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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 289 records · Page 16

STS-111/Endeavour/ISS UF2 Pre-Launch Activities: Launch with Playbacks

This video of the preflight preparations for and launch of Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-111 begins with a view of Endeavour on the launch pad. Additional launch pad views leading up to liftoff are interspersed with footage from the Firing Room at Kennedy Space Center, the crew's prelaunch activities, and inspection of the crew members in the White Room before boarding Endeavour. The crew is introduced by a narrator during the preflight banquet and suiting up, and a later clip shows them departing to the launch site. The crew consists of Commander Kenneth Cockrell, Pilot Paul Lockhart, Mission Specialists Philippe Perrin and Franklin Chang-Diaz, and the Expedition 5 crew of the International Space Station (ISS) (Commander Valery Korzun and Flight Engineers Peggy Whitsun and Sergei Treschev). The nozzles on Endeavour's Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) are swiveled before liftoff, and the launch is shown past the separation of the solid rocket boosters. After a brief clip from the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center, the following launch replays are shown: Beach Tracker, VAB, Pad A, Tower 1, UCS-15, Grandstand, Cocoa Beach DOAMS, Playalinda DOAMS, UCS-23, and OTV-070.

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How the Station will operate

Aspects of the upcoming operational phase of the Space Station (SS) are examined. What the crew members will do with their time in their specialized roles is addressed. SS maintenance and servicing and the interaction of the SS Control Center with Johnson Space Center is discussed. The planning of payload operations and strategic planning for the SS are examined.

Cox, John T.↗

ISS Live!

International Space Station Live! (ISSLive!) is a Web application that uses a proprietary commercial technology called Lightstreamer to push data across the Internet using the standard http port (port 80). ISSLive! uses the push technology to display real-time telemetry and mission timeline data from the space station in any common Web browser or Internet- enabled mobile device. ISSLive! is designed to fill a unique niche in the education and outreach areas by providing access to real-time space station data without a physical presence in the mission control center. The technology conforms to Internet standards, supports the throughput needed for real-time space station data, and is flexible enough to work on a large number of Internet-enabled devices. ISSLive! consists of two custom components: (1) a series of data adapters that resides server-side in the mission control center at Johnson Space Center, and (2) a set of public html that renders the data pushed from the data adapters. A third component, the Lightstreamer server, is commercially available from a third party and acts as an intermediary between custom components (1) and (2). Lightstreamer also provides proprietary software libraries that are required to use the custom components. At the time of this reporting, this is the first usage of Web-based, push streaming technology in the aerospace industry.

Price, Jennifer↗

A Review of Recent Advances in Heat Exchanger Technology and Future Applications

This talk describes current and historical efforts concerning the development of condensing heat exchangers for use in space systems. These devices are used for a wide range of applications, including humidity/environmental control and multiphase fluid systems in Earth and in space. Therefore, keeping these systems running consistently and with minimal downtime/repairs is a high priority for exploration life support. Recent advances in low gravity capillary fluidics can be applied to newer systems and offer continuous operation in the event of a system pump failure or blockage. Additionally, new methods in femtosecond laser processing have been used to create microbial resistant surfaces with unique wetting characteristics. This research builds on experiments at both Glenn Research Center and Johnson Space Center. Future applications of this work will also be discussed, including water processing and plant growth systems.

heat exchanger↗

Managing Risk in Safety Critical Operations - Lessons Learned from Space Operations

The Mission Control Center (MCC) at Johnson Space Center (JSC) has a rich legacy of supporting Human Space Flight operations throughout the Apollo, Shuttle and International Space Station eras. Through the evolution of ground operations and the Mission Control Center facility, NASA has gained a wealth of experience of what it takes to manage the risk in Safety Critical Operations, especially when human life is at risk. The focus of the presentation will be on the processes (training, operational rigor, team dynamics) that enable the JSC/MCC team to be so successful. The presentation will also share the evolution of the Mission Control Center architecture and how the evolution was introduced while managing the risk to the programs supported by the team. The details of the MCC architecture (e.g., the specific software, hardware or tools used in the facility) will not be shared at the conference since it would not give any additional insight as to how risk is managed in Space Operations.

Gonzalez, Steven A.↗

Near-Earth Asteroid Retrieval Mission (ARM) Study

The Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) concept brings together the capabilities of the science, technology, and the human exploration communities on a grand challenge combining robotic and human space exploration beyond low Earth orbit. This paper addresses the key aspects of this concept and the options studied to assess its technical feasibility. Included are evaluations of the expected number of potential targets, their expected discovery rate, the necessity to adequately characterize candidate mission targets, the process to capture a non-cooperative asteroid in deep space, and the power and propulsion technology required for transportation back to the Earth-Moon system. Viable options for spacecraft and mission designs are developed. Orbits for storing the retrieved asteroid that are stable for more than a hundred years, yet allow for human exploration and commercial utilization of a redirected asteroid, are identified. The study concludes that the key aspects of finding, capturing and redirecting an entire small, near-Earth asteroid to the Earth-Moon system by the first half of the next decade are technically feasible. The study was conducted from January 2013 through March 2013 by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with Glenn Research Center (GRC), Johnson Space Center (JSC), Langley Research Center (LaRC), and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).

Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP)↗

Terrestrial Environment (Climatic) Criteria Guidelines for Use in Aerospace Vehicle Development, 1993 Revision

Guidelines on terrestrial environment data specifically applicable in the development of design requirements/specifications for NASA aerospace vehicles and associated equipment development are provided. The primary geographic areas encompassed are the John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL; Vandenberg AFB, CA; Edwards AFB, CA; Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, LA; John C. Stennis Space Center, MS; Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX; and the White Sands Missile Range, NM. In addition, a section was included to provide information on the general distribution of natural environmental extremes in the conterminous United States that may be needed to specify design criteria in the transportation of space vehicle subsystems and components. A summary of climatic extremes for worldwide operational needs is also included. Although not considered as a specific vehicle design criterion, a section on atmospheric attenuation was added since sensors on certain Earth orbital experiment missions are influenced by the Earth's atmosphere. The latest available information on probable climatic extremes is presented and supersedes information presented in TM X-64589, TM X-64757, TM X-78118, and TM-82473. Information is included on atmospheric chemistry, seismic criteria, and on a mathematical model to predict atmospheric dispersion of aerospace engine exhaust cloud rise and growth. There is also a section on atmospheric cloud phenomena. The information is recommended for use in the development of aerospace vehicle and associated equipment design and operational criteria, unless otherwise stated in contract work specifications. The environmental data are primarily limited to information below 90 km.

Johnson, D. L.↗

Terrestrial Environment (Climatic) Criteria Guidelines for use in Aerospace Vehicle Development

This document provides guidelines for the terrestrial environment that are specifically applicable in the development of design requirements/specifications for NASA aerospace vehicles, payloads, and associated ground support equipment. The primary geographic areas encompassed are the John F. Kennedy Space Center, FL; Vandenberg AFB, CA; Edwards AFB, CA; Michoud Assembly Facility, New Orleans, LA; John C. Stennis Space Center, MS; Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX; George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, AL; and the White Sands Missile Range, NM. This document presents the latest available information on the terrestrial environment applicable to the design and operations of aerospace vehicles and supersedes information presented in NASA-HDBK-1001 and TM X-64589, TM X-64757, TM-78118, TM-82473, and TM-4511. Information is included on winds, atmospheric thermodynamic models, radiation, humidity, precipitation, severe weather, sea state, lightning, atmospheric chemistry, seismic criteria, and a model to predict atmospheric dispersion of aerospace engine exhaust cloud rise and growth. In addition, a section has been included to provide information on the general distribution of natural environmental extremes in the conterminous United States, and world-wide, that may be needed to specify design criteria in the transportation of space vehicle subsystems and components. A section on atmospheric attenuation has been added since measurements by sensors on certain Earth orbital experiment missions are influenced by the Earth s atmosphere. There is also a section on mission analysis, prelaunch monitoring, and flight evaluation as related to the terrestrial environment inputs. The information in these guidelines is recommended for use in the development of aerospace vehicle and related equipment design and associated operational criteria, unless otherwise stated in contract work specifications. The terrestrial environmental data in these guidelines are primarily limited to information below 90 km altitude.

D L Johnson↗

Measurements of AAFE RADSCAT antenna characteristics

Antenna characteristics (active and passive) for a modified AAFE-RADSCAT parabolic dish antenna are documented for a variety of antenna configurations. The modified antenna was a replacement for the original unit which was damaged in January 1975. Pattern measurements made at Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center are presented, with an analysis of the results. Antenna loss measurements are also presented and summarized.

Cross, A. E.↗

Re-design and fabrication of titanium multi-wall Thermal Protection System (TPS) test panels

The Titanium Multi-wall Thermal Protection System (TIPS) panel was re-designed to incorporate Ti-6-2-4-2 outer sheets for the hot surface, ninety degree side closures for ease of construction and through panel fastness for ease of panel removal. Thermal and structural tests were performed to verify the design. Twenty-five panels were fabricated and delivered to NASA for evaluation at Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center.

Blair, W.↗

APU diaphragm testing

The Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) fuel (hydrazine) tanks were removed from the Columbia Shuttle during major modification of the vehicle, because of long-term hydrazine compatibility concerns. The three tanks had been in service for 11 years. As part of an effort to determine whether the useful life of the fuel tanks can be extended, examination of the ethylene propylene rubber (EPR) diaphragm and the metal casing from one of the APU tanks was required. NASA Johnson Space Center Propulsion and Power Division requested the NASA Johnson Space Center White Sands Test Facility to examine the EPR diaphragm for signs of degradation that might limit the life of its function in the APU tank and to examine the metal casing for signs of surface corrosion. No appreciable degradation of the EPR diaphragm was noted. A decrease in the tensile properties was found, but tensile failure is considered unlikely because the metal casing constrains the diaphragm, preventing it from elongating more than a few percent. The titanium casing showed no evidence of surface corrosion.

Shelley, Richard↗

Results of the First Astronaut-Rover (ASRO) Field Experiment: Lessons and Directions for the Human Exploration of Mars

The first Astronaut-Rover Interaction field experiment (hereafter designated as the ASRO project) took place Feb. 22-27, 1999, in Silver Lake, Mojave Desert, CA. The ASRO project is the result of a joint project between NASA Ames Research Center and Johnson Space Center. In the perspective of the Human Exploration and Development of Space (HEDS) of the Solar System, this interaction - the astronaut and the rover as a complementary and interactive team - in the field is critical to assess but had never been tested before the Silver Lake experiment. Additional information is contained in the original extended abstract.

Cabrol, N. A.↗

Intelligent Agent Technology

Open Sesame! is the first commercial software product that learns user's behavior, and offers automation and coaching suggestions to the user. The neural learning module looks for repetitive patterns that have not been automated; when it finds one, it creates an observation and, upon approval, automates the task. The manufacturer, Charles River Analytics, credits Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center Small Business Innovation Research grants and the time the president and vice president spent at the two centers in the 1970s as being essential to the development of their product line.

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Medical Training Aid

Dr. Steven S. Saliterman developed his Dynacath Critical Care Patient Simulator as a training system for medical personnel involved in critical care management and hemodynamic monitoring. The system incorporates NASA simulation technology and allows hospitals and medical manufacturers to conduct training away from the patient's bedside. Dr. Saliterman was formerly employed by Ames Research Center and Johnson Space Center.

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Development of a Prototype Low-Voltage Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication System

NASA's Langley Research Center and Johnson Space Center are developing a solid freeform fabrication system utilizing an electron beam energy source and wire feedstock. This system will serve as a testbed for exploring the influence of gravitational acceleration on the deposition process and will be a simplified prototype for future systems that may be deployed during long-duration space missions for assembly, fabrication, and production of structural and mechanical replacement components. Critical attributes for this system are compactness, minimal mass, efficiency in use of feedstock material, energy use efficiency, and safety. The use of a low-voltage (less than 15kV) electron beam energy source will reduce radiation so that massive shielding is not required to protect adjacent personnel. Feedstock efficiency will be optimized by use of wire, and energy use efficiency will be achieved by use of the electron beam energy source. This system will be evaluated in a microgravity environment using the NASA KC-135A aircraft.

Watson, J. K.↗

Smart Buying

When it came time to buy the next-generation data storage system for the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center, we asked our contractor who provides Control Center support to come up with a solution that would consolidate three current storage systems, as well as provide additional capability and functionality - all without spending vast amounts of money. Eventually, the contractor's report arrived at my office. To my great disappointment, the proposed system came along with a multi-million dollar price tag. And, even more disappointing, the system relied on the same technology we already had in place and wouldn't deliver much additional functionality. It was clear that we needed to come up with a better solution-the best we could buy. But how do you buy the best technology, when you don't even know what technology is out there?

Gonzalez, Steven A.↗

Lunar Simulants: JSC-1 is Gone; The Need for New Standardized Root Simulants

A workshop was held in 1991 to evaluate the status of simulated lunar regolith material and to make recommendations on future requirements and production of such material. As an outgrowth of that workshop, a group centered at Johnson Space Center (JSC) teamed with James Carter of the University of Texas at Dallas and Walter Boles of Texas A&M University to produce and distribute a new standardized lunar regolith simulant termed JSC-1. Carter supervised the field collection, shipping, processing, and initial packaging and transportation of JSC-1. Boles stored and distributed JSC-1. About 25 tons were created and distributed to the lunar science and engineer community; none is left for distribution. JSC-1 served an important role in concepts and designs for lunar base and lunar materials processing. Its chemical and physical properties were described by McKay et al., with its geotechnical properties described by Klosky et al.. While other lunar regolith simulants were produced before JSC-1, they were not standardized, and results from tests performed on them were not necessarily equivalent to test results performed on JSC-1. JSC-1 was designed to be chemically, mineralogically, and texturally similar to a mature lunar mare regolith (low titanium). The glass-rich character of JSC-1 (approx. 50%) produced quite different properties compared to other simulants that were made entirely of comminuted crystalline rock, but properties similar to lunar mare near surface regolith.

Carter, James L.↗

Water Treatment Systems Make a Big Splash

In the 1960s, NASA's Manned Space Center (now known as Johnson Space Center) and the Garrett Corporation, Air Research Division, conducted a research program to develop a small, lightweight water purifier for the Apollo spacecraft that would require minimal power and would not need to be monitored around-the-clock by astronauts in orbit. The 9-ounce purifier, slightly larger than a cigarette pack and completely chlorine-free, dispensed silver ions into the spacecraft s water supply to successfully kill off bacteria. A NASA Technical Brief released around the time of the research reported that the silver ions did not impart an unpleasant taste to the water. NASA s ingenuity to control microbial contamination in space caught on quickly, opening the doors for safer methods of controlling water pollutants on Earth.

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