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At least 199 records · Page 11

Integrated Initiative for Plutonium and Actinide Missions

Recognizing the dynamic environment and challenges facing the plutonium and actinide missions at Los Alamos National Laboratory over the next decade, Laboratory leadership established Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Laboratory Agenda Item 2.6. This agenda item calls for the development and implementation of an integrated initiative for plutonium and actinide missions at Los Alamos. Over the next decade, Los Alamos has been asked to significantly ramp up pit production to help address nuclear stockpile and nuclear deterrence needs, heat source production to support expansion in space exploration, evaluation of stockpile returns, processing operations in support of nonproliferation, and the actinide science to support all of these efforts. All of this must be accomplished while significantly increasing the size of our plutonium and actinide missions workforce and modernizing and updating critical infrastructure. Only through enhanced integration of science, technology, and engineering (ST&E), manufacturing, and mission operations will we enable achievement of these critical missions. An overall summary of the plutonium and actinide missions is included in Figure 1 on Page 3 and Figure 2 on Page 4 summarizes our goals, objectives, FY 2021 recommended actions and internal strategic priorities that are key elements of our integrated initiative.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Bringing Planetary Science Mission Outreach to the Deaf and Blind Communities

Introduction: Technology for enhancing outreach, like 3D printing, and science communication products, such as videos and podcasts, can be utilized within the planetary science community, especially for the engagement and excitement of current or upcoming planetary exploration missions. However, these communication products can also be further enhanced for the benefit of the blind and deaf communities. While such products may already be readily available, such projects are not easily accessible to blind and/or deaf certified educators, which often rely on making their own resources or do not have the funds to provide such resources (e.g., cost of 3D printers or cost of braille books). The planetary science community can have better practices to reach these broader audiences. Best practices can include transcripts from podcasts, transcripts in videos, and large-font captions. Images on websites and social media accounts should also include alt-text descriptive captions. 3D printing can also enhance planetary science for the blind community, through tactile posters, maps, and pamphlets. Planetary data can also be augmented by providing different tactile geological maps (e.g., topography or various datasets), and audio-visual videos freely available for educators. Visual Engagement: Visual engagement consists of several avenues to consider, the three main themes includes: 1) swag; 2) videos; 3) interactive exploration. Swag can include the fun visual take-home materials, such as stickers, posters, bookmarks, etc. Videos can include educational-specific videos (available freely via YouTube or by other educational-specific streaming avenues, such as Nebula or Curiosity Stream), provided they have Closed Captioning (CC). The use of QR codes to such videos or websites can also benefit to being added on swag. Interactive exploration can also be sub-divided by different types of engagement. A popular and still fairly new technology for public engagement is the use of virtual reality (VR). While this has been mainly for martian and lunar surface exploration [1], the deaf communities can benefit from VR through a more extensive look at our solar system and beyond (for example, a VR experience of the flight path, or visual map of the heliosphere/dynamics of our Sun). Audio Engagement: Audio tools can also be a useful avenue of communication, especially for the blind communities. Audio archiving can certainly be transcripts from the video engagements, but also the use of podcasts can also be a benefit. Podcasting can take on two forms: 1) interview engagement; and 2) update engagement. For interviews, scientists can communicate with STEM-specific podcast platforms to make other listener-bases aware of what is going on with a specific mission. For update-type communication, missions may opt to have an archived podcast of news, updates, and the teams involved. The most important aspect of such podcasts would be for the need of complimentary transcripts (including descriptive transcripts if sounds are included), and the limited use of jargon. Research Engagement: There have been several examples of involving the blind and low-vision communities in citizen science, such as through the NASA Heliophysics division. Examples include the NASA PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission led by the Southwest Research Institute [2], which include blind and visually-impaired citizens to assist in the Sun’s coronal rhythms.” Another example is the Eclipse Soundscapes: Citizen Science Project (ES:CSP), which documents observations of acoustical changes of nature and ecosystems during solar eclipse events [3]. Inclusivity: A major theme that is necessary for public engagement is inclusivity and the awareness of reaching broader audiences. Outreach to include hearing/seeing impaired communities are still lacking in the sciences. There are several opportunities that the planetary sciences could take. Other projects that have emerged from the space sciences include adding transcripts to visual engagement [4], and the use of 3D printing for the visually-impaired [5]. References: [1] Olgin, J. (2020) 51st LPSC, Abstract 2137. [2] https://scitechdaily.com/outreach-for-nasa-punch-mission-embraces-ancient-and-modern-sun-watching-theme/ [3] https://science.nasa.gov/science-activation-team/eclipse-soundscapes [4] NASA International Observe the Moon Night (Blind and Deaf Accessible), Youtube Video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neHCfg0S3-Q) [5] Richardson, J., et al. (2018) AGU Fall Meeting, Abstract ED23F-0963.

C J Ahrens↗

Earth Science Data Analytics: Preparing for Extracting Knowledge from Information

Data analytics is the process of examining large amounts of data of a variety of types to uncover hidden patterns, unknown correlations and other useful information. Data analytics is a broad term that includes data analysis, as well as an understanding of the cognitive processes an analyst uses to understand problems and explore data in meaningful ways. Analytics also include data extraction, transformation, and reduction, utilizing specific tools, techniques, and methods. Turning to data science, definitions of data science sound very similar to those of data analytics (which leads to a lot of the confusion between the two). But the skills needed for both, co-analyzing large amounts of heterogeneous data, understanding and utilizing relevant tools and techniques, and subject matter expertise, although similar, serve different purposes. Data Analytics takes on a practitioners approach to applying expertise and skills to solve issues and gain subject knowledge. Data Science, is more theoretical (research in itself) in nature, providing strategic actionable insights and new innovative methodologies. Earth Science Data Analytics (ESDA) is the process of examining, preparing, reducing, and analyzing large amounts of spatial (multi-dimensional), temporal, or spectral data using a variety of data types to uncover patterns, correlations and other information, to better understand our Earth. The large variety of datasets (temporal spatial differences, data types, formats, etc.) invite the need for data analytics skills that understand the science domain, and data preparation, reduction, and analysis techniques, from a practitioners point of view. The application of these skills to ESDA is the focus of this presentation. The Earth Science Information Partners (ESIP) Federation Earth Science Data Analytics (ESDA) Cluster was created in recognition of the practical need to facilitate the co-analysis of large amounts of data and information for Earth science. Thus, from a to advance science point of view: On the continuum of ever evolving data management systems, we need to understand and develop ways that allow for the variety of data relationships to be examined, and information to be manipulated, such that knowledge can be enhanced, to facilitate science. Recognizing the importance and potential impacts of the unlimited ways to co-analyze heterogeneous datasets, now and especially in the future, one of the objectives of the ESDA cluster is to facilitate the preparation of individuals to understand and apply needed skills to Earth science data analytics. Pinpointing and communicating the needed skills and expertise is new, and not easy. Information technology is just beginning to provide the tools for advancing the analysis of heterogeneous datasets in a big way, thus, providing opportunity to discover unobvious scientific relationships, previously invisible to the science eye. And it is not easy It takes individuals, or teams of individuals, with just the right combination of skills to understand the data and develop the methods to glean knowledge out of data and information. In addition, whereas definitions of data science and big data are (more or less) available (summarized in Reference 5), Earth science data analytics is virtually ignored in the literature, (barring a few excellent sources).

data analytics↗

Space Science for the 21st Century: The Space Science Enterprise Strategic Plan

Throughout its history, the U.S. Space Science technologies program has been enormously productive. Its accomplishments have rewritten the textbooks. But now, the economic environment has changed dramatically. The Nation's scientific and technological goals are being reexamined and redefined.And the social contract between the scientific community and the Federal Government is being rewritten. There is an expectation that the American public should receive more direct benefits from its investment in science and technology. This Strategic Plan reflects this new paradigm. It presents a carefully selected set of new scientific initiatives that build on past accomplishments to continue NASA's excellence in Space Science. At the same time, it responds to fiscal constraints by defining a new approach to planning, developing, and operating Space Science missions. In particular, investments in new technologies will permit major scientific advances to be made with smaller, more focused, and less costly missions. With the introduction of advanced technologies, smaller does not have to mean less capable. The focus on new technologies also provides and opportunity for the Space Science program to enhance its direct contribution to the country's economic base. At the same time, the program can build on public interest to strengthen its contributions to education and scientific literacy. With this plan we are taking the first steps toward shaping the Space Science program of the 21st century. In doing so, we face major challenges. It will be a very different program than might have been envisioned even a few years ago. But it will be a program that remains at the forefront of science, technology, and education. We intend to continue rewriting the textbooks.

Source record↗

Synergy Between Entry Probes and Orbiters

We identify two catagories of probe-orbiter interactions which benefit the science return from a particular mission. The first category is termed "Mission Design Aspects". This category is meant to describe those aspects of the mission design involving the orbiter that affect the science return from the probe(s). The second category of probe-orbiter interaction is termed "Orbiter-Probe Science Interactions", and is meant to include interactions between oribter and probe(s) that directly involve science measurements made from each platform. Two mission related aspects of probe-orbiter interactions are delivery of a probe(s) to the entry site(s) by an orbiter, and communication between each probe and the orbiter. We consider four general probe-orbiter science interactions that greatly enhance, or in certain cases are essential for, the mission science return. The four topics are, global context of the probe entry site(s), ground truth for remote sensing observations of an orbiter, atmospheric composition measurements, and wind measurements.

Young, Richard E.↗

3D Visualization for Phoenix Mars Lander Science Operations

Planetary surface exploration missions present considerable operational challenges in the form of substantial communication delays, limited communication windows, and limited communication bandwidth. A 3D visualization software was developed and delivered to the 2008 Phoenix Mars Lander (PML) mission. The components of the system include an interactive 3D visualization environment called Mercator, terrain reconstruction software called the Ames Stereo Pipeline, and a server providing distributed access to terrain models. The software was successfully utilized during the mission for science analysis, site understanding, and science operations activity planning. A terrain server was implemented that provided distribution of terrain models from a central repository to clients running the Mercator software. The Ames Stereo Pipeline generates accurate, high-resolution, texture-mapped, 3D terrain models from stereo image pairs. These terrain models can then be visualized within the Mercator environment. The central cross-cutting goal for these tools is to provide an easy-to-use, high-quality, full-featured visualization environment that enhances the mission science team s ability to develop low-risk productive science activity plans. In addition, for the Mercator and Viz visualization environments, extensibility and adaptability to different missions and application areas are key design goals.

Edwards, Laurence↗

Low Temperature Activation of Methane on Metal-Oxides and Complex Interfaces: Insights from Surface Science

The abundance of inexpensive, natural gas has transformed the energy landscape, whereby revealing new possibilities for sustainable chemical technologies or impacting those that have relied on traditional fossil fuels. The primary component, methane, is underutilized and wastefully exhausted, leading to anthropogenic global warming. Historically, the manipulation of methane remained “ clavis aurea ,” an insurmountable yet rewarding challenge and thus the focus of intense research. This is primarily due to an inability to dissociate C–H bonds in methane selectively, which requires a high energy penalty and is an essential prerequisite for the direct conversion of methane into a large set of value-added products. The discovery of such processes would promise an energy gainful use of natural gas benefiting several essential chemical processes associated with C1 chemistry. This first C–H bond dissociation step of the methane molecule appears in numerous catalytic mechanisms as the rate-determining step or most essential barrier sequence for all subsequent steps that follow in the production of C–C, C–O, or C x –H y –O z bonds found in value added products. A main goal is to catalytically reduce the energy barrier for the first C–H bond dissociation to be able to achieve the activation of methane at low or moderate temperatures. As such there is great value in understanding the fundamental nature of the active sites responsible for bond breaking or formation and thus be able to facilitate better control of this chemistry, leading to the development of new technologies for fuel production and chemical conversion. Surface science studies offer enhanced perspectives for a careful manipulation of bonds over the last layer atoms of catalyst surfaces, an essential factor for the design of atomically precise catalysts and unravelling of the reaction mechanism. With the advent of new surface imaging, spectroscopy, and in situ tools, it has been possible to decipher the surface chemistry of complex materials systems and further our understanding of atomic active sites on the surfaces of metals, oxides, and carbides or metal–oxide and metal–carbide interfaces. The once considered near impossible step of C–H bond activation is now observed at low temperatures with high propensity over a collection of oxide, metal–oxide, and metal–carbide systems in a conventional or inverse configuration (oxide or carbide on metal). The enabling of C–H activation at low temperature has opened interesting possibilities for the specific production of chemicals such as methanol directly from methane, a step toward facile synthesis of liquid fuels. We highlight the most recent of these results and present the key aspects of active site configurations engineered from surface science studies which enable such a simple reactive event through careful manipulation of the last surface layer of atoms found in the catalyst structure. New concepts which help in the activation and conversion of methane are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Science Validation for Dark Energy Research with Optical Imaging Surveys

The Universe has been expanding at an accelerating rate over the past several billion years, as though an unknown form of dark energy permeates all of space. The ultimate scientific goal of the proposed research is to distinguish between different physical mechanisms that could account for this observed accelerated expansion, for example, the zero-point energy of the vacuum, a dynamical form of energy that varies in time and/or space, or a modification to our theory of gravity. Wide- field optical imaging surveys of the night sky can test these competing models by measuring both the cosmic expansion history and the growth of large-scale structure. To this end, the Dark Energy Survey (DES) has cataloged several hundred million galaxies and thousands of supernovae. The Vera C. Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), will enlarge the census to billions of galaxies and hundreds of thousands of supernovae. A critical question for these dark energy experiments is whether systematic uncertainties can continue to be controlled at a level to keep pace with the statistical precision offered by such enormous datasets. The immediate research objectives of this project were (1) to prepare and validate input datasets that are the foundation of cosmological analyses with DES, and (2) to prepare for value-added characterization of Rubin Observatory commissioning data to inform early operations and accelerate the realization of dark energy science from LSST data products. For DES, we assembled and curated cosmology-ready data releases that include value-added components such as enhanced photometric and astrometric calibrations, alternative source extraction algorithms, maps of the survey coverage and survey conditions, object classifications, object quality selections, galaxy shapes, and photometric redshifts. We used the galaxy clustering technique to validate the photometric redshift distributions of various galaxy samples to be used as lenses in combined studies of galaxy clustering and weak gravitational lensing. The galaxy clustering redshift analysis was enhanced by use of a larger sample of reference galaxies from the eBOSS spectroscopic survey that extends to higher redshifts. For LSST, we prepared for science validation studies of commissioning data aimed at dark energy science capability that extend beyond the normative system-level tests to be done by the Rubin Observatory Construction Project. We identified a set of proposed survey strategies and candidate target fields that could be observed during the commissioning period to enhance science validation activities related to studies of dark energy.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Requirements for Portable Instrument Suites during Human Scientific Exploration of Mars

Human explorers on the surface of Mars will have access to a far wider array of scientific tools than previous crewed planetary exploration missions, but not every tool will be compatible with the restrictions of this exploration. Spectrometers on flyby, orbital, and landed missions are currently used to determine the composition and mineralogy of geological materials of various types and sizes, from small fragments to celestial bodies in the solar system. Handheld spectrometers that are capable of in situ analyses are already used for geological exploration on Earth; however, their usefulness for human exploration missions and how data from multiple handheld instruments could be combined to enhance scientific return must be further evaluated. As part of the Biologic Analog Science Associated with Lava Terrains (BASALT) research project, we incorporated two handheld instruments, a visible-near infrared spectrometer and an X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer, into simulated Mars exploration missions conducted on basaltic terrains in Idaho and Hawai'i. To understand the data quality provided by these handheld spectrometers, we evaluated their performance under varying conditions of measurement time, distance, angle, atmosphere, and sample matrix, and we compared data quality between handheld instruments and laboratory techniques. Here, we summarize these findings, provide guidelines and requirements on how to effectively incorporate these instruments into human exploration missions to Mars, and posit that future iterations of these instruments will be beneficial for enhancing science returned from human exploration missions.

Alexander Sehlke↗

Toward equitable environmental exposure modeling through convergence of data, open, and citizen sciences: an example of air pollution exposure modeling amidst increasing wildfire smoke

Exposure modeling is critical in environmental epidemiology and human health but may face challenges (e.g., skewed data, unequal error, context-insensitive validation, and computational demands). Modeling decisions reflect the intended use of the models and the values that modelers prioritize. We aimed to provide a conceptual framework and machine learning (ML) modeling protocols that address these issues. With 500m-gridded hourly PM 2.5 and O 3 levels in Illinois before, during, and after the 2023 Canadian wildfire season as a motivating example, we conducted modeling experiments to evaluate modeling methods, guided by three domains we propose based on theories of science: 1) Data Diversity, leveraging open and citizen science data to enhance inclusivity, parsimony, and representativeness; 2) Equitable Accuracy, ensuring fairly distributed uncertainties across subpopulations; and 3) Sustainable Modeling, balancing accuracy with reducing computational demands to promote accessibility for under-resourced researchers. Here, we found that ML with publicly available data can achieve high accuracy. Depending on methods, performance may vary substantially, even with identical input data. Large but skewed data may reduce performance. Misuse of cross-validation protocols can underestimate prediction error; although we observed R 2 s of ∼98 %, the modeled estimates varied significantly, indicating the need for careful model validation. By using new modeling protocols including representativeness-considered training and validation data and a new loss function, we achieved high agreement between estimates and ground-based measurements (e.g., R 2 = ∼90 % for PM 2.5 ; ∼80 % for O 3 ), equally distributed errors across sociodemographic strata and urban–rural divides, and reduction in computation time—from several weeks or months to a few days.

Exposure assessment↗

Enhancing Regional Seismic Velocity Models With Higher‐Resolution Local Results Using Sparse Dictionary Learning

Abstract We use sparse dictionary learning to develop transformations between seismic velocity models of different resolution and spatial extent. Starting with data in the common region of both models, the method can enhance a regional lower‐resolution model to match the style and resolution of local higher‐resolution results while preserving its regional coverage. The method is demonstrated by applying it to two‐dimensional V S and three‐dimensional V P and V S regional and local velocity models in southern California. The enhanced reconstructed regional results exhibit clear visual improvements, especially in the reconstructed V P / V S ratios, and better correlations with geological features. Moreover, the reconstructed regional V P , V S models outperform the original ones in comparison of simulated earthquake waveforms to observations. The improved fitting to observed waveforms extends beyond the domain of the overlapping region. The developed dictionary learning approach provides physically interpretable results and offers a powerful tool for additional applications of data enhancement in earth sciences.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

Thermal effects in molecular gas-filled hollow-core fibers

Few-cycle sources with high average powers are required for applications to attosecond science. Raman-enhanced spectral broadening of Yb-doped laser amplifiers in molecular gases can yield few-cycle pulses, but thermal excitation of vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom may preclude high-power operation. Here we investigate changes in the spectral broadening associated with repetitive laser interactions in an N 2 O -filled hollow-core fiber. By comparing experimental measurements of the spectrum associated with each laser pulse to simulations based on a density matrix model, we find that losses in a spectral bandwidth and transmission are largely dominated by thermal excitation of the gas.

Beetar, John E. (ORCID:000000032885852X)↗

Energy Equity and Environmental Justice Summit Report 2022

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) hosted a limited-engagement Energy Equity and Environmental Justice (EEEJ) Summit on September 28, 2022, with the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (DOE-ED) and DOE national laboratories: Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, and Savannah River National Laboratory. The goal of the Summit was for labs to highlight their capabilities in the EEEJ space and connect them to DOE-ED’s mission and goals as well as share lessons learned and best practices in our various programmatic spaces. The event commenced with an opening address from Director Shalanda Baker (DOE-ED), which included a call to action for the national labs. Three presentation panels followed, giving insights to the programs stewarded by national laboratories that are currently taking steps to enhance the way science is implemented through equity and justice lenses. A roundtable discussion concluded the Summit and highlighted lessons learned, gaps, challenges, opportunities, and future needs that will improve the impact and partnership of EEEJ work at DOE, national laboratories, at other agencies and institutions, and in other programmatic areas. Interest among participants to stay connected and coordinated and to partner on EEEJ work across labs was emphasized, including a suggestion to establish an intra-laboratory community of practice.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Distribution of neutral gas and dust near Saturn

The distribution of neutral gas and dust within the magnetosphere of Saturn has been inferred from the electron velocity distribution functions measured by the Voyager 1 plasma science experiment. Substantial enhancements of neutral material near Titan and in the vicinity of Enceladus are found. The E ring is also shown to be larger than previously thought.

Sittler, E. C., Jr.↗

Resource Allocation Planning Helper (RALPH): Lessons learned

The current task of Resource Allocation Process includes the planning and apportionment of JPL's Ground Data System composed of the Deep Space Network and Mission Control and Computing Center facilities. The addition of the data driven, rule based planning system, RALPH, has expanded the planning horizon from 8 weeks to 10 years and has resulted in large labor savings. Use of the system has also resulted in important improvements in science return through enhanced resource utilization. In addition, RALPH has been instrumental in supporting rapid turn around for an increased volume of special what if studies. The status of RALPH is briefly reviewed and important lessons learned from the creation of an highly functional design team are focused on through an evolutionary design and implementation period in which an AI shell was selected, prototyped, and ultimately abandoned, and through the fundamental changes to the very process that spawned the tool kit. Principal topics include proper integration of software tools within the planning environment, transition from prototype to delivered to delivered software, changes in the planning methodology as a result of evolving software capabilities and creation of the ability to develop and process generic requirements to allow planning flexibility.

Durham, Ralph↗

The Project for Intercomparison of Land-surface Parameterization Schemes

The Project for Intercomparison of Land-surface Parameterization Schemes (PILPS) is described and the first stage science plan outlined. PILPS is a project designed to improve the parameterization of the continental surface, especially the hydrological, energy, momentum, and carbon exchanges with the atmosphere. The PILPS Science Plan incorporates enhanced documentation, comparison, and validation of continental surface parameterization schemes by community participation. Potential participants include code developers, code users, and those who can provide datasets for validation and who have expertise of value in this exercise. PILPS is an important activity because existing intercomparisons, although piecemeal, demonstrate that there are significant differences in the formulation of individual processes in the available land surface schemes. These differences are comparable to other recognized differences among current global climate models such as cloud and convection parameterizations. It is also clear that too few sensitivity studies have been undertaken with the result that there is not yet enough information to indicate which simplifications or omissions are important for the near-surface continental climate, hydrology, and biogeochemistry. PILPS emphasizes sensitivity studies with and intercomparisons of existing land surface codes and the development of areally extensive datasets for their testing and validation.

Henderson-Sellers, A.↗

Electronic nose for space program applications

The ability to monitor air contaminants in the shuttle and the International Space Station is important to ensure the health and safety of astronauts, and equipment integrity. Three specific space applications have been identified that would benefit from a chemical monitor: (a) organic contaminants in space cabin air; (b) hypergolic propellant contaminants in the shuttle airlock; (c) pre-combustion signature vapors from electrical fires. NASA at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is assessing several commercial and developing electronic noses (E-noses) for these applications. A short series of tests identified those E-noses that exhibited sufficient sensitivity to the vapors of interest. Only two E-noses exhibited sufficient sensitivity for hypergolic fuels at the required levels, while several commercial E-noses showed sufficient sensitivity of common organic vapors. These E-noses were subjected to further tests to assess their ability to identify vapors. Development and testing of E-nose models using vendor supplied software packages correctly identified vapors with an accuracy of 70-90%. In-house software improvements increased the identification rates between 90 and 100%. Further software enhancements are under development. Details on the experimental setup, test protocols, and results on E-nose performance are presented in this paper along with special emphasis on specific software enhancements. c2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis↗