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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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NASA NTRS1992

Planetary surface exploration MESUR/autonomous lunar rover

Planetary surface exploration micro-rovers for collecting data about the Moon and Mars have been designed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho. The goal of both projects was to design a rover concept that best satisfied the project objectives for NASA/Ames. A second goal was to facilitate student learning about the process of design. The first micro-rover is a deployment mechanism for the Mars Environmental Survey (MESUR) Alpha Particle/Proton/X-ray (APX) Instrument. The system is to be launched with the 16 MESUR landers around the turn of the century. A Tubular Deployment System and a spiked-legged walker have been developed to deploy the APX from the lander to the Martian Surface. While on Mars, the walker is designed to take the APX to rocks to obtain elemental composition data of the surface. The second micro-rover is an autonomous, roving vehicle to transport a sensor package over the surface of the moon. The vehicle must negotiate the lunar terrain for a minimum of one year by surviving impacts and withstanding the environmental extremes. The rover is a reliable track-driven unit that operates regardless of orientation that NASA can use for future lunar exploratory missions. This report includes a detailed description of the designs and the methods and procedures which the University of Idaho design teams followed to arrive at the final designs.

Stauffer, Larry↗
NASA NTRS1992

Planetary surface exploration: MESUR/autonomous lunar rover

Planetary surface exploration micro-rovers for collecting data about the Moon and Mars was designed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Idaho. The goal of both projects was to design a rover concept that best satisfied the project objectives for NASA-Ames. A second goal was to facilitate student learning about the process of design. The first micro-rover is a deployment mechanism for the Mars Environmental SURvey (MESUR) Alpha Particle/Proton/X-ray instruments (APX). The system is to be launched with the sixteen MESUR landers around the turn of the century. A Tubular Deployment System and a spiked-legged walker was developed to deploy the APX from the lander to the Martian surface. While on Mars the walker is designed to take the APX to rocks to obtain elemental composition data of the surface. The second micro-rover is an autonomous, roving vehicle to transport a sensor package over the surface of the moon. The vehicle must negotiate the lunar-terrain for a minimum of one year by surviving impacts and withstanding the environmental extremes. The rover is a reliable track-driven unit that operates regardless of orientation which NASA can use for future lunar exploratory missions. A detailed description of the designs, methods, and procedures which the University of Idaho design teams followed to arrive at the final designs are included.

Stauffer, Larry↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Artemis Internal Science Team Update: Crew Training

Astronauts will soon return to the Moon as part of Artemis — a campaign of crewed missions to explore the lunar surface. The first crewed Artemis missions include Artemis II, which will send four astronauts to lunar orbit to test the Orion spacecraft and observe the lunar surface; and Artemis III, the first human mission to land on the Moon in the vicinity of the South Pole. Artemis III surface objectives include lunar exploration through scientific traverses and observations, collection of lunar samples for Earth return, and deployment of scientific instruments. From this point, human missions to the lunar surface will continue under Artemis, with increasing exploration capability.

Artemis Science↗
NASA NTRS2024

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center In-Space Cryogenic Propulsion Capabilities and Applications to Human Exploration

The current focus on lunar exploration and future human missions to Mars is driving in-space propulsion system requirements toward higher performance cryogenic systems with long-duration storage and operational capabilities. Not only do these systems offer higher performance than storable propellant options, but they also enable the potential for in-situ propellant production. Future Mars transit systems are envisioned to utilize either high-thrust nuclear thermal propulsion (with liquid hydrogen propellant), or hybrid systems with both cryogenic chemical systems (likely LOX/CH4) for high acceleration maneuvers and nuclear electric systems for long duration high Isp maneuvers. Exploration architectures based on either of these options require the use of high-performance cryogenic propellants with long-duration storage capabilities for both in-space transportation as well as planetary descent and ascent functions. Current efforts focusing on lunar exploration also rely on cryogenic propellants (either LOX/LCH4 or LOX/LH2) for lunar transit and descent/ascent transportation functions. In-space cryogenic propulsion systems pose numerous technology challenges with respect to long-duration propellant storage and usage, including advanced insulation, tank stratification and pressure management, cryogenic refrigeration to reduce propellant loss through boil off, low leakage cryogenic valves, low temperature liquid acquisition, and cryogenic propellant transfer. NASA has invested in technology development efforts, demonstrating individual technologies and systems-level operations. NASA Marshal Space Flight Center has also invested in multiple test facilities and modular test rigs that allow ground demonstration of numerous integrated technologies and systems concepts of operations. Additional investments have been made to mature analytical capabilities and design tools. These capabilities, both test/demonstration & engineering design/analysis, are available to support internal efforts and industrial partners in the development of exploration and science mission systems. With this increased interest, it is critical to understand the current state of in-space cryogenic propulsion technology, determine risks to its successful application to human exploration, and prepare the engineering, test, and evaluation capabilities to support the ambitious plans for future systems. This paper provides a survey of recent developments in in-space cryogenic propulsion and cryogenic propellant management technologies, as well as facilities and engineering/analytical capabilities ready to support current and future exploration efforts.

Cryogenic propulsion, cryogenic fluid management, ↗
NASA NTRS2024

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center In-Space Cryogenic Propulsion Capabilities and Applications to Human Exploration

The current focus on lunar exploration and future human missions to Mars is driving in-space propulsion system requirements toward higher performance cryogenic systems with long-duration storage and operational capabilities. Not only do these systems offer higher performance than storable propellant options, but they also enable the potential for in-situ propellant production. Future Mars transit systems are envisioned to utilize either high-thrust nuclear thermal propulsion (with liquid hydrogen propellant), or hybrid systems with both cryogenic chemical systems (likely LOX/CH4) for high acceleration maneuvers and nuclear electric systems for long duration high Isp maneuvers. Exploration architectures based on either of these options require the use of high-performance cryogenic propellants with long-duration storage capabilities for both in-space transportation as well as planetary descent and ascent functions. Current efforts focusing on lunar exploration also rely on cryogenic propellants (either LOX/LCH4 or LOX/LH2) for lunar transit and descent/ascent transportation functions. In-space cryogenic propulsion systems pose numerous technology challenges with respect to long-duration propellant storage and usage, including advanced insulation, tank stratification and pressure management, cryogenic refrigeration to reduce propellant loss through boil off, low leakage cryogenic valves, low temperature liquid acquisition, and cryogenic propellant transfer. NASA has invested in technology development efforts, demonstrating individual technologies and systems-level operations. NASA Marshal Space Flight Center has also invested in multiple test facilities and modular test rigs that allow ground demonstration of numerous integrated technologies and systems concepts of operations. Additional investments have been made to mature analytical capabilities and design tools. These capabilities, both test/demonstration & engineering design/analysis, are available to support internal efforts and industrial partners in the development of exploration and science mission systems. With this increased interest, it is critical to understand the current state of in-space cryogenic propulsion technology, determine risks to its successful application to human exploration, and prepare the engineering, test, and evaluation capabilities to support the ambitious plans for future systems. This paper provides a survey of recent developments in in-space cryogenic propulsion and cryogenic propellant management technologies, as well as facilities and engineering/analytical capabilities ready to support current and future exploration efforts.

Cryogenic propulsion, cryogenic fluid management, ↗
NASA NTRS2024

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center In-Space Cryogenic Propulsion Capabilities and Applications to Human Exploration

The current focus on lunar exploration and future human missions to Mars is driving in-space propulsion system requirements toward higher performance cryogenic systems with long-duration storage and operational capabilities. Not only do these systems offer higher performance than storable propellant options, but they also enable the potential for in-situ propellant production. Future Mars transit systems are envisioned to utilize either high-thrust nuclear thermal propulsion (with liquid hydrogen propellant), or hybrid systems with both cryogenic chemical systems (likely LOX/CH 4 ) for high acceleration manoeuvres and nuclear electric systems for long duration high Isp manoeuvres. Exploration architectures based on either of these options require the use of high-performance cryogenic propellants with long-duration storage capabilities for both in-space transportation as well as planetary descent and ascent functions. Current efforts focusing on lunar exploration also rely on cryogenic propellants (either LOX/LCH 4 or LOX/LH 2 ) for lunar transit and descent/ascent transportation functions. In-space cryogenic propulsion systems pose numerous technology challenges with respect to long-duration propellant storage and usage, including advanced insulation, tank stratification and pressure management, cryogenic refrigeration to reduce propellant loss through boil off, low leakage cryogenic valves, low temperature liquid acquisition, and cryogenic propellant transfer. NASA has invested in technology development efforts, demonstrating individual technologies and systems-level operations. NASA Marshal Space Flight Center has also invested in multiple test facilities and modular test rigs that allow ground demonstration of numerous integrated technologies and systems concepts of operations. Additional investments have been made to mature analytical capabilities and design tools. These capabilities (both test/demonstration & engineering design/analysis) are available to support both internal efforts and industrial partners in the development of exploration and science mission systems. With this increased interest, it is critical to understand the current state of in-space cryogenic propulsion technology, determine risks to its successful application to human exploration, and prepare the engineering, test, and evaluation capabilities to support the ambitious plans for future systems. This paper provides a survey of recent developments in in-space cryogenic propulsion and cryogenic propellant management technologies, as well as facilities and engineering/analytical capabilities ready to support current and future exploration efforts.

Cryogenic propulsion↗
NASA NTRS2024

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center In-Space Cryogenic Propulsion Capabilities and Applications to Human Exploration

The current focus on lunar exploration and future human missions to Mars is driving in-space propulsion system requirements toward higher performance cryogenic systems with long-duration storage and operational capabilities. Not only do these systems offer higher performance than storable propellant options, but they also enable the potential for in-situ propellant production. Future Mars transit systems are envisioned to utilize either high-thrust nuclear thermal propulsion (with liquid hydrogen propellant), or hybrid systems with both cryogenic chemical systems (likely LOX/CH 4 ) for high acceleration manoeuvres and nuclear electric systems for long duration high Isp manoeuvres. Exploration architectures based on either of these options require the use of high-performance cryogenic propellants with long-duration storage capabilities for both in-space transportation as well as planetary descent and ascent functions. Current efforts focusing on lunar exploration also rely on cryogenic propellants (either LOX/LCH 4 or LOX/LH 2 ) for lunar transit and descent/ascent transportation functions. In-space cryogenic propulsion systems pose numerous technology challenges with respect to long-duration propellant storage and usage, including advanced insulation, tank stratification and pressure management, cryogenic refrigeration to reduce propellant loss through boil off, low leakage cryogenic valves, low temperature liquid acquisition, and cryogenic propellant transfer. NASA has invested in technology development efforts, demonstrating individual technologies and systems-level operations. NASA Marshal Space Flight Center has also invested in multiple test facilities and modular test rigs that allow ground demonstration of numerous integrated technologies and systems concepts of operations. Additional investments have been made to mature analytical capabilities and design tools. These capabilities (both test/demonstration & engineering design/analysis) are available to support both internal efforts and industrial partners in the development of exploration and science mission systems. With this increased interest, it is critical to understand the current state of in-space cryogenic propulsion technology, determine risks to its successful application to human exploration, and prepare the engineering, test, and evaluation capabilities to support the ambitious plans for future systems. This paper provides a survey of recent developments in in-space cryogenic propulsion and cryogenic propellant management technologies, as well as facilities and engineering/analytical capabilities ready to support current and future exploration efforts.

Cryogenic propulsion↗
NASA NTRS1986

On-orbit prelaunch processing and refurbishment

As the capabilities of the operational Space Station increase, emphasis will be placed on use of the Station for final development of missions, including the launch of large, complex, and reusable launch vehicles with destinations to geosynchronous orbit; lunar exploration or lunar development bases; and planetary exploration. This paper identifies and discusses the capabilities that would be needed to support the on-orbit prelaunch processing and refurbishing of a manned Mars vehicle launched from Space Station. The on-orbit launch vehicle prelaunch and refurbishment resource requirements needed to perform processing operations are projected from experience and data developed by the actual preparation of payloads for launch at the National Space Transportation System (NSTS) launch and landing site.

Glaab, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Lander Technologies

Since 2006 NASA has been formulating robotic missions to the lunar surface through programs and projects like the Robotic Lunar Exploration Program, Lunar Precursor Robotic Program, and International Lunar Network. All of these were led by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Due to funding shortfalls, the lunar missions associated with these efforts, the designs, were not completed. From 2010 to 2013, the Robotic Lunar Lander Development Activity was funded by the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) to develop technologies that would enable and enhance robotic lunar surface missions at lower costs. In 2013, a requirements-driven, low-cost robotic lunar lander concept was developed for the Resource Prospector Mission. Beginning in 2014, The Advanced Exploration Systems funded the lander team and established the MSFC, Johnson Space Center, Applied Physics Laboratory, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory team with MSFC leading the project. The lander concept to place a 300-kg rover on the lunar surface has been described in the New Technology Report Case Number MFS-33238-1. A low-cost lander concept for placing a robotic payload on the lunar surface is shown in figures 1 and 2. The NASA lander team has developed several lander concepts using common hardware and software to allow the lander to be configured for a specific mission need. In addition, the team began to transition lander expertise to United States (U.S.) industry to encourage the commercialization of space, specifically the lunar surface. The Lunar Cargo Transportation and Landing by Soft Touchdown (CATALYST) initiative was started and the NASA lander team listed above is partnering with three competitively selected U.S. companies (Astrobotic, Masten Space Systems, and Moon Express) to develop, test, and operate their lunar landers.

Chavers, Greg↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lunar Mining and Processing: Considerations for Responsible Space Mining & Connections to Terrestrial Mining

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) of the United States of America (US) has initiated the Artemis Moon to Mars program to send astronauts (the first woman and person of color) back to the lunar surface, create a sustainable human lunar exploration program, and lead the first human exploration mission to the Mars surface in the late 2030’s [1]. Besides reinvigorating human exploration beyond low Earth orbit not seen since the Apollo program and enabling new scientific activities and discoveries, a major objective of this program is to characterize the resources that exist on the Moon and Mars, and learn how to utilize them for human exploration and the commercialization of cis-lunar space. Commonly known as In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), the search for, acquisition, and processing of resources in space has the potential to greatly reduce the dependency on transporting mission consumables and infrastructure from Earth, thereby reducing mission costs, risks, and dependency on Earth. With the launch of Artemis I in November 2022 and the anticipation of several robotic missions to the Moon under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, greater recognition and excitement about NASA’s Artemis program and lunar exploration activities is growing in the public. With the recognition that past statements and concept videos of human exploration of the Moon are actually becoming real, there is also a growing awareness of the possible positive and negative consequences and impacts these exploration activities may have on the Moon and Mars. On the positive side, the development of ISRU and lunar mining and processing can enable and grow lunar surface exploration and cis-lunar commercial activities, as well as provide benefits to terrestrial industries through spin-in and spin-back of advanced technologies and autonomous operations. On the negative side, there is a perception that space mining will impact the lunar surface and environment negatively for science, and that cultural beliefs about the Moon need to be addressed and considered before these operations occur. This paper will begin to explore the potential driving attributes and guidelines that will address how best to maximize the lessons and connections to terrestrial mining to reduce the risk and cost of lunar ISRU and space commercial activities, enhance efforts to achieve the terrestrial ‘mine of the future’, and provide viable markets for space-derived technologies until commercial space mining is established. This paper will also begin to explore the potential driving attributes and guidelines that could address how to minimize the environmental and surface impacts of lunar ISRU and foster ‘responsible’ space mining that can be implemented until more official agreements and treaties are signed. The existing robust mining regulations adopted globally will be used as a basis for this examination and suggestions will be presented to adopt these agreements for use in space mining.

ISRU↗
NASA NTRS2019

Human Factors and Behavioral Performance Challenges for Lunar Surface Exploration

As the agency focuses on lunar missions, it is important to revisit the human factors and behavioral performance (HFBP) challenges for long duration exploration missions. We outline the important factors from the Apollo program, the long duration experience gained onboard International Space Station (ISS), and HFBP research applicable to exploration-class missions.

human factors performance↗
NASA NTRS2010

New Dry Fractionation Methods

This slide presentation describes new fractionation methods that are used to create dust that is respirable for testing the effects of inhalation of lunar dust in preparation for future manned lunar exploration. Because lunar dust is a very limited commodity, a method that does not result in loss of the material had to be developed. The dust separation system that is described incorporates some traditional methods, while preventing the dust from being contaminated or changed in reactivity properties while also limiting losses.

McKay, David S.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Reflections on 20 Years of Research on the International Space Station

November 2, 2000 began an era of continuous human presence on the International Space Station (ISS). That first crewed expedition to the ISS had few scientific instruments and facilities to work with, yet managed to conduct 52research investigations. Today, crew oversee upwards of 300 investigations during their time aboard. Indeed, over the past 20 years the ISS has evolved into a robust laboratory with dozens of research facilities, capabilities for the autonomous monitoring and conduct of research, and a growing array of scientific tools available and observational instruments active. As a result, the station has hosted more than 3,000 research investigations generating more than 2,400 scientific publications across every major discipline of science. The ISS Program Science Forum is composed of senior science representatives across the station’s international partnership. It provides multilateral science leadership to the ISS Program. Indeed, ISS research has evolved to become a truly international activity encompassing the participation of more than 4,000 investigators from over 100 countries whose research has been completed or is ongoing. This paper provides an overview of the research and technology development conducted to date and reflects upon the accomplishments, impacts and future direction of ISS research from the perspective of the member organizations of the Program Science Forum. Research areas which have been a focus of ISS research to date and key implications both for future space exploration and scientific advancement are presented. Major Earth benefits derived from ISS research are discussed. Finally, the paper provides insight into areas of emphasis for future research including the maturation of technological capabilities needed for deep space exploration, including lunar exploration programs such as Artemis and future missions to Mars

International Space Station↗
NASA NTRS2020

Compact Instrumentation for Experiments on the Lunar Surface

Increased opportunities to fly payloads on orbital, lander, and/or rover platforms will greatly facilitate the meeting of high priority goals for lunar exploration and lunar science, especially those requiring distributed measurements on multiple platforms to be fully realized. Compact, robust versions of instruments, designed to be integrated with a variety of platforms, or utilized in astronaut-deployed or handheld devices are already under development. These include cameras, spectrometers, particle analyzers, field instruments, and seismometers,

Clark, Pamela E.↗