SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “future mission analysis”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2013

Mission Benefits Analysis of Logistics Reduction Technologies

Future space exploration missions will need to use less logistical supplies if humans are to live for longer periods away from our home planet. Anything that can be done to reduce initial mass and volume of supplies or reuse or recycle items that have been launched will be very valuable. Reuse and recycling also reduce the trash burden and associated nuisances, such as smell, but require good systems engineering and operations integration to reap the greatest benefits. A systems analysis was conducted to quantify the mass and volume savings of four different technologies currently under development by NASA s Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Logistics Reduction and Repurposing project. Advanced clothing systems lead to savings by direct mass reduction and increased wear duration. Reuse of logistical items, such as packaging, for a second purpose allows fewer items to be launched. A device known as a heat melt compactor drastically reduces the volume of trash, recovers water and produces a stable tile that can be used instead of launching additional radiation protection. The fourth technology, called trash-to-gas, can benefit a mission by supplying fuel such as methane to the propulsion system. This systems engineering work will help improve logistics planning and overall mission architectures by determining the most effective use, and reuse, of all resources.

Ewert, Michael K.↗

NASA NTRS1993

A photon phreak digs the LDEF happening

A year ago at the First Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Post-Retrieval Symposium, detailed measurements on trunnion sections, as well as results from 'intentional' samples (Co, Ni, In, Ta, and V) and spacecraft parts were reported. For this year's Symposium, some of these findings are re-evaluated in combination with more recent results, to cast a longer perspective on the LDEF experience, and to sketch some promising avenues toward more effective participation in future missions. The LDEF analysis effort has been a superb training exercise, from which lessons learned need to be applied to future missions - right back to the early phases of mission planning.

Smith, Alan R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Active Volcanoes of Kamchatka as Suitable Terrestrial Analogs for Future Landing Missions and for Change Detection Analysis on Venus

The next decade will see the return to Venus due to a number of missions which have been recently selected and proposed for launch. The selected missions NASA DAVINCI and VERITAS, Roscosmos Venera-D, and ESA EnVision, along with the proposed missions ISRO Shukrayaan- 1, and CNSA VOICE, will open a new era for the exploration of the Earth’s hellish twin planet. These missions will shed new light on the science questions such as: (a) whether recent volcanic activity is locally constrained, or active volcanism occurs on a global scale; (b) the rate of the present-day volcanic activity; (c) the styles of volcanism on Venus, including possible occurrences of pyroclastic/explosive volcanism; and (d) how does the extreme environment on Venus effect volcanic activity. In preparation for these future missions to Venus, the Analogs for VENus’ GEologically Recent Surfaces (AVENGERS) initiative has the scope to select and analyze a number of active terrestrial volcanoes as suitable analogs for the identification and analysis of active volcanism on Venus. The Roscosmos Venera-D is the only mission, among the currently selected or planned mission, equipped with a lander to analyze the elemental and mineralogical composition of the surface. Therefore, it is crucial to find applicable volcanic areas on Earth to perform operational tests such as surface drilling and in-situ elemental composition analysis. To this regard, we propose the analysis of active volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula, which is in a geodynamic setting (subduction) contrasting to that of the volcanic rises on Venus (hot spot). Thus, Kamchatka may represent a helpful geodynamic endmember to put the expected landing site of the Venera-D mission within the context of the entire variety of volcanic landforms and surface chemistry. The Kamchatka Peninsula is located on the eastern margin of the Eurasian plate, in proximity to the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone. The frequent eruptions characterizing the volcanoes of the Kamchatka Peninsula make them a suitable terrestrial analog for the possible detection of ongoing eruptions on Venus by future missions, which can be achieved by comparing a sequence of radar images of the same volcano and its surroundings taken at different times. Moreover, it is possible to collect samples of both unweathered and weathered volcanic deposits, to analyze their near infrared spectra in the laboratory for direct comparison with the spectra to be provided by the future missions to Venus. The chemical analyses of Venusian surface materials from the previous Soviet Venera and Vega missions are consistent with that of tholeiitic basalts. Since the volcanism of the Kamchatka Peninsula is characterized by both basaltic lava flows eruptions and pyroclastic activity, performing operational tests in the Kamchatka Peninsula also offers the unique opportunity to provide us the tools to potentially interpret the diverse output given by both effusive and explosive volcanic products.

Piero D'Incecco↗

NASA NTRS1992

Mass spectrometer-pyrolysis experiment for atmospheric and soil sample analysis on the surface of Mars

Results from the Viking mission will form the foundation for future in-depth investigations of atmosphere-surface interactions on Mars. The two Viking landers carried impressive instrumentation to obtain and analyze soil samples: the sites were observed by cameras, and the collector head was located on a long boom and allowed the collection of large samples at various depths. A selection of grain sizes was possible and a distribution system supplied a number of experiments with soil material. Despite stationary vehicles, a wide sampling field was reachable. The GCMS system, responsible for atmospheric as well as surface soil analysis, worked well on both landers. Atmospheric measurements resulted in the determination of the abundance of noble gases as well as of other molecular species. Isotopic composition measurements included the important ratios of C-13/C-12, N-15/N-14, and Ar-36/Ar-40. To verify these past results and to advance detailed studies of noble gas isotope ratios and minor constituents, better instrument sensitivities, higher precision, and lower background contributions are required in future Mars missions. Soil analysis during the Viking mission concentrated on organic material. Heating cycles were performed to 500 C and only water and carbon dioxide were identified. Higher pyrolysis temperatures are of primary importance to advance our understanding of the mineralogy and gas loading of surface material and atmospheric exchange.

Mauersberger, Konrad↗

NASA NTRS1991

Advantages of the use of lunar and Mars propellant production

The use of nonterrestrial resources is discussed in the context of facilitating the transport of space-vehicle propellant to be used for lunar and/or Mars missions. A cost-benefit analysis is conducted to determine the feasibility and efficiency of developing propellant-production facilities in space for future mission support. The analysis suggests that after 2-3 years a break-even point is possible for return-on-investment mass, and technological hurdles are described that include systems for automation, mining, and processing.

Roberts, Barney↗

NASA NTRS2023

Evaluation of the Interference of Tenax®TA Adsorbent With Dimethylformamide Dimethyl Acetal Reagent for Gas Chromatography-Dragonfly Mass Spectrometry and Future Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Situ Analysis

Among future space missions, national aeronautics and space administration (NASA) selected two of them to analyze the diversity in organic content within Martian and Titan soil samples using a gas chromatograph – mass spectrometer (GC–MS) instrument. The Dragonfly space mission is planned to be launched in 2027 to Titan's surface and explore the Shangri-La surface region for years. One of the main goals of this mission is to understand the past and actual abundant prebiotic chemistry on Titan, which is not well characterized yet. The ExoMars space mission is planned to be launched in 2028 to Mars’ surface and explore the Oxia Planum and Mawrth Vallis region for years. The main objectives focus on the exploration of the subsurface soil samples, potentially richer in organics, that might be relevant for the search of past life traces on Mars where irradiation does not impact the matrices and organics. One recently used sample pre-treatment for gas chromatography – mass spectrometry analysis is planned on both space missions to detect refractory organic molecules of interest for astrobiology. This pre-treatment is called derivatization and uses a chemical reagent – called dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal (DMF-DMA) – to sublimate organic compounds keeping them safe from thermal degradation and conserving the chirality of the molecules extracted from Titan or Mars’ matrices. Indeed, the detection of building blocks of life or enantiomeric excess of some organics (e.g. amino acids) after DMF-DMA pre-treatment and GC–MS analyses would be both bioindicators. The main results highlighted by our work on DMF-DMA and Tenax®TA interaction and efficiency to detect organic compounds at ppb levels in a fast and single preparation are first that Tenax®TA did not show the onset of degradation until after 150 experiments – a 120 h at 300 °C experiment – which greatly exceeds the experimental lifetimes for the DraMS and GC-space in situ investigations. Tenax®TA polymer and DMF-DMA produce many by-products (about 70 and 46, respectively, depending on the activation temperature). Further, the interaction between the two leads to the production of 22 additional by-products from DMF-DMA degradation, but these listed by-products do not prevent the detection of trace-level organic molecules after their efficient derivatization and volatilization by DMF-DMA in the oven ahead the GC–MS trap and column.

DraMS-Dragonfly mission↗

NASA NTRS2005

Tools of the Future: How Decision Tree Analysis Will Impact Mission Planning

The universe is infinitely complex; however, the human mind has a finite capacity. The multitude of possible variables, metrics, and procedures in mission planning are far too many to address exhaustively. This is unfortunate because, in general, considering more possibilities leads to more accurate and more powerful results. To compensate, we can get more insightful results by employing our greatest tool, the computer. The power of the computer will be utilized through a technology that considers every possibility, decision tree analysis. Although decision trees have been used in many other fields, this is innovative for space mission planning. Because this is a new strategy, no existing software is able to completely accommodate all of the requirements. This was determined through extensive research and testing of current technologies. It was necessary to create original software, for which a short-term model was finished this summer. The model was built into Microsoft Excel to take advantage of the familiar graphical interface for user input, computation, and viewing output. Macros were written to automate the process of tree construction, optimization, and presentation. The results are useful and promising. If this tool is successfully implemented in mission planning, our reliance on old-fashioned heuristics, an error-prone shortcut for handling complexity, will be reduced. The computer algorithms involved in decision trees will revolutionize mission planning. The planning will be faster and smarter, leading to optimized missions with the potential for more valuable data.

Otterstatter, Matthew R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of the Pioneer Venus Large Probe Neutral Mass Spectrometer Data Yields New Insights into the Composition of Venus’ Atmosphere

We present a new analysis of mass spectral data obtained by the Pioneer Venus (PV) Large Probe Neutral Mass Spectrometer (LNMS). To analyze the LNMS data, we constructed an analytical model that accounts for spectrometer performance at each altitude, provides CO2 abundances in units of density (kg/m3), and retains the resolving power of the LNMS through use of a targeted data-fitting routine. Our results provide new insights into the composition of Venus’ atmosphere and show that densities for CO2 increase towards the surface, which is suggestive of surface outgassing. Additionally, the data reveal partial obstructions of the LNMS inlet at <17 km, which is an likely important consideration for future missions. Re-analysis of the LNMS data may assist in revealing the past, present and/or future habitability of Venus’ clouds.

mass spectral data↗

NASA NTRS1992

Results from a Si(Li) gamma ray detector stack for future Mars missions

We present Monte Carlo analysis and experimental data from a novel lithium-drifted silicon detector stack for gamma ray spectroscopy instrumentation in future Mars surface landers and other planetary missions. The Monte Carlo analysis shows full energy photopeaks even in the range of about 100 keV to 2 MeV where, in Si, Compton scattering dominates the absorption processes. Laboratory data is shown for an experimental detector stack of four planar Si(Li) devices, each 5 mm thick with an active area 2 cm in diameter. All the experimental data were collected with maximum temperature of the stack at 175 K. Background reduction is achieved by using the detector of the stack closest to the source in anticoincidence. We present a comparison of experimental data from the stack with the Monte Carlo model for Cs-137 (662 keV). Agreement is shown to be good, with a full energy photopeak clearly seen (FWHM about 10 keV). Experimental stack data is also shown for multiple peaks at 511 keV (Na-22) and 662 keV (Cs-137). The peaks are clearly resolved (FWHM 10 keV), and are compared with the results obtained using a 8 percent resolution, 3 in. x 3 in. NaI(TI) device (FWHM about 50 keV).

Hubbard, G. S.↗

NASA NTRS1970

Fabrication and evaluation of aluminum heat pipes

An evaluation is presented for the current heat pipe system on the OAO spacecraft, in order to increase its capability for future missions. A detailed analysis was made of the requirements, and approaches for the design of optimized heat pipes to meet future needs were identified. A composite wick heat pipe was developed, which has significantly higher transport capability than those of conventional wick design.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1990

CELSS simulations for a lunar outpost

The paper describes a five-year simulation of two mission scenarios consisting of 14 different 'events' that could take place at a lunar outpost. The time-dependent status of the life support consumables was calculated in response to the two selected mission scenarios. This application demonstrates that complex sequences of events are reproducible for understanding of integrated mission operations. A Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) can regenerate air, water, and food from the wastes generated in the habitat and do so with safety and reliability. The CELSS Emulator is under development at the NASA's Johnson Space Center with a purpose of investigating computer simulations of integrated CELSS operations involving humans, plants, process machinery, and reservoirs. The Emulator Version 2.0 has been implemented to provide a mission-scenario-analysis capability. Thus, the future space exploration missions, lunar or Mars, can be analyzed by using 'events' to build mission timelines.

Cullingford, H. S.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Integrated Path Differential Absorption Lidar Optimizations Based on Pre-Analyzed Atmospheric Data for ASCENDS Mission Applications

In this paper a modeling method based on data reductions is investigated which includes pre analyzed MERRA atmospheric fields for quantitative estimates of uncertainties introduced in the integrated path differential absorption methods for the sensing of various molecules including CO2. This approach represents the extension of our existing lidar modeling framework previously developed and allows effective on- and offline wavelength optimizations and weighting function analysis to minimize the interference effects such as those due to temperature sensitivity and water vapor absorption. The new simulation methodology is different from the previous implementation in that it allows analysis of atmospheric effects over annual spans and the entire Earth coverage which was achieved due to the data reduction methods employed. The effectiveness of the proposed simulation approach is demonstrated with application to the mixing ratio retrievals for the future ASCENDS mission. Independent analysis of multiple accuracy limiting factors including the temperature, water vapor interferences, and selected system parameters is further used to identify favorable spectral regions as well as wavelength combinations facilitating the reduction in total errors in the retrieved XCO2 values.

Pliutau, Denis↗

NASA NTRS2015

Using Technology to Better Characterize the Apollo Sample Suite: A Retroactive PET Analysis and Potential Model for Future Sample Return Missions

From 1969-1972 the Apollo missions collected 382 kg of lunar samples from six distinct locations on the Moon. Studies of the Apollo sample suite have shaped our understanding of the formation and early evolution of the Earth-Moon system, and have had important implications for studies of the other terrestrial planets (e.g., through the calibration of the crater counting record) and even the outer planets (e.g., the Nice model of the dynamical evolution of the Solar System). Despite nearly 50 years of detailed research on Apollo samples, scientists are still developing new theories about the origin and evolution of the Moon. Three areas of active research are: (1) the abundance of water (and other volatiles) in the lunar mantle, (2) the timing of the formation of the Moon and the duration of lunar magma ocean crystallization, (3) the formation of evolved lunar lithologies (e.g., granites) and implications for tertiary crustal processes on the Moon. In order to fully understand these (and many other) theories about the Moon, scientists need access to "new" lunar samples, particularly new plutonic samples. Over 100 lunar meteorites have been identified over the past 30 years, and the study of these samples has greatly aided in our understanding of the Moon. However, terrestrial alteration and the lack of geologic context limit what can be learned from the lunar meteorites. Although no "new" large plutonic samples (i.e., hand-samples) remain to be discovered in the Apollo sample collection, there are many large polymict breccias in the Apollo collection containing relatively large (approximately 1 cm or larger) previously identified plutonic clasts, as well as a large number of unclassified lithic clasts. In addition, new, previously unidentified plutonic clasts are potentially discoverable within these breccias. The question becomes how to non-destructively locate and identify new lithic clasts of interest while minimizing the contamination and physical degradation of the samples.

Zeigler, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Aerocapture Benefits to Future Science Missions

NASA's In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) Program is investing in technologies to revolutionize the robotic exploration of deep space. One of these technologies is Aerocapture, the most promising of the "aeroassist" techniques used to maneuver a space vehicle within an atmosphere, using aerodynamic forces in lieu of propellant. (Other aeroassist techniques include aeroentry and aerobraking.) Aerocapture relies on drag atmospheric drag to decelerate an incoming spacecraft and capture it into orbit. This technique is very attractive since it permits spacecraft to be launched from Earth at higher velocities, providing shorter trip times and saving mass and overall cost on future missions. Recent aerocapture systems analysis studies quantify the benefits of aerocapture to future exploration. The 2002 Titan aerocapture study showed that using aerocapture at Titan instead of conventional propulsive capture results in over twice as much payload delivered to Titan. Aerocapture at Venus results in almost twice the payload delivered to Venus as with aerobraking, and over six times more mass delivered into orbit than all-propulsive capture. Aerocapture at Mars shows significant benefits as the payload sizes increase and as missions become more complex. Recent Neptune aerocapture studies show that aerocapture opens up entirely new classes of missions at Neptune. Current aerocapture technology development is advancing the maturity of each subsystem technology needed for successful implementation of aerocapture on future missions. Recent development has focused on both rigid aeroshell and inflatable aerocapture systems. Rigid aeroshell systems development includes new ablative and non-ablative thermal protection systems, advanced aeroshell performance sensors, lightweight structures and higher temperature adhesives. Inflatable systems such as trailing tethered and clamped "ballutes" and inflatable aeroshells are also under development. Computational tools required to support future aerocapture missions are an integral part of aerocapture development. Tools include engineering reference atmosphere models, guidance and navigation algorithms, aerothermodynamic modeling, and flight simulation.

Artis, Gwen↗

NASA NTRS2004

Nuclear Electric Propulsion Application: RASC Mission Robotic Exploration of Venus

The following paper documents the mission and systems analysis portion of a study in which Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) is used as the in-space transportation system to send a series of robotic rovers and atmospheric science airplanes to Venus in the 2020 to 2030 timeframe. As part of the NASA RASC (Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts) program, this mission analysis is meant to identify future technologies and their application to far reaching NASA missions. The NEP systems and mission analysis is based largely on current technology state of the art assumptions. This study looks specifically at the performance of the NEP transfer stage when sending a series of different payload package point design options to Venus orbit.

McGuire, Melissa L.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Enabling Space Exploration Medical System Development Using a Tool Ecosystem

The NASA Human Research Program’s (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element is utilizing a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to enhance the development of systems engineering products that will be used to advance medical system designs for exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. In support of future missions, the team is capturing content such as system behaviors, functional decompositions, architecture, system requirements and interfaces, and recommendations for clinical capabilities and resources in Systems Modeling Language (SysML) models. As these products mature, SysML models provide a way for ExMC to capture relationships among the various products, which includes supporting more integrated and multi-faceted views of future medical systems. In addition to using SysML models, HRP and ExMC are developing supplementary tools to support two key functions: 1) prioritizing current and future research activities for exploration missions in an objective manner; and 2) enabling risk-informed and evidence-based trade space analysis for future space vehicles, missions, and systems. This paper will discuss the long-term HRP and ExMC vision for the larger ecosystem of tools, which include dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) capabilities, additional SysML models, a database of system component options, and data visualizations. It also includes a review of an initial Pilot Project focused on enabling medical system trade studies utilizing data that is coordinated across tools for consistent outputs (e.g., mission risk metrics that are associated with medical system mass values and medical conditions addressed). This first Pilot Project demonstrated successful operating procedures and integration across tools. Finally, the paper will also cover a second Pilot Project that utilizes tool enhancements such as medical system optimization capabilities, post-processing, and visualization of generated data for subject matter expert review, and increased integration amongst the tools themselves.

Amador, Jennifer R.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Enabling Space Exploration Medical System Development Using a Tool Ecosystem

The NASA Human Research Program's (HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element is utilizing a Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to enhance the development of systems engineering products that will be used to advance medical system designs for exploration missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. In support of future missions, the team is capturing content such as system behaviors, functional decompositions, architecture, system requirements and interfaces, and recommendations for clinical capabilities and resources in Systems Modeling Language (SysML) models. As these products mature, SysML models provide a way for ExMC to capture relationships among the various products, which includes supporting more integrated and multi-faceted views of future medical systems. In addition to using SysML models, HRP and ExMC are developing supplementary tools to support two key functions: 1) prioritizing current and future research activities for exploration missions in an objective manner; and 2) enabling risk-informed and evidence-based trade space analysis for future space vehicles, missions, and systems. This paper will discuss the long-term HRP and ExMC vision for the larger ecosystem of tools, which include dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) capabilities, additional SysML models, a database of system component options, and data visualizations. It also includes a review of an initial Pilot Project focused on enabling medical system trade studies utilizing data that is coordinated across tools for consistent outputs (e.g., mission risk metrics that are associated with medical system mass values and medical conditions addressed). This first Pilot Project demonstrated successful operating procedures and integration across tools. Finally, the paper will also cover a second Pilot Project that utilizes tool enhancements such as medical system optimization capabilities, post-processing, and visualization of generated data for subject matter expert review, and increased integration amongst the tools themselves.

Amador, Jennifer R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA’s Advance Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program

NASA’s Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) develops early-stage technologies to enhance scientific understanding. ESTO’s technologies can be reliably and confidently applied to a broad range of science measurements and missions, as well as facilitate practical applications to benefit society at large. As the lead technology office within the Earth Science Division of the NASA Science Mission Directorate, ESTO is focused on the technological challenges inherent to space-based investigations of our planet's dynamic, interrelated systems. Through flexible, science-driven technology strategies and a competitive selection process, ESTO-funded technologies have supported numerous Earth science missions as well as commercial applications. From next generation sensors and instruments to communication and information systems, ESTO technologies enable many NASA missions and data services. The Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program is one focal area of ESTO. AIST innovates information system technologies that enable the development of new observing systems as well as agile science investigations through data analytics and artificial intelligence tools and algorithms. AIST utilizes an end-to-end development approach with the goal of infusing mature technologies into future missions, measurements, and analysis. One thrust of AIST is data exploitation and analysis using an analytic center framework to make observational data and model output more accessible and usable to scientists conducting specific investigations as well as to extract higher-level science content and information from the data. The framework accelerates scientific discovery by harmonizing the data, tools, and computational resources. NASA’s upcoming Surface, Biology and Geology (SBG) mission is one such mission whose data architecture will leverage many of the technologies developed through the AIST program. This talk will highlight current and future program development goals.

Laura Rogers↗