|
|
One View, Multiple Worlds
| Description |
One View, Multiple Worlds: Tethys, Epimetheus and Titan |
| Full Description |
Three very different worlds crowd the frame in this unique view from the Cassini spacecraft, which although partly overexposed, provides a splendid look at several major targets of interest for the mission. Titan (at the top) has a thick, hazy atmosphere. Cassini has observed it to be a world where complex geological and atmospheric processes are occurring. At 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles) across, it is Saturn's largest moon, and is the second largest moon in the solar system, after Jupiter's moon Ganymede (5,262 kilometers, or 3,270 miles across). Tethys (at the bottom) has been battered by impacts over the eons, and some of its many craters are visible in this image. Tethys (1,071 kilometers, or 665 miles across) is one of Saturn's major icy moons, having a density close to that of water. This moon shows evidence that icy tectonic processes have occurred on its frozen surface, such as the immense canyon system called Ithaca Chasma. Epimetheus (center) is one of Saturn's "ring moons": small, porous bodies that orbit within or just beyond the rings. Cassini acquired the closest-ever view of cratered Epimetheus (116 kilometers, or 72 miles across) in March, 2005. Also near center are Saturn's F ring and the outer edge of the A ring to the left. In addition to the F ring's usually bright core, several other ringlets are resolved here, giving the ring a soft, wispy character that shows contrast with the more sharply defined A ring. Appearances can be deceiving in two dimensional images like this one where it is difficult to tell which objects are in the foreground and which are farther away. In this scene, Tethys is the closest object to Cassini, at 1.2 million kilometers (700,000 miles) away. Epimetheus is on the near side of the rings and is 1.4 million kilometers (900,000 miles) distant. The giant moon Titan is 2.7 million kilometers (1.7 million miles) away, more than twice as far from Cassini as Tethys. This view is a mosaic of two images taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on Feb. 19, 2005. The image scale in the scene ranges from 16 kilometers (10 miles) per pixel on Titan to 7 kilometers (4 miles) per pixel on Tethys. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging team is based at the Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at http://ciclops.org . Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute |
| Date |
June 9, 2005 |
|
Aligned Moons
| Description |
Dione's tortured surface in the foreground and a far-off view of Epimetheus |
| Full Description |
Cassini looks toward Saturn's night side in this view, capturing a glimpse of Dione's tortured surface in the foreground and a far-off view of Epimetheus beyond Saturn. The spacecraft was just a 10th of a degree above the ringplane when this image was taken. Parts of Dione's surface have been stretched and ripped apart by tectonic forces. Some of these faults are visible here, as is a large impact basin (not seen in NASA Voyager spacecraft images) near the moon's south pole. Although this crater's diameter has not yet been measured by imaging scientists, it appears to be wider than 250 kilometers (155 miles), which would make it the largest impact structure yet identified on this moon. Dione is 1,118 kilometers (695 miles) across. Epimetheus (116 kilometers, or 72 miles across) presents a similar face here to that revealed in a spectacular false-color view from March, 2005 (see Epimetheus: Up-Close and Colorful ). The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on May 5, 2005, at a distance of approximately 910,000 kilometers (570,000 miles) from Dione, 1.28 million kilometers (800,000 miles) from Epimetheus and 1.42 million kilometers (880,000 miles) from Saturn. The image scale is 5 kilometers (3 miles) per pixel on Dione and 9 kilometers (6 miles) per pixel on Epimetheus. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging team is based at the Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov . The Cassini imaging team homepage is at http://ciclops.org . Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute |
| Date |
June 21, 2005 |
|
Hubble Pans Across Heavens t
…
| Title |
Hubble Pans Across Heavens to Harvest 50,000 Evolving Galaxies |
|
Hubble Pans Across Heavens t
…
| Title |
Hubble Pans Across Heavens to Harvest 50,000 Evolving Galaxies |
|
Hubble Pans Across Heavens t
…
| Title |
Hubble Pans Across Heavens to Harvest 50,000 Evolving Galaxies |
|
Hubble Pans Across Heavens t
…
| Title |
Hubble Pans Across Heavens to Harvest 50,000 Evolving Galaxies |
|
Hubble Pans Across Heavens t
…
| Title |
Hubble Pans Across Heavens to Harvest 50,000 Evolving Galaxies |
|
Hubble Pans Across Heavens t
…
| Title |
Hubble Pans Across Heavens to Harvest 50,000 Evolving Galaxies |
|
A modified F/A-18A undergoes
…
| Photo Date |
April 10, 2001 |
|
Structural loads testing on
…
| Photo Date |
March 15, 2001 |
|
NASA aircraft technician Don
…
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
March 21, 2002 |
|
This modified F/A-18A is the
…
| Photo Description |
This modified F/A-18A sporting a distinctive red, white and blue paint scheme is the test aircraft for the Active Aeroelastic Wing (AAW) project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
October 24, 2001 |
|
This modified F/A-18A with i
…
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
October 24, 2001 |
|
NASA aircraft technician Don
…
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
March 21, 2002 |
|
The modified F/A-18 being fl
…
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
November 15, 2002 |
|
NASA 853, a modified former
…
| Photo Description |
NASA 853, a modified former Navy F/A-18A fighter plane, is now performing research duties in the Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards AFB, California. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
February 7, 2003 |
|
NASA Dryden technicians (Dav
…
| Photo Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Project Description |
The AAW program seeks to determine the advantages of twisting flexible wings for primary maneuvering roll control at transonic and supersonic speeds, with traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps used to induce the twist. The program intends to develop data and structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. AAW flight tests are due to begin in late 2002. The program uses wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor. |
| Photo Date |
August 22, 2002 |
|
A thin rod is all that is ne
…
| Photo Description |
A thin rod is all that is needed to transmit vibrations from a shaker device (at bottom) and the wingtip of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 research aircraft during ground vibration testing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. Wiring hanging down from the wingtip launcher rail transfer signals from accelerometers and other sensors mounted on the wing's upper surface to monitoring equipment. The tests help engineers determine if aerodynamically induced vibrations are controlled or suppressed during flight, and were the last major ground tests prior to the initiation of research flights. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
August 22, 2002 |
|
How differential deflection
…
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
November 15, 2002 |
|
The upper wing surfaces of t
…
| Photo Description |
The upper wing surfaces of the Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 test aircraft are covered with accelerometers and other sensors during ground vibration tests at NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. An electro-mechanical shaker device (blue cylinder at lower right) generates vibrations into the airframe during the tests, which help engineers determine if aerodynamically induced vibrations are controlled or suppressed during flight. The tests were the last major ground tests prior to the initiation of research flights. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
August 22, 2002 |
|
Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-
…
| Photo Description |
With landing gear and flaps down, NASA Dryden's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18A research aircraft rolls towards final approach to the Edwards Air Force Base runway at the end of a test flight. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
February 7, 2003 |
|
NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wi
…
| Photo Description |
NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18A research aircraft rolls upside down during a 360-degree aileron roll on a test mission. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
February 7, 2003 |
|
| Photo Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing F-18 research aircraft (AAW) is shadowed by another F-18 in formation during a flyover of the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
June 25, 2003 |
|
| Photo Description |
NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 resumed flight tests in the second phase of the program at the Dryden Flight Research Center in early December 2004. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
December 15, 2004 |
|
| Photo Description |
NASA's flexible-wing F/A-18 maneuvers through a test point during the second phase of the NASA/Air Force Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research program. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
December 15, 2004 |
|
| Photo Description |
NASA's Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 rolls into a hard left turn during a research flight in early December 2004 from the Dryden Flight Research Center. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
December 15, 2004 |
|
| Photo Description |
NASA's modified Active Aeroelastic Wing F/A-18 skims over portions of the U.S. Borax mine during a recent mission from the Dryden Flight Research Center. |
| Project Description |
The Active Aeroelastic Wing project at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center is a two-phase flight research program that is investigating the potential of aerodynamically twisting flexible wings to improve roll maneuverability of high-performance aircraft at transonic and supersonic speeds. Traditional control surfaces such as ailerons and leading-edge flaps are used as active trim tabs to aerodynamically induce the twist. From flight test and simulation data, the program is developing structural modeling techniques and tools to help design lighter, more flexible high aspect-ratio wings for future high-performance aircraft, which could translate to more economical operation or greater payload capability. The program uses a modified F/A-18A Hornet as its testbed aircraft, with wings that were modified to the flexibility of the original pre-production F-18 wing. Other aircraft modifications include a new actuator to operate the outboard portion of a divided leading edge flap over a greater range and rate, and a research flight control system to host the aeroelastic wing control laws. AAW flight tests began in November, 2002 with checkout and parameter-identification flights. Based on data obtained during 50 research flights over a five-month period, new AAW flight control software was then developed over the following year. A second series of research flights began in late 2004 evaluated the AAW concept in a real-world flight environment, using the newly created control laws in the aircaft's research flight control computer. About 45 research missions were flown over a four-month period in the second phase of flight testing that concluded in March, 2005. Extensive analysis of data acquired during the project is continuing at NASA Dryden. The Active Aeroelastic Wing Program is jointly funded and managed by the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, with Boeing's Phantom Works as prime contractor for wing modifications and flight control software development. The F/A-18A aircraft was provided by the Naval Aviation Systems Test Team and modified for its research role by NASA Dryden technicians. |
| Photo Date |
December 15, 2004 |
|
New Measurements of Arctic O
…
| Title |
New Measurements of Arctic Ozone |
| Description |
The winter of 2004-2005 saw the second highest chemical ozone destruction ever observed over the Arctic. Polar ozone is destoyed when chlorine, cold temperatures, and sunlight mix in the atmosphere 8-50 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Since ozone shields the Earth from ultraviolet light, the high-energy light that causes sunburns and is associated with skin cancers, low ozone levels could threaten human health. Ultraviolet levels remained near normal through the winter, however, because unusual weather conditions brought ozone from the Earth's ozone-rich mid-latitudes to the pole to fill in the gaps left by the extreme ozone depletion. These images show the fluctuations in ozone during the Arctic winter of 2005. The top two images show the average total column ozone over the Arctic during the months of January and March, 2005, and the lower image shows total column ozone on a single day, March 11, 2005. The images are based on data collected by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument [ http://www.knmi.nl/omi/publ-en/news/index.html ] (OMI) aboard NASA's Aura [ http://aura.gsfc.nasa.gov/ ] satellite. During this time period, the Microwave Limb Sounder, another instrument on the Aura satellite, measured 50 percent ozone loss, the second-highest level ever observed behind the 60 percent loss measured in 1999-2000. Despite this, the lowest total column ozone values in polar regions are slightly higher in March than in January, on average, as evidenced by the broad splashes of red that represent high ozone levels. Stratospheric winds carried the ozone north into the Arctic, compensating for the significant chemical loss, so that no blue or purple holes representing low ozone levels appear in the March image. Black circles over the North pole show where OMI did not collect data. On a single day, March 11, 2005, ozone was distributed far more unevenly, with dark red, almost black areas of high ozone over the Aleutian Islands, Asia, and Europe, and a pale blue thin spot over Iceland and Greenland. This reveals that even though ozone values appeared to be near normal on average throughout March, some regions experienced much lower ozone levels—and therefore, a greater exposure to UV light—on an individual day. For more information and images, see "NASA Spacecraft Measures Unusual 2005 Arctic Ozone Conditions" [ http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/lookingatearth/aura-060205.html ] on the NASA portal. Image courtesy NASA/JPL/Agency for Aerospace Programs (Netherlands)/Finnish Meteorological Institute |
|
One View, Multiple Worlds
PIA07518
Saturn
Imaging Science Subsystem -
…
| Title |
One View, Multiple Worlds |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
Three very different worlds crowd the frame in this unique view from the Cassini spacecraft, which although partly overexposed, provides a splendid look at several major targets of interest for the mission. Titan (at the top) has a thick, hazy atmosphere. Cassini has observed it to be a world where complex geological and atmospheric processes are occurring. At 5,150 kilometers (3,200 miles) across, it is Saturn's largest moon, and is the second largest moon in the solar system, after Jupiter's moon Ganymede (5,262 kilometers, or 3,270 miles across). Tethys (at the bottom) has been battered by impacts over the eons, and some of its many craters are visible in this image. Tethys (1,071 kilometers, or 665 miles across) is one of Saturn's major icy moons, having a density close to that of water. This moon shows evidence that icy tectonic processes have occurred on its frozen surface, such as the immense canyon system called Ithaca Chasma. Epimetheus (center) is one of Saturn's "ring moons": small, porous bodies that orbit within or just beyond the rings. Cassini acquired the closest-ever view of cratered Epimetheus (116 kilometers, or 72 miles across) in March, 2005. Also near center are Saturn's F ring and the outer edge of the A ring to the left. In addition to the F ring's usually bright core, several other ringlets are resolved here, giving the ring a soft, wispy character that shows contrast with the more sharply defined A ring. Appearances can be deceiving in two dimensional images like this one where it is difficult to tell which objects are in the foreground and which are farther away. In this scene, Tethys is the closest object to Cassini, at 1.2 million kilometers (700,000 miles) away. Epimetheus is on the near side of the rings and is 1.4 million kilometers (900,000 miles) distant. The giant moon Titan is 2.7 million kilometers (1.7 million miles) away, more than twice as far from Cassini as Tethys. This view is a mosaic of two images taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on Feb. 19, 2005. The image scale in the scene ranges from 16 kilometers (10 miles) per pixel on Titan to 7 kilometers (4 miles) per pixel on Tethys. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging team is based at the Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov [ http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov ]. For additional images visit the Cassini imaging team homepage http://ciclops.org [ http://ciclops.org ]. |
|
Aligned Moons
PIA07525
Sol (our sun)
Imaging Science Subsystem -
…
| Title |
Aligned Moons |
| Original Caption Released with Image |
Cassini looks toward Saturn's night side in this view, capturing a glimpse of Dione's tortured surface in the foreground and a far-off view of Epimetheus beyond Saturn. The spacecraft was just a tenth of a degree above the ringplane when this image was taken. Parts of Dione's surface have been stretched and ripped apart by tectonic forces. Some of these faults are visible here, as is a large impact basin (not seen in NASA Voyager spacecraft images) near the moon's south pole. Although this crater's diameter has not yet been measured by imaging scientists, it appears to be wider than 250 kilometers (155 miles), which would make it the largest impact structure yet identified on this moon. Dione is 1,118 kilometers (695 miles) across. Epimetheus (116 kilometers, or 72 miles across) presents a similar face here to that revealed in a spectacular false-color view from March, 2005 (see PIA06226 [ http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA06226 ]). The image was taken in visible light with the Cassini spacecraft narrow-angle camera on May 5, 2005, at a distance of approximately 910,000 kilometers (570,000 miles) from Dione, 1.28 million kilometers (800,000 miles) from Epimetheus and 1.42 million kilometers (880,000 miles) from Saturn. The image scale is 5 kilometers (3 miles) per pixel on Dione and 9 kilometers (6 miles) per pixel on Epimetheus. The Cassini-Huygens mission is a cooperative project of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Cassini orbiter and its two onboard cameras were designed, developed and assembled at JPL. The imaging team is based at the Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colo. For more information about the Cassini-Huygens mission visit http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov [ http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov ]. For additional images visit the Cassini imaging team homepage http://ciclops.org [ http://ciclops.org ]. |
|
|
