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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 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2017

Space Weathering Rates in Lunar and Itokawa Samples

Space weathering alters the chemistry, microstructure, and spectral proper-ties of grains on the surfaces of airless bodies by two major processes: micrometeorite impacts and solar wind interactions. Investigating the nature of space weathering processes both in returned samples and in remote sensing observations provides information fundamental to understanding the evolution of airless body regoliths, improving our ability to determine the surface composition of asteroids, and linking meteorites to specific asteroidal parent bodies. Despite decades of research into space weathering processes and their effects, we still know very little about weathering rates. For example, what is the timescale to alter the reflectance spectrum of an ordinary chondrite meteorite to resemble the overall spectral shape and slope from an S-type asteroid? One approach to answering this question has been to determine ages of asteroid families by dynamical modeling and determine the spectral proper-ties of the daughter fragments. However, large differences exist between inferred space weathering rates and timescales derived from laboratory experiments, analysis of asteroid family spectra and the space weathering styles; estimated timescales range from 5000 years up to 108 years. Vernazza et al. concluded that solar wind interactions dominate asteroid space weathering on rapid timescales of 10(exp 4)-10(exp 6) years. Shestopalov et al. suggested that impact-gardening of regolith particles and asteroid resurfacing counteract the rapid progress of solar wind optical maturation of asteroid surfaces and proposed a space weathering timescale of 10(exp 5)-10(exp 6) years.

Keller, L. P.↗
NASA NTRS2016

In Situ Measurement of Atmospheric Krypton and Xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory

Mars Science Laboratorys Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation has measured all of the stable isotopes of the heavy noble gases krypton and xenon in the martian atmosphere, in situ, from the Curiosity Rover at Gale Crater, Mars. Previous knowledge of martian atmospheric krypton and xenon isotope ratios has been based upon a combination of the Viking missions krypton and xenon detections and measurements of noble gas isotope ratios in martian meteorites. However, the meteorite measurements reveal an impure mixture of atmospheric, mantle, and spallation contributions. The xenon and krypton isotopic measurements reported here include the complete set of stable isotopes, unmeasured by Viking. The new results generally agree with Mars meteorite measurements but also provide a unique opportunity to identify various non-atmospheric heavy noble gas components in the meteorites. Kr isotopic measurements define a solar-like atmospheric composition, but deviating from the solar wind pattern at 80Kr and 82Kr in a manner consistent with contributions originating from neutron capture in Br. The Xe measurements suggest an intriguing possibility that isotopes lighter than 132Xe have been enriched to varying degrees by spallation and neutron capture products degassed to the atmosphere from the regolith, and a model is constructed to explore this possibility. Such a spallation component, however, is not apparent in atmospheric Xe trapped in the glassy phases of martian meteorites.

Conrad, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Data Accountability and Uncertainty Analysis for the Mars Science Laboratory

This paper presents machine learning-based approaches to automate and optimize the detection of volume loss for the downlink process of telemetry data from the Mars Curiosity Rover. The Curiosity observes volume loss and data corruption, requiring re-transmits from the rover and Ground Data System Analysts (GDSA) to monitor the data flow. To resolve this issue, we created a data pipeline to accumulate data from various data sources in the downlink process and detect where the data is missed. In this paper, we benchmarked different methodologies based on the accuracy and excitability of them to identify whether a downlink data that is received to the ground system is complete or incomplete. Our results show that machine learning methods can improve the performance of the GDSA by 55% while the user can diagnose why data is missed and provide an explanation for the data accountability problem.

Chowdhury, Ameera↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

rHEALTH Laboratory Analyzer - ISS Increment 66 Tech Demo

A multilateral, web-based symposium, featuring ISS Increment 66 investigations will be held on December 14, 15 and 16, 2021 beginning at 0600 CST each day. The purpose of this event is for Principal Investigators to present their science objectives, testing approach, and measurement methods to agency scientists, managers, and other investigators. Participation is encouraged to gather a global picture of the science planned to be performed on ISS during Increment 66. Please note that only Increment 66 new investigations and those that have not been covered by previous science symposia will be included. We will be in touch with the investigations’ POCs to confirm the presentations and identify the speakers as we develop the preliminary agenda for the Symposium. The agenda and additional details will be distributed prior to the symposium. Presentations will be organized by discipline and will be allotted 15 minutes to highlight the main contributions of their experiment. There will be a short question and answer period after each discipline group session is complete. Please include back-up material as needed. The presentations may be made available to ISS crew members as review material for on-orbit science preparation and/or public outreach activities. Therefore, please ensure a comprehensive presentation (additional back-up material may be provided). The presentations should briefly cover the following: - Science background and hypothesis - Investigation goals and objectives - Measurement approach - Importance and reason for ISS - Expected results and how they will advance the field - Earth benefits/spin-off applications Please note that all presentations and discussions should be limited to content approved for export and information that can be shared with participants and the general public.

Laboratory Analysis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Culture-Independent Fungal Profiling for the International Space Station using Nanopore Sequencing: Method Development

Microbial monitoring of the International Space Station (ISS) environment is a crew health requirement that encompasses both bacterial and fungal identification. To achieve this currently, culture-based methods are used for sample collection, and these samples must be returned to the laboratory for analysis. The use of culture and the need for sample return to Earth results in a bias toward culturable organisms and causes a significant delay between sample collection and delivery of final data (weeks to months), respectively. Recently, advancements in molecular technology have aided a broad range of applications, including medical, industrial, and basic sciences. Additionally, increases in portability and ease-of-use of molecular platforms have provided point-of-use capabilities demonstrated by the miniPCR thermal cycler (miniPCR bio) and the MinION sequencer (Oxford Nanopore Technologies). Together, these devices have been applied to, and validated for, the identification of bacteria onboard the ISS. Building on this work, we have developed a spaceflight-compatible fungal workflow. Molecular-based fungal analysis is complicated by low biomass, difficult-to-lyse spores, debate regarding the region for taxonomic assignment, and the lack of bioinformatic pipelines and reference databases. To overcome these difficulties, primers yielding an ~ 2 Kb amplicon were validated against a wide range of ISS fungal isolates. The current spaceflight library preparation was substantially optimized, a bioinformatic pipeline was created, and refinements to the UNITE database were implemented. To compare this optimized method to the current culture-based standard, 30 sample sets (60 total swabs, two swabs held in tandem) were evaluated. Parallel fungal profiles were obtained between the two methods, with the culture-independent method revealing increased diversity. The addition of this method to the already established bacterial process fulfills the crew health identification requirement. Moreover, the implementation of this method onboard ISS will enhance our understanding of its unique fungal microbiome.

Hang N. Nguyen↗
NASA NTRS2024

Shallow Soil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Site Assessment Report

This report presents a summary of the shallow soil polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) site assessment activities that occurred from December 2020 through July 2022 at General Services Administration Reclamation Yard, Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 010, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The site is monitored under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program, which also meets the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. For the purposes of this report, three separate shallow soil plumes, known as the Northeast Shallow Soil PCB Plume, Southeast Shallow Soil PCB Plume, and West Shallow Soil PCB Plume, were identified for this site. The activities presented in this report include seven field events conducted between December 2020 and July 2022, which include shallow soil sample collection in the Northeast, Southeast, and West Shallow Soil PCB Plumes. AECOM Technical Services, Inc., personnel collected 330 soil samples from 118 boring locations. The samples were collected at 0.5-foot depth intervals to various depths based on analytical results and depth to groundwater. The soil samples were submitted to a fixed-based laboratory for analysis by United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 8082A for total PCBs. Several soil samples had PCB concentrations above the State of Florida Direct Exposure Residential and Industrial Soil Cleanup Target Levels (SCTLs), and two soil samples had PCB concentrations above the State of Florida Leachability for Groundwater. No soil borings were located beneath impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. The current Land Use Control Implementation Plan (LUCIP) covers PCBs in soils above the residential SCTL, which includes the paved areas.

PCBs↗
NASA NTRS2024

Interim Measure Report South Water Pump Station Potential Release Location 213 – Location of Concern 2 Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This report presents a summary of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) interim measure (IM) activities that occurred in December 2022 and March 2023 at Location of Concern (LOC) 2 – Electrical Equipment Area associated with the South Water Pump Station (SWPS) Potential Release Location (PRL) 213, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The SWPS site is monitored under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program, which also meets the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. Assessment activities have previously been performed at six SWPS LOCs identified during a Solid Waste Management Unit assessment in 2013. Based on the data collected during these assessments, it was determined that IM activities would be completed at one of the LOCs, LOC 2 – Electrical Equipment Area, and an IM Work Plan was prepared and approved. In 2019, demolition of the SWPS buildings and structures was completed, allowing for additional assessment at LOC 2, and it was determined that soil excavation to remove PCB-impacted soils was no longer required for LOC 2. The IM activities conducted following demolition are presented in this report and include shallow soil sample collection, conducted in December 2022, and monitoring well installation and groundwater sampling, both conducted in March 2023. AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) personnel collected two soil samples from two boring locations, SWPS-SB0005 and SWPS-SB0018. The samples were collected at 0 to 0.5 feet below land surface (bls). AECOM also conducted oversight of one monitoring well installation, SWPS-MW0001 screened from 4 to 14 feet bls, and then subsequently collected one groundwater sample from SWPS-MW0001. The samples were submitted to a fixed-based laboratory for analysis by United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 8082A for total PCBs. There were no detections of PCBs in soil or groundwater during the reporting period.

Chadwick Sloan Lee↗
NASA NTRS2024

Soil Interim Measures Implementation Report Q6 Radar Station – Solid Waste Management Unit 112 Locations of Concern 3 and 10 Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This report presents a summary of the soil interim measures (IM) implementation activities that occurred from January 23 through June 6, 2023, at the Q6 Radar Station (Q6RS) Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 112, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The site is monitored under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program, which also meets the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. Assessment activities have previously been performed at 10 Q6RS Locations of Concern (LOCs), identified during a SWMU assessment in 2013 (NASA 2013). Since the SWMU assessment, further confirmatory sampling and assessment was conducted for each LOC, and based on the data collected during these assessments, it was determined that Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Facility Investigation to further evaluate soil and groundwater was to be conducted at two LOCs: LOC 1 – Former Underground Storage Tanks (groundwater) and LOC 3 – Radar Antenna Refurbishment Area (soil). The LOC 1 groundwater assessment is ongoing, and the results will be presented under a separate cover. It was also determined that soil IM would be completed at two of the LOCs, LOC 3 and LOC 10 – Compressor Building Condensate Discharge. A Soil IM Work Plan was prepared and submitted in October 2021 (NASA 2021). The plan proposed excavation and disposal of barium and copper impacted soil in the LOC 3 and 10 areas. This report presents a summary and results of the soil IM implementation activities conducted at LOCs 3 and 10. The site contaminates of concern for this soil IM are barium and copper. The activities presented in this report includes soil IM implementation and groundwater sampling. From January 23 through March 24, 2023, AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (AECOM) field personnel conducted IM implementation activities in the LOC 3 and 10 areas. As presented in the IM Work Plan, shallow soils, impacted with metals, were excavated to a depth of 2 feet below land surface in the central area of the site around the radar antenna and associated equipment. AECOM personnel excavated 77.43 tons of soil using hand tools and, when able, heavy equipment. The soils were placed into lined roll-off containers, which were covered and transported under manifest to the Cedar Trail Landfill in Bartow, Florida. The site was restored to original condition using certified clean backfill material (sand), with filter fabric, and gravel. Areas outside of the excavation were restored with grass seed. On June 6, 2023, AECOM field personnel conducted groundwater sampling activities within the soil IM excavation area. AECOM personnel collected one groundwater sample from monitoring well Q6RS-MW0003. The sample was submitted to a fixed-based laboratory for analysis by United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 6020B for metals (barium and copper). Barium and copper were detected at 18 micrograms per liter (µg/L) and 14 µg/L, respectively, and were below the State of Florida Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels (GCTLs) for barium at 2,000 µg/L and copper at 1,000 µg/L.

Chadwick Sloan Lee↗
NASA NTRS2024

Shallow Soil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Site Assessment Report: General Services Administration Reclamation Yard Solid Waste Management Unit 010

This report presents a summary of the shallow soil polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) site assessment activities that occurred from December 2020 through July 2022 at General Services Administration Reclamation Yard, Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 010, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The site is monitored under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program, which also meets the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. For the purposes of this report, three separate shallow soil plumes, known as the Northeast Shallow Soil PCB Plume, Southeast Shallow Soil PCB Plume, and West Shallow Soil PCB Plume, were identified for this site. The activities presented in this report include seven field events conducted between December 2020 and July 2022, which include shallow soil sample collection in the Northeast, Southeast, and West Shallow Soil PCB Plumes. AECOM Technical Services, Inc., personnel collected 330 soil samples from 118 boring locations. The samples were collected at 0.5-foot depth intervals to various depths based on analytical results and depth to groundwater. The soil samples were submitted to a fixed-based laboratory for analysis by United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 8082A for total PCBs. Several soil samples had PCB concentrations above the State of Florida Direct Exposure Residential and Industrial Soil Cleanup Target Levels (SCTLs), and two soil samples had PCB concentrations above the State of Florida Leachability for Groundwater. No soil borings were located beneath impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. The current Land Use Control Implementation Plan (LUCIP) covers PCBs in soils above the residential SCTL, which includes the paved areas.

soil assessment↗
DOE OSTI2024

METHOD FOR EXPOSING IRRADIATED FUEL CLADDING TO RAPID THERMAL TRANSIENTS

Reactor core materials exposed to rapid thermal transients during accidents can experience significant changes in mechanical properties as irradiation hardness is recovered. Understanding material performance during transients using computer modeling requires accurate descriptions of mechanical property evolution with time and temperature. A simple experimental capability was developed to expose irradiated Zircaloy to a simulated thermal transient using immersion in molten tin (at 675°C) to rapidly heat and hold before rapidly cooling with a water quench. Multiple heating-cooling cycles using a nonirradiated tensile specimen showed simplicity and viability. Based on preliminary test results, a robust system was established for routine evaluation of simulated thermal accident scenarios in the Low Activation Materials Design and Analysis (LAMDA) laboratory at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). This paper summarizes system development and nonirradiated Zircaloy commissioning test results. Future experiments will conduct tensile tests on irradiated Zircaloy after various rapid temperature profiles.

Byun, TS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Measurements of differential charged-current cross sections on argon for electron neutrinos with final-state protons in MicroBooNE

This work presents single-differential electron-neutrino charged-current cross sections on argon measured using the MicroBooNE detector at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. The analysis uses data recorded when the Neutrinos at the Main Injector beam was operating in both neutrino and antineutrino modes, with exposures of $2 \times 10^{20}$ and $5 \times 10^{20}$ protons on target, respectively. A selection algorithm targeting electron-neutrino charged-current interactions with at least one proton, one electron, and no pions in the final topology is used to measure differential cross sections as a function of outgoing electron energy, total visible energy, and opening angle between the electron and the most energetic proton. The interaction rate as a function of proton multiplicity is also reported. The total cross section is measured as [4.1 $\pm$ 0.4 (stat.) $\pm$ 1.2 (syst.)]$ $$\times 10^{-39} \mathrm{cm}^{2}/ \mathrm{nucleon}$. The unfolded cross-section measurements are compared to predictions from neutrino event generators commonly employed in the field. Good agreement is seen across all variables within uncertainties.

Abratenko, P. [Tufts U. (main)]↗
DOE OSTI2025

Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries: Summary of Laboratory Directed Research & Development Effort

The Tactical Analysis for Calculating Contextual Risk at Boundaries (TACCRAB) tool is an innovative digital twin (DT) platform and automated risk algorithm designed to transform operational decision-making in structured screening environments, with an initial focus on Southern Border Land Ports of Entry (POEs). The invention provides integration points for advanced artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, and real-time data analysis to produce a comprehensive risk management tool that enables proactive, data-informed security strategies. The core inventive features of TACCRAB center on its unique risk algorithm, which dynamically calculates contextual risk by synthesizing historical data, near real-time streaming data from the checkpoints themselves, and AI-generated predictions. Unlike traditional risk assessment methods, TACCRAB utilizes a DT to provide comprehensive operational insights, allowing stakeholders to visualize, simulate, and optimize checkpoint configurations with unprecedented speed and contextual awareness. TACCRAB's key innovation lies in its ability to combine multiple complex inputs - including technology detection probabilities, resource availability, screening pathway characteristics, and threat actor behavioral patterns - into a unified risk calculation and update these inputs based on changing operational and environmental conditions. By leveraging a DT that continuously updates and learns from linked data, TACCRAB can suggest adaptive mitigation strategies that minimize risk while maintaining operational efficiency. Particularly novel is the platform's approach to decision support, which goes beyond static risk assessment. The DT provides dynamic metrics such as wait times, resource allocation effectiveness, and potential emerging threat scenarios, enabling users to view sophisticated, relevant what-if simulations and optimize checkpoint operations in near real-time. The system's architecture allows for generalized application across different screening environments, such as secure facilities, ports of entry, and soft targets, making it a versatile tool for security and operational management. The invention distinguishes itself through its comprehensive integration of predictive modeling, AI-driven pattern discovery, and user-friendly interface design. By combining these elements, TACCRAB transforms complex risk data into actionable insights, supporting decision-makers at various organizational levels - from booth agents making split-second screening decisions to checkpoint managers optimizing the day's resource allocation to strategic planners managing long-term investments.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
NASA NTRS1994

Analysis of the 3d(sup 6)4s((sup 6)D)4f-5g supermultiplet of Fe I in laboratory and solar infrared spectra

The combined laboratory and solar analysis of the highly excited subconfigurations 3d(sup 6)4s((sup 6)D)4f and 3d(sup 6)4s((sup 6)D)5g of Fe I has allowed us to classify 87 lines of the 4f-5g supermultiplet in the spectral region 2545-2585 per cm. The level structure of these JK-coupled configurations is predicted by semiempirical calculations and the quardrupolic approximation. Semiempirical gf-values have been calculated and are compared to gf-values derived from the solar spectrum. The solar analysis has shown that these lines, which should be much less sensitive than lower excitation lines to departures from Local Thermal Equilibrium (LTE) and to temperature uncertanties, lead to a solar abundance of iron which is consistent with the meteoritic value (A(sub Fe) = 7.51).

Johansson, S.↗