NASASP-427 
HIGH  ALTITUDE 
PERSPECTIVE 
Prepared  by  NASA  Ames  Research  Center 
f\|/\C%/\  Sc'en,i,,c  and  Technical  Information  Office  1978 
■  w#  Of  1  National  Aeronautics  and  Space  Administration 
Washington,  DC
FOREWORD 
From  the  prehistoric  hunter  who  scaled  a  peak  to  scout  the  lay  of  the  land 
to  the  astronaut  photographing  the  Earth's  hemisphere  from  75  000  kilomet- 
ers, man  has  always  especially  prized  the  view  from  above.  It  is  the  richest  of 
all  perspectives,  densely  packed  with  information,  closest  to  that  uniquely 
human  concept,  the  map.  During  two  decades  of  space  exploration,  orbital 
imagery  of  our  planet  has  been  revealed  as  one  of  the  most  exciting  and 
rewarding  benefits  of  space. 
Yet  we  should  never  forget  the  value  of  aircraft  as  platforms  for  our  sensors 
and  scientific  instruments.  So  useful  is  aerial  photography  at  low  and  moder- 
ate altitudes  that  it  has  created  an  industry  that  serves  countless  purposes. 
The  unusual  aircraft  that  is  the  subject  of  this  descriptive  booklet,  flying  at 
altitudes  above  those  generally  attained  in  conventional  aerial  photog- 
raphy, has  an  enlarged  scope.  It  can  scan  shorelines,  measure  water  levels, 
help  fight  forest  fires,  collect  mapping  data,  assess  flood  damage,  and 
sample  the  stratosphere.  Over  the  oceans  it  can  make  sensitive  mea- 
surements of  water  color  and  current;  over  land  it  can  provide  a  form  of 
"ground  truth"  that  is  valuable  in  calibrating  the  rich  store  of  information  from 
our  satellites.  Because  it  can  do  these  things  so  well,  it  deserves  attention  for 
the  sevice  it  is  providing. 
January  1978  Anthony  J.  Calio, 
Associate  Administrator 
for  Space  and  terrestrial  Applications
I NTRODUCTION 
This  publication  was  prepared  in  response  to  many  requests  for  information 
on  the  availability  of  the  U-2  aircraft  managed  by  Ames  research  Center,  for  use 
in  high-altitude  investigations  that  cannot  be  performed  by  the  private  sector. 
Prospective  users  of  the  U-2  will  find  helpful  information  about  the  aircraft,  the  sensors 
it  provides  or  can  accommodate,  its  potential  applications,  and  associated  data- 
handling  provisions.  In  an  era  of  growing  awareness  of  the  Earth's  environmental  fragility 
and  limited  natural  resources,  aircraft  and  spacecraft  have  proved  to  be  excellent  plat- 
forms for  remote  and  in  situ  sensing  devices.  Scientists  and  engineers  at  Ames  Research 
Center  have  managed  aircraft-supported  research  missions  since  1964.  Experience  has  been 
gained  with  a  variety  of  aircraft -a  Convair  990  airborne  research  laboratory,  a  C-141  airborne 
infrared  observatory,  Learjet  aircraft,  and  more  recently,  two  high-altitude  U-2's. 
The  U-2  and  Convair  990  aircraft  are  available  on  a  cost-reimbursable  basis  for  research  or 
experimental  programs  in  such  areas  as  Earth  resources  inventories,  remote  sensing  data  interpreta- 
tion, electronic  sensor  research  and  development,  satellite  investigative  support,  stratospheric  gas 
studies,  and  astronomy  and  astrophysics.
TYPICAL  U-2  SUPPORT 
ACTIVITIES 
WATER  RESOURCES 
U-2  photos  have  helped  the  California  Depart- 
ment of  Water  Resources  measure  water  levels 
in  rivers  and  reservoirs,  especially  during 
drought  years.  High-altitude  photos  of  San  Fran- 
cisco Bay  aided  the  U.S.  Geological  Survey 
study  of  tidal  patterns  and  water  movement. 
DISASTER  ASSESSMENT 
Firefighters  have  used  U-2  high-altitude  data  for 
faster  containment  of  fires,  and  direct  savings  of 
manpower,  equipment,  forest  watersheds,  and 
wildlife  habitat  were  achieved.  Flood  damage 
surveys  can  help  to  assign  priority  for  repairs  and 
damage  alleviation  by  providing  pictures  of  the 
complete  situation. 
LAND  USE 
In  the  Arizona  Land  Use  Experiment,  U-2  imag- 
ery was  used  to  generate  orthophotoquad 
maps,  thereby  developing  a  land  use  man- 
agement data  base  for  both  the  public  and 
private  sectors.  U-2  photos  have  been  used  to 
evaluate  urban  growth,  traffic  patterns,  and 
pollution,  and  have  proved  invaluable  in  the 
preparat*  i  of  environmental  impact  state- 
ments. 
SENSOR  DEVELOPMENT 
The  Ocean  Color  Scanner  (OCS)  Imaging  radi- 
ometer test  flown  on  the  U-2  prior  to  installation 
on  NASA's  weather  satellite  Nimbus  G  is  de- 
signed to  remotely  sense  small  variations  in  the 
ocean's  color.  The  scanner  identifies  and  maps 
regions  of  high  food  productivity,  upwelling, 
tidal  extent,  sediment  concentration  off  the 
coast,  and  will  ultimately  aid  in  coastal  zone 
inventories.  Similarly,  the  Heat  Capacity  Map- 
ping Radiometer  (HCMR)  simulated  on  the  U-2 
is  being  evaluated  for  use  in  the  detection  of 
variations  in  soil  moisture  content,  thermal  pollu- 
tion of  water,  and  analysis  of  crop  production 
prior  to  satellite  flight. 
STRATOSPHERIC  SAMPLING 
Special  sensors  on  board  the  U-2  can  sample 
and  measure  the  distribution  and  extent  of 
gases  and  aerosol  particles  in  the  atmosphere 
at  altitudes  above  20  km  (65  000  ft.).  A  better 
understanding  of  the  effects  of  natural  and 
man-induced  actions  on  the  atmosphere's  pro- 
tective ozone  layer  will  result. 
SATELLITE  SUPPORT 
The  U-2  has  been  used  extensively  to  collect 
underflight  (or  "ground  truth")  data  to  support 
Landsat  investigations  in  forestry,  water  man- 
agement, coastal  zone  processes,  rangeland 
management,  and  land  use.  Multistage  sam- 
pling techniques  to  aid  in  interpreting  satel- 
lite data  have  been  developed  through  the  use 
of  U-2  imagery.
AIRCRAF 
The  U-2  is  a  single-place  aircraft  designed  and  built  by  the  Lockheed  Aircraft 
Corporation  for  high-altitude,  long-range  operation.  The  U-2  is  characterized  by  Its 
long  wing  span  and  tandem  landing  gear  located  under  the  fuselage.  Auxiliary  gear, 
called  pogos.  are  located  outboard  on  the  underside  of  each  wing;  they  are  jettisoned 
on  takeoff. 
The  NASA  U-2  aircraft,  based  at  Ames  Research  Center,  routinely  fly  from  Ames  and 
Wallops  Island.  Virginia.  Other  staging  locations  are  possible,  and.  data  flights  have  been 
flown  from  Hawaii,  Alaska.  Texas.  Maine.  South  Dakota,  and  Panama. 
The  high-altitude,  long-duration  capability  of  the  U-2  makes  It  uniquely  suitable  for  upper 
atmospheric  or  space-oriented  research  as  well  as  for  wide  ranging  electronic  and  photographic 
Earth  observations.  Since  the  beginning  of  NASA's  Earth  resources  survey  program  at  Ames  Research 
Center  in  September  1971,  each  of  the  U-2's  has  averaged  over  100  flights  per  year  and  together  the 
aircraft  have  logged  over  4000  flight  hours.
U-2  PERFORMANCE  AND 
DESIGN  DATA 
Range   
 4700  km  (2500  n.  mi.) 
Cruise  . . . 
 .6 hr at Mach 0.69 
Operating  altitude  
 .19.8-21.3  km  (65  000  to  70000  ft) 
Cruising  speed  
 740km/hr  (400 knots)  T.A.S.  at  20  km  (65000ft) 
Gross  takeoff  weight      .X)  225  kg  (22  542  lb) 
Zero  fuel  weight  
 .5929  kg  (13  071  lb) 
Equipment  bay  payload    
 340  kg  (750  lb)  maximum;  225  kg  (500  lb)  preferred 
Canoe  payload  
 .45  kg  (100  lb) 
Wing  tanks  (2)  payload    .135  kg  (300lb)each;  270  kg  (600  Ibjtotal 
Total  maximum  payload  
 .665  kg  (1450  lb) 
Fuel   
 3940  kg  (8685  lb).  5000  liters  (1320  gal.) 
Powerplant   
 Single  15-stage.  J75P-13B  jet  engine 
Thrust  rating  
 75  620  N  (17  000  lb) 
Construction    
 All  aluminum 
Crew   One  pilot 
Length    
 .15.4m (50ft) 
Wing  span   24.4  m  (80  ft) 
Height  
 4.6  m  (15  ft)
TYPICAL  FLIGHT 
PROFILE 
TYPICAL 
GROUND 
COVERAGE 
PATTERN 
RANGE,  km 
,0      1000   2000  3000  4000  5000  6000 
1000  2000  2500  3000 
RANGE,  n.  mi. 
,     4f\ 
•  PLUS  ADpmC^?£§^$
PAYLOAD  AREAS 
Power  Available  to  Sensors 
DC  28  v  (80  Amps  maximum) 
AC  400  Hz  (5.5  k  VA  maximum)
SENSORS 
The  NASA  U-2  aircraft  routinely  carry  a  variety  of  sensors,  including  aerial  mapping 
cameras,  electronic  sensors  and  scanners,  and  both  in  situ  and  remote  atmospheric 
sampling  devices. 
The  U-2  has  been  used  extensively  for  color  infrared  photography.  An  array  of  camera 
configurations -featuring  a  variety  of  focal  lengths,  film  types,  film  format  sizes,  and  multi- 
spectrai  capabilities -is  available.  Uses  have  varied,  depending  on  the  specific  remote 
sensing  research  and  development  activity,  but  include  direct  evaluation  of  terrestrial  condi- 
tions from  imagery  and  the  indirect  use  of  imagery  for  satellite  programs. 
More  than  15  nonphotographic  sensors  are  also  flown  aboard  the  U-2;  some  are  part  of  the  NASA 
inventory  but  most  of  them  have  been  built  by  outside  investigators.  The  palletized  system  of  payload 
handling  facilitates  switching  paybads  either  in  and  out  of  the  aircraft  or  from  one  aircraft  to  the  other.
U-2  Sensor  Complement 
A  TIRS  (Thermal  Infrared  Scanner) 
B  IRR  (Infrared  Radiometer) 
C  &  D  HCMR  (Heat  Capacity  Mapping  Radiome+arj 
E  Filter  Sampler 
F  OCS  (Ocean  Color  Scanner) 
6  SAS II  (Stratospheric  Air  Sampler,  Mark  II) 
H  Aether  Drift  Radiometer 
I   SCS  (Stratospheric  Cryogenic  Sampler) 
J  HR-73B  Camera 
K  RC-10/HR-732  Camera  System 
L  HR-732  Tri-Vertical  Cameras 
M  KA-80A  Optical  Bar  Panoramic  Camera 
H  Dual  RC-10  Camera  System 
O  RC-10/Vinten  Multispectral  Camera  System 
P  FLO  (Infrared  Spectrometer) 
Q  REFLEX  (Resonance  Fluorescence  Experiment) 
R  SEMIS  (Solar  Energy  Measurements  in  Space) 
S  CO2  Collector 
T  H2O  Vapor  Radiometer 
U  HSI  (High  Speed  Interferometer) 
V  APS  (Aerosol  Particulate  Sampler)
PHOTOGRAPHIC 
SENSORS 
NASA  maintains  an  inventory  of  cameras  that 
has  been  used  extensively  in  Earth  observation 
studies -particularly  in  support  of  satellite  mis- 
sions. Some  camera  payloads  (or  configurations) 
use  four  identically  pointed  70-mm  film  cameras 
with  filters  to  simulate  the  LANDSAT  multispectral 
scanner.  Higher  resolution  imagery  is  obtained 
by  using  9-in.  film  with  6-ia,  12-in..  24-in.,  or  36-in. 
focal  iength  lenses.  Although  the  6-in.  and  12-in. 
lenses  are  used  with  a  9  x  9  in.  image  format, 
the  24-in.  and  36-in.  lenses  are  frequently  used 
to  make  a  9  x  18  in.  negative  or  transparency. 
The  ground  coverage  and  resolution  are  a 
function  of  lens  focal  length  and  film  format. 
The  values  of  these  parameters  for  the  different 
camera  configurations  are  shown  on  pages  12 
and  13  for  an  aircraft  altitude  of  20  km  (65  000 
ft).  An  indication  of  resolution  is  also  evident  in 
the  enlarged  images  on  page  14. 
U-2  payload  pallet  with  camera  configuration 
that  includes  one  RC-10  (forward)  and 
four  Vintens  (rear). 
A  variety  of  film  types  is  used,  depending  on 
the  intended  use  of  the  imagery.  Included,  for 
example,  are  Panatomic-X  Aerial  and  P!us-X 
black  and  white.  Infrared  Aerographic,  6  &  W 
infrared.  Aerochrome  (color)  Infrared,  Aerial 
Color  and  Ektachrome  EF  Aerographic  natural 
color  films.  Sample  images  using  three  film 
types  are  shown  on  page  10.  Some  of  the 
interpretations  of  color  infrared  film  (which  is  the 
most  popular  type  used)  are  described  below 
the  image  on  page  11. 
Each  frame  of  imagery  is  automatically 
annotated  with  a  16-digit  code  indicating  the 
sensor,  film  type,  daie,  and  time  of  exposure.  All 
imagery  is  indexed  and  archived  in  the  U-2 
Data  Facility.  A  map  of  existing  coverage  is 
shown  on  page  16.
San  Francisco. 
24  in.  lens,  9  x  18  in. 
Black  and  white  film. 
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24  in.  lens.  9  x  18  in. 
Natural  color  film. 
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San  Francisco. 
24  in.  lens,  9x18  in. 
Color  IR  film. 
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Color  infrared  photograph  of  San  Francisco  and  the  Golden  Gate  obtained  by  NASA  U-2  aircraft  on 
February  5. 1974 
The  photograph  of  San  Francisco  and  the 
Golden  Gate  was  taken  from  an  altitude  of 
62  500  feet  (19000  m)  with  a  Wild-Heerbrug 
RC-10  camera,  12-in.  (305  mm)  focal  length.  The 
area  covered  is  about  60  square  nautical  miles. 
Color  infrared  film  is  sensitive  to  the  green, 
red,  and  near  infrared  (500-900  nm)  portions  of 
the  spectrum  and  is  widely  used  in  aerial  and 
space  photographic  surveys  for  land  use  and 
vegetation  analysis.  Living  vegetation  reflects 
light  in  the  green  portion  of  the  visible  spectrum 
to  which  the  human  eye  is  sensitive.  Additionally, 
it  reflects  up  to  10  times  as  much  in  the  near 
infrared  (700-1100  nm)  portion  of  the  spectrum 
which  is  just  beyond  1he  range  of  human  vision. 
When  there  is  a  decrease  in  photosynthesis, 
whether  caused  by  normal  maturation  or  stress, 
there  is  a  corresponding  decrease  in  near 
infrared  reflectance.  Living  or  healthy  vegeta- 
tion appears  as  various  hues  of  red  in  color 
infrared  film.  If  diseased  or  stressed,  the  color 
response  will  shift  to  browns  or  yellows  due  to  the 
decrease  in  near  infrared  reflectance.  This  film  is 
also  effective  for  haze  penetration  because 
blue  light  is  eliminated  by  filtration. 
-11-
CAMERA 
CONFIGURATIONS 
Designation 
Lens 
Film 
Format,  in. 
Ground 
Coverage 
@  65  000  ft 
Nominal 
Resolution 
@  65  000  ft 
Vinten  (Four) 
1-3/4  in.  f.l. 
f  2.8 
70  mm 
(2-1/4  x 
2-3/16) 
25.9  x  25.9  km 
(I4xl4n.  mi.) 
(Each) 
10-20  m 
l2S  Multispectral 
(four  bands)  K-22 
100  mm  f.l. 
f  2.8 
9x9 
(4  @  3.5) 
16.7x16.7  km 
(9  x  9  n.  mi.) 
6-10  m 
RC-10 
6in..f4 
9x9 
29.7x29.7  km 
(16xl6n.  mi.) 
3-8m 
RC-10 
12  in.,  f  4 
9x9 
14.8x14.8  km 
(8  x  8  n.  mi.) 
1.5-4  m 
HR-732 
24  in.,  f  8 
9x18 
7.4x14.8  km 
(4  x  8  n.  mi.) 
0.6-3  m 
HR-73B-1 
36  in.,  f  10 
18x18 
9.8  x  9.8  km 
(5.3  x  5.3  n.  mi.) 
0.5-2  m 
Itek  Panoramic 
(Optical  Bar) 
24  in.,  f  3.5 
4.5x50 
3.7  x  68.6  km 
(2  x  37  n.  mi.) 
0.3-2  m 
Research  Camera 
System  (RCS) 
24  in.,  f  3.5 
2-1/4  x  30 
2  x  20  km 
(1.1  x Tin.  mi.) 
useable 
0.1  -lm 
10      . ,    _
CAMERA  GROUND 
COVERAGE 
6.6  n.  mi.  per  min 
2.3  a  mi 
tfNAOR 
-13-
RESOLUTION 
Image  resolution  is  determined  primarily  by 
lens  focal  length  because  the  subject  distance 
is  fixed  at  about  20  km  (65  000  ft)  from  the  U-2. 
Lens  quality,  film  type,  image  contrast,  and  a 
number  of  other  related  factors  also  affect  reso- 
lution. Images  from  a  6-in.  and  a  24-in.  lens  are 
compared  at  5X  enlargement  to  illustrate  resolv- 
ing power.  Normally,  the  maximum  practical  en- 
largement is  limited  to  about  TOX  because  of 
film  grain  and  image  sharpness.  However,  any 
enlargement  factor  can  be  utilized  for  the  con- 
venience of  maps  or  other  data  base  overlay. 
Detail  from  24-in.  lens, 
scene  of  San  Francisco 
in  color  infrared  (from 
page  10). 
5X  enlargement 
Detail  from  6-in.  lens 
scene  of  San  Francisco 
in  color  infrared. 
5X  enlargement 
-14-
1  «  i-  \Zm  **  **  *  .      *'i   I 
Portion  of  an  RCS  image  at  an  lOx  enlargement  of  San  Francisco  scene. 
The  Research  Camera  System  (RCS)  is 
designed  for  high  resolution  over  moderately 
large  areas.  The  system  consists  of  two 
panoramic  cameras  mounted  to  provide  con- 
vergent stereo  coverage.  Each  camera  has  a 
24  in.  focal  length  lens  and  uses  a  2-1/4  x  30  in. 
film  format. 
-15-
PHOTOGRAPHIC 
COVERAGE 
Available  photographic  coverage  of  United  States  by  U-2  as  of  January  1, 1978. 
-16-
NONPHOTOGRAPHIC 
SENSOR 
ACCOMMODATIONS 
Most  nonphotographic  sensors  installed  on 
the  U-2  are  user-supplied  and  funded.  An  inves- 
tigator's equipment  can  be  installed  in  several 
areas  on  the  U-2  subject  to  load  factors,  safety 
standards,  and  construction  constraints. 
A  special  equipment  bay,  pressurized  and 
heated,  holds  a  maximum  of  340  kg  (750  lb). 
This  bay,  termed  the  Q-bay,  is  located  just  aft  of 
the  cockpit  and  is  the  principal  location  for 
special  equipment  packages.  The  bay  has  top 
and  bottom  hatches  that  are  easily  removed  by 
means  of  external  latches.  Racks  to  support  or 
contain  electronics  or  other  equipment  gen- 
erally must  be  made  to  fit  the  equipment  bay 
attachment  points.  Several  universal  rack  de- 
signs are  available  that  can  support  up  to  340 
kg  (750  lb). 
Aether  drift  radiometer 
Each  of  the  two  wing  tanks  can  hold  up  to  135 
kg  (300  lb)  at  ambient  pressure  and  tempera- 
ture. In  addition,  45  kg  (100  lb)  of  equipment  can 
be  supported  in  the  upper  fuselage  in  a  section 
termed  the  canoe  also  at  ambient  conditions. 
Most  investigators  choose  to  provide  their  own 
recorder,  although  a  high-density  M14E  mag- 
netic tape  data  recorder  is  available. 
Specifications  on  packaging  constraints, 
electrical  power,  navigation  equipment,  and 
radio  communications  will  be  furnished  on 
request. 
At  the  present  time,  investigators  are  using 
nonphotographic  sensor  packages  on  the  U-2 
for  research  in  astronomy  and  astrophysics, 
stratospheric  and  atmospheric  studies,  and 
Earth  observations.  Examples  of  nonphoto- 
graphic sensor  packages  flown  on  the  U-2  are 
described  in  the  folbwing  pages. 
-17-
NONPHOTOGRAPHIC 
SENSORS 
ASTRONOMY  AND  ASTROPHYSICS  RE- 
SEARCH is  being  conducted  with  the  U-2  by  the 
Lawrence  Berkeley  Laboratory  (LBL)  and  NASA's 
Goddard  Space  Flight  Center. 
Physicists  at  the  Lawrence  Berkeley  Labora- 
tory are  using  two  upward-looking  microwave 
radiometers  installed  on  the  U-2  in  an  experi- 
ment entitled  "Aether  Drift."  They  are  studying 
and  mapping  the  temperature  of  deep  space 
to  examine  some  fundamental  questions  about 
the  origin  of  the  universe. 
Investigators  at  Goddard  Space  Flight  Center 
have  placed  an  instrument  on  board  the  U-2  to 
measure  solar  spectral  radiance  and  its 
variation  with  the  solar  cycle.  This  instrument  is 
being  developed  for  future  use  in  a  spacecraft 
for  measurements  in  space. 
EARTH    OBSERVATIONAL    SYSTEMS    are 
being  developed  by  Goddard  Space  Flight 
Center  and  Ames  Research  Center  using  the 
U-2  platform  to  evaluate  data  prior  to  installa- 
tion of  instrumentation  on  spacecraft. 
THE  HEAT  CAPACITY  MAPPING  RADIOMETER 
consists  of  a  %o-channel  scanning  radiometer 
that  images  in  the  visible  and  thermal  infrared 
bands.  Investigations  include  studies  of  thermal 
pollution,  wetlands,  and  soil  moisture.  The 
system  is  being  evaluated  prior  to  spacecraft 
flight. 
THE  OCEAN  COLOR  SCANNER  (OCS)  is  a 
10-channel  multispectral  scanner  designed  for 
water  color  measurements  at  high  altitude.  It  is 
the  forerunner  of  the  Nimbus  G  Coastal  Zone 
Color  Scanner.  Installed  on  the  U-2  the  OCS  has 
been  used  to  detect  subtle  variations  in  the 
upwelling  spectral  radiance  emerging  from 
natural  waters. 
THE  HRB-454  THERMAL  SCANNER  is  an  IR  line 
scanner  owned  and  operated  by  the  U-2 
Facility  at  Ames  Research  Center  for  use  by 
interested  investigators.  The  video  system  is 
roll-stabilized  and  a  Vinten  camera  is  installed 
as  a  track  camera. 
HIGH  ALTITUDE  MULTISPECTRAL  SCANNER  is 
a  modified  Daedalus  11-channel  system  with  the 
capability  of  supporting  LANDSAT  investiga- 
tions. This  scanner  is  available  to  NASA  through 
a  cooperative  agreement  with  the  Environmen- 
tal Protection  Agency.  The  system  is  entirely  digi- 
tal with  ten  channels  in  the  visible /near-visible 
spectral  region  and  one  channel  in  the  thermal 
infrared. 
LINE  SCAN  CAMERA  is  a  visible  imaging  sys- 
tem which  is  designed  to  provide  real-time 
imagery  to  a  ground  receiving  station  via  a 
telemetry  data  link.  This  imagery  can  be  used 
for  real-time  forest  fire  or  disaster  observations. 
STRATOSPHERIC  AND  ATMOSPHERIC 
STUDIES  are  represented  in  a  number  of 
diverse  sensor  systems,  some  of  which  are 
described  below. 
THE  AMES  STRATOSPHERIC  AIR  SAMPLER  II  is  a 
4-channel,  600-lb  instrument  carried  in  the 
equipment  bay.  It  utilizes  chemiluminescent 
reactions  to  continuously  measure  O3.  NO.  N02. 
and  HNO3  in  atmospheric  samples  drawn 
aboard  the  aircraft.  Studies  of  seasonal  and 
geographic  variations  in  these  important  strato- 
spheric species  are  then  made  as  part  of  an 
overall  program  at  Ames  in  stratospheric 
studies. 
THE  CRYOGENIC  AND  WHOLE  AIR  SAMPLER 
instrument  contains  four  cryogenically  cooled 
samplers   plus  two  whole-air  samplers  for 
-18-
collecting  halocarbons  (Freons),  N2O.  CCU, 
and  other  condensible  species  for  later  analysis 
by  gas  chromatography  at  Ames  Research 
Center.  Concentrations  below  1  part  per  trillion 
can  be  detected. 
THE  INFRARED  SCANNING  SPECTROMETER  is 
a  liauid-helium  cooled  135  kg  (300-lb)  instrument 
mounted  in  an  underwing  pod;  it  views  the 
atmosphere  at  10°  above  the  horizon.  The  7-  to 
13-jLtm  spectral  region  is  scanned  where 
emissions  from  Oa,  N2O.  CH*.  CFCh  (Freon  11), 
CF2CI2  (Freon  12),  HNO3,  H2O,  and  CO2  are 
observed  and  amounts  determined.  Data  are 
recorded  on  a  digital  tape  recorder  for 
subsequent  analysis  by  the  University  of  Denver, 
where  the  sensor  was  developed. 
THE  HIGH-SPEED  MICHELSON  INTERFEROM- 
ETER, installed  on  the  U-2  by  scientists  at  JPL, 
views  the  Sun  at  sunrise  or  sunset  in  the  IR  (2  to 
5.5  /xm)  and  determines  the  amount  of  various 
stratospheric  species -H2O,  HCI.  CO2,  CH4, 
NO  2,  and  N20-in  the  intervening  atmosphere. 
This  instrument  will  aid  in  the  design  and 
evaluation  of  future  instrumentation  for  monitor- 
ing specific  atmospheric  pollutants. 
THE  FILTER  SAMPLER,  an  Ames  instrument, 
consists  of  six  16-in.-diameter  filter  elements  that 
selectively  collect  HCI,  other  halogen  com- 
pounds, and  aerosols  for  later  laboratory 
analysis.  The  chemically  impregnated  filter 
papers  are  exposed  to  the  airstream  by  pilot 
command. 
THE  WATER  VAPOR  RADIOMETER,  an  upward- 
looking  instrument,  measures  atmospheric 
radiation  in  selected  regions  of  the  water  vapor 
emission  bands  and  determines  the  total 
amount  of  water  vapor  above  the  U-2.  The  data 
are  sampled  every  TO  sec  and  recorded  in 
digital  format  on  magnetic  tape  for  subsequent 
data  reduction  and  analysis  at  the  National 
Oceanic  and  Atmospheric  Administration 
(NOAA). 
THE  AEROSOL  PARTICLE  SAMPLER  employs 
small  wire  meshes  that  are  exposed  to  the 
airstream  from  a  wing  tip  pod  on  pilot 
command.  The  size,  shape,  and  chemical 
composition  of  the  impacting  stratospheric 
aerosols  are  determined  by  a  laboratory 
scanning  electron  microscope  and  its  X-ray 
spectra  attachment  at  Ames.  Particles  as  small 
as  0.1  urn  can  be  collected  and  counted. 
THE  RESONANCE  FLUORESCENCE  EXPERI- 
MENT is  an  underwing,  pod-mounted,  devel- 
opmental instrument  that  uses  the  phenomenon 
of  resonance  fluorescence  to  detect  very  small 
amounts  of  a  selected  species.  It  is  presently 
configured  to  measure  CIO,  of  great  impor- 
tance to  our  understanding  of  the  effects  of 
halocarbons  (Freons)  on  the  stratospheric  ozone 
balance. 
THE  CO2  COLLECTOR  is  a  small  system  used 
by  an  investigator  at  UCLA;  it  is  activated  from 
the  cockpit  by  the  pilot  at  cruise  altitude.  This 
system  collects  a  free-air  sample  for  laboratory 
research  and  analysis  to  assist  a  study  of  the 
global  climate  and  high-altitude  environment. 
THE  INFRARED  RADIOMETER  is  a  downward- 
looking  radiometer.  It  has  a  rotating  filter  wheel 
that  can  see  six  spectral  bands  and  measures 
atmospheric  nonuniformities.  The  data  on 
convective  instabilities  and  mixing  processes  in 
the  atmosphere  will  be  useful  in  studies  being 
conducted  by  Lockheed  Laboratories  in  Palo 
Alto. 
-19-
STRATOSPHERIC 
SENSOR  PAYLOADS 
PILOT 
CONTROL 
AND  MONITOR 
IMPACT 
TYPE 
AEROSOL 
COLLECTORS 
(ARC) 
IR  SPECTROMETER 
HNQ$CH4._03 JS 
IR  RADIOMETER 
(NOAA) 
WATER  VAPOR 
INSTRUMENT  BAY 
STRATOSPHERIC  AIR  SAMPLER.  II  (ARC) 
ODD  NITROGEN  AND  OZONE 
OR 
CRYO  AND  WHOLE  AIR  SAMPLER  (ARC) 
HALOCARBONS.  N20.  HYDROCARBONS 
OR 
HIGH  SPEED  INTERFEROMETER  (JPL) 
«CUj^CH4.  CO.  CO*.  HzO 
RESONANCE 
FLUORESCENCE 
DETECTOR  (XONICS) 
CIO 
MCK 
Stratospheric  Air  Sampler,  Mark  II 
-20-
DATA  HANDLING 
An  aircraft  support  Data  Facility  at  Ames  Research  Center  is  responsible  for  maintain- 
ing complete  flight  documentation,  a  computerized  image  storage  and  selection  system, 
copies  of  all  imagery,  a  microfilm  browse  file,  and  a  variety  of  light  tables  and  optical 
image  viewing  equipment.  If  arrangements  are  made  in  advance,  all  imagery  is  available 
for  viewing  by  visitors,  and  photocopies  of  imagery  may  be  made  with  the  visitors'  own  equip- 
ment. By  established  policy,  all  NASA  Earth  resource  Imagery,  both  satellite  and  aircraft.  Is  in  the 
public  domain.  Full-scale  reproductions  of  imagery  are  available  through  only  the  EROS  DATA 
CENTER.  A  price  list  and  order  forms  can  be  obtained  from  the  EROS  Data  Center,  Sioux  Falls.  South 
Dakota  51198.  For  more  information,  call  (605)  594-6151. 
-21-
Data  Entry  System,  light  table  configuration 
Flight  summary  reports  are  published  for  each 
data  collection  flight.  These  brief  reports  list  the 
sensors  used  and  the  kinds  of  data  collected. 
They  also  contain  a  track  map  showing  the 
location  of  individual  data  runs.  The  Data  Entry 
System  is  used  to  compile  descriptive  data  for 
each  image  in  a  computerized  memory  bank 
with  the  use  of  a  digitizer  tablet  and  reference 
maps  as  shown  above.  The  data  can  then  be 
retrieved  through  the  computerized  Image 
Selection  System  via  a  graphics  terminal. 
Available  images  can  be  identified  according 
to  geographic  location.  Imagery  scale,  film 
type,  data  format,  cloud  cover,  quality,  spectral 
band,  etc.  Selected  scenes  can  then  be 
viewed  quickly  and  easily  with  the  microfilm 
browse  file  for  final  assessment  before  the 
actual  imagery  is  retrieved  for  viewing. 
-22-
APPLICATIONS 
High-altitude  airborne  platforms  have  made  major  contributions  to  the  scien- 
tific data  base  and  have  been  of  value  in  delineating  terrestrial  problems  and 
providing  a  basis  for  their  resolution. 
The  relatively  frequent  flight  capability  of  the  U-2  (typically  100  flights  per  year  per 
aircraft)  allows  good  substantiation  of  data  on  a  seasonal  and  a  geographic  basis. 
Much  U-2  activity  is  presently  being  devoted  to  a  systematic  program  of  stratospheric  air 
sampling  and  analysis.  These  data  are  being  used  for  many  purposes,  including  the  devel- 
opment of  stratospheric  mathematical  models  that  will  provide  a  better  understanding  of 
upper  atmospheric  transport  mechanisms  and  man's  impact  on  the  Earth's  protective  ozone 
layer.  This  research  is  being  conducted  in  conjunction  with  NOAA  and  various  academic  inves- 
tigators. Results  to  date  have  contributed  substantially  to  baseline  measurements  of  stratospheric 
constituents.  Other  scientifically  significant  results  have  been  achieved  in  the  fields  of  pollution 
monitoring,  astronomy,  and  Earth  observations. 
-23-
PHOTOGRAPHIC 
SURVEYS 
Most  mapping  procedures  rely  heavily  on 
aerial  photography  and  aerial  photographs 
have  been  taken  at  various  altitudes  using 
many  kinds  of  aircraft.  Imagery  obtained  at  U-2 
altitudes  with  its  large  area  coverage  and  min- 
imal distortion,  is  especially  well  suited  for 
mapping  various  kinds  of  surface  features  such 
as  vegetation  classes,  geological  features,  and 
snow  cover.  An  indication  of  the  information 
content  is  shown  by  the  photograph  on  this  page 
of  Whidbey  Island,  north  of  Seattle.  Washington. 
In  this  illustration  a  U.S.  Geological  Survey  map 
and  U-2  image  have  been  placed  in  register. 
Such  photographs  have  been  used  to  make 
original  maps,  update  old  maps,  and  to  add 
additional  specialized  information  such  as 
cropland  descriptions  and  delineations  of 
urban  growth. 
-24-
LAND  USE 
MAPPING 
X  *»                        *              ,  "  *-       - 
„^  V  ■■■■'-  "< 
—  
> 
Land  use  mapping  has  become  an  increas- 
ingly important  tool  in  managing  the  utilization 
and  development  of  our  geographic  resources. 
One  very  important  resource  that  is  related  to 
geographic  location  is  water.  Where  water  is 
scarce,  it  is  important  to  identify  water  sources 
and  demands  so  that  water  supply  and  water 
quality  can  be  maintained.  Shown  here  is  an 
image  taken  in  the  Riverside  area  of  California 
from  a  U-2  and  a  corresponding  computer- 
drawn  map  which  has  been  used  to  estimate 
water  demands.  The  map  was  made  by  photo- 
interpreting  the  aerial  imagery  digitizing 
selected  land  use  classes  for  computer  input, 
and  verifying  selected  interpretations  with 
ground  checks.  The  computer  thus  becomes  a 
convenient  tool  for  displaying  resource  alloca- 
tion and  tabulating  statistical  information.  And 
once  the  map  is  drawn,  rt  can  be  easily  up- 
dated to  reflect  changes  in  land  use. 
□ 
Undeveloped 
Resources 
Agriculture 
Recreation 
Services 
Commercial  Activities 
Transport  &  Utilities 
Industry 
Living  Area 
-25-
STRATOSPHERIC 
SAMPLING 
180°       150°        120°         90°  60°  30° 
180°         150°         120°         90°  60°  30° 
JUNE 
JULY 
AUGUST 
Global  surveys  of  stratospheric  air  composi- 
tion are  conducted  periodically  to  help  deter- 
mine the  environmental  effect  of  man-caused 
pollution.  Constituent  data  are  being  used  to 
construct  and  validate  mathematical  models 
of  stratospheric  interactions.  The  adjacent  map 
shows  the  geographic  extent  as  a  function  of 
longitude  and  latitude  over  which  data  are  typ- 
ically collected.  The  graphs  show  the  concen- 
tration of  one  of  the  constituents  of  interest - 
nitric  oxide -as  a  function  of  survey  cross  sec- 
tions. 
E 
o 
h2 
• 
% 
• 
* 
• i 
• 
• 
& 
i • 
.*: 
p- 
0°  10°  20°  30°  40°  50°  60°  70°  80° 
North  Latitude 
-26 
i 
E 
o 
• • 
•  4 
fL 
O  2 
••• 
% 
O 
i 
• 
z 
• 
* U 
^lrt> 
...  i- 
• 
o 
I 
4 0°    60°     80°    100°    120°    140°   160°   180° 
West  Longitude
Fieon  and  other  halocarbon  concentrations 
have  been  measured  at  high  attitude  because 
of  their  potential  impact  on  the  depletion  of  the 
Earth's  protective  ozone  layer.  U-2  surveys  have 
revealed  halocarbon  concentrations  that  vary 
as  a  function  of  latitude  at  given  altitude -a 
phenomenon  currently  being  integrated  Into 
the  theoretical  computer  models.  The  accom- 
panying figure  shows  the  measured  Freon- 
11  data  and  a  comparison  with  the  latest  two- 
dimensional  stratospheric  modeling  theory 
which  accounts  for  mass  and  species  conserva- 
tion, chemical  and  solar  photolysis,  and  atmo- 
spheric transport.  Note  that  low-altitude  data 
have  shown  little  or  no  differences  In  Freon 
concentration  at  different  latitudes. 
10        20  50        100      200 
Concentration,  parts  per  trillion 
Micrometer-sized  stratospheric  aerosols  have 
been  collected  with  the  U-2  by  inertial  deposi- 
tion from  a  200-m/sec  airstream  onto  thick 
films  of  silicon  oil.  It  was  discovered  that,  for  the 
past  6  years  at  least,  aluminum  oxide  spheres 
are  the  major  stratospheric  particulate  In  the 
size  range  3  to  8  Mm.  The  most  probable  source 
of  the  spheres  is  the  exhaust  from  solid-fuel 
rockets.  The  photograph  shows  typical  alumi- 
num oxide  spheres  collected  from  the  atmo- 
sphere by  the  U-2. 
Stratospheric  aerosols 
-27-
EARTH  OBSERVATION 
SCANNERS 
In  preparation  for  the  flight  of  the  Coastal 
Zone  Color  Scanner  on  Nimbus  G.  the  Ocean 
Color  Scanner  was  constructed  for  use  on  the 
U-2.  The  scanner  has  TO  bands  ranging  in  peak 
wavelengths  from  433  to  774  nm.  Flights  over  the 
New  York  Bight  have  shown  sediment  plumes 
and  dispersion  from  dumping  areas.  Illustrated 
below  are  the  results  of  the  Ocean  Color  Scan- 
ner shown  with  conventional  70-mm  format 
photography. 
■CLOUD 
SLUDGE  DUMP 
SITE 
ACID  DUMP 
SITE 
NEW  JERSEY 
472  nm  (BLUE) 
586  nm  (YELLOW) 
667  nm  (RED) 
CLOUD 
SEWAGE 
DUMP 
  FRESH  ACID 
DUMP 
  OLD  ACID 
DUMP 
!- HUDSON  RIVER 
SEDIMENT  PLUME 
NEW  JERSEY 
PHOTOGRAPHIC 
MONTAGE  OF  70  mm 
COLOR  PHOTOGRAPHS 
ENHANCED  FALSE  COLOR /IMAGE 
FROM 
OCEAN  COLOR  SCANNER 
-28-
THE  U-2  AND  YOU 
The  NASA  Earth  survey  aircraft  offer  investigators  an  opportunity  to  conduct  exper- 
iments in  flight  regimes  that  would  otherwise  be  impossible. 
The  Applications  Aircraft  and  Future  Programs  Office  at  Ames  Research  Center  is  pre- 
pared to  assist  prospective  investigators  in  developing  flight-test  procedures.  U-2  flight  support 
is  initiated  through  a  simple  flight  request  system  and  approval  process.  This  process  integrates 
all  aspects  of  a  test  program  from  aircraft  scheduling  to  data  processing.  Cost  estimates  for  flight 
and  data  support  will  be  provided  to  the  Investigator  as  part  of  the  flight  request  review  cycle. 
When  the  investigator  wants  to  use  his  own  sensor,  studies  of  aircraft/instrument  compatibllrty  will  be 
required,  and  additional  charges  for  aircraft  modification  may  be  necessary. 
-29-
FLIGHT  SUPPORT 
Requests  for  U-2  flight  support  should  be 
directed  to: 
Manager 
Applications  Aircraft  and 
Future  Programs  Office  (AAFPO) 
Mail  Stop  240-5 
Ames  Research  Center 
Moffett  Field,  California  94035 
(415)  965-6092 
The  Applications  Aircraft  and  Future  Pro- 
grams Office  will  start  review  procedures  and 
determination  of  costs  associated  with  proposed 
U-2  flight  support  programs.  Actual  costs  are 
a  function  of  data  product,  resolution,  area 
covered,  payload  sharing,  and  a  number  of 
other  factors. 
The  cost  of  operating  the  U-2  often  exceeds 
the  operating  expenses  of  other  aircraft  because 
of  its  high-altitude  performance  and  the  cor- 
respondingly strict  standards  imposed  on  its 
maintenance  and  operation.  Consequently, 
use  of  the  U-2  is  of  economic  advantage  only 
when  a  need  exists  for  high-altitude  capability, 
good  platform  stability,  or  long  range.  These 
aircraft  characteristics  are  required,  for  ex- 
ample, in  such  applications  as  stratospheric 
sampling,  when  large-area  coverage  Is  required 
in  a  single  frame  of  imagery,  or  where  coverage 
is  required  over  extended  distances. 
The  review  and  operational  process  for  users  of 
NASA's  U-2  aircraft  and  data-handling  facilities 
at  Ames  Research  Center  is  illustrated. 
INVESTIGATOR 
DATA 
PRODUCTS 
COST 
ESTIMATE 
FLIGHT 
REQUESTS 
AAFPO 
DATA 
FACILITY 
I 
DATA 
PROCESSING 
U-2 
FLIGHT 
OPERATIONS 
l 
NASA/Ames  Research  Center 
-30-