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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 379 records · Page 21
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NASA NTRS2016

EVA Suit Microbial Leakage Investigation Project

The objective of this project is to collect microbial samples from various EVA suits to determine how much microbial contamination is typically released during simulated planetary exploration activities. Data will be released to the planetary protection and science communities, and advanced EVA system designers. In the best case scenario, we will discover that very little microbial contamination leaks from our current or prototype suit designs, in the worst case scenario, we will identify leak paths, learn more about what affects leakage--and we'll have a new, flight-certified swab tool for our EVA toolbox.

Falker, Jay↗
NASA NTRS2016

Mars Cube One (MarCO) Shifting the Paradigm in Relay Deep Space Operations

A very significant challenge in the planetary mission design and operations is communications with ground control teams during critical events and highly risky maneuvers. These include entry, descent, and landing (EDL) and orbit insertion, which should not be carried out in the blind. Although vast planetary distances and long round-trip light times disallow real-time intervention from controllers, acquiring the relevant event performance parameters in near real-time can be imperative for determining the corrective actions needed immediately following or, in the case of significant anomalies, aid in the diagnostic analysis. During several previous Mars missions landing events, and the Huygens probe landing on Titan, the communications strategy relied on proximity links to planetary orbiters, which then relayed the data to the Deep Space Network (DSN). In addition, attempts were successfully made in parallel to receive the signal carrier directly at Earth often using large radio telescopes when the wavelength was outside the DSN’s reception bands. This Direct-to-Earth (DTE) back-up method was only possible due to special techniques utilizing the DSN’s open-loop Radio Science Receivers. In every case, it was very challenging since the link budget of a landing vehicles were designed for proximity orbiter relays and not for distances across the solar system. A new method is introduced since not all future missions can rely on the presence of pre-existing orbiters at their planetary targets to relay their critical data ad, furthermore, most missions would not likely have the resources to implement a reliable DTE link at acceptable data rates, bypassing a need for a relay asset. With the advent CubeSat form-factor spacecraft, one or more, for added reliability, CubeSats can be launched with the primary mission, travel to the target, and be positioned to view the critical event, such as EDL, and carry out real-time relay of the data to the DSN at higher rates. CubeSats have flown in the Earth environment but never flown or been operated in deep space or planetary environment so careful design as well as flight experience are needed. The relay function requires the development of radio and antenna systems to meet challenging specifications. After initial technical demonstration of the concept and operational experience, the cost can decrease as systems become more standardized with increased reliability. This paper describes the invention of the “carry your own relay” concept and the formulation of the mission likely to be the first planetary CubeSat mission called Mars Cube One (MarCO). It also describes the operational concept of relay small spacecraft and their role reducing mission risk as well as overall mission cost.

Asmar, Sami↗
NASA NTRS1997

Navigation for the new millennium: Autonomous navigation for Deep Space 1

The autonomous optical navigation system technology for the Deep Space 1 (DS1) mission is reported on. The DS1 navigation system will be the first to use autonomous navigation in deep space. The systems tasks are to: perform interplanetary cruise orbit determination using images of distant asteroids; control and maintain the orbit of the spacecraft with an ion propulsion system and conventional thrusters, and perform late knowledge updates of target position during close flybys in order to facilitate high quality data return from asteroid MaAuliffe and comet West-Kohoutek-Ikemura. To accomplish these tasks, the following functions are required: picture planning; image processing; dynamical modeling and integration; planetary ephemeris and star catalog handling; orbit determination; data filtering and estimation; maneuver estimation, and spacecraft ephemeris updating. These systems and functions are described and preliminary performance data are presented.

Reidel, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Ag isotopic and chalcophile element evolution of the terrestrial and martian mantles during accretion: new constraints from Bi, Pd, and Ag metal-silicate partitioning.

The Earth’s timing of accretion and acquisition of moderately volatile compounds is uncertain. Hafnium-W and Mn-Cr isotopic data can bracket the timing of early planetary differentiation and core formation. The Ag-Pd system has also been utilized but its application has been limited by a lack of high pressure and temperature metal-silicate partitioning for Pd and Ag. Be-cause Ag (and Bi) are volatile chalcophile siderophile elements, understanding their early distribution can constrain the origin of volatile elements in differentiated bodies and planets. Unfortunately, neither Ag or Bi have been studied across the wide range of pressure and temperature conditions that are relevant to accretion and core-mantle differentiation. Here, new high-pressure and temperature multi-anvil metal-silicate equilibrium experiments for Bi and Ag have been carried out at conditions relevant to planetary accretion and metal silicate differentiation that allow a more refined and complete understanding of element partitioning during core formation. The new metal-silicate partitioning data utilized to predict the distributions of Bi, Pd, and Ag at conditions of accretion for Earth and Mars and show that the Pd/Ag ratio is significantly fractionated during accretion, allowing for the production of detectable 107Ag anomalies produced while 107Pd (half life = 6.5 M.y.) was still extant. Application of the new partitioning results to Earth shows that D(Bi) and D(Ag) (D = metal/silicate concentration ratio) are lowered due to the effect of pressure and Si alloyed in the metallic liquid, resulting in higher predicted mantle Bi and Ag abundances than in the bulk silicate Earth (BSE), as well as high and variable Pd/Ag. The unradiogenic Ag isotopic composition of the BSE could have been generated by early accretion of volatile-poor (high Pd/Ag) precursors, followed by later accretion of volatile–rich (low Pd/Ag) material, in agreement with earlier studies of Pd-Ag and Mn-Cr (Schönbächler et al., 2010). However, these main accretion phases would have to be followed by segregation of a sulfide liquid (at least 1.5% of magma ocean) at high pressures (>30 GPa), to explain the PUM Bi, Pd, and Ag, as well as Au, Pt, Cu and Ni concentrations as proposed previously. If the early accreted bulk Earth was volatile depleted with high Pd/Ag ratios, portions of the mantle may contain ancient domains that developed positive 107Ag isotopic anomalies (as also argued by noble gases, Nd, W, and Os isotopes). In comparison, Bi, Pd, and Ag concentrations in the martian mantle could have been set by simple metal-silicate equilibrium. Mars accreted and differentiated relatively rapidly, while also developing a deep magma ocean with a high Pd/Ag ratio that could have evolved positive 107Ag anomalies, in contrast to Earth. Measurements on shergottites may reveal these predicted Ag isotopic anomalies.

accretion↗
NASA NTRS2006

Early Planetary Differentiation: Comparative Planetology

We currently have extensive data for four different terrestrial bodies of the inner solar system: Earth, the Moon, Mars, and the Eucrite Parent Body [EPB]. All formed early cores; but all(?) have mantles with elevated concentrations of highly sidero-phile elements, suggestive of the addition of a late "veneer". Two appear to have undergone extensive differentiation consistent with a global magma ocean. One appears to be inconsistent with a simple model of "low-pressure" chondritic differentiation. Thus, there seems to be no single, simple paradigm for understand-ing early differentiation.

Jones, John H.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Devices & Systems for Communications in Extreme Environment

The feasibility of Ka-band gallium nitride (GaN) based high power amplifier (HPA) for signal amplification in extreme planetary environment is investigated and its measured performance is presented. The data includes Pout, PAE, EVM for several waveforms and data rates, output spectrum, IMD, Noise Figure, and Gain. The data indicates excellent overall performance. Potential application of this HPA includes communication systems required to operate in the extreme hot environment of Mercury and Venus, extreme cold and high radiation environment of Jupiter’s icy moons, and Artemis missions that involve human/robotic exploration and long-term presence on the Moon.

Gallium Nitride↗
NASA NTRS1973

Scientific and technical services directed toward the development of planetary quarantine measures for automated spacecraft

Planetary quarantine requirements and parameters are evaluated for their effects upon automated spacecraft flights data describing the heat resistance of naturally occuring microorganisms and sterilization requirements are analyzed and a possible method for assessment of these data is developed. Pertinent data from planetary mission microbial contamination logs are compiled and maintained in the quarantine document system.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Autonomous control of roving vehicles for unmanned exploration of the planets

The guidance of an autonomous rover for unmanned planetary exploration using a short range (0.5 - 3.0 meter) hazard detection system was studied. Experimental data derived from a one laser/one detector system were used in the development of improved algorithms for the guidance of the rover. The new algorithms which account for the dynamic characteristics of the Rensselaer rover can be applied to other rover concepts provided that the rover dynamic parameters are modified appropriately. The new algorithms will also be applicable to the advanced scanning system. The design of an elevation scanning laser/multisensor hazard detection system was completed. All mechanical and electronic hardware components with the exception of the sensor optics and electronic components were constructed and tested.

Yerazunis, S. W.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Spectral investigations of Mars from Viking

In connection with the Viking mission, spectral and photometric data of Mars were obtained with the aid of camera systems located either on the planetary surface (Lander I and II) or in Martian orbit (Orbiter I and II). Operations from Lander I are scheduled to continue through 1990. Comparisons made of the surface and atmospheric spectral and photometric properties at various times throughout the Mission were probably the most important studies conducted by the Lander cameras. The variations in atmospheric optical density due to clouds, dust storm activity (both local and global), and even a partial eclipse of the sun by the small satellite Phobos, were observed by the Lander imaging systems. Using Viking Orbiter II images, the surface materials of the equatorial region have been classified and mapped on the basis of spectral reflectance properties. Attention is also given to some details regarding the characteristics of the Viking imaging systems.

Evans, N.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Global Scale Atmospheric Processes Research Program Review

Global modeling; satellite data assimilation and initialization; simulation of future observing systems; model and observed energetics; dynamics of planetary waves; First Global Atmospheric Research Program Global Experiment (FGGE) diagnosis studies; and National Research Council Research Associateship Program are discussed.

Worley, B. A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Interpretation of lightcurves of atmosphereless bodies. I - General theory and new inversion schemes

Theoretical models of light-curve inversion that can be used in photomorphography, i.e., determination of the 3D shape and/or the light-scattering behavior of the surface of a body from disk-integrated photometry. These methods can be applied to atmosphereless bodies, mainly asteroids and planetary satellites, in the solar system. The inversion comprises three steps. First, a function containing data on the shape and the albedo variegation of an asteroid is determined. In the second step, separate expressions for the inverse of the Gaussian curvature and the albedo distribution are derived from the information obtained in the first step. In the third step, the nontrivial problem of determining the radius vector of the surface from the Gaussian curvature is solved by using iterative optimization procedures.

Kaasalainen, M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Determination of Planetary Basalt Parentage: A Simple Technique Using the Electron Microprobe

Previous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of major and minor elements in silicate phases to understand differences among basaltic systems and the influence of different planetary environments on basalt chemistry (e.g., Papike [1]). Intriguing data displays presented by Papike [1] include a plot of Mn vs. Fe (atoms per formula unit, afu) for pyroxene and olivine and a plot showing the anorthite content of plagioclase from different planetary basalts. Here we combine portions of these plots (Fig. 4) and provide all new data for olivine and plagioclase.

Papike, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS2018

NASA’s and ESA’s Tracking Networks, A Decade of Strategic Partnership for Solar System Exploration

Planetary missions travel vast distances in the Solar System for valuable scientific exploration. Spacecraft return data to Earth via radio links that suffer power losses inversely proportional to the square of the distance, which forms a tremendous engineering challenge compounded by relatively low onboard transmitter power, typically 20 Watts at X-band (~8 GHz). Deep space missions are enabled only because leading space agencies invested in developing very large communications antennas as well as provided a sophisticated suite of tracking, telemetry and command standard services. NASA’s Deep Space Network and ESA’s ESTRACK network are distributed geographically to provide global coverage and utilize stations ranging in size from 34 meters to 70 meters in diameter. Over time, the expanding number of missions, increased requirements for redundancy during critical events as well as the drive for improved navigation accuracy via long-baseline interferometric techniques, increased the networks’ loading and strongly motivated collaboration between the two agencies. Ten years ago, NASA and ESA established a cross-support agreement in addition to multiple on-going mission-specific agreements to meet this need. This strategic partnership was enabled by the development of international inter-operability technical standards and compatible spectrum usage. Over recent years, many critical events were supported via these agreements and some scientific breakthroughs were enabled. A multi-nation tracking contention period envisioned in the near future will also benefit from this partnership. Due to its success over the last decade, the DSN-ESTRACK partnership is serving as a model for other agencies with deep space communication facilities and similar interest. This paper reviews the benefits and lessons learned from collaborative deep space exploration, especially via communications networks, and discusses the potential implementation of similar NASA agreements with other space agencies.

Costrell, Jim↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

First in-situ Nitrogen Isotope Measurements in Martian Meteorites

The origin and timing of the accretion of volatile elements on the terrestrial planets remains a subject of controversy. Nitrogen and hydrogen isotopes are powerful tools to constrain the source(s) of primordial volatiles accreted by planetary bodies because their isotope ratios (15N/14N; D/H) differ significantly between different solar system reservoirs (e.g., solar, chondritic, cometary). Hf-W data of martian samples indicate that Mars accreted very rapidly in the inner solar system and reached half ofits size in 1.8 Myr [1]. Therefore, martian samples are key to understand the distribution of volatile elements in the inner solar system during the early stages of planetary formation. Since no space missions have yet returned samples from Mars, martian meteorites (Shergottites, Nakhlites, Chassignites) are unique samples to constrain the source(s) of volatiles present in the martian mantle. The goal of this study was to target pristine phases(e.g., melt inclusions, mesostasis) for in-situ measurements of their nitrogen content and isotopic ratios to access the most primitive melt of the Chassignites and Nakhlites reservoirs. Five different Nakhlites (Nakhla, NWA 998, MIL 03346, Y 000593,NWA 6148) and Chassigny were analysed [2] using a recent high-resolution analytical technique that allows constraining the nitrogen composition of both carbon-bearing and carbon-free phases in natural and synthetic samples. Nitrogen was measured in the form of 14N16O- and 15N16O- with the CAMECA 1280-HR2 at the CRPG [3]. A significant amount of nitrogen was detected in melt inclusions in Chassigny and in the mesostasis of Nakhla, Y000593, MIL 03346, and NWA 6148. Nitrogen isotope signatures of Chassigny and Nakhlites exhibit a heavy isotope enrichment compared to Earth's mantle, and are consistent with a carbonaceous chondrite-like source [4]. This suggests that Earth and Mars accreted nitrogen from different chondritic sources. Overall, our in-situ technique is a unique and powerful tool to characterize the nitrogen abundance and isotopic composition of natural samples.

C Deligny↗