analyze it in order to determine, in detail, what they observed and whether their
objectives were achieved.
During the flight, data is transmitted to the ground for quick-look analysis. It is
usually recorded on board as well. With some payloads, scientists can actively
control the payload. An astronomical telescope, for example, can be pointed in
real-time toward a variety of sources, or simply left in an autonomous mode of
operation.
Considering the great variety of experiments, data analysis can be conducted in
different ways. For example, the telemetry that transmits data from a variety of
sensors arranges the data to predetermined ranges of output. In some cases, the
data isn’t in such a format but in films or emulsions that have been impacted by
electromagnetic radiation and particles. In one case, the form of the data was in
the number of viruses that were still alive. In another case, the form of the data
was in the number of neutrinos observed.
In many cases the post-flight data analysis, supported by the most sophisticated
software, leads student team members toward their advance degrees. The goal is
always to make a substantial contribution to a body of scientific knowledge.
For post-flight operational analyzes, the results are more likely to impact future
operational methods and procedures. This manifests itself in updated documents
and increased crew training. The new hardware and/or software either worked as
intended or it failed and there are lessons to be learned. Possibly a new level of
understanding has been achieved or a level of uncertainty has been reduced, and
the relevant technology readiness level has been advanced. To NASA, a success
may mean the flight achieved the majority of its primary objectives or advanced
our understanding of the universe. As in beauty, perhaps success is in the eye of
the beholder.
IMAGE LINKS
Fig. 4.1 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/AntarcticSun/features/images6/supertiger- plane- tent- lyra.jpg
Fig. 4.2 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/AntarcticSun/features/images6/supertiger- buried- instrument.jpg
Fig. 4.3 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/AntarcticSun/features/images6/supertiger- full- scene- lyra.jpg
4.2 Mission Operations 81
objectives were achieved.
During the flight, data is transmitted to the ground for quick-look analysis. It is
usually recorded on board as well. With some payloads, scientists can actively
control the payload. An astronomical telescope, for example, can be pointed in
real-time toward a variety of sources, or simply left in an autonomous mode of
operation.
Considering the great variety of experiments, data analysis can be conducted in
different ways. For example, the telemetry that transmits data from a variety of
sensors arranges the data to predetermined ranges of output. In some cases, the
data isn’t in such a format but in films or emulsions that have been impacted by
electromagnetic radiation and particles. In one case, the form of the data was in
the number of viruses that were still alive. In another case, the form of the data
was in the number of neutrinos observed.
In many cases the post-flight data analysis, supported by the most sophisticated
software, leads student team members toward their advance degrees. The goal is
always to make a substantial contribution to a body of scientific knowledge.
For post-flight operational analyzes, the results are more likely to impact future
operational methods and procedures. This manifests itself in updated documents
and increased crew training. The new hardware and/or software either worked as
intended or it failed and there are lessons to be learned. Possibly a new level of
understanding has been achieved or a level of uncertainty has been reduced, and
the relevant technology readiness level has been advanced. To NASA, a success
may mean the flight achieved the majority of its primary objectives or advanced
our understanding of the universe. As in beauty, perhaps success is in the eye of
the beholder.
IMAGE LINKS
Fig. 4.1 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/AntarcticSun/features/images6/supertiger- plane- tent- lyra.jpg
Fig. 4.2 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/AntarcticSun/features/images6/supertiger- buried- instrument.jpg
Fig. 4.3 https://antarcticsun.usap.gov/AntarcticSun/features/images6/supertiger- full- scene- lyra.jpg
4.2 Mission Operations 81