Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Origins NASA”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10

GRO 95577 (CR1) as a mineralogical analogue for asteroid (101955) Bennu

Orbital spectra of asteroid (101955) Bennu collected by NASA's Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS–REx) spacecraft have identified ungrouped C, CI, and CM meteorites having petrologic types 1, 1/2, and 2 as the best mineralogical analogues to Bennu to date. Here we present spectral evidence that Grosvenor Mountains (GRO) 95577, a CR1, is a better analogue for Bennu's bulk surface mineralogy. CR-like parent bodies are targets of interest because they contain some of the most pristine materials from the solar nebula and can contain substantial amounts of H2O and OH− in addition to exotic organics. Unfortunately, terrestrial weathering makes constraining their indigenous mineralogy and organics challenging. Analysis of samples retrieved directly from an asteroid would help us disentangle the effects of terrestrial weathering and asteroidal aqueous alteration and hence whether some of the exotic organics and large populations of presolar grains were affected by terrestrial processes in meteorites. If Bennu is comprised of CR1(−like) material, in whole or in part, the OSIRIS–REx returned sample represents a tremendous opportunity to explore in depth what is currently a unique material among carbonaceous chondrites.

Asteroids↗

EVALUATION OF OSIRIS-REx CONTACT PAD SAMPLERS FOR BENNU SURFACE REGOLITH PARTICLES.

NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission returned material from asteroid Bennu to Earth in September 2023. In addition to the bulk sample (>70 g), OSIRIS-REx’s Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM) also collected material from Bennu using surface particle collectors or contact pads. The TAGSAM head has 24 of these circular contact pads evenly distributed around the perimeter, each ~1.75 cm in diameter and consisting of stainless-steel Velcro-like loops. From their positions on the bottom of the TAGSAM head, the contact pads were intended to collect regolith material from the very surface of Bennu by trapping fine particles (<5 mm) in the Velcro. The science team would then be able to examine individual particles for evidence of surface exposure, particularly the microstructural, chemical, and spectral characteristics of space weathering. Here we present an evaluation of the OSIRIS-REx contact pads and the material they returned from Bennu.

M. S. Thompson↗

Organic Matter and Nanoglobules in Bennu Samples Revealed By Coordinated UV Fluorescence, SEM-EDX, and Two-Step Laser Mass Spectrometry

Carbonaceous meteorites are derived from asteroids, although specific parent bodies are generally unknown. However, on September 24, 2023, NASA’s Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security–Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) mission delivered regolith from the carbonaceous B-type asteroid (101955) Bennu, enabling coordinated laboratory analysis of pristine samples, with a well characterized geological context, from an asteroid of known provenance. One of primary mission goals [1] was the identification and characterization of primordial organic matter present in the returned samples. We report results from the coordinated analyses of Bennu samples using UV fluorescence, two-step laser mass spectrometry (μ-L2MS) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX).

Asteroid Bennu↗

Facilitating Student Involvement in NASA Research: The NASA Space Grant Aeronautics Example

Many consider NASA programs to be exclusively space-oriented. However, NASA's roots originated in the aeronautical sciences. Recent developments within NASA elevated the declining role of aeronautics back to a position of priority. On a parallel pattern, aeronautics was a priority in the legislation which authorized the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program. This paper outlines the development of the aeronautics aspect of the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, and the resulting student opportunities in research. Results from two aeronautics surveys provide a baseline and direction for further development. A key result of this work is the increase in student research opportunities which now exist in more states and at the national level.

Bowen, Brent D.↗

Technology Readiness Assessment Best Practices Guide

This guide establishes standard definitions and best practices for conducting technology readiness assessments (TRAs) for in flight projects and NASA’s research and technology missions. These best practices originated from a NASA TRA Committee that met weekly in 2014. The team was co-led by the Headquarters (HQ) Office of the Chief Engineer (OCE) and the HQ Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT), and included one to two representatives from each Center.

Technology readiness level↗

NASA aviation safety reporting system

The origins and development of the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) are briefly reviewed. The results of the first quarter's activity are summarized and discussed. Examples are given of bulletins describing potential air safety hazards, and the disposition of these bulletins. During the first quarter of operation, the ASRS received 1464 reports; 1407 provided data relevant to air safety. All reports are being processed for entry into the ASRS data base. During the reporting period, 130 alert bulletins describing possible problems in the aviation system were generated and disseminated. Responses were received from FAA and others regarding 108 of the alert bulletins. Action was being taken with respect to 70 of the 108 responses received. Further studies are planned of a number of areas, including human factors problems related to automation of the ground and airborne portions of the national aviation system.

Billings, C. E.↗

A report of work activities on the NASA Spacelink public electronic library

NASA Spacelink is a comprehensive electronic data base of NASA and other source educational and informational materials. This service originates at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in Huntsville, Alabama. This is an education service of NASA Headquarters, through the MSFC Education Office, that first began in February of 1988. The new NASA Spacelink Public Electronic Library was the result of a study conducted to investigate an upgrade or redesign of the original NASA Spacelink. The UNIX Operating System was chosen to be the host operating system for the new NASA Spacelink Public Electronic Library. The UNIX system was selected for this project because of the strengths built into the embedded communication system and for its simple and direct file handling capabilities. The host hardware of the new system is a Sun Microsystems SPARCserver 1000 computer system. The configuration has four 50-MHz SuperSPARC processors with 128 megabytes of shared memory; three SB800 serial ports allowing 24 cable links for phone communications; 4.1 gigabytes of on-line disk storage; and ten (10) CD-ROM drives. Communications devices on the system are sufficient to support the expected number of users through the Internet, the local dial services, long distance dial services; the MSFC PABX, and the NPSS (NASA Packet Switching System) and 1-800 access service for the registered teachers.

Smith, Willard A.↗

NASA Patent Abstracts October 2006: A Continuing Bibliography

Several thousand inventions result each year from research supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA seeks patent protection on inventions to which it has title if the invention has important use in government programs or significant commercial potential. These inventions cover a broad range of technologies and include many that have useful and valuable commercial application. NASA inventions best serve the interests of the United States when their benefits are available to the public. In many instances, the granting of nonexclusive or exclusive licenses for the practice of these inventions may assist in the accomplishment of this objective. This bibliography is published as a service to companies, firms, and individuals seeking new, licensable products for the commercial market. The NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography is an annual NASA publication containing comprehensive abstracts of NASA-owned inventions covered by U.S. patents. The citations included were originally published in NASA s Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) and cover STAR announcements made since May 1969. The citations published in this issue cover the period July 2005 through September 2006. The range of subjects covered includes the NASA Scope and Subject Category Guide's 10 broad subject divisions separated further into 76 specific categories. However, not all categories contain citations during the dates covered for this issue; therefore, the Table of Contents does not include all divisions and categories. This scheme was devised in 1975 and last revised in 2005 in lieu of the 34 category divisions which were utilized in supplements (01) through (06) covering STAR abstracts from May 1969 through January 1974. Each entry consists of a citation accompanied by an abstract and, when appropriate, a key illustration taken from the patent or application for patent. Entries are arranged by subject category in ascending order. When available, citations contain a link to the full-text document online. Two indexes, Subject Term and Personal Author, are available within the publication.

Source record↗

An Object-oriented Computer Code for Aircraft Engine Weight Estimation

Reliable engine-weight estimation at the conceptual design stage is critical to the development of new aircraft engines. It helps to identify the best engine concept amongst several candidates. At NASA Glenn (GRC), the Weight Analysis of Turbine Engines (WATE) computer code, originally developed by Boeing Aircraft, has been used to estimate the engine weight of various conceptual engine designs. The code, written in FORTRAN, was originally developed for NASA in 1979. Since then, substantial improvements have been made to the code to improve the weight calculations for most of the engine components. Most recently, to improve the maintainability and extensibility of WATE, the FORTRAN code has been converted into an object-oriented version. The conversion was done within the NASA s NPSS (Numerical Propulsion System Simulation) framework. This enables WATE to interact seamlessly with the thermodynamic cycle model which provides component flow data such as airflows, temperatures, and pressures, etc. that are required for sizing the components and weight calculations. The tighter integration between the NPSS and WATE would greatly enhance system-level analysis and optimization capabilities. It also would facilitate the enhancement of the WATE code for next-generation aircraft and space propulsion systems. In this paper, the architecture of the object-oriented WATE code (or WATE++) is described. Both the FORTRAN and object-oriented versions of the code are employed to compute the dimensions and weight of a 300- passenger aircraft engine (GE90 class). Both versions of the code produce essentially identical results as should be the case. Keywords: NASA, aircraft engine, weight, object-oriented

Tong, Michael T.↗

An Object-Oriented Computer Code for Aircraft Engine Weight Estimation

Reliable engine-weight estimation at the conceptual design stage is critical to the development of new aircraft engines. It helps to identify the best engine concept amongst several candidates. At NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC), the Weight Analysis of Turbine Engines (WATE) computer code, originally developed by Boeing Aircraft, has been used to estimate the engine weight of various conceptual engine designs. The code, written in FORTRAN, was originally developed for NASA in 1979. Since then, substantial improvements have been made to the code to improve the weight calculations for most of the engine components. Most recently, to improve the maintainability and extensibility of WATE, the FORTRAN code has been converted into an object-oriented version. The conversion was done within the NASA's NPSS (Numerical Propulsion System Simulation) framework. This enables WATE to interact seamlessly with the thermodynamic cycle model which provides component flow data such as airflows, temperatures, and pressures, etc., that are required for sizing the components and weight calculations. The tighter integration between the NPSS and WATE would greatly enhance system-level analysis and optimization capabilities. It also would facilitate the enhancement of the WATE code for next-generation aircraft and space propulsion systems. In this paper, the architecture of the object-oriented WATE code (or WATE++) is described. Both the FORTRAN and object-oriented versions of the code are employed to compute the dimensions and weight of a 300-passenger aircraft engine (GE90 class). Both versions of the code produce essentially identical results as should be the case.

Tong, Michael T.↗

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM) - Revolutionary astronomy, breakthrough technology

The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM), with a target launch date of 2009, will be one of the premiere missions in the Astronomical Search for Origins (ASO) Program, the bold NASA endeavor to understand the origins of galaxies, of planetary systems around distant stars, and perhaps the origins of life itself. This adventure of discovery will be enabled by an explosive growth of innovative technology, as exciting in its own right as the underlying scientific quest.

ASO↗

NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography: A Continuing Bibliography

This report lists reports, articles and other documents recently announced in the NASA STI Database. Several thousand inventions result each year from the aeronautical and space research supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The inventions having important use in government programs or significant commercial potential are usually patented by NASA. These inventions cover practically all fields of technology and include many that have useful and valuable commercial application. NASA inventions best serve the interests of the United States when their benefits are available to the public. In many instances, the granting of nonexclusive or exclusive licenses for the practice of these inventions may assist in the accomplishment of this objective. This bibliography is published as a service to companies, firms, and individuals seeking new, licensable products for the commercial market. The NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography is a semiannual NASA publication containing comprehensive abstracts of NASA owned inventions covered by U.S. patents. The citations included in the bibliography arrangement of citations were originally published in NASA's Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) and cover STAR announcements made since May 1969. The citations published in this issue cover the period July 2000 through December 2000. This issue includes 10 major subject divisions separated into 76 specific categories and one general category/division. This scheme was devised in 1975 and revised in 1987 in lieu of the 34 category divisions which were utilized in supplements (01) through (06) covering STAR abstracts from May 1969 through January 1974. Each entry consists of a STAR citation accompanied by an abstract and, when appropriate, a key illustration taken from the patent or application for patent. Entries are arranged by subject category in ascending order. A typical citation and abstract presents the various data elements included in most records cited. This appears after the table of contents.

Source record↗

NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography: A Continuing Bibliography

Several thousand inventions result each year from the aeronautical and space research supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The inventions having important use in government programs or significant commercial potential are usually patented by NASA. These inventions cover practically all fields of technology and include many that have useful and valuable commercial application. NASA inventions best serve the interests of the United States when their benefits are available to the public. In many instances, the granting of nonexclusive or exclusive licenses for the practice of these inventions may assist in the accomplishment of this objective. This bibliography is published as a service to companies, firms, and individuals seeking new, licensable products for the commercial market. The NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography is a semiannual NASA publication containing comprehensive abstracts of NASA owned inventions covered by U.S. patents. The citations included in the bibliography arrangement of citations were originally published in NASA's Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) and cover STAR announcements made since May 1969. The citations published in this issue cover the period July 2001 through December 2001. This issue includes 10 major subject divisions separated into 76 specific categories and one general category/division. (See Table of Contents for the scope note of each category, under which are grouped appropriate NASA inventions.) This scheme was devised in 1975 and revised in 1987 in lieu of the 34 category divisions which were utilized in supplements (01) through (06) covering STAR abstracts from May 1969 through January 1974. Each entry consists of a STAR citation accompanied by an abstract and, when appropriate, a key illustration taken from the patent or application for patent. Entries are arranged by subject category in ascending order. A typical citation and abstract presents the various data elements included in most records cited. This appears after the table of contents.

Source record↗

NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography: A Continuing Bibliography

Several thousand inventions result each year from research supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA seeks patent protection on inventions to which it has title if the invention has important use in government programs or significant commercial potential. These inventions cover a broad range of technologies and include many that have useful and valuable commercial application. NASA inventions best serve the interests of the United States when their benefits are available to the public. In many instances, the granting of nonexclusive or exclusive licenses for the practice of these inventions may assist in the accomplishment of this objective. This bibliography is published as a service to companies, firms, and individuals seeking new, licensable products for the commercial market. The NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography is a semiannual NASA publication containing comprehensive abstracts of NASA owned inventions covered by U.S. patents. The citations included in the bibliography arrangement of citations were originally published in NASA's Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) and cover STAR announcements made since May 1969. The citations published in this issue cover the period July 2002 through. December 2002. This issue includes 10 major subject divisions separated into 76 specific categories and one general category/division. (See Table of Contents for the scope note of each category, under which are grouped appropriate NASA inventions.) This scheme was devised in 1975 and revised in 1987 in lieu of the 34 category divisions which were utilized in supplements (01) through (06) covering STAR abstracts from May 1969 through January 1974. Each entry consists of a STAR citation accompanied by an abstract and, when appropriate, a key illustration taken from the patent or application for patent. Entries are arranged by subject category in ascending order. A typical citation and abstract presents the various data elements included in most records cited. This appears after the table of contents.

Source record↗

Restoration of NASA's Mobile Analytical Lunar Platform (MALP) as a Prototype Science Exploration Device using a Public, Private, Academic (PPA) Model

A prototype 6-wheeled rover originally developed by NASA JSC for astronaut transport has been modernized and augmented to support concepts for telerobotic exploration of the lunar surface. The ongoing project has employed teams of undergraduate senior engineering students at Texas A&M University (TAMU) to retrofit the Mobile Analytical Lunar Platform (MALP) with wireless technology for telerobotic operations, and to add a robotic arm for regolith sample collection, sieving, storage and transportation.

Telerobotic Rover↗

Cooling the Origins Space Telescope

The NASA Astrophysics Division has commissioned 4 studies for consideration by the 2020 Decadal Survey to be the next flagship mission following WFIRST (Wide Field Infrared Survey Telescope). One of the four studies is the Origins Space Telescope (OST), which will cover wavelengths from 6 microns to 600 microns. To perform at the level of the zodiacal, galactic, and cosmic background, the telescope must be cooled to 4 degrees Kelvin. 4 degrees Kelvin multi-stage mechanical cryocoolers will be employed along with a multilayer sunshield/thermal shield to achieve this temperature with a manageable parasitic heat load. Current state-of-the-art cryocoolers can achieve close to 4 degrees Kelvin, providing about 50 megawatts of cooling at 4 degrees Kelvin with an input power of 500 watts. Multiple coolers at this power level will be used in parallel. These coolers also provide extra cooling power at intermediate temperature stages of 15-20 degrees Kelvin and 50-70 degrees Kelvin . This upper stage cooling will be used to limit the heat conducted to 4 degrees Kelvin . The multi-layer sunshield will limit the radiated thermal energy to the 4 degrees Kelvin volume. This paper will describe the architecture of the cryogenic system for OST along with preliminary thermal models.

cryogenics↗

NASA Patent Abstracts: A Continuing Bibliography

The NASA Patent Abstracts Bibliography is a semiannual NASA publication containing comprehensive abstracts of NASA owned inventions covered by U.S. patents and applications for patent. The citations included in the bibliography arrangement of citations were originally published in NASA's Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports (STAR) and cover STAR announcements made since May 1969. The citations published in this issue cover the period June 1998 through December 1998. This issue includes 10 major subject divisions separated into 76 specific categories and one general category/division. Each entry consists of a STAR citation accompanied by an abstract and, when appropriate, a key illustration taken from the patent or application for patent. Entries are arranged by subject category in ascending order.

Source record↗

Extrasolar Planet Inferometric Survey (EPIcS)

The discovery of the nature of the solar system was a crowning achievement of Renaissance science. The quest to evaluate the properties of extrasolar planetary systems is central to both the intellectual understanding of our origins and the cultural understanding of humanity's place in the Universe; thus it is appropriate that the goals and objectives of NASA's breakthrough Origins program emphasize the study of planetary systems, with a focus on the search for habitable planets. We propose an ambitious research program that will use SIM - the first major mission of the Origins program - to explore planetary systems in our Galactic neighborhood. Our program is a novel two-tiered SIM survey of nearby stars that exploits the capabilities of SIM to achieve two scientific objectives: (i) to identify Earth-like planets in habitable regions around nearby Sunlike stars: and (ii) to explore the nature and evolution of planetary systems in their full variety. The first of these objectives was recently recommended by the Astronomy and Astrophysics Survey Committee (the McKee-Taylor Committee) as a prerequisite for the development of the Terrestrial Planet Finder mission later in the decade. Our program combines this two-part survey with preparatory and contemporaneous research designed to maximize the scientific return from the limited and thus precious observing resources of SIM.

Shao, Michael↗