Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and using statistical models to mitigate atmospheric effects in images are described. In some embodiments, a statistical model may be generated by selecting a vegetation type that grows in continuous healthy canopies; identifying a vegetation reference value that is a stable reflectance property of the vegetation type; in a plurality of images, selecting one or more plots of the vegetation type and obtaining top-of-atmosphere reflectance for the plots; selecting discrete areas near the plots and obtaining top-of-atmosphere reflectance for the discrete areas; obtaining image statistics for the discrete areas; and generating a statistical model based on the acquired data.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for the use of brine from salt mined, dissolved and moved from a natural source deposit (an evaporite deposit) to create target deposits within wetting basins originally created and flooded with fresh water for the purpose of dust control. The target deposits can mimic the stable non-dust-emissive source deposit by having horizontal beds of precipitated salts with the most soluble salts retained within a brine solution that bathes and caps the salt deposit beneath to retain the deposit in a non-desiccated state. The method provides for the preparation and management of the lakebed surface using separate steps to prevent the release of windborne dust with a minimum of water used.

Abstract: A control surface (152) for an aircraft has a reinforced elastomer surface (154) on a surface of the aircraft and has a perimeter (156) attached to the aircraft. An actuation mechanism (160) moves the reinforced elastomer surface (154) from a first position, substantially conforming to a moldline of the aircraft, to a second position, protruding from the moldline of the aircraft.

Abstract: A control surface (152) for an aircraft has a reinforced elastomer surface (154) on a surface of the aircraft and has a perimeter (156) attached to the aircraft. An actuation mechanism (160) moves the reinforced elastomer surface (154) from a first position, substantially conforming to a moldline of the aircraft, to a second position, protruding from the moldline of the aircraft.

Abstract: A control surface (152) for an aircraft has a reinforced elastomer surface (154) on a surface of the aircraft and has a perimeter (156) attached to the aircraft. An actuation mechanism (160) moves the reinforced elastomer surface (154) from a first position, substantially conforming to a moldline of the aircraft, to a second position, protruding from the moldline of the aircraft.

Abstract: An expandable fuel cell (72) for an aircraft (70) has a flexible structure (126) having a perimeter (124) attached to an airframe of the aircraft (70). The flexible structure (126) has an empty position, in which the flexible structure (126) approximately conforms to a moldline (76) of the aircraft (70), and a full position, in which the flexible structure (126) forms a smooth curvilinear protrusion from the moldline (76) of the aircraft (70). A fuel bladder (152) is positioned between the flexible structure (126) and the airframe.