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Draft Prototype Microreactor Transportation Safety Program

Microreactors are compact reactors capable of producing less than 50 megawatts of electrical energy. Typically, these reactors are factory-fabricated and designed to be easily transportable by truck, rail, vessel, or air. Microreactor designs often assume that the unit can be transported containing either unirradiated or irradiated fuel. The interest in microreactors is driven by several factors, including the need to generate power on at remote locations, at military installations, at facilities such as data centers, and in areas recovering from natural disasters. The U.S. Department of Defense is actively pursuing the microreactor concept to meet the increasing energy demands of military operations that require portable and dense power sources. Commercial vendors are also exploring microreactor concepts. The report Microreactor Transportation Emergency Planning Challenges (Maheras et al. 2024) outlined the emergency planning challenges associated with the transportation of microreactors by road, rail, and by barge/ship. The successful commercial deployment and redeployment of microreactors will also require the development of microreactor transportation safety programs. The elements in these safety programs are not specific to microreactors; however, the transport of microreactors may pose unique challenges in these areas. This report builds on the report Microreactor Transportation Emergency Planning Challenges (Maheras et al. 2024) and develops the elements of a prototype microreactor transportation safety program that describes the elements that should be contained vendor-developed microreactor transportation safety programs, identifying the unique elements associated with microreactor transport. This will provide vendors and their transportation contractors a basis for their transportation planning and will accelerate the commercial deployment and redeployment of microreactors by identifying those issues unique to microreactor transport. The emphasis of this report is on highway transport of microreactors. This is based on a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission transportation package approval strategy of crawl-walk-run, where transport by highway is evaluated first (Coles et al. 2021, 2024, Maheras et al. 2021), then other surface modes (rail and barge/ship), and finally air transport. Evaluation of maritime transport of microreactors was recently initiated (Rigato et al. 2024, Maheras et al. 2025). The report first discusses microreactors in general and microreactor transportation safety program planning assumptions. The report then provides a description of the transportation safety planning process and provides an extensive discussion of the elements of transportation safety programs. Specific elements examined included transportation roles and responsibilities, transportation planning, transportation mode and route selection, carrier selection, transportation packaging, advance notification of shipments, public information and communications, emergency response plans and procedures, inspections, security, safe parking, shipment tracking, weather and road conditions, medical preparedness, training and exercises, and program evaluation. The report then identifies the unique elements of a transportation safety program associated with microreactor transport. These unique elements were in the areas of: the unusual nature of microreactor designs, compensatory measures, increased radiation dose rates in the vicinity of microreactors, transportation package approval versus 10 CFR 50.59, and the use of a risk-informed transportation package approval process.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Constellation Program: Lessons Learned: Executive Summary - Volume 1

This document (Volume I) provides an executive summary of the lessons learned from the Constellation Program. A companion Volume II provides more detailed analyses for those seeking further insight and information. In this volume, Section 1.0 introduces the approach in preparing and organizing the content to enable rapid assimilation of the lessons. Section 2.0 describes the contextual framework in which the Constellation Program was formulated and functioned that is necessary to understand most of the lessons. Context of a former program may seem irrelevant in the heady days of new program formulation. However, readers should take some time to understand the context. Many of the lessons would be different in a different context, so the reader should reflect on the similarities and differences in his or her current circumstances. Section 3.0 summarizes key findings developed from the significant lessons learned at the program level that appear in Section 4.0. Readers can use the key findings in Section 3.0 to peruse for particular topics, and will find more supporting detail and analyses in Section 4.0 in a topical format. Appendix A contains a white paper describing the Constellation Program formulation that may be of use to readers wanting more context or background information. The reader will no doubt recognize some very similar themes from previous lessons learned, blue-ribbon committee reviews, National Academy reviews, and advisory panel reviews for this and other large-scale human spaceflight programs; including Apollo, Space Shuttle, Shuttle/Mir, and the ISS. This could represent an inability to learn lessons from previous generations; however, it is more likely that similar challenges persist in the Agency structure and approach to program formulation, budget advocacy, and management. Perhaps the greatest value of these Constellation lessons learned can be found in viewing them in context with these previous efforts to guide and advise the Agency and its stakeholders.

Constellation Program↗

Predicting Ground Delay Program at an Airport Based on Meteorological Conditions

In this paper, we present two supervised-learning models, logistic regression and decision tree, to predict occurrence of ground delay program at an airport based on meteorological conditions and scheduled traffic demand. Such predictive capabilities can help the Federal Aviation Administration traffic managers and airline dispatchers to prepare mitigation strategies to reduce the impact of adverse weather. The models are applied to predict ground delay program occurrence at two major U.S. airports: Newark Liberty Intl. and San Francisco Intl. airports. The logistic regression model estimates the probability that a ground delay program will occur during a given hour. Decision tree, on the other hand, classifies an hour as a ground delay program or not based on the input variables. Results indicate that both models perform significantly better than a purely random prediction of ground delay program occurrence at the two airports. The logistic regression model performs better than the decision tree model. The degree to which various input variables impact the probability of ground delay program vary between the two airports. While the enroute convective weather is a dominant factor causing ground delay programs at New York airports, poor visibility and low cloud ceiling caused by marine stratus are major drivers of ground delay programs at San Francisco Intl. airport.

traffic flow management↗

NASA’s Student Airborne Science Activation for Minority Serving Institutions: Inaugural Program, Educational Outcomes, and Lessons Learned

The NASA Student Airborne Science Activation (SaSa) for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) held its inaugural summer research program for early career undergraduates interested in the Geosciences. SaSa is a NASA Science Activation funded 8-week summer internship program. Twenty-four first- and second-year undergraduates from MSIs across the U.S. participated in the summer program - June 6 to July 29, 2022. Students had the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience in all components of an airborne science campaign including flying on-board a NASA research aircraft to collect atmospheric measurements. Students conducted independent research projects related to the atmosphere, ocean, and geosciences that feed into NASA’s broader Earth Science Division’s and Decadal Survey goals using air quality, meteorological, and oceanic measurements from surface, airborne, and satellite-based observations. The program split its time between partner institution, University of Maryland Baltimore County and NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia. Students also made site visits at partner institutions, including: Hampton University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Morgan State University, Howard University, and Coppin State University and attended lectures from visiting faculty and NASA Subject Matter Experts. Students were guided on their research projects by near-peer graduate mentors, SaSa program leadership, co-Is at partner institutions, and NASA scientists to address two major research themes: 1) how human-caused air pollution has human and environmental implications, and 2) how large-scale meteorological factors influence local weather conditions. Students sorted into research groups, based on sub-discipline areas in the Geosciences, including: “Clouds, Aerosols and Radiation”, “Meteorology and Planetary Boundary Layer”, “Air Quality: Particle Pollution and Trace Gases”, and “Air-Water-Land Interface”. Their research was presented as 3-minute lightning talks and in-person poster presentations at a close-out event at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The students’ inter- and trans-disciplinary research experiences centered in the use of multiple ground, airborne, and satellite remote sensing NASA Earth Science Division assets. Providing a unique experience aligned to recognize the societal benefits that NASA contributes in the areas of resource management, air quality monitoring and policy decisions, energy and weather predictions, and research on the Earth’s climate. The SaSa program aims to increase the number of students from MSIs that identify as underrepresented or underserved individuals in the Geosciences discipline, Earth System Science graduate programs, and the NASA workforce. A summary of the summer research program, educational, scientific, and programmatic outcomes, as well as lessons learned will be presented.

NASA↗

Discussion of the General Electric proposal to develop a computer program to select thermal coatings for passive temperature control of satellites

The General Electric Company, Missiles and Space Division, submitted/a proposal to NASA for the development of an IBM 7094 computer program which would select the exterior surface coatings for passively controlling spacecraft temperatures. G. E. claims that the "trial and error" procedures currently used can be accomplished more rationally and can therefore be programmed for a digital computer. In the ASME paper, 63-HT-41, which was presented at the ASME-AIChE Heat Transfer Conference at Boston in August, 1963, Costello, Harper, and Cline, described the procedures that have been used at G. E. to develop a coating selection program subject to the following restrictions: 1. Steady-state conditions prevail, 2. Heat transfer occurs by radiation only, 3. Temperatures are optimized at only one interior point in the spacecraft, an d 4. Only the solar absorptance of the external coatings is varied to optimize temperature. The emittance must remain constant at initially specified values. General Electric proposes to develop a generalized program in three steps: 1. The program would vary both solar absorptance and hemispherical emittance to obtain the optimum coating patterns; 2. Temperatures would be optimized at more than one interior point; and 3. The equations would be modified to account for both conduction and radiation heat transfer. In the development of the general program, the scope would be restricted to steady-state heat transfer. Since the thermal designs of most spacecraft are based primarily on nearly equilibrium conditions, the proposed program could have wide application. An obvious extension of the proposed program would be to account for transient temperatures.

IBM 7090 COMPUTER↗

The cryogenics analysis program for Apollo mission planning and analysis

The cryogenics analysis program was developed as a simplified tool for use in premission planning operations for the Apollo command service module. Through a dynamic development effort, the program has been extended to include real time and postflight analysis capabilities with nominal and contingency planning features. The technical aspects of the program and a comparison of ground test and mission data with data generated by using the cryogenics analysis program are presented. The results of the program capability to predict flight requirements also are presented. Comparisons of data from the program with data from flight results, from a tank qualifications program, and from various system anomalies that have been encountered are discussed. Future plans and additional considerations for the program also are included. Among these plans are a three tank management scheme for hydrogen, venting profile generation for Skylab, and a capability for handling two gas atmospheres. The plan for two gas atmospheres will involve the addition of the capability to handle nitrogen as well as oxygen and hydrogen.

Scott, W.↗

Boundary condition program for aerodynamic lifting surface theory

Users manual for a U.S.A. FORTRAN 4 computer program which determines boundary conditions for a thin wing lifting surface program is described. This program, the geometry program, and several other programs are used together in the analysis of lifting, thin wings in steady, subsonic flow according to a kernel function lifting surface theory. The program calculates specific types of boundary conditions automatically such as those necessary to determine pitch and roll damping derivatives. The program also accepts descriptions of the camber or downwash and twist in the form of tables and/or coefficients of equations. The program performs interpolations so that tables and/or coefficients can apply at stations selected by the user and not at stations dictated by the control point locations.

Medan, R. T.↗

Computer programs for calculating the static longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wing-body-tail configurations

Four computer programs developed to calculate the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wing-body and wing-body-tail combinations are presented. The R1307 program is based on a linear method and is limited to the small range of angles of attack for which the lift and moment characteristics of wings and bodies are linear with angle of attack. The CRSFLW program is based on a crossflow method of predicting the forces and moments on bodies alone or wing-body combinations over a large angle of attack range. The SUBSON program predicts the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wing-body-tail combinations at subsonic speeds and at angles of attack for which symmetrical pairs of vortices are shed from the body nose and the leading and side edges of the lifting surfaces. Program SUPSON predicts the longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of wing-body-tail combinations at supersonic speeds in the same angle-of-attack range. A description of the use of each program, instructions for preparation of input, a description of the output, program listings, and sample cases for each program are included.

Mendenhall, M. R.↗

Computer program system for dynamic simulation and stability analysis of passive and actively controlled spacecraft. Volume 1. Theory

A theoretical development and associated digital computer program system is presented. The dynamic system (spacecraft) is modeled as an assembly of rigid and/or flexible bodies not necessarily in a topological tree configuration. The computer program system may be used to investigate total system dynamic characteristics including interaction effects between rigid and/or flexible bodies, control systems, and a wide range of environmental loadings. Additionally, the program system may be used for design of attitude control systems and for evaluation of total dynamic system performance including time domain response and frequency domain stability analyses. Volume 1 presents the theoretical developments including a description of the physical system, the equations of dynamic equilibrium, discussion of kinematics and system topology, a complete treatment of momentum wheel coupling, and a discussion of gravity gradient and environmental effects. Volume 2, is a program users' guide and includes a description of the overall digital program code, individual subroutines and a description of required program input and generated program output. Volume 3 presents the results of selected demonstration problems that illustrate all program system capabilities.

Bodley, C. S.↗

Programmer's manual for MMLE3, a general FORTRAN program for maximum likelihood parameter estimation

The MMLE3 is a maximum likelihood parameter estimation program capable of handling general bilinear dynamic equations of arbitrary order with measurement noise and/or state noise (process noise). The basic MMLE3 program is quite general and, therefore, applicable to a wide variety of problems. The basic program can interact with a set of user written problem specific routines to simplify the use of the program on specific systems. A set of user routines for the aircraft stability and control derivative estimation problem is provided with the program. The implementation of the program on specific computer systems is discussed. The structure of the program is diagrammed, and the function and operation of individual routines is described. Complete listings and reference maps of the routines are included on microfiche as a supplement. Four test cases are discussed; listings of the input cards and program output for the test cases are included on microfiche as a supplement.

Maine, R. E.↗

Survey of computer programs for heat transfer analysis

An overview is presented of the current capabilities of thirty-eight computer programs that can be used for solution of heat transfer problems. These programs range from the large, general-purpose codes with a broad spectrum of capabilities, large user community and comprehensive user support (e.g., ANSYS, MARC, MITAS 2 MSC/NASTRAN, SESAM-69/NV-615) to the small, special purpose codes with limited user community such as ANDES, NNTB, SAHARA, SSPTA, TACO, TEPSA AND TRUMP. The capabilities of the programs surveyed are listed in tabular form followed by a summary of the major features of each program. As with any survey of computer programs, the present one has the following limitations: (1) It is useful only in the initial selection of the programs which are most suitable for a particular application. The final selection of the program to be used should, however, be based on a detailed examination of the documentation and the literature about the program; (2) Since computer software continually changes, often at a rapid rate, some means must be found for updating this survey and maintaining some degree of currency.

Noor, A. K.↗

User's Manual for Thermal Analysis Program of Axially Grooved Heat Pipe (HTGAP)

A computer program that numerically predicts the steady state temperature distribution inside an axially grooved heat pipe wall for a given groove geometry and working fluid under various heat input and output modes is described. The program computes both evaporator and condenser film coefficients. The program is able to handle both axisymmetric and nonaxisymmetric heat transfer cases. Non-axisymmetric heat transfer results either from non-uniform input at the evaporator or non-uniform heat removal from the condenser, or from both. The presence of a liquid pool in the condenser region under one-g condition also causes non-axisymmetric heat transfer, and its effect on the pipe wall temperature distribution is included in the present program. The hydrodynamic aspect of an axially grooved heat pipe is studied in the Groove Analysis Program (GAP). The present thermal analysis program assumes that the GAP program (or other similar programs) is run first so that the heat transport limit and optimum fluid charge of the heat pipe are known a priori.

Kamotani, Y.↗

NEMAR plotting computer program

A FORTRAN coded computer program which generates CalComp plots of trajectory parameters is examined. The trajectory parameters are calculated and placed on a data file by the Near Earth Mission Analysis Routine computer program. The plot program accesses the data file and generates the plots as defined by inputs to the plot program. Program theory, user instructions, output definitions, subroutine descriptions and detailed FORTRAN coding information are included. Although this plot program utilizes a random access data file, a data file of the same type and formatted in 102 numbers per record could be generated by any computer program and used by this plot program.

Myler, T. R.↗

Development and application of a generalized transient computer program for Shuttle atmospheric pressure and composition control analysis

A generalized computer program for analysis of pressure and composition in a multiple-volume system has been developed by NASA. This paper describes the development of the program, outlines the program's capabilities, and illustrates the application of the program to Space Shuttle-related atmospheric pressure and composition control analyses. The program's features include the calculation of transient partial pressures of four gases in four volumes, an option for either isothermal or temperature-transient analyses, simulation of pressure and composition control hardware, and simulation involving 0-10 crewmembers. This computer program has been used successfully for a variety of Shuttle-related analyses to support hardware design, develop operating procedures, and provide real-time Shuttle mission support. Due to the versatility of this computer program, it will be utilized for Space Station program analyses.

Lafuse, S. A.↗

The NASA land processes program - Status and future directions

For most of the past decade, NASA focused its efforts on the immediate exploitation of space-based sensors in earth-oriented programs. After an assessment of the current situation with respect to the conducted programs, NASA has restructured its earth-oriented programs to concentrate on the scientific use of its satellites while other agencies and private enterprise have assumed responsibility for programs of interest to them. In making this change of direction, NASA has conducted a series of studies to obtain information as a basis for its planning activities regarding future programs. Attention is given to a plan for Land Global Habitability, the development of a basic structure for the land program, a program plan for global biology, and a study on the role of biochemical cycles. The three major facets of the land processes program are discussed along with some examples of current work.

Murphy, R. E.↗

Evaluation of spacecraft technology programs (effects on communication satellite business ventures), volume 1

Commercial organizations as well as government agencies invest in spacecraft (S/C) technology programs that are aimed at increasing the performance of communications satellites. The value of these programs must be measured in terms of their impacts on the financial performane of the business ventures that may ultimately utilize the communications satellites. An economic evaluation and planning capability was developed and used to assess the impact of NASA on-orbit propulsion and space power programs on typical fixed satellite service (FSS) and direct broadcast service (DBS) communications satellite business ventures. Typical FSS and DBS spin and three-axis stabilized spacecraft were configured in the absence of NASA technology programs. These spacecraft were reconfigured taking into account the anticipated results of NASA specified on-orbit propulsion and space power programs. In general, the NASA technology programs resulted in spacecraft with increased capability. The developed methodology for assessing the value of spacecraft technology programs in terms of their impact on the financial performance of communication satellite business ventures is described. Results of the assessment of NASA specified on-orbit propulsion and space power technology programs are presented for typical FSS and DBS business ventures.

Greenburg, J. S.↗

A study of the minority college programs at the NASA Johnson Space Center

Research programs in science and engineering at predominantly black and white universities which assist in training and furthering the capabilities of minorities in the field, are examined. The Minority Graduate Researcher's Program and the Historically Black College and University Program were the focus of this research. The objectives included investigating the organizational structure and processes of the programs, how they are run, how they differ, defining particular administrative tasks for these programs, the collection of data related to these programs, and recommending ways in which these programs can be improved for greater efficiency and effectiveness through the Equal Opportunity Programs Office.

Tryman, Mfanya Donald↗

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution (EASIE), version 1.0. Volume 3: Program execution guide

The Environment for Application Software Integration and Execution, EASIE, provides a methodology and a set of software utility programs to ease the task of coordinating engineering design and analysis codes. EASIE was designed to meet the needs of conceptual design engineers that face the task of integrating the results of many stand-alone engineering analysis programs. EASIE provides access to these programs via a quick, uniform, user-friendly interface. In addition, EASIE provides utilities which aid in the execution of the following tasks: selection of application programs, modification and review of program data, automatic definition and coordination of data files during program execution and a logging of steps executed throughout a design study. Volume 3, the Program Execution Guide, describes the executive capabilities provided by EASIE and defines the command language and menus available under Version 1.0. EASIE provides users with two basic modes of operation. One is the Application-Derived Executive (ADE) which provides users with sufficient guidance to quickly review data, select menu action items, and execute application programs. The second is the Complete Control Executive (CCE), which provides a full executive interface allowing users in-depth control of the design process.

Schwing, James L.↗