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NASA NTRS2018

Mission Concept for a Europa Lander

A NASA HQ-directed study team led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) with partners including Applied Physics Lab, Marshall Space Flight Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Langley Research Center and Sandia National Laboratory has recently presented a mission concept for a Europa Lander that would search for bio-signatures and signs of life in the near-subsurface of the Jovian moon. The mission would follow the Europa Clipper multiple-flyby mission, planned for launch in June of 2022, which would provide reconnaissance imagery and other data to the Lander for use in selecting a scientifically compelling site and certifying it for engineering safety. The Europa Lander concept accommodates the Model Payload identified by the Europa Lander Science Definition Team (SDT) and documented in the Europa Lander Study 2016 Report released in February of 2017. The currently envisioned Europa Lander would launch on an SLS Block 1B as early as October of 2025 into a VEGA trajectory, arriving in the Jovian system as early as July of 2030. The baseline design of the integrated flight system includes a dedicated Carrier and Relay Stage, a Deorbit Vehicle composed of a Deorbit Stage consisting of a solid rocket motor (SRM), an MSL-like sky-crane Descent Stage, and a Lander which accommodates the instrument suite. The Lander would be powered by primary batteries over a 20-day surface mission. The science goals envisioned by the SDT require five samples taken from a depth of 10cm, a depth chosen to ensure minimal radiation processing of the potential biomarkers. Mission challenges include the large launch mass, unknown terrain topography, surface composition and materials properties, the high radiation environment, and complying with stringent planetary protection requirements. The mission concept uses a strategy of early risk reduction and overlapping requirements to provide robustness to harsh and uncertain environments. Early risk reduction efforts are aimed at maturing technologies associated with the sampling system, the intelligent landing system, high specific energy batteries, low mass and power motor controllers, and a thermal sterilization system.

Dooley, Jennifer↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Mobile LiDAR as A Tool for Terrestrial and Planetary Cave Exploration and Mapping

The Kinematic Navigation and Cartography Knapsack (KNaCK) team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama is developing tools that enable ultra-high resolution terrain mapping and navigation using mobile LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms in fully GPS-denied and unilluminated environments. The backpack mounted LiDAR instrument under development by our team demonstrates the potential of mobile SLAM LiDAR for use in challenging lunar and planetary surface environments as well as for lunar, planetary, and terrestrial cave exploration, study, and utilization.

LiDAR↗

NASA NTRS1976

Planetary/DOD entry technology flight experiments. Volume 3: Planetary entry flight experiments handbook

The environments produced by entry into Jupiter and Saturn atmospheres are summarized. Worst case design environments are identified and the effect of entry angle, type of atmosphere and ballistic coefficient variations are presented. The range of environments experienced during earth entry is parametrically described as a function of initial entry conditions. The sensitivity of these environments to vehicle ballistic coefficient and nose radius is also shown. An elliptical deorbit maneuver strategy is defined in terms of the velocity increment required versus initial entry conditions and apoapsis altitude. Mission time, ground track, and out of plane velocity penalties are also presented. Performance capabilities of typical shuttle launched boosters are described including the initial entry conditions attainable as a function of paylaod mass and apoapsis altitude.

Christensen, H. E.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Using Flexible Execution, Replanning, and Model Parameter Updates to Address Environmental Uncertainty for a Planetary Lander

When planning in unknown environments, a planner must ensure robustness to unknown phenomena and manage unpredictable variation in execution. Productivity in the face of these challenges requires an integrated approach to planning and execution that is capable of reacting to variation while still maximizing overall utility. We examine this problem in the context of the Europa Lander mission concept. We propose a planning and execution framework that responds to feedback using three techniques: (1) flexible execution, (2) periodic replanning, and (3) online model parameter and utility updates. The efficacy of each of these techniques is examined through simulation of the Europa Lander concept, showing higher utility achievement compared to baseline approaches.

Chien, Steve A.↗

NASA NTRS2022

Analyzing the Efficacy of Flexible Execution, Replanning, and Plan Optimization for a Planetary Lander

Plan execution in unknown environments poses a number of challenges: uncertainty in domain modeling, stochasticity at execution time, and the presence of exogenous events. These challenges motivate an integrated approach to planning and execution that is able to respond intelligently to variation. We examine this problem in the context of the Europa Lander mission concept, and evaluate a planning and execution framework that responds to feedback and task failure using two techniques: flexible execution and replanning with plan optimization. We develop a theoretical framework to estimate gains from these techniques, and we compare these predictions to empirical results generated in simulation. These results indicate that an integrated approach to planning and execution leveraging flexible execution, replanning, and utility maximization shows significant promise for future tightly-constrained space missions that must address significant uncertainty.

Chien, Steve↗

NASA NTRS2002

A Solar System Perspective on Laboratory Astrophysics

Planetary science deals with a wide variety of natural materials in a wide variety of environments. These materials include metals, minerals, ices, gases, plasmas, and organic chemicals. In addition, the newly defined discipline of astrobiology introduces biological materials to planetary science. The environments range from the interiors of planets with megapascal pressures to planetary magnetospheres, encompassing planetary mantles, surfaces, atmospheres, and ionospheres. The interplanetary environment includes magnetic and electrical fields, plasma, and dust. In order to understand planetary processes over these vast ranges, the properties of materials must be known, and most of the necessary information comes from the laboratory. Observations of the bodies and materials in the Solar System are accomplished over the full range of the electromagnetic spectrum by remote sensing from Earth or spacecraft. Comets exemplify this; molecular and atomic identifications are made from the hard ultraviolet to radio wavelengths, while X-rays are emitted as comets interact with the solar wind. Gamma rays from the surfaces of the Moon and asteroids are diagnostic of the mineral and ice content of those bodies; eventually, gamma rays will also be observed by probes to comets. A number of planetary materials are available in the laboratory for extensive Study: rocks from the Moon, Mars, several asteroids, as well as dust from comets (and perhaps the Kuiper Belt) are closely studied at every level, including atomic (isotopic). Even pre-solar interstellar grains isolated from meteorites are scrutinized for composition and crystalline structure. Beyond the materials themselves, various agents and processes have altered them over the 4.6-Gy age of the Solar System. Solar radiation, solar wind particles, trapped magnetospheric particles, cosmic rays, and micrometeoroid impacts have produced chemical, physical, and morphological changes in the atmospheres and on the surfaces of all planetary bodies. These processes are not well understood, so studies in a laboratory setting are especially needed.

Cruikshank, Dale P.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Mobile Lidar as A Tool for Terrestrial and Planetary Cave Exploration and Mapping

The Kinematic Navigation and Cartography Knapsack (KNaCK) team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama is developing tools that enable ultra-high resolution terrain mapping and navigation using mobile LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithms in fully GPS-denied and unilluminated environments [1,2]. The backpack mounted LiDAR instrument under development by our team demonstrates the potential of mobile SLAM LiDAR for use in challenging lunar and planetary surface environments as well as for lunar, planetary, and terrestrial cave exploration, study, and utilization.

Lunar Skylight↗

NASA NTRS2005

Thermal, Radiation and Impact Protective Shields (TRIPS) for Robotic and Human Space Exploration Missions

New concepts for protective shields for NASA s Crew Exploration Vehicles (CEVs) and planetary probes offer improved mission safety and affordability. Hazards include radiation from cosmic rays and solar particle events, hypervelocity impacts from orbital debris/ micrometeorites, and the extreme heating environment experienced during entry into planetary atmospheres. The traditional approach for the design of protection systems for these hazards has been to create single-function shields, i.e. ablative and blanket-based heat shields for thermal protection systems (TPS), polymer or other low-molecular-weight materials for radiation shields, and multilayer, Whipple-type shields for protection from hypervelocity impacts. This paper introduces an approach for the development of a single, multifunctional protective shield, employing nanotechnology- based materials, to serve simultaneously as a TPS, an impact shield and as the first line of defense against radiation. The approach is first to choose low molecular weight ablative TPS materials, (existing and planned for development) and add functionalized carbon nanotubes. Together they provide both thermal and radiation (TR) shielding. Next, impact protection (IP) is furnished through a tough skin, consisting of hard, ceramic outer layers (to fracture the impactor) and sublayers of tough, nanostructured fabrics to contain the debris cloud from the impactor before it can penetrate the spacecraft s interior.

Loomis, M. P.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER)

Visions and Voyages for Planetary Science in the Decade 2013-2022[1] identified the goal of understanding the origin, evolution, and processes that control climate on terrestrial planets,with direct interest in Venus. The Glenn Extreme Environment Rig (GEER), located at NASA Glenn Research Center, was developed to address a community need for a facility which could simulate the extreme environments of the Venus surface. It actively supports science investigations and technical development activities of research institutions and industry partners. It is uniquely suited for studying the interactions between Venus' substantial atmosphere, its surface, and exploration components. Ongoing facility enhancements will provide significant additional value to the research community and maintain GEERs status as a world-class Venus simulation facility.

probe↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Caves as Planetary Analogs for GPS Denied, Low-Light Mapping and Navigation in Rugged Environments

KNaCK (Kinematic Navigation and Cartography Knapsack) is a backpack-mounted mobile mapping system. It can map its surroundings in 3 dimensions and localize itself in space using a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor and SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) algorithm. The KNaCK team is leveraging caves as a proving ground to refine technology for mapping and navigation on other worlds while simultaneously advancing the State of the Art for terrestrial cave exploration and study.

Relevant environment testing↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Caves as Planetary Analogs for GPS Denied, Low-Light Mapping and Navigation in Rugged Environments. Lightning Talk. LSIC 2023 Fall Meeting.

Relevant environment testing↗

NASA NTRS1987

The magnetospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus

The results published by U.S. scientists during 1983-1986 from studies related to the magnetospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus are discussed. Consideration is given to the magnetic fields of these planets, charged particle environments, the interactions between the planetary rings and planetary satellites, the solar wind interactions, radio emissions, and auroras. Special attention is given to observations of (1) a small flux of energetic electrons and protons in the otherwise radiation-free environment in the magnetosphere under the rings of Saturn (interpreted as interactions of Galactic cosmic rays with the rings), (2) spokes, and (3) Saturn ring erosion.

Connerney, J. E. P.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Caves as Planetary Analogs for GPS Denied, Low-Light Mapping and Navigation in Rugged Environments

LiDAR↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Caves as Planetary Analogs for GPS Denied, Low-Light Mapping and Navigation in Rugged Environments

LiDAR↗

NASA NTRS2009

Using FLUKA to Calculate Spacecraft: Single Event Environments: A Practical Approach

The FLUKA nuclear transport and reaction code can be developed into a practical tool for calculation of spacecraft and planetary surface asset SEE and TID environments. Nuclear reactions and secondary particle shower effects can be estimated with acceptable accuracy both in-flight and in test. More detailed electronic device and/or spacecraft geometries than are reported here are possible using standard FLUKA geometry utilities. Spacecraft structure and shielding mass. Effects of high Z elements in microelectronic structure as reported previously. Median shielding mass in a generic slab or concentric sphere target geometry are at least approximately applicable to more complex spacecraft shapes. Need the spacecraft shielding mass distribution function applicable to the microelectronic system of interest. SEE environment effects can be calculated for a wide range of spacecraft and microelectronic materials with complete nuclear physics. Evaluate benefits of low Z shielding mass can be evaluated relative to aluminum. Evaluate effects of high Z elements as constituents of microelectronic devices. The principal limitation on the accuracy of the FLUKA based method reported here are found in the limited accuracy and incomplete character of affordable heavy ion test data. To support accurate rate estimates with any calculation method, the aspect ratio of the sensitive volume(s) and the dependence must be better characterized.

Koontz, Steve↗

NASA NTRS2017

(Proposed) space environments and effects monitoring with a CubeSat for JPL Earth and planetary science missions: "black box"

UNKNOWN

Jun, Insoo↗

NASA NTRS2011

Locomotor Adaptation Improves Balance Control, Multitasking Ability and Reduces the Metabolic Cost of Postural Instability

During exploration-class missions, sensorimotor disturbances may lead to disruption in the ability to ambulate and perform functional tasks during the initial introduction to a novel gravitational environment following a landing on a planetary surface. The overall goal of our current project is to develop a sensorimotor adaptability training program to facilitate rapid adaptation to these environments. We have developed a unique training system comprised of a treadmill placed on a motion-base facing a virtual visual scene. It provides an unstable walking surface combined with incongruent visual flow designed to enhance sensorimotor adaptability. Greater metabolic cost incurred during balance instability means more physical work is required during adaptation to new environments possibly affecting crewmembers? ability to perform mission critical tasks during early surface operations on planetary expeditions. The goal of this study was to characterize adaptation to a discordant sensory challenge across a number of performance modalities including locomotor stability, multi-tasking ability and metabolic cost. METHODS: Subjects (n=15) walked (4.0 km/h) on a treadmill for an 8 -minute baseline walking period followed by 20-minutes of walking (4.0 km/h) with support surface motion (0.3 Hz, sinusoidal lateral motion, peak amplitude 25.4 cm) provided by the treadmill/motion-base system. Stride frequency and auditory reaction time were collected as measures of locomotor stability and multi-tasking ability, respectively. Metabolic data (VO2) were collected via a portable metabolic gas analysis system. RESULTS: At the onset of lateral support surface motion, subj ects walking on our treadmill showed an increase in stride frequency and auditory reaction time indicating initial balance and multi-tasking disturbances. During the 20-minute adaptation period, balance control and multi-tasking performance improved. Similarly, throughout the 20-minute adaptation period, VO2 gradually decreased following an initial increase after the onset of support surface motion. DISCUSSION: Resu lts confirmed that walking in discordant conditions not only compromises locomotor stability and the ability to multi-task, but comes at a quantifiable metabolic cost. Importantly, like locomotor stability and multi-tasking ability, metabolic expenditure while walking in discordant sensory conditions improved during adaptation. This confirms that sensorimotor adaptability training can benefit multiple performance parameters central to the successful completion of critical mission tasks.

Bloomberg, J. J.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Spectroscopic Studies of Pre-Biotic Carbon Chemistry

As described in the original proposal and in our progress reports, research in the Blake group supported by the Exobiology program seeks to understand the pre-biotic chemistry of carbon along with that of other first- and second-row elements from the earliest stages of star formation through the development of planetary systems. The major tool used is spectroscopy, and the program has observational, laboratory, and theoretical components. The observational and theoretical programs are concerned primarily with a quantitative assessment of the chemical budgets of the biogenic elements in the circumstellar environment of forming stars and planetary systems, while the laboratory work is focused on the complex species that characterize the pre-biotic chemistry of carbon. We outline below our results over the past year acquired, in part, with Exobiology support.

Blake, Geoffrey A.↗