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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 361 records · Page 20

Auto-Gopher-2 - Wireline Deep Sampler Driven by Percussive Piezoelectric Actuator and Rotary EM Motors

Two of the key purposes of future NASA’s solar system exploration of planetary bodies are the search for potentially preserved bio-signatures and for habitable regions. To address these objectives, a biologically inspired wireline deep rotary-percussive drill, called Auto-Gopher, has been developed. This drill employs a piezoelectric-actuated percussive mechanism for generating impulsive stresses and breaking formations, and an electric motor to rotate the bit to break material and remove the cuttings. Initially, the drill was designed as percussive mechanism for sampling ice and was demonstrated in 2005 at Lake Vida, Antarctica, reaching about 2 meters depth. The lessons learned suggested there is a need to augment the percussive action with bit rotation in order to maximize the penetration rate. The first generation implementation of the rotary augmentation was focused on the demonstration of this capability. In 2012, during the 3-day field test, the drill reached a 3-meter deep in gypsum. A separate mechanism was used to break and remove the cores. The average drilling power consumption was in the range of 100-150 Watts, while the rate of penetration was approximately 2.4 meters per hour. Currently under development is the second-generation drill, called Auto-Gopher-2. The drill will be fully autonomous. In this paper, the capabilities that are being integrated into the Auto-Gopher-2 are described and discussed.

Auto-Gopher Drill↗

Feasibility and Performance Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics Control for Aerocapture at Neptune

NASA’s most recent Decadal Survey posed a mission to one of the Ice Giants as the top priorityfor flagship missionsin the organization’s future. However, current technologieslimit the amount of scientific payload available for future Uranian and Neptunian missions due to the need for fuel for orbit insertion maneuvers. Thus, to maximize the scientific potential of futuremissions, atmospheric aerocapture has been heavily researched. While atmospheric aerocapture simulations have proven enabling for capturing around Neptune, its deep atmospheric pass requiresan aeroshell with thermal protection systems(TPS).Magnetohydrodynamically-controlled aerocapture serves as a potential solution to both fully-propulsive orbit insertion and atmospheric aerocapture. Through NASA Langley’s high-fidelity flight dynamics simulation, the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II, both the atmospheric and magnetohydrodynamic aerocapture methods were simulated and compared for identical missions to Neptune. After applying a guidance algorithm for both methods, the results showed that magnetohydrodynamics has not only the control authority to successfully capture around Neptune, but also the unique advantage of a shallower atmospheric pass which decreases the maximum heat load and the required TPS mass.

Danny N Nguyen↗

Mars Radiation Risk Assessment and Shielding Design for Long-term Exposure to Ionizing Space Radiation

NASA is now focused on the agency's vision for space exploration encompassing a broad range of human and robotic missions including missions to Moon, Mars and beyond. As a result, there is a focus on long duration space missions. NASA is committed to the safety of the missions and the crew, and there is an overwhelming emphasis on the reliability issues for space missions and the habitat. The cost-effective design of the spacecraft demands a very stringent requirement on the optimization process. Exposure from the hazards of severe space radiation in deep space and/or long duration missions is a critical design constraint and a potential 'show stopper'. Thus, protection from the hazards of severe space radiation is of paramount importance to the agency's vision. It is envisioned to have long duration human presence on the Moon for deep space exploration. The exposures from ionizing radiation - galactic cosmic radiation and solar particle events - and optimized shield design for a swing-by and a long duration Mars mission have been investigated. It is found that the technology of today is inadequate for safe human missions to Mars, and revolutionary technologies need to be developed for long duration and/or deep space missions. The study will provide a guideline for radiation exposure and protection for long duration missions and career astronauts and their safety.

Tripathi, Ram K.↗

Interference from the Deep Space Network's 70-m High Power Transmitter in Goldstone, CA to 3G Mobile Users Operating in the Surrounding Area

The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has allocated 2110-2200 MHz for the third generation (3G) mobile services. Part of the spectrum (2110-2120 MHz) is allocated for space research service and has been used by the DSN for years for sending command uplinks to deep space missions. Due to the extremely high power transmitted, potential interference to 3G users in areas surrounding DSN Goldstone exists. To address this issue, a preliminary analytical study has been performed and computer models have been developed. The goal is to provide theoretical foundation and tools to estimate the strength of interference as a function of distance from the transmitter for various interference mechanisms, (or propagation modes), and then determine the size of the area in which 3G users are susceptible to interference from the 400-kW transmitter in Goldstone. The focus is non-line-of-sight interference, taking into account of terrain shielding, anomalous propagation mechanisms, and technical and operational characteristics of the DSN and the 3G services.

propagation↗

Federated Deep Reinforcement Learning for Decentralized VVO of BTM DERs

The future of grid control requires a hybrid approach combining centralized and decentralized methods to fully utilize the potential of smart edge devices with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. This paper aims to develop and evaluate a federated deep reinforcement learning (FDRL) framework for decentralized adaptive volt-var optimization (VVO) of behind-the-meter (BTM) distributed energy resources (DERs). First, this paper models a single deep reinforcement learning (DRL) agent using the Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework for decentralized adaptive VVO of BTM DERs. Two DRL algorithms, soft actor-critic (SAC) and twin-delayed deep deterministic policy gradient (TD3), are compared for their effectiveness in optimizing VVO. Results show that TD3 outperforms SAC, achieving a 71.3% improvement in mean reward. Finally, the DRL agent is deployed within the FDRL framework, using the Flower platform, to enhance learning, provide adaptive control, and ensure data privacy for BTM DERs.

Ravi, Abhijith↗

Evolution of Martian Volcanism and Lithosphere: Geochemical Insights from Noachian to Amazonian Volcanic Terrains

The lithosphere of Mars has played a crucial role in shaping its geological features, influencing volcanic activity, climate shifts, and the planet's early habitability. Understanding the evolution of Mars' litho-sphere through different geological eons has been challenging due to weathering and resurfacing affecting the study of early Noachian volcanic chemistry. Therefore, in our study we have focused on recently discovered Noachian volcanic terranes [1-2], along with Hesperian and Amazonian volcanic terranes [3], to trace the evolution of the Martian lithosphere and thermal flux. The composition of igneous rock formed from the eruption of magma tends to preserve the record of thermal properties viz. pressure, temperature, or degree of partial melting at which it forms. Therefore, Martian volcanic provinces are of great geologic interest; they have been active throughout its history, from Noachian (>3.7 Ga) to the Late Amazonian (<500 Ma) [4]. Earlier studies focused on the evolved magmatism from Hesperian to Amazonian [4], but the type and style of Noachian-aged volcanism remain to be understood. We have investigated the geochemical compositions of Noachian volcanic provinces and compared them with relatively younger volcanic provinces on Mars using remote sensing (Mars Odyssey Gamma Ray and Neutron Spectrometer suite-GRS) and in-situ observations. Furthermore, petrologic modeling is performed to understand magmatic processes and thermal evolution. Our findings reveal distinct Pressure-Temperature (P-T) conditions across different Martian geological eras. In the Noachian terranes, we model P-T conditions ranging from 1.3-1.6 GPa and temperatures between 1350-1390°C. Conversely, the Hesperian volcanic terrane exhibits variations between 1.6-1.7 GPa and temperatures spanning 1370-1395°C. For the Amazonian volcanic terrane, P-T conditions ranged notably higher, from 1.9-2.8 GPa with temperatures between 1380-1415°C. Based on our modeling, we estimated the corresponding litho-spheric thicknesses and depths of melting for each eon. In the Noachian, the lithospheric thickness ranged from 110-135 km. Meanwhile, for the Hesperian terranes, it varied between 120-235 km, and for the Amazonian, it extended from 160-235 km. We also calculated partial melting percentages (F), observing a range of 8-12% for the Noachian, 10-11% for the Hesperian, and 10-12% for the Amazonian. Mantle potential temperatures (Tp) were calculated to illustrate variations across these geological eons. Our estimates of heat flux depicted temporal changes, showing ranges from 51-65 mW/m 2 for the Noachian, 38-45 mW/m 2 for the Hesperian, and 27-39 mW/m 2 for the Amazonian. Our study implies that the lithosphere remained consistently uniform until the Hesperian eon, indicating sustained weaker volcanic systems from mid-Noachian to Hesperian. This contrasts with fewer deep-seated plumes observed in the Amazonian era. These variations suggest potential implications for Martian climatic conditions which show a milder climate prevailed until the Hesperian, differing from Mars' current cold, arid conditions.

Mars↗

Design and Optimization of Steering Laws for Geocentric Solar Sailing

Solar sail technology has the potential to be a practical method of propulsion for future deep space Cubesats and small satellites. Although in general, deep space, heliocentric flight is the optimal regime for solar sailing, many near-term solar sail flight demonstrations have, or will occur in Earth-centered orbits. This is particularly true for low-cost, smallsat-based solar sail technology demonstration flights, such as the Planetary Society LightSail 1 and 2, and the upcoming NASA Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3). ACS3 will be the first spaceflight application of NASA’s newest smallsat deployable composite boom technology, and NASA’s first practical solar sail. Launch of ACS3 is currently anticipated for late 2021 or early 2022. In this paper, we will describe the challenges of operating solar sailing spacecraft in low Earth orbits, where, depending on initial orbital altitude and inclination, disturbances due to aerodynamic drag, eclipsing can be of the same order or greater than forces caused by solar radiation pressure. A notional smallsat-class solar sailing vehicle based on the ACS3 solar sail will be used as a reference for trajectory design and optimization studies. As a starting point we will assume initially circular orbits, and a locally optimal steering law designed to maximize the rate of change in semi major axis, similar to that described by McInnes. This will be generalized to orbits with arbitrary initial inclinations and non-zero eccentricities, and to account for atmospheric drag and eclipsing effects. Optimal steering laws for maximizing rate-of-change in orbit inclination and eccentricity will also be explored. Finally, we will examine potential for Earth-centered solar sailing mission applications beyond technology demonstrations, including: continuous observations from inside the Earth’s magnetotail; augmented geostationary capabilities from displaced geostationary orbits; and continuous polar observation for climate science investigations from pole-sitter orbits.

W. Keats Wilkie↗

Mars Mission Scenario: Data Volume and PDT Notes

Objectives of this work are: (1) Investigate methods for quantifying the value of interoperability for deep space missions: A network of optical receive stations Each one potentially owned by a different space agency. Reduces overall cost to any individual agency Provides geographically diverse locations to mitigate weather problems (clouds, wind, rain, dust, etc.) (2) Metrics: a. Total data volume returned over mission duration b. Percent data transferred (PDT) or something similar.

deep space optical communications↗

Deep Mapping of Small Solar System Bodies with Galactic Cosmic Ray Secondary Particle Showers

Galactic cosmic rays rain steadily from all directions onto asteroids and comets. The interaction of these high-energy ions produces a cascade of secondary particles, including muons, which can penetrate the solid interiors of small solar system bodies. Muons, which are produced in abundance in Earth's atmosphere, have been used to image large structures on Earth, including the Great Pyramids and the interior of volcanoes. In this study, we demonstrate that the transmitted flux of muons is sensitive to the interior density structure of asteroids and comets, less than a few hundred meters in diameter. Muonography has the potential to fill a critical gap in our knowledge of the deep interiors of small bodies, providing information needed for planetary defense, in situ resource utilization, and planetary science. We use Monte Carlo codes (MCNPX and FLUKA), which accurately model galactic cosmic ray showers, to explore systematic variations in the production of muons in solid surfaces. Results of these calculations confirm the scaling of muon production in Earth's atmosphere to solid regolith materials, as predicted by a simple, semi-empirical model. Muons are primarily produced in the top meter of the regoliths of asteroids and comets. Their rate of production is over three orders of magnitude lower than in Earth's atmosphere and depends strongly on regolith density. In practice, the use of muonography to characterize the interiors of small solar system bodies must overcome their low rate of production and their dependence on regolith density, which can vary over the surface of asteroids and comets. We show that interior contrast can be resolved using a muon telescope (hodoscope) with about 1 sq m aperture with integration times ranging from hours to weeks. Design concepts for a practical hodoscope that could be deployed in situ or on an orbiting spacecraft, are described. Regolith density within the top meter of an asteroid can be determined from radar observations. A concept for a pilot mission that combines remote radar measurements with in situ muonography of a near-Earth asteroid is presented. Perceived challenges and next steps for the development of the concept are described.

Prettyman, T. H.↗

Toward Complete Merger Identification at Cosmic Noon with Deep Learning

As we enter the era of large imaging surveys such as Roman, Rubin, and Euclid, a deeper understanding of potential biases and selection effects in optical astronomical catalogs created with the use of ML-based methods is paramount. This work focuses on a deeper understanding of the performance and limitations of deep learning-based classifiers as tools for galaxy merger identification. We train a ConvNeXT-Pico model on mock HST CANDELS images from the IllustrisTNG50 simulation. Our focus is on a more challenging classification of galaxy mergers and non-mergers at higher redshifts 1 < z < 1.5, including minor mergers and lower mass galaxies down to the stellar mass of 108M⊙. We demonstrate, for the first time, that a deep learning model, such as the one developed in this work, can successfully identify even minor and low mass mergers even at these redshifts. Our model achieves overall accuracy, purity, and completeness of over 73%. We show that some galaxy mergers can only be identified from certain observation angles, leading to a potential upper limit in overall accuracy. Using Grad-CAMs and UMAPs, we more deeply examine the performance and observe a visible gradient in the latent space with stellar mass and specific star formation rate, but no visible gradient with merger mass ratio or merger stage.

Schechter, Aimee L. [U. Colorado, Boulder]↗

Experimental investigation of flow distribution in enhanced geothermal systems with deep eutectic solvent

Geothermal energy has been recognized as a valuable alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power, as it is renewable and reliable. Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGSs) have the potential to expand geothermal energy production by enabling access to previously untapped geothermal resources. Geothermal short-circuiting poses a significant challenge to EGS development, leading to reduced heat extraction. Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) exhibits favorable thermal and rheological properties, making it a candidate for geothermal applications. Here, this paper examines Choline Chloride-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) as a working fluid in geothermal applications and its potential to mitigate geothermal short-circuiting. Hydraulic experiments using a dual fracture flow loop were conducted at high temperatures. The results showed that DES exhibited higher differential pressure behavior compared to water. Flow distribution results revealed that DES enhances flow allocation within the small fracture, particularly when a temperature difference exists between fractures. Specifically, DES increased flow distribution by an average of 11% when the temperature difference was 85°C, and by 13% when the difference was 45°C, relative to water. These findings suggest that DES responds to thermal fracture differences, making it a potential remedy to address geothermal short-circuiting.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Deep Space Optical Communications

A number of laser communication link demonstrations from near Earth distances extending out to lunar ranges have been remarkably successful, demonstrating the augmented channel capacity that is accessible with the use of lasers for communications. The next hurdle on the path to extending laser communication and its benefits throughout the solar system and beyond is to demonstrate deep-space laser communication links. In this paper, concepts and technology development being advanced at JPL in order to enable deep-space link demonstrations to ranges of approximately 3 AU in the next decade, will be discussed. Considerations for ranges extending farther will also be discussed briefly. The potential for light science (the optical equivalent of radio science) with the advancement of deep-space laser communications will also be touched upon.

Biswas, Abhijit↗

All-Metal Dual Frequency RHCP High Gain Antenna for the Extreme Environments of a Potential Europa Lander

A new all-metal dual-frequency RHCP high gain antenna is under development at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a potential Europa Lander. The antenna is mainly made of metal so it could survive the harsh environment conditions (i.e. very low temperature and high radiation and ESD levels). The antenna is also flat to meet drastic volume constraints and has efficiencies higher than 80% at both the uplink and downlink X-band Deep Space frequency bands. This antenna is a key component for the potential mission enabling Direct Link to Earth (DTE) from and Direct-from-Earth (DFE) to the lander without any relay.

Estabrook, Polly↗

Large all-Metal Dual-Frequency Circularly Polarized High Gain Antenna for potential Europa Lander

A new all-metal dual-frequency RHCP high gain antenna is under development at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a potential Europa Lander. The antenna is mainly made of metal so it could survive the harsh environment conditions (i.e. very low temperature and high radiation and ESD levels). The antenna is also flat to meet drastic volume constraints and has efficiencies higher than 80% at both the uplink and downlink X-band Deep Space frequency bands. This antenna is a key component for the potential mission enabling Direct Link to Earth (DTE) from and Direct-from-Earth (DFE) to the lander without any relay.

Estabrook, Polly↗

On the Feasibility of Deep Geothermal Wells Using Numerical Reservoir Simulation

This study examines the geothermal energy extraction potential from the basement rock within the Denver–Julesburg Basin, focusing on the flow performance and heat extraction efficiency of different geothermal well configurations. It specifically compares U-shaped, V-shaped, inclined V-shaped, and pipe-in-pipe configurations against enhanced geothermal system setups. Through numerical modeling, we evaluated the thermal behavior of these systems under various operational scenarios and fracture conditions. The results suggest that while closed-loop systems offer moderate temperature increases, Enhanced geothermal system configurations show substantial potential for high-temperature extraction. This underscores the importance of evaluating well configurations in complex geological settings. The insights from this study aid in strategic geothermal energy planning and development, marking significant advancements in geothermal technology and setting a foundation for future explorations and optimizations.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

All-metal dual frequency RHCP high gain antenna for the extreme environments of a potential Europa Lander

A new all-metal dual-frequency RHCP high gain antenna is under development at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a potential Europa Lander. The antenna is mainly made of metal so it could survive the harsh environment conditions of Europa (i.e. very low temperature and high radiation and ESD levels). The antenna is flat to meet drastic volume constraints and has efficiencies higher than 80% at both the uplink and downlink X-band Deep Space frequency bands. This antenna is a key component for the potential mission enabling Direct Link to Earth (DTE) without any relying on an Orbiter to relay the data.

Chahat, Nacer↗

Feasibility and Performance Analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics Control for Aerocapture at Neptune

NASA’s most recent Decadal Survey posed a mission to one of the Ice Giants as the top priority for flagship missions in the organization’s future. However, current technologies limit the amount of scientific payload available for future Uranian and Neptunian missions due to the need for fuel for orbit insertion maneuvers. Thus, to maximize the scientific potential of future missions, atmospheric aerocapture has been heavily researched. While atmospheric aerocapture simulations have proven enabling for capturing around Neptune, its deep atmospheric pass requires an aeroshell with thermal protection systems(TPS). Magnetohydrodynamically-controlled aerocapture serves as a potential solution to both fully-propulsive orbit insertion and atmospheric aerocapture. Through NASA Langley’s high-fidelity flight dynamics simulation, the Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories II, both the atmospheric and magnetohydrodynamic aerocapture methods were simulated and compared for identical missions to Neptune. After applying a guidance algorithm for both methods, the results showed that magnetohydrodynamics has not only the control authority to successfully capture around Neptune, but also the unique advantage of a shallower atmospheric pass which decreases the maximum heat load and the required TPS mass.

Danny Nguyen↗

Deep Space NanoSats - Positioned for Exponential Growth

We are poised at the beginning of a new era in solar system exploration, in which cubesats and nanosats can potentially play a big role. In 2012 a small group of like-minded enthusiasts at JPL predicted exponential growth in deep space cubesats with at least 10 exploring our solar system by 2020, and a 100 by 2030. Since then, JPL has built and flight-qualified the two INSPIRE spacecraft as pathfinders for future deep space cubesat missions, and the two MARCO spacecraft were assembled and tested in time to make the initial Insight launch opportunity in 2016 – now under consideration for the next available window. We have ongoing studies for lunar exploration and asteroid rendezvous missions, a Venus atmosphere sampler, and other concepts have been proposed to NASA. The Europa mission has 10 academic institutes under contract to study cubesats that would ride along with the main spacecraft to enable it to get closer to the surface of Jupiter’s most intriguing moon. Last year, ESA announced that its AIM asteroid probe will carry a small number of cubesats, when it launches in 2020. In the commercial world, Deep Space Industries are planning to host multiple cubesats in a mission to a Near Earth Asteroid. The prospects for near-term growth look reasonably healthy. This paper will provide an overview of deep space and LEO cubesat developments at JPL, and discuss the foundation they will provide for the growing community of interplanetary cubesat pioneers over the coming decade and a half.

Freeman, Anthony↗