On the basis for ELF - An Extensible Language Facility

Computer language for data processing and information retrieva

Scout motor performance analysis and prediction study /PAPS/

Scout motor performance analysis and predictio

GIER: A Danish computer from 1961 with a role in the modern revolution of astronomy

A Danish computer, GIER, from 1961 played a vital role in the development of a new method for astrometric measurement. This method, photon counting astrometry, ultimately led to two satellites with a significant role in the modern revolution of astronomy. A GIER was installed at the Hamburg Observatory in 1964 where it was used to implement the entirely new method for the measurement of stellar positions by means of a meridian circle, then the fundamental instrument of astrometry. An expedition to Perth in Western Australia with the instrument and the computer was a success. This method was also implemented in space in the first ever astrometric satellite Hipparcos launched by ESA in 1989. The Hipparcos results published in 1997 revolutionized astrometry with an impact in all branches of astronomy from the solar system and stellar structure to cosmic distances and the dynamics of the Milky Way. In turn, the results paved the way for a successor, the one million times more powerful Gaia astrometry satellite launched by ESA in 2013. Preparations for a Gaia successor in twenty years are making progress.Comment: 19 pages,8 figures, Accepted for publication in Nuncius Hamburgensis, Volume 2

SCOUT Nozzle Data Book

Available analyses and material property information are summarized relevant to the design of four rocket motor nozzles currently incorporated in the four solid propellant rocket stages of the NASA SCOUT launch vehicle. The nozzles discussed include those for the following motors: (1) first stage - Algol IIIA; (2) second stage - Castor IIA; (3) third stage - Antares IIA; and (4) fourth stage - Altair IIIA. Separate sections for each nozzle provide complete data packages. Information on the Antares IIB motor which had limited usage as an alternate motor for the third stage is included

On the design of two small batch operating systems 1965 - 1970

This paper describes the design considerations and decisions for two small batch operating systems, called MICRO and MILLI, for the Electrologica X8, a Dutch computer delivered from 1965 onwards. Their sole tasks were to run sequences of ALGOL 60 programs, thus transforming the X8 into an ALGOL 60 computer. They were developed in order to increase the efficient use of the hardware (MICRO) and to reduce waiting times for ALGOL 60 programs with small demands (MILLI). The work described here was carried out mainly by one person, namely the author. The paper is interwoven with some personal history, describing a.o. the background and the context in which this work was carried out