Launch processing system concept to reality

The Launch Processing System represents Kennedy Space Center's role in providing a major integrated hardware and software system for the test, checkout and launch of a new space vehicle. Past programs considered the active flight vehicle to ground interfaces as part of the flight systems and therefore the related ground system was provided by the Development Center. The major steps taken to transform the Launch Processing System from a concept to reality with the successful launches of the Shuttle Programs Space Transportation System are addressed

Electronic assembly rack panels snap on and off

Snap fasteners on each side of an electronic assembly rack blank panel give quick access to the interior. Guide pins extending from the inside face easily slip into standard screw holes on the frame and provide additional support

Line spread instrumentation for propagation measurements

A line spread device capable of yielding direct measure of a laser beam's line spread function (LSF) was developed and employed in propagation tests conducted in a wind tunnel to examine optimal acoustical suppression techniques for laser cavities exposed to simulated aircraft aerodynamic environments. Measurements were made on various aerodynamic fences and cavity air injection techniques that effect the LSF of a propagating laser. Using the quiescent tunnel as a control, the relative effect of each technique on laser beam quality was determined. The optical instrument employed enabled the comparison of relative beam intensity for each fence or mass injection. It was found that fence height had little effect on beam quality but fence porosity had a marked effect, i.e., 58% porosity alleviated cavity resonance and degraded the beam the least. Mass injection had little effect on the beam LSF. The use of a direct LSF measuring device proved to be a viable means of determining aerodynamic seeing qualities of flow fields

PALAY AREA RESPONSE IN THE PHILIPPINES: UNDER CONDITIONS OF TECHNICAL CHANGE

Crop Production/Industries,

THE IMPACT OF THE FOOD SECURITY ACT OF 1985 ON U.S. WHEAT EXPORTS

A major objective of the Food Security Act of 1985 was to make the United States more competitive in world markets. U.S. wheat exports in 1987/88 were 75 percent above their 1985/86 level. This paper analyzes the change in U.S. competitiveness in wheat exports by quantitatively assessing those factors responsible for this export expansion. The results indicate that about half of the increase can be attributed to the provisions of the 1985 Act. About 40 percent of the increase is due to nonprice factors in the Soviet Union and China - namely production shortfalls and domestic policies - that increased import demand. The rest is due to reduced competitor yields.Agricultural and Food Policy, International Relations/Trade,

DAIRY PROGRAMS FACE DIFFICULT FUTURE

Livestock Production/Industries,

IMPLICATIONS OF EUROPEAN POLICY REFORMS ON THE U.S. DAIRY INDUSTRY

Agricultural and Food Policy,

A MARKET ANALYSIS OF DAIRY COMPACTS USING A MODEL OF DISCRIMINATORY PRICING

This article evaluates the market impacts of forming regional dairy compacts. The economic tradeoffs between dairy farmers, consumers, processors, and retailers is studied. A discriminatory pricing model is developed that solves for the manufacturing milk price. This model evaluates the market impacts of regional dairy compacts under revised federal milk marketing orders and illustrates the economic tradeoffs.Dairy compacts, discriminatory pricing, federal orders, order reform, Demand and Price Analysis, Industrial Organization,

WHEAT ACREAGE RESPONSE: A REGIONAL ECONOMETRIC INVESTIGATION

An econometric model of planted wheat acreage was estimated for five distinct production regions in the United States. This structural investigation represents an update of previous published work with specific attention given to policy program variables, weather, production cost, risk, market price influences, and program participation. Estimated results indicated regional divergence in responsiveness to government program variables. The most significant divergence occurred in the Cornbelt and Southeast - soft red winter wheat areas. Results indicate that management of the wheat program from the USDA level will contain countervailing production incentives unless these regional characteristics are taken into consideration in policy directives.Crop Production/Industries,