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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2006

A Modular Robotic System with Applications to Space Exploration

Modular robotic systems offer potential advantages as versatile, fault-tolerant, cost-effective platforms for space exploration, but a sufficiently mature system is not yet available. We describe the possible applications of such a system, and present prototype hardware intended as a step in the right direction. We also present elements of an automated design and optimization framework aimed at making modular robots easier to design and use, and discuss the results of applying the system to a gait optimization problem. Finally, we discuss the potential near-term applications of modular robotics to terrestrial robotics research.

Hancher, Matthew D.↗
NASA NTRS2007

A Coordinated Initialization Process for the Distributed Space Exploration Simulation (DSES)

This document describes the federate initialization process that was developed at the NASA Johnson Space Center with the HIIA Transfer Vehicle Flight Controller Trainer (HTV FCT) simulations and refined in the Distributed Space Exploration Simulation (DSES). These simulations use the High Level Architecture (HLA) IEEE 1516 to provide the communication and coordination between the distributed parts of the simulation. The purpose of the paper is to describe a generic initialization sequence that can be used to create a federate that can: 1. Properly initialize all HLA objects, object instances, interactions, and time management 2. Check for the presence of all federates 3. Coordinate startup with other federates 4. Robustly initialize and share initial object instance data with other federates.

Phillips, Robert↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Electrical Energy Storage Design Space Exploration for a Hybrid-Electric Six Passenger Quadrotor

Hybrid-electric architectures are a promising means to achieve clean and efficient aircraft propulsion needed for small, short-range electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) class vehicles. This paper explores the design space for a six-passenger quadrotor hybrid-electric propulsion system and shows that hybrid architectures that are more efficient than engine-only architectures can be built with near-term battery technology (~150 Wh/kg at the pack level). Data obtained shows that hybrid-electric propulsion systems can achieve 28 percent block fuel reduction and 27 percent total energy cost savings over a 120 nautical mile (nmi) mission compared to conventional turboshaft architectures. This work suggests that hybrids are likely the most efficient architectures that can be produced in the near term for this class of vehicle and motivates further development in this area.

Hybrid-electric↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Electrical Energy Storage Design Space Exploration for a Hybrid-Electric Six-Passenger Quadrotor

Hybrid-electric architectures are a promising means to achieve clean and efficient aircraft propulsion needed for small, short-range electric vertical takeoff and landing class vehicles. This paper explores the design space for a six-passenger quadrotor hybrid-electric propulsion system and shows that hybrid architectures that are more efficient than engine-only architectures can be built with near-term battery technology (approximately 150 Wh/kg at the pack level). Data obtained shows that hybrid-electric propulsion systems can achieve 37 percent block fuel reduction and 35 percent total energy cost savings over a 120 nautical mile mission compared to conventional turboshaft architectures. This work suggests that hybrids are likely the most efficient architectures that can be produced in the near term for this class of vehicle and motivates further development in this area.

parallel hybrid electric aircraft↗
NASA NTRS2001

Medicine in long duration space exploration: the role of virtual reality and broad bandwidth telecommunications networks

Safety of astronauts during long-term space exploration is a priority for NASA. This paper describes efforts to produce Earth-based models for providing expert medical advice when unforeseen medical emergencies occur on spacecraft. These models are Virtual Collaborative Clinics that reach into remote sites using telecommunications and emerging stereo-imaging and sensor technologies. c 2001. Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1990

A technology assessment of alternative communications systems for the space exploration initiative

Telecommunications, Navigation, and Information Management (TNIM) services are vital to accomplish the ambitious goals of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). A technology assessment is provided for four alternative lunar and Mars operational TNIM systems based on detailed communications link analyses. The four alternative systems range from a minimum to a fully enhanced capability and use frequencies from S-band, through Ka-band, and up to optical wavelengths. Included are technology development schedules as they relate to present SEI mission architecture time frames.

Ponchak, Denise S.↗
NASA NTRS1990

A technology assessment of alternative communications systems for the space exploration initiative

Telecommunications, Navigation, and Information Management (TNIM) services are vital to accomplish the ambitious goals of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI). A technology assessment is provided for four alternative lunar and Mars operational TNIM systems based on detailed communications link analyses. The four alternative systems range from a minimum to a fully enhanced capability and use frequencies from S-band, through ka-band, and up to optical wavelengths. Included are technology development schedules as they relate to present SEI mission architecture time frames.

Ponchak, Denise S.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Status of robotic mission studies for the Space Exploration Initiative - 1991

Results of studies of robotic missions to the moon and Mars planned under the U.S. Space Exploration Initiative are summarized. First, an overall strategy for small robotic missions to accomplish the information gathering required by human missions is reviewed, and the principal robotic mission requirements are discussed. The discussion covers the following studies: the Lunar Observer, the Mars Environmental Survey mission, Mars Sample Return missions using microtechnology, and payloads.

Bourke, Roger D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

[Space Exploration Initiative]

Future Mars exploration missions and operations are discussed using computer animation along with proposed vehicles and equipment, for example, a Mars surface land rover. There is a Presidential Address by President George Bush where he discusses future goals for space exploration. This video also outlines the Outreach Program, which offers the public the chance to suggest new ideas for space research and exploration.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1990

Cryogenic propellant management architectures to support the Space Exploration Initiative

The initial results of a current study to develop fuel system architectures to support the lunar requirements of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) are reported. The study includes the development and assessment of propellant management facility concepts, supporting infrastructure, operations analysis, and identification of impact on current programs, including Space Station Freedom, Earth-to-Orbit vehicles, and the Space Transfer Vehicle. The cryogenic propellant management architectures are evaluated using criteria that have been defined to provide for minimum subjective assessment and effective data reliability.

Cady, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Mars direct - A coherent architecture for the Space Exploration Initiative

The coherency of the conventional earth-orbital assembly/Mars orbital rendezvous is analyzed in terms of the Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) architecture and an alternate approach is given. The coherency - defined as a combination of simplicity, robustness, and cost-effectiveness - of the conventional SEI is found to be inadequate. The Mars Direct plan is described in detail and proposed as an efficient alternative for both Martian and lunar applications. In situ propellant production on the target-planet's surface is described, and candidate vehicle designs are set forth. Objectives and problems associated with a manned mission are outlined, and details regarding surface activities and support are given. Nuclear thermal rocket propulsion is determined to be an efficient way to improve mission capability, and the Mars Direct SEI architecture can integrate such technology. The Mars Direct SEI is concluded to be a more effective plan than the conventional rendezvous mission.

Zubrin, Robert M.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Peer-to-Peer Human-Robot Interaction for Space Exploration

NASA has embarked on a long-term program to develop human-robot systems for sustained, affordable space exploration. To support this mission, we are working to improve human-robot interaction and performance on planetary surfaces. Rather than building robots that function as glorified tools, our focus is to enable humans and robots to work as partners and peers. In this paper. we describe our approach, which includes contextual dialogue, cognitive modeling, and metrics-based field testing.

Fong, Terrence↗
NASA NTRS1991

Avionic architecture requirements for Space Exploration Initiative systems

The authors discuss NASA's Strategic Avionics Technology Working Group (SATWG) and the results of the first study commissioned by the SATWG, the Space Avionics Requirements Study (SARS). The goal of the SARS task was to show that an open avionics architecture, using modular, standardized components, could be applied across the wide range of systems that comprise the Space Exploration Initiative. The study addressed systems ranging from expendable launch vehicles and the space station to surface systems such as Mars or lunar rovers and habitats. Top-level avionics requirements were derived from characterizations of each of the systems considered. Then a set of avionics subsystems were identified, along with estimates of the numbers and types of modules needed to meet the requirements. Applicability of these results across the infrastructure was then illustrated. In addition to these tasks, critical technologies were identified, characterized, and assessed in terms of their criticality and impact on the program. Design, development, test, and evaluation methods were addressed to identify potential areas of improvement.

Herbella, C. G.↗
NASA NTRS1974

NASA-KSC's earth resources benefits from space exploration

The purpose of this paper is to identify the nature and scope of earth resources activities at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Because of recent developments from space exploration, NASA and KSC have evolved an earth resources program which focuses on applied R&D activities of direct benefit to a variety of federal, state, and local users. The historical development of this program is traced, and several projects are identified with special emphasis on the use of sidelooking airborne radar in several Brevard County, Florida test areas.

Ragusa, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Nuclear propulsion for space exploration

The results of some recent studies of the application of both nuclear electric and nuclear thermal propulsion systems in space exploration are presented. Issues that require further study and which have a significant effect on the propulsion system design and selection are identified. Attention is given to robotic missions, lunar piloted and cargo missions, and Mars missions.

Miller, Thomas J.↗