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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Application of Skylab imagery to resource exploration in the Death Valley region

The Hunter Mountain plateau in the northern Panamint Range, California, exhibits anomalous topographic, vegetative, color and structural features in Skylab and LANDSAT satellite images which have strong correlation with mineralized areas and should prove significant for future exploration. Data observed to date were studied with reference to published geology and is interpreted in terms of greatest probability of ore mineralization. Further study in conjunction with space imagery analysis is recommended for location of potential mineral zones.

Bechtold, I. C.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Computer image processing in marine resource exploration

Pictographic data or imagery is commonly used in marine exploration. Pre-existing image processing techniques (software) similar to those used on imagery obtained from unmanned planetary exploration were used to improve marine photography and side-scan sonar imagery. Features and details not visible by conventional photo processing methods were enhanced by filtering and noise removal on selected deep-sea photographs. Information gained near the periphery of photographs allows improved interpretation and facilitates construction of bottom mosaics where overlapping frames are available. Similar processing techniques were applied to side-scan sonar imagery, including corrections for slant range distortion, and along-track scale changes. The use of digital data processing and storage techniques greatly extends the quantity of information that can be handled, stored, and processed.

Paluzzi, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Astronaut photography of the earth - Low cost images for resource exploration

Applications for photographs taken with handheld cameras by astronauts on the Space Shuttle are examined. The amount, types, and quality of photographs taken between 1981 and 1986 are described. Examples of these photographs and a portion of a map displaying the coverage of these photographs are presented. The possible use of handheld Space Shuttle photography in conjunction with Landsat mosaics for geologic exploration is discussed.

Wood, Charles A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Integration of diverse remote sensing data sets for geologic mapping and resource exploration

The use of high-quality multispectral images in the visible, near-infrared, shortwave infrared, thermal infrared, and microwave regions of the spectrum for producing thematic maps showing details of the surface geology is reported. The airborne data sets used in the study include the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer, the Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner, and the airborne SAR. Ancillary data include a digital elevation model, National High Altitude Photography, Landsat Multispectral Scanner data, Landsat Thematic Mapper data, laboratory and field spectral measurements, and traditional geologic mapping. The integrated, multispectral images are shown to provide new geologic information that can be used in mineral deposit models to provide exploration targets.

Kruse, Fred A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Integration of optical and microwave images for geologic mapping and resource explorations

Multispectral images in the visible, near-IR, short-wave IR, thermal IR, and microwave regions, obtained during the Geologic Remote Sensing Field Experiment were combined with data from Landsat TM, laboratory, and field spectral measurements, as well as traditional geologic mapping and were used to produce thematic image maps showing details of the surface geology for an area at the north end of Death Valley (California/Nevada). The integrated multispectral images provide new geologic information which can be used in mineral deposit models to provide exploration targets. The data demonstrated the relationship between the surface composition of materials and remote sensing in the visible and infrared.

Kruse, Fred A.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Possible Mafic Patches in Scott Crater Highlight the Need for Resource Exploration on the Lunar South Polar Region

Possible areas of mafic material on the rim and floor of Scott crater (82.1 deg S, 48.5 deg E) are suggested by analysis of shadow-masked Clementine false-color-ratio images. Mafic materials common in mare and pyroclastic materials can produce more oxygen than can highlands materials, and mafic materials close to the south pole may be important for propellant production for a future lunar mission. If the dark patches are confirmed as mafic materials, this finding would suggest that other mafic patches may exist, even closer to the poles, which were originally mapped as purely anorthositic.

Cooper, Bonnie L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

SILVER: Surface Imaging for Lunar Volatiles, Resources, and Exploration

The Surface Imaging for Lunar Volatiles, Exploration, and Resources (SILVER) instrument is a proposed imaging investigation for the 2008 Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) mission. SILVER and its experienced Measurement Team will prepare for and support future lunar human exploration activities, especially landing site identification and certification on the basis of potential resources. SILVER combines a high-resolution pushbroom visible imaging channel (SILVER-HR) and a wide-field-of-view (45 deg) framing imaging channel (SILVER-WF). SILVER-HR will obtain a single-detector 6 km imaging swath of 12,228 pixels at 0.5 m/pixel to image greater than 100 sq km target areas from 50 km altitude, imaging greater than 15% the lunar surface during a 1 year nominal mission. SILVER-HR has excellent stray-light rejection and its imaging detector has selectable time delay integration (TDI) with up to 128 stages for extreme low-light sensitivity, permitting direct imaging of permanently shadowed polar regions in scattered sunlight or earthshine. SILVER-WF will obtain geodetic framing images in a 2048 x 2048 format at 20m/pixel, with 60% along-track overlap stereo for imaging context and for derivation of a global digital elevation model of meter-scale lunar topography.

Pappalardo, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Construction and Resource Utilization Explorer: Regolith Characterization Using a Modular Instrument Suite and Analysis Tools

The Construction Resource Utilization Explorer (CRUX) is a technology maturation project for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration to provide enabling technology for lunar and planetary surface operations (LPSO). The CRUX will have 10 instruments, a data handling function (Mapper - with features of data subscription, fusion, interpretation, and publication through geographical information system [GIs] displays), and a decision support system DSS) to provide information needed to plan and conduct LPSO. Six CRUX instruments are associated with an instrumented drill to directly measure regolith properties (thermal, electrical, mechanical, and textural) and to determine the presence of water and other hydrogen sources to a depth of about 2 m (Prospector). CRUX surface and geophysical instruments (Surveyor) are designed to determine the presence of hydrogen, delineate near subsurface properties, stratigraphy, and buried objects over a broad area through the use of neutron and seismic probes, and ground penetrating radar. Techniques to receive data from existing space qualified stereo pair cameras to determine surface topography will also be part of the CRUX. The Mapper will ingest information from CRUX instruments and other lunar and planetary data sources, and provide data handling and display features for DSS output. CRUX operation will be semi-autonomous and near real-time to allow its use for either planning or operations purposes.

Moon↗
NASA NTRS2006

Construction and Resource Utilization Explorer (CRUX): Implementing Instrument Suite Data Fusion to Characterize Regolith Hydrogen Resources

CRUX is a modular suite of geophysical and borehole instruments combined with display and decision support system (MapperDSS) tools to characterize regolith resources, surface conditions, and geotechnical properties. CRUX is a NASA-funded Technology Maturation Program effort to provide enabling technology for Lunar and Planetary Surface Operations (LPSO). The MapperDSS uses data fusion methods with CRUX instruments, and other available data and models, to provide regolith properties information needed for LPSO that cannot be determined otherwise. We demonstrate the data fusion method by showing how it might be applied to characterize the distribution and form of hydrogen using a selection of CRUX instruments: Borehole Neutron Probe and Thermal Evolved Gas Analyzer data as a function of depth help interpret Surface Neutron Probe data to generate 3D information. Secondary information from other instruments along with physical models improves the hydrogen distribution characterization, enabling information products for operational decision-making.

in situ resource utilization (ISRU)↗
NASA NTRS2011

In-Space Propulsion Engine Architecture Based on Sublimation of Planetary Resources: From Exploration Robots to NED Mitigation

The purpose of this NIAC study is to identify those volatile and mineral resources that are available on asteroids, comets, moons and planets in the solar system, and investigate methods to transform these resources into forms of power that will expand the capabilities of future robotic and human exploration missions to explore planetary bodies beyond the Moon and will mitigate hazards from NEOs. The sources of power used for deep space probe missions are usually derived from either solar panels for electrical energy, radioisotope thermal generators for thermal energy, or fuel cells and chemical reactions for chemical energy and propulsion.

Sibille, Laurent↗
NASA NTRS1992

The search for crustal resources - MAGSAT and beyond

In the decade since global satellite magnetic field data have been available from MAGSAT, notable progress has been made in processing these data for purposes of mapping crustal anomalies. Several regional magnetic anomaly maps compiled using these new techniques (e.g. Kursk region, U.S.S.R.; central Africa; Kiruna, Sweden; and the U.S.A. midcontinent) provide insight into the nature and tectonic evolution of the crust that contribute to conceptual crustal models useful in regional resource exploration. A recent mail survey of geopotential-field specialists involved in resource exploration indicates interest in MAGSAT data and future satellite missions with improved resolution. It is apparent that magnetic anomalies derived from satellite observations can aid in the search for crustal resources.

Taylor, P. T.↗
NASA NTRS2012

In-Space Propulsion Engine Architecture Based on Sublimation of Planetary Resources: From Exploration Robots to NEO Mitigation

This project, sponsored by the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts examines how the systematic use of space resources such as frozen volatiles can create a new paradigm in surface power generation for deep space missions. The ubiquitous presence of ices of water, carbon dioxide and other compounds throughout the Solar System under conditions favorable for their sublimation will enable novel in-space propulsion and actuation concepts to become a reality and to address one of NASA's Grand Challenges of "All Access Mobility." Accessing such a resource in the far corners of our interplanetary neighborhood let us conceive exploration missions capable of refueling in the Jovian and Saturnian systems to achieve new goals or reach new destinations. The concept also has potential to apply in-situ propulsion to a comet or an asteroid to deflectits orbit slightly to avoid a future encounter with Earth.

Compounds↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Evaluation of AI Models’ Performance for Three Geothermal Sites

Current artificial intelligence (AI) applications in geothermal exploration are tailored to specific geothermal sites, limiting their transferability and broader applicability. This study aims to develop a globally applicable and transferable geothermal AI model to empower the exploration of geothermal resources. This study presents a methodology for adopting geothermal AI that utilizes known indicators of geothermal areas, including mineral markers, land surface temperature (LST), and faults. The proposed methodology involves a comparative analysis of three distinct geothermal sites—Brady, Desert Peak, and Coso. The research plan includes self-testing to understand the unique characteristics of each site, followed by dependent and independent tests to assess cross-compatibility and model transferability. The results indicate that Desert Peak and Coso geothermal sites are cross-compatible due to their similar geothermal characteristics, allowing the AI model to be transferable between these sites. However, Brady is found to be incompatible with both Desert Peak and Coso. The geothermal AI model developed in this study demonstrates the potential for transferability and applicability to other geothermal sites with similar characteristics, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of geothermal resource exploration. This advancement in geothermal AI modeling can significantly contribute to the global expansion of geothermal energy, supporting sustainable energy goals.

Energy & Fuels↗
NASA NTRS1991

Trade studies for nuclear space power systems

As visions of space applications expand and as probes extend further and further out into the universe, the need for power also expands, and missions evolve which are enabled by nuclear power. A broad spectrum of missions which are enhanced or enabled by nuclear power sources are defined. These include earth orbital platforms, deep space platforms, planetary exploration and extraterrestrial resource exploration. The recently proposed Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) to the moon and Mars has more clearly defined these missions and their power requirements. This paper presents results of recent studies of radioisotope and nuclear-reactor energy sources combined with various energy-conversion devices for earth orbital applications, SEI lunar/Mars rover and surface power, and planetary exploration.

Smith, John M.↗