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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
DOE OSTI2024

Effects of Proton Irradiation on the Performance of Skipper CCDs

Skipper CCDs are a mature detector technology that has been suggested for future space telescope instruments requiring sub-electron readout noise in the near-ultraviolet to the near-infrared. While modern skipper CCDs inherit from the radiation-tolerant p-channel detectors developed by LBNL, the effects of high doses of ionizing radiation on skipper CCDs (such as those expected in space) remains largely unmeasured. We report preliminary results on the performance of p-channel skipper CCDs following irradiation with 217-MeV protons at the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center. The total nonionizing energy loss (NIEL) experienced by the detectors exceeds 6 years at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 2 (L2). We demonstrate that the skipper amplifier continues to function as expected following this irradiation. Owing to the low readout noise of these detectors, controlled irradiation tests can be used to sensitively characterize the charge transfer inefficiency, dark current, and the density and time constants of charge traps as a function of proton fluence. We conclude with a brief outlook toward future tests of these detectors at other proton and gamma-ray facilities.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2020

EVOLUTION OF SPACE REACTOR QUALIFICATION METHODS AND A PATH FORWARD FOR NEW SPACE REACTORS UNDER CONSIDERATION

These slides outline the evolution of space reactor system qualifications and provide a potential framework for qualification of current space reactor concepts. Qualification approaches for SNAP 10A, SP-100, TOPAZ II, and Prometheus reactor systems will be discussed. Several qualification approaches from past reactors will be reviewed including: a component qualification approach demonstrated in the SNAP reactor program, a system level approach in the SP-100 program, adding additional features to an existing design in the TOPAZ program, and a combination of a computational and basic testing approach for the Prometheus reactor. Past and present test facilities will also be discussed and the impact of test facility availability (or existence) is discussed. A suggested approach that complies with the updated Presidential Directive (NSPM-20, August 2019) that is derived from previous program approaches will be discussed for qualification of future space reactors.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2026

Measurement of the Alfvén Wave Parametric Decay Instability Growth Rate

Alfvén waves, a fundamental mode of magnetized plasmas, are ubiquitous in space and laboratory plasmas. The nonlinear behavior of these modes is thought to play a key role in important problems in space plasma, such as the heating of the solar corona and solar wind turbulence. In particular, theoretical predictions show that these Alfvén waves may be unstable to various parametric instabilities, but space observations of these processes are limited. We demonstrate the first measurement of the Alfvén wave parametric decay instability (PDI) growth rate. Experiments are conducted on the Large Plasma Device at UCLA in which a high amplitude 𝛿⁢𝐵/𝐵 0 ∼ 0.7% pump Alfvén wave is launched from one end of the device and a smaller seed Alfvén wave is launched from the other side. When the frequency of the seed wave is chosen to match the backward wave expected from PDI, damping of the seed wave is reduced. We compare this reduction in damping to the theoretically expected PDI growth rate while accounting for acoustic mode damping. Results show agreement between measurements and theoretical predictions. As a result, this not only provides critical validation for PDI theories and simulations that could help interpret future space observations but also suggests a new way of studying similar nonlinear wave phenomena.

Alfvén waves↗
DOE OSTI2025

ML-driven Strong Lens Discoveries: Down to θ E ~ $0^{_{''}}_{^.}03$ and M halo < 10 11 M ⊙

We present results on extending the strong lens discovery space down to much smaller Einstein radii ( θ E ≲ $0^{_{''}}_{^.}03$) and much lower halo mass (M halo < 10 11 M ⊙ ) through the combination of JWST observations and machine learning (ML) techniques. First, we forecast detectable strong lenses with JWST using CosmoDC2 as the lens catalog, and a source catalog down to 29th magnitude. By further incorporating the VELA hydrodynamical simulations of high-redshift galaxies, we simulate strong lenses. We train a ResNet on these images, achieving near-100% completeness and purity for “conventional” strong lenses ( θ E ≳ $0^{_{''}}_{^.}05$), applicable to JWST, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the Roman Space Telescope, and Euclid VIS. For the first time, we also search for very low halo mass strong lenses (M halo < 10 11 M ⊙ ) in simulations, with θ E << $0^{_{''}}_{^.}05$, down to the best resolution ($0^{_{''}}_{^.}03$) and depth (10,000 s) limits of JWST using ResNet. A U-Net model is employed to pinpoint these small lenses in images, which are otherwise virtually impossible for human detection. Our results indicate that JWST can find ∼17/deg 2 such low-halo-mass lenses, with the locations of ∼1.1/deg 2 of these detectable by the U-Net at ∼100% precision (and ∼7.0/deg 2 at a 99.0% precision). To validate our model for finding “conventional” strong lenses, we apply it to HST images, discovering two new strong lens candidates previously missed by human classifiers in a crowdsourcing project (E. O. Garvin et al. 2022). This study demonstrates the (potentially “superhuman”) advantages of ML combined with current and future space telescopes for detecting conventional, and especially, low-halo-mass strong lenses, which are critical for testing cold dark matter models.

Silver, Ethan [Harvard University, Cambridge, MA (↗
DOE OSTI2024

Geophysical Observations of the 2023 September 24 OSIRIS-REx Sample Return Capsule Reentry

Sample return capsules (SRCs) entering Earth's atmosphere at hypervelocity from interplanetary space are a valuable resource for studying meteor phenomena. The 2023 September 24 arrival of the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer SRC provided an unprecedented chance for geophysical observations of a well-characterized source with known parameters, including timing and trajectory. A collaborative effort involving researchers from 16 institutions executed a carefully planned geophysical observational campaign at strategically chosen locations, deploying over 400 ground-based sensors encompassing infrasound, seismic, distributed acoustic sensing, and Global Positioning System technologies. Additionally, balloons equipped with infrasound sensors were launched to capture signals at higher altitudes. This campaign (the largest of its kind so far) yielded a wealth of invaluable data anticipated to fuel scientific inquiry for years to come. The success of the observational campaign is evidenced by the near-universal detection of signals across instruments, both proximal and distal. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the collective scientific effort, field deployment, and preliminary findings. The early findings have the potential to inform future space missions and terrestrial campaigns, contributing to our understanding of meteoroid interactions with planetary atmospheres. Furthermore, the data set collected during this campaign will improve entry and propagation models and augment the study of atmospheric dynamics and shock phenomena generated by meteoroids and similar sources.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2023

Signals of millicharged dark matter in light-shining-through-wall experiments

We discuss a novel detection technique for millicharged dark matter that makes use of existing light-shining-through-wall (LSW) experiments searching for massive dark photons. Since millicharged particles interact with both the visible and dark sectors, a small background of such particles enables the search for visible signals even in the limit of a massless dark photon. Furthermore, for sufficiently large couplings, a small dark matter subcomponent consisting of millicharged particles can have a terrestrial abundance that is significantly enhanced with respect to its galactic abundance. We leverage this fact to show that in certain parts of parameter space, future runs of the LSW Dark SRF experiment can be used to set the strongest limits on millicharged relics.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Effect of Ni particle size on the production of renewable methane from CO 2 over Ni/CeO 2 catalyst

Production of ‘renewable Methane’ has attracted renewed research interest as a fundamental probe reaction and process for CO 2 utilization through potential use in C1 fuel production and even for future space exploration technologies. CO 2 methanation is a structure sensitive reaction on Ni/CeO 2 catalysts. To precisely elucidate the size effect of the Ni metal center on the CO 2 methanation performance, we prepared 2%Ni/CeO 2 catalysts with pre-synthesized uniform Ni particles (2, 4 and 8 nm) on a high surface area CeO 2 support. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ambient pressure X-ray photo spectroscopy (AP-XPS) characterization have confirmed that the catalyst structure and chemical state was uniform and stable under reaction conditions. The 8 nm sized catalyst showed superior methanation selectivity over the 4 and 2 nm counterparts, and the methanation activity in term of TOF is 10 times and 70 times higher than for the 4 and 2 nm counterparts, respectively. Here, the DRIFTS studies revealed that the larger Ni (8 nm particles) over CeO 2 efficiently facilitated the hydrogenation of the surface formate intermediates, which is proposed as the rate determining step accounting for the excellent CO 2 methanation performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Rotation‐Controlled Diurnal Evolution of Uranus' Asymmetric Bow Shock at Equinox

Uranus possesses the most extreme magnetic and rotational geometry in the solar system, resulting in a uniquely dynamic and asymmetric interaction between its magnetosphere and the solar wind. Here we investigate the diurnal evolution of the Uranian bow shock (BS) at equinox using global multifluid magnetohydrodynamic simulations constrained by Voyager 2 observations. The BS structure and variability are quantified using the stand‐off distance, terminator distance, flaring parameter, and BS parameter, enabling a systematic assessment of its global asymmetry over one planetary rotation. Our results show that the BS exhibits pronounced diurnal asymmetry that is primarily controlled by planetary rotation. Even under steady upstream solar wind conditions, the BS undergoes periodic expansion and contraction, reflecting rotation‐driven reconfiguration of the planetary magnetospheric topology. This diurnal modulation represents a remarkably large asymmetry in planetary BS geometry within the solar system. These results establish planetary rotation as the intrinsic primary driver of Uranus' BS dynamics at equinox and provide essential constraints for the design and formulation of future space missions to the ice giants. These findings also offer a unique framework for understanding shock physics in the abundant population of ice‐giant exoplanets.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

The sound of a Martian dust devil

Dust devils (convective vortices loaded with dust) are common at the surface of Mars, particularly at Jezero crater, the landing site of the Perseverance rover. They are indicators of atmospheric turbulence and are an important lifting mechanism for the Martian dust cycle. Improving our understanding of dust lifting and atmospheric transport is key for accurate simulation of the dust cycle and for the prediction of dust storms, in addition to being important for future space exploration as grain impacts are implicated in the degradation of hardware on the surface of Mars. Here we describe the sound of a Martian dust devil as recorded by the SuperCam instrument on the Perseverance rover. The dust devil encounter was also simultaneously imaged by the Perseverance rover’s Navigation Camera and observed by several sensors in the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer instrument. Combining these unique multi-sensorial data with modelling, we show that the dust devil was around 25 m large, at least 118 m tall, and passed directly over the rover travelling at approximately 5 m s –1 . Acoustic signals of grain impacts recorded during the vortex encounter provide quantitative information about the number density of particles in the vortex. The sound of a Martian dust devil was inaccessible until SuperCam microphone recordings. This chance dust devil encounter demonstrates the potential of acoustic data for resolving the rapid wind structure of the Martian atmosphere and for directly quantifying wind-blown grain fluxes on Mars.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2024

Lessons from Artist in Residence Program Design and Impact

As a national laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks to be on the leading edge of public interest research and deliver innovation, a core value of the institution. Through the support of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office, PNNL has convened a workshop entitled Advancing Energy Futures through Art in Seattle, Washington, on August 19th and 20th, 2024. An explicit focus on Artist in Residence (AiR) programs initiates the discussion, as this is one of the few clear places where public interest research, artistic engagement, and energy futures have aligned. The workshop proposes to hear from program managers of successful AiR programs, scientists, and artists who work in the energy futures space, to discuss AiR program models and successful modalities for art and storytelling. This paper is provided as background context for workshop participants.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geochemistry of Mars with Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS): ChemCam, SuperCam, and MarSCoDe

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been used to explore the chemistry of three regions of Mars on respective missions by NASA and CNSA, with CNES contributions. All three LIBS instruments use ~100 mm diameter telescopes projecting pulsed infrared laser beams of 10–14 mJ to enable LIBS at 2–10 m distances, eliminating the need to position the rover and instrument directly onto targets. Over 1.3 million LIBS spectra have been used to provide routine compositions for eight major elements and several minor and trace elements on >3000 targets on Mars. Onboard calibration targets common to all three instruments allow careful intercomparison of results. Operating over thirteen years, ChemCam on Curiosity has explored lacustrine sediments and diagenetic features in Gale crater, which was a long-lasting (>1 My) lake during Mars’ Hesperian period. SuperCam on Perseverance is exploring the ultramafic igneous floor, fluvial–deltaic features, and the rim of Jezero crater. MarSCoDe on the Zhurong rover investigated for one year the local blocks, soils, and transverse aeolian ridges of Utopia Planitia. The pioneering work of these three stand-off LIBS instruments paves the way for future space exploration with LIBS, where advantages of light-element (H, C, N, O) quantification can be used on icy regions.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2025

Weighing the Future: Strategic Options for U.S. Space Nuclear Leadership

We believe in speed, strength, and sovereignty. The government’s job is to unlock private sector investment, not micromanage it. Our approach shifts from endless studies to operational deployment, from bureaucratic gridlock to clear timelines and accountability. If done right, this strategy will unleash private capital, create high-tech American jobs, and put the United States back in the lead, not just in space, but in the future of energy and defense.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Sensitivity of organized convective storms to model grid spacing in current and future climates

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are complexes of thunderstorms that become organized and cover hundreds of kilometres over several hours. MCSs are prolific rain producers in the tropics and mid-latitudes and are the major cause of warm-season flooding. Traditionally, climate models have difficulties in simulating MCSs partly due to the misrepresentation of complex process interactions that operate across a large range of scales. Significant improvements in simulating MCSs have been found in kilometre-scale models that explicitly simulate deep convection. However, these models operate in the grey zone of turbulent motion and have known deficiencies in simulating small-scale processes (e.g. entrainment, vertical mass transport). Here, we perform mid-latitude idealized ensemble MCS simulations under current and future climate conditions in three atmospheric regimes: hydrostatic (12 km horizontal grid spacing; Δx), non-hydrostatic (Δx = 4, 2 and 1 km) and large eddy scale (Δx = 500 m and 250 m). Our results show a dramatic improvement in simulating MCS precipitation, movement, cold pools, and cloud properties when transitioning from 12 km to 4 km Δx. Decreasing Δx beyond 4 km results in modest improvements except for up- and downdraft sizes, average vertical mass fluxes, and cloud top height and temperature, which continue to change. Most important for climate modelling is that Δx = 4 km simulations reliably capture most MCS climate change signals compared to those of the Δx = 250 m runs. Significantly different climate change signals are found in Δx = 12 km runs that overestimate extreme precipitation changes by up to 100%.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2025

KRUSTY: Advancing Space Nuclear Power for Future Missions [Slides]

For more than 70 years, LANL has conducted subcritical and critical experiments in support of space reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), and criticality safety programs. These experiments were performed first at Los Alamos Critical Experiments Facility (LACEF) at TA-18 and in more recent years at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center (NCERC) in Nevada.

LACEF↗
DOE OSTI2024

On-demand fabrication of piezoelectric sensors for in-space structural health monitoring

Abstract Inflatable structures, promising for future deep space exploration missions, are vulnerable to damage from micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts. Polyvinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene (PVDF-trFE) is a flexible, biocompatible, and chemical-resistant material capable of detecting impact forces due to its piezoelectric properties. This study used a state-of-the-art material extrusion system that has been validated for in-space manufacturing, to facilitate fast-prototyping of consistent and uniform PVDF-trFE films. By systematically investigating ink synthesis, printer settings, and post-processing conditions, this research established a comprehensive understanding of the process-structure-property relationship of printed PVDF-trFE. Consequently, this study consistently achieved the printing of PVDF-trFE films with a thickness of around 40 µ m, accompanied by an impressive piezoelectric coefficient of up to 25 pC N −1 . Additionally, an all-printed dynamic force sensor, featuring a sensitivity of 1.18 V N −1 , was produced by mix printing commercial electrically-conductive silver inks with the customized PVDF-trFE inks. This pioneering on-demand fabrication technique for PVDF-trFE films empowers future astronauts to design and manufacture piezoelectric sensors while in space, thereby significantly enhancing the affordability and sustainability of deep space exploration missions.

Instruments & Instrumentation↗
DOE OSTI2020

Active Experiments in Space: Past, Present, and Future

Between 1958 and 1962 the United States and the Soviet Union performed several nuclear detonation tests in the atmosphere, including the Starfish Prime event which involved a 1.4 Mt explosion at 400 km altitude over Johnston island on July 9, 1962 (Gombosi et al., 2017). These tests can be considered as the beginning of active experiments in space (i.e., experiments that deliberately perturb the local environment). They demonstrated the potential destructive power of high-altitude nuclear explosions, both in terms of the resulting electromagnetic pulse as well as for the creation of a potentially long-lasting artificial radiation belt from the radioactive fission debris. For instance,one of the unintended consequences of Starfish Prime was to cripple at least seven spacecraft in low-Earth orbit (LEO), about a third of the LEO spacecraft of the time (Gombosi et al., 2017).

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

The Dynamic Co-Evolution of Space Policy and Technology: Historical Overview and Lessons for Assessing Future Trends [Slides]

The course goal is to provide participants with better understanding of the dynamic evolution between space policy, technology and world events in order to (1) anticipate the potential impacts of evolving space security policy on technical research and development needs for current and future space operations; (2) anticipate how technical research and development advancements might shape future directions and implementation of space security policy; and (3) develop more impactful research and development proposals and effective policy initiatives.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗