Advanced Technology Demonstration Research Articles

Space advanced technology demonstration satellite

Space advanced technology demonstration satellite

A standby mode for space advanced technology demonstration satellite

Standby mode is the mode in which the space advanced technology demonstration satellite (SATech) stays for a long time when all the payloads are not working. This mode ensures the energy supply of the satellite on the one hand and the long-term effectiveness of the satellite’s star tracker quaternion on the other hand. Firstly, the target guidance law in standby mode is designed. Secondly, the installation position of the star tracker is designed according to the characteristics of the guidance law. Thirdly, the rationality of the scheme is verified by simulation. Finally, the scheme has been verified to ensure the continuous efficiency of the quaternion of the star trackers and the satellite energy supply.

The Solar Upper Transition Region Imager (SUTRI) Onboard the SATech-01 Satellite

The Solar Upper Transition Region Imager (SUTRI) onboard the Space Advanced Technology demonstration satellite (SATech-01), which was launched to a Sun-synchronous orbit at a height of ∼500 km in 2022 July, aims to test the on-orbit performance of our newly developed Sc/Si multi-layer reflecting mirror and the 2k×2k EUV CMOS imaging camera and to take full-disk solar images at the Ne vii 46.5 nm spectral line with a filter width of ∼3 nm. SUTRI employs a Ritchey–Chrétien optical system with an aperture of 18 cm. The on-orbit observations show that SUTRI images have a field of view of ∼ 41.′6 × 41.′6 and a moderate spatial resolution of ∼8″ without an image stabilization system. The normal cadence of SUTRI images is 30 s and the solar observation time is about 16 hr each day because the earth eclipse time accounts for about 1/3 of SATech-01's orbit period. Approximately 15 GB data is acquired each day and made available online after processing. SUTRI images are valuable as the Ne vii 46.5 nm line is formed at a temperature regime of ∼0.5 MK in the solar atmosphere, which has rarely been sampled by existing solar imagers. SUTRI observations will establish connections between structures in the lower solar atmosphere and corona, and advance our understanding of various types of solar activity such as flares, filament eruptions, coronal jets and coronal mass ejections.

A methodology for projecting the return on investment of training technologies

ABSTRACT Each year significant tax dollars are spent on the development of new technologies to increase efficiency and/or reduce costs of military training. However, there are currently no validated methods or measures to quantify the return on investment for adopting these new technologies for military training. Estimating the return on investment (ROI) for training technology adoption involves 1) developing a methodology or framework, 2) validating measures and methods, and 3) assessing predictive validity. The current paper describes a projective methodology using the Kirkpatrick framework to compare projected tangible and intangible benefits against tangible and intangible costs to estimate future ROI. The use-case involved an advanced technology demonstration in which sixty aircrew participated in a series of live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) exercises over a five-week period. Participants evaluated the technology’s potential costs and benefits according to the Kirkpatrick framework of training program evaluation, and analyses resulted in a nominal projection of $488 million dollars saved, significant enhancements in large-force proficiency, and 1.4 lives saved over ten years at an implementation rate of 0.5% of budgeted flight hours. A discussion of theoretical implications, data-based limitations, and recommendations for future research are provided.

Integration of the Motion-Compensated Steering and Distributed Beams’ Techniques for Polarimetric Rotating Phased Array Radar

The rotating phased array radar (RPAR) has the potential to improve the capabilities of the current U.S. Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) operational network and can be more affordable than other candidate phased array radar (PAR) architectures that have been evaluated to replace the WSR-88D. Considering the demanding functional requirements for the future U.S. weather surveillance radar, it is expected that several advanced RPAR scanning techniques will need to be applied simultaneously to achieve them. In this letter, we present the integration of two such RPAR scanning techniques: motion-compensated steering (MCS) and distributed beams (DBs). MCS exploits beam agility to mitigate beam smearing, while DB exploits digital beamforming to reduce the scan time or the standard deviation (SD) of estimates. The integration of these techniques is demonstrated with the National Severe Storms Laboratory's (NSSL) dual-polarization advanced technology demonstrator (ATD) radar system. Results show that these techniques can be used simultaneously to enhance azimuthal resolution and reduce the SD of estimates without impacting data quality if certain obtainable tradeoff considerations are incorporated in the radar design process.

Measurement of the Energy-Dependent Angular Response of the ARES Detector System and Application to Aerial Imaging

The Airborne Radiological Enhanced-sensor System (ARES) includes a prototype helicopter-borne CsI(Na) detector array that has been developed as part of the DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Advanced Technology Demonstration. The detector system geometry comprises two pairs of 23-detector arrays designed to function as active masks, providing additional angular resolution of measured gamma rays in the roll dimension. Experimental measurements, using five radioisotopes (137Cs, 60Co, 241Am, 131I, and $^{99m}$ Tc), were performed to map the detector response in both roll and pitch dimensions. This paper describes the acquisition and analysis of these characterization measurements, calculation of the angular response of the ARES system, and how this response function is used to improve aerial detection and localization of radiological and nuclear threat sources.

The Jinn Military Unmanned Helicopter Program: Rotor Blade Tip Aerodynamics of the Advanced Technology Demonstrator

Marques P, Maligno A, Dierks S, Penev V and Bachouche A. (2013). The Jinn military unmanned helicopter program: Rotor blade tip aerodynamics of the advanced technology demonstrator. International Journal of Unmanned Systems Engineering. 1(3): 6-15. This study evaluates different concepts in helicopter rotor blade tip design with the goal to optimise the aerodynamic performance of the Jinn military UAV by Tunisia Aero Technologies Industries S.A. The Jinn helicopter advanced technology demonstrator uses a state-of-theart 5-blade bearingless single-rotor system for superior manoeuvrability under conditions of high rotor loading. The underlying philosophy of the Jinn programme is a quest for superior rotor aerodynamic performance, low noise signature and vibration, low life-cycle costs, and a high level of reliability and safety. Blade tip backsweep helps suppress the transonic shock on the advancing blade, but may cause unbalanced aeroelastic loads due to the rearward displacement of the aerodynamic centre. Aeroelastic deflections can be prevented using a swept-tapered tip, however such tip geometry incurs a loss in aerodynamic efficiency. Anhedral in advanced blade tips generates a variation in pitching moment that helps reduce control loads. A leading edge ‘notch’ offset in the blade tip region aligns the tip aerodynamic centre on the quarter-chord feathering axis of the blade. The notch offset configuration effectively suppresses shock development on the advancing blade and allows the retreating blade to operate at high angles of attack without stalling. The literature suggest that the geometry of the blade tip for the Jinn helicopter should integrate elements of parabolic sweepback, taper, forward notch area, and anhedral, based on the British Experimental Rotor Programme (BERP), Advanced Geometry Blade, Advanced Technology Rotor, and Eurocopter Blue-Edge blade tip concepts. © Marques Aviation Ltd – Press.

United States army tactical high-energy laser program

The tactical high energy laser (THEL) program, conducted from 1996 to 2005, successfully demonstrated the capability of a high-energy laser to counter rockets, artillery, and mortars. The program was a US/Israeli cooperative research and development effort that was designated by the Secretary of Defense as an advanced concept technology demonstration with Presidential interest. The THEL system was designed and built under an SMDC/ARSTART prime contract awarded to TRW (now, Northrop Grumman Corporation), jointly managed by the Israel Ministry of Defence Directorate of Defence Research & Development. We summarize the effort and highlight some of the firsts of the THEL program.

신개념기술시범(ACTD) 사업에서 QFD 기법을 이용한 요구사항 및 위험관리 방안에 관한 연구

The concept of the advanced concept technology demonstration (ACTD) has previously been introduced in USA in order to make it possible to rapidly transfer advanced technologies developed in commercial sectors to develop weapon systems in the defense area. Since then in Korea several ACTD programs have been developed and being carried out However, there are few program management methods suitable for the characteristics of the ACTD programs, which requires stringent management of the program requirements and risks due to the radically shortened development time. In this paper such a problem has been addressed and as a solution approach the quality function deployment (QFD) method has been adopted, which is being served as a successful model in various areas such as manufacturing. The QFD method is used in our study to improve communication between various stakeholders involved in the ACTD programs and also to reduce risks related to requirements. Specifically we have developed the ACTD standard templates based on the QFD method and discussed how to use the developed templates. Finally, the application of the study result is demonstrated through the ACTD program of flight information demonstration system and also specific ways are suggested to use the standard templates, to manage requirements, and to reduce risks.

SORIS—A standoff radiation imaging system

Abstract The detection of radiological and special nuclear material within the country's borders is a crucial component of the national security network. Being able to detect small amounts of radiological material at large distances is especially important for search applications. To provide this capability General Electric's Research Center has developed, as a part of DNDO's standoff radiation detection system advanced technology demonstration (SORDS-ATD) program, a standoff radiation imaging system (SORIS). This vehicle-based system is capable of detecting weak sources at large distances in relatively short times. To accomplish this, GE has developed a novel coded aperture detector based on commercial components from GE Healthcare. An array of commercial gamma cameras modified to increase the system efficiency and energy range are used as position sensitive detectors. Unlike typical coded aperture systems, however, SORIS employs a non-planar mask and thus does not suffer the typical limitations of partially encoded regions giving it a wide field of view. Source identification is done using both low-statistics anomaly indicators and conventional high-statistics algorithms being developed by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The results of scanned areas and threats identified are displayed to the user and overlaid on satellite imagery.

Linac based photofission inspection system employing novel detection concepts

Abstract Rapiscan Systems is developing a LINAC based cargo inspection system for detection of special nuclear material (SNM) in cargo containers. The system, called Photofission Based Alarm Resolution (PBAR) is being developed under a DHD/DNDO Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) program. The PBAR system is based on the Rapiscan Eagle P9000 X-ray system, which is a portal system with a commercial 9 MeV LINAC X-ray source. For the purposes of the DNDO ATD program, a conveyor system was installed in the portal to allow scanning and precise positioning of 20 ft ISO cargo containers. The system uses a two step inspection process. In the first step, the basic scan, the container is quickly and completely inspected using two independent radiography arrays: the conventional primary array with high spatial resolution and a lower resolution spectroscopic array employing the novel Z-Spec method. The primary array uses cadmium tungstate (CdWO4) detectors with conventional current mode readouts using photodiodes. The Z-Spec array uses small plastic scintillators capable of performing very fast (up to 108 cps) gamma-ray spectroscopy. The two radiography arrays are used to locate high-Z objects in the image such as lead, tungsten, uranium, which could be potential shielding materials as well as SNM itself. In the current system, the Z-Spec works by measuring the energy spectrum of transmitted X-rays. For high-Z materials the higher end of the energy spectrum is more attenuated than for low-Z materials and thus has a lower mean energy and a narrower width than low- and medium-Z materials. The second step in the inspection process is the direct scan or alarm clearing scan. In this step, areas of the container image, which were identified as high Z, are re-inspected. This is done by precisely repositioning the container to the location of the high-Z object and performing a stationary irradiation of the area with X-ray beam. Since there are a large number of photons in the 9 MV Bremsstrahlung spectrum above the photofission “threshold” of about 6 MeV, the X-ray beam induces numerous fissions if nuclear material is present. The PBAR system looks for the two most prolific fission signatures to confirm the presence of special nuclear materials (SNM). These are prompt neutrons and delayed gamma rays. The PBAR system uses arrays of two types of fast and highly efficient gamma ray detectors: plastic and fluorocarbon scintillators. The latter serves as a detector of fission prompt neutrons using the novel threshold activation detector (TAD) concept as well as a very efficient delayed gamma ray detector. The major advantage of TAD for detecting the prompt neutrons is its insensitivity to the intense source related backgrounds. The current status of the system and experimental results will be shown and discussed.

Low Count Anomaly Detection at Large Standoff Distances

Searching for hidden illicit sources of gamma radiation in an urban environment is difficult. Background radiation profiles are variable and cluttered with transient acquisitions from naturally occurring radioactive materials and medical isotopes. Potentially threatening sources likely will be nearly hidden in this noise and encountered at high standoff distances and low threat count rates. We discuss an anomaly detection algorithm that characterizes low count sources as threatening or non-threatening and operates well in the presence of high benign source variability. We discuss the algorithm parameters needed to reliably find sources both close to the detector and far away from it. These parameters include the cutoff frequencies of background tracking filters and the integration time of the spectrometer. This work is part of the development of the Standoff Radiation Imaging System (SORIS) as part of DNDO's Standoff Radiation Detection System Advanced Technology Demonstration (SORDS-ATD) program.

United States Army Science and Technology: Sustaining Soldier Performance

Stress is a multidimensional concept, manifesting its effects in multiple domains. Most clearly these effects appear in the physiological, cognitive, and emotional arenas. This article will provide an overview of (a) key factors contributing to this stress and (b) the range of U.S. Army basic research through advanced technology demonstrations, focusing on reducing these effects and/or otherwise enabling Soldiers to sustain performance under stress. The objective is to provide a context for the discussion of ways to enrich the technological options that can be applied to ameliorate or adapt to stress across the spectrum of missions that Soldiers perform.

Advanced technology demonstration centre in Fareham

Advanced technology demonstration centre in Fareham

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Overview: The Instrument Suite and Mission

NASA’s Lunar Precursor Robotic Program (LPRP), formulated in response to the President’s Vision for Space Exploration, will execute a series of robotic missions that will pave the way for eventual permanent human presence on the Moon. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is first in this series of LPRP missions, and plans to launch in October of 2008 for at least one year of operation. LRO will employ six individual instruments to produce accurate maps and high-resolution images of future landing sites, to assess potential lunar resources, and to characterize the radiation environment. LRO will also test the feasibility of one advanced technology demonstration package. The LRO payload includes: Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) which will determine the global topography of the lunar surface at high resolution, measure landing site slopes, surface roughness, and search for possible polar surface ice in shadowed regions, Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) which will acquire targeted narrow angle images of the lunar surface capable of resolving meter-scale features to support landing site selection, as well as wide-angle images to characterize polar illumination conditions and to identify potential resources, Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND) which will map the flux of neutrons from the lunar surface to search for evidence of water ice, and will provide space radiation environment measurements that may be useful for future human exploration, Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment (DLRE) which will chart the temperature of the entire lunar surface at approximately 300 meter horizontal resolution to identify cold-traps and potential ice deposits, Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP) which will map the entire lunar surface in the far ultraviolet. LAMP will search for surface ice and frost in the polar regions and provide images of permanently shadowed regions illuminated only by starlight. Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER), which will investigate the effect of galactic cosmic rays on tissue-equivalent plastics as a constraint on models of biological response to background space radiation. The technology demonstration is an advanced radar (mini-RF) that will demonstrate X- and S-band radar imaging and interferometry using light weight synthetic aperture radar. This paper will give an introduction to each of these instruments and an overview of their objectives.

A Stochastic Model for a Compressor Stability Measure

A stability measure rooted in the unsteady characteristics of the flow field over the compressor rotor has been previously developed. The present work explores the relationship between the stochastic properties of this measure, called the correlation measure, and the compressor stability boundary. A stochastic model has been developed to gauge the impact of the correlation measure’s stochastic nature on its applicability to compressor stability management. The genesis of this model is in the fundamental properties of a specific stochastic process, one that is created by the threshold crossings of a random process. The model validation utilizes data obtained on three different axial compressor facilities. These include a single-stage low-speed axial compressor, a four-stage low-speed research compressor, and an advanced technology demonstrator high-speed compressor. This paper presents details of the model development and validation, as well as closed loop experimental results to demonstrate correlation measure’s usefulness in compressor stability management.

Soldier-Level Communications Environment (SLICE)/Soldier Radio Waveform (SEW)

Future Combat Systems (FCS) and Future Force Warrior (FFW) will rely on unattended, tactical sensors to detect and identify enemy targets to avoid enemy fires and enable precise networked fire to survive on the future battlefield with less armor protection. Successful implementation of these sensor fields requires a communications network infrastructure to disseminate sensor data and provide relevant and accurate situational awareness information to the tactical common operating picture. Networked Sensors for the Future Force (NSFF) Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) Communications is realizing this capability with advanced communications technologies developed under the Soldier Level Integrated Communications Environment (SLICE) Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW) project. These technologies include robust, self-organizing/healing networking protocols, energy management techniques, and secure, jam resistant radio equipment for a significantly enhanced communications capability that will transition to the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS). CERDEC laboratory and field demonstrations in 2004 will be reviewed to show early SRW development in preparation for the NSFF ATD as well as development of affordable systems for disposable sensor applications.

Human Factors and Trainability of Piloting a Simulated Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

In 2004, the U.S. Army Research Institute's (ARI) Simulator Systems Research Unit began studies involving the training requirements for operators of a micro-unmanned aerial vehicle (MAV). Our research involved the use of a touch-screen operator control interface developed for the DARPA MAV Advanced Technology Demonstration. This control system allowed operators to plan and run autonomous flight missions or to tele-operate a simulated MAV around a static synthetic environment. An initial study focused primarily on the usability of the system. Extensive heuristic evaluations were conducted by seven volunteers with backgrounds in human factors and military training systems. Each evaluator completed a self-paced training session including exercises that tested their ability to perform various control functions. Lack of immediate feedback from touch-screen inputs and missing or obscure status information formed the basis of several of the usability issues. Manually piloting the MAV presented the most difficulty to operators. As such, a second study was conducted that focused specifically on manual control tasks. In this study, participants were trained on manual control of the MAV, and then completed four increasingly difficult missions, requiring them to pilot the vehicle through the synthetic environment. This experiment was designed to compare the effect of supplemental sensor imagery on mission performance. During Study 1, operators could choose to view a sensor image taken from a fixed camera pointed 15 degrees below horizontal or straight down (90 degrees), but only one view was available at a time. During Study 2, operators were provided with three sensor views simultaneously. The 15-degree view was presented in a primary sensor window, and two additional views were displayed in smaller windows below it. The camera angle of one of these supplemental views was the manipulated independent variable — 30, 60, or 90 degrees from horizontal. The remaining window always contained an overhead satellite view (downward view from 5000 feet above the MAV). Data were collected on time to complete each mission, the number of physical interactions each user made with the interface, SME ratings, workload, and usability. Results indicated that mission requirements had a greater effect on performance and workload ratings than the camera angle of the supplemental view, though the camera angle of the supplemental view did affect mission time required to capture images of designated target buildings. Session averages of workload, usability, mission completion time, and SME rating were significantly inter-correlated. Higher SME ratings were associated with lower participant ratings of workload, shorter mission completion times, and higher usability ratings.

C4ISR in Navy Transformation Role, Joint Research and Advanced Technology Demonstrations

This article elaborates on an important aspect of Navy transformation - the role of C4ISR concept. It provides a comprehensive treatment of enabling the transformation C4ISR issues, such as the role and importance of network centricity and the joint research in general, the necessity for and the benefits of concept de- velopment and experimentation and advanced technology demonstrations, etc. The author shares his opinion on a topic that deserves special attention - that of the suc- cessful development and insertion of the C4ISR systems in the navy establishments. The role of the academia represented by the Center for National Security and De- fense Research (CNSDR) in the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) as a key element in Navy transformation is particularly emphasized.

Delivering Energy Efficiency Services to Wisconsin's Industries: Actions, Experiences, and Results from the Focus On Energy Program

ABSTRACT Under its electric utility restructuring, Wisconsin established a series of energy efficiency programs with major components devoted to serving Wisconsin's industries. This article presents experiences and lessons from working with Wisconsin industries and their suppliers in an action-oriented approach to implementing energy efficient projects and practices. In 1999, Wisconsin began a pilot program for the development, testing, and delivery of energy efficiency market transformation programs. In 2001, a statewide program was initiated to enhance and expand the scope, territory, and variety of programs offered and markets served. While the pilot work focused on testing energy efficiency services with industry, the statewide industrial programs, in contrast, have been action-oriented, focusing on getting energy efficient projects and practices in place with industry and its suppliers. These industrial programs experienced many diverging and interesting results from early successes to missed opportunities, to surprise interests. The lessons of these experiences have now been incorporated into many program services and offerings, including in-plant technical support, targeted financial incentives, specialized marketing, and advanced technology support to better service Wisconsin's industries. Over 400 industrial companies and municipal water/wastewater facilities have taken advantage of these energy efficiency services. These partners and allies have used the program to support such actions as project development, in-plant assessments, facility energy management planning, staff training, specialty process enhancements, and advanced technology assessment and demonstration, all to act upon energy efficiency opportunities to improve plant operation costs. The challenges and experiences in the Wisconsin industrial programs serve as a valuable guide to the design, development, and implementation of energy efficiency in industrial organizations, facilities, and processes. Case examples from planning through delivery of projects, from starting and continuing activities, are presented to illustrate how energy efficiency implementation can be advanced and achieved.