Dale L. Johnson

Meteorological satellites -- the very early years, prior to launch of TIROS-1

The meteorological satellite program began in the United States as the result of the actions taken by a very small but dedicated group of people from the late 1940s to 1960. This paper provides firsthand accounts by two of these dedicated individuals. Their remarks provide an insight into the trials and tribulations they and the program encountered during these very early years. Those now active in the program, many of whom do not recall this time, might appreciate the effort of these pioneers and the legacy they left for us.

Aerospace Meteorology: Some Lessons Learned from the Development and Application of NASA Terrestrial Environment Design Criteria

Aerospace meteorology plays an important role in the design, development, and operation of aerospace vehicles. Many of the issues and lessons presented occurred during the involvement of the authors with the development and interpretation of aerospace environment inputs, especially those of the terrestrial environment. Background for the actions needed to avoid the issue being repeated or the lesson having to be relearned is addressed. The engineering application importance and some issues associated with the presentation and interpretation of terrestrial environment guidelines associated with aerospace meteorology elements are presented.

Assessment Regarding Impact of Atmospheric Conditions on Space Shuttle Launch Delays

The atmospheric environment definition has played a key role in the development and operation of the NASA Space Shuttle as it has in other NASA Space Vehicle Programs. The objective of any definition of natural environment design requirements for a space vehicle development is to insure that the vehicle will perform safely and in a timely manner relative to the mission(s) for which the vehicle is being developed. The NASA Space Shuttle has enjoyed the longest tenure of any Space Vehicle from an operational standpoint. As such, it has provided a wealth of information on many engineering aspects of a Space Vehicle plus the influence of the atmosphere on operational endeavors. The atmospheric environment associated with the NASA Space Shuttle launches at the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida has been reviewed and studied over the entire NASA Space Shuttle flight history. The results of the analysis of atmospheric environment related launch delays relative to other sources of launch delays has been assessed. This paper will provide a summary of those conditions as well as mission analysis examples focused on atmospheric constraints for launch. Atmospheric conditions associated with NASA Space Shuttle launch delays will be presented to provide a reference as to the type conditions experienced which have mainly caused the delays.

HURRICANE AND OCEANIC PROPERTIES RELATIVE TO AEROSPACE VEHICLE R&D AND FACILITIES

Hurricane and oceanic conditions affect decisions related to the design, transportation, mission planning, test, and operation of aerospace vehicles. This paper especially provides those involved in mission planning and operations with information relative to an understanding and insight into the characteristics and what to expect from hurricane and oceanic environmental conditions. Some examples regarding the definition of these environmental conditions are provided, including winds, wind profiles, shears, gusts, aerosol content, water conditions, etc.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AND AEROSPACE VEHICLES: SOME LESSONS LEARNED

The natural terrestrial environment plays a significant role in the design and operation of aerospace vehicles and in the associated integrity of aerospace systems and elements. This paper addresses some of the key vehicle and environment areas of concern plus “lessons learned” that have been identified over a number of years and documented. Many of these occurred during the authors’ involvements in the development and interpretation of natural environment inputs, especially those of the terrestrial environment, for design and development requirements of aerospace vehicles, and associated mission operations. Some examples regarding the definition of terrestrial environment inputs are given along with associated engineering and program issues. Background for the specific actions needed to avoid the lesson of having to be re-learned for both launch vehicle and spacecraft design and development are also discussed.

Space Vehicle Terrestrial Environment Design Requirements Guidelines

The terrestrial environment is an important driver of space vehicle structural, control, and thermal system design. NASA is currently in the process of producing an update to an earlier Terrestrial Environment Guidelines for Aerospace Vehicle Design and Development Handbook. This paper addresses the contents of this updated handbook, with special emphasis on new material being included in the areas of atmospheric thermodynamic models, wind dynamics, atmospheric composition, atmospheric electricity, cloud phenomena, atmospheric extremes, and sea state. In addition, the respective engineering design elements are discussed relative to terrestrial environment inputs that require consideration. Specific lessons learned that have contributed to the advancements made in the application and awareness of terrestrial environment inputs for aerospace engineering applications are presented.

Status on Updated NASA Standard: "Terrestrial Environment (Climatic) Criteria Handbook for Use in Aerospace Vehicle Development"

This paper addresses the updating of NASAs Terrestrial Environment (Climatic) Criteria handbook for Use in Aerospace Vehicle Development. This handbook covers the primary terrestrial environment factors with which the design and operation of an aerospace vehicle is concerned. It is intended as a source document for the development of terrestrial environment design requirements and, in this regard, provides consistent and coordinated information for this purpose. The handbook and its predecessors have been used in the design, development, and operation of many NASA flight vehicles, payloads and related activities.

An overview of atmospheric modeling for aeronautical and aerospace vehicles simulation applications

An overview is presented of atmospheric modeling relative to aeronautical and aerospace vehicles design, flight simulation, and mission operation applications. Included is a review of the various environmental phenomena and areas of design and mission assessment concern. In particular, the paper discusses the sources of measurements, modeling issues, design application philosophies and examples of models developed for use by the engineering community. This review is based on many years of experience associated with atmospheric model developments and applications to various aeronautical and aerospace programs. it interacts. As a result, the definition of the terrestrial environment and its interpretation is one of the key vehicle design and development inputs for the various engineering systems.