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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Waste Management Options for Long-Duration Space Missions: When to Reject, Reuse, or Recycle

The amount of waste generated on long-duration space missions away from Earth orbit creates the daunting challenge of how to manage the waste through reuse, rejection, or recycle. The option to merely dispose of the solid waste through an airlock to space was studied for both Earth-moon libration point missions and crewed Mars missions. Although the unique dynamic characteristics of an orbit around L2 might allow some discarded waste to intersect the lunar surface before re-impacting the spacecraft, the large amount of waste needed to be managed and potential hazards associated with volatiles recondensing on the spacecraft surfaces make this option problematic. A second option evaluated is to process the waste into useful gases to be either vented to space or used in various propulsion systems. These propellants could then be used to provide the yearly station-keeping needs at an L2 orbit, or if processed into oxygen and methane propellants, could be used to augment science exploration by enabling lunar mini landers to the far side of the moon.

Space processing↗
DOE OSTI2025

A review on advances in oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) for industrial use and prospects of CO 2 –H 2 O splitting integration

The discovery of shale gas reserves has encouraged the development of direct methods for methane conversion into valuable chemicals, offering an alternative to indirect approaches that involve an energy-intensive and intermittent syngas production step, leading to high CO 2 emissions. Amongst the direct methods, the oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) is a potential pathway to reduce CO 2 emissions and can produce commodity chemicals such as ethylene, a chemical regarded as central to the petrochemical industry. Even though OCM has been studied for over four decades, the technology still has not found commercial application. Amongst the challenges regarding industrial deployment of OCM, the most significant one is the requirement of a high ethylene yield of 30 % which is currently reported to be around 20 %. Moreover, the highly exothermic nature of the process and controlling the carbon selectivity over oxides of carbon (COx) is the heart of the problem. Numerous researchers have presented promising results in terms of catalysts, reactor designs and feeding strategies for OCM. However, due to lack of inclusiveness in the results, none of the combination of catalysts, reactors and system optimizations has been able to bring about its industrial viability. The current paper presents an extensive review of the noteworthy attempts to achieve industrial targets for OCM. Moreover, a comprehensive criteria is presented which highlights the desired end state for the industrial deployment of OCM technology. Furthermore, the criteria is based on literature survey and a comparison with industrially deployed ethylene production plants i.e., naphtha or ethane steam cracker plants. Finally, a novel integration technology is presented which includes a combination of OCM and CO 2 -H 2 O splitting in a chemical looping reactor design to enable efficient energy utilization and minimal heat losses to the environment.

CO2 Splitting↗
NASA NTRS2012

Hydrogen Isotope Measurements of Organic Acids and Alcohols by Pyrolysis-GC-MS-TC-IRMS: Application to Analysis of Experimentally Derived Hydrothermal Mineral-Catalyzed Organic Products

We report results of experiments to measure the H isotope composition of organic acids and alcohols. These experiments make use of a pyroprobe interfaced with a GC and high temperature extraction furnace to make quantitative H isotope measurements. This work compliments our previous work that focused on the extraction and analysis of C isotopes from the same compounds [1]. Together with our carbon isotope analyses our experiments serve as a "proof of concept" for making C and H isotope measurements on more complex mixtures of organic compounds on mineral surfaces in abiotic hydrocarbon formation processes at elevated temperatures and pressures. Our motivation for undertaking this work stems from observations of methane detected within the Martian atmosphere [2-5], coupled with evidence showing extensive water-rock interaction during Mars history [6-8]. Methane production on Mars could be the result of synthesis by mineral surface-catalyzed reduction of CO2 and/or CO by Fischer-Tropsch Type (FTT) reactions during serpentization [9,10]. Others have conducted experimental studies to show that FTT reactions are plausible mechanisms for low-molecular weight hydrocarbon formation in hydrothermal systems at mid-ocean ridges [11-13]. Our H isotope measurements utilize an analytical technique combining Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometry-High Temperature Conversion-Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS-TC-IRMS). This technique is designed to carry a split of the pyrolyzed GC-separated product to a Thermo DSQII quadrupole mass spectrometer as a means of making qualitative and semi-quantitative compositional measurements of separated organic compounds, therefore both chemical and isotopic measurements can be carried out simultaneously on the same sample.

Socki, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS2011

One-carbon (bio ?) Geochemistry in Subsurface Waters of the Serpentinizing Coast Range Ophiolite

Serpentinization - the aqueous alteration of ultramafic rocks - typically imparts a highly reducing and alkaline character to the reacting fluids. In turn, these can influence the speciation and potential for metabolism of one-carbon compounds in the system. We examined the aqueous geochemistry and assessed the biological potential of one-carbon compounds in the subsurface of the McLaughlin Natural Reserve (Coast Range Ophiolite, California, USA). Fluids from wells sunk at depths of 25-90 meters have pH values ranging from 9.7 to 11.5 and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC concentrations) generally below 60 micromolar. Methane is present at concentrations up to 1.3 millimolar (approximately one-atmosphere saturation), and hydrogen concentrations are below 15 nanomolar, suggesting active consumption of H2 and production of CH4. However, methane production from CO2 is thermodynamically unfavorable under these conditions. Additionally, the speciation of DIC predominantly into carbonate at these high pH values creates a problem of carbon availability for any organisms that require CO2 (or bicarbonate) for catabolism or anabolism. A potential alternative is carbon monoxide, which is present in these waters at concentrations 2000-fold higher than equilibrium with atmospheric CO. CO is utilized in a variety of metabolisms, including methanogenesis, and bioavailability is not adversely affected by pH-dependent speciation (as for DIC). Methanogenesis from CO under in situ conditions is thermodynamically favorable and would satisfy biological energy requirements with respect to both Gibbs Energy yield and power.

McLaughlin Natural Reserve↗
NASA NTRS1991

Infrared radiation parameterizations in numerical climate models

This study presents various approaches to parameterizing the broadband transmission functions for utilization in numerical climate models. One-parameter scaling is applied to approximate a nonhomogeneous path with an equivalent homogeneous path, and the diffuse transmittances are either interpolated from precomputed tables or fit by analytical functions. Two-parameter scaling is applied to parameterizing the carbon dioxide and ozone transmission functions in both the lower and middle atmosphere. Parameterizations are given for the nitrous oxide and methane diffuse transmission functions.

Chou, Ming-Dah↗
NASA NTRS1981

Assessment of Advanced Coal Gasification Processes

This report represents a technical assessment of the following advanced coal gasification processes: AVCO High Throughput Gasification (HTG) Process; Bell Single-Stage High Mass Flux (HMF) Process; Cities Service/Rockwell (CS/R) Hydrogasification Process; Exxon Catalytic Coal Gasification (CCG) Process. Each process is evaluated for its potential to produce SNG from a bituminous coal. In addition to identifying the new technology these processes represent, key similarities/differences, strengths/weaknesses, and potential improvements to each process are identified. The AVCO HTG and the Bell HMF gasifiers share similarities with respect to: short residence time (SRT), high throughput rate, slagging and syngas as the initial raw product gas. The CS/R Hydrogasifier is also SRT but is non-slagging and produces a raw gas high in methane content. The Exxon CCG gasifier is a long residence time, catalytic, fluidbed reactor producing all of the raw product methane in the gasifier. The report makes the following assessments: 1) while each process has significant potential as coal gasifiers, the CS/R and Exxon processes are better suited for SNG production; 2) the Exxon process is the closest to a commercial level for near-term SNG production; and 3) the SRT processes require significant development including scale-up and turndown demonstration, char processing and/or utilization demonstration, and reactor control and safety features development.

coal gasification↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Preliminary Study of Alternative Propellant Performance for a CNTR

Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Propulsion is an advanced propulsion concept engine which utilizes a bubble through nuclear reactor to directly heat the propellent, containing the liquid fuel in rotating cylinders using centrifugal force. Past studies have almost exclusively focused on hydrogen propellant configurations of the engine with a theoretical performance of 1800 seconds specific impulse. Recent interest in alternative propellants has created a use case for using storable propellants at the cost of lower performance. Most notably ammonia, methane, and propane. The object of this work is to down select viable alternative propellants for use in a CNTR.

Mitchell Schroll↗
DOE OSTI2024

A Single Compartment Relaxed Eddy Accumulation Method

The relaxed eddy accumulation (REA) method is a widely-known technique that measures turbulent fluxes of scalar quantities. The REA technique has been used to measure turbulent fluxes of various compounds, such as methane, ethene, propene, butene, isoprene, nitrous oxides, ozone, and others. The REA method requires the accumulation of scalar concentrations in two separate compartments that conditionally sample updrafts and downdraft events. It is demonstrated here that the assumptions behind the conventional or two-compartment REA approach allow for one-compartment sampling, therefore called a one compartment or 1-C-REA approach, thereby expanding its operational utility. The one-compartment sampling method is tested across various land cover types and atmospheric stability conditions, and it is found that the one-compartment REA can provide results comparable to those determined from conventional two-compartment REA. This finding enables rapid expansion and practical utility of REA in studies of surface-atmosphere exchanges, interactions, and feedbacks.

Banerjee, T.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Vehicle Design Evaluation Program (VDEP). A computer program for weight sizing, economic, performance and mission analysis of fuel-conservative aircraft, multibodied aircraft and large cargo aircraft using both JP and alternative fuels

The NASA Langley Research Center vehicle design evaluation program (VDEP-2) was expanded by (1) incorporating into the program a capability to conduct preliminary design studies on subsonic commercial transport type aircraft using both JP and such alternate fuels as hydrogen and methane;(2) incorporating an aircraft detailed mission and performance analysis capability; and (3) developing and incorporating an external loads analysis capability. The resulting computer program (VDEP-3) provides a preliminary design tool that enables the user to perform integrated sizing, structural analysis, and cost studies on subsonic commercial transport aircraft. Both versions of the VDEP-3 Program which are designated preliminary Analysis VDEP-3 and detailed Analysis VDEP utilize the same vehicle sizing subprogram which includes a detailed mission analysis capability, as well as a geometry and weight analysis for multibodied configurations.

Oman, B. H.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Propulsion and Cryogenics Advanced Development (PCAD) Project Propulsion Technologies for the Lunar Lander

The Propulsion and Cryogenics Advanced Development (PCAD) Project in the Exploration Technology Development Program is developing technologies as risk mitigation for Orion and the Lunar Lander. An integrated main and reaction control propulsion system has been identified as a candidate for the Lunar Lander Ascent Module. The propellants used in this integrated system are Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid Methane (LCH4) propellants. A deep throttle pump fed Liquid Oxygen (LOX)/Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) engine system has been identified for the Lunar Lander Descent Vehicle. The propellant combination and architecture of these propulsion systems are novel and would require risk reduction prior to detailed design and development. The PCAD Project addresses the technology requirements to obtain relevant and necessary test data to further the technology maturity of propulsion hardware utilizing these propellants. This plan and achievements to date will be presented.

Klem, Mark D.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Utilization of Existing Pipelines in Hydrogen Transport: Literature Review Report

This report critically reviews the flow behavior of hydrogen-natural gas (H 2 -NG) mixtures in pipelines and examines the critical factors of hydrogen integration into existing natural gas infrastructure. It addresses the choking behavior characterized by velocity increase and pressure drop, as well as the effects of flow restrictions and pressure losses during hydrogen transport. Computational and analytical models are used to investigate these effects, and their effects on thermodynamic properties and system performance are evaluated. The study also reviews the energy efficiency and flow dynamics of hydrogen and methane-hydrogen mixtures and optimizes the hydrogen flow rate. In addition, the effects of these mixtures on the flow characteristics are discussed in detail, with special emphasis on the compressibility factor (z factor) and fluid properties based on equations of state for hydrogen-natural gas mixtures. The study also analyzes the mixture ratios and highlights the thermophysical properties, flow dynamics, and hydrogen-blended natural gas application potential. These investigations assess flow stability, material interactions, and operational feasibility of transporting hydrogen mixtures through natural gas pipelines, which contribute to developing sustainable and efficient energy systems.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2026

Photo-Reactive Amine-Based Direct Air Capture and Conversion of CO2

This study presents a novel photochemical approach to direct air capture (DAC) and CO2 conversion, utilizing a ruthenium-modified mesoporous TiO2 composite infused with linear polyethyleneimine (L-PEI) and enhanced by light absorbing and earth abundant titanium nitride (TiN). This light-activated system operates at ambient pressure and addresses long-standing challenges in conventional amine-based thermal reactive carbon capture (RCC), including amine degradation and CO2 slip. Our findings demonstrate that L-PEI effectively stabilizes CO2 adsorption and facilitates high-yield methanation over 50 cycles with a non-flammable forming gas mixture (approximately 5% H2). Comparatively, composites incorporating small-molecule amines exhibited poor stability under illumination, while highly mobilie branched PEI (B-PEI) formulations suffered from significant catalyst deactivation. A technoeconomic analysis suggests that methane synthesis via this platform could be achieved at costs below $5/kg under current electrocatalytic hydrogen pricing. These findings highlight the potential of this approach to enhance energy security by enabling decentralized, scalable fuel production from atmospheric CO2.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2020

Development of Concept Illustration Variants of the JUMP Lander

The Artemis program is committed to landing humans on the Moon in the 2020s leading to a sustainable lunar presence by the end of the decade. It is challenging to deliver heavy payloads to the lunar surface in support of these goals given currently available Earth launch systems. The payload capacity of the launch systems limits the size of the lunar landers, thereby limiting their cargo capacity. Fortunately, lander cargo capacity can be significantly increased if multiple landers are joined together in space. This concept has been previously introduced as the Joinable Undercarriage to Maximize Payload (JUMP) Lander. Utilizing a JUMP Lander system will increase options and make it easier to comply with directives issued by senior White House leadership to initiate long duration human activity on the Moon. Such activity, by definition, implies extensive habitation, mobility, research, and resource development capability that in turn calls for significant mass delivery to the lunar surface. This paper develops three concept illustration variants of the JUMP Lander. These concepts explore hypergolic, hydrogen, and methane propellant options, as well as the power and thermal rejection systems necessary to enable such lander concepts. The paper also estimates masses for the necessary avionics, structures, and mechanical subsystems. The paper documents the resulting configurations and recommends a JUMP Lander to carry forward in further development.

Lunar Lander↗
DOE OSTI2025

A dual promotional effect of doping tantalum (Ta) in atomically dispersed Ru/CeO 2 catalyst toward CO 2 methanation: Enhanced associative adsorption of CO 2 and activation of H 2

Precisely controlling the product selectivity in CO 2 hydrogenation through rational catalyst design presents a promising approach to mitigate environmental and energy-related challenges, though it remains a significant scientific hurdle. Herein, the CH 4 selectivity of 0.5 wt% Ru loaded catalysts at 250 °C was effectively shifted from approximately 35 % to 100 % through the incorporation of Ta dopant into the CeO 2 support. The EXAFS spectra in conjunction with CO DRIFTS experiment indicated the presence of atomically dispersed Ru particles anchored on the Ta-doped CeO 2 surface. A higher oxidized CeO 2 surface was evidenced in the presence of Ta dopant. The presence of Ta dopant also improved the dispersion of Ru species and their interaction with the support. Most importantly, the Ru/Ta-CeO 2 catalyst exhibited a pronounced capacity for associative CO 2 -adsorption under atmospheric pressure at 50 °C. An improved H 2 activation was also observed under CO 2 hydrogenation conditions. This novel finding of the dual promotional effect of Ta carries a significant impact in the field of CO 2 capture and utilization.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2011

Operational Concept Evaluation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Space Vehicle Applications

With the end of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA is evaluating many different technologies to support future missions. Green propellants, like liquid methane and liquid oxygen, have potential advantages for some applications. A Lander propelled with LOX/methane engines is one such application. When the total vehicle design and infrastructure are considered, the advantages of the integration of propulsion, heat rejection, life support and power generation become attractive for further evaluation. Scavenged residual propellants from the propulsion tanks could be used to generate needed electric power, heat and water with a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell(SOFC). In-Situ Resource Utilization(ISRU) technologies may also generate quantities of green propellants to refill these tanks and/or supply these fuel cells. Technology demonstration projects such as the Morpheus Lander are currently underway to evaluate the practicality of such designs and operational concepts. Tethered tests are currently in progress on this vertical test bed to evaluate the propulsion and avionics systems. Evaluation of the SOFC seeks to determine the feasibility of using these green propellants to supply power and identify the limits to the integration of this technology into a space vehicle prototype.

Poast, Kenneth I.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Mid and Thermal Infrared Remote Sensing at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

The mid and thermal infrared (MTIR) for the Earth surface is defined between 3 and 14µm. In the outer solar system, objects are colder and their Planck response shifts towards longer wavelengths. Hence for these objects (e.g. icy moons, polar caps, comets, Europa), the thermal IR definition usually stretches out to 50µm and beyond. Spectroscopy has been a key part of this scientific exploration because of its ability to remotely determine elemental and mineralogical composition. Many key gas species such as methane, ammonia, sulfur, etc. also have vibrational bands which show up in the thermal infrared spectrum above the background response. Over the past few decades, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been building up a portfolio of technology to capture the MTIR for various scientific applications. Three recent sensors are briefly reviewed: The airborne Hyperspectral thermal emission spectrometer (HyTES), the ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) and Mars Climate Sounder (MCS)/DIVINER. Each of these sensors utilize a different technology to provide a remote sensing product based on MTIR science. For example, HyTES is a push-brooming hyperspectral imager which utilizes a large format quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP). The goal is to transition this to a new complementary barrier infrared photodetector (CBIRD) with a similar long wave cut-off and increased sensitivity. ECOSTRESS is a push-whisk Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) based high speed, multi-band, imager which will eventually observe and characterize plant/vegetation functionality and stress index from the International Space Station (ISS) across the contiguous United States (CONUS). MCS/DIVINER utilizes thermopile technology to capture the thermal emission from the polar caps and shadow regions of the moon. Each sensor utilizes specific JPL technology to capture unique science. similar long wave cut-off and increased sensitivity. ECOSTRESS is a push-whisk Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) based high speed, multi-band, imager which will eventually observe and characterize plant/vegetation functionality and stress index from the International Space Station (ISS) across the contiguous United States (CONUS). MCS/DIVINER utilizes thermopile technology to capture the thermal emission from the polar caps and shadow regions of the moon. Each sensor utilizes specific JPL technology to capture unique science.

Johnson, William R.↗
NASA NTRS2023

Cryogenic Fluid In-Situ Liquefaction for Landers: Prototype Demonstration

As the advancement of In-Situ Resource Utilization concepts and systems continue to develop, applicable technology development and maturation continues in parallel. While there are many different ways to use the resources found on other bodies, one of the most prevalent suggested applications is the manufacturing of propellants. One of the key technologies for the eventual use of these propellant production based ISRU systems is the liquefaction and storage of the produced propellants. The most mentioned propellant combinations include oxygen-hydrogen and oxygen-methane. The liquefaction of oxygen in these systems will be different than oxygen liquefaction systems on Earth, which mainly revolves around the distillation of air. These systems have been developed conceptually and many of the components have been previously tested or are in development. However, the need to demonstrate the system level operations still exists. The demonstration of a prototypical oxygen liquefaction system using tube-on-tank broad area cooling was completed to better understanding system level operations during liquefaction activities. Demonstration testing included system performance determination, constant liquefaction demonstrations, and transient liquefaction demonstrations. The demonstrations showed the operational capabilities of the tube-on-tank system with an integrated cryocooler. Additional testing explored subsurface vs ullage introduction of the gaseous oxygen flow stream as well as demonstrating a novel fiber optic sensor that measured the temperature gradients along the fluid center line within the tank.

ISRU↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Cryogenic Fluid In-Situ Liquefaction for Landers: Prototype Demonstration

As the advancement of In-Situ Resource Utilization concepts and systems continue to develop, applicable technology development and maturation continues in parallel. While there are many different ways to use the resources found on other bodies, one of the most prevalent suggested applications is the manufacturing of propellants. One of the key technologies for the eventual use of these propellant production based ISRU systems is the liquefaction and storage of the produced propellants. The most mentioned propellant combinations include oxygen-hydrogen and oxygen-methane. The liquefaction of oxygen in these systems will be different than that on Earth, which mainly revolves around the distillation of air. These systems have been developed conceptually and many of the components have been previously tested or are in development. However, the need to demonstrate the system level operations still exists. The demonstration of a prototypical oxygen liquefaction system using tube-on-tank broad area cooling was completed to better understanding system level operations during liquefaction activities. Demonstration testing included system performance determination, constant liquefaction demonstrations, and transient liquefaction demonstrations. The demonstrations showed the operational capabilities of the tube-on-tank system with an integrated cryocooler. Additional testing explored subsurface vs ullage introduction of the gaseous oxygen flow stream as well as demonstrating a novel fiber optic sensor that measured the temperature gradients along the fluid center line within the tank.

ISRU↗