the University of Florida, Gainesville. Their research was funded by NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C., along with the National Science Foundation. Palomar Observatory is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, which also manages JPL for NASA. The Palomar Testbed Interferometer was designed and built by a team of JPL researchers led by Drs. Mark Colavita and Michael Shao. Funded by NASA and managed by JPL, the interferometer is located at the Palomar Observatory near the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. Images and animation of Altair are available athttp://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/stars/index.html [ http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/stars/index.html ]. Information on the Palomar Testbed Interferometer is available athttp://huey.jpl.nasa.gov/palomar [ http://huey.jpl.nasa.gov/palomar ]. Information on NASA's Origins Program is available athttp://origins.jpl.nasa.gov [ http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov ]. |
| Date |
12.01.1999 |
|
Scout
| Title |
Scout |
| Description |
An examination of the Aerojet-General "Aerobee 150A" propulsion system in February 1960. James Hansen described this as follows: "As for the technical definition of the rocket...the Langley engineers tried to keep developmental costs and time to a minimum by selecting components from off-the-shelf hardware. the majority of Scout's components were to come from an inventory of solid-fuel rockets produced for the military, although everyone involved understood that some improved motors would also have to be developed under contract. By early 1959, after intensive technical analysis and reviews, Langley settled on a design and finalized the selection of the major contractors. The rocket's 40-inch-diameter first stage was to be a new "Algol" motor, a combination of the Jupiter Senior and the navy Polaris produced by the Aerojet General Corporation, Sacramento, California. The 31-inch-diameter second stage, "Castor," was derived from the army's Sergeant and was to be manufactured by the Redstone Division of the Thiokol company in Huntsville, Alabama. the motor for the 30-inch-diameter third stage, "Antares," evolved under NASA contract from the ABL X248 design into a new version called the X254 (and subsequently into the X259), it was built under contract to NASA by ABL, a U.S. Navy Bureau of Ordnance facility operated by the Hercules Powder Company, Cumberland, Maryland. the final upper-stage propulsion unit, "Altair," which was 25.7 inches in diameter (34 inches at the heat shield), amounted to an improved edition of the X248 that was also manufactured by ABL. |
| Date |
09.22.1960 |
|
Technician Dave Brown instal
…
| Title |
Technician Dave Brown installs a drilling template during construction of the all-composite left win |
| Description |
Technician Dave Brown installs a drilling template during construction of the all-composite left wing of NASA's Altair aircraft at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Date |
07.10.2002 |
|
Technician Shawn Warren care
…
| Title |
Technician Shawn Warren carefully smoothes out the composite skin of an instrument fairing atop the |
| Description |
Technician Shawn Warren carefully smoothes out the composite skin of an instrument fairing atop the upper fuselage of the Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., facility at Adelanto, Calif. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Date |
07.10.2002 |
|
Technicians at General Atomi
…
| Title |
Technicians at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., ca |
| Description |
Technicians at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., carefully install a turboprop engine to the rear fuselage of NASA's Altair aircraft during final assembly operations. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Date |
07.10.2002 |
|
Technicians at General Atomi
…
| Title |
Technicians at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., ca |
| Description |
Technicians at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., carefully thread control lines through a bulkhead during engine installation on NASA's Altair aircraft. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Date |
07.10.2002 |
|
The left wing of NASA's Alta
…
| Title |
The left wing of NASA's Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) rests in a jig during construction at G |
| Description |
The left wing of NASA's Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) rests in a jig during construction at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Date |
07.10.2002 |
|
The payload bay in the nose
…
| Title |
The payload bay in the nose of NASA's Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be able to carry up |
| Description |
The payload bay in the nose of NASA's Altair unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), shown here during final construction at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., (GA-ASI) facility at Adelanto, Calif., will be able to carry up to 700 lbs. of sensors, imaging equipment and other instruments for Earth science missions. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., is developing the Altair version of its Predator B unmanned reconnaissance aircraft under NASA's Environmental Research Aircraft and Sensor Technology (ERAST) project. NASA plans to use the Altair as a technology demonstrator to validate a variety of command and control technologies for UAVs, as well as demonstrate the capability to perform a variety of Earth science missions. The Altair is designed to carry an 700-lb. payload of scientific instruments and imaging equipment for as long as 32 hours at up to 52,000 feet altitude. Eleven-foot extensions have been added to each wing, giving the Altair an overall wingspan of 86 feet with an aspect ratio of 23. It is powered by a 700-hp. rear-mounted TPE-331-10 turboprop engine, driving a three-blade propeller. Altair is scheduled to begin flight tests in the fourth quarter of 2002, and be acquired by NASA following successful completion of basic airworthiness tests in early 2003 for evaluation of over-the-horizon control, detect, see and avoid and other technologies required to allow UAVs to operate safely with other aircraft in the national airspace. |
| Date |
07.10.2002 |
|
STS-39 Discovery, Orbiter Ve
…
johnsonspacecentermediaarchi
…
STS-39 Discovery, Orbiter Ve
…
sts039-s-001
| mediatype |
IMAGE |
| mediatype |
image |
| creator |
NASA |
| identifier |
sts039-s-001 |
|
Altair
PIA04204
Palomar Testbed Interferomet
…
| Title |
Altair |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
For the first time ever, a star spinning so fast its mid-section is stretched out has been directly measured by an ultra-high-resolution NASA telescope system on Palomar Mountain near San Diego."Measuring the shape of this star, Altair, was as difficult as standing in Los Angeles, looking at a hen's egg in New York, and trying to prove that it's oval-shaped and not circular," said Dr. Charles Beichman, chief scientist for astronomy and physics at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Altair is a well-known member of the Summer Triangle, clearly visible in the summer night sky across the United States. Scientists using the Palomar Testbed Interferometer, which links multiple telescopes, measured the star's radius at different angles on the sky. They noticed the size of the star varied with changing angles, which was the first tip-off that Altair is not perfectly round. "This surprising observation led to a bit of challenging detective work to properly interpret the data," said principal investigator Dr. Gerard van Belle of JPL. "We measured the size of another star, Vega, at the same time, which didn't change with angle, so we knew this wasn't just a fluke of the telescope." Previous studies of Altair raised the prospect that the star might have midriff bulge, but never before had the shape been measured directly. Earlier measurements of the star's spectrum, or light-wave pattern, had hinted that Altair was rotating very fast. When a gaseous orb, like a star, spins fast enough, it tends to expand at the middle, like a beach ball that is squeezed at the top and bottom. Altair is a perfect example -- it rotates at least once every 10.4 hours, and the new Palomar observations reveal the diameter at its equator is at least 14 percent greater than at its poles. For a star that spins slowly, this effect is miniscule. For example, our Sun rotates once every 30 days and has an equator only .001 percent greater in diameter than its poles. By measuring Altair's size at separate positions along its edge, van Belle and his colleagues determined that Altair rotates at a speed of at least 210 kilometers per second (470,000 miles per hour) at the equator. Future studies may pin down the speed more precisely."Determining the shape of another star helps us learn about the forces that control the shape and structure of all stars, including our star, the Sun," Beichman said. "This tells us more about the Sun's behavior and ultimate fate." The Palomar Testbed Interferometer has three 50-centimeter (20-inch) telescopes. To study Altair, the telescopes were used two at a time. The combined light from the telescope pairs provided sharpness comparable to a telescope as large as a football field."Altair is the twelfth brightest star in the sky -- you'd think that everything there is to know about this star would have been discovered already," said co-investigator Dr. David Ciardi of the University of Florida, Gainesville. "It's a good example of, the surprises you're going to encounter when you are able to look at even familiar stars with unprecedented resolution." The Palomar Testbed Interferometer is paving the way for the Keck Interferometer, Space Interferometry Mission and Terrestrial Planet Finder, all part of NASA's Origins program. The program will hunt for Earthlike planets that might harbor life around other stars. "In the long run, we'll use these interferometric capabilities to search for planets around nearby stars. This is an important first step," said Beichman. Van Belle and Ciardi co-authored the Altair paper, scheduled to appear in the October 1 issue of the Astrophysical Journal, with Robert Thompson of JPL and the University of Wyoming, Laramie, Dr. Rachel Akeson of the JPL/Caltech Infrared Processing and Analysis Center, Pasadena, Calif., and Dr. Elizabeth Lada of the University of Florida, Gainesville. Their research was funded by NASA's Office of Space Science, Washington, D.C., along with the National Science Foundation. Palomar Observatory is owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, which also manages JPL for NASA. The Palomar Testbed Interferometer was designed and built by a team of JPL researchers led by Drs. Mark Colavita and Michael Shao. Funded by NASA and managed by JPL, the interferometer is located at the Palomar Observatory near the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. Images and animation of Altair are available at http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/stars/index.html [ http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/stars/index.html ] . Information on the Palomar Testbed Interferometer is available at http://huey.jpl.nasa.gov/palomar [ http://huey.jpl.nasa.gov/palomar ] . Information on NASA's Origins Program is available at http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov [ http://origins.jpl.nasa.gov ]. |
|
|
