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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 NTRS2010

Heritage Systems Engineering Lessons from NASA Deep Space Missions

In the design and development of complex spacecraft missions, project teams frequently assume the use of advanced technology systems or heritage systems to enable a mission or reduce the overall mission risk and cost. As projects proceed through the development life cycle, increasingly detailed knowledge of the advanced and heritage systems within the spacecraft and mission environment identifies unanticipated technical issues. Resolving these issues often results in cost overruns and schedule impacts. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Discovery & New Frontiers (D&NF) Program Office at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) recently studied cost overruns and schedule delays for 5 missions. The goal was to identify the underlying causes for the overruns and delays, and to develop practical mitigations to assist the D&NF projects in identifying potential risks and controlling the associated impacts to proposed mission costs and schedules. The study found that optimistic hardware/software inheritance and technology readiness assumptions caused cost and schedule growth for all five missions studied. The cost and schedule growth was not found to be the result of technical hurdles requiring significant technology development. The projects institutional inheritance and technology readiness processes appear to adequately assess technology viability and prevent technical issues from impacting the final mission success. However, the processes do not appear to identify critical issues early enough in the design cycle to ensure project schedules and estimated costs address the inherent risks. In general, the overruns were traceable to: an inadequate understanding of the heritage system s behavior within the proposed spacecraft design and mission environment; an insufficient level of development experience with the heritage system; or an inadequate scoping of the systemwide impacts necessary to implement an advanced technology for space flight applications. The paper summarizes the study s lessons learned in more detail and offers suggestions for improving the project s ability to identify and manage the technology and heritage risks inherent in the design solution.

Barley, Bryan↗
NASA NTRS2019

Maturation of Dynamic Power Convertors for Radioisotope Power Systems

Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) are being developed by NASA's RPS Program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for space science and exploration missions. A development effort is currently underway to mature dynamic power convertors for infusion into a potential future flight generator. This convertor maturation effort was formulated by the RPS Program at NASA Headquarters based on successful maturation models and utilizes expertise from agency technology and mission centers to support requirements development and technology assessments. The effort is being executed by Glenn Research Center's Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) project and the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch. The Dynamic Power Convertor (DPC) contracts consist of three phases to enable design, fabrication, and independent assessment after delivery to the government. The contracts are intended to gather data on candidate dynamic conversion technologies to fill knowledge gaps, support assessments of dynamic conversion technologies, and elicit generator requirements. The SRG-110 (Stirling Radioisotope Generator) and ASRG (Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator) flight development projects provided Stirling convertor demonstration units and engineering models to verify and validate convertors against performance specifications and mission requirements. These units utilize temperature resistance materials and non-contacting bearings to demonstrate wear-free, long-life operation. This maturation effort builds on past lessons learned and new requirements focused on demonstrating convertor robustness to critical environments meant to stress key aspects of each convertor within the margins of the design. This effort seeks to realize the full potential of dynamic power conversion technologies for NASA's space science and exploration missions.

Wilson, Scott↗
NASA NTRS2019

Maturation of Dynamic Power Convertors for Radioisotope Power Systems

Dynamic Radioisotope Power Systems (DRPS) are being developed by NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for space science and exploration missions. A development effort is currently underway to mature dynamic power convertors for infusion into a potential future flight generator. This convertor maturation effort was formulated by the RPS Program at NASA Headquarters based on successful maturation models and utilizes expertise from agency’s technology and mission centers to support requirements development and technology assessments. The effort is being executed by Glenn Research Center’s (GRC) DRPS Project and the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch. The Dynamic Power Convertor (DPC) contracts consist of three phases to enable design, fabrication, and independent assessment of prototypes after delivery to the government. The contracts are intended to gather data on candidate dynamic conversion technologies to fill knowledge gaps, support assessments of dynamic conversion technologies, and elicit generator requirements. The 110-watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG-110) and Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG) flight development projects provided Stirling convertor demonstration units and engineering models to verify and validate convertors against performance specifications and mission requirements. These units utilize temperature resistant materials and non-contacting bearings to demonstrate wear-free, long-life operation. This maturation effort builds on past lessons-learned and new requirements focused on demonstrating convertor robustness to critical environments meant to stress key aspects of each convertor within the margins of the design. This effort seeks to realize the full potential of dynamic power conversion technologies for NASA’s space science and exploration missions.

Wilson, Scott↗
NASA NTRS2012

Decision Gate Process for Assessment of a Technology Development Portfolio

The NASA Dust Management Project (DMP) was established to provide technologies (to TRL 6 development level) required to address adverse effects of lunar dust to humans and to exploration systems and equipment, which will reduce life cycle cost and risk, and will increase the probability of sustainable and successful lunar missions. The technology portfolio of DMP consisted of different categories of technologies whose final product is either a technology solution in itself, or one that contributes toward a dust mitigation strategy for a particular application. A Decision Gate Process (DGP) was developed to assess and validate the achievement and priority of the dust mitigation technologies as the technologies progress through the development cycle. The DGP was part of continuous technology assessment and was a critical element of DMP risk management. At the core of the process were technology-specific criteria developed to measure the success of each DMP technology in attaining the technology readiness levels assigned to each decision gate. The DGP accounts for both categories of technologies and qualifies the technology progression from technology development tasks to application areas. The process provided opportunities to validate performance, as well as to identify non-performance in time to adjust resources and direction. This paper describes the overall philosophy of the DGP and the methodology for implementation for DMP, and describes the method for defining the technology evaluation criteria. The process is illustrated by example of an application to a specific DMP technology.

Kohli, Rajiv↗
NASA NTRS1979

Comments on TEC trends

A technology assessment of thermionic energy conversion research and technology is presented.

Morris, J. F.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Technology for small spacecraft

This report gives the results of a study by the National Research Council's Panel on Small Spacecraft Technology that reviewed NASA's technology development program for small spacecraft and assessed technology within the U.S. government and industry that is applicable to small spacecraft. The panel found that there is a considerable body of advanced technology currently available for application by NASA and the small spacecraft industry that could provide substantial improvement in capability and cost over those technologies used for current NASA small spacecraft. These technologies are the result of developments by commercial companies, Department of Defense agencies, and to a lesser degree NASA. The panel also found that additional technologies are being developed by these same entities that could provide additional substantial improvement if development is successfully completed. Recommendations for future technology development efforts by NASA across a broad technological spectrum are made.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

Conceptual assessment of two high-speed rotorcraft

Recently completed high-speed rotorcraft design studies for NASA provide the basis to assess technology needs for the development of these aircraft. Preliminary analysis of several concepts possessing helicopter-like hover characteristics and cruise capabilities in the 450-kt regime, led to the selection of two concepts for further study. The concepts selected included the rotor/wing and the tilt wing. Designs, based on current technology for each, established a baseline configuration from which technology trade studies could be conducted. Technology anticipated to be ready for application in the year 2005 set the goals for the trade studies. An assessment of the technologies' impact on the effectiveness of the concept served as the basis to determine potential risk, payoff, and criticality. Advanced technology, applied to either of these concepts, significantly improves the effectiveness and the attributes of the concepts.

Rutherford, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Technology requirements for advanced earth-orbital transportation systems: Summary report

Areas of advanced technology that are either critical or offer significant benefits to the development of future Earth-orbit transportation systems were identified. Technology assessment was based on the application of these technologies to fully reusable, single-state-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle concepts with horizontal landing capability. Study guidelines included mission requirements similar to space shuttle, an operational capability beginning in 1995, and main propulsion to be advanced hydrogen-fueled rocket engines. The technical and economic feasibility of this class of SSTO concepts were evaluated as well as the comparative features of three operational take-off modes, which were vertical boost, horizontal sled launch, and horizontal take-off with subsequent inflight fueling. Projections of both normal and accelerated technology growth were made. Figures of merit were derived to provide relative rankings of technology areas. The influence of selected accelerated areas on vehicle design and program costs was analyzed by developing near-optimum point designs.

Haefeli, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Technology requirements for advanced earth-orbital transportation systems

Areas of advanced technology that are either critical or offer significant benefits to the development of future Earth-orbit transportation systems were identified. Technology assessment was based on the application of these technologies to fully reusable, single-stage-to-orbit (SSTO) vehicle concepts with horizontal landing capability. Study guidelines included mission requirements similar to space shuttle, an operational capability begining in 1995, and main propulsion to be advanced hydrogen-fueled rocket engines. Also evaluated was the technical and economic feasibility of this class of SSTO concepts and the comparative features of three operational take-off modes, which were vertical boost, horizontal sled launch, and horizontal take-off with subsequent inflight fueling. Projections of both normal and accelerated technology growth were made. Figures of merit were derived to provide relative rankings of technology areas. The influence of selected accelerated areas on vehicle design and program costs was analyzed by developing near-optimum point designs.

Haefeli, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1981

High energy density batteries for satellite applications

The performance requirements of high-energy batteries for terrestrial applications were examined to establish whether or not these systems showed any promise in aerospace applications. The technology assessment is reported and consists of a battery technology evaluation, preliminary engineering studies, and system selection. Major candidate systems are compared and a program schedule is provided.

Marcoux, L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Assessment of structural analysis technology for elastic shell collapse problems

The prediction of the ultimate load carrying capability for compressively loaded shell structures is a challenging nonlinear analysis problem. Selected areas of finite element technology research and nonlinear solution technology are assessed. Herein, a finite element analysis procedure is applied to four shell collapse problems which have been used by computational structural mechanics researchers in the past. This assessment will focus on a number of different shell element formulations and on different approaches used to account for geometric nonlinearities. The results presented confirm that these aspects of nonlinear shell analysis can have a significant effect on the predicted nonlinear structural response. All analyses were performed using the CSM Testbed software system which allowed a convenient assessment of different element formulations with a consistent approach to solving the discretized nonlinear equations.

Knight, N. F., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Prospects for Interstellar Propulsion

In recognition of the increasing prospects for Earth-like exoplanet discoveries and its significance for spurring future interstellar voyages of discovery, the United States Congress recently directed NASA to undertake an interstellar mission technology assessment report. In response to this legislative charge to action, NASA has undertaken a series of extramural interstellar workshops aimed at identifying and evaluating technology concepts for enabling an interstellar scientific probe mission, associated technical challenges, technology readiness level assessments, risks, potential near-term milestones, and funding requirements. This paper summarizes these activities and discusses the scientific and technical rationale for a long-term program consisting of incremental, staged technical developments that are extensible for interstellar travel to a nearby star system over many decades.

Litchford, Ronald J.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The 20 GHz solid state transmitter design, impatt diode development and reliability assessment

A single drift gallium arsenide (GaAs) Schottky barrier IMPATT diode and related components were developed. The IMPATT diode reliability was assessed. A proof of concept solid state transmitter design and a technology assessment study were performed. The transmitter design utilizes technology which, upon implementation, will demonstrate readiness for development of a POC model within the 1982 time frame and will provide an information base for flight hardware capable of deployment in a 1985 to 1990 demonstrational 30/20 GHz satellite communication system. Life test data for Schottky barrier GaAs diodes and grown junction GaAs diodes are described. The results demonstrate the viability of GaAs IMPATTs as high performance, reliable RF power sources which, based on the recommendation made herein, will surpass device reliability requirements consistent with a ten year spaceborne solid state power amplifier mission.

Picone, S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Space Station atmospheric monitoring systems

A technology assessment study on atmospheric monitoring systems was performed by Battelle Columbus Division for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's John F. Kennedy Space Center under Contract No. NAS 10-11033. In this assessment, the objective was to identify, analyze, and recommend systems to sample and measure Space Station atmospheric contaminants and identify where additional research and technology advancements were required. To achieve this objective, it was necessary to define atmospheric monitoring requirements and to assess the state of the art and advanced technology and systems for technical and operational compatibility with monitoring goals. Three technical tasks were defined to support these needs: Definition of Monitoring Requirements, Assessment of Sampling and Analytical Technology, and Technology Screening and Recommendations. Based on the analysis, the principal candidates recommended for development at the Space Station's initial operational capability were: (1) long-path Fourier transform infrared for rapid detection of high-risk contamination incidences, and (2) gas chromatography/mass spectrometry utilizing mass selective detection (or ion-trap) technologies for detailed monitoring of extended crew exposure to low level (ppbv) contamination. The development of a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/matrix isolation-Fourier transform infrared system was recommended as part of the long range program of upgrading Space Station trace-contaminant monitoring needs.

Air Pollution, Indoor/analysis↗
NASA NTRS1989

Regenerative fuel cell systems for project pathfinder

The objectives of a surface power program, an element of the exploration thrust of the Pathfinder project, and plans for meeting them are outlined. Technological assessment and tradeoff studies of fuel cell and electrolyzer technologies suitable for use in a regenerative fuel cell are described. The viability of proton exchange membranes (PEM) in meeting the system requirements is discussed.

Huff, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Millimeter wavelength communications applications for the SEI

The potentially complex missions of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) require advanced lunar communications, navigation, and information systems to provide voice, data, and image transmissions. The objectives here are to determine which SEI telecommunications applications will benefit from millimeter wave technology, assess the state of the art in millimeter wave technology, and describe the technology development shortfalls with respect to potential mission time frames. The assumptions for the analysis as well as other non-performance related issues are also presented.

Ponchak, Denise S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Satellite voice broadcast. Volume 1: Executive summary

An Executive Summary of the Satellite Voice Broadcast System Study designs are synthesized for direct sound broadcast satellite systems for HF-, VHF-, and Ku-bands. Methods are developed and used to predict satellite weight, volume, and RF performance for the various concepts considered. Cost and schedule risk assessments are performed to predict time and cost required to implement selected concepts. Technology assessments and tradeoffs are made to identify critical enabling technologies that require development to bring technical risk to acceptable levels for full scale development.

Bachtell, E. E.↗