Destination Tomorrow
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Behind the Scenes - A revolutionary new cockpit display system, currently being developed by NASA will help to prevent accidents from occurring.
Tech Watch - A NASA technology originally used to measure airflow over airplane wings has been successfully used to develop a portable, non-invasive, easy-to-use fetal heart monitor.
How It Works - How does 320,000 pounds of metal lift into the air with such ease?
Retrospective - In late 1961 while working as a theoretical mathematician at the NASA Langley Research Center, John Houbolt championed the approach that came to be called Lunar Orbit Rendezvous or LOR.
On the Runway - Destination
Tomorrow spoke with Dr. Edward Browell of the Atmospheric Sciences Division
at NASA Langley Research Center to find out more about LIDAR, and how it's
being used to change our understanding of our fragile atmosphere.
Behind the Scenes - Correspondent Jennifer Pulley took Destination Tomorrow behind the scenes to see how NASA Glenn's Icing Research Tunnel is helping engineers combat icing conditions on aircraft.
Tech Watch - Jennifer Cortese examines how a new dental instrument, which was originally designed at NASA, will finally make a trip to the dentist a painless experience.
How It Works - What exactly is a sensor, and how does it work? For some answers correspondent Johnny Alonso spoke with Gary Gibbs, an acoustical engineer at NASA Langley Research Center.
Retrospective - Many aerodynamisists thought that the sound barrier may never be broken by man, until one man named Richard Whitcomb, developed a theory called Area Rule, that enabled efficient supersonic flight to become a reality.
On the Runway - Tonya St.
Romain spoke with Anna McGowan at NASA Langley Research Center who is
working to incorporate morphing technologies into aircraft. Langley
researchers hope to develop technologies that will enable aircraft to
perform with bird-like agility.
Behind the Scenes - NASA Researchers study how the lack of gravity will effect experiments before they are brought into space.
Tech Watch - Derived from this research, NASA has invented a way to allow video games to be used to treat Attention Deficit Disorder.
How It Works - Johnny Alonso spoke with NASA Langley Researcher Mike Watts on how helicopters fly, at the Coast Guard, Air Station Elizabeth City.
Retrospective - Destination Tomorrow spoke with Dale Reed about how the "Lifting Bodies" program was started, and it's impact on modern aviation today.
On the Runway - Researchers at
NASA Langley and here at NASA Ames are working on an exciting new
program that will someday make flight delays a thing of the past.
Behind the Scenes - NASA researchers are working on a new vehicle called the X-43 that could effect future space and commercial flight.
Tech Watch - Researchers are working with radical new materials called nanotubes that are thousands of times smaller than a human hair. This technology may revolutionize the way future materials and composites are made.
How It Works - How does a wind tunnel work?
Retrospective - Young NASA researcher named Francis Rogallo developed a new design called the "flexible wing". See how it was used in NASA's space program and recreational sports.
On the Runway - Destination
Tomorrow speaks with a one of a kind facility, the Advanced Landing
Dynamics Facility or ALDF.
Behind the Scenes - Destination Tomorrow spoke with Lisa Jones at NASA Langley Research Center to find out about a unique facility called the Impact Dynamics Research Facility or IDRF.
Tech Watch - Development of a new device to monitor intra-cranial pressure that does not need to be inserted into the brain.
How It Works - How does a turbine engine work?
Retrospective - The development of the revolutionary X-15 aircraft.
On the Runway - NASA and its
partners are developing a new type of vehicle called the blended wing
body, or BWB, to meet expected increase air travel demands.
Behind the Scenes - Tonya St. Romain spoke with Prasun Desai at NASA Langley Research Center to discuss the exploration of Mars.
Tech Watch - Correspondent Jennifer Pulley spoke with Chris Edwards of NASA Langley's Laser Systems Branch to find out about new innovations in children's car seats.
How It Works - Johnny Alonso spoke with Marshall Smith at NASA Langley Research Center to find out how flight simulators work.
Retrospective - Destination tomorrow spoke with Dr. Max Faget about his earlier days inside NASA's space program.
On the Runway - Derrick
Leonidoff spoke with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) program manager Mike
Logan at NASA Langley Research Center to discuss the various rolls UAV's
are playing in society.
Behind the Scenes - A new program at NASA called GIFTS will use three-dimensional cameras on board geostationary satellites to continuously observe Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
Tech Watch - NASA’s commercial invention of the year, the VAD or Ventricular Assist Device represents the next generation in heart assist devices. This ingenious pump uses space age technology to help keep patients alive while waiting for a transplant.
How It Works - Johnny Alonso visits the Immersive Design and Simulation Lab at NASA Langley to help explain Virtual Reality and find out how it works.
Retrospective - Destination Tomorrow looks back at the successes of the Viking mission.
On the Runway - NASA’S
Aviation Safety Program is developing innovative technologies that are
making our skies safer. Researchers in the Single Airplane Accident
Prevention program or SAAP, are hoping to use data available from
aircraft and simulators to identify and correct aircraft system problems
before they lead to fatal accidents.
Behind the Scenes - James Jones spoke to Dr. Bill Kinard at NASA Langley Research Center to find out more about the International Space Station and the MISSE project.
Tech Watch - Tonya St. Romain and Dr. Jeff Jordan of the Advanced Measurement and Diagnostics Branch discuss the effect of the catalytic converter on pollution.
How It Works - You might just see lasers in science fiction films, but in fact they surround us in our everyday lives. Did you know that there are lasers in CD players, pointing devices, supermarket scanners, and all kinds of medical instruments? And lasers are not as complicated as you might think. Johnny Alonso spoke with researcher Gary Fleming at NASA Langley Research Center to find out how a laser works.
Retrospective - By the mid 1950's with the advent of relatively thin, flexible aircraft wings, a new and dangerous phenomenon related to aircraft elasticity was being encountered. Many pilots were experiencing flutter, or severe buffeting and oscillations during flight. The needs to understand this new phenomenon lead to the development of the TDT or Transonic Dynamics Wind Tunnel at NASA Langley. This new tunnel not only tested the elastic properties of aircraft, but also a host of other aerodynamic situations in an effort to save lives.
On the Runway - If you’ve ever
flown on an airplane, you are probably familiar with turbulence. Even
for the most experienced flyers, the sudden sometimes violent irregular
air motion can be an unsettling experience. In most cases turbulence is
merely an inconvenience that passengers and flight crews must endure.
But in cases of severe turbulence, the violent shaking can not only
cause serious injury to passengers and crew, but can also be fatal.
In an effort to help aircraft avoid regions of severe turbulence,
researchers at NASA are testing new onboard aircraft systems.
Paula Vaiden spoke with Neil O'Connor in the Crew Systems Branch at NASA
Langley Research Center to find out more about the Airborne Research
Integrated Experiments System (ARIES).
Behind the Scenes - NASA’s new Helios aircraft is a remotely piloted flying wing which is designed to operate at high altitudes for several months at a time. Developed with ultra light composite materials and with a wingspan of 247 feet, the Helios exceeds the overall length of a Boeing 747. Often referred to as an “atmospheric satellite", Helios’ mission is to conduct a wide variety of Earth and atmospheric science missions while flying on the edge of the atmosphere. Helios could also monitor weather, track hurricanes, and provide coverage of disaster sites such as fires, flooding and earthquakes in order to precisely direct emergency resources. The Helios could also provide telecommunications and other services at a fraction of the cost of satellite, while providing a reliable means of collecting vital information.
Tech Watch - One in 3 Americans can expect to be diagnosed with some form of cancer at one point in their life. A key to treating and defeating this insidious disease is to find it quickly before it spreads. Now thanks to enterprising work done by researchers at NASA, doctors may soon have a new device called the Smart Probe which will be able to detect some forms of cancer instantaneously, greatly improving the patient’s chance for survival.
How It Works - Space suit design has come a long way in 45 years. Early US space suits were adapted from pressure suits designed for pilots of high altitude military and experimental aircraft. Space suit design has come a long way in 45 years. Early US space suits were adapted from pressure suits designed for pilots of high altitude military and experimental aircraft.
Retrospective - When discussing manned space missions, the two American programs that are the most talked about are the Mercury and Apollo programs. Although one program that did not get as much attention, but was instrumental in getting man to the moon was Project Gemini. The Gemini missions flew between the Mercury and Apollo programs and allowed astronauts and planners to practice many of the procedures that would be important for future moon flights, paving the way for man to walk on the moon.
On the Runway - The United
States aviation industry is a significant contributor to the nation's
economy, boasting annual sales in excess of $36 billion and providing
nearly 1 million jobs. However, with low-cost air travel on the rise,
aircraft noise continues to be a nuisance. In an effort to help
alleviate this problem, NASA has developed the Quiet Aircraft Technology
program. This program is finding new and innovative ways to reduce
aircraft noise. Jennifer Pulley spoke with NASA researcher Andy Powell
to find out more.
Behind the Scenes - Aurora borealis is the scientific name for the northern lights, a celestial phenomenon that has amazed people for centuries. In Latin, aurora borealis translates as the ‘red dawn of the north.’ Although the northern lights are incredible to watch, the particles that make up the auroras are actually a type of electricity that can cause electrical surges and disrupt satellite operations in space and communications here on Earth. To better understand these problems, NASA has been working with researchers and engineers at the Andoya Rocket range in Andennes, Norway. Sophisticated rockets are launched into the atmosphere to collect valuable data that might explain the secrets of the auroras.
Tech Watch - Currently, there are well over 250,000 active general aviation airplanes around the world. These small aircraft are not only a very popular form of transportation but are also relatively safe. Unfortunately, about one in every 300 of these planes is involved in an accident every year. To make general aviation flying safer, NASA has funded an innovative new parachute recovery system, which, when deployed, may actually allow pilots to walk away from what might have been a catastrophic accident.
How It Works - As air travel increases, pilots face more congestion on the ground and in the air. Although pilots ultimately control their own aircraft, air traffic controllers direct them the moment the plane leaves the gate and keep in constant communication as the plane travels. Johnny Alonso learned how this complex system keeps our skies organized and planes on schedule.
Retrospective - The pilots and crews of World War II American fighter planes achieved an impressive record of aerial victories, especially in the last stages of the war when American air superiority dominated both the Pacific and European combat theaters. Surprisingly, this success was not apparent at the beginning of the war. American fighter planes could not always match the speed and maneuverability of the enemy aircraft that they faced in the first years of the war. To improve the aircraft American pilots were flying, US Military planners turned to NASA’s predecessor NACA to help the United States gain air superiority in World War II.
On the Runway - Understanding
the Earth’s atmosphere can be very difficult. A mixture of global
weather patterns, greenhouse gases, and airborne particles can make the
overall picture for scientists very confusing. To help provide a better
picture of how all these variables affect the Earth’s atmosphere, NASA
researchers are developing new atmospheric satellite systems that will
not only provide a better under-standing of the Earth’s atmosphere but
will lead to better prediction models.
Behind the Scenes - Throughout our early history, the need for exploration shaped the understanding of our world. The vehicle of choice most early explores used was a ship with sails. However, because these ships depended on wind pushing against the sails for forward motion they were generally very slow and dangerous. The idea of using sails today as a viable transportation method is limited. With the multitude of ways that humans now possess to travel, the sail has been relegated to recreational status, rather than a serious tool for exploration, or transportation. But a new idea may change the way we think about sails. NASA researchers are actually developing a new type of sail that will use the sun's light to propel spacecraft deep into space. These solar sails are so promising that some day they may replace slower more costly propulsion system for deep space exploration.
Tech Watch - In the late 1700's three of the worlds most important documents were written here in the United States. Now called the Charters of Freedom, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and the Bill of Rights were conceived and written by early Americans who believed that tyrannical rule and oppression should be replaced by individual liberties and freedom. Until the mid twentieth century these documents were proudly displayed for the general public. Without adequate preservation techniques, they became faded and quite brittle. This changed in 1951 when the documents were placed in specially adapted encasements which were designed to slow down the deterioration process. In the late 1990's, deterioration was discovered on the documents and required immediate attention. To help determine why the documents appeared to be deteriorating and how to fix the problem, the National Archives asked researchers at NASA Langley Research Center to perform a series of tests on the atmosphere inside the encasements.
How It Works - Trying to figure out where you are and where you're going has always been a challenge. Navigation and positioning are crucial to so many activities and yet the process has not always been easy. Thankfully, the days of navigating by celestial means or landmarks are long gone since the introduction of GPS, or the Global Positioning System. You can buy a GPS receiver just about anywhere, or you can have it installed in most new cars.
Retrospective - To better understand aerodynamic forces, early pilots and engineers pushed aircraft tolerances to the limit. Some pilots experienced a very frightening aerodynamic phenomenon called a flat spin, also known as the death spin. In an effort to better understand this phenomenon, NASA's predecessor NACA developed a unique wind tunnel called the 20 foot free flight spin tunnel. This tunnel was designed to not only study the unique flight conditions of an aircraft in spin, but also teach pilots recovery techniques to avoid a fatal crash. The research performed at this tunnel would have a direct impact on virtually every American fighter aircraft from World War 2 through today.
On the Runway - The ability to
travel into space is still a relatively recent phenomenon. Many of the
early rockets that were used to blast man into space were no more than
ballistic missiles with a capsule strapped on top. Although these
rockets worked well, they were very expensive because they were only
used once then discarded. This changed in the early 1980's when the
world's only reusable launch vehicle, the Space Shuttle, came into
service. Over its years of service, the shuttle program truly
opened up technological and scientific exploration. However, NASA has
turned its attention toward finding the Next Generation of Reusable
Space Craft. To help make the next generation of space craft
possible, NASA researchers have begun developing and testing many
different ideas and vehicle systems. These new vehicles are so
revolutionary that they will soon change the way we all think about
space travel.
Behind the Scenes - Throughout history man has always been intrigued with the idea of flight. However, most early aviation pioneers could not imagine flight as we know it today. With limited understanding of basic aerodynamic principles many of these early pioneers attempted to build flying machines that were shaped like and emulated the flight of birds.
How It Works - On the morning of December 17 1903, history was made off the dunes of Kitty Hawk North Carolina. For the first time in history man had achieved controlled flight in a heavier than air machine. The Wright Brothers had achieved what all of their predecessors had only dreamed about. Having only very limited resources, they showed great scientific ingenuity. The Wrights motivation and determination helped them overcome many obstacles to become the first to fly. The world as we knew it would never be the same.
On the Runway - Not long after
the first flight at Kitty Hawk, the Wright Brothers, and many other
inventors began trying to find ways to make aircraft better. In a
relatively short amount of time aircraft went from canvas and wood
structures with very weak engines, to metal structures with very
powerful engines. With each new innovation propeller driven aircraft
became stronger, safer, and much more efficient. The next great
revolution in aircraft design came with the development of the jet
engine. It enabled aircraft to fly farther and faster than propeller
driven aircraft while improving safety and efficiency. However, since
the beginning of the jet age, technology innovations in aircraft have
been more incremental than revolutionary. Small steps forward have
continued to make flying safer and better, but what will be the next
great revolution in air travel. To help answer this question NASA
researchers are working on new designs that could change air travel once
again. New aircraft shapes, cleaner burning fuels, and new materials
could be the first steps in the next revolution of aircraft design.
Behind the Scenes - In recent years, there has been renewed public interest in the planet Mars. This increased awareness is due in large part to the success of the NASA Rovers which have been used to explore and unlock the mysteries of the red planet. Although wheeled Rovers and stationary Landers have been successful it's becoming apparent that more of the Martian surface needs to be explored to provide a better understand of the chemistry of the surface and the atmosphere. Understanding these conditions will prepare scientists and astronauts for future manned missions to Mars. One idea now being studied for future Mars trips is a revolutionary type of Rover called the Mars Tumbleweed. This ingenious new Rover will not use engines, but will travel across the Martian surface with the help of the wind.
Techwatch - In recent years manned space travel has been relegated to short flights close to Earth's orbit. However, with the push for manned travel to Mars and the Moon researchers will need to make improvements in the development of systems and technologies related to space flight. With these new developments the job of an astronaut will become much more complex. In addition to the necessary tasks astronauts need to perform on a daily basis, there will be a much greater learning curve to accomplish all the missions' goals. With this problem in mind, researchers at NASA have developed a new type of robot called the Personal Satellite Assistant or PSA. This robot will help astronauts perform their tasks while freeing up precious time for other activities.
How It Works - Before the
early 1600's, astronomers had few reliable means to study the stars and
planets in our solar system. They depended on inaccurate tools that
could not properly observe the cosmos. This all changed early in the
1600's with the development of a new devise called the "telescope".
Today the telescope is one of the most recognizable tools used by
professional and amateur astronomers alike. Although telescopes have
dramatically improved since the 1600's, the basic design remains the
same. Although telescopes have been around for hundreds of years, people
still don't know exactly how they work.
Behind the Scenes - Since this segment first aired the two Mars exploration rovers Spirit and Opportunity have landed on the Red Planet. Although Spirit had a short-lived computer problem, the rest of the mission has proven to be a huge success. These Rovers are once again changing commonly held beliefs about Mars. Since landing they have been analyzing different rock formations and mineral deposits, which are helping scientists better understand Martian mineralogy. The Rovers are also taking the most detailed images ever seen of the Martian surface. Tonya St. Romain spoke with Prasun Desai about this amazing achievement.
Techwatch - NASA's Low Temperature Oxidation Catalyst has been successfully applied in reducing harmful pollutants from automobiles. Through a chemical process, a cars' catalytic converter helps convert exhaust gases into less harmful emissions, causing less pollution. The LTOC has spun off again and is being applied to smokestacks. This technology is expected to reduce formaldehyde and carbon monoxide concentrations in smokestack emissions by approximately 85 to 95 percent. Tonya St. Romain followed up with Dr. Jeff Jordan to find out how this new technology works.
On the Runway - In recent
years the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD,
in children has grown exponentially. Although Doctors often prescribe
medication to help reduce the symptoms, drugs are not a cure. In fact
some studies have shown that medicating children diagnosed as learning
disabled and having ADHD is almost completely ineffectual. But one
promising treatment called Bio Feedback training has been found to help
some children diagnosed with ADHD focus better without medication. With
this in mind, researchers at NASA "spun off "a technology that uses
biofeedback training to help children train their brains to focus
better. Originally developed to help pilots stay alert during long
flights, this new technique uses off the shelf computer gaming systems
like Playstation or X-box to help children train their brains. This new
device is not only helping combat ADHD, but is making the process fun as
well.
Behind the Scenes - Titan is
less than half the size of earth and has an atmosphere roughly four
times thicker than Earth's. Large amounts of nitrogen and carbon make up
the hazy, thick atmosphere around Titan. These chemicals are considered
by scientists to be the building blocks for life as we know it.
NASA
scientists have scheduled several missions to this distant Moon. The
first mission called Cassini Huygens has already begun. This spacecraft
will reach the Saturn region this year and study its moons and
atmosphere.
While Cassini-Huygens will dramatically boost our
knowledge of Titan, it will likely only whet our appetite for more, so
planning for follow on missions is already underway.
Techwatch
- With spacecraft traveling deeper and deeper into the solar system,
fuel carried on board takes up valuable space and weight. NASA is
working on an alternative to using fuel to slow the craft called
Aerobraking.
Aerobraking is a technique wherein an orbiting
spacecraft brushes against the top of a planets atmosphere. The friction
of the atmosphere against the surface of the spacecraft slows down and
lowers the craft's orbital altitude. Instead of using onboard jets and
propellant to adjust a spacecraft's orbit, aerobraking uses the
atmosphere as both a brake and a steering wheel.
How It Works - NASA has a long
and significant history of materials technology development. With an
impressive list including new lubricants, lightweight alloys,
high-performance and electronic polymers, adhesives, sealants,
composites and other materials, many of these are in products we use
every day.
NASA is developing materials that are 100 times stronger
than steel at one-sixth the weight. And manufacturing biologically
inspired materials that will self-repair when damaged are on the
horizon.
Advanced materials are becoming so strong and lightweight
they can even stop a bullet and save your life.
In part one of this two part edition
of Destination Tomorrow we take a look at Food Technology and how it is
used by NASA. We'll find out about packaging and processing food for
short and long duration space flights. And we'll see what types of foods
astronauts are enjoying in space.
Behind the Scenes - In addition to storing food aboard the spacecraft, many at NASA believe that growing food in space or on planetary surfaces will need to be perfected to help feed astronauts on long missions. To help find out what’s in store for future food technologies Jennifer Pulley spoke with Dr. Michelle Perchonok at NASA Johnson to find out more.
How It Works - Many of us have
dreamed of going to space, but only a few of the best and brightest have
actually had the opportunity. An even smaller amount has spent long
periods of time there. The experiments and data collected from these
pioneers is helping scientists and future astronauts learn more about
the effects of long duration missions on the human body. One of these
pioneers that have spent significant time in space helping lead the way
is Astronaut Michael Foale. A veteran of six space flights, Foale is
credited with four space walks totaling almost 23 hours. Johnny Alonso
spoke with Dr. Foale to find out what it’s like to live and eat in
space.
On this episode of Destination
Tomorrow we take a look at NASA's new plan for Space Exploration. We'll
find out about some of the robotic missions that will lead the way for
our Astronauts. And we will talk about some of the challenges of getting
to and staying on other worlds.
Destination Tomorrow™ investigates
the future of Aeronautics at NASA. Find out about a new governmental and
commercial partnership that will help guide the transformation into the
next generation air system. See how a unique airplane may soon fly on
Mars, and we look back at several of NASA's aeronautic success stories.
Program 20 consists of four exciting
segments. In the "Behind the Scenes" segment, viewers will learn about
the new Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter; in the "Tech Watch" segment,
viewers will learn about a new type medical device that will give
Doctors a form of X-Ray vision; in the "Retrospective" segment viewers
find out how the Space Shuttle program was started; and viewers find out
about sonic booms in the "How it Works" segment
Program 21 consists of four exciting
segments about NASA's Aviation Safety Program. In the "Behind the
Scenes" segment, viewers will learn about the Single Aircraft Accident
Prevention Program; in the next segment, viewers will learn about
crashing airplanes for safety at the Impact Dynamics Research Facility;
in the next segment viewers find out about a unique Icing Research Wind
Tunnel; and viewers find out Turbulence Detection in the final segment.
Program #22 focuses on the Small
Aircraft Transportation System (SATS) rollout event in Danville,
Virginia. This new technology will use personal aircraft to ease
congestion in our skies.
NASA's Destination Tomorrow Program
#23 will look back at the successful Casinni-Huygens mission to Saturn
and Titan. We will also revisit robotic exploration that will enable
future human missions to the Moon and Mars, GPS technology, and the
development of the Space Shuttle program in the Retrospective segment.
Program #24 will focus on the Mars
Phoenix mission; The Crew Exploration and Crew Launch Vehicles; Viking
Mission to Mars 30 years later, and How Space Suits work.
Program #25 highlights radiation
protection efforts done by NASA. We will focus on how NASA plans to
tackle radiation questions for travel to the Moon and Mars.
Length of Program: 30 minutes
Rating: All Grades
Producer: NASA
For more information, visit http://destination.larc.nasa.gov.
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