Sensor Characterization and Signal Fusion for InstantEye

The practicality and effectiveness of using a TerraRanger Duo—a parallel sonar and infrared time-of-flight distance sensor—payload for obstacle detection is investigated for use with Physical Science Inc.’s InstantEye drone. A Python program was developed to interface with the serial data output before comparing the sensor’s empirical performance against its data sheet. The two signals from the distinct sensor modules, each with their characterized strengths and weaknesses, were then fused with a Kalman filter. This was further refined by imposing conditional weighting based on the known sensor characteristics. The filter output, with conditional corrections, was able to accurately track a single object’s position and velocity within a maximum range of 14 meters

The inauguration

From a special issue: A Brief History of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands 1959-198

Study of changes in properties of solar sail materials from radiation exposure

Techniques for monitoring changes in preparation of solar sail materials resulting from space radiation simulation, stressing (e.g., thermal, mechanical) and exposure to terrestrial environments are developed. The properties of interest are: metallic coating deterioration, polymeric film deterioration, interfacial debonding and possible metallic coating diffusion into the polymeric film. Four accelerated tests were devised to simulate the possible degradation processes mentioned above. These four tests are: a thermal shock test to simulate the wide variation of temperature expected in space (260 C to -100 C), a cyclic temperature test to stimulate the 6 minute temperature cycle anticipated in space, a mechanical vibration test to simulate mechanical bonding, folding and handling, and a humidity test to simulate terrestrial environment effects. The techniques for monitoring property changes are: visual and microscopic examination, ellipsometry, surface potential difference (SPD), photoelectron emission (PEE), and water contact angles

The management of the National Park

From a special issue: A Brief History of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands 1959-198

The Executive Council of the Charles Darwin Foundation 1964-1988

From a special issue: A Brief History of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands 1959-198

Eight-channel telephone telemetry system

Portable telemetry system uses conventional telephone link which eliminates mailing or messenger service between physician and analyst. Transmitter is used by physician; receiver is used by analyst. Each unit is inductively coupled to its respective telephone set, transmitter converting EEG into audio frequency and receiver converting this frequency back to EEG

Widening of horizons

From a special issue: A Brief History of the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands 1959-198