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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.

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At least 235 records · Page 13
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NASA NTRS2012

Time-Resolved Data Acquisition for In Situ Subsurface Planetary Geochemistry

The current gamma-ray/neutron instrumentation development effort at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center aims to extend the use of active pulsed neutron interrogation techniques to probe the subsurface geochemistry of planetary bodies in situ. All previous NASA planetary science missions, that used neutron and/or gamma-ray spectroscopy instruments, have relied on a constant neutron source produced from galactic cosmic rays. One of the distinguishing features of this effort is the inclusion of a high intensity 14.1 MeV pulsed neutron generator synchronized with a custom data acquisition system to time each event relative to the pulse. With usually only one opportunity to collect data, it is difficult to set a priori time-gating windows to obtain the best possible results. Acquiring time-tagged, event-by-event data from nuclear induced reactions provides raw data sets containing channel/energy, and event time for each gamma ray or neutron detected. The resulting data set can be plotted as a function of time or energy using optimized analysis windows after the data are acquired. Time windows can now be chosen to produce energy spectra that yield the most statistically significant and accurate elemental composition results that can be derived from the complete data set. The advantages of post-processing gamma-ray time-tagged event-by-event data in experimental tests using our prototype instrument will be demonstrated.

Bodnarik, Julia Gates↗
NASA NTRS2015

Recent Efforts in Communications Research and Technology at the Glenn Research Center in Support of NASA's Mission

As it has done in the past, NASA is currently engaged in furthering the frontiers of space and planetary exploration. The effectiveness in gathering the desired science data in the amount and quality required to perform this pioneering work relies heavily on the communications capabilities of the spacecraft and space platforms being considered to enable future missions. Accordingly, the continuous improvement and development of radiofrequency and optical communications systems are fundamental to prevent communications to become the limiting factor for space explorations. This presentation will discuss some of the research and technology development efforts currently underway at the NASA Glenn Research Center in the radio frequency (RF) and Optical Communications. Examples of work conducted in-house and also in collaboration with academia, industry, and other government agencies (OGA) in areas such as antenna technology, power amplifiers, radio frequency (RF) wave propagation through Earths atmosphere, ultra-sensitive receivers, thin films ferroelectric-based tunable components, among others, will be presented. In addition, the role of these and other related RF technologies in enabling the NASA next generation space communications architecture will be also discussed.

RF and Optical communications↗
NASA NTRS2019

Preparation, Identification, and Low-Temperature Infrared Spectra of Two Elusive Crystalline Nitrile Ices

Infrared (IR) spectra of the alkyl nitrile ices CH3CN and CH3CH2CN are relevant to the study of the low- temperature chemistry of objects within and beyond the Solar System, but the thermodynamically favored low-temperature crystalline phases of these compounds have not been presented and identified in the planetary- sciences literature. Moreover, there is a large variation in the published IR spectra of these two icy solids, including spectra that are used for the analyses of spacecraft data from the Voyager and Cassini missions. Here the IR spectra of the low-temperature crystalline forms of CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, which are the thermodynamically stable phases at Titan temperatures, are presented for the first time with all samples being made by vapor-phase deposition. Conditions are described for producing these ice phases for both compounds, and new measurements are reported of ice density and refractive index, quantities needed to compute IR absorption coefficients, band strengths, optical constants, and, ultimately, nitrile abundances in extraterrestrial environments. Comparisons are drawn between CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, an earlier prediction on their similar crystallization behaviors is verified, and previous work is examined in light of these new results, including a counterintuitive observation in which the low-temperature phase of an ice is made by heating a high-temperature phase. Applications and extensions are described.

Hudson, Reggie L.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Preparation, Identification, and Low-Temperature Infrared Spectra of Two Elusive Crystalline Nitrile Ices

Infrared (IR) spectra of the alkyl nitrile ices CH3CN and CH3CH2CN are relevant to the study of the low- temperature chemistry of objects within and beyond the Solar System, but the thermodynamically favored low-temperature crystalline phases of these compounds have not been presented and identified in the planetary- sciences literature. Moreover, there is a large variation in the published IR spectra of these two icy solids, including spectra that are used for the analyses of spacecraft data from the Voyager and Cassini missions. Here the IR spectra of the low-temperature crystalline forms of CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, which are the thermody-namically stable phases at Titan temperatures, are presented for the first time with all samples being made by vapor-phase deposition. Conditions are described for producing these ice phases for both compounds, and new measurements are reported of ice density and refractive index, quantities needed to compute IR absorption coefficients, band strengths, optical constants, and, ultimately, nitrile abundances in extraterrestrial environments. Comparisons are drawn between CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, an earlier prediction on their similar crystallization behaviors is verified, and previous work is examined in light of these new results, including a counter- intuitive observation in which the low-temperature phase of an ice is made by heating a high-temperature phase. Applications and extensions are described.

Hudson, Reggie L.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Moon Beyond 2002

Over a hundred lunar scientists met in the clear mountain air of the Taos Ski Valley, September 12-14, 2002, to share their discoveries and, most importantly, their questions about the composition, geological evolution, and future exploration of the Moon. The wealth of data from the Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions, coupled with continued study of lunar samples, has led lunar scientists to pose sophisticated questions about the Moon. Because of the Moon's central role in planetary science, answers to these questions will help us understand the other rocky bodies in the Solar System. A fascinating array of missions is planned, including orbiting spacecraft and sample-return missions. Human habitation of the Moon may not be far beyond.

Taylor, G. Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2019

Preparation, Identification, and Low-Temperature Infrared Spectra of Two Elusive Crystalline Nitrile Ices

Infrared (IR) spectra of the alkyl nitrile ices CH3CN and CH3CH2CN are relevant to the study of the low-temperature chemistry of objects within and beyond the Solar System, but the thermodynamically favored low-temperature crystalline phases of these compounds have not been presented and identified in the planetary-sciences literature. Moreover, there is a large variation in the published IR spectra of these two icy solids, including spectra that are used for the analyses of spacecraft data from the Voyager and Cassini missions. Here the IR spectra of the low-temperature crystalline forms of CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, which are the thermodynamically stable phases at Titan temperatures, are presented for the first time with all samples being made by vapor-phase deposition. Conditions are described for producing these ice phases for both compounds, and new measurements are reported of ice density and refractive index, quantities needed to compute IR absorption coefficients, band strengths, optical constants, and, ultimately, nitrile abundances in extraterrestrial environments. Comparisons are drawn between CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, an earlier prediction on their similar crystallization behaviors is verified, and previous work is examined in light of these new results, including a counter-intuitive observation in which the low-temperature phase of an ice is made by heating a high-temperature phase. Applications and extensions are described.

Reggie L Hudson↗
NASA NTRS2019

Preparation, Identification, and Low-Temperature Infrared Spectra of Two Elusive Crystalline Nitrile Ices

Infrared (IR) spectra of the alkyl nitrile ices CH3CN and CH3CH2CN are relevant to the study of the low-temperature chemistry of objects within and beyond the Solar System, but the thermodynamically favored low-temperature crystalline phases of these compounds have not been presented and identified in the planetary-sciences literature. Moreover, there is a large variation in the published IR spectra of these two icy solids, including spectra that are used for the analyses of spacecraft data from the Voyager and Cassini missions. Here the IR spectra of the low-temperature crystalline forms of CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, which are the thermodynamically stable phases at Titan temperatures, are presented for the first time with all samples being made by vapor-phase deposition. Conditions are described for producing these ice phases for both compounds, and new measurements are reported of ice density and refractive index, quantities needed to compute IR absorption coefficients, band strengths, optical constants, and, ultimately, nitrile abundances in extraterrestrial environments. Comparisons are drawn between CH3CN and CH3CH2CN, an earlier prediction on their similar crystallization behaviors is verified, and previous work is examined in light of these new results, including a counter-intuitive observation in which the low-temperature phase of an ice is made by heating a high-temperature phase. Applications and extensions are described.

Ices, IR spectroscopy, Titan, organic chemistry, i↗
NASA NTRS1994

(abstract) Science-Project Interaction in the Low-Cost Mission

Large, complex, and highly optimized missions have performed most of the preliminary reconnaisance of the solar system. As a result we have now mapped significant fractions of its total surface (or surface-equivalent) area. Now, however, scientific exploration of the solar system is undergoing a major change in scale, and existing missions find it necessary to limit costs while fulfilling existing goals. In the future, NASA's Discovery program will continue the reconnaisance, exploration, and diagnostic phases of planetary research using lower cost missions, which will include lower cost mission operations systems (MOS). Historically, one of the more expensive functions of MOS has been its interaction with the science community. Traditional MOS elements that this interaction have embraced include mission planning, science (and engineering) event conflict resolution, sequence optimization and integration, data production (e.g., assembly, enhancement, quality assurance, documentation, archive), and other science support services. In the past, the payoff from these efforts has been that use of mission resources has been highly optimized, constraining resources have been generally completely consumed, and data products have been accurate and well documented. But because these functions are expensive we are now challenged to reduce their cost while preserving the benefits. In this paper, we will consider ways of revising the traditional MOS approach that might save project resources while retaining a high degree of service to the Projects' customers. Pre-launch, science interaction can be made simplier by limiting numbers of instruments and by providing greater redundancy in mission plans. Post launch, possibilities include prioritizing data collection into a few categories, easing requirements on real-time of quick-look data delivery, and closer integration of scientists into the mission operation.

mission operation science community interaction co↗
NASA NTRS1978

Procedures for the interpretation and use of elevation scanning laser/multi-sensor data for short range hazard detection and avoidance for an autonomous planetary rover

An autonomous roving science vehicle that relies on terrain data acquired by a hierarchy of sensors for navigation was one method of carrying out such a mission. The hierarchy of sensors included a short range sensor with sufficient resolution to detect every possible obstacle and with the ability to make fast and reliable terrain characterizations. A multilaser, multidetector triangulation system was proposed as a short range sensor. The general system was studied to determine its perception capabilities and limitations. A specific rover and low resolution sensor system was then considered. After studying the data obtained, a hazard detection algorithm was developed that accounts for all possible terrains given the sensor resolution. Computer simulation of the rover on various terrains was used to test the entire hazard detection system.

Troiani, N.↗
NASA NTRS2018

STEM Engagement with NASA's Solar System Treks Portals for Lunar and Planetary Mapping and Modeling

This presentation will provide an overview of the uses and capabilities of NASA's Solar System Treks family of online mapping and modeling portals. While also designed to support mission planning and scientific research, this presentation will focus on the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) engagement and public outreach capabilities of these web based suites of data visualization and analysis tools.

Law, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Aerosol Profile Measurements from the NASA Langley Research Center Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar

Since achieving first light in December of 2005, the NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) Airborne High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) has been involved in seven field campaigns, accumulating over 450 hours of science data across more than 120 flights. Data from the instrument have been used in a variety of studies including validation and comparison with the Cloud- Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observation (CALIPSO) satellite mission, aerosol property retrievals combining passive and active instrument measurements, aerosol type identification, aerosol-cloud interactions, and cloud top and planetary boundary layer (PBL) height determinations. Measurements and lessons learned from the HSRL are leading towards next-generation HSRL instrument designs that will enable even further studies of aerosol intensive and extensive parameters and the effects of aerosols on the climate system. This paper will highlight several of the areas in which the NASA Airborne HSRL is making contributions to climate science.

Obland, Michael D.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lunar Science Investigations and Exploration in Celestial Mapping System

Introduction: As NASA expands the mission portfolio on the lunar surface, there is a need for applications with a broad range of analytical and functional capabilities that can be simultaneously deployed onto multiple mobile and desktop platforms to perform in-situ operations and hence enabling extensive Lunar exploration. Celestial Mapping System (CMS) [1,2] is developed to address the need for tools for science investigations, mission planning, operations and support for planetary sciences. Built on top of NASA WorldWind libraries, CMS can be simultaneously deployed onto multiple platforms, has the flexibility to update to the latest imagery and terrain datasets as they are being acquired (in real time) before and/or during the exploration mission and has the potential to enable traverse path planning suited for rovers, EVA and surface mobility units. It can provide critical functionalities such as equipment planning and optimized placement on Lunar surface, line of sight analysis to inform the coverage area for various equipment, powerful measurement tools based on 3D terrain, 3D COLLADA models to represent rovers, humans and equipment, visualization of derived mapping products (e.g. resource maps), and a data engine for hosting new observations that are not available in other contemporary lunar data tools [1]. Visualization of PSRs: The current presentation focuses on the work performed by the authors, to consume a unique dataset of super-enhanced images of the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) at the lunar poles which were produced by the Hyper-effective nOise Removal U-net Software (HORUS) tool [3]. This tool was developed in direct support of NASA's VIPER and Artemis programs to enhance the extremely low-light images of the interior of PSRs and provide the first-time ability to see within these regions at and discern surface features (i.e. boulders and craters) down to 3 meters in size. We focused on the region near Nobili crater near Lunar south pole, selected site for VIPER mission and stitched several images to create a high-resolution map within one of the PSR of Nobile crater. Line of Sight Analysis and Traverse Planning in PSRs: We have developed an in-built line of sight analysis (LOS) tool in CMS that analyzes the terrain profile and obstructions and provides the visibility of a given terrain for a remote observer. This tool was utilized to perform viewshed analysis to investigate the area inside the PSR, a remote observer such as a rover could see without actually crossing the region. Figure 1 shows the viewshed analysis on the PSR in Nobile region. The yellow pin shows the observer location outside the PSR. The yellow area shows the visible part of PSR. The obstructed area with no visibility for the observer is shown in red. Figure 1: (left) PSR image on top of a high-resolution mosaic of sunlit images of a crater, in Nobile region (right) Viewshed Analysis of the same PSR with observer location shown by yellow pin. This analysis was extended further to set different heights for various observers and then perform the viewshed analysis. Combining the different visibility profiles can help designing improved traverses within the crater. Future plans: Eventually, HORUS datasets will be integrated into CMS as a layer in selected lunar polar regions. Hazard Maps will then be created based on terrain analysis in those regions. This integration will enable multiple scientific and exploration applications, such as designing traverses within PSRs, analyzing potential landing and science mission targets, investigating the meter-scale geomorphology of PSRs, including craters, boulder, surface roughness, mass wasting features and other indications of the presence of water-ice and other volatiles. Acknowledgments: CMS developers team including Kaitlyn J. Dickinson, Tyler A. Lucarz, Tyler W. Choi from USRA, NASA WorldWind Advisory team including Mark Peterson and Guillermo Miguel Del Castillo, HORUS team member V.T. Bickel, Robinson, M., LRO MOON LROC 2 EDR V1.0, LRO-L-LROC-2-EDR-V1.0, NASA Planetary Data System (PDS), 2009. https://doi.org/10.17189/1520643 References: [1] https://celestial.arc.nasa.gov [2] Agrawal et. al. “Celestial Mapping System for Lunar Surface Mapping and Analytics”, Lunar Surface Innovation Consortium, 2021 [3] Bickel V. et al. (2021) Nat Commun 12, 5607

Lunar Mapping↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The View From Out Here: The Solar System Planets as Exoplanet Analogs

As we begin to characterize planets orbiting other stars, one of the most important tools available to us is the collection of disk-integrated solar system observations. To date, these have been limited in how they match up with expected exoplanet observations in terms of wavelength, time, viewing geometry, and separations. The Interstellar Probe mission could push the boundaries of planetary science by providing a much-needed and unique dataset for the solar system viewed as an extrasolar system in advance of the next generation of ground and space-based telescopes. Viewing the solar system at large separations over a long period serves several purposes. It acts as a practical test directly analogous to exoplanet observations under realistic conditions, including such effects as zodiacal dust (e.g., Roberge et al., 2012). Secondly, it allows for both the validation of forward models (that is, simulating a planet and generating spectra) and retrievals (where some of the planetary properties are not known) (e.g., Robinson et al., 2011; Agarwal and Wettlaufer, 2017). Third, the mission pro le would be able to collect data at both high- and low-phase angles, which are lacking for most of the solar system planets (e.g., Mallama and Hilton, 2018). Lastly, the long duration of the proposed mission would allow not only snapshots, but time resolved observations using the same instrument, highlighting the dynamic nature of the planets (e.g., seasonality, storms). The planets need not be resolved to make these observations, which eases instrumentation requirements. Here, we show simulations of what an Interstellar Probe imager would see, improving on work that was part of a white paper submitted to the Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey. The opportunity for multiple full orbits for most of the solar system planets, including a full phase curve of Saturn, is unique and worth pursuing during the development of the Interstellar Probe mission.

Chester Harman↗
NASA NTRS2010

Conduct of Geologic Field Work During Planetary Exploration: Why Geology Matters

The science of field geology is the investigative process of determining the distribution of rock units and structures on a planet fs surface, and it is the first-order data set that informs all subsequent studies of a planet, such as geochemistry, geochronology, geophysics, or remote sensing. For future missions to the Moon and Mars, the surface systems deployed must support the conduct of field geology if these endeavors are to be scientifically useful. This lecture discussed what field geology is all about.why it is important, how it is done, how conducting field geology informs many other sciences, and how it affects the design of surface systems and the implementation of operations in the future.

Eppler, Dean B.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Photochemical Phenomenology Model for the New Millenium

This project tackles the problem of conversion of validated a priori physics-based modeling capabilities, specifically those relevant to the analysis and interpretation of planetary atmosphere observations, to application-oriented software for use in science and science-support activities. The software package under development, named the Photochemical Phenomenology Modeling Tool (PPMT), has particular focus on the atmospheric remote sensing data to be acquired by the CIRS instrument during the CASSINI Jupiter flyby and orbital tour of the Saturnian system. Overall, the project has followed the development outline given in the original proposal, and the Year 1 design and architecture goals have been met. Specific accomplishments and the difficulties encountered are summarized in this report. Most of the effort has gone into complete definition of the PPMT interfaces within the context of today's IT arena: adoption and adherence to the CORBA Component Model (CCM) has yielded a solid architecture basis, and CORBA-related issues (services, specification options, development plans, etc.) have been largely resolved. Implementation goals have been redirected somewhat so as to be more relevant to the upcoming CASSINI flyby of Jupiter, with focus now being more on data analysis and remote sensing retrieval applications.

Bishop, James↗
NASA NTRS1985

Introduction to the Space Physics Analysis Network (SPAN)

The Space Physics Analysis Network or SPAN is emerging as a viable method for solving an immediate communication problem for the space scientist. SPAN provides low-rate communication capability with co-investigators and colleagues, and access to space science data bases and computational facilities. The SPAN utilizes up-to-date hardware and software for computer-to-computer communications allowing binary file transfer and remote log-on capability to over 25 nationwide space science computer systems. SPAN is not discipline or mission dependent with participation from scientists in such fields as magnetospheric, ionospheric, planetary, and solar physics. Basic information on the network and its use are provided. It is anticipated that SPAN will grow rapidly over the next few years, not only from the standpoint of more network nodes, but as scientists become more proficient in the use of telescience, more capability will be needed to satisfy the demands.

Green, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Mars Observer mission

Mars Observer, the first of the observer series of planetary exploration missions recommended by the Solar System Exploration Committee, is planned for an August 1990 launch. Its principal objectives are in the areas of geoscience and climatology. This paper provides a summary description of the Mars Observer mission that focuses upon the mission characteristics, including key features of the trajectory, navigation challenges, and the science data acquisition objectives and process. To put the foregoing into the proper perspective, brief descriptions of the proposed science investigations and the spacecraft are also provided.

Mckinley, Edward L.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Planetary Boundary Layer Height from AIRS, MERRA-2, and GPS Radio Occultation Data Products at NASA GES DISC, and Insights from Their Profiles Intercomparison

The NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) provides archive and distribution services for several data products in the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) category. As a new variable added to the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Version 6 support product, the PBL height from AIRS is derived based on the gradients of the retrieved relative humidity profile, and provides the atmospheric pressure at the top of the PBL over the ocean. The GES DISC also hosts the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications-2 (MERRA-2) product generated by the Goddard Earth Observing System Model Version 5 (GEOS-5) data assimilation system. The PBL height from MERRA-2 is based on the total eddy diffusion coefficient of heat. The monthly PBL height has been made available in the Giovanni system (Giovanni is a Web-based application developed by the GES DISC providing a simple and intuitive way to visualize, analyze, and access vast amounts of Earth science remote sensing data). Recently, the GES DISC began serving the global PBL height climatology product derived from the COSMIC/FORMOSAT-3 and TerraSAR-X Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) measurements from June 2006 to December 2015. In a previous study, we presented the monthly PBL height data from AIRS and MERRA-2 and demonstrated the GES DISC services which support data intercomparison, such as access, plotting, sub-setting, regridding, and generation of a multi-year monthly mean. We also provided intercomparison results, and found that different PBL height definitions contributed to significant differences of PBL height values between AIRS and MERRA-2. In this work, we present the 10-year seasonal climatologies from the AIRS, MERRA-2 and GPS-RO. We also used the cross section and vertical profile services in Giovanni to display and analyze the vertical atmosphere structure over regions where the PBL height derived from the AIRS and MERRA-2 are quite different. The examination of the AIRS and MERRA-2 three-dimensional data found that the relative humidity profiles had larger differences than the temperature profiles. The MERRA-2 gives more details than the AIRS for the vertical distribution of the humidity.

Ding, Feng↗