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NASA’s Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Division OSAM-1 Propellant Transfer Subsystem Progress through FY 2024

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Exploration and In-Space Services (NExIS) Division of Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) has been developing technology to robotically refuel both heritage and recently developed satellites on-orbit funded through NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD). The On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing 1 (OSAM-1) mission, formerly known as Restore-L, developed a system to refuel a satellite in space and assemble a communications antenna. By demonstrating these capabilities, the mission would advance never-before tested technologies for use in future missions (by NASA, other government organizations, and private industries). The purpose of this paper is to capture the lessons learned from the hardware development of the OSAM-1 Propellant Transfer System (PTS) that are highly relevant for the ISAM community. This paper covers a review of in-space servicing extensibility and critical technologies that were being developed within NExIS, focusing on the fluid transfer refueling technology within the framework of the OSAM-1 PTS. An overview of the technology demonstration servicing mission via the OSAM-1 Space Vehicle is provided as an extension of the technology development progress reported in 2018, 2019 and 2020. The general objectives, challenges, and key technologies are presented as an introduction to the context of the OSAM-1 mission, and a precursor to the OSAM-1 PTS specific development status. Final assembly, qualification, and functional tests along with installation and acceptance testing of the Hose Management Assembly (HMA) and Propellant Transfer Assembly (PTA) are discussed. Technology development, challenges, lessons learned, along with installation and testing results are discussed, with particular focus on the OSAM-1 assemblies including the PTA and HMA. In addition, testing utilizing the integrated flight simulator test setups will be summarized. The OSAM-1 PTS made great strides in advancing in-space refueling technology; however, there are unfinished development efforts remaining. This paper concludes with a brief summary of the technology shortfalls (gaps) that remain in the key areas of in-space fluid transfer.

ISAM↗

NASA NTRS1995

The Rovibrational Intensities of the (40 deg 1) and (00 deg 0) Pentad Absorption Bands of 12C16O2 Between 7284 and 7921 cm(exp-1)

Carbon dioxide is the major constituent of the atmospheres of both Mars and Venus. Correct interpretations of spectra of these atmospheres require accurate knowledge of a substantial number of absorption bands of this gas. This is especially true for Venus; many weak CO2 bands that are insignificant in the earth's atmosphere are prominent absorbers in Venus' hot, dense lower atmosphere. Yet, recent near-infrared spectra of Venus' nightside have discovered emission windows, which occur between CO2 absorption bands, at 4040-4550 cm(exp-1), 5700-5900 cm(exp-1), and several smaller ones between 7500 and 9400 cm(exp-1). This radiation is due to thermal emission from Venus' lower atmosphere, diminished by scattering and absorption within the sulfuric acid clouds on its way to space. Simulations of these data with radiative transfer models can provide improved information on the abundances of a number of constituents of the lower atmosphere (e.g. H2O, CO, HDO, HCl, HF, and OCS) and the optical properties of the clouds, whose spatial variation modulates the brightness of the emissions. However, the accuracy of these retrievals has been limited by insufficient knowledge of the opacity of some of the gas species, including CO2, at the large pathlengths and high temperatures and pressures that exist on Venus. In particular, modeling the emission spectrum did not produce a good fit for the emission window centered at 7830 cm(exp-1). In an ongoing effort to assist analyses of these Venus spectra, we have been making laboratory intensity measurements of several weak bands of CO2 which are significant absorbers in these Venus emission windows. The CO2 bands that are prominent in the 7830 cm(exp-1) region belong to the vibrational sequence 4v1+v3 and associated hot bands. Only 2 of the 5 bands of this sequence have been previously measured. Modeling Venus' emission spectrum in the 7830 cm(exp-1) region had to rely on calculated intensity values for the weak ground state band at 7921 cm-1 and the associated hot bands. Since the calculated intensities of ground state bands are known to have significant uncertainties, we decided to measure this (40 deg 1)I (left arrow) (00 deg 0) band with the Ames 25 meter multiple reflection absorption cell and Fourier transform spectrometer. We also measured the (40 deg 1) (sub IV) (left arrow) (00 deg 0) band at 7460 cm(exp-1), which also had not been previously measured. These measurements are reported in this article, and we also give our reanalysis of the prior measurements of the (40 deg 1) (sub III) (left arrow) (00 deg 0) bands. These measurements provide the basis for improving calculated intensities for related hot bands as well as simulations of Venus' spectrum.

Giver, L. P.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Comparison of MPEG-1 digital videotape with digitized sVHS videotape for quantitative echocardiographic measurements

Digital format is rapidly emerging as a preferred method for displaying and retrieving echocardiographic studies. The qualitative diagnostic accuracy of Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG-1) compressed digital echocardiographic studies has been previously reported. The goals of the present study were to compare quantitative measurements derived from MPEG-1 recordings with the super-VHS (sVHS) videotape clinical standard. Six reviewers performed blinded measurements from still-frame images selected from 20 echocardiographic studies that were simultaneously acquired in sVHS and MPEG-1 formats. Measurements were obtainable in 1401 (95%) of 1486 MPEG-1 variables compared with 1356 (91%) of 1486 sVHS variables (P <.001). Excellent agreement existed between MPEG-1 and sVHS 2-dimensional linear measurements (r = 0.97; MPEG-1 = 0.95[sVHS] + 1.1 mm; P <.001; Delta = 9% +/- 10%), 2-dimensional area measurements (r = 0.89), color jet areas (r = 0.87, p <.001), and Doppler velocities (r = 0.92, p <.001). Interobserver variability was similar for both sVHS and MPEG-1 readings. Our results indicate that quantitative off-line measurements from MPEG-1 digitized echocardiographic studies are feasible and comparable to those obtained from sVHS.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

NASA NTRS2004

Lunar Simulants: JSC-1 is Gone; The Need for New Standardized Root Simulants

A workshop was held in 1991 to evaluate the status of simulated lunar regolith material and to make recommendations on future requirements and production of such material. As an outgrowth of that workshop, a group centered at Johnson Space Center (JSC) teamed with James Carter of the University of Texas at Dallas and Walter Boles of Texas A&M University to produce and distribute a new standardized lunar regolith simulant termed JSC-1. Carter supervised the field collection, shipping, processing, and initial packaging and transportation of JSC-1. Boles stored and distributed JSC-1. About 25 tons were created and distributed to the lunar science and engineer community; none is left for distribution. JSC-1 served an important role in concepts and designs for lunar base and lunar materials processing. Its chemical and physical properties were described by McKay et al., with its geotechnical properties described by Klosky et al.. While other lunar regolith simulants were produced before JSC-1, they were not standardized, and results from tests performed on them were not necessarily equivalent to test results performed on JSC-1. JSC-1 was designed to be chemically, mineralogically, and texturally similar to a mature lunar mare regolith (low titanium). The glass-rich character of JSC-1 (approx. 50%) produced quite different properties compared to other simulants that were made entirely of comminuted crystalline rock, but properties similar to lunar mare near surface regolith.

Carter, James L.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Titan's Far-Infrared 220 cm(exp -1) Cloud Seen for the First Time in the South

In 2012 an emission feature at 220 cm(exp -1) in Titan's far-infrared spectrum was seen for the first time in the south. Attributed to a stratosphere ice cloud formed at the winter pole, the 220 (exp -1) emission had previously been seen only at high northern latitudes where it bad been decreasing since the arrival of Cassini in 2004. Our far-infrared observations were performed With the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) on Caasini. Although it bad been expected that the 220 cm(exp -1) emission would eventnal1y appear in the south, the emission appeared rather suddenly, increasing by a factor of at least four between February (when it was not detected) and July 2012. At the time of our observations, one Titan month after equinox, the 220 cm(exp -1) feature was present in both the north and south and showed a trend of continued slow decrease in the north and steep increase in the south. As has been the case in the north, the emission in the south was confined to high latitudes associated with winter polar shadowing. Our spectroscopic detection of the southern 220 cm(exp -1) ice cloud coincided with the rapid formation in 2012 of a haze hood and vortex at the south pole as seen in Cassini image. The 220 cm(exp -1) feature was first observed by the Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) on Voyager I and has been extensively studied in the north by CIRS. Until now the 220 cm(exp -1) emission, like the polar hood, has been associated solely with the north, owing to the fact that Voyager and Cassini have viewed Titan only during winter-spring. In 2012 we witnessed the start of a seasonal shift of this pattern to the south. The 220 cm(exp -1) emission arises from altitudes of 80-150 km and peaks sharply near 140 km. The material responsible for the spectral feature is not known, but indirect evidence hints at a condensate arising from complex nitriles, which also tend to be present only at high winter latitudes.

Jennings, Donald↗

DOE OSTI2025

Creation of Self-Semi-Interpenetrating Network Structures in PIM-1 Membranes for Enhanced Physical Aging Resistance

A series of self-semi-interpenetrating network (ssIPN) thin films based on PIM-1 structure were developed by end-cross-linking telechelic PIM-1 oligomers end-capped with curable carboxylic acid groups to form model networks, which are penetrated by linear high-molecular-weight PIM-1 chains. ssIPN films with systematically varied network content ranging from 10 to 30 wt % were comprehensively examined on their microstructure and gas permeation properties. Fresh PIM-1 ssIPN films exhibited gas separation performances close to those of as-cast linear PIM-1, where the films closely followed the upper bound trade-off line, gaining as much selectivity as they lose gas permeability as the network content increases. This indicates that gas permeability is largely preserved despite cross-linking. Wide-angle X-ray scattering supported this observation, with peaks shifting toward lower d-spacing as oligomer content increased, suggesting tighter chain packing with higher cross-linkable oligomer loading. In physical aging studies over two months, all ssIPN films outperform linear PIM-1 for H 2 /CH 4 and O 2 /N 2 separations. Notably, the PIM-1 ssIPN with 10 wt % network content showed the best physical aging resistance, with negligible permeability loss even after one month. Finally, these findings highlight a promising macromolecular strategy for enhancing the physical aging resistance of microporous polymer membranes for gas separation.

PIM-1↗

DOE OSTI2024

ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) Merged Value-Added Product Report for Historical G-1 Field Campaigns

For 30 years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science supported an instrumented Grumman Gulfstream-1 (G-1) aircraft for atmospheric field campaigns. Data from the final decade of G-1 operations were archived by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility Data Center (ADC) and made publicly available at no cost to all registered users. To ensure a consistent data format and to improve the accessibility of the ARM airborne data, an integrated data set was recently developed covering the final six years of G-1 operations (2013 to 2018). The integrated data set includes data collected from 236 flights (766.4 hours). Four of the seven field campaigns were based in the U.S. One campaign collected data from the wildfires in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and agricultural burns in the lower Mississippi River valley as part of the Biomass Burning Observation Project (BBOP) in 2013. In 2015, the ARM Cloud Aerosol Precipitation Experiment provided data on atmospheric rivers and associated aerosol-cloud interactions that produce heavy precipitation on the U.S. west coast during the early spring. Research data from Airborne Carbon Measurements-V (ACME-V), collected during the summer of 2015, gave scientists insight into trends and variability of trace gases in the atmosphere over the North Slope of Alaska to improve arctic climate models. In the early summer and autumn of 2016, the Holistic Interactions of Shallow Clouds, Aerosols, and Land-Ecosystems (HI-SCALE) campaign provided an extensive data set geared toward coupled processes that affect the life cycle of shallow clouds through the interaction among aerosol, cloud, land surface, and ecosystems. In 2014 (March and October), the airborne sampling moved outside of the U.S. to the city of Manaus in central Amazonia, Brazil, where residential and industrial emissions were extensively characterized by flights of the G-1. The GoAmazon2014/15 aircraft campaign data are being integrated with aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem measurements to quantify anthropogenic perturbations to a usually pristine tropical environment. Another international airborne mission was carried out in the Eastern North Atlantic region. The Aerosol and Cloud Experiments in the Eastern North Atlantic (ACE-ENA) campaign saw the G-1 aircraft fly from Terceira Island in the Azores during the summer of 2017 and the winter of 2018. The campaign studied both seasons to measure key aerosol and cloud processes under various meteorological and cloud conditions with different aerosol sources. Then the G-1 deployed to the Sierras de Córdoba range in central Argentina from October to November 2018 for the Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) campaign to study orographic convective cloud interactions with their surrounding environment. These comprehensive datastreams provide much-needed insight into spatiotemporal variability of thermodynamic quantities, aerosol and cloud states, and properties for addressing essential science questions in Earth system process studies.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS2002

Physical interaction of the activator protein-1 factors c-Fos and c-Jun with Cbfa1 for collagenase-3 promoter activation

Previously, we determined that the activator protein-1 (AP-1)-binding site and the runt domain (RD)-binding site and their binding proteins, c-Fos.c-Jun and Cbfa, regulate the collagenase-3 promoter in parathyroid hormone-treated and differentiating osteoblasts. Here we show that Cbfa1 and c-Fos.c-Jun appear to cooperatively bind the RD- and AP-1-binding sites and form ternary structures in vitro. Both in vitro and in vivo co-immunoprecipitation and yeast two-hybrid studies further demonstrate interaction between Cbfa1 with c-Fos and c-Jun in the absence of phosphorylation and without binding to DNA. Additionally, only the runt domain of Cbfa1 was required for interaction with c-Jun and c-Fos. In mammalian cells, overexpression of Cbfa1 enhanced c-Jun activation of AP-1-binding site promoter activity, demonstrating functional interaction. Finally, insertion of base pairs that disrupted the helical phasing between the AP-1- and RD-binding sites also inhibited collagenase-3 promoter activation. Thus, we provide direct evidence that Cbfa1 and c-Fos.c-Jun physically interact and cooperatively bind the AP-1- and RD-binding sites in the collagenase-3 promoter. Moreover, the AP-1- and RD-binding sites appear to be organized in a specific required helical arrangement that facilitates transcription factor interaction and enables promoter activation.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS2001

Twisting integrin receptors increases endothelin-1 gene expression in endothelial cells

A magnetic twisting stimulator was developed based on the previously published technique of magnetic twisting cytometry. Using ligand-coated ferromagnetic microbeads, this device can apply mechanical stresses with varying amplitudes, duration, frequencies, and waveforms to specific cell surface receptors. Biochemical and biological responses of the cells to the mechanical stimulation can be assayed. Twisting integrin receptors with RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp)-containing peptide-coated beads increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) gene expression by >100%. In contrast, twisting scavenger receptors with acetylated low-density lipoprotein-coated beads or twisting HLA antigen with anti-HLA antibody-coated beads did not lead to alterations in ET-1 gene expression. In situ hybridization showed that the increase in ET-1 mRNA was localized in the cells that were stressed with the RGD-coated beads. Blocking stretch-activated ion channels with gadolinium, chelating Ca2+ with EGTA, or inhibiting tyrosine phosphorylation with genistein abolished twist-induced ET-1 mRNA elevation. Abolishing cytoskeletal tension with an inhibitor of the myosin ATPase, with an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, or with an actin microfilament disrupter blocked twisted-induced increases in ET-1 expression. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the molecular structural linkage of integrin-cytoskeleton is an important pathway for stress-induced ET-1 gene expression.

Non-NASA Center↗

NASA NTRS2000

Developmental regulation of collagenase-3 mRNA in normal, differentiating osteoblasts through the activator protein-1 and the runt domain binding sites

Collagenase-3 mRNA is initially detectable when osteoblasts cease proliferation, increasing during differentiation and mineralization. We showed that this developmental expression is due to an increase in collagenase-3 gene transcription. Mutation of either the activator protein-1 or the runt domain binding site decreased collagenase-3 promoter activity, demonstrating that these sites are responsible for collagenase-3 gene transcription. The activator protein-1 and runt domain binding sites bind members of the activator protein-1 and core-binding factor family of transcription factors, respectively. We identified core-binding factor a1 binding to the runt domain binding site and JunD in addition to a Fos-related antigen binding to the activator protein-1 site. Overexpression of both c-Fos and c-Jun in osteoblasts or core-binding factor a1 increased collagenase-3 promoter activity. Furthermore, overexpression of c-Fos, c-Jun, and core-binding factor a1 synergistically increased collagenase-3 promoter activity. Mutation of either the activator protein-1 or the runt domain binding site resulted in the inability of c-Fos and c-Jun or core-binding factor a1 to increase collagenase-3 promoter activity, suggesting that there is cooperative interaction between the sites and the proteins. Overexpression of Fra-2 and JunD repressed core-binding factor a1-induced collagenase-3 promoter activity. Our results suggest that members of the activator protein-1 and core-binding factor families, binding to the activator protein-1 and runt domain binding sites are responsible for the developmental regulation of collagenase-3 gene expression in osteoblasts.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗

NASA NTRS2015

The Orion Pad Abort 1 (PA-1) Flight Test: A Propulsion Success

This poster provides a concise overview of the highly successful Orion Pad Abort 1 (PA-1) flight test, and the three rocket motors that contributed to this success. The primary purpose of the Orion PA-1 flight was to help certify the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS), which can be utilized in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launchpad or during mission vehicle ascent. The PA-1 test was the first fully integrated flight test of the Orion LAS, one of the primary systems within the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The Orion MPCV is part of the architecture within the Space Launch System (SLS), which is being designed to transport astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit for future exploration missions. Had the Orion PA-1 flight abort occurred during launch preparations for a real human spaceflight mission, the PA-1 LAS would have saved the lives of the crew. The PA-1 flight test was largely successful due to the three solid rocket motors of the LAS: the Attitude Control Motor (ACM); the Jettison Motor (JM); and the Abort Motor (AM). All three rocket motors successfully performed their required functions during the Orion PA-1 flight test, flown on May 6, 2010 at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, culminating in a successful demonstration of an abort capability from the launchpad.

JM↗

NASA NTRS2015

Orion Launch Abort System (LAS) Propulsion on Pad Abort 1 (PA-1)

This presentation provides a concise overview of the highly successful Orion Pad Abort 1 (PA-1) flight test, and the three rocket motors that contributed to this success. The primary purpose of the Orion PA-1 flight was to help certify the Orion Launch Abort System (LAS), which can be utilized in the unlikely event of an emergency on the launchpad or during mission vehicle ascent. The PA-1 test was the first fully integrated flight test of the Orion LAS, one of the primary systems within the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). The Orion MPCV is part of the architecture within the Space Launch System (SLS), which is being designed to transport astronauts beyond low-Earth orbit for future exploration missions. Had the Orion PA-1 flight abort occurred during launch preparations for a real human spaceflight mission, the PA-1 LAS would have saved the lives of the crew. The PA-1 flight test was largely successful due to the three solid rocket motors of the LAS: the Attitude Control Motor (ACM); the Jettison Motor (JM); and the Abort Motor (AM). All three rocket motors successfully performed their required functions during the Orion PA-1 flight test, flown on May 6, 2010 at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, culminating in a successful demonstration of an abort capability from the launchpad.

SLS↗

DOE OSTI2024

Restricted Rotational Flexibility of the C5α-Methyl-Substituted Carbapenem NA-1-157 Leads to Potent Inhibition of the GES-5 Carbapenemase

Carbapenem antibiotics are used as a last-resort treatment for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. The wide spread of carbapenemases in Gram-negative bacteria has severely compromised the utility of these drugs and represents a serious public health threat. To combat carbapenemase-mediated resistance, new antimicrobials and inhibitors of these enzymes are urgently needed. Here, we describe the interaction of the atypically C5α-methyl-substituted carbapenem, NA-1-157, with the GES-5 carbapenemase. MICs of this compound against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter baumannii producing the enzyme were reduced 4–16-fold when compared to MICs of the commercial carbapenems, reaching clinically sensitive breakpoints. When NA-1-157 was combined with meropenem, a strong synergistic effect was observed. Kinetic and ESI-LC/MS studies demonstrated that NA-1-157 is a potent inhibitor of GES-5, with a high inactivation efficiency of (2.9 ± 0.9) × 105 M –1 s –1 . Acylation of GES-5 by NA-1-157 was biphasic, with the fast phase completing within seconds, and the slow phase taking several hours and likely proceeding through a reversible tetrahedral intermediate. Deacylation was extremely slow (k 3 = (2.4 ± 0.3) × 10 –7 s –1 ), resulting in a residence time of 48 ± 6 days. MD simulation of the GES-5-meropenem and GES-5-NA-1-157 acyl-enzyme complexes revealed that the C5α-methyl group in NA-1- 157 sterically restricts rotation of the 6α-hydroxyethyl group preventing ingress of the deacylating water into the vicinity of the scissile bond of the acyl-enzyme intermediate. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that NA-1-157 is a potent irreversible inhibitor of the GES-5 carbapenemase.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2024

Crystal structure of N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged Onchocerca volvulus macrophage migration inhibitory factor-1

Onchocerca volvulus causes blindness, onchocerciasis, skin infections and devastating neurological diseases such as nodding syndrome. New treatments are needed because the currently used drug, ivermectin, is contraindicated in pregnant women and those co-infected with Loa loa . The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID) produced, crystallized and determined the apo structure of N-terminally hexahistidine-tagged O. volvulus macrophage migration inhibitory factor-1 (His- Ov MIF-1). Ov MIF-1 is a possible drug target. His- Ov MIF-1 has a unique jellyfish-like structure with a prototypical macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) trimer as the `head' and a unique C-terminal `tail'. Deleting the N-terminal tag reveals an Ov MIF-1 structure with a larger cavity than that observed in human MIF that can be targeted for drug repurposing and discovery. Removal of the tag will be necessary to determine the actual biological oligomer of Ov MIF-1 because size-exclusion chomatographic analysis of His- Ov MIF-1 suggests a monomer, while PISA analysis suggests a hexamer stabilized by the unique C-terminal tails.

Kimble, Amber D. (ORCID:0000000167851596)↗

DOE OSTI2024

ARM Aerial Facility (AAF) Merged Value-Added Product Report for Historical G-1 Field Campaigns

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

DOE OSTI2025

A Pentavalent HIV-1 Subtype C Vaccine Containing Computationally Selected gp120 Strains Improves the Breadth of V1V2 Region Responses

Background: HIV-1 envelope (Env) variable loops 1 and 2 (V1V2) directed non-neutralizing antibodies were a correlate of decreased transmission risk in the RV144 vaccine trial. Thus, the elicitation and breadth of antibody responses against the V1V2 of HIV-1 Env are important considerations for HIV-1 vaccine candidates. The V1V2 region’s highly variable nature and the extensive diversity of subtype C HIV-1 Envelopes (Envs) make the V1V2 response breadth a high priority for HIV-1 vaccine regimens aiming for V1V2-mediated protection in Southern Africa. Here, we determined whether the breadth of the anti-V1V2 vaccine response can be broadened by including HIV-1 Env strains computationally designed to enhance the coverage of subtype C V1V2 sequence diversity. Methods: Three subtype C Env strains were selected to maximize antibody binding coverage while complementing subtype C vaccine gp120s that were given in human clinical trials in South Africa, as well as to improve epitope accessibility. Humoral immunogenicity of a novel trivalent gp120 vaccine immunogen, a bivalent gp120 boost already in clinical trials (1086C and TV1), and a pentavalent (all five gp120s combined) were evaluated in a preclinical immunization study in guinea pigs. The pentavalent combination was further evaluated with alum versus glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvants formulated in squalene-in-water emulsion (GLA-SE) adjuvants in non-human primates. The breadth of the anti-V1V2 response was assessed using an array of cross-subtype variable loops 1&2 (V1V2) scaffold proteins and linear V2 peptides. Results: The breadth of the IgG response against V1V2 antigens of the trivalent and pentavalent groups was comparable, and both were greater than the breadth of the bivalent group. Linear epitope mapping showed that two linear epitopes in V2 were targeted by the vaccinated animals: the V2 hotspot focused at 169K that potentially correlated with decreased HIV-1 risk in RV144 and the V2.2 site (179LDV/I181) that is part of the integrin α4β7 binding site. The bivalent vaccine elicited a significantly higher magnitude of binding to the V2 hotspot compared to the trivalent vaccine whereas the trivalent vaccine elicited significantly higher binding to the V2.2 epitope compared to the bivalent vaccine, while the pentavalent recognized both regions. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the three new computationally selected subtype C Envs successfully complemented 1086C and TV1 for broader V1V2 antibody responses, and, in concert with adjuvants that stimulate V1V2 responses, can be considered as part of a rationale immunogen design to improve V1V2 IgG coverage in future vaccine trials in South Africa.

Immunology↗

NASA NTRS1977

Engineering analysis division internal note. OFT-1 margin assessment

The results are documented of an analysis conducted to determine space shuttle vehicle (SSV) subsystem margins for the reference flight profile for the first orbital flight test (OFT-1). In general, the results show increased margins for the OFT-1 indicators when compared to Mission 3A resutls. The inclusion of element and wing aerodynamic variations on OFT-1, in combination with winds and systems dispersions, resulted in the forward Z (FTO1) attach load indicator exceeding specified limits. The inboard and outboard elevon hinge moment margins (9 percent and 3 percent, respectively) on OFT-1 reflect values consistent with the load relief requirements dictated by elevon hinge moment variations. All other structural load indicators for OFT-1 had margins in excess of 10 percent. The SSV first stage stagnation heating indicators for OFT-1 were about 45 percent less than for Mission 3A. The hydraulic systems demands for both missions were essentially the same. The results also show OFT-1 performance requirements from the consideration of winds and dispersions to be approximately 3,300 lbs greater than Mission 3A.

Austin, L. D., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Far infrared maps of the ridge between OMC-1 and OMC-2

Dust continuum emission from a 6 ft x 20 ft region surrounding OMC-1 and OMC-2 were mapped at 55 and 125 microns with 4 ft resolution. The dominant features of the maps are a strong peak at OMC-1 and a ridge of lower surface brightness between OMC-1 and OMC-2. Along the ridge the infrared flux densities and the color temperature decreases smoothly from OMC-1 to OMC-2. OMC-1 is heated primarily by several optical and infrared stars situated within or just at the boundary of the cloud. At the region of minimum column density between OMC-1 and OMC-2 the nearby B0.5 V star NU Ori may contribute significantly to the dust heating. Near OMC-2 dust column densities are large enough so that, in addition to the OMC-2 infrared cluster, the nonlocal infrared sources associated with OMC-1 and NU Ori can contribute to the heating.

Keene, J.↗