Prediction of AMOS Observations of Shuttle Engine Firing

Abstract

In this report, we discuss predictions for observations of on-orbit Shuttle plumes from the Air Force Maui Optical Station (AMOS). The focus is a 2-5 micrometers spectral region. The major light-producing mechanisms considered are 0+H20->20H* and O+H20->H20*+0. Recently computed velocity-dependent cross sections for these mechanisms are used in conjunction with the Spacecraft Orbiter Contamination Representation Accounting for Transiently Emitted Species (SOCRATES) flow-field code to predict the emissions for a PRCS (Primary Reaction Control System) engine for various angles of attack and velocities. The impact of atmospheric attenuation is discussed. Signal-to-noise estimates are presented for candidate spectral sensors installed at AMOS.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 08, 2005
Accession Number
ADA447388

Entities

People

  • Lawrence Bernstein
  • Matthew Braunstein

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Atmospheres
  • Atmospheric Attenuation
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Contracts
  • Detectors
  • Emission
  • Governments
  • Ground Based
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Measurement
  • Observation
  • Radiation
  • Space Shuttles
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectrometers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Spectroscopy.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Space Objects