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NASA NTRS2011

Innovative Technologies for Human Exploration: Opportunities for Partnerships and Leveraging Novel Technologies External to NASA

Human spaceflight organizations have ambitious goals for expanding human presence throughout the solar system. To meet these goals, spaceflight organizations have to overcome complex technical challenges for human missions to Mars, Near Earth Asteroids, and other distant celestial bodies. Resolving these challenges requires considerable resources and technological innovations, such as advancements in human health and countermeasures for space environments; self-sustaining habitats; advanced power and propulsion systems; and information technologies. Today, government space agencies seek cooperative endeavors to reduce cost burdens, improve human exploration capabilities, and foster knowledge sharing among human spaceflight organizations. This paper looks at potential opportunities for partnerships and spin-ins from economic sectors outside the space industry. It highlights innovative technologies and breakthrough concepts that could have significant impacts on space exploration and identifies organizations throughout the broader economy that specialize in these technologies.

Hay, Jason↗

NASA NTRS2012

Finite Element Analysis of Three Methods for Microwave Heating of Planetary Surfaces

In-Situ Resource Utilization will be Ground Breaking technology for sustained exploration of space. Volatiles are present in planetary regolith, but water by far has the most potential for effective utilization. The presence of water at the lunar poles and Mars opens the possibility of using the hydrogen for propellant on missions beyond Earth orbit. Likewise, the oxygen could be used for in-space propulsion for lunar ascent/descent and for space tugs from low lunar orbit to low Earth orbit. Water is also an effective radiation shielding material as well as a valuable expendable (water and oxygen) required for habitation in space. Because of the strong function of water vapor pressure with temperature, heating regolith effectively liberates water vapor by sublimation. Microwave energy will penetrate soil and heat from within, much more efficiently than heating from the surface with radiant heat. This is especially true under vacuum conditions since the heat transfer rate is very low. The depth of microwave penetration is a strong function of the microwave frequency and to a lesser extent on regolith dielectric properties. New methods for delivery of microwaves into lunar and planetary surfaces is being prototyped with laboratory experiments and modeled with COMSOL MultiPhysics. Recent results are discussed.

Ethridge, Edwin↗

NASA NTRS2012

In Situ Manufacturing is a Necessary Part of Any Planetary Architecture

The key to any sustainable presence in space is the ability to manufacture necessary tools, parts, structures, spares, etc. in situ and on demand. Cost, volume, and up-mass constraints prohibit launching everything needed for long-duration or long-distance missions from Earth, including spare parts and replacement systems. There are many benefits to building items as-needed in situ using computer aided drafting (CAD) models and additive manufacturing technology: (1) Cost, up-mass, and volume savings for launch due to the ability to manufacture specific parts when needed. (2) CAD models can be generated on Earth and transmitted to the station or spacecraft, or they can be designed in situ for any task. Thus, multiple people in many locations can work on a single problem. (3) Items can be produced that will enhance the safety of crew and vehicles (e.g., latches or guards). (4) Items can be produced on-demand in a small amount of time (i.e., hours or days) compared to traditional manufacturing methods and, therefore, would not require the lengthy amount of time needed to machine the part from a solid block of material nor the wait time required if the part had to be launched from Earth. (5) Used and obsolete parts can be recycled into powder or wire feedstock for use in later manufacturing. (6) Ultimately, the ability to produce items as-needed will reduce mission risk, as one will have everything they need to fix a broken system or fashion a new part making it available on a more timely basis.

Edmunson, Jennifer E.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Key Gaps for Enabling Plant Growth in Future Missions

Growing plants to provide food or psychological benefits to crewmembers is a common vision for the future of human spaceflight, often represented both in media and in serious concept studies. The complexity of controlled environment agriculture and of plant growth in microgravity have and continue to be the subject of dedicated scientific research. However, actually implementing these systems in a way that will be cost effective, efficient, and sustainable for future space missions is a complex, multi-disciplinary problem. Key questions exist in many areas: human research in nutrition and psychology, horticulture, plant physiology and microbiology, multi-phase microgravity fluid physics, hardware design and technology development, and system design, operations and mission planning. The criticality of the research, and the ideal solution, will vary depending on the mission and type of system implementation being considered.

Anderson, Molly S.↗

NASA NTRS2017

The Effects of CDKN1a/p21 on Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Function During Long Duration Spaceflight

Broad tissue degeneration and the failure of normal tissue regenerative processes in microgravity because of mechanical unloading are increasing concerns for sustaining life in space as the duration of future flight missions increases. Work in our laboratory has identified normal adult stem cell-based tissue regenerative processes, such as the formation of new bone, cartilage, and immune cells, as being particularly sensitive to the stresses of mechanical unloading in microgravity. Our studies have also identified the inhibition of differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells and activation of CDKN1ap21-mediated cell cycle arrest in proliferative osteoprecursor cells on the bone surface as potential mechanisms for spaceflight-induced skeletal changes. This finding, in combination with the role of CDKN1ap21 as a suppressor of mammalian tissue regeneration, suggests that this gene could be responsible for suppressing stem cell-based tissue regeneration in response to disuse. In this work, we hypothesized that CDKN1ap21 regulates regenerative bone formation in response to alterations in mechanical load and tested this hypothesis by studying the skeletal phenotype and stem cell regenerative ability of juvenile (4-11 weeks old) and adult (18 weeks-12 months old) p21 (--) knockout (KO) mice. Additionally, we analyzed bone micro-architectural properties, bone formation rates and differentiation capacity of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) from male and female KO mice exposed to hindlimb unloading (HU) for 15-30 days. We found that juvenile KO mice exhibited increased femoral trabecular and cortical bone formation, whilst three-point bending of the tibias from KO mice showed decreased bone stiffness. Conversely, adult KO mice exhibited no significant differences in micro-architectural properties compared to WT (wild-type) but woven bone structure was indicative of rapid bone remodeling. Furthermore, cortical bone properties showed similar characteristics to aged bone, including increased cross-sectional area and perimeter, whilst three-point bending showed increased stiffness and toughness. Interestingly, in-vitro, KO mice exhibited increased differentiation and mineralized nodule formation in osteoblastogenesis assays compared to WT. Preliminary results from CDKN1ap21 KO mice subjected to HU suggest altered sensitivity to mechanical unloading resulting in decreased cortical thickness compared to WT mice. However, KO mice subjected to short and long-duration HU show increased in-vitro differentiation potential of BMSCs to from form mature, mineral-forming osteoblasts, indicating maintenance of regenerative potential. Analysis of bone formation rates, cell proliferation rates and key genes of interest are currently underway. These results indicate a novel role for CDKN1ap21 in load-dependent osteoprogenitor proliferation and differentiation and that deletion of CDKN1ap21 results in an age-dependent release of osteoblast proliferation inhibition and increased bone formation and turnover.

Stem Cells↗

NASA NTRS2019

Testing a Neural Network Accelerator on a High-Altitude Balloon

The cognitive communications project has been working to re d machine learning approaches to support their deployment and sustained use in space environments. It has historically been difficult to implement such techniques on space platforms, however, due to the computational requirements they levy onto general-purpose avionics hardware. While technologies exist to accelerate the computation of aspects of neural networks, such platforms have not historically been deployed in space environments. Given that testing payloads in such environments can be both cost- and time-prohibitive, high-altitude balloons can be used as a way to approximate a space environment at a much lower cost, thus providing a cost-effective way in which to test newer approaches to hardware acceleration for artificial intelligence which may be deployed onto spacecraft more directly. This paper describes a successful test of a commercial off- the-shelf neural network accelerator on a high-altitude balloon. It begins by explaining our selection criteria when evaluating different commercial neural network acceleration techniques: primary considerations include size, weight, and power (SWaP) as well as ease of integration. Next, the paper describes the development and implementation of an experimental flight test platform: flight and ground components are discussed. Afterward, the paper discusses the experimental payload itself: this includes the experimental procedure as well as the specific image and method used for testing. Finally, the paper concludes with an evaluation of both the experimental device tested at altitude as well as the flight test framework itself, identifying how the existing platform can be used to continue tes g commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions for acceleration.

Clark, Gilbert↗

NASA NTRS2023

Uncovering Unique Molecular Adaptations in the Arabidopsis Thaliana Cvi-0 Ecotype

This research proposal aims to investigate the unique molecular adaptations exhibited by Arabidopsis Thaliana, specifically focusing on the Cape Verde Islands (Cvi-0) ecotype, in response to microgravity conditions. The study examines data from NASA’s Open Science Data Repository and applies a multifaceted RNAseq analysis pipeline using tools in the UseGalaxy.org open platform. Through transcriptomic analysis, differential gene expression patterns were identified in Cvi-0, revealing an absence of heat shock protein (HSP) upregulation and an upregulation of Rubisco Activase (RCA) and chloroplast-related pathways. To test the hypothesis that these adaptations may contribute to Cvi-0’s increased adaptability in microgravity, a three-fold experimental design is proposed. Four experimental groups will be cultivated under simulated microgravity and ground control conditions, including Cvi-0, Col-0, and genetically modified Col-0 with silenced HSP genes, and genetically modified Col-0 with upregulated RCA gene. Growth parameters will be measured to assess plant resilience, and RNA sequencing will provide transcriptomic data for pathway analysis. Anticipated outcomes include improved markers of plant health (mass, growth, etc.) of Cvi-0 in simulated microgravity and enhanced resilience in genetically altered Col-0 variants, providing insights into potential mechanisms of adaptation. This research would bear significance for space agriculture, nutrition for extended space missions, and sustainable terrestrial crop enhancement. Moreover, the insights gained could reshape crop engineering on Earth, enhancing robustness to climate induced stresses and bolstering global food security. The proposal’s trajectory blends scientific curiosity with practical applicability, forging a path towards sustainable food production and improving human exploration beyond our planet.

GL4HS↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

ACROSS: Supporting Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommended an investment in Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (TDAMM) as the top-priority sustaining activity in space for the coming decade. One aspect of NASA’s response to this recommendation is a study, led by the Physics of the Cosmos Program Office, of how a structure akin to a General Observer Facility might be implemented that would provide support to both missions and observers as they pursue TDAMM science. Here, we present some initial observations of needs in the community, and potential concepts for such an entity. We invite discussion with both missions and observers to better understand their needs and concerns.

Brian Humensky↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) Initiative

The Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommended an investment in Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (TDAMM) as the top-priority sustaining activity in space for the coming decade. One aspect of NASA’s response to this recommendation is a pilot project, the Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) Initiative, designed to provide support to both missions and observers as they pursue TDAMM science. Here, we present the results of our study and initial plans for ACROSS activities, including services to facilitate and improve cross-mission follow-up planning and execution; a multi-messenger web portal with links to existing mission resources, community tools, and information targeted for TDAMM General Observers; development of “Smart Target of Opportunity submission page” proof-of-concepts; and ongoing development of a potential TDAMM general observing competitive grant solicitation. We invite further discussion with both scientists and mission representatives to better understand their needs and concerns as ACROSS begins its pilot phase.

Brian Humensky↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Autonomous RPOD for Arbitrarily Configured Spacecraft with Anomaly Detection

Autonomous GN&C is a necessary component for a sustainable deep-space logistics architecture. The challenges for establishing robust autonomy are numerous, from state uncertainty, to anomaly detection and recovery. In this work, previous work investigating autonomous GN&C for arbitrary thruster configurations and mass properties is expanded to include state uncertainty and anomaly detection. Logistics vehicles with off-center-of-mass thruster configurations and in the presence of large but realistic state uncertainties are simulated in a Rendezvous, Proximity Operations and Docking scenario. Furthermore, stuck and non-functional thrusters are simulated, demonstrating the vehicle's ability to identify and overcome thruster anomalies. The simulations demonstrate that even with these realistic ambiguities, the vehicle is able to converge to the desired pose.

GN&C↗

NASA NTRS2024

NASA’s Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) Initiative: Enabling Time-Domain and Multimessenger

The Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommended an investment in Time-Domain and 4 Multimessenger Astrophysics (TDAMM) as the top-priority sustaining activity in space for the 5 coming decade. One aspect of NASA’s response to this recommendation is a pilot project, 6 the Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) initiative, designed to provide 7 support to both missions and observers as they pursue TDAMM science. Here, we present our 8 observations of needs in the community and initial plans for ACROSS activities, including services 9 to facilitate and improve cross-mission follow-up planning and execution; a multimessenger web portal with links to existing mission resources, community tools, and information targeted for 11 TDAMM general observers; development of “Smart target-of-opportunity submission page” proof-12 of-concepts; and ongoing development of a potential TDAMM general observing competitive 13 grant solicitation. As the ACROSS pilot phase begins, we invite discussion of our plans with both 14 missions and observers to better understand their needs and concerns.

T B Humensky↗

NASA NTRS2025

ACROSS: Enabling Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics

The U.S. Astro2020 Decadal Survey recommended an investment in Time Domain and Multi-Messenger Astrophysics (TDAMM) as the top-priority sustaining activity in space for the coming decade. One aspect of NASA’s response to this rec-ommendation is a pilot project, the Astrophysics Cross-Observatory Science Support (ACROSS) Initiative, designed to provide support to both missions and observers as they pursue TDAMM science. In this talk, we present our observations of needs in the community and initial plans for ACROSS activities, including services to facilitate and improve cross-mission follow-up planning and execution; a multi-messenger web portal with links to existing mission resources, community tools, and information tar-geted for TDAMM General Observers; development of "Smart Target of Opportunity submission page" proof-of-concepts; and ongoing development of a potential TDAMM general observing competitive grant solicitation. While the initial focus has been to en-hance coordination between NASA missions, we are eager to work with ground-based and international partners as well. We invite discussion with both missions and ob-servers to better understand their needs and concerns as ACROSS progresses. Here we present our efforts on the web-portal and API, along with our development to support NASA’s BurstCube mission.

T B Humensky↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Fabrication and Mechanical Testing of Heat Exchanger Tubes for Nuclear Propulsion and Other Applications from Continuous Carbon Nanotube Yarns and Tapes

As NASA and other agencies are looking to conduct sustained operations in space, nuclear engines have been receiving increased focus. The high specific impulse and high fuel efficiency at high thrust output of these engines can halve the transit time for human missions to Mars, or enable missions requiring multiple orbital parameter adjustments. In both Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) systems, heat exchangers play a critical role in transferring energy from the reactor to a working fluid, hydrogen in the case of NTP and a molten salt or other fluid for electricity generation in NEP. Heat exchangers are also required in other parts of the spacecraft. Various manufacturing methods and materials are being considered for the heat exchangers. In this presentation the fabrication and testing of heat exchangers made from continuous carbon nanotube (CNT) yarns and tapes are discussed. The fabrication workflow is compared and contrasted, as well as performance of prototype heat exchanger tubes fabricated using the various CNT formats. The failure loads and mechanisms of the tubes under tensile, compression, and bending loads are assessed. A further comparison of the CNT materials to components fabricated from carbon fiber is made. The presented work will contribute to the selection of approaches for heat exchanger fabrication methods for nuclear propulsion and other applications.

Heat Exchanger↗

NASA NTRS2015

Opportunities and Strategies for Testing and Infusion of ISRU in the Evolvable Mars Campaign

HE Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) is developing the plans and systems needed for a robust, evolutionary strategy to explore cis-lunar space, the Mars sphere of influence (including the moons of Mars), and the surface of Mars. Recently, the emphasis of NASA's plans has changed to focus on the prolonged pioneering of space, rather than focusing on a single crewed mission as the ultimate goal. A sustainable, pioneering vision of space would include in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) in multiple forms and at multiple destinations: atmospheric capture of Mars CO2 and/or volatiles for consumables and propellants, regolith for bulk and refined materials, and in-situ manufacturing at the Moon, Mars, and other bodies. These resources would enable a reduction in the logistical needs from Earth for future missions, thus preparing the way for a sustained presence on Mars. Although the EMC initially relies only on propellant production for the Mars ascent vehicle via ISRU, one of its primary objectives is to prospect at every EMC destination to understand the potential for ISRU; this will permit true pioneering to be enabled after the first crew arrives at Mars. Recent and ongoing analysis has considered the possible prospecting measurements that can be performed at the asteroid returned to cis-lunar space by the Asteroid Robotic Redirect Mission (ARRM), at the lunar surface, at Phobos and Deimos, and on the surface of Mars to identify available resources for future use. These opportunities will be available on missions currently in the Evolvable Mars Campaign construct, and will also facilitate the testing and demonstration of resource acquisition, processing, storage, and useage technologies that can play a role in later missions. This analysis has also led to the identification of several objectives that should be targeted during the missions building up to and including the initial crewed missions. These objectives are mapped to strategies for incorporating ISRU to support resource cycle closure and reduce mass requirements from Earth. This analysis has yielded engineering constraints, based on ISRU, that impact the evaluation of landing sites for missions to the surface of Mars. The terrain of a particular site must be sufficiently flat to permit ISRU systems, as well as ancillary systems such as power and propellant storage tanks, to be landed, moved into position, set up, and operated. Water must be accessible in a form that can be acquired via ISRU, in quantities that align with demands. The chosen method of acquiring and processing water should align with the available resources at a particular site, and that site must have sufficient quantities to meet the requirements (based on crew consumables and propellant demands). Lower altitude landing sites are preferred, as the increase in density can facilitate carbon dioxide acquisition from the atmosphere. Another preference is for sites with a greater ability to move regolith for civil engineering purposes; for example, this would be conducive to both bulk regolith uses (such as the manufacture of berms), and processed regolith uses (such as microwave sintering).

Evolvable Mars Campaign↗

NASA NTRS2010

Automated, Miniaturized Instrument for Measuring Gene Expression in Space

To facilitate astrobiological studies on the survival and adaptation of microorganisms and mixed microbial cultures to space environment, we have been developing a fully automated, miniaturized system for measuring their gene expression on small spacecraft. This low-cost, multi-purpose instrument represents a major scientific and technological advancement in our ability to study the impact of the space environment on biological systems by providing data on cellular metabolism and regulation orders of magnitude richer than what is currently available. The system supports growth of the organism, lyse it to release the expressed RNA, label the RNA, read the expression levels of a large number of genes by microarray analysis of labeled RNA and transmit the measurements to Earth. To measure gene expression we use microarray technology developed by CombiMatrix, which is based on electrochemical reactions on arrays of electrodes on a semiconductor substrate. Since the electrical integrity of the microarray remains intact after probe synthesis, the circuitry can be employed to sense nucleic acid binding at each electrode. CombiMatrix arrays can be sectored to allow multiple samples per chip. In addition, a single array can be used for several assays. The array has been integrated into an automated microfluidic cartridge that uses flexible reagent blisters and pinch pumping to move liquid reagents between chambers. The proposed instrument will help to understand adaptation of terrestrial life to conditions beyond the planet of origin, identify deleterious effects of the space environment, develop effective countermeasures against these effects, and test our ability to sustain and grow in space organisms that can be used for life support and in situ resource utilization during long-duration space exploration. The instrument is suitable for small satellite platforms, which provide frequent, low cost access to space. It can be also used on any other platform in space, including the ISS. It can be replicated and used with only small modifications in multiple biological experiments with a broad range of goals in mind.

Pohorille, A.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Continuing to Build a Community Consensus on the Future of Human Space Flight: Report of the Fourth Community Workshop on Achievability and Sustainability of Human Exploration of Mars (AM IV)

To continue to build broadly based consensus on the future of human space exploration, the Fourth Community Workshop on Achievability and Sustainability of Human Exploration of Mars (AM IV), organized by Explore Mars, Inc. and the American Astronautical Society, was held at the Double Tree Inn in Monrovia, CA., December 68, 2016. Approximately 60 invited professionals from the industrial and commercial sectors, academia, and NASA, along with international colleagues, participated in the workshop. These individuals were chosen to be representative of the breadth of interests in astronaut and robotic Mars exploration.

Human Exploration↗

NASA NTRS2009

Johnson Space Center's Solar and Wind-Based Renewable Energy System

The NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas has a Sustainability Partnership team that seeks ways for earth-based sustainability practices to also benefit space exploration research. A renewable energy gathering system was installed in 2007 at the JSC Child Care Center (CCC) which also offers a potential test bed for space exploration power generation and remote monitoring and control concepts. The system comprises: 1) several different types of photovoltaic panels (29 kW), 2) two wind-turbines (3.6 kW total), and 3) one roof-mounted solar thermal water heater and tank. A tie to the JSC local electrical grid was provided to accommodate excess power. The total first year electrical energy production was 53 megawatt-hours. A web-based real-time metering system collects and reports system performance and weather data. Improvements in areas of the CCC that were detected during subsequent energy analyses and some concepts for future efforts are also presented.

Vasquez, A.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Self-Cleaning Particulate Prefilter Media

A long-term space mission requires efficient air revitalization performance to sustain the crew. Prefilter and particulate air filter media are susceptible to rapid fouling that adversely affects their performance and can lead to catastrophic failure of the air revitalization system, which may result in mission failure. For a long-term voyage, it is impractical to carry replacement particulate prefilter and filter modules due to the usual limitations in size, volume, and weight. The only solution to this problem is to reagentlessly regenerate prefilter and filter media in place. A method was developed to modify the particulate prefilter media to allow them to regenerate reagentlessly, and in place, by the application of modest thermocycled transverse or reversed airflows. The innovation may allow NASA to close the breathing air loop more efficiently, thereby sustaining the vision for manned space exploration missions of the future. A novel, self-cleaning coatings technology was developed for air filter media surfaces that allows reagentless in-place regeneration of the surface. The technology grafts thermoresponsive and nonspecific adhesion minimizing polymer nanolayer brush coatings from the prefilter media. These polymer nanolayer brush architectures can be triggered to contract and expand to generate a "pushing-off" force by the simple application of modestly thermocycled (i.e. cycling from ambient cabin temperature to 40 C) air streams. The nonspecific adhesion-minimizing properties of the coatings do not allow the particulate foulants to adhere strongly to the filter media, and thermocycled air streams applied to the media allow easy detachment and in-place regeneration of the media with minimal impact in system downtime or astronaut involvement in overseeing the process.

Weber, Olivia↗