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Remote measurement of ice thickness on the shuttle external tank surfaceA passive technique is proposed for remote measurement of thickness of the ice layer formed on the external tank surface of the Shuttle during the T-2 hours period before launch. It is based on the comparison of the ratios of the intensities of three preselected near-IR wavelength bands scattered from the (test spot) and a neighboring (reference spot) on the tank surface. The Shuttle is uniformly illuminated by a battery of strategically located solar simulator lamps and banks of incadescent lamps during prelaunch period. Thus, there should be adequate radiation in the three selected bands incident on the external tank surface during the test period. It is planned to conduct a feasibility study of the proposed technique before recommending it to the KSC/SSC teams for adoption.
Document ID
19900015268
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Authors
Singh, Jag J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1990
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Report/Patent Number
NASA-TM-102667
NAS 1.15:102667
Accession Number
90N24584
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 307-50-09-13
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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