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NASA NTRS2024

Hydrocarbon Burn Facility, SWMU 007 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Assessment Report Addendum

This document discusses the Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) assessment activities performed from May through August 2023 at the Hydrocarbon Burn Facility (HBF) located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. HBF was used for firefighting training between 1966 and 1994. Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) that contained PFAS were used as suppressants for fighting petroleum fuel fires during training. PFAS sampling was first completed at HBF in 2015. This PFAS Assessment Report Addendum (ARA) is a continuation of sampling efforts, with an overall objective to further delineate PFAS concentrations in groundwater to the pGCTLs and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tapwater Regional Screening Levels (RSLs) dated November 2023 and better understand groundwater to surface water interaction at the Site. The field activities presented in this PFAS ARA were conducted between May and August 2023 and included the collection of 132 direct push groundwater samples and the collection of five colocated surface water, sediment, and pore water samples from locations south/southeast of HBF in August 2023. Exceedances of the pGCTLs and Tapwater RSLs were observed in the direct push groundwater results; however, groundwater has been delineated to the pGCTLs. Exceedances of the Florida provisional Surface Water Screening Levels (pSWSLs) were observed in surface water and porewater, and concentrations of PFAS in these media confirm PFAS migration within surface channels to the south of the HBF site area. Maximum sediment concentrations, which correlate with the maximum surface water and porewater concentrations, demonstrate that PFAS impacted surface water is the source of sediment impacts. Overall, elevated concentrations of PFAS are centered on the HBF site area that trend north and south along the surface water filled swales and along the edge of Banana River. Based on analytical results, not all surface water features in this area exhibit evidence of transport. PFAS migration/transport appears to be more dominant in surface water features during the wet season. Discharges to the Banana River primarily occur where surface water facilitates transport. In contrast, groundwater transport is more effective during the dry season. During precipitation events in either the dry season or the wet season, there appears to be migration from the intermediate groundwater zone to the shallow zone into the surface water features. Additional sampling and data collection is recommended to support further refinement of PFAS groundwater delineation, a remedial alternative evaluation, and the fate and transport model.

Jennifer Buel↗
NASA NTRS2024

Hypergol Maintenance Facility North, SWMU 090, Year 3 Air Sparge System Performance Monitoring Report, Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Performance Monitoring Report (PMR) presents Year 3 Air Sparge (AS) System operation, maintenance, and monitoring (OM&M) activities and performance monitoring results for the AS Interim Measure (IM) at the Hypergol Maintenance Facility North (HMFN) at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. HMFN has been designated Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 090 under the KSC Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program. The timeframe for activities included in this report extends from September 2022 to August 2023. The HMFN AS IM was implemented in 2019-2020 to treat a chlorinated solvent groundwater plume that resulted from historical operations supporting the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Program. The system includes 213 AS wells, with screen depths ranging from 25 feet to 45 feet below land surface (bls) and treats approximately 1.62 acres of contaminated groundwater. The objective of the AS IM is to actively reduce groundwater concentrations exceeding Florida Department of Environmental Protection Natural Attenuation Default Concentrations (NADCs) (identified as the High Concentration Plume [HCP]) to levels that facilitate transition into a Long-Term Monitoring program. The AS IM targets all of the HCP, except for a source zone area within the HCP where trichloroethene (TCE) concentrations exceed 11,000 micrograms per liter (μg/L) at depths greater than 45 feet bls. This is because site lithology was found to not be conducive to the AS treatment technology at these deeper depths. NASA will re-visit plans for potentially utilizing another remedial technology for residual deeper contamination following completion of the AS IM. OM&M activities and results from Year 3 indicate that the AS system at HMFN is operating as designed and is meeting performance criteria. Groundwater performance monitoring results indicate that following the third year of AS system operation, TCE concentrations in wells across all treated depth intervals have been reduced by an average of more than 99 percent. Overall, the areal extent of the plume showed a reduction following Year 3 of AS operations; however, continued operation of the AS system is required to meet the IM objective.

VOCs↗
NASA NTRS2024

Shallow Soil Polychlorinated Biphenyl Site Assessment Report: General Services Administration Reclamation Yard Solid Waste Management Unit 010

This report presents a summary of the shallow soil polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) site assessment activities that occurred from December 2020 through July 2022 at General Services Administration Reclamation Yard, Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 010, located at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The site is monitored under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action Program, which also meets the requirements of Chapter 62-780, Florida Administrative Code. For the purposes of this report, three separate shallow soil plumes, known as the Northeast Shallow Soil PCB Plume, Southeast Shallow Soil PCB Plume, and West Shallow Soil PCB Plume, were identified for this site. The activities presented in this report include seven field events conducted between December 2020 and July 2022, which include shallow soil sample collection in the Northeast, Southeast, and West Shallow Soil PCB Plumes. AECOM Technical Services, Inc., personnel collected 330 soil samples from 118 boring locations. The samples were collected at 0.5-foot depth intervals to various depths based on analytical results and depth to groundwater. The soil samples were submitted to a fixed-based laboratory for analysis by United States Environmental Protection Agency Method 8082A for total PCBs. Several soil samples had PCB concentrations above the State of Florida Direct Exposure Residential and Industrial Soil Cleanup Target Levels (SCTLs), and two soil samples had PCB concentrations above the State of Florida Leachability for Groundwater. No soil borings were located beneath impervious surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. The current Land Use Control Implementation Plan (LUCIP) covers PCBs in soils above the residential SCTL, which includes the paved areas.

soil assessment↗
NASA NTRS2025

Components Refurbishment and Chemical Analysis Facility, SWMU #041 - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Site Assessment Report Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This PFAS Site Assessment (SA) Report presents the activities and results associated with PFAS investigations at the Components Refurbishment and Chemical Analysis (CRCA) facility located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. In 2022, CRCA was identified as an Area of Potential Concern because the facility stores several potential PFAS-containing chemicals. A groundwater sample collected from an onsite monitoring well detected PFOA and PFOS at concentrations greater than State of Florida provisional Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels (pGCTLs). PFAS SA activities were conducted between March 2022 and February 2024. During this timeframe, a total of 16 direct-push technology (DPT) locations and 82 discrete samples were collected from these locations, along with 90 monitoring well samples. The analytical data screening process focused on State of Florida pGCTLs and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Regional Screening Level (RSLs) from November 2023 to evaluate the data. Analytical results identified PFOS, PFOA, and PFBA at concentrations exceeding their respective RSLs at each depth interval (shallow, intermediate, and deep). PFOS and PFOA had the largest footprint of RSL exceedances in each depth interval, but pGCTL exceedances were only observed at limited locations in the shallow and intermediate intervals. PFBA had the highest detections of any PFAS compound, with concentrations exceeding 180,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L), which is 100-times the RSL of 1,800 ng/L in the shallow and intermediate intervals and 10-times the RSL in the deep interval. The maximum PFBA detection was 841,000 ng/L at shallow monitoring well, MW0006. The PFAS SA also included samples collected from the onsite hydraulic containment system (HCS) which was installed to control and treat the onsite chlorinated volatile organic compound (CVOC) plume. Influent and effluent aqueous samples were collected monthly from the system. PFAS concentrations were relatively the same for both influent and effluent samples, indicating that while the HCS has been effective for CVOC treatment, it does not provide any additional treatment for PFAS compounds. Since the HCS has achieved its objectives, the system was shut down in December 2024. PFAS data gaps still exist, to include surface water and soil, which were not sampled during this SA. Soil sampling near the Chemical Process Area is recommended. Surface water and soil sampling at select stormwater outfalls is also recommended. Additionally, further groundwater sampling is recommended (DPT and monitoring well) in all depth intervals to delineate the extent of PFAS impacts at CRCA.

K Alex Murphy↗
NASA NTRS2025

Converter Compressor Building, SWMU 089 Monitoring Well 21 Area Implementation Work Plan Kennedy Space Center, Florida

This Implementation Work Plan (IWP) was prepared by Tetra Tech, Inc., for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract 80KSC019D0011/80KSC019F0070, for the implementation of a bioremediation Interim Measure (IM) at the Converter Compressor Building (CCB) site located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida. The location of CCB within KSC is shown on Figure A-1. CCB has been designated as Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 089 under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action Program. The overall Corrective Action Objective (CAO) for CCB is to reduce concentrations of trichloroethene (TCE), cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethene (tDCE), and vinyl chloride (VC) to less than State of Florida Groundwater Cleanup Target Levels (GCTLs). The objective for the IM associated with this IM is to reduce groundwater concentrations for the contaminants of concern (COCs) to less than their Natural Default Attenuation Concentrations (NADCs) within the Monitoring Well 21 Area (herein referred to as MW21 Area) via bioremediation injections to support transition to long term monitoring (LTM). This IWP describes the activities that will be performed for the treatment of the MW21 Area. The Revision 1 CCB MW21 Area Interim Measure Work Plan (IMWP; NASA, 2024), which was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) on December 26, 2024, was used as the design basis for this IWP.

Mark Jonnet↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Spaceborne Lidar Retrievals of PM2.5 for Air Quality Studies and Applications

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) substantially contributes to air pollution and negatively affects human health. While many studies have investigated the use of passive column-integrated aerosol optical depth to infer surface PM2.5, the use of lidar observations for air quality characterization is not nearly as extensive. Lidar measurements are critical, however, due to the vertical aerosol information they provide, including near the surface. In this presentation, we first provide an overview of various lidar-based approaches for estimating PM2.5 concentrations and then discuss how lidar measurements can assist other air quality applications. For example, estimates of PM2.5 have been obtained in a physics-based approach through CALIOP near-surface aerosol extinction retrievals, assumptions on the mass extinction efficiency, and incorporating other parameters (an aerosol hygroscopic growth factor and PM2.5/PM10 ratio). Application of this algorithm over the contiguous United States (CONUS) from 2006 to 2018 yielded larger PM2.5 values over the eastern and western CONUS (~10-15 μg/m³) and lower PM2.5 levels in the central CONUS (~5 μg/m³). These spatial patterns were similar to those from gridded PM2.5 concentrations obtained through in situ measurements at ground stations operated by the US Environmental Protection Agency. In another approach, the Cloud Aerosol Transport System (CATS) lidar was used with the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) model in a 1D ensemble-based variational technique to obtain PM2.5 over the US and Europe, and the spatial patterns of the CATS/GEOS based PM2.5 concentrations generally captured those from surface stations (with corresponding hourly EPA PM2.5 vs CATS PM2.5 statistics of R=0.4 and bias=1.5 μg/m³). In our recent work, as part of the Models, In situ, and Remote sensing of Aerosols (MIRA) Working Group, we have applied both the CALIOP and CATS/GEOS based approaches over the highly polluted country of India during the post-monsoon season (September-October 2016). We derived elevated levels of two-month mean PM2.5 (~100 μg/m³) in northern India, especially near New Delhi. These high PM2.5 concentrations in the Indo-Gangetic plain are driven in large part from the seasonal burning of crop residue and meteorological conditions typical at this time of the year, such as low wind speeds and a shallow boundary layer. While the satellite-derived PM2.5 moderately replicates (R = ~0.7-0.9) the spatial variability in the two-month mean of surface in situ PM2.5 from monitoring sites operated by the Central and State Pollution Control Boards, we show results from specific scenes for which there are large deviations between the satellite-derived PM2.5 and in situ measurements. Other current work on this topic focuses on developing PM2.5 estimates using airborne high spectral resolution lidar measurements through machine learning regression algorithms and involves several parameters (e.g., aerosol extinction, color ratio, lidar ratio). Application of this method over major metropolitan areas in the US and Asia have resulted in high correlations (R = 0.93) with surface measurements. This airborne lidar approach can be adapted to spaceborne lidar measurements, and all three of these approaches can be applied to ESA’s EarthCARE Atmospheric Lidar instrument, setting the stage for the future Cloud Aerosol Lidar for Global Scale Observations of the Ocean-Land Atmosphere System (CALIGOLA) mission. Ultimately, beyond estimates of PM2.5, the aerosol vertical distribution from lidars can benefit studies involving passive sensor approaches for PM2.5 proxies (including from geostationary satellites), wildfire smoke plume injection heights, volcanic emissions (e.g., ash height retrievals), and aerosol/air quality model assimilation, evaluation, and forecasts.

Travis D Toth↗
NASA NTRS2014

Smart Coatings for Launch Site Corrosion Protection

Smart, environmentally friendly paint system for early corrosion detection, mitigation, and healing that will enable supportability in KSC launch facilities and ground systems through their operational life cycles. KSC's Corrosion Technology Laboratory is developing a smart, self-healing coating that can detect and repair corrosion at an early stage. This coating is being developed using microcapsules specifically designed to deliver the contents of their core when corrosion starts.

TechPort Portfolio System↗
NASA NTRS1989

Comparative thermal analysis of the space station Freedom photovoltaic deployable boom structure using TRASYS, NEVADA, and SINDA programs

The proposed Space Station Photovoltaic Deployable Boom was analyzed for operating temperatures. The boom glass/epoxy structure design needs protective shielding from environmental degradation. The protective shielding optical properties (solar absorptivity and emissivity) dictate the operating temperatures of the boom components. The Space Station Boom protective shielding must also withstand the effects of the extendible/retractable coiling action within the mast canister. A thermal analysis method was developed for the Space Station Deployable Boom to predict transient temperatures for a variety of surface properties. The modeling procedures used to evaluate temperatures within the boom structure incorporated the TRASYS, NEVADA, and SINDA thermal analysis programs. Use of these programs led to a comparison between TRASYS and NEVADA analysis methods. Comparing TRASYS and NEVADA results exposed differences in the environmental solar flux predictions.

Baumeister, Joseph F.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Comparative thermal analysis of the Space Station Freedom photovoltaic deployable boom structure using TRASYS, NEVADA, and SINDA programs

The proposed Space Station Photovoltaic Deployable Boom was analyzed for operating temperatures. The boom glass/epoxy structure design needs protective shielding from environmental degradation. The protective shielding optical properties (solar absorptivity and emissivity) dictate the operating temperatures of the boom components. The Space Station Boom protective shielding must also withstand the effects of the extendible/retractable coiling acting within the mast canister. A thermal analysis method was developed for the Space Station Deployable Boom to predict transient temperatures for a variety of surface properties. The modeling procedures used to evaluate temperatures within the boom structure incorporated the TRASYS, NEVADA, and SINDA thermal analysis programs. Use of these programs led to a comparison between TRASYS and NEVADA analysis methods. Comparing TRASYS and NEVADA results exposed differences in the environmental solar flux predictions.

Baumeister, Joseph F.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Survival in space

The evolution of space suit design to meet the needs of past and future manned space missions is discussed. Following a brief consideration of the purposes of the space suit in providing an artificial atmosphere and protection from environmental hazards, attention is given to the first high-altitude suits developed in the 1930's for the protection of balloon pilots, and for high-altitude airplane flights. The Mercury project space suit is presented as essentially similar to those for high-altitude military aircraft developed since World War II, providing pressurization and oxygen as a backup to the capsule systems. Modifications to the suit allowing it to be worn without discomfort during work outside the spacecraft, which were stimulated by experience in Gemini missions, are considered, which culminated in the suits of the Apollo and Skylab programs which provided insulation, cooling and life support for periods of up to eight hours. Finally, changes to suit design made necessary by the increasing numbers of men and women to perform Space Shuttle flights and space construction operations are considered.

Webbon, B.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Environmental Barrier Coating Surface Temperature Mapping Using a Compatible Er-Doped Sc 2 SiO 5 Temperature-Sensing Layer

Accurate surface temperature-mapping capabilities in the 1300 to 1500 °C range are needed for SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites protected by environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) under testing in turbine engine environment facilities. The strong background thermal radiation at these higher temperatures is a challenging issue. Er-doped Y 2 SiO 5 was previously shown to be capable of achieving luminescence lifetime-based temperature mapping up to 1560 °C as a standalone material. However, compatibility issues between an Er-doped Y 2 SiO 5 surface temperature sensing layer and an underlying Sc 2 Si 2 O 7 -based EBC topcoat limited temperature mapping of the EBC surface to a maximum of 1380 °C. Therefore, an Er-doped Sc 2 SiO 5 temperature sensing layer has been subsequently developed with better compatibility with the Sc2Si2O7-based EBC topcoat. Localized spot temperature measurements as well as luminescence lifetime imaging-based temperature mapping were demonstrated up to 1535 °C from a 15 µm thick Er-doped Sc 2 SiO 5 layer at the surface of a Sc2Si2O7-based EBC topcoat, a significant improvement over the Er-doped Y2SiO5 layer 1380 °C temperature sensing limit. No degradation of the Er-doped Sc 2 SiO 5 temperature sensing surface layer was observed.

temperature measurement↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Luminescence Lifetime-Based Surface Temperature Mapping for Environmental Barrier Coatings

Luminescence lifetime-based temperature mapping for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) has been previously demonstrated up to temperatures approaching 1200 °C. Advantages of this method include insensitivities to reflected radiation and emissivity uncertainties. Because of a push towards greater efficiency turbine engine operation using higher turbine inlet temperatures, there is an ongoing movement from TBC-coated superalloy turbine engine components to SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite components protected by environmental barrier coatings (EBCs). The useful application of luminescence lifetime-based temperature mapping to EBCs requires a significant increase in high temperature capability from below 1200 °C up into the 1300 to 1500 °C temperature range where the much higher background thermal radiation is a challenging issue. In addition, the luminescing sensing layer must exhibit thermochemical compatibility with the EBC. To meet these requirements, Er-doped Y 2 SiO 5 was selected as the luminescing sensor layer material both for its enhanced temperature sensitivity above 1300 °C and its compatibility with rare-earth disilicate EBC topcoats. Both localized spot temperature measurements as well as luminescence lifetime imaging-based temperature mapping were demonstrated up to 1560 °C for Er-doped Y 2 SiO 5 disks. In addition, temperature mapping capability was demonstrated from a 15 µm thick Er-doped Y 2 SiO 5 layer at the surface of a Sc 2 Si 2 O 7 based EBC topcoat. Both localized spot and temperature mapping by luminescence lifetime imaging were demonstrated up to 1380 °C (upper temperature limit of this slurry-based layered EBC) with excellent suppression of background thermal radiation and no degradation of the Er-doped Y 2 SiO 5 temperature sensing surface layer. The source of the novel enhanced temperature sensitivity above 1300 °C will be discussed as well as a path towards compatibility between sensing layer and EBC topcoat to higher temperatures.

temperature measurement↗
NASA NTRS2020

Novel Environmental Barrier Coatings for the Protection of SiC Components

Greater gas turbine engine efficiency is a major goal in aeronautics research often pursued through increased engine operating temperatures. However, it is necessary to replace the current hot-stage alloy components with more thermally robust parts, such as Silicon-based ceramics and composites. Unfortunately, these materials are still susceptible to the effects of oxidation, water vapor, and (Calcium-Magnesium-Alumino-Silicate) CMAS interaction, among other issues at high temperature. To mitigate these effects, environmental barrier coating (EBC) materials are employed to help control the rate of degradation to the underlying composite, but must also survive the corrosive environment. The current study explores new design space in Mg-based EBC materials with respect to microstructure, high temperature phase stability, volatilization in water vapor, as well as structure-property relationships at high temperature.

Kowalski, Benjamin A.↗
NASA NTRS1962

Experience with Mercury Spacecraft Systems

Design of a manned spacecraft in 1958 and 1959 required that many decisions be made with no background of direct experience with similar vehicles and very little background of experience on vehicles of any type which had been exposed to the rigors of space. Under such circumstances, it was necessary to establish certain fundamental design principles which were believed to represent the proper balance between the conservatism required by the unknowns, the desired development schedule, and the extreme necessity to conserve weight. One of the foremost of the program objectives was, of course, safety. Broadly speaking, the design principles chosen to achieve the level of safety desired in such an unknown venture were very similar to those used for manned aircraft design.

Spacecraft↗