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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 NTRS1990

Factors shaping the evolution of electronic documentation systems

The main goal is to prepare the space station technical and managerial structure for likely changes in the creation, capture, transfer, and utilization of knowledge. By anticipating advances, the design of Space Station Project (SSP) information systems can be tailored to facilitate a progression of increasingly sophisticated strategies as the space station evolves. Future generations of advanced information systems will use increases in power to deliver environmentally meaningful, contextually targeted, interconnected data (knowledge). The concept of a Knowledge Base Management System is emerging when the problem is focused on how information systems can perform such a conversion of raw data. Such a system would include traditional management functions for large space databases. Added artificial intelligence features might encompass co-existing knowledge representation schemes; effective control structures for deductive, plausible, and inductive reasoning; means for knowledge acquisition, refinement, and validation; explanation facilities; and dynamic human intervention. The major areas covered include: alternative knowledge representation approaches; advanced user interface capabilities; computer-supported cooperative work; the evolution of information system hardware; standardization, compatibility, and connectivity; and organizational impacts of information intensive environments.

Dede, Christopher J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Infrared Sensing Aeroheating Flight Experiment: STS-96 Flight Results

Major elements of an experiment called the Infrared Sensing Aeroheating Flight Experiment are discussed. The primary experiment goal is to provide reentry global temperature images from infrared measurements to define the characteristics of hypersonic boundary-layer transition during flight. Specifically, the experiment is to identify, monitor, and quantity hypersonic boundary layer windward surface transition of the X-33 vehicle during flight. In addition, the flight data will serve as a calibration and validation of current boundary layer transition prediction techniques, provide benchmark laminar, transitional, and fully turbulent global aeroheating data in order to validate existing wind tunnel and computational results, and to advance aeroheating technology. Shuttle Orbiter data from STS-96 used to validate the data acquisition and data reduction to global temperatures, in order to mitigate the experiment risks prior to the maiden flight of the X-33, is discussed. STS-96 reentry midwave (3-5 micron) infrared data were collected at the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization/Innovative Sciences and Technology Experimentation Facility site at NASA-Kennedy Space Center and subsequently mapped into global temperature contours using ground calibrations only. A series of image mapping techniques have been developed in order to compare each frame of infrared data with thermocouple data collected during the flight. Comparisons of the ground calibrated global temperature images with the corresponding thermocouple data are discussed. The differences are shown to be generally less than about 5%, which is comparable to the expected accuracy of both types of aeroheating measurements.

Blanchard, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Infrared Sensing Aeroheating Flight Experiement: STS-96 Flight Results

Major elements of an experiment called the Infrared Sensing Aeroheating Flight Experiment are discussed. The primary experiment goal is to provide reentry global temperature images from infrared measurements to define the characteristics of hypersonic boundary-layer transition during flight. Specifically, the experiment is to identify, monitor, and quantify hypersonic boundary layer windward surface transition of the X-33 vehicle during flight. In addition, the flight data will serve as a calibration and validation of current boundary layer transition prediction techniques, provide benchmark laminar, transitional, and fully turbulent global aeroheating data in order to validate existing wind tunnel and computational results, and to advance aeroheating technology. Shuttle Orbiter data from STS-96 used to validate the data acquisition and data reduction to global temperatures, in order to mitigate the experiment risks prior to the maiden flight of the X-33, is discussed. STS-96 reentry mid-wave (3-5 Pm) infrared data were collected at the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization/Innovative Sciences and Technology Experimentation Facility site at NASA-Kennedy Space Center and subsequently mapped into global temperature contours using ground calibrations only. A series of image mapping techniques have been developed in order to compare each frame of infrared data with thermocouple data collected during the flight. Comparisons of the ground calibrated global temperature images with the corresponding thermocouple data are discussed. The differences are shown to be generally less than about 5%, which is comparable to the expected accuracy of both types of aeroheating measurements.

Blanchard, Robert C.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Space Technology - Game Changing Development NASA Facts: Autonomous Medical Operations

The AMO (Autonomous Medical Operations) Project is working extensively to train medical models on the reliability and confidence of computer-aided interpretation of ultrasound images in various clinical settings, and of various anatomical structures. AI (Artificial Intelligence) algorithms recognize and classify features in the ultrasound images, and these are compared to those features that clinicians use to diagnose diseases. The acquisition of clinically validated image assessment and the use of the AI algorithms constitutes fundamental baseline for a Medical Decision Support System that will advise crew on long-duration, remote missions.

Autonomous Medical Operations Project↗
NASA NTRS1994

Overview of the Optical Communications Demonstrator

The Optical Communications Demonstrator is a laboratory-based lasercom demonstration instrument designed to validate effective beacon acquisition, high bandwidth tracking, precision beam pointing, and point ahead compensation functions. The instrument is designed using an array detector for both spatial acquisition and high bandwidth tracking, and a fiber coupled laser transmitter. The array detector tracking concept provides wide field of view acquisition as well as high update rate using a single output channel device. At the same time, it permits effective platform jitter compensation and point ahead control using only one steering mirror. The use of fiber coupled transmitter further modularizes transmitter design and de-couples the thermal management problem. The reduction in design complexity can lead to a reduced system cost and an improved system reliability. Furthermore, it can permit the implementation of a new generation of lasercom instruments capable of realizing the inherent advantages of optical frequency communication systems.

laser↗
DOE OSTI2024

Commissioning of the Mu2e tracker DAQ, planning for the Vertical Slice Test and pre-pattern recognition studies

The primary objective of the Mu2e experiment at Fermilab is to search for the neutrino-less coherent $\mu \rightarrow e$ conversion in the field of an aluminum nucleus ($\mu^- \text{Al} \rightarrow e^- \text{Al}$). The signature of this process is a monochromatic Conversion Electron (CE) with an energy of approximately 104.97 MeV \cite{bartoszek2015mu2e}. Within the Standard Model (SM), the branching ratio for this process, including neutrino masses and oscillation, is expected to be less than $\mathcal{O}(10^{-50})$. This value is far beyond current experimental capabilities. However, models of physics beyond the SM predict much higher relative rates, approaching an observable level. The SINDRUM II experiment set an upper limit on muon conversion at $7 \times 10^{-13}$ (90\% CL) on Au target \cite{SINDRUMII:2006dvw}, and the Mu2e collaboration aims to improve this limit by four orders of magnitude. Observing this process would provide a clear evidence of physics beyond the Standard Model. A brief discussion of the theoretical and experimental aspects is provided in Chapter \ref{intr}. Mu2e adopts a sophisticated experimental setup to achieve its goals, further described in Chapter \ref{mu2echapter}. The central part of the Mu2e detector is the tracker, that consists of 18 tracking stations. The tracker must provide excellent momentum resolution, approximately 1 MeV/c, to distinguish the monochromatic CE signal from the background. To minimize the energy losses, a straw tube tracker will be used \cite{bobbb}. Chapter \ref{chaptertrk} provides an overview of the straw tracker design and its working principles. This Thesis presents a comprehensive study of the Mu2e tracker, covering complementary aspects from initial commissioning to optimization and first steps of the calibration processes. My work at Fermilab has been focused on the complete Data Acquisition (DAQ) testing from both hardware and software perspectives. I was involved in the commissioning of the Mu2e DAQ system and the Vertical Slice Test (VST) of the tracker. The VST encompasses the entire testing chain, from the straws to the readout, and to processed data on disk. I was also focused on the offline analysis, especially on pre-pattern recognition studies, to explore the best methods for identifying $\delta$-electrons during the data taking. Chapter \ref{commissioning} details the commissioning of the tracker DAQ system, emphasizing the importance of understanding of the readout process before the data acquisition. This includes validating the readout logic and firmware through Monte Carlo simulations to confirm functionality and buffering, monitoring the quality of the data from the tracker preamplifiers and front-end electronics, and assessing overall DAQ performance to ensure reliability during future calibration and data-taking. Chapter \ref{planning} discusses the initial steps towards the tracker calibration. The ultimate goal is to perform a time calibration of the first assembled station of the tracker using cosmic muons, aiming for a longitudinal hit position resolution better than 4 cm. This involves determining the signal propagation times and channel-to-channel delays. I performed a Monte Carlo study to determine the impact of the station orientation on the quality of the calibration, in particular on the cosmic track reconstruction, focusing on potential biases that could arise. These studies provide essential insights into the operation, optimization, and calibration of the Mu2e tracker system. Given the high data volume expected during Mu2e operations, estimated at approximately 7 PBytes per year, optimizing memory usage and minimizing CPU consumption are critical. A significant challenge lies in effectively flagging $\delta$-electron hits, which are the primary source of hits in the tracker, without compromising the efficiency of CE hit detection and track reconstruction. A detailed study of pre-pattern recognition and a thorough comparison of two $\delta$-electron flagging algorithms is provided in Chapter \ref{delta}. In Chapter \ref{conclusions}, the findings are concisely summarized, offering a comprehensive synthesis of the research and emphasizing the key insights derived from this study.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS2004

Acquisition and Analysis of NASA Ames Sunphotometer Measurements during SAGE III Validation Campaigns and other Tropospheric and Stratospheric Research Missions

NASA Cooperative Agreement NCC2-1251 provided funding from April 2001 through December 2003 for Mr. John Livingston of SRI International to collaborate with NASA Ames Research Center scientists and engineers in the acquisition and analysis of airborne sunphotometer measurements during various atmospheric field studies. Mr. Livingston participated in instrument calibrations at Mauna Loa Observatory, pre-mission hardware and software preparations, acquisition and analysis of sunphotometer measurements during the missions, and post-mission analysis of data and reporting of scientific findings. The atmospheric field missions included the spring 2001 Intensive of the Asian Pacific Regional Aerosol Characterization Experiment (ACE-Asia), the Asian Dust Above Monterey-2003 (ADAM-2003) experiment, and the winter 2003 Second SAGE III Ozone Loss and Validation Experiment (SOLVE II).

Livingston, John M.↗
NASA NTRS2017

BiBlade Sampling Tool Validation for Comet Surface Environments

The BiBlade sampling chain was developed for use in a potential Comet Surface Sample Return mission. Following prior versions of the sampling tool, a new tool was developed and validated to TRL 6. Sample acquisition testing was performed across a range of comet simulants and operational conditions. Tool operation was validated in a thermal-vacuum chamber. The end-to-end sampling chain was validated including sampling, sample measurement, and sample transfer. The sampling system is now ready for flight implementation.

Backes, Paul↗
DOE OSTI2026

Benchtop Autonomous Electrochemical Characterization System for Combinatorial Thin-Film Solid Oxide Electrodes

The design of materials for electrochemical energy conversion is complicated by a vast search space of candidate materials and multifaceted property requirements: multicarrier conductivity, stability, and catalytic activity are all necessary but rarely intersect. Although self-driving laboratories are rapidly rising to address such material optimization problems, the required infrastructure for integrated, large-scale robotic facilities can be cost-prohibitive. Here we develop and evaluate a closed-loop measurement system for efficient screening of proton-conducting oxide electrodes for ceramic fuel cells and electrolyzers, building on top of an existing benchtop instrument and integrating techniques for rapid impedance measurement and automated analysis. This system exemplifies a “minimum viable” self-driving implementation that can deliver substantial benefits with relatively simple infrastructure. Combinatorial thin-film microelectrode libraries are characterized with a recently developed joint time-domain and frequency-domain impedance measurement technique, which provides an order-of-magnitude acceleration relative to conventional impedance spectroscopy. The distribution of relaxation times is extracted from impedance data and analyzed without human intervention. These results feed an active learning and Bayesian optimization process that learns to predict electrochemical impedance as a function of material composition, measurement temperature, oxygen partial pressure, and electrical bias, which further reduces the screening time by tenfold with optimized experimental sequences. We apply this system to Ba⁡(Co,Fe,Zr,Y)⁢O 3−𝛿 combinatorial libraries and evaluate its effectiveness for learning material property trends and optimizing expensive-to-evaluate properties such as activation energy. This offers insights into key methodological aspects of practical autonomous experimentation, including surrogate model validation, cost-aware acquisition functions, and high-throughput data interpretation. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of the system for rapidly gathering information, but also highlight real-world experimental challenges of thin-film degradation and numerical instability in surrogate models.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1988

Shuttle rendezvous radar performance evaluation and simulation

The US Space Shuttle's Ku-band system was specifically designed for communications and tracking functions which are required during on-orbit operations with other spacecraft. Operating modes permit search and acquisition to be accomplished by computer designation or under manual control by the astronaut. Ku-band system data channels drive on-board dedicated displays and are incorporated into state vector updates by Shuttle guidance and navigation computers. Radar-cross-section estimates were used in computer simulations to predict the range at which radar detection and acquisition can be expected. Validity of the simulationi model and the radar design and performance were verified by flight tests on the White Sands test range. It is concluded that results of the testing established confidence in the capability of the system to provide the relative position and rate information which is needed for Shuttle work involving other spacecraft.

Griffin, John W.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Mars Small-Spacecraft Human Exploration Resource Prospector with Aero-braking (SHERPA): Demonstrating an End-to-End Mission to Phobos Distant Retrograde Orbit

This paper summarizes an end-to-end mission design concept exploring the feasibility of using small satellites together with aero-capture technology to achieve Mars orbit insertion, and subsequent injection into a Phobos-stabilized (or distant retrograde) orbit. The science and mission objectives are to carry out a survey of the mineralogy and morphology of Phobos, to answer basic questions concerning its origin and formation, to test the cohesiveness of Phobos regolith, and to search for potential landing sites for future human or robotic spacecraft. The Mars Small-Spacecraft Human Exploration Resource Prospector with Aero-braking (SHERPA) spacecraft is based on a combination flight-tested prototype vehicle and instruments, and first principle sizing of consumables. The resulting system is fitted with an inflatable aerodynamic decelerator to effect aero-capture into a Mars elliptical orbit, on its way to achieving Phobos orbit. A computational fluid dynamics tool is used to analyze the flow-field and identify potential hot spots during aerodynamic flight. This work advocates for the use of small satellites to test out technologies and operational concepts used in sustained human exploration of Mars, and to carry out scientific exploration of the Mars system. Consistent with a systems engineering approach, this work combines elements of the NASA Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate, the Space Technology Mission Directorate, and the Science Mission Directorate, and proposes a scenario for science acquisition, technology verification, trajectory validation, and in-situ resource exploration. We believe these type of missions are essential forerunners to human crewed missions to Mars.

Mission Design↗
DOE OSTI2026

202508 HAIIC IR Images with Attitude Data at BNF

This campaign aims to collect infrared imagery using a custom data acquisition system to improve and validate a previously developed attitude estimation algorithm, with a focus on ensuring reliable performance at higher altitudes. The system integrates a Boson+320 infrared camera, a VN-200 IMU for recording attitude data synchronized with image acquisition, and a Raspberry Pi 4B+ for onboard processing and storage. Image orientation was controlled using a Gremsy T7 gimbal. The primary dataset spans roll angles from −40° to 40° and pitch angles from −20° to 40°, sampled at 1° increments. Additional, smaller datasets were also collected at 2.5° angular intervals.

Boson+320↗
NASA NTRS2000

Aladdin: Exploration and Sample Return from the Moons of Mars

Aladdin is a remote sensing and sample return mission focused on the two small moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos. Understanding the moons of Mars will help us to understand the early history of Mars itself. Aladdin's primary objective is to acquire well documented, representative samples from both moons and return them to Earth for detailed analyses. Samples arrive at Earth within three years of launch. Aladdin addresses several of NASA's highest priority science objectives: the origin and evolution of the Martian system (one of two silicate planets with satellites) and the composition and nature of small bodies (the building blocks of the solar system). The Aladdin mission has been selected as a finalist in both the 1997 and 1999 Discovery competitions based on the high quality of science it would accomplish. The equivalent of Aladdin's Phase A development has been successfully completed, yielding a high degree of technical maturity. Aladdin uses an innovative flyby sample acquisition method, which has been validated experimentally and does not require soft landing or anchoring. An initial phasing orbit at Mars reduces mission propulsion requirements, enabling Aladdin to use proven, low-risk chemical propulsion with good mass margin. This phasing orbit is followed by a five month elliptical mission during which there are redundant opportunities for acquisition of samples and characterization of their geologic context using remote sensing. The Aladdin mission is a partnership between Brown University, the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, and NASA Johnson Space Center.

Pieters, C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Modeling human target acquisition in ground-to-air weapon systems

The problems associated with formulating and validating mathematical models for describing and predicting human target acquisition response are considered. In particular, the extension of the human observer model to include the acquisition phase as well as the tracking segment is presented. Relationship of the Observer model structure to the more complex Standard Optimal Control model formulation and to the simpler Transfer Function/Noise representation is discussed. Problems pertinent to structural identifiability and the form of the parameterization are elucidated. A systematic approach toward the identification of the observer acquisition model parameters from ensemble tracking error data is presented.

Phatak, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1982

NASA Deep Space Network operating control

The primary function of the Deep Space Network (DSN) is to provide effective and reliable tracking and data acquisition for planetary and interplanetary space flight missions. This involves providing data to flight project mission operations, accepting commands from mission operations and transmitting the commands to stations and spacecraft, and providing a record of telemetry and command data to mission operations. Also included are network performance monitoring, the generation of predictions for antenna pointing and signal acquisition, network scheduling, and network validation tests. Descriptions are given of the three facilities and six systems of the DSN. Also described are interfaces, automation and standardized procedures, and discrepancy reporting. It is pointed out that the greatest challenge facing the DSN is the implementation of NASA's Network Consolidation Program, which is scheduled to be completed in 1986. The objectives of this program are enumerated.

Weisman, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

MODIS Information, Data, and Control System (MIDACS) system specifications and conceptual design

The MODIS Information, Data, and Control System (MIDACS) Specifications and Conceptual Design Document discusses system level requirements, the overall operating environment in which requirements must be met, and a breakdown of MIDACS into component subsystems, which include the Instrument Support Terminal, the Instrument Control Center, the Team Member Computing Facility, the Central Data Handling Facility, and the Data Archive and Distribution System. The specifications include sizing estimates for the processing and storage capacities of each data system element, as well as traffic analyses of data flows between the elements internally, and also externally across the data system interfaces. The specifications for the data system, as well as for the individual planning and scheduling, control and monitoring, data acquisition and processing, calibration and validation, and data archive and distribution components, do not yet fully specify the data system in the complete manner needed to achieve the scientific objectives of the MODIS instruments and science teams. The teams have not yet been formed; however, it was possible to develop the specifications and conceptual design based on the present concept of EosDIS, the Level-1 and Level-2 Functional Requirements Documents, the Operations Concept, and through interviews and meetings with key members of the scientific community.

Han, D.↗
NASA NTRS1988

MODIS information, data and control system (MIDACS) operations concepts

The MODIS Information, Data, and Control System (MIDACS) Operations Concepts Document provides a basis for the mutual understanding between the users and the designers of the MIDACS, including the requirements, operating environment, external interfaces, and development plan. In defining the concepts and scope of the system, how the MIDACS will operate as an element of the Earth Observing System (EOS) within the EosDIS environment is described. This version follows an earlier release of a preliminary draft version. The individual operations concepts for planning and scheduling, control and monitoring, data acquisition and processing, calibration and validation, data archive and distribution, and user access do not yet fully represent the requirements of the data system needed to achieve the scientific objectives of the MODIS instruments and science teams. The teams are not yet formed; however, it is possible to develop the operations concepts based on the present concept of EosDIS, the level 1 and level 2 Functional Requirements Documents, and through interviews and meetings with key members of the scientific community. The operations concepts were exercised through the application of representative scenarios.

Han, D.↗