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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Enabling Model Organism and Commercial Astronaut Data Access Through the NASA Open Science Data Repository

NASA’s Open Science Data Repository (OSDR) brings together omics data from NASA’s GeneLab project and non-omics data, including physiological, phenotypic, imaging, and behavioral data from NASA’s Ames Life Sciences Data Archive (ALSDA) collected from decades of space biology research, providing open and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) access of these precious data to scientists world-wide. This rich source of meticulously curated metadata and data from spaceflight and analog studies has been mined by the scientific community resulting in dozens of high impact scientific publications that reveals a complex network of molecular and physiological effects of spaceflight across living systems, from microbes to plants, to mammals. Understanding how these effects translate to the human condition is critical as we move deeper into the era of commercial space travel. However, the integration of data, specifically omics data, from astronauts is particularly challenging due to their sensitive nature. OSDR has risen to this challenge by developing a mechanism to control access to identifiable levels of omics data, such as raw sequence data, while enabling public access to processed, unidentifiable, data and associated metadata that will allow the scientific community to interrogate human astronaut data alongside data from model organisms to begin answering these critical questions. The 2021 SpaceX Inspiration4 (I4) mission collected a comprehensive atlas of biological measurements from four civilian astronauts, providing a wealth of data to characterize the effects of spaceflight on the human body. These data include both non-omics and omics assays such as direct RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), single nuclei ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, metagenomics, proteomics, and comprehensive metabolic and cytokine panels, all of which have been integrated into the OSDR system across no less than 9 studies. Each study has been carefully curated using community-backed OSDR standards for sample and assay level metadata ensuring these data are findable and accessible. In addition to hosting both raw and processed data from the principal investigator team for each assay type, the GeneLab team plans to re-process the I4 omics data using GeneLab’s standard processing pipelines. The GeneLab processed data outputs will allow for comparisons across studies on OSDR and enable visualization of these data through the OSDR data visualization platform thereby enabling data reusability and interoperability. Here we describe the robust privacy and security protocols implemented by OSDR to safeguard sensitive health data from astronauts while facilitating metadata and processed data sharing for research purposes. We further provide a road map for navigating the vast amount of data provided for each I4 study on the OSDR, including experimental design, associated experiments, payloads, and missions, data generation and analysis protocols, and associated scientific articles. Additionally, we illustrate how to interrogate the standardized metadata provided in the sample and assay tables as well as instructions for how to download and access the data. The I4 datasets described here re present the first ever comprehensive collection of commercial astronaut data.

Amanda M Saravia-Butler↗

DOE OSTI2020

Development and evaluation of a list mode neutron coincidence collar for spatial response measurements of fresh fuel assemblies

A traditional safeguards neutron coincidence counting system, the Neutron Coincidence Collar, has been modified to incorporate individual preamplifiers on each of its 18 3He tubes in active interrogation mode. When used with list mode data acquisition (LMDA) and analysis, a signal from each 3He tube can be recorded and analyzed to allow a spatial response measurement to be performed on an item based on count rate and 3He tube location within the system. The ultimate goal of this project is to demonstrate the capabilities of a list mode response matrix for the nondestructive assay of fresh nuclear fuel assemblies. To enable partial defect detection of fuel pin locations and absences within an assembly, the project aims to extend well-established correlated neutron analysis techniques on a preexisting Neutron Coincidence Collar by extracting a greater number of useful signatures from the system than are currently generated. LMDA, combined with the addition of multiple preamplifiers, facilitates this capability by increasing the number of simultaneous signals that can be measured; this allows an in-depth analysis of neutron coincidence events to determine a fissioning item’s location based on the measured doubles count rate in various channel logic coincidence combinations. All of this can be done from a single measurement pulse train in offline analysis, which is the major benefit provided by LMDA. Through various stages of development and testing, a Mirion Technologies model JCC-71 Neutron Coincidence Collar has been successfully retrofit with modern electronics designed in-house at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, matching preexisting JAB-01 electronics performance, while maintaining the original system footprint. This paper presents these various stages of development and experimental evaluation of the proof of concept system.

Moore, Angela S.↗

DOE OSTI2021

The Global Nonproliferation Regime: The NPT and Beyond

In the aftermath of WWII, the fear of nuclear war prompted the international community to confront the issue of nuclear proliferation. The global nonproliferation regime that exists today is comprised of a matrix of multilateral treaties, political commitments, and unilateral measures designed to limit the spread of nuclear weapons. It has evolved considerably since the dawn of the nuclear age. This presentation covers the origins of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), an introduction to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, a discussion of contemporary challenges and opportunities in the field, and an overview of the broader nonproliferation regime beyond the NPT.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

NASA NTRS1990

Accommodation of Nuclear Power and Propulsion Concepts

The use of nuclear systems for propulsion and power are being examined as system options for implementing the lunar and Mars human exploration missions currently being studied by NASA. Systems might include nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and nuclear thermal rocket (NTR) vehicles, operating reactors on coorbiting platforms, radioisotope thermoelectric generators, and others. The space station, as a transportation node, would have to store, assemble, launch and refurbish elements containing these systems. Care must be taken to safeguard humans from the radiation imposed by these systems, in addition to the naturally occuring background of the space environment. Key issues need to be identified early to enable their proper consideration in planning activities and the baseline space station design. A study was conducted over the past year with Texas A&M University to identify and explore key issues and quantify findings in a way useful to the Space Station Program.

Stevenson, Steven M.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Crowdsourcing for Innovative Personal Protection Technology

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in safeguarding workers from workplace hazards and minimizing exposure to harmful substances or conditions. To meet the changing needs and challenges faced by workers in various industries, PPE is continuously evolving. As new technologies emerge, advances in materials, design, and functionality contribute to PPE improvements. By incorporating personal protective technology (PPT) into traditional PPE, worker safety and well-being can be further enhanced. Crowdsourcing can harness a wide range of perspectives and expertise to identify novel technologies, materials, designs, or applications that can revolutionize PPE and improve worker protection. Partnering with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Center for Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) launched three crowdsourcing challenges. These challenges aimed to promote innovation in several PPE areas: protective clothing, counterfeit respirators, and respirator fit. Preliminary results produced promising technologies and approaches promoting improved awareness, comfort, adaptability, and effectiveness against workplace hazards.

crowdsourcing↗

DOE OSTI2024

Digital engineering implementation in nuclear demonstration and nonproliferation projects at Idaho National Laboratory

Digital engineering and digital twins are increasingly being used in nuclear energy projects with important impacts. At Idaho National Laboratory, these approaches have been applied in a variety of nuclear energy research, development, and demonstration projects, with key lessons and evolutions occurring for each. In this paper, we describe the use of digital engineering and digital twins in the Versatile Test Reactor design, National Reactor Innovation Center test beds, and nonproliferation analysis of the AGN-201 reactor design. We share key lessons learned for these projects related to tool selection, adoption and training, and working with existing assets versus beginning at the design phase. We also share highlights of future potential uses of digital twins and digital engineering, including using artificial intelligence to perform repetitive design tasks and digital twins to move towards semiautonomous nuclear power plant operations.

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗

DOE OSTI2023

Laser Driven Hydrothermal Processing (LDHP) for Rapid Dissolution of Glassy Nuclear Debris

Discovered in 2009 on the SLAB laser system at LLNL, Laser-Driven Hydrothermal Processing (LDHP) both spalls and transiently dissolves a wetted surface (e.g., rock, concrete, paint) when that surface is struck by a laser beam pulse under specific conditions. Previous projects have explored the application of LDHP to expediting sample dissolution for post-detonation nuclear forensics. Early results were very promising, indicating that this method could decrease material dissolution time by a factor of 10 or more. However, the large and complicated lasers previously used are impractical for this application. Under the R^3 venture we aimed to benchmark the LDHP capabilities of turn-key commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) lasers, and to establish how this process could be integrated into an analytical workflow for nuclear forensic analysis. We demonstrated that geological rock standards could be quickly processed into fine powder by LDHP followed by complete acid digestion in 15 minutes, without elemental fractionation that would skew analytical results. We determined that the COTS laser can be used for LDHP that could potentially reduce dissolution time for solid nuclear debris samples in post detonation nuclear forensics. One downside to this approach, however, is that the laser interactions are different with every material, so extensive method validation would be required for all likely material compositions. The LDHP processing rates of several materials were tested and determined to be favorable in the beginning with significant slowdown due to particulate scattering. This could be mitigated either by stopping and centrifuging the sample at specific intervals, or through design of a continuous solvent flow through mechanism.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1986

Actions to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident. Report to the President

The status of the implementation of the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident is reported. The implementation of recommendations in the following areas is detailed: (1) solid rocket motor design; (2) shuttle management structure, including the shuttle safety panel and astronauts in management; (3) critical item review and hazard analysis; (4) safety organization; (5) improved communication; (6) landing safety; (7) launch abort and crew escape; (8) flight rate; and (9) maintenance safeguards. Supporting memoranda and communications from NASA are appended.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1986

Actions to Implement the Recommendations of the Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident: Executive Summary

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2007

C-20A/GIII Precision Autopilot Development in Support of NASA's UAVSAR Program

The NASA Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar (UAVSAR) program is developing a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for ground measurements. A key element for the success of this program is a Platform Precision Autopilot (PPA). An interim vehicle (NASA C-20AJGlll) was selected to carry the radar pod and develop the PPA. The PPA interfaces with the C- 20AIG Ill aircraft by imitating the output of an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach. This technique retains the safeguards in the aircraft's autopilot. The PPA entered initial flight testing in early 2007. The PPA uses a Kalman filter to generate a real-time position solution with information from the C-20AIGIII and a real-time differential GPS unit designed by JPL. The real-time navigation solution is used to compute commands (Guidance and Control subsystems) which in turn drive two modified ILS testers. The ILS tester units produce modulated RF signals fed to the onboard navigation receiver. These correction signals allow the C-20NGIII autopilot to fly a simulated ILS approach that meets the PPA requirements for UAVSAR applications. The PPA requirement is to make repeat pass flights within a ten meter tube over a 200 kilometer course in conditions of cairn to light turbulence. Flight test results are expected to be available at the time of the NASA Science Technology Conference 2007

Lee, James A.↗

NASA NTRS2016

James Webb Space Telescope Integrated Science Instrument Module Thermal Vacuum Thermal Balance Test Campaign at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

The James Webb Space Telescope is a large infrared telescope with a 6.5-meter primary mirror, designed as a successor to the Hubble Space Telescope when launched in 2018. Three of the four science instruments contained within the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) are passively cooled to their operational temperature range of 36K to 40K with radiators, and the fourth instrument is actively cooled to its operational temperature of approximately 6K. Thermal-vacuum testing of the flight science instruments at the ISIM element level has taken place in three separate highly challenging and extremely complex thermal tests within a gaseous helium-cooled shroud inside Goddard Space Flight Centers Space Environment Simulator. Special data acquisition software was developed for these tests to monitor over 1700 flight and test sensor measurements, track over 50 gradients, component rates, and temperature limits in real time against defined constraints and limitations, and guide the complex transition from ambient to final cryogenic temperatures and back. This extremely flexible system has proven highly successful in safeguarding the nearly $2B science payload during the 3.5-month-long thermal tests. Heat flow measurement instrumentation, or Q-meters, were also specially developed for these tests. These devices provide thermal boundaries o the flight hardware while measuring instrument heat loads up to 600 mW with an estimated uncertainty of 2 mW in test, enabling accurate thermal model correlation, hardware design validation, and workmanship verification. The high accuracy heat load measurements provided first evidence of a potentially serious hardware design issue that was subsequently corrected. This paper provides an overview of the ISIM-level thermal-vacuum tests and thermal objectives; explains the thermal test configuration and thermal balances; describes special measurement instrumentation and monitoring and control software; presents key test thermal results; lists problems encountered during testing and lessons learned.

JWST ISIM Thermal↗

DOE OSTI2025

Next-generation neutron detection using a 6 Li glass scintillator composite

Neutron detectors are crucial in fundamental science, nuclear security, safeguards, and civil applications. 3 He-filled gas proportional counters are the gold standard for thermal neutron detection, prized for their efficiency, neutron/gamma discrimination, and stability; however, the scarcity of 3 He has prompted the search for alternatives. Here, we introduce a neutron detector design based on a scintillating composite consisting of 6 Li glass scintillator particles dispersed in an organic matrix. A detector consisting of this scintillating composite, photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) for optical detection, and electronics for reading out the PMT signal in both pulse and current modes was prototyped and characterized using various neutron and gamma sources. The prototype achieves a measured intrinsic detection efficiency of 6.70 ± 0.01%, a die-away time of 10.3 ± 0.1 μs, a negligible gamma misidentification probability, and response linearity up to at least 3.7 × 10 6 incident neutrons/s established via a cross-calibration technique. This detector holds the potential to outperform traditional 3 He-gas-based neutron detection systems, offering a viable alternative amidst the ongoing 3 He shortage and promising advancements in neutron detection technology.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

NASA NTRS1977

A trade-off analysis design tool. Aircraft interior noise-motion/passenger satisfaction model

A design tool was developed to enhance aircraft passenger satisfaction. The effect of aircraft interior motion and noise on passenger comfort and satisfaction was modelled. Effects of individual aircraft noise sources were accounted for, and the impact of noise on passenger activities and noise levels to safeguard passenger hearing were investigated. The motion noise effect models provide a means for tradeoff analyses between noise and motion variables, and also provide a framework for optimizing noise reduction among noise sources. Data for the models were collected onboard commercial aircraft flights and specially scheduled tests.

Jacobson, I. D.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Genetic algorithm optimization of tin–copper graded shielding for improved plutonium safeguards measurements

Plutonium nuclear material safeguards is essential to ensure that states do not divert plutonium to clandestine nuclear weapons programs. Traditional safeguards methods rely on correlated neutron measurements. Detection systems based on organic scintillators, which are sensitive to fast neutrons and photons, are gaining support for use in safeguards applications due to increased capabilities and shorter measurement times compared to the current state-of-the-art. A drawback of organic scintillators in plutonium measurements is data throughput limitations; 241 Am builds up in plutonium samples and emits 60-keV gamma rays with a high specific activity. In this work, a genetic algorithm is used to design graded shielding made of tin and copper to attenuate the 60-keV gamma rays. The shield is designed to limit the attenuation of the higher-energy, fission photons, because fission photons can be used as a signature. The genetic algorithm optimization takes days to run, while a complete search space exploration would take years. The genetic algorithm was run for different levels of 60-keV gamma-ray attenuation, and the thickness of the required shielding layers was determined at each level. Tin–copper shielding was placed in front of an array of organic scintillation detectors for a measurement of approximately 4.5 kg of alpha-phase, weapons-grade plutonium, an AmLi source, and a 252 Cf source. We show that the shield successfully attenuated low-energy, non-fission gamma rays, which significantly improved the organic scintillator performance.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

DOE OSTI2025

Measurement of Close-in Ground Motion from an Underground Chemical Explosion

Understanding the geophysical response near an underground explosion is crucial for generating insights into the source and emplacement conditions that produce distinct observations in monitoring scenarios occurring at greater distances. Recently, Shot A of the Low Yield Nuclear Monitoring (LYNM) Physics Experiment 1 (PE1) series was conducted at the Nevada National Security Site to provide ground truth for subsurface explosion signal models. This experiment resulted in measuring near-source ground motion at distances ranging from 70 to 1000 m/kt with a 99% success rate, yielding high-fidelity knowledge of the near-field response that can serve as benchmarks for future numerical modeling and experiment planning. However, technical challenges exist in observing near-source phenomena while safeguarding sensitive data acquisition components from the detrimental effects of ground motion in the subsurface. This report outlines tools and techniques to address challenges associated with observing near-source accelerations and within the tunnel drift of the PE1 test bed. Additionally, we describe key systems designed with both modern advancements and legacy guidance to maximize the collection of high-quality ground motion data, which may be applied to constitutive and computational models, leading to new or improved understanding of the near- and far-field signals produced by underground explosions.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

NASA NTRS1996

Environmental Projects: Biological Assessment, Opinion, and New 34-Meter Beam-Waveguide Antenna (DSS 24) at Apollo Site - Volume 17

This report deals with the Biological Assessment, Biological Opinion and Final Report on the construction of a high- efficiency 34-meter, multifrequency beam-waveguide antenna at the Apollo Site of the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex, operated by JPL. According to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, a Biological Assessment must be conducted and a Biological Opinion, with terms and conditions, rendered (the Opinion by the U.S. Department of the Interior) before construction of any federal project that may affect endangered or threatened flora or fauna. After construction, a final report is filed with the Department. The desert tortoise, designated "threatened" by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Mojave ground squirrel and the Lane Mountain milk vetch, both designated "candidate threatened," required the reporting specified by the Act. The Assessment found no significant danger to the animal species if workers are educated about them. No stands of the plant species were observed in the surveyed construction area. The Department issued a Biological Opinion to safeguard the two animal species. The Service and the California Department of Fish and Game both issued a Biological Concurrence that JPL had satisfied all environmental criteria for preserving threatened species.

Bengelsdorf, Irving↗

NASA NTRS2019

Freshwater Requirements of Large-Scale Bioenergy Plantations for Limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C

Limiting mean global warming to well below 2 °C will probably require substantial negative emissions (NEs) within the 21st century. To achieve these, bioenergy plantations with subsequent carbon capture and storage (BECCS) may have to be implemented at a large scale. Irrigation of these plantations might be necessary to increase the yield, which is likely to put further pressure on already stressed freshwater systems. Conversely, the potential of bioenergy plantations (BPs) dedicated to achieving NEs through CO2 assimilation may be limited in regions with low freshwater availability. This paper provides a first-order quantification of the biophysical potentials of BECCS as a negative emission technology contribution to reaching the 1.5 °C warming target, as constrained by associated water availabilities and requirements. Using a global biosphere model, we analyze the availability of freshwater for irrigation of BPs designed to meet the projected NEs to fulfill the 1.5 °C target, spatially explicitly on areas not reserved for ecosystem conservation or agriculture. We take account of the simultaneous water demands for agriculture, industries, and households and also account for environmental flow requirements (EFRs) needed to safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, we assess to what extent different forms of improved water management on the suggested BPs and on cropland may help to reduce the freshwater abstractions. Results indicate that global water withdrawals for irrigation of BPs range between ~400 and ~3000 km(exp 3) yr(exp -1), depending on the scenario and the conversion efficiency of the carbon capture and storage process. Consideration of EFRs reduces the NE potential significantly, but can partly be compensated for by improved on-field water management.

Stenzel, Fabian↗

DOE OSTI2022

Safeguards for the Lithium Fluoride Thorium Reactor: A Preliminary Nuclear Material Control and Accounting Assessment

This report was prepared by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) for Flibe Energy Inc. (FEI), a US-based advanced reactor company founded in 2011 and headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama. FEI is developing the lithium-fluoride thorium reactor (LFTR), which is a modern two-fluid molten salt reactor (MSR) design operating on a thorium/ 233 U fuel cycle. FEI intends for LFTR to become a self-sustaining clean energy source that can create or breed its own fuel from thorium. Each LFTR is intended to breed enough fissile material to compensate for the amount it consumes. Consequently it would not require fissile replenishment during its operational lifetime. This self-sustaining nature would eliminate the need for uranium enrichment infrastructure to support LFTRs after the first generation.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗