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NASA NTRS2016

Technology needs to discover Earth 2.0

Dr. Nick Siegler of the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) began his talk by stating that the main goal of the Exoplanet Exploration Program technology effort is to enable future space missions to observe a planetary spectrum of a rocky planet in the habitable zone of its star and understand it in the context of potential life. He went on to say that the main exoplanet discovery tools, the radial velocity and transit techniques, which have discovered more than 95% of the more than 3,400 exoplanets, will not be the techniques to directly image exoplanets, which is needed to get a reflected light spectrum. Spectroscopy will be hard though because there simply aren’t many photons available to use, but it will not be the biggest problem. The biggest problem will be suppressing the light from the stars which can be 10 billion times brighter than a rocky planet in the habitable zone of a Sun analog. Starlight suppression could be done in one of three ways: internal occulters (i.e., coronagraphs), external occulters (i.e., starshades), and nulling interferometers. The latter option is the least technologically mature of the options and one that NASA is not currently pursuing.

Schmitt, Joseph↗

NASA NTRS1974

Skylab electronic technological advancements

The present work describes three electronic devices designed for use in the Skylab airlock module: the teleprinter system, the quartz crystal microbalance contamination monitor (QCM), and the speaker. Design considerations, operation, characteristics, and system development are described for these systems, with accompanying diagrams, graphs, and photographs. The teleprinter is a thermal dot printer used to produce hard copy messages by electrically heating print elements in contact with heat-sensitive paper. The QCM was designed to estimate contamination buildup on optical surfaces of the earth resources experiment package. A vibrating quartz crystal is used as a microbalance relating deposited mass to shifts in the crystal's resonant frequency. Audio devices provide communication between crew members and between crew and STDN, and also provide audible alarms, via the caution and warning system, of out-of-limit-conditions.

Hornback, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1993

The fundamentals and futures of removable mass storage alternatives

This article reflects my view of how the storage products have been introduced into the marketplace, where they came from, and where others will continue to come from in the future. My corporate goal is to be a resource for those searching for removable solutions to mass storage problems. My introduction to optical storage occurred a few months before signing a non-disclosure agreement with FileNet on 8 Aug. 1983. By 87 or 88, as the optical craze was getting more popular, I started looking for similar or complementary storage technologies. I am still looking and my research is constantly turning up new entrants into this field. Due to the scope of the coverage in this field, this article does not dwell on any single technology. The goal is to provide information that is not compiled in any other single source and focus on facts that are not commonly known. I have provided a few baseline assumptions to ensure the mathematical calculations remain consistent: (1) hard-copy 8.5 in x 11 in documents which are scanned at 200 dots per inch (dpi) and compressed at a ratio of 10:1 result in a document image which requires an average of 50 Kilobytes (KB) of storage; (2) an average ASCII page requires 2 KB of storage; (3) an average flle cabinet drawer can hold 2500 pieces of paper; (4) one GB of storage can hold an average of 20,000 document images (a reel of 6250 tape holds 180 Megabytes (MB)).

Kempster, Linda↗

NASA NTRS1985

Ellipsometric and optical study of some uncommon insulator films on 3-5 semiconductors

Optical properties of three types of insulating films that show promise in potential applications in the 3-4 semiconductor technology were evaluated, namely a-C:H, BN and CaF2. The plasma deposited a-C:H shows an amorphous behavior with optical energy gaps of approximately 2 to 2.4 eV. These a-C:H films have higher density and/or hardness, higher refractive index and lower optical energy gaps with increasing energy of the particles in the plasma, while the density of states remains unchanged. These results are in agreement, and give a fine-tuned positive confirmation to an existing conjecture on the nature of a-C:H films (1). Ion beam deposited BN films show amorphous behavior with energy gap of 5 eV. These films are nonstoichiometric (B/N approximately 2) and have refractive index, density and/or hardness which are dependent on the deposition conditions. The epitaxially grown CaF2 on GaAs films have optical parameters equal to bulk, but evidence of damage was found in the GaAs at the interface.

Alterovitz, S. A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

A homotopy approach for combined control-structure optimization - Constructive analysis and numerical examples

This paper outlines the development of methods for the combined control-structure optimization of physical systems encountered in the technology of large space structures. The objectives of the approach taken in this paper is not to produce the 'best' optimized design, but rather to efficiently produce a family of design options so as to assist in early trade studies, typically before hard design constraints are imposed. The philosophy is that these are candidate designs to be passed on for further considerations, and their function is more to guide the development of the system design rather than to represent the ultimate product. A homotopy approach involving multi-objective functions is developed for this purpose. Analytical and numerical examples are also presented.

Scheid, R. E.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Methods for combined control-structure optimization

This paper outlines the development of methods for the combined control-structure optimization of physical systems encountered in the technology of large space structures. The objective of the approach taken in this paper is not to produce the 'best' optimized design, but rather to efficiently produce a family of design options so as to asist in early trade studies, typically before hard design constraints are imposed. The philosophy is that these are candidate designs to be passed on for further consideration, and their function is more to guide the development of the system design rather than to represent the ultimate product. A homotopy approach involving multi-objective functions is developed for this purpose, and a numerical example is presented.

Milman, M.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Cutting More than Metal: Breaking Through the Development Cycle

NASA is advancing a new development approach and new technologies in the design construction, and testing of the next great launch vehicle for space exploration. The ability to use these new tools is made possible by a learning culture able to embrace innovation, flexibility, and prudent risk tolerance, while retaining the hard-won lessons learned through the successes and failures of the past. This paper provides an overview of the Marshall Space Flight Center's new approach to launch vehicle development, as well as examples of how that approach has been leveraged by NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) Program to achieve its key goals to safety, affordability, and sustainability.

Singer, Christopher E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Potential biomedical applications of ion beam technology

Electron bombardment ion thrusters used as ion sources have demonstrated a unique capability to vary the surface morphology of surgical implant materials. The microscopically rough surface texture produced by ion beam sputtering of these materials may result in improvements in the biological response and/or performance of implanted devices. Control of surface roughness may result in improved attachment of the implant to soft tissue, hard tissue, bone cement, or components deposited from blood. Potential biomedical applications of ion beam texturing discussed include: vascular prostheses, artificial heart pump diaphragms, pacemaker fixation, percutaneous connectors, orthopedic pros-thesis fixtion, and dental implants.

Banks, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Potential biomedical applications of ion beam technology

Banks, B. A.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Structures and Mechanical Properties of Natural and Synthetic Diamonds

A revolution in the diamond technology is in progress, as the low-pressure process becomes an industrial reality. It will soon be possible to take advantage of the demanding properties of diamond to develop a myriad of new applications, particularly for self-lubricating, wear-resistant, and superhard coatings. The production of large diamond films or sheets at low cost, a distinct possibility in the not-too-distant future, may drastically change tribology technology, particularly regarding solid lubricants and lubricating materials and systems. This paper reviews the structures and properties of natural and synthetic diamonds to gain a better understanding of the tribological properties of diamond and related materials. Atomic and crystal structure, impurities, mechanical properties, and indentation hardness of diamond are described.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗

NASA NTRS2016

First Flight of the Gamma-Ray Imager Polarimeter for Solar Flares (GRIPS) Instrument

The Gamma-Ray Imager/Polarimeter for Solar ares (GRIPS) instrument is a balloon-borne telescope designed to study solar-flare particle acceleration and transport. We describe GRIPS's first Antarctic long-duration flight in January 2016 and report preliminary calibration and science results. Electron and ion dynamics, particle abundances and the ambient plasma conditions in solar flares can be understood by examining hard X-ray (HXR) and gamma-ray emission (20 keV to 10 MeV). Enhanced imaging, spectroscopy and polarimetry of flare emissions in this energy range are needed to study particle acceleration and transport questions. The GRIPS instrument is specifically designed to answer questions including: What causes the spatial separation between energetic electrons producing hard X-rays and energetic ions producing gamma-ray lines? How anisotropic are the relativistic electrons, and why can they dominate in the corona? How do the compositions of accelerated and ambient material vary with space and time, and why? GRIPS's key technological improvements over the current solar state of the art at HXR/gamma-ray energies, the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI), include 3D position-sensitive germanium detectors (3D-GeDs) and a single-grid modulation collimator, the multi-pitch rotating modulator (MPRM). The 3D-GeDs have spectral FWHM resolution of a few hundred keV and spatial resolution less than 1cu mm. For photons that Compton scatter, usually greater or equal to 150 keV, the energy deposition sites can be tracked, providing polarization measurements as well as enhanced background reduction through Compton imaging. Each of GRIPS's detectors has 298 electrode strips read out with ASIC/FPGA electronics. In GRIPS's energy range, indirect imaging methods provide higher resolution than focusing optics or Compton imaging techniques. The MPRM grid-imaging system has a single-grid design which provides twice the throughput of a bi-grid imaging system like RHESSI. The grid is composed of 2.5 cm deep tungsten-copper slats, and quasi-continuous FWHM angular coverage from 12.5-162 arcsecs are achieved by varying the slit pitch between 1-13 mm. This angular resolution is capable of imaging the separate magnetic loop footpoint emissions in a variety of are sizes. In comparison, RHESSI's 35-arcsec resolution at similar energies makes the footpoints resolvable in only the largest ares.

Duncan, Nicole↗

NASA NTRS1995

The role of radiation hard solar cells in minimizing the costs of global satellite communications systems

An analysis embodied in a PC computer program is presented which quantitatively demonstrates how the availability of radiation hard solar cells can minimize the cost of a global satellite communication system. The chief distinction between the currently proposed systems, such as Iridium Odyssey and Ellipsat, is the number of satellites employed and their operating altitudes. Analysis of the major costs associated with implementing these systems shows that operation within the earth's radiation belts can reduce the total system cost by as much as a factor of two, so long as radiation hard components including solar cells, can be used. A detailed evaluation of several types of planar solar cells is given, including commercially available Si and GaAs/Ge cells, and InP/Si cells which are under development. The computer program calculates the end of life (EOL) power density of solar arrays taking into account the cell geometry, coverglass thickness, support frame, electrical interconnects, etc. The EOL power density can be determined for any altitude from low earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous (GEO) and for equatorial to polar planes of inclination. The mission duration can be varied over the entire range planned for the proposed satellite systems. An algorithm is included in the program for determining the degradation of cell efficiency for different cell technologies due to proton and electron irradiation. The program can be used to determine the optimum configuration for any cell technology for a particular orbit and for a specified mission life. Several examples of applying the program are presented, in which it is shown that the EOL power density of different technologies can vary by an order of magnitude for certain missions. Therefore, although a relatively radiation soft technology can be made to provide the required EOL power by simply increasing the size of the array, the impact on the total system budget could be unacceptable, due to increased launch and hardware costs. In aggregate these factors can account for more than a 10% increase in the total system cost. Since the estimated total costs of proposed global coverage systems range from $1 Billion to $9 Billion, the availability of radiation hard solar cells could make a decisive difference in the selection of a particular constellation architecture.

Summers, Geoffrey P.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Reconfigurable, Bi-Directional Flexfet Level Shifter for Low-Power, Rad-Hard Integration

Two prototype Reconfigurable, Bi-directional Flexfet Level Shifters (ReBiLS) have been developed, where one version is a stand-alone component designed to interface between external low voltage and high voltage, and the other version is an embedded integrated circuit (IC) for interface between internal low-voltage logic and external high-voltage components. Targeting stand-alone and embedded circuits separately allows optimization for these distinct applications. Both ReBiLS designs use the commercially available 180-nm Flex fet Independently Double-Gated (IDG) SOI CMOS (silicon on insulator, complementary metal oxide semiconductor) technology. Embedded ReBiLS circuits were integrated with a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder using CMOS Ultra-Low-Power Radiation Tolerant (CULPRiT) double-gated digital logic circuits. The scope of the project includes: creation of a new high-voltage process, development of ReBiLS circuit designs, and adjustment of the designs to maximize performance through simulation, layout, and manufacture of prototypes. The primary technical objectives were to develop a high-voltage, thick oxide option for the 180-nm Flexfet process, and to develop a stand-alone ReBiLS IC with two 8-channel I/O busses, 1.8 2.5 I/O on the low-voltage pins, 5.0-V-tolerant input and 3.3-V output I/O on the high-voltage pins, and 100-MHz minimum operation with 10-pF external loads. Another objective was to develop an embedded, rad-hard ReBiLS I/O cell with 0.5-V low-voltage operation for interface with core logic, 5.0-V-tolerant input and 3.3-V output I/O pins, and 100-MHz minimum operation with 10- pF external loads. A third objective was to develop a 0.5- V Reed-Solomon Encoder with embedded ReBilS I/O: Transfer the existing CULPRiT RS encoder from a 0.35-micron bulk-CMOS process to the ASI 180-nm Flexfet, rad-hard SOI Process. 0.5-V low-voltage core logic. 5.0-V-tolerant input and 3.3-V output I/O pins. 100-MHz minimum operation with 10- pF external loads. The stand-alone ReBiLS chip will allow system designers to provide efficient bi-directional communication between components operating at different voltages. Embedding the ReBiLS cells into the proven Reed-Solomon encoder will demonstrate the ability to support new product development in a commercially viable, rad-hard, scalable 180-nm SOI CMOS process.

DeGregorio, Kelly↗

NASA NTRS1988

Solar dynamic power system definition study

The solar dynamic power system design and analysis study compared Brayton, alkali-metal Rankine, and free-piston Stirling cycles with silicon planar and GaAs concentrator photovoltaic power systems for application to missions beyond the Phase 2 Space Station level of technology for all power systems. Conceptual designs for Brayton and Stirling power systems were developed for 35 kWe and 7 kWe power levels. All power systems were designed for 7-year end-of-life conditions in low Earth orbit. LiF was selected for thermal energy storage for the solar dynamic systems. Results indicate that the Stirling cycle systems have the highest performance (lowest weight and area) followed by the Brayton cycle, with photovoltaic systems considerably lower in performance. For example, based on the performance assumptions used, the planar silicon power system weight was 55 to 75 percent higher than for the Stirling system. A technology program was developed to address areas wherein significant performance improvements could be realized relative to the current state-of-the-art as represented by Space Station. In addition, a preliminary evaluation of hardenability potential found that solar dynamic systems can be hardened beyond the hardness inherent in the conceptual designs of this study.

Wallin, Wayne E.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Strategies for SEE Hardness Assurance From Buy-It-And-Fly-It to Bullet Proof

This part of the course first outlines the conventional Single Event Effect (SEE), radiation hardness assurance (RHA) approach, which emphasizes mission success. Next, Dr. Ladbury will discuss the challenges posed by new satellite platforms (e.g., cubesats, nanosats, etc.), where cost and schedule receive emphasis equal to if not greater than mission success. These additional pressures, along with growing demands to reduce size, weight and power, coupled with increased performance, drive many projects toward expanding their use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. While this may reduce direct parts cost and procurement lead times, it undermines many cost-reduction strategies used for conventional SEE RHA and can make radiation testing and analysis one of the most significant risksor worse, a risk neglected altogether. That section will end with some approaches for restoring balance in the troika of mission success, cost, and schedule. This is captured in SEE RHA as risk management: identify the threat, evaluate the threat, and mitigate the threat.

commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)↗

NASA NTRS2017

Strategies for SEE Hardness Assurance - From Buy-It-And-Fly-It to Bullet Proof

This part of the course first outlines the conventional Single Event Effect (SEE), radiation hardness assurance (RHA) approach, which emphasizes mission success. Next, Dr. Ladbury will discuss the challenges posed by new satellite platforms (e.g., cubesats, nanosats, etc.), where cost and schedule receive emphasis equal to if not greater than mission success. These additional pressures, along with growing demands to reduce size, weight and power, coupled with increased performance, drive many projects toward expanding their use of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies. While this may reduce direct parts cost and procurement lead times, it undermines many cost-reduction strategies used for conventional SEE RHA and can make radiation testing and analysis one of the most significant risks or worse, a risk neglected altogether. That section will end with some approaches for restoring balance in the troika of mission success, cost, and schedule. This is captured in SEE RHA as risk management: identify the threat, evaluate the threat, and mitigate the threat.

commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS)↗

NASA NTRS1990

Structure and properties during aging of an ultra-high strength Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy

The structure and properties of the strengthening phases formed during aging in an Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy (Weldalite 049) were elulcidated, by following the development of the microstructure by means of TEM. The results of observations showed that the Weldalite 049 alloy has a series of unusual and technologically useful combinations of mechanical properties in different aging conditions, such as natural aging without prior cold work to produce high strengths, a reversion temper of lower yield strength and unusually high ductility, a room temperature reaging of the reversion temper eventually leading to the original T4 hardness, and ultrahigh-strength T6 properties.

Gayle, Frank W.↗

NASA NTRS2023

Space Biology Beyond LEO Instrumentation & Science Series Science Working Group 2022 Annual Report

Humans are poised to explore deep space: the realm of space beyond Earth's orbit. NASA will soon send humans back to the Moon with the Artemis program, and is developing programs to support crewed missions to Mars. Human exploration of such new environments demands fundamental research that can provide the knowledge necessary to ensure the safety of explorers and aid in the development of a sustainable presence in space. Accordingly, the Agency's Moon to Mars objectives1 include three goals in the area of Human Biological Sciences (HBS-1, -2, -3), with the aim to "Advance understanding of how biology responds to the environments of the Moon, Mars, and deep space to advance fundamental knowledge, support safe, productive human space missions and reduce risks for future exploration." Advancing this understanding is a task that is both complex-- comprising diverse organisms, processes, and methods-- and difficult-- because the very aspects of deep space that we strive to understand are the aspects that make it hard to conduct research in that environment. This report of the Beyond LEO Instrumentation & Science Series Science Working Group (BLISS-SWG) represents input from a group of scientists from diverse disciplines within the space biology research and engineering community on the nature of the science and technology that can be used to achieve those aims.

Space Biology↗