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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Simultaneous in-flight calibrations of the Galileo science platform and attitude control subsystems

This paper presents a design metholodology and simulation study results for a combined star scanner-gyro-scan platform in-flight calibration for the dual spin Galileo spacecraft. The design process involves three separate parts: the construction of an error model, development of the calibration model, and the selection of the appropriate estimation technique. The major innovative contribution lies in the development of the first two parts which are unique to the Galileo design. A unified procedure has been developed to allow simultaneous calibration of the three subsystems. However, provisions are also made in the software to calibrate each subsystem separately when the necessary a priori information is available.

Lai, J. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Mission operations update for the restructured Earth Observing System (EOS) mission

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Earth Observing System (EOS) will provide a comprehensive long term set of observations of the Earth to the Earth science research community. The data will aid in determining global changes caused both naturally and through human interaction. Understanding man's impact on the global environment will allow sound policy decisions to be made to protect our future. EOS is a major component of the Mission to Planet Earth program, which is NASA's contribution to the U.S. Global Change Research Program. EOS consists of numerous instruments on multiple spacecraft and a distributed ground system. The EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is the major ground system developed to support EOS. The EOSDIS will provide EOS spacecraft command and control, data processing, product generation, and data archival and distribution services for EOS spacecraft. Data from EOS instruments on other Earth science missions (e.g., Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)) will also be processed, distributed, and archived in EOSDIS. The U.S. and various International Partners (IP) (e.g., the European Space Agency (ESA), the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) of Japan, and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA)) participate in and contribute to the international EOS program. The EOSDIS will also archive processed data from other designated NASA Earth science missions (e.g., UARS) that are under the broad umbrella of Mission to Planet Earth.

Kelly, Angelita Castro↗
NASA NTRS1999

Spaceport Support

Command and Control Technologies (CCT) Corporation of Titusville, Florida, a Florida/NASA Business Incubator tenant, is commercializing technology based on Kennedy Space Center's (KSC's) spacecraft ground processing program known as the Control Monitor Unit (CMU). The CMU was developed by engineers with NASA and McDonnell Douglas Space & Defense Systems at KSC to prepare the International Space Station elements for launch. CCT is significantly expanding the commercial capability of the product, called the Command and Control Toolkit(TM) (CCTK), according to Kevin Brown, CCT vice president for business development. In fact, CCT is the only U.S. firm specializing in launch vehicle control systems design and development for spaceports and new launch vehicle programs.

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NASA NTRS1995

Scientific Software

The Interactive Data Language (IDL), developed by Research Systems, Inc., is a tool for scientists to investigate their data without having to write a custom program for each study. IDL is based on the Mariners Mars spectral Editor (MMED) developed for studies from NASA's Mars spacecraft flights. The company has also developed Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI), an image processing system for easily analyzing remotely sensed data written in IDL. The Visible Human CD, another Research Systems product, is the first complete digital reference of photographic images for exploring human anatomy.

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NASA NTRS1983

Anodizing Process

This anodizing process traces its origin to the 1960's when Reynolds Metals Company, under contract with Goddard Space Flight Center, developed a multipurpose anodizing electrolyte (MAE) process to produce a hard protective finish for spacecraft aluminum. MAE produces a high-density, abrasion-resistant film prior to the coloring step, in which the pores of the film are impregnated with a metallic form of salt. Tru-Color product applications include building fronts, railing, curtain walls, doors and windows.

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NASA NTRS2009

Development of a GCR Event-based Risk Model

A goal at NASA is to develop event-based systems biology models of space radiation risks that will replace the current dose-based empirical models. Complex and varied biochemical signaling processes transmit the initial DNA and oxidative damage from space radiation into cellular and tissue responses. Mis-repaired damage or aberrant signals can lead to genomic instability, persistent oxidative stress or inflammation, which are causative of cancer and CNS risks. Protective signaling through adaptive responses or cell repopulation is also possible. We are developing a computational simulation approach to galactic cosmic ray (GCR) effects that is based on biological events rather than average quantities such as dose, fluence, or dose equivalent. The goal of the GCR Event-based Risk Model (GERMcode) is to provide a simulation tool to describe and integrate physical and biological events into stochastic models of space radiation risks. We used the quantum multiple scattering model of heavy ion fragmentation (QMSFRG) and well known energy loss processes to develop a stochastic Monte-Carlo based model of GCR transport in spacecraft shielding and tissue. We validated the accuracy of the model by comparing to physical data from the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory (NSRL). Our simulation approach allows us to time-tag each GCR proton or heavy ion interaction in tissue including correlated secondary ions often of high multiplicity. Conventional space radiation risk assessment employs average quantities, and assumes linearity and additivity of responses over the complete range of GCR charge and energies. To investigate possible deviations from these assumptions, we studied several biological response pathway models of varying induction and relaxation times including the ATM, TGF -Smad, and WNT signaling pathways. We then considered small volumes of interacting cells and the time-dependent biophysical events that the GCR would produce within these tissue volumes to estimate how GCR event rates mapped to biological signaling induction and relaxation times. We considered several hypotheses related to signaling and cancer risk, and then performed simulations for conditions where aberrant or adaptive signaling would occur on long-duration space mission. Our results do not support the conventional assumptions of dose, linearity and additivity. A discussion on how event-based systems biology models, which focus on biological signaling as the mechanism to propagate damage or adaptation, can be further developed for cancer and CNS space radiation risk projections is given.

Cucinotta, Francis A.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Face-Sheet Quality Analysis and Thermo-Physical Property Characterization of OOA and Autoclave Panels

Increased application of polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials in large vehicle structures requires consideration of non-autoclave manufacturing technology. The NASA Composites for Exploration project, and its predecessor, Lightweight Spacecraft Structures and Materials project, were tasked with the development of materials and manufacturing processes for structures that will perform in a heavy-lift-launch vehicle environment. Both autoclave and out of autoclave processable materials were considered. Large PMC structures envisioned for such a vehicle included the payload shroud and the interstage connector. In this study, composite sandwich panels representing 1/16th segments of the barrel section of the Ares V rocket fairing were prepared as 1.8 m x 2.4 m sections of the 10 m diameter arc segment. IM7/977-3 was used as the face-sheet prepreg of the autoclave processed panels and T40-800B/5320-1 for the out of autoclave panels. The core was 49.7 kilograms per square meters (3.1 pounds per cubic feet (pcf)) aluminum honeycomb. Face-sheets were fabricated by automated tape laying 153 mm wide unidirectional tape. This work details analysis of the manufactured panels where face-sheet quality was characterized by optical microscopy, cured ply thickness measurements, acid digestion, and thermal analysis.

Miller, Sandi G.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Face-Sheet Quality Analysis and Thermo-Physical Property Characterization of OOA and Autoclave Panels

Increased application of polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials in large vehicle structures requires consideration of non-autoclave manufacturing technology. The NASA Composites for Exploration project, and its predecessor, Lightweight Spacecraft Structures and Materials project, were tasked with the development of materials and manufacturing processes for structures that will perform in a heavy-lift-launch vehicle environment. Both autoclave and out of autoclave processable materials were considered. Large PMC structures envisioned for such a vehicle included the payload shroud and the interstage connector. In this study, composite sandwich panels representing 1/16th segments of the barrel section of the Ares V rocket fairing were prepared as 1.8 m x 2.4 m sections of the 10 m diameter arc segment. IM7/977-3 was used as the face-sheet prepreg of the autoclave processed panels and T40-800B/5320-1 for the out of autoclave panels. The core was 49.7 kg/sq m (3.1 lb/cu ft (pcf)) aluminum honeycomb. Face-sheets were fabricated by automated tape laying 153 mm wide unidirectional tape. This work details analysis of the manufactured panels where face-sheet quality was characterized by optical microscopy, cured ply thickness measurements, acid digestion, and thermal analysis.

Miller, Sandi G.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Network command processing system overview

The Network Command Processing System (NCPS) developed for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ground Network (GN) stations is a spacecraft command system utilizing a MULTIBUS I/68030 microprocessor. This system was developed and implemented at ground stations worldwide to provide a Project Operations Control Center (POCC) with command capability for support of spacecraft operations such as the LANDSAT, Shuttle, Tracking and Data Relay Satellite, and Nimbus-7. The NCPS consolidates multiple modulation schemes for supporting various manned/unmanned orbital platforms. The NCPS interacts with the POCC and a local operator to process configuration requests, generate modulated uplink sequences, and inform users of the ground command link status. This paper presents the system functional description, hardware description, and the software design.

Nam, Yon-Woo↗
NASA NTRS1992

Autonomous Frequency-Domain Indentification

Test and data-processing system determines plant models and uncertainties. Integrated system of methods, digital signal-processing, and algorithms identifies parametric model of large, flexible structures. Experiments in development of system conducted on laboratory model intended to represent large space antenna or flexible spacecraft. Also applicable to many terrestrial systems, robust control of dynamic plants and processes, robust control of systems about which knowledge uncertain or incomplete, decentralized control, and knowledge-based control systems.

Mettler, Edward↗
NASA NTRS1983

New Martian satellite search

The approach pictures taken by the Viking 1 and Viking 2 spacecrafts two days before their Mars orbital insertion maneuvers were analyzed in order to search for new satellites within the orbit of Phobos. To accomplish this task, search procedure and analysis strategy were formulated, developed and executed using the substantial image processing capabilities of the Image Processing Laboratory at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The development of these new search capabilities should prove to be valuable to NASA in processing of image data obtained from other spacecraft missions. The result of applying the search procedures to the Viking approach pictures was as follows: no new satellites of comparable size (approx. 20 km) and brightness to Phobos or Demios were detected within the orbit of Phobos.

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NASA NTRS2008

Onboard Data Processor for Change-Detection Radar Imaging

A computer system denoted a change-detection onboard processor (CDOP) is being developed as a means of processing the digitized output of a synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) apparatus aboard an aircraft or spacecraft to generate images showing changes that have occurred in the terrain below between repeat passes of the aircraft or spacecraft over the terrain. When fully developed, the CDOP is intended to be capable of generating SAR images and/or SAR differential interferograms in nearly real time. The CDOP is expected to be especially useful for understanding some large-scale natural phenomena and/or mitigating natural hazards: For example, it could be used for near-real-time observation of surface changes caused by floods, landslides, forest fires, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, glaciers, and sea ice movements. It could also be used to observe such longer-term surface changes as those associated with growth of vegetation (relevant to estimation of wildfire fuel loads). The CDOP is, essentially, an interferometric SAR processor designed to operate aboard a radar platform.

Lou, Yunling↗
NASA NTRS1996

Performance of a Smart Vibration Isolator for Precision Spacecraft Instruments

Under the ARPA SMS Partnership Program for Synthesis and Processing of Smart Materials, Lockheed Missiles and Space company, Inc. has developed a demonstration prototype vibration cancelling mount using electrostrictive ceramic and shape-memory alloy actuators. Shape-memory actuators provide an adaptive-passive, self-damping support for isolation, while the electrostrictive actuators are employed to provide force and position control. The demonstration device was designed to address generic requirements for vibration stabilization of precision spacecraft instruments. It is reconfigurable to operate in any of four modes; passive isolation, active-passive isolation using force cancellation, active precision positioning, and active disturbance rejection. The presentation summarizes design of the device design and results of experimental evaluations of the device in isolation (active and passive) and positioning modes. Rejection of payload-borne disturbances is also discussed with reference to predictions from experimentally calibrated simulations. Finally, avenues for further development and refinement of the device are discussed.

Regelbrugge, Marc E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

A widely adaptable habitat construction system utilizing space resources

This study suggests that the cost of providing accommodations for various manned activities in space may be reduced by the extensive use of resources that are commonly found throughout the solar system. Several concepts are proposed for converting these resources into simple products with many uses. Concrete is already being considered as a possible moonbase material. Manufacturing equipment should be as small and simple as possible, which leads to the idea of molding it into miniature modules that can be produced and assembled in large numbers to create any conceivable shape. Automated equipment could build up complex structures by laying down layer after layer in a process resembling stereolithography. These tiny concrete blocks handle compression loads and provide a barrier to harmful radiation. They are joined by a web of tension members that could be made of wire or fiber-reinforced plastic. The finished structure becomes air-tight with the addition of a flexible liner. Wire can be made from the iron modules found in lunar soil. In addition to its structural role, a relatively simple apparatus can bend and weld it into countless products like chairs and shelving that would otherwise need to be supplied from Earth. Wire woven into a loose blanket could be an effective micrometeoroid shield, tiny wire compression beams could be assembled into larger beams which in turn form larger beams to create very large space-frame structures. A technology developed with lunar materials could be applied to the moons of Mars or the asteroids. To illustrate its usefulness several designs for free-flying habitats are presented. They begin with a minimal self-contained living unit called the Cubicle. It may be multiplied into clusters called Condos. These are shown in a rotating tether configuration that provides a substitute for gravity. The miniature block proposal is compared with an alternate design based on larger triangular components and a tetrahedral geometry. The overall concept may be expanded to envision city-sized self-sufficient environments where humans could confortably live their entire lives. One such proposal is the Hive. It is configured around a unique sunlight collection system that could provide all its energy needs and that could be scaled up to compensate for the reduced solar intensity at greater distances from the sun. Its outer perimeter consists of a cylindrical section mated to two conical end walls that taper inwards toward a small aperture at the center of rotation. Light collected by two huge mirrors of unusual design enters the aperture and is redirected to the inside of the cylinder. The conical end walls are shielded from direct sunlight and are designed to radiate heat into space. They are lined with air ducts that passively recirculate the atmosphere while extracting moisture by condensation. Although there is no immediate demand for spacecraft on this scale, their consideration can influence even the earliest stages of the development process.

Wykes, Harry B.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Onboard Classification of Hyperspectral Data on the Earth Observing One Mission

Remote-sensed hyperspectral data represents significant challenges in downlink due to its large data volumes. This paper describes a research program designed to process hyperspectral data products onboard spacecraft to (a) reduce data downlink volumes and (b) decrease latency to provide key data products (often by enabling use of lower data rate communications systems). We describe efforts to develop onboard processing to study volcanoes, floods, and cryosphere, using the Hyperion hyperspectral imager and onboard processing for the Earth Observing One (EO-1) mission as well as preliminary work targeting the Hyperspectral Infrared Imager (HyspIRI) mission.

cryosphere↗
NASA NTRS2006

The Glory Program: Global Science from a Unique Spacecraft Integration

The Glory program is an Earth and Solar science mission designed to broaden science community knowledge of the environment. The causes and effects of global warming have become a concern in recent years and Glory aims to contribute to the knowledge base of the science community. Glory is designed for two functions: one is solar viewing to monitor the total solar irradiance and the other is observing the Earth s atmosphere for aerosol composition. The former is done with an active cavity radiometer, while the latter is accomplished with an aerosol polarimeter sensor to discern atmospheric particles. The Glory program is managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) with Orbital Sciences in Dulles, VA as the prime contractor for the spacecraft bus, mission operations, and ground system. This paper will describe some of the more unique features of the Glory program including the integration and testing of the satellite and instruments as well as the science data processing. The spacecraft integration and test approach requires extensive analysis and additional planning to ensure existing components are successfully functioning with the new Glory components. The science mission data analysis requires development of mission unique processing systems and algorithms. Science data analysis and distribution will utilize our national assets at the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) and the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP). The Satellite was originally designed and built for the Vegetation Canopy Lidar (VCL) mission, which was terminated in the middle of integration and testing due to payload development issues. The bus was then placed in secure storage in 2001 and removed from an environmentally controlled container in late 2003 to be refurbished to meet the Glory program requirements. Functional testing of all the components was done as a system at the start of the program, very different from a traditional program. The plan for Glory is to minimize any changes to the spacecraft in order to meet the Glory requirements. This means that the instrument designs must adhere to the existing interfaces and capabilities as much as possible. Given Glory's unique history and the potential science return, the program is one of significant value to both the science community and the world. The findings Glory promises will improve our understanding of the drivers for global climate change for a minimal investment. The program hopes to show that reuse of existing government assets can result in a lower cost, and fully successful mission.

Bajpayee Jaya↗
NASA NTRS2024

Graphene-Based Filtration Media for Spacecraft Potable Water Systems: An Early Investigation

Graphene-based materials have allowed fundamental advances in fields such as energy storage, electronics development, material science, optics, medicine, and water processing due to its unique two-dimensional structure, mechanical robustness, large surface, and high conductivity. However, little to no effort has been devoted to exploiting and studying these materials to develop new water technologies suited for spacecraft applications. One such application is the potential use of graphene-based materials as filtration media for reclaimed water. Therefore, studying the adsorptive performance of these new materials becomes crucial in identifying the opportunity to replace/upgrade State-of-the-Art filtration media currently used in space vehicles with water-recovery capability; especially if consumable requirements can be lessened as a result of extended filtration capacity. This early life-support-systems investigation pioneers in graphene-research by testing a number of graphene-based materials in comparative adsorption and antimicrobial experiments where contaminant removal efficiency, maximum adsorption capacity, and log reduction are probed. This preliminary investigation informs on the practicability of using graphene-based materials as filtration media and provides a discussion on the scaling-up and optimization of this prospective filtration technology for spacecraft potable water systems.

graphene↗