Engineering topics

Paul Todd

Publications and source records attributed to Paul Todd.

3 records

NASA NTRS2024

Enhancing the Payload Development Process for Lunar Gateway and Lunar Surface Science & Exploration: Space Biology Beyond Low-Earth-Orbit Instrumentation and Science Series (BLISS) Science Working Group 2023-2024 Annual Report

Space biology BLEO research is inherently driven by the differences between the LEO and BLEO environments, which can be broadly characterized by the five-hazard “RIDGE” paradigm (Radiation, Isolation, Distance, Gravity, Environment, e.g., similar to Figure 2 in (1)). Thus, the envisioned goals over the next decade will include using the cislunar and lunar surface environments to (A) characterize deep-space environments including biological effects of radiation and other stressors, (B) gain experience from isolation of very small groups in very small enclosures, (C) learn to compensate for distance from Earth via in situ resource utilization (ISRU) and bioregenerative life support, (D) gain assurance that all aspects of deep-space exploration can proceed in altered or artificial gravity environments, (E) develop essential adaptation scenarios for the built (e.g., low pressure) and external (e.g., temperature extremes, dust) environments.

Biology↗

NASA NTRS2023

Space Biology Beyond LEO Instrumentation & Science Series Science Working Group 2022 Annual Report

Humans are poised to explore deep space: the realm of space beyond Earth's orbit. NASA will soon send humans back to the Moon with the Artemis program, and is developing programs to support crewed missions to Mars. Human exploration of such new environments demands fundamental research that can provide the knowledge necessary to ensure the safety of explorers and aid in the development of a sustainable presence in space. Accordingly, the Agency's Moon to Mars objectives1 include three goals in the area of Human Biological Sciences (HBS-1, -2, -3), with the aim to "Advance understanding of how biology responds to the environments of the Moon, Mars, and deep space to advance fundamental knowledge, support safe, productive human space missions and reduce risks for future exploration." Advancing this understanding is a task that is both complex-- comprising diverse organisms, processes, and methods-- and difficult-- because the very aspects of deep space that we strive to understand are the aspects that make it hard to conduct research in that environment. This report of the Beyond LEO Instrumentation & Science Series Science Working Group (BLISS-SWG) represents input from a group of scientists from diverse disciplines within the space biology research and engineering community on the nature of the science and technology that can be used to achieve those aims.

Space Biology↗

NASA NTRS2021

Space Biology Beyond LEO Instrumentation & Science Series - Science Working Group 2021 Annual Report

Human space exploration was never intended to stop within low Earth orbit (LEO). Although nearly all of biological research in space has taken place in LEO, on the Space Shuttle, International Space Station (ISS), and free-flyer CubeSat missions, NASA's recent shift in emphasis toward human exploration of the Moon and ultimately Mars necessitates a shift in the focus of its research in the biological sciences [1]. Specifically, in 2022 and beyond, the Division of Biological and Physical Sciences seeks to pivot toward a focus on Thriving In DEep Space (TIDES), furthering the fundamental research necessary for understanding risks and mitigation strategies for deep-space stressors on human crew, plants, and their microbiomes. This effort entails both research on model organisms to elucidate the molecular processes underlying the biological consequences of deep-space exposure, and research on the organisms that will be necessary companions to sustain life and facilitate resource utilization in long-duration missions.

R Craig Everroad↗