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Brown, G. S.

Miller, L. S.

English

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E7.3 1 0 8.0 :
0i% *#abIe undernw IAS /t3pm
in the ftrest of early and wide dis-
semination of Earth Resources Survey
PrograrI information and without iability 11 June 1973
for any use made thereof."
(E73-10801) [DEVELOPMENT OF MATHEMATICAL N73-27276
MODELS FOR PROCESSING ALTIMETER DATA]
Monthly Progress Report, 1-31 May 1973
(Research Trianqle Inst.) 2 p HC $3.00 Unclas
CSCL f05B G3/13 00801
NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Earth Observations Division
Attn: Mr. Zack H. Byrns, Mail Code TF6
Houston, Texas 77058
Subject: Contract NAS9-13304 Monthly Progress Report for the Period
of 1 May - 31 May, 1973.
General
As a result of the meeting on 2 May between altimeter investigators
and NASA-JSC personnel, this investigation's efforts have been devoted
to the development of mathematical models for the processing of altimeter
data. In addition numerous telephonic conferences have been conducted
this period with JSC personnel for the purposes of ground truth coordi-
nation and mission planning. At this time no altimeter data has been
obtained over this investigation's test sites.
Problem Areas
For the purposes of this investigation, the elimination of all
ascending tracks from the class of candidate EREP passes is highly un-
fortunate but not disasterous. Since this situation is a result of
spacecraft problems, our original planning will be modified to consider
only descending ground tracks for SL-1.
In light of the reduced number of EREP passes and the magnified need
to keep informed on the status of the EREP passes, we are making much
greater use of the EREP telecorder telephone numbers in Houston than
originally anticipated. It would seem that other EREP investigators are
doing likewise. Therefore, we feel that it is appropriate to convert at
least some of the EREP telecorder telephones to toll-free numbers. More
specifically, we suggest that the EREP Summary (483-2959) and EREP Postpass
(488-2603) telephone numbers be converted to toll-free numbers.
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https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730018549 2020-03-11T19:09:01+00:00Z
Investigation Results
Efforts this month have been directed toward revising and expanding
data processing charts for Modes I, II and V. In addition we have been
defining the actual mathematical models which are necessary in reducing
the raw altimeter data into useful information. Upon completion of the
data processing charts and the models, this information will be passed to
NASA-Wallops Station for computer programming implementation. A review
of the pre-processing computations to be conducted by NASA-JSC was completed
during this period, and our comments were mailed to NASA-WS.
On 4 June,-the S-193 radar altimeter was exercised on track 19 (off
the coast of Georgia) in Mode I. Based on readings taken by the astronauts
and conversion formulas supplied by GE, we estimate the backscattering
cross section per unit area (ao) to be about 13.3 dB with a signal-to-noise
ratio of 30 dB in the 100 ns/10 MHz bandwidth case. These numbers must be
considered to be only estimates; however, they clearly indicate that the
altimeter transmitter, receiver and agc subsystems are operating properly
in Mode I.
Next Period Effort
Efforts will continue toward developing the necessary mathematical
models for processing of the altimeter data.
Travel Summary and Plans
No trips were taken this past month and none are anticipated for the
next period.
Financial Management Report
A financial report for this period is included as Appendix A.
Lee SI Miller, Ph.D. J
Principal Investigator


Development of mathematical models for processing altimeter data

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