Study of a Renovated Command Module Laboratory and Renovated Command Module. Volume 3 - Subsystems Analysis Final Report
Technical feasibility of renovated command module laboratory and renovated command module
Dodds, J. I.↗
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In Situ Analysis of Martian Regolith with the SAM Experiment During the First Mars Year of the MSL Mission: Identification of Organic Molecules by Gas Chromatography from Laboratory Measurements
The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument onboard the Curiosity rover, is specifically designed for in situ molecular and isotopic analyses of martian surface materials and atmosphere. It contributes to the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) missions primary scientific goal to characterize the potential past, present or future habitability of Mars. In all of the analyses of solid samples delivered to SAM so far, chlorinated organic compounds have been detected above instrument background levels and identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) (Freissinet et al., 2015; Glavin et al., 2013). While some of these may originate from reactions between oxychlorines and terrestrial organic carbon present in the instrument background (Glavin et al., 2013), others have been demonstrated to originate from indigenous organic carbon present in samples (Freissinet et al., 2015). We present here laboratory calibrations that focused on the analyses performed with the MXT-CLP GC column (SAM GC-5 channel) used for nearly all of the GC-MS analyses of the martian soil samples carried out with SAM to date. Complementary to the mass spectrometric data, gas chromatography allows us to separate and identify the species analyzable in a nominal SAM-GC run time of about 21 min. To characterize the analytical capabilities of this channel within the SAM Flight Model (FM) operating conditions on Mars, and their implications on the detection of organic matter, it is required to perform laboratory experimental tests and calibrations on spare model components. This work assesses the SAM flight GC-5 column efficiency, confirms the identification of the molecules based on their retention time, and enables a better understanding of the behavior of the SAM injection trap (IT) and its release of organic molecules. This work will enable further optimization of the SAM-GC runs for additional samples to be analyzed during the MSL mission.
analysis↗
Determining the Local Abundance of Martian Methane and its 13-C/l2-C and D/H Isotopic Ratios for Comparison with Related Gas and Soil Analysis on the 2011 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Mission
Understanding the origin of Martian methane will require numerous complementary measurements from both in situ and remote sensing investigations and laboratory work to correlate planetary surface geophysics with atmospheric dynamics and chemistry. Three instruments (Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (QMS), Gas Chromatograph (GC) and Tunable Laser Spectrometer (TLS)) with sophisticated sample handling and processing capability make up the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) analytical chemistry suite on NASA s 2011 Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Mission. Leveraging off the SAM sample and gas processing capability that includes methane enrichment, TLS has unprecedented sensitivity for measuring absolute methane (parts-per-trillion), water, and carbon dioxide abundances in both the Martian atmosphere and evolved from heated soil samples. In concert with a wide variety of associated trace gases (e.g. SO2, H2S, NH3, higher hydrocarbons, organics, etc.) and other isotope ratios measured by SAM, TLS will focus on determining the absolute abundances of methane, water and carbon dioxide, and their isotope ratios: 13C/12C and D/H in methane; 13C/12C and 18O/17O/16O in carbon dioxide; and 18O/17O/16O and D/H in water. Measurements near the MSL landing site will be correlated with satellite (Mars Express, Mars 2016) and ground-based observations.
Webster, Christopher R.↗
NG-CT Peaker Upgrades with Bottoming Cycle: Preliminary Analysis
The National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) has conducted a preliminary analysis exploring a significant opportunity to increase the nation's power grid capacity and reliability. The study focuses on retrofitting under-utilized natural gas combustion turbines (NG-CTs), often called "peaker" plants, with a bottoming cycle to capture waste heat and generate additional electricity. This analysis shows that upgrading these existing assets could add approximately 26,250 MW of new power capacity across the United States. A detailed study of the PJM Interconnection, the nation's largest grid operator, confirmed the benefits of these upgrades. Key findings for the PJM region include: - A median increase in the plants' capacity factor by 17 percentage points. - A projected 36.2% median reduction in the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for the upgraded plants, with nearly 88% of them expected to break even. - An average reduction in the regional wholesale price of electricity by approximately 3.0% in the year 2030. - A significant boost to grid reliability, with a 46% reduction in projected Loss of Load Hours (LOLH). These findings suggest that retrofitting peaker plants is a promising and economically viable strategy to enhance grid performance, reduce electricity costs, and meet future demand without the challenges associated with building entirely new facilities.
bottoming cycle↗
Geospatial Education and Research Development: A Laboratory for Remote Sensing and Environmental Analysis (LaRSEA)
Old Dominion University has claimed the title "University of the 21st Century," with a bold emphasis on technology innovation and application. In keeping with this claim, the proposed work has implemented a new laboratory equipped for remote sensing as well as curriculum and research innovations afforded for present and future faculty and students. The developments summarized within this report would not have been possible without the support of the NASA grant and significant cost-sharing of several units within the University. The grant effectively spring-boarded the university into major improvements in its approach to remote sensing and geospatial information technologies. The university has now committed to licensing Erdas Imagine software for the laboratory, a campus-wide ESRI geographic information system (GIS) products license, and several smaller software and hardware utilities available to faculty and students through the laboratory. Campus beneficiaries of this grant have included faculty from departments including Ocean, Earth. and Atmospheric Sciences, Political Science and Geography, Ecological Sciences, Environmental Health, and Civil and Environmental Engineering. High student interest is evidenced in students in geology, geography, ecology, urban studies, and planning. Three new courses have been added to the catalog and offered this year. Cross-cutting curriculum changes are in place with growing enrollments in remote sensing, GIS, and a new co-taught seminar in applied coastal remote sensing. The enabling grant has also allowed project participants to attract external funding for research grants, thereby providing additional funds beyond the planned matching, maintenance and growth of software and hardware, and stipends for student assistants. Two undergraduate assistants and two graduate assistants have been employed by full-time assistantships as a result. A new certificate is offered to students completing an interdisciplinary course sequence in remote sensing and coastal environments. Subsequent phases of the project are under planning. including seminars for regional coastal managers and public dissemination of remote sensing science through the local media and university publications.
Allen, Thomas R., Jr.↗
Report on the development of the Manned Orbital Research Laboratory system utilization potential. Task area I - Analysis of space related objectives, book 1
Earth-orientated objectives for Manned Orbital Research Laboratory
EARTH↗
Requirements analysis notebook for the flight data systems definition in the Real-Time Systems Engineering Laboratory (RSEL)
A hybrid requirements analysis methodology was developed, based on the practices actually used in developing a Space Generic Open Avionics Architecture. During the development of this avionics architecture, a method of analysis able to effectively define the requirements for this space avionics architecture was developed. In this methodology, external interfaces and relationships are defined, a static analysis resulting in a static avionics model was developed, operating concepts for simulating the requirements were put together, and a dynamic analysis of the execution needs for the dynamic model operation was planned. The systems engineering approach was used to perform a top down modified structured analysis of a generic space avionics system and to convert actual program results into generic requirements. CASE tools were used to model the analyzed system and automatically generate specifications describing the model's requirements. Lessons learned in the use of CASE tools, the architecture, and the design of the Space Generic Avionics model were established, and a methodology notebook was prepared for NASA. The weaknesses of standard real-time methodologies for practicing systems engineering, such as Structured Analysis and Object Oriented Analysis, were identified.
Wray, Richard B.↗
Mars Science Laboratory Launch-Arrival Space Study: A Pork Chop Plot Analysis
Launch-Arrival, or "pork chop", plot analysis can provide mission designers with valuable information and insight into a specific launch and arrival space selected for a mission. The study begins with the array of entry states for each pair of selected Earth launch and Mars arrival dates, and nominal entry, descent and landing trajectories are simulated for each pair. Parameters of interest, such as maximum heat rate, are plotted in launch-arrival space. The plots help to quickly identify launch and arrival regions that are not feasible under current constraints or technology and also provide information as to what technologies may need to be developed to reach a desired region. This paper provides a discussion of the development, application, and results of a pork chop plot analysis to the Mars Science Laboratory mission. This technique is easily applicable to other missions at Mars and other destinations.
Cianciolo, Alicia Dwyer↗
Sample screening of uranium ore concentrates using portable spectrophotometers: investigating the correlation between visible colors and chemical signatures
A research collaboration between the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration examined nuclear forensic signatures and analytical methods for tracing the origins of uranium ore concentrates (UOCs). Here, this study focuses on utilizing portable spectrophotometers capable of reflectance measurements in the visible light spectrum as a potential rapid screening tool for nuclear forensics analysis. Unlike laboratory-based near-infrared spectroscopy or digital image analysis, this research investigated the potential to correlate visible color measurements with key nuclear forensics signatures using seven types of UOC samples with known origins and three UOC certified reference materials. Results demonstrated that distinct color groups, quantified using CIELAB values, correlated with major uranium compounds. Furthermore, the findings indicated that trace elements can influence the UOC colors, providing additional insights into material characteristics. Although this approach requires further validation across a broader range of UOC species, this study demonstrated that simple colorimetric analysis using visible spectrophotometry, which does not require complex sample preparation or data processing, can serve as a practical and novel rapid tool for preliminary screening and attribution in nuclear forensics investigations.
and nuclear chemistry↗
Analysis of Darkened Fragments Resulting from Laboratory Hypervelocity Experiments
NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) relies on measurements from optical, radar, and in situ measurements to facilitate the development of data-driven orbital debris environmental engineering models such as the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM). For optical measurements, the ODPO relies on ground-based optical telescopes to statistically assess objects in geosynchronous orbit and, in the future, low Earth orbit (LEO). The data collected include the detected object’s orbital parameters, time of observation, and optical magnitude. The latter parameter can be converted to a size using NASA’s optical Size Estimation Model (oSEM). It is well known that the observed magnitude of orbital debris can vary based on an object's material constituents, observational geometry, and the effects of space weathering. To assess these magnitude variations, the ODPO uses the Optical Measurement Center (OMC) at NASA Johnson Space Center to characterize a variety of materials and fragments from laboratory impact tests representative of fragments that constitute the orbital debris population. One experiment was DebriSat: a 56 kg spacecraft was built to incorporate structural elements of a modern LEO spacecraft and was subjected to a hypervelocity impact test at the U.S. Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex using test parameters that may be encountered in LEO. The DebriSat project has provided an abundance of information for assessing fragmentation debris in terms of material, color, shape, size, density, mass, and other derived parameters. Prior to the impact test, the ODPO collected spectral measurements on a subset of the materials used to construct DebriSat for a “ground-truth” of their optical properties. After the successful hypervelocity impact test, the DebriSat team observed a fine, dark dust coating all the fragments. Prior research has suggested that this came from ablated material deposited on the fragments during the impact test, causing a change in the reflective properties [1]. Given that this lower reflectivity on the DebriSat fragments will influence the laboratory-acquired magnitudes used to calculate size and inform potential updates to the oSEM, it is critical to assess if this darkening effect on the DebriSat fragments is a laboratory bias or something that could occur in on-orbit breakup events. This paper will provide a brief overview of the OMC and DebriSat experiment, focused on the optical characterization of a subset of materials using broadband photometric measurements and spectroscopic measurements. In addition, elemental analysis of various DebriSat fragments and the soft-catch foam used in the hypervelocity experiment compared with pristine foam will be examined to further evaluate the source of the dark material coating all fragments. Finally, the authors will present a twofold plan 1) for assessing potential biases in laboratory impact experiments that could affect laboratory optical characterization and 2) for mitigating biases when compared with ground-based optical telescopic measurements of the orbital debris environment.
Heather Cowardin↗
Analysis of Darkened Fragments Resulting from Laboratory Hypervelocity Experiments
NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) relies on measurements from optical, radar, and in situ measurements to facilitate the development of data-driven orbital debris environmental engineering models such as the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM). For optical measurements, the ODPO relies on ground-based optical telescopes to statistically assess objects in geosynchronous orbit and, in the future, low Earth orbit (LEO). The data collected include the detected object’s orbital parameters, time of observation, and optical magnitude. The latter parameter can be converted to a size using NASA’s optical Size Estimation Model (oSEM). It is well known that the observed magnitude of orbital debris can vary based on an object's material constituents, observational geometry, and the effects of space weathering. To assess these magnitude variations, the ODPO uses the Optical Measurement Center (OMC) at NASA Johnson Space Center to characterize a variety of materials and fragments from laboratory impact tests representative of fragments that constitute the orbital debris population. One experiment was DebriSat: a 56 kg spacecraft was built to incorporate structural elements of a modern LEO spacecraft and was subjected to a hypervelocity impact test at the U.S. Air Force’s Arnold Engineering Development Complex using test parameters that may be encountered in LEO. The DebriSat project has provided an abundance of information for assessing fragmentation debris in terms of material, color, shape, size, density, mass, and other derived parameters. Prior to the impact test, the ODPO collected spectral measurements on a subset of the materials used to construct DebriSat for a “ground-truth” of their optical properties. After the successful hypervelocity impact test, the DebriSat team observed a fine, dark dust coating all the fragments. Prior research has suggested that this came from ablated material deposited on the fragments during the impact test, causing a change in the reflective properties [1]. Given that this lower reflectivity on the DebriSat fragments will influence the laboratory-acquired magnitudes used to calculate size and inform potential updates to the oSEM, it is critical to assess if this darkening effect on the DebriSat fragments is a laboratory bias or something that could occur in on-orbit breakup events. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the OMC and DebriSat experiment, focused on the optical characterization of a subset of materials using broadband photometric measurements and spectroscopic measurements. In addition, elemental analysis of various DebriSat fragments and the soft-catch foam used in the hypervelocity experiment compared with pristine foam will be examined to further evaluate the source of the dark material coating all fragments. Finally, the authors will present a twofold plan 1) for assessing potential biases in laboratory impact experiments that could affect laboratory optical characterization and 2) for mitigating biases when compared with ground-based optical telescopic measurements of the orbital debris environment.
Heather Cowardin↗
Outer Solar System Carbon in the Laboratory
Samples of outer solar system carbon in various forms are available for analysis in the laboratory. The Stardust Mission returned organics and a few carbonate grains from Jupiter Class comet Wild-2 [1]. These complement similar phases available in chondritic interplanetary dust particles, some of which derive from comets, although it is not definitively known which have that origin. Carbonaceous chondrites probably derive from C-complex asteroids which may have outer solar system origins, though this origin is model dependent. There are rare carbonaceous xenoliths in, principally, ordinary chondrites and ureilites whose bulk isotopic and bulk chemical compositions suggest an origin farther from the Sun that the remainder of carbonaceous chondrites [2,3]. These contain abundant carbonaceous materials, including organic-bearing aqueous fluid inclusions [4]. The Hayabusa2 spacecraft recently returned samples of C-class asteroid Ryugu to Earth, now being analyzed in labs worldwide. These materials are expected to be dominated by materials similar to C1 and C2 carbonaceous chondrites [5].
Michael Zolensky↗
Energetics analysis of the observed and simulated general circulation using three-dimensional normal mode expansions
The energetics characteristics of the observed and simulated general circulation are analyzed using three-dimensional normal mode expansions. The data sets involved are the Goddard Laboratory for Atmospheres (GLA) analysis and simulation data and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) analysis data. The spectral energy properties of the Rossby and gravity modes and energy transformations are presented. Significant influences of model characteristics and the assimilation techniques are observed in the barotropic energy spectrum, particularly for the gravity mode. Energy transformations of the zonal mean field in the GLA analysis and simulation are similar, but distinctly different from that in the GFDL analysis. However, overall, the energy generation in the baroclinic mode is largely balanced by the sink in the barotropic mode. The present study may demonstrate utilities of the three-dimensional normal mode energetics in the analysis of the general circulation.
Tanaka, Hiroshi↗
Inflation of Long Valley Caldera from 1 year of continuous GPS observations
A permanent Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver at Casa Diablo Hot Springs, Long Valley Caldera, California was installed in January, 1993, and has operated almost continuously since then. The data have been transmitted daily to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for routine analysis with data from the Fiducial Laboratories for an International Natural sciences Network (FLINN) by the JPL FLINN analysis center. Results from these analyses have been used to interpret the on going deformation at Long Valley, with data excluded from periods when the antenna was covered under 2.5 meters of snow and from some periods when Anti Spoofing was enforced on the GPS signal. The remaining time series suggests that uplift of the resurgent dome of Long Valley Caldera during 1993 has been 2.5 +/- 1.1 cm/yr and horizontal motion has been 3.0 +/- 0.7 cm/yr at S53W in a no-net-rotation global reference frame, or 1.5 +/- 0.7 cm/yr at S14W relative to the Sierra Nevada block. These rates are consistent with uplift predicted from frequent horizontal strain measurements. Spectral analysis of the observations suggests that tidal forcing of the magma chamber is not a source of the variability in the 3 dimensional station location. These results suggest that remotely operated, continuously recording GPS receivers could prove to be a reliable tool for volcanic monitoring throughout the world.
Webb, Frank H.↗
Development of Analytical Protocols For Organics and Isotopes Analysis on the 2009 MARS Science Laboratory.
The Mars Science Laboratory, under development for launch in 2009, is designed explore and quantitatively asses a local region on Mars as a potential habitat for present or past life. Its ambitious goals are to (1) assess the past or present biological potential of the target environment, (2) to characterize the geology and geochemistry at the MSL landing site, and (3) to investigate planetary processes that influence habitability. The planned capabilities of the rover payload will enable a comprehensive search for organic molecules, a determination of definitive mineralogy of sampled rocks and fines, chemical and isotopic analysis of both atmospheric and solid samples, and precision isotope measurements of several volatile elements. A range of contact and remote surface and subsurface survey tools will establish context for these measurements and will facilitate sample identification and selection. The Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) suite of MSL addresses several of the mission's core measurement goals. It includes a gas chromatograph, a mass spectrometer, and a tunable laser spectrometer. These instruments will be designed to analyze either atmospheric samples or gases extracted from solid phase samples such as rocks and fines. We will describe the range of measurement protocols under development and study by the SAM engineering and science teams for use on the surface of Mars.
Mahaffy, P. R.↗
Rapid Detection of the Varicella Zoster Virus
1.Technology Description-Researchers discovered that when the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) reactivates from latency in the body, the virus is consistently present in saliva before the appearance of skin lesions. A small saliva sample is mixed with a specialized reagent in a test kit. If the virus is present in the saliva sample, the mixture turns a red color. The sensitivity and specificity emanates from an antibody-antigen reaction. This technology is a rapid, non-invasive, point of-of-care testing kit for detecting the virus from a saliva sample. The device is easy to use and can be used in clinics and in remote locations to quickly detect VZV and begin treatment with antiviral drugs. 2.Market Opportunity- RST Bioscience will be the first and only company to market a rapid, same day test kit for the detection of VZV in saliva. The RST detection test kit will have several advantages over existing, competitive technology. The test kit is self contained and laboratory equipment is not required for analysis of the sample. Only a single saliva sample is required to be taken instead of blood or cerebral spinal fluid. The test kit is portable, sterile and disposable after use. RST detection test kits require no electrical power or expensive storage equipment and can be used in remote locations. 3.Market Analysis- According to the CDC, it is estimated that 1 million cases of shingles occur each year in the U.S. with more than half over the age of sixty. There is a high demand for rapid diagnostics by the public. The point-of-care testing (POCT) market is growing faster than other segments of in vitro diagnostics. According to a July 2007 InteLab Corporation industry report the overall market for POCT was forecast to increase from $10.3 billion in 2005 to $18.7 billion by 2011. The market value of this test kit has not been determined. 4.Competition- The VZV vaccine prevents 50% of cases and reduces neuralgia by 66%. The most popular test detects VZV-specific IgM antibody in blood. Other tests include running a sample in a polymerase chain reaction analyzer, enzyme immunoassay, latex agglutination, indirect fluorescent antibody and fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen assay. These existing tests require laboratory analysis by trained personnel, expensive equipment, invasive procedures and a longer period of time to obtain test results.
Lewis, Michelle P.↗
Optical Signature Analysis of Tumbling Rocket Bodies via Laboratory Measurements
The NASA Orbital Debris Program Office has acquired telescopic lightcurve data on massive intact objects, specifically spent rocket bodies, in order to ascertain tumble rates in support of the Active Debris Removal (ADR) task to help remediate the LEO environment. Rotation rates are needed to plan and develop proximity operations for potential future ADR operations. To better characterize and model optical data acquired from ground-based telescopes, the Optical Measurements Center (OMC) at NASA/JSC emulates illumination conditions in space using equipment and techniques that parallel telescopic observations and source-target-sensor orientations. The OMC employs a 75-watt Xenon arc lamp as a solar simulator, an SBIG CCD camera with standard Johnson/Bessel filters, and a robotic arm to simulate an object's position and rotation. The light source is mounted on a rotary arm, allowing access any phase angle between 0 -- 360 degrees. The OMC does not attempt to replicate the rotation rates, but focuses on how an object is rotating as seen from multiple phase angles. The two targets studied are scaled (1:48), SL-8 Cosmos 3M second stages. The first target is painted in the standard government "gray" scheme and the second target is primary white, as used for commercial missions. This paper summarizes results of the two scaled rocket bodies, each rotated about two primary axes: (a) a spin-stabilized rotation and (b) an end-over-end rotation. The two rotation states are being investigated as a basis for possible spin states of rocket bodies, beginning with simple spin states about the two primary axes. The data will be used to create a database of potential spin states for future works to convolve with more complex spin states. The optical signatures will be presented for specific phase angles for each rocket body and shown in conjunction with acquired optical data from multiple telescope sources.
Cowardin, H.↗
Analysis of Darkened Fragments Resulting from Laboratory Hypervelocity Experiments
NASA’s Orbital Debris Program Office (ODPO) relies on measurements from optical, radar, and in situ measurements to facilitate the development of data-driven orbital debris environmental engineering models such as the NASA Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM). For optical measurements, the ODPO relies on ground-based optical telescopes to statistically assess objects in geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and, in the future, low Earth orbit (LEO). The data collected include the detected object’s orbital parameters, time of observation, and optical magnitude. The latter parameter can be converted to a size using NASA’s optical Size Estimation Model (oSEM). It is well known that the observed magnitude of orbital debris can vary based on an object's material constituents, observational geometry, and the effects of space weathering.
Heather Cowardin↗