Earth Observations and the Role of UAVs: Volume 3 Background Data Version 1.1 Prepared For: Cheryl Yuhas Suborbital Science Program Manager NASA Science Mission Directorate Prepared By: Civil UAV Assessment Team http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/research/civuav/index.html August 2006 Earth Observations and the Role of UAVs – Background Data August 2006 Table of Contents Section: Page 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................1 2. Executive Summary (USRA Review) ................................................................2 2.1 SME Review Process..................................................................................2 2.2 Findings and Recommendations.................................................................3 2.3 Summary of Project Results........................................................................3 3. Technology Working Group Templates and USRA Review ..............................5 3.1 Intelligent Data Handling & Ground Processing ..........................................8 3.1.1 Data Archiving and Distribution: Data Mining........................................8 3.1.2 Computing: Real-time Onboard Processing........................................10 3.2 Network Centric Communications Systems...............................................15 3.2.1 Overview.............................................................................................15 3.3 Navigation Accurate Systems....................................................................18 3.3.1 Micro-UAV NAV: Highly Miniaturized INS-based NAV........................18 3.4 Intelligent Mission Management................................................................23 3.4.1 Overview.............................................................................................23 3.4.2 Outer Loop Control: Intelligent Outer Loop Control.............................32 3.5 Intelligent Vehicle System Monitoring........................................................38 3.5.1 Overview.............................................................................................38 3.5.2 Planning & Scheduling: IMM & ISHM Planning & Scheduling.............42 3.5.3 Software V&V: Access to NAS Certification........................................46 3.5.4 Design: Design Tools..........................................................................55 3.5.5 Maintenance: Condition-based Maintenance......................................60 3.6 Contingency Management.........................................................................63 3.6.1 Overview.............................................................................................63 3.7 Open Architecture .....................................................................................68 3.7.1 Overview.............................................................................................68 3.8 Payload Sensors .......................................................................................71 3.8.1 Active Optical: LIDAR .........................................................................71 3.8.2 Passive Optical: Overview ..................................................................77 3.8.3 Active Microwave: SAR & IFSAR........................................................83 3.8.4 Active Microwave: Wind Measurements in Precipitation.....................87 3.8.5 Passive Microwave: Light Weight, Low Loss, Antenna Technology ...90 3.8.6 In-situ Sensors: Chem. Detection using Laser Diode Spectroscopy...93 3.8.7 In-situ Sensors: Meteorological Data ..................................................96 3.8.8 In-situ Sensors: CO2 Detection Using Non-dispersing IR Analyzer ..100 3.8.9 In-situ Sensors: CO2 Detection Using a Quantum Cascade Laser Spectrometer .............................................................................................103 3.8.10 In-situ Sensors: Trace Gas Detection Using Difference Frequency Generation Lasers .....................................................................................104 3.8.11 In-situ Sensors: Trace Gas Detection Using Cavity-enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy...........................................................................106 3.8.12 In-situ Sensors: Microsystems-based Chemical Sensor Arrays......107 Version 1.1 ii Earth Observations and the Role of UAVs – Background Data August 2006 3.8.13 Drop Sondes: Meteorological Sondes ............................................111 3.9 Power & Propulsion.................................................................................120 3.9.1 Regenerative Energy Storage: Lightweight Energy Storage Using Regenerative Fuel Cells ............................................................................120 3.9.2 Regenerative Energy Storage: Low Volume, High Power Density Solid Oxide Fuel Cells ........................................................................................122 3.9.3 Battery Technology: Long-life Rechargeable Batteries Using Li-S Technology ................................................................................................125 3.9.4 Consumable Fuel Cell: Electric Propulsion Using H2-Air PEM Fuel Cells...........................................................................................................127 3.9.5 Propellant Storage & Feed System: Storage Using Layered Silicate Clay Noncomposites..................................................................................129 3.9.6 Propellant Storage & Feed System: Cryogenic Storage Using Densified Liquid Hydrogen.........................................................................132 3.9.7 Propellant Storage & Feed System: Hydrogen Feed Systems .........135 3.9.8 Propellant Storage & Feed System: H2 Gas Storage Using Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels ................................................................138 3.9.9 Propellant Storage & Feed System: Lightweight Cryo Insulation Using Polymer Crosslinked Aerogels...................................................................141 3.9.10 Propulsion System: Internal Combustion........................................143 3.9.11 Propulsion System: High Power Density Propulsion Using High Temperature Superconducting Motors ......................................................146 3.10 Collision Avoidance ...............................................................................150 3.10.1 Overview.........................................................................................150 3.11 Over-the-Horizon...................................................................................155 3.11.1 Overview.........................................................................................155 3.11.2 Enabling Technology: IRIDIUM L-Band Satellite Constellation.......159 3.11.3 Enabling Technology: INMARSAT L-Band Broadband Global Area Network .....................................................................................................161 3.12 Reliable Flight Systems.........................................................................164 3.12.1 Overview.........................................................................................164 3.13 Enhanced Structures.............................................................................168 3.13.1 Overview.........................................................................................168 Version 1.1 iii Earth Observations and the Role of UAVs – Background Data August 2006 List of Appendices Title: Page Appendix A: USRA – NASA Civil UAV Technology Review Project Report …. A1 List of Figures Title: Page Figure 3.1 - Property decomposition for model-based software..........................48 Figure 3.2 - Certifying IVHM ...............................................................................49 List of Tables Title: Page Table 3.1 - Matrix of the Technology Work Group’s finished templates................7 Version 1.1 iv Earth Observations and the Role of UAVs – Background Data August 2006 Civil UAV Assessment Team Authors Principal Authors: Timothy H. Cox – NASA DFRC Ivan Somers, PhD – Bandwidth Solutions, Inc. David J. Fratello – Zel Technologies LLC Contributing Authors: Chrisopher J. Nagy – NASA DFRC Susan Schoenung, PhD – Longitude 122 West, Inc. Robert J. Shaw, PhD – NASA Glenn Mark Skoog – NASA DFRC Ryan Warner – NASA DFRC Acknowledgements The authors are grateful for and would like to acknowledge the efforts of the following personnel who contributed to this document with editing support or workshop support. Matt Fladeland – NASA ARC Jay Levine – Analytical Sciences & Materials, Inc. California State University at Monterey Bay University Space Research Association University of Akron Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology Version 1.1 v Earth Observations and the Role of UAVs – Background Data August 2006 1. Introduction This volume of the Assessment contains the completed templates from the Technology Working Groups (TWGs) and the technology peer reviews from the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). Also contained are the Executive Summary and the Final Report by the USRA By design, this volume will change with time as new assessments of the states-of-the-art for each of the technology areas change and as new technologies that have impacts on the UAV missions evolve. It is expected that the updates to this volume will occur periodically. The Executive Summary of the USRA peer review will be followed by each of the technology area