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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Space Manufacturing to Support Human Spaceflight

As human spaceflight pushes beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), resupply of consumables becomes a significant challenge. One solution to this problem is In-Space Manufacturing (ISM), the capability to perform on-demand manufacturing and repair of consumables in an in-space environment. ISM offers significant flexibility to missions as it allows for a high degree of tailor ability and reduction in launch mass. Leveraging advancements in fabrication, repair and recycling, ISM provides a highly sustainable and affordable solution to exploration mission operations and logistics. In this talk, advances in printed electronics and sensors, ranging from nanomaterial ink development and hands-free fabrication methodologies to devices will be presented. Applications presented will include sensors for crew health monitoring along with supporting electronics. In the future, these devices will be fabricated and characterized on the International Space Station and the approach will be evaluated for future in-space manufacturing to support human spaceflight.

nanotechnology↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Printed Sensors and Electronics for Sustained Human Spaceflight

As human spaceflight pushes beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), resupply of consumables becomes a significant challenge. One solution to this problem is In-Space Manufacturing (ISM), the capability to perform on-demand manufacturing and repair of consumables in an in-space environment. ISM offers significant flexibility to missions as it allows for a high degree of tailorability and reduction in launch mass. Leveraging advancements in fabrication, repair and recycling, ISM provides a highly sustainable and affordable solution to Exploration mission operations and logistics. In this talk, advances in printed electronics and sensors, ranging from nanomaterial ink development and hands-free fabrication methodologies to devices will be presented.

In Space Manufacturing↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Strategies for Determining Safety of Fermented Foods Produced in Space

The BioNutrients experiments examine the feasibility of using microbially produced foods – yogurt, kefir, fermented food products– to supplement the current prepackaged food system to provide freshly synthesized nutrients and genetically engineered protein therapeutics to support crew health for sustainable and long duration crewed exploration. Safety of the products must be established as direct consumption of such products is a risk due to potential contamination with pathogenic organisms. Identifying pathogen contamination is particularly challenging as the fermenting cultures can mask the presence of contaminating organisms. Here we consider current methods of detecting coliforms, aerobic colonies, non-lactic acid bacteria, molds (yeasts), and specific pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella. We also consider alternate and additional testing including sequencing and quantitative PCR. We investigate the use of the E-Nose developed by NASA Ames Research Center. This portable device senses volatile organic compounds in real time and can be trained to recognize “good” uncontaminated products from contaminated ones as a means of predicting food safety. Finally, we consider methods of in-flight pasteurization to increase safety and decrease overall microbial load of these products. This presentation will summarize testing status and outline the strategy that will be employed in the BioNutrients-3 ISS fermented foods experiment.

Natalie Ball↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Strategies for Determining Safety of Fermented Foods Produced in Space

The BioNutrients experiments examine the feasibility of using microbially produced foods – yogurt, kefir, fermented food products– to supplement the current prepackaged food system to provide freshly synthesized nutrients and genetically engineered protein therapeutics to support crew health for sustainable and long duration crewed exploration. Safety of the products must be established as direct consumption of such products is a risk due to potential contamination with pathogenic organisms. Identifying pathogen contamination is particularly challenging as the fermenting cultures can mask the presence of contaminating organisms. Here we consider current methods of detecting coliforms, aerobic colonies, non-lactic acid bacteria, molds (yeasts), and specific pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella. We also consider alternate and additional testing including sequencing and quantitative PCR. We investigate the use of the E-Nose developed by NASA Ames Research Center. This portable device senses volatile organic compounds in real time and can be trained to recognize “good” uncontaminated products from contaminated ones as a means of predicting food safety. Finally, we consider methods of in-flight pasteurization to increase safety and decrease overall microbial load of these products. This presentation will summarize testing status and outline the strategy that will be employed in the BioNutrients-3 ISS fermented foods experiment.

Food↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lunar Surface Missions for Resource Reconnaissance: NASA's PRIME-1 and VIPER

In 2019 NASA announced it would return to the Moon where it would seek to establish a sustainable lunar presence. In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a critical part of the infrastructure needed to sustain and grow human surface exploration. NASA further codified its ISRU intentions with the release of the Moon to Mars objectives in 2022, which calls out specific infrastructure goals, and in the release of the Architecture Definition Document in 2023. While there are a variety of resources that are of interest, including oxygen from regolith minerals, water is a game changing resource for in-situ consumable and propellant production. NASA’s intention of targeting of the lunar polar region for Artemis is, in part due to the potential of water resources there.

Lunar↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Next Generation Exercise Device (NGED): Advancing Exercise Capabilities for Future Space Missions Through Biomechanical Modeling

BACKGROUND As space exploration extends to long-duration missions on the Moon and Mars, maintaining astronaut health and fitness becomes increasingly critical. The Next Generation Exercise Device (NGED), developed and tested by the HumanWorks Lab in NASA Johnson Space Center's (JSC) Software, Robotics, and Simulation Division, aims to address this challenge through innovative approaches. This study presents the development and evaluation of an NGED system, focusing on its adaptability to various mission scenarios, including prospective use in a Lunar Pressurized Rover (LPR). Central to this project is the application of biomechanical modeling to optimize exercise efficacy and safety in microgravity and partial gravity environments. The project is a collaborative effort with the Human Health and Performance group at Johnson Space Center, ensuring a comprehensive approach to astronaut well-being that integrates biomechanical principles with practical exercise solutions. The NGED represents the next generation of exercise capabilities for missions in space, on the Moon and Mars, with a specific focus on applications such as the LPR. METHODS AND RESULTS Data collection for NGED development was conducted with two motor-driven Beyond Power Voltra I [1] systems and a custom test structure to allow placement of the cable-based devices on the ground, at shoulder height, and overhead. The collection was performed in JSC’s Prototype Immersive Technology (PIT) Lab, utilizing an OptiTrack motion capture system and AMTI force platform, to enable detailed biomechanical analysis via OpenSim [2,3]. Motion capture data were collected for three subjects representing different body types and statures. The marker set used was an enhanced version of the full-body Plug-in Gait marker set [4], with additional markers strategically placed for the primary objective of informing exercise volume requirements. Subjects performed a series of 17 exercises, carefully selected to engage various muscle groups, including novel spaceflight exercises such as skiing (ergometer style), lateral pulldowns, wood chops, triceps extensions, and flies, with load variations ranging from 10 to 90 pounds to maintain kinematic form. This comprehensive approach allowed for a thorough evaluation of the NGED's performance across a wide range of motions and loads. The biomechanical modeling and analysis were conducted using a modified OpenSim Full Body Rajagopal Model [4,5] and also scaled to the maximum and minimum anthropometry provided in NASA-STD-3001 [6]. Volumetric convex hulls were generated based on model marker trajectories and aggregated into geometric assemblies. These can be placed in models of vehicle designs to assess fit to protect for exercise as well as to adapt NGED exercise to fit available space. Preliminary findings from the collection indicate that the NGED prototype demonstrates significant adaptability across varying user anthropometrics and exercise types. The device showed consistent performance in load-bearing exercises, with subjects able to perform exercises effectively while maintaining proper biomechanical form. CONCLUSION NGED represents a forward-looking advancement in exercise capabilities for future space missions. In the future, this system can be used to capture valuable metrics (e.g., isometric mid-thigh pull for force output measurements, assessments of postural muscle strength, overall isometric strength). Its versatility in accommodating various exercises and user physiques, coupled with the ability to provide targeted biomechanical loading, makes it a promising approach for maintaining astronaut health during long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars. Future work will focus on refining the NGED based on initial biomechanical findings, leveraging the detailed insights provided by motion capture and analysis techniques. Particular emphasis will be placed on optimizing its use within the confined spaces of a LPR and other space habitats. This work contributes significantly to NASA's goals of supporting human health and performance in deep space exploration, paving the way for sustainable long-term presence beyond Low Earth Orbit through advanced, biomechanically-informed exercise solutions.

C Wang↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA's Development of Advanced Space Suits for Lunar Exploration

Significant work has been completed recently at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in the Space Suit and Crew Survival Systems Branch to design and mature an advanced exploration EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) architecture. This effort culminated in the xEMU (eXploration Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit) space suit, which was completed in 2022 and tested extensively through 2023, including human performance, cycle life performance and thermal vacuum testing. An overview of the xEMU design and test campaign is provided, as well as its value as the government reference design supporting the transition to EVA commercial services for the Artemis program. Lastly, a development roadmap is discussed which outlines NASA’s identified strategy to enable the next generation of exploration EVA hardware for sustaining-class Lunar and Mars missions.

Shane M McFarland↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Simulated High CO 2 Spaceflight Environment Increases Plant Preference for Ammonium as a Nitrogen Source

Long-duration exploration missions will require a sustainable supply of food to support human crews. The spaceflight environment contains high concentrations of CO 2 due to release by astronauts that cannot be completely scrubbed. It is therefore crucial to understand plant responses to elevated CO 2 (eCO 2 ) environments. Nitrogen (N) is crucial for plant survival, though the effects of eCO 2 on plant N uptake remain poorly understood. Shoot nitrate reduction may be reduced at eCO 2 , due to reduced reductant availability for nitrate reduction due to reduced photorespiration and increased carbon fixation. Relative growth rate may be reduced at eCO 2 when N is provided only as nitrate and can be unaffected when N is supplied as ammonium, suggesting eCO 2 may drive increased plant ‘preference’ for ammonium. However, changes in N preference in response to eCO 2 have, to our knowledge, not yet been studied. In this study, novel stable isotope approaches were used in conjunction with hydroponics and isotope ratio mass spectrometry to determine the effect of space station-like eCO 2 (3000 ppm) on preference for ammonium or nitrate in several lettuce varieties previously grown in space, when both N forms are provided equally. All varieties displayed significant ammonium preference irrespective of CO 2 concentration, however the extent of this preference varied. Increased ammonium preference was observed for all varieties at eCO 2 compared to ambient CO 2 (410 ppm), driven by increases in nitrogen uptake which plants disproportionately took up as ammonium. These results suggest that future nutrient formulations should favor ammonium as a major N source for space crop production. Moreover, increased ammonium preference may play a role in future plant-based bioregenerative life support systems with higher ammonium concentrations due to waste recycling. Additionally, this research furthers our understanding of plant responses to future high CO 2 climates, allowing the development of future-proof crops to maintain food security.

space crop production↗
NASA NTRS2012

Progress Made in Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization Under NASA's Exploration Technology and Development Program

Incorporation of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) and the production of mission critical consumables for 9 propulsion, power, and life support into mission architectures can greatly reduce the mass, cost, and risk of missions 10 leading to a sustainable and affordable approach to human exploration beyond Earth. ISRU and its products can 11 also greatly affect how other exploration systems are developed, including determining which technologies are 12 important or enabling. While the concept of lunar ISRU has existed for over 40 years, the technologies and systems 13 had not progressed much past simple laboratory proof-of-concept tests. With the release of the Vision for Space 14 Exploration in 2004 with the goal of harnessing the Moon.s resources, NASA initiated the ISRU Project in the 15 Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP) to develop the technologies and systems needed to meet 16 this goal. In the five years of work in the ISRU Project, significant advancements and accomplishments occurred in 17 several important areas of lunar ISRU. Also, two analog field tests held in Hawaii in 2008 and 2010 demonstrated 18 all the steps in ISRU capabilities required along with the integration of ISRU products and hardware with 19 propulsion, power, and cryogenic storage systems. This paper will review the scope of the ISRU Project in the 20 ETDP, ISRU incorporation and development strategies utilized by the ISRU Project, and ISRU development and 21 test accomplishments over the five years of funded project activity.

Sanders, Gerald B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

The New National Vision for Space Exploration

From the Apollo landings on the Moon, to robotic surveys of the Sun and the planets, to the compelling images captured by advanced space telescopes, U.S. achievements in space have revolutionized humanity s view of the universe and have inspired Americans and people around the world. These achievements also have led to the development of technologies that have widespread applications to address problems on Earth. As the world enters the second century of powered flight, it is appropriate to articulate a new vision that will define and guide U.S. space exploration activities for the next several decades. Today, humanity has the potential to seek answers to the most fundamental questions posed about the existence of life beyond Earth. Telescopes have found planets around other stars. Robotic probes have identified potential resources on the Moon, and evidence of water - a key ingredient for life - has been found on Mars and the moons of Jupiter. Direct human experience in space has fundamentally altered our perspective of humanity and our place in the universe. Humans have the ability to respond to the unexpected developments inherent in space travel and possess unique skills that enhance discoveries. Just as Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo challenged a generation of Americans, a renewed U.S. space exploration program with a significant human component can inspire us - and our youth - to greater achievements on Earth and in space. The loss of Space Shuttles Challenger and Columbia and their crews are a stark reminder of the inherent risks of space flight and the severity of the challenges posed by space exploration. In preparation for future human exploration, we must advance our ability to live and work safely in space and, at the same time, develop the technologies to extend humanity s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The new technologies required for further space exploration also will improve the Nation s other space activities and may provide applications that could be used to address problems on Earth. Like the explorers of the past and the pioneers of flight in the last century, we cannot today identify all that we will gain from space exploration; we are confident, nonetheless, that the eventual return will be great. Like their efforts, the success of future U.S. space exploration will unfold over generations. The fundamental goal of this new national vision is to advance U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests through a robust space exploration program. In support of this goal, the United States will: 1) Implement a sustained and affordable human and robotic program to explore the solar system and beyond; 2) Extend human presence across the solar system, starting with a human return to the Moon by the year 2020, in preparation for human exploration of IMars and other destinations; 3) Develop the innovative technologies, knowledge, and infrastructures both to explore and to support decisions about the destinations for human exploration; and 4) Promote international and commercial participation in exploration to further U.S. scientific, security, and economic interests.

Sackheim, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Space Sustainability Strategy: An Overview and a Conceptual Framework for Implementation

Space sustainability is crucial for the continuation of humanity's exploration and utilization of space. NASA recognizes the imperative of maintaining a sustainable space operating environment to safeguard the future of space activities. On April 9, 2024, NASA released its first part of an integrated Space Sustainability Strategy focused on the domain of earth orbit, with future volumes to address impacts of space operations on earth itself; cislunar space, including the Lagrange points and the lunar surface; and deep space, including other celestial bodies. This commitment extends to ensuring the safety of astronauts conducting operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), as well as enabling missions to the Moon and Mars. Moreover, sustainable space practices are essential for the uninterrupted operation of NASA's robotic science missions, which monitor Earth's changes and probe the mysteries of the universe. The strategy sets out a set of goals, the first of which is to establish a framework for assessing space sustainability at NASA, addressing the absence of a universally accepted framework with key metrics that promotes understanding of how metrics are interconnected. This framework will provide a basis for evaluating the sustainability of orbital activities, with metrics informed by input from the domestic and international space community. Objectives under this goal include defining key parameters affecting space sustainability, determining tolerable levels of risk, and annually publishing NASA's effect on space sustainability, including compliance with orbital debris mitigation standards. The subsequent goals build upon this foundation, identifying effective actions for enhancing space sustainability, incentivizing adoption of these actions through technology development and policy changes, and ensuring coordination with the global space community. An organizational change within NASA is also proposed to facilitate day-to-day coordination and accountability for space sustainability efforts. By pursuing these goals, NASA aims to strengthen the technical foundations of and continue to set an example for sustainable space operations. Regular evaluation of NASA mission performance in context with meeting sustainability objectives will ensure alignment with evolving challenges in the space operating environment.

Matt Forsbacka↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s EGS Program Technology Demonstrations and Risk Reduction for Sustainable Surface Operations

This paper discusses NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) Program Technology Infusion Strategy and the results from EGS technology demonstration projects, including Integrated Health Management capabilities for Condition Based and Predictive Maintenance, conservation of cryogenic fluids, and logistics management/commonality of maintenance equipment, tools, and consumables. The paper also discusses how technologies and capabilities implemented for ground systems (i.e. automated/autonomous operations and maintenance) can be leveraged to help reduce risk for sustainable lunar surface operations.

Launch Processing↗
NASA NTRS2004

Self-Sustaining Robotic Ecologies and Space Architecture

Contents include the folowing: rom "one shot" explorations to infrastructure building. Challenges to infrastructure building. Modularity and self-sustaining robotic ecologies. A pathway to human presence. Robotic " archntecture". The "robosphere" concept.

Colombano, Silvano P.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Venus Atmospheric Exploration by Solar Aircraft

The Venus atmosphere is a favorable environment for flying powered aircraft. The atmospheric pressure makes flight much easier than on planets such as Mars. Above the clouds, solar energy is available in abundance on Venus, and the slow rotation of Venus allows a solar airplane to be designed for flight within continuous sunlight. The atmosphere between 50 km and 75 km on Venus is one of the most dynamic and interesting regions of the planet. The challenge for a Venus aircraft will be the fierce winds and caustic atmosphere. In order to remain on the sunlit side of Venus, an exploration aircraft will have to be capable of sustained flight at or above the wind speed. An aircraft would be a powerful tool for exploration. By learning how Venus can be so similar to Earth, and yet so different, we will learn to better understand the climate and geological history of the Earth.

Landis, Geoffrey A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Workshop Report On Sustainable Urban Development

The key workshop goal was to explore and document how NASA technologies, such as remote sensing, climate modeling, and high-end computing and visualization along with NASA assets such as Earth Observing Satellites (EOS) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can contribute to creating and managing a sustainable urban environment. The focus was on the greater Bay Area, but many aspects of the workshop were applicable to urban management at the local, regional and global scales. A secondary goal was to help NASA better understand the problems facing urban managers and to make city leaders in the Bay Area more aware of NASA's capabilities. By bringing members of these two groups together we hope to see the beginnings of new collaborations between NASA and those faced with instituting sustainable urban management in Bay Area cities.

Langhoff, Stephanie↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Lunar Lab Initiative

Analogous to terrestrial Antarctic basecamps at our south pole, space exploration outposts will be a combination of habitation and science-focused assets. The Artemis Exploration Roadmap endeavors to establish a sustained human presence on the lunar south pole starting in 2028. Within the planned Artemis Base Camp, most efforts to date have focused on the habitation assets or a mixture of science and habitation assets . With the recent advent of commercial lunar landing capabilities, the trade space can be further expanded to include dedicated science focused assets that ensure adequate science capability. To that end, the Forge, an innovation team initiative created at the Johnson Space Center (JSC), explored alternative ways to increase the science capabilities within the basecamp. The Forge uses structured brainstorming and facilitation to increase innovation within the assigned team, while executing its process in a rapid turnaround fashion for ideation and design study. As a pilot study for the Forge, a multi-disciplinary team investigated a lunar lab module to augment the lunar surface plans for Artemis. This formulation study evaluated the scientific and operational considerations for this dedicated crew space that would increase the capabilities of lunar surface science operations. The trade space evaluated single lunar lander delivery versus multiple lunar lander delivery for module assembly, alternative structural designs, the science instrument outfitting with mapping to scientific goals to maximize lunar science objectives, and how the lab would be operated. The lab operations options explored a stand-alone facility, as well as a facility integrated into a larger lunar surface complex, while evaluating crew usage and habitability considerations. The resulting alternatives were evaluated by the Forge team with a set of metrics to determine their originality, feasibility, and science performance, and thereby provide a recommendation to the lunar architecture planning team. Lessons learned from the lunar lab study were compiled to improve the process and tools for future Forge studies. Forward work, open issues, and challenges to further refine the design of the various science-focused asset options were also documented. By providing a robust science capability at humanity’s furthest outpost, we can plan for a sustained human lunar presence once the initial lunar surface access capability is well established.

Lunar outpost↗
NASA NTRS2017

NASA Mars 2020 Landed Mission Development

In January of 2014, NASA received fifty-eight proposals from U.S. and international teams for science and exploration technology investigations, for consideration for inclusion as part of NASA's next mobile landed mission to Mars. The results of the competitive procurement were released in late July of 2014: Seven payloads were selected for the investigations that would contribute to meeting the overall objectives of the mission. The extraordinary scientific and technology development interest in the Mars 2020 mission is a direct result of NASA's sustained and coordinated plan for the exploration of Mars, and ultimately, its search for life elsewhere in the universe. The Mars 2020 Mission will preserve the heritage and directly build upon NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Mission and Curiosity Rover to implement its mission. In this paper, early development history leading to its development announcement, as well as key development status and design features for its implementation, is summarized.

MSR↗