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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1982

Guidelines for spaceborne microwave remote sensors

A handbook was developed to provide information and support to the spaceborne remote sensing and frequency management communities: to guide sensor developers in the choice of frequencies; to advise regulators on sensor technology needs and sharing potential; to present sharing analysis models and, through example, methods for determining sensor sharing feasibility; to introduce developers to the regulatory process; to create awareness of proper assignment procedures; to present sensor allocations; and to provide guidelines on the use and limitations of allocated bands. Controlling physical factors and user requirements and the regulatory environment are discussed. Sensor frequency allocation achievable performance and usefulness are reviewed. Procedures for national and international registration, the use of non-allocated bands and steps for obtaining new frequency allocations, and procedures for reporting interference are also discussed.

Litman, V.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Development of Readily Available & Robust High Heat Flux Gardon Gauges

Concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies deliver concentrated solar energy as a heat source to industrial processes, power generation cycles, and chemical cycles. CSP systems require accurate and reliable high flux measurements, and next generation CSP systems will require flux measurement up to 1000 W/cm2. Existing flux measurement devices do not comprehensively meet the flux rating, cycle life, cost, and lead-time needs of stakeholders, necessitating the development of an improved flux sensor. In this study, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) partnered with Hukseflux Thermal Sensors to develop a low-cost, short lead-time, and robust flux sensor rated to 250 W/cm2. Three prototype circular foil gauge designs were assessed for performance at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) at SNL. Each gauge design measured flux up to 250 W/cm2 with <5% measurement error. Following baseline error quantification, gauges were exposed to flux above 500 W/cm2 to assess gauge failure mechanisms. Gauges physically survived >500 W/cm2 flux exposure, but measurement error was found to increase after foil coatings reached 400 °C. The results of this study suggest that coating optical properties change at excessive temperatures and that foil coating temperature, rather than heat flux level, dictates the acceptable gauge measurement range.

McLaughlin, Luke (ORCID:0000000303711310)↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Developing the CRTM Active Sensor Module

Active sensors provide vertically resolved atmospheric and cloud information, however the assimilation of such observations into NWP models has been limited for several reasons including lack of reliable forward model. We present the development of CRTM active sensor module including its adjoint and tangent linear by taking advantage of current CRTM modules for calculating atmospheric transmittance and cloud absorption and scattering. Current CRTM cloud coefficients lack cloud backscattering information, thus we have implemented a new cloud scattering database generated using the discrete dipole technique that include backscattering coefficients. The radar simulator is currently being tested within the JEDI/GEOS data assimilation framework to facilitate the assimilation of radar measurements such as CloudSat CPR and GPM DPR into the NASA GEOS model.

CRTM↗
NASA NTRS2008

Development of a Temperature Sensor for Jet Engine and Space Missions Environments

Electronic systems in aerospace and in space exploration missions are expected to encounter extreme temperatures and wide thermal swings. To address the needs for extreme temperature electronics, research efforts exist at the NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) to develop and evaluate electronics for extreme temperature operations, and to establish their reliability under extreme temperature operation and thermal cycling; conditions that are typical of both the aerospace and space environments. These efforts are supported by the NASA Fundamental Aeronautics/Subsonic Fixed Wing Program and by the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging (NEPP) Program. This work reports on the results obtained on the development of a temperature sensor geared for use in harsh environments.

Patterson, Richard L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Developing Fluorescence-Based Sensors to Support Rare Earth Element Separation

Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential to most renewable energy technologies. Unfortunately, as we transition to sustainable energy production, the demand for REEs is rapidly growing well beyond current rates of production. As a result, novel means of efficient, scalable, and easily adaptable methods for processing primary and recycle feedstocks are needed. Development and integration of sensors for highly selective in-line monitoring can support more efficient design and testing of such novel separation processes, as well as more cost-effective deployment of those separation flowsheets. Work here will explore the application of fluorescence spectroscopy, a highly sensitive and selective technique, to quantify multiple lanthanides in complex mixtures including known interferents or quenching agents. Results include identification of the optimal excitation wavelength and the limit of detection of various rare earth elements as well as the performance of data-science-based quantification approaches in streams where “unknowns” are present. Overall, the data science tools in conjunction with optical sensor data were able to quantify analytes in the presence of other lanthanides which can be anticipated in the actual industrial stream. Here we include characterization of lanthanides in a microfluidic device similar to those used in new process development. This study demonstrates the capability of utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy to quantify analytes in a complicated solution matrix, suggesting this is a successful approach for in-line monitoring to optimize the separation efficiency in an industrial stream.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2008

Application of High-Temperature Extrinsic Fabry-Perot Interferometer Strain Sensor

In this presentation to the NASA Aeronautics Sensor Working Group the application of a strain sensor is outlined. The high-temperature extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer (EFPI) strain sensor was developed due to a need for robust strain sensors that operate accurately and reliably beyond 1800 F. Specifically, the new strain sensor would provide data for validating finite element models and thermal-structural analyses. Sensor attachment techniques were also developed to improve methods of handling and protecting the fragile sensors during the harsh installation process. It was determined that thermal sprayed attachments are preferable even though cements are simpler to apply as cements are more prone to bond failure and are often corrosive. Previous thermal/mechanical cantilever beam testing of EFPI yielded very little change to 1200 F, with excellent correlation with SG to 550 F. Current combined thermal/mechanical loading for sensitivity testing is accomplished by a furnace/cantilever beam loading system. Dilatometer testing has can also be used in sensor characterization to evaluate bond integrity, evaluate sensitivity and accuracy and to evaluate sensor-to-sensor scatter, repeatability, hysteresis and drift. Future fiber optic testing will examine single-mode silica EFPIs in a combined thermal/mechanical load fixture on C-C and C-SiC substrates, develop a multi-mode Sapphire strain-sensor, test and evaluate high-temperature fiber Bragg Gratings for use as strain and temperature sensors and attach and evaluate a high-temperature heat flux gauge.

Piazza, Anthony↗
DOE OSTI2019

NECQST: Novel Electronics for Cryogenic Quantum Sensors Technology

Development of low-noise cryogenic readout circuits for SNSPDs based on state-of-the art, commercially available SiGe HBT technology, operating at a range of 1-4 Kelvin. Targeting a reduction of the timing jitter of SNSPDs (from the current record of 2.7 ps FWHM at 400 nm), and a reduction in the power dissipation allowed by the development of dedicated low-noise cryogenic amplifiers, which will enable the scaling of ultra-low-jitter SNSPDs to large arrays. Such performance advances will directly benefit the Caltech/Fermilab INQNET (Intelligent Quantum Networks & Technologies) program, which aims to demonstrate high-rate quantum communication at Fermilab.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Sensor Test for Orion RelNav Risk Mitigation (STORRM) Development Test Objective

The Sensor Test for Orion Relative-Navigation Risk Mitigation (STORRM) Development Test Objective (DTO) flew aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour on STS-134 in May- June 2011, and was designed to characterize the performance of the flash LIDAR and docking camera being developed for the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle. The flash LIDAR, called the Vision Navigation Sensor (VNS), will be the primary navigation instrument used by the Orion vehicle during rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking. The DC will be used by the Orion crew for piloting cues during docking. This paper provides an overview of the STORRM test objectives and the concept of operations. It continues with a description of STORRM's major hardware components, which include the VNS, docking camera, and supporting avionics. Next, an overview of crew and analyst training activities will describe how the STORRM team prepared for flight. Then an overview of in-flight data collection and analysis is presented. Key findings and results from this project are summarized. Finally, the paper concludes with lessons learned from the STORRM DTO.

Christian, John A.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Cross-Government Development of Space-Based Quantum Sensors for Earth and Space Science

Quantum sensing technologies promise advantages over their traditional counterparts in terms of sensitivity and accuracy, including higher signal-to-noise ratios, better measurement resolution and sensitivity, and accuracies that can be tied to fundamental constants. As a result of the potentially promising advantages of quantum sensing technologies, the multi-agency Space Science and Technology Partnership Forum (S&T Forum), consisting of NASA, NRO, and USSF, conducted a 2023 study to identify the current state of space-based quantum sensing technology development that will enable cutting-edge Earth and space science. The findings contained within this work provide insight into quantum sensing and quantum enabling technology work across the S&T Forum to inform technology development and identify potential government, industry, and academic coordination and collaboration opportunities in quantum sensing within the Earth and space science community. The results herein focus on the collation of quantum sensing technologies, facilities, and developers captured from the participants of the study to provide a broad overview of quantum sensor development for the Earth and space science community; specifically highlighting how five particular areas of quantum sensing technology (listed in alphabetical order) are of near-term interest to all three S&T Forum agencies: atomic clocks, atom interferometers, quantum magnetometers, Rydberg sensors, and single photon detectors. The findings in this work point to the intent of the S&T Forum agencies to lean into the development of quantum sensing technology in which the three agencies have mutual near-term interest, including cross-cutting enabling component technologies. The information presented provides points of entry in terms of people, facilities, and quantum sensing technology work within the government as well as increased transparency into the five quantum sensing technology areas of mutual interest of the S&T Forum agencies to remove barriers and encourage participation and partnership with the Earth and space science community.

Quantum↗
NASA NTRS1974

Remote sensor evaluation model

A format is presented that enables the specification of a sensor system configuration, given a set of knowledge requirements to be satisfied by an earth observation satellite. This format, in a modified form, may also be used to determine whether or not a knowledge requirement can be satisfied by existing sensors, and to indicate the need for developing new sensors. It can be applied to large sets of knowledge requirements, so that versatile, multipurpose earth observation sensor systems can be developed. Implementation of the model to a combination of Nimbus G&H and ERTS E&F missions is shown as a test of its viability. The findings are extensively tabulated, and they tend to support the method.

Kerne, B.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of Flash Lidar Sensor for Precision Safe Landing

A Flash Lidar utilizing a novel Super-Resolution (SR) technique has been developed for providing Terrain Relative Navigation and Hazard Avoidance capabilities onboard landing vehicles. Processing algorithms for precision navigation and safe landing location identification take advantage of the uniform fixed pixels property of generated high resolution Digital Elevation Maps (DEMs) to achieve high reliability operation in near real-time. This paper describes the current and next generation breadboard units, report the results of recent dynamic tests, and explain the operational concept as envisioned for future landing missions.

3-D Imaging↗
NASA NTRS1971

Design, development and fabrication of a Solar Experiment Alignment Sensor (SEAS)

The design, development and testing of a laboratory SEAS (Solar Experiment Alignment Sensor) system are presented. The system is capable of overcoming traditional alignment and calibration problems to permit pointing anywhere on the solar disc to an accuracy of five arc seconds. The concept, development and laboratory testing phases of the program are discussed, and particular attention has been given to specific problems associated with selection of materials, and components. The conclusions summarize performance capability and discuss areas for further study including the effects of solar limb darkening and effects of annual variations in the apparent solar diameter.

Bancroft, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Developing a self-diagnostic system for piezoelectric sensors

Measurement techniques for developing a self-diagnostic system for piezoelectric sensors are presented. The self-diagnostic system uses two types of measurement techniques based on passive and active evaluation of the piezoelectric element. Both hard and soft failures can be detected by this system. Hard failures such as loss of sensor signal and change in sensor output resistance are determined by monitoring the sensor's output resistance, voltage or current. These are passive measurements of the sensor's output condition. Soft failures include changes in sensor calibration and mounting conditions. Soft failures are detected by measuring structural/electrical impedance of the piezoelectric sensor. Active measurement techniques are used to calculate changes in piezoelectric element properties related to soft failures. This paper describes the general operating principles of a self-diagnostic system and discusses the design of an active/passive measurement technique required for this system to function. Experimental results using two types of piezoelectric accelerometers are presented.

Flanagan, Patrick M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Development of microwave radiometer sensor technology for geostationary earth science platforms

A new research and technology program has been initiated at the Langley Research Center of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for developing advanced, high resolution microwave radiometer (HI-RES) sensors suitable for Mission to Planet Earth (MPE) remote sensing applications. The objective of this program is to provide the technology needed to enable and enhance the long-term observations, documentation, and understanding of the earth as a system.

Campbell, T. G.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Single-atom materials boosting wearable orthogonal uric acid detection

Abstract Uric acid (UA) is a vital biomarker for the diagnosis and management of various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, gout, kidney disorders, metabolic syndrome, and wound healing. Despite significant advances in wearable sensor technology, challenges persist in developing wearable sensors that are capable of maintaining high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. In this study, we present an epidermal sensing platform enhanced with single-atom materials (SAMs) designed for flexible and orthogonal electrochemical detection of UA. We designed and synthesized an SAM with Fe-N 5 active sites to boost the electrochemical sensing signals, integrating it with laser-engraved graphene (LEG) to fabricate a wearable SAM-based UA patch sensor. This design provides superior UA detection performance compared to sensors based on conventional nanomaterials. In addition, we enhanced the detection accuracy and range by using an orthogonal approach that combines direct oxidation through differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) along with parallel biocatalytic amperometric detection. The resulting SAM-based UA orthogonal sensor patch demonstrated exceptional performance in wearable applications through tests measuring sweat UA levels in subjects before and after consuming a purine-rich diet. Graphical Abstract

Ding, Shichao↗
NASA NTRS1996

Medical and surgical applications of space biosensor technology

Researchers in space life sciences are rapidly approaching a technology impasse. Many of the critical questions on the impact of spaceflight on living systems simply cannot be answered with the limited available technologies. Research subjects, particularly small animal models like the rat, must be allowed to function relatively untended and unrestrained for long periods to fully reflect the impact of microgravity and spaceflight on their behavior and physiology. These requirements preclude the use of present hard-wired instrumentation techniques and limited data acquisition systems. Implantable sensors and miniaturized biotelemetry are the only means of capturing the fundamental and critical data. This same biosensor and biotelemetry technology has direct application to Earth-based medicine and surgery. Continuous, on-line data acquisition and improved measurement capabilities combined with the ease and flexibility offered by automated, wireless, and portable instruments and data systems, should provide a boon to the health care industry. Playing a key role in this technology revolution is the Sensors 2000! (S2K!) Program at NASA Ames Research Center. S2K!, in collaboration with space life sciences researchers and managers, provides an integrated capability for sensor technology development and applications, including advanced biosensor technology development, spaceflight hardware development, and technology transfer and commercialization. S2K! is presently collaborating on several spaceflight projects with dual-use medical applications. One prime example is a collaboration with the Fetal Treatment Center (FTC) at the University of California at San Francisco. The goal is to develop and apply implantable chemical sensor and biotelemetry technology to continuously monitor fetal patients during extra-uterine surgery, replacement into the womb, through birth and beyond. Once validated for ground use, the method will be transitioned to spaceflight applications to remotely monitor key biochemical parameters in flight animals. Successful application of NASA implantable biosensor and biotelemetry technologies should accelerate the advancement of this and other modern medical procedures while furthering the exploration of life in space.

NASA Discipline General Space Life Sciences↗