Review of industry interest in space processing

The interest on the part of selected U.S. corporation in using the research facilities and capabilities for materials processing in space utilizing the Space Shuttle was assessed. The effectiveness of the interview techniques as a method for gaining insight into the complex array of issues related to materials processing in space was evaluated. The survey, conducted was intended as a random sample of individuals, representing industry, who were currently involved in materials processing in space

Phase 2 STS new user development program. Volume 4: Guidance/instructions for representatives

The overall STS New User Development (NUD) Function is shown. The user development function is directly responsible for implementing the strategy derived to develop a specific, prospective new user. The burden of actually developing the user falls on the NUD representative, and the success of his user contacts will depend upon how well he is prepared to interface with the user. The guidance/instructions as to what a NUD representative needs to know about the prospective user, and the type of data he should provide when calling on a potential user, are presented

The STS pilot user development program

The planning and preparation activities and the results of the briefings associated with the Paris Air Show are described. A team of key personnel were available during the show to familiarize international users with the STS program and the space shuttle capabilities. Participation at the show included the operation of an STS booth at the U.S. pavilion, the presentation of several invitational briefings, and detailed discussions with individual organizations

Evaluation criteria for commercially oriented materials processing in space proposals

An approach and criteria for evaluating NASA funded experiments and demonstrations which have commercial potential were developed. Methods for insuring quick initial screening of commercial proposals are presented. Recommendations are given for modifying the current evaluation approach. New criteria for evaluating commercially orientated materials processing in space (MPS) proposals are introduced. The process for selection of qualified individuals to evaluate the phases of this approach and criteria is considered and guidelines are set for its implementation

A generalized noise variance analysis model and its application to the characterization of 1/f noise

We present a novel generalized model for the analysis of noise with a known spectral density. This model is particularly appropriate for the analysis of noise with a 1/f^a distribution in a homodyne interferometer. The noise model reveals that, for α>1, 1/f^a noise significantly impacts the homodyne signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for integration times that near a characteristic time, beyond which the SNR will no longer significantly improve with increasing integration time. We experimentally verify our theoretical findings with a set of experiments employing a quadrature homodyne optical coherence tomography (OCT) system, finding good agreement. The characteristic integration time is measured to be approximately 2 ms for our system. Additionally, we find that the 1/f noise characteristics, including the exponent, α, as well as the characteristic integration time, are system and photodetector dependent