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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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781 records · Page 28

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2006

Battery Control Boards for Li-Ion Batteries on Mars Exploration Rovers

Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries have been operating successfully on both Spirit and Opportunity rovers for the last two years, which includes six months of Assembly Launch and Test Operations (ATLO), seven months of cruise and about eleven months of surface operations. The Battery Control Boards designed and fabricated in-house would protect cells against overcharge and over-discharge and provide cell balance. Their performance has thus far been quite satisfactory. The ground data o the mission simulation battery project little capacity loss of less than 3% during cruise and 180 sols. Batteries are poised to extend the mission beyond six months, if not a couple of years.

Ewell, R.↗

NASA NTRS2026

Expanding Space with Inflatable Softgoods: Roadmap for In-Space Manufacturing of Resilient Space Structures

Overview of inflatable softgoods and their emerging role in enabling large, resilient space habitats and infrastructure. It highlights the advantages of inflatable systems, such as exceptional packing efficiency and scalable habitable volume, while also addressing challenges related to outfitting, complex material behavior, structural design, manufacturing precision, and testing limitations. Core architectural elements of crewed inflatable habitats are described, along with shell layer composition, structural interfaces, and examples of conceptual habitat configurations for transit, lunar, and surface applications. The presentation concludes by outlining key technology shortfalls, including structural health monitoring, ultra‑high‑strength materials, lifetime performance, and integration strategies, emphasizing the need for continued development to support future in‑space manufacturing and exploration missions.

Habitat↗

DOE OSTI2026

Fabrication of freeform potassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals by belt-on-wheel polishing for spatially tailored polarization control in high-power lasers

Large-aperture (>30 cm) optical components that provide spatially tailored control of the properties of a laser beam, such as phase, polarization, and amplitude, have been the focus of much research and development in recent years. Such optics can improve energy throughput and target implosion efficiency in high-power laser systems conducting inertial confinement fusion research. Here, a method is demonstrated for fabricating freeform surface topographies into the birefringent crystalline material, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP). Belt-on-wheel polishing with an oil-based fluid, developed to mitigate the deliquescent properties of KDP, is used to deterministically polish a freeform topography into KDP, enabling the fabrication of a wave plate with spatially arbitrary retardance. Testing of the laser-induced damage threshold of belt-on-wheel polished KDP was conducted at a wavelength of 351 nm and a pulse duration of 1 ns. The results revealed that the polished surfaces are highly resistant to laser-induced damage, making them suitable for large-aperture, high-power laser applications.

Urban, Nathaniel D. [Univ. of Rochester, NY (Unite↗

NASA NTRS1977

Radioactivity of the Moon, Planets, and Meteorites

This paper reviews and summarizes analytical data for the content of natural radioactive elements in meteorites, eruptive terrestrial rocks, and also, in lunar samples returned by Apollo missions and the Luna series of automatic stations. The K-U systematics of samples analyzed in the laboratory are combined with data for orbital gamma-ray measurements for Mars (Mars 5) and with the results of direct gamma-ray measurements of the surface of Venus by the Venera 8 lander. Using information about the radioactivity of solar system bodies and evaluations of the content of K, U, and Th in the terrestrial planets, we examine certain aspects of the evolution of material in the protoplanetary gas-dust cloud and then in the planets of the solar system.

Yu A Surkov↗

NASA NTRS1980

Developments in Fibrous Refractory Composite Insulation

The development of a new insulation material for heat-shielding advanced reusable entry vehicles is reported. The material, called fibrous refractory composite insulation, is a composite of two ceramic fibers with no additional additives to bond the fibers together; it also includes silicon carbide, an emmittance agent, to improve its optical properties at high temperature. One fiber is a drawn 11-micron-diameter aluminoborosilicate fiber, the other fiber is the silica fiber (microquartz) used in producing silica RSI (reusable surface insulation for the Space Shuttle), which is a blown fiber of 1-3 micron diameter and variable length. A composition containing 20%, with a thermal shock resistance of 1.8 that of all silica insulation, has been successfully produced in a pilot plant.

D B Leiser↗

NASA NTRS1977

Geochemical Zoning and Early Differentiation in the Moon

The volatile elements (e.g., Rb, Pb, Tl, Bi, Cs) seem to have been depleted at the time of lunar accretion. Accordingly, it may be assumed that the moon initially accreted from refractory material. The good correlation between volatile/involatile element ratios (e.g., Cs/U, K/La, K/Zr) in both highland and maria samples means that element distribution in lunar crustal rocks is not governed by volatility differences. This and other evidence encourages the view that the moon was accreted homogeneously. A consequence of homogeneous accretion theories is that very efficient large-scale element fractionation is required to account both for the high near-surface concentrations of refractory elements (e.g., Th, U, REE, Zr, Ba, etc.) and for the Ca-Al-rich crust.

S R Taylor↗

NASA NTRS2026

In-Flight Calibration of ESA Hera’s Hyperscout-H Imager

ESA’s Hera space mission is on its way to the mission target, the binary asteroid (65803) Didymos. HyperScout-H, one of the instruments onboard Hera, is a hyperspectral imager operating in the visible and near-infrared regions between 0.65 and 0.95 μm. HyperScout-H will enable a detailed assessment of the composition of both objects, Didymos and its satellite Dimorphos, the characterization of space weathering effects, and the possible presence of exogenous material on their surfaces. To monitor instrument functionality, calibration exposures are acquired regularly. This article describes the in-flight calibrations carried out for HyperScout-H during the commissioning and cruise phases. Bias and dark exposures, as well as stellar field observations, were acquired several times after launch. We update the calibration data and monitor instrument performance in the space environment. In addition, images of Earth and Moon were acquired from distances of 1.5 × 10 6 to 2.0 × 10 6 km, and Mars and its satellite were imaged during the flyby. In five images, the surface of Mars fills the entire field of view, enabling cross-validation of HyperScout-H results with those reported by other Mars missions. We characterize the detector under in-flight operational conditions. The calibration data indicate that the bias pattern is stable, the dark current remains negligible for short exposures, and the detector response is highly linear. We quantify the field-of-view alignment and geometric distortion, and evaluate the point spread function based on the stellar field observations. Stellar observations and Mars swing-by data provide updated radiometric calibration constants, suggesting that in-flight conditions have slightly modified the detector’s spectral response. In-flight calibrations are essential to ensure data quality and reliability.

Image Processing↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Feasibility Study of a Carbon Dioxide Breathing, Solid-Fueled Ramjet for Martian Descent and Landing of Human Class Payloads

This study analyzes the cross-range capabilities of solid-fueled ramjets in a Martian atmosphere for applications in entry, descent, and landing. Trajectories and engine operability are characterized using Mach and dynamic pressure operational points. It is predicted that use of atmosphere-breathing propulsion will enable access to additional surface latitudes without the need for orbital plane changes. Development of an integrated design environment facilitates preliminary ramjet design and analysis, and enables sensitivity studies to identify high impact areas of technology development. In addition, additive manufacturing supports prototyping, rapid ground testing, and allows for utilization of complex geometries.

Shi Broadwell↗

NASA NTRS2026

Petermann Glacier on the Brink: Progress, Challenges and Insights

Petermann Glacier, the largest marine-terminating glacier in northern Greenland based on catchment area and ice discharge, plays a key role in regulating ice discharge from the Greenland Ice Sheet into the Arctic Ocean. With an upstream catchment connected to the ice sheet interior via a deep subglacial canyon, its future stability has major implications for sea level rise. In this review, we synthesize recent advances in understanding Petermann’s dynamics across three critical interfaces: the ice–ocean, ice–atmosphere, and ice–bed boundaries. At the surface, observations show that reanalysis products underestimate air temperatures and melt, while regional climate models diverge significantly in their estimates of surface mass balance, underscoring the need for improved in situ data and models. At the ocean boundary, enhanced basal melting driven by both subglacial runoff and Atlantic water intrusions is identified as the dominant driver of recent mass loss of Petermann Glacier, with continued warming posing a serious threat to the stability of the floating tongue. At the bed, new geophysical synthesis reveals complex geology, likely spatial variability in geothermal heat flux, and the influence of the megacanyon on seasonal hydrology and velocity fluctuations. Petermann’s mass balance has been negative in recent decades without corresponding flow acceleration. However, the glacier has undergone significant calving events, and the current rifting that began in September 2025 highlights its vulnerability. This upcoming calving event underscores the timeliness of this review, as it will put Petermann Glacier’s terminus at its most retreated position since records began in 1923. The anticipated retreat of the ice tongue also reduces buttressing and brings the terminus closer to the grounding zone, and modeling studies suggest that calving within 12 km of the grounding zone could potentially trigger dynamic retreat, accelerating ice discharge, and a doubling of flow speeds. We conclude that improved observations, sustained monitoring of oceanographic and atmospheric properties, and high-resolution modeling are critical to constraining projections of Petermann Glacier’s future and its role in the stability of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Dominik Fahrner↗

NASA NTRS1990

Satellite Material Contaminant Optical Properties

The Air Force Wright Research and Development Center and the Arnold Engineering Development Center are continuing a program for measuring optical effects of satellite material outgassing products on cryo-optic surfaces. Presented here are infrared (4000 to 700 cm -1 ) transmittance data for contaminant films condensed on a 77 K geranium window. From the transmittance data, the contaminant film refractive and absorptive indices (n, k) were derived using an analytical thin-film interference model with a nonlinear least-squares algorithm. To date 19 materials have been studied with the optical contents determined for 13 of those. The materials include adhesives, paints, composites, films, and lubricants. This program is continuing and properties for other materials will be available in the future.

B E Wood↗

NASA NTRS1985

NASA Scatterometer Oceanic Wind Measurement System

Satellite scatterometers are active microwave radars designed to yield measurements of near surface horizontal wind velocity over the ocean. Scatterometers are unique in that they are the only existing microwave remote sensing instruments that allow measurements of both wind speed and wind direction. NASA will fly a scatterometer, NSCAT, aboard the Navy Ocean Remote Sensing System (N-ROSS) mission starting in late 1990. N-ROSS is a spaceborne ocean remote sensing system with a planned mission life of three years. In addition to the NSCAT, N-ROSS will have three other microwave instruments mounted on a single satellite flying in a near polar orbit: an altimeter; a special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I); and a low frequency microwave radiometer. The NSCAT to be flown on N-ROSS is described.

M Freilich↗

DOE OSTI2023

Fabrication of Large-Area Metal-on-Carbon Catalytic Condensers for Programmable Catalysis

Catalytic condensers stabilize charge on either side of a high-k dielectric film to modulate the electronic states of a catalytic layer for the electronic control of surface reactions. Here, carbon sputtering provided for fast, large-scale fabrication of metal–carbon catalytic condensers required for industrial application. Carbon films were sputtered on HfO 2 dielectric/p-type Si with different thicknesses (1, 3, 6, and 10 nm), and the enhancement of conductance and capacitance of carbon films was observed upon increasing the carbon thickness following thermal treatment at 400 °C. After Pt deposition on the carbon films, the Pt catalytic condenser exhibited a high capacitance of ∼210 nF/cm 2 that was maintained at a frequency ∼1000 Hz, satisfying the requirement for a dynamic catalyst to implement catalytic resonance. Temperature-programmed desorption of carbon monoxide yielded CO desorption peaks that shifted in temperature with the varying potential applied to the condenser (−6 or +6 V), indicating a shift in the binding energy of carbon monoxide on the Pt condenser surface. A substantial increase in capacitance (∼2000 nF/cm 2 ) of the Pt-on-carbon devices was observed at elevated temperatures of 400 °C that can modulate ∼10% of charge per metal atom when 10 V potential was applied. A large catalytic condenser of 42 cm 2 area Pt/C/HfO 2 /Si exhibited a high capacitance of 9393 nF with a low leakage current/capacitive current ratio (<0.1), demonstrating the practicality and versatility of the facile, large-scale fabrication method for metal–carbon catalytic condensers.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2026

Vapor-phase pillarization of MXenes for engineering hierarchical interlayer porosity

MXenes, a family of two-dimensional (2D) multilamellar materials, possess excellent thermal and electronic properties for a range of applications. Their use in heterogeneous catalysis, however, is limited by the low surface area resulting from stacked layers. Pillarization with inorganic oxides can create more open, mesoporous MXene structures, improving accessibility for guest species to diffuse, reside or react in the space between 2D layers. A previous liquid-phase pillarization method, however, involves excessive use of solvent-based precursors and multiple processing steps. Here, we report a vapor-phase pillarization (VPP) strategy to introduce pillars, exemplified by silica pillars, with high pillar precursor usage efficiency and a simplified processing workflow. The resulting silica-pillared mesoporous MXene exhibits significantly increased surface area and porosity. These textural properties can be easily tuned by the VPP synthesis conditions. When applied as a ruthenium (Ru) catalyst support for the hydrogenolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), the silica-pillared MXene enabled high Ru dispersion and catalytic activity. This study highlights the potential of the VPP method for engineering mesoporous, 2D MXene materials and demonstrates the effectiveness of mesoporous MXene as a catalyst support in overcoming mass transport and active-site accessibility challenges in heterogeneous catalysis involving bulky substances, such as plastics upcycling.

Luo, Song [University of Delaware, Newark, DE (Uni↗

DOE OSTI2026

Uncertainty quantification for competing failure mechanisms in unidirectionally reinforced carbon–carbon composites

Microstructure-informed finite element models play a key role in the carbon–carbon composite design process. Variability in manufacturing process parameters and experimental limitations introduce model parameter uncertainty. This study quantifies the effect of model parameter uncertainty on transverse tensile fracture behavior and proposes a methodology to predict the failure mode based on competing microscale damage mechanisms. Finite element simulations incorporate fiber–matrix interface debonding with cohesive zones and matrix damage with a smeared crack band approach in a unidirectional carbon–carbon composite. Results from a variance-based global sensitivity analysis identifies interfacial and matrix damage parameters as the primary source of variability in fracture behavior. Sobol’ indices indicate that matrix and cohesive zone strengths contribute 94% of the variance in the effective ultimate stress. A local analysis elucidates the relationship between these constituent strength parameters and failure mode by estimating the probability of cohesive, matrix, and mixed-mode dominated failure. Based on the results for 4000 simulations, 93% exhibit mixed-mode or interfacial dominated failure, which underscores the crucial role of fiber–matrix interface debonding in the transverse tensile failure of carbon–carbon composites. These uncertainty quantification results facilitate more efficient model calibration and provide a framework for microstructure-informed failure predictions in the face of manufacturing-induced uncertainty.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

Hydrogen Production and Li-Ion Battery Performance with MoS2-SiNWs-SWNTs@ZnONPs Nanocomposites

This study explores the hydrogen generation potential via water-splitting reactions under UV-vis radiation by using a synergistic assembly of ZnO nanoparticles integrated with MoS2, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), and crystalline silicon nanowires (SiNWs) to create the MoS2-SiNWs-SWNTs@ZnONPs nanocomposites. A comparative analysis of MoS2 synthesized through chemical and physical exfoliation methods revealed that the chemically exfoliated MoS2 exhibited superior performance, thereby being selected for all subsequent measurements. The nanostructured materials demonstrated exceptional surface characteristics, with specific surface areas exceeding 300 m2 g−1. Notably, the hydrogen production rate achieved by a composite comprising 5% MoS2, 1.7% SiNWs, and 13.3% SWNTs at an 80% ZnONPs base was approximately 3909 µmol h−1g−1 under 500 nm wavelength radiation, marking a significant improvement of over 40-fold relative to pristine ZnONPs. This enhancement underscores the remarkable photocatalytic efficiency of the composites, maintaining high hydrogen production rates above 1500 µmol h−1g−1 even under radiation wavelengths exceeding 600 nm. Furthermore, the potential of these composites for energy storage and conversion applications, specifically within rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, was investigated. Composites, similar to those utilized for hydrogen production but excluding ZnONPs to address its limited theoretical capacity and electrical conductivity, were developed. The focus was on utilizing MoS2, SiNWs, and SWNTs as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. This strategic combination significantly improved the electronic conductivity and mechanical stability of the composite. Specifically, the composite with 56% MoS2, 24% SiNWs, and 20% SWNTs offered remarkable cyclic performance with high specific capacity values, achieving a complete stability of 1000 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 1 A g−1. These results illuminate the dual utility of the composites, not only as innovative catalysts for hydrogen production but also as advanced materials for energy storage technologies, showcasing their potential in contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

Chemistry↗

NASA NTRS1958

Design and Performance of an Experimental Annular Turbojet Combustor With High-Velocity-Air Admission Through One Wall

An experimental, annular, turbojet combustor was designed to eliminate the conventional combustor-inlet diffuser. Instead, high-velocity air was supplied directly to the combustor. This stream was split into two parts: (1) the primary in which combustion was sustained, and (2) the secondary in which the stream momentum was used to facilitate mixing with the hot primary gases. The air was admitted through only one wall of the combustor liner except for approximately 5 percent that was used to cool the inner combustor surfaces. By integrating the inlet and outlet diffuser design with the combustion chamber, an overall reduction in length of 30 percent was obtained over conventional configurations. A rectangular segment of this combustor was tested with vaporized propane fuel.

Annular Flow↗

NASA NTRS2007

Hubble Space Telescope Battery Capacity Update

Orbital battery performance for the Hubble Space Telescope is discussed and battery life is predicted which supports decision to replace orbital batteries by 2009-2010 timeframe. Ground characterization testing of cells from the replacement battery build is discussed, with comparison of data from battery capacity characterization with cell studies of Cycle Life and 60% Stress Test at the Naval Weapons Surface Center (NWSC)-Crane, and cell Cycle Life testing at the Marshal Space Flight Center (MSFC). The contents of this presentation includes an update to the performance of the on-orbit batteries, as well as a discussion of the HST Service Mission 4 (SM4) batteries manufactured in 1996 and activated in 2000, and a second set of SM4 backup replacement batteries which began manufacture Jan 11, 2007, with delivery scheduled for July 2008.

Hollandsworth, Roger↗

NASA NTRS2026

Improvement of Odor Control for the UWMS Hard-Sided Fecal Canister and the Alternate Fecal Canister

On longer range exploration missions, the mass and volume of critical hardware and consumables required to support crew will pose a big stowage challenge. This includes the hardware for the collection and storage of human metabolic solid waste. The amount of stowage needed for this hardware both before (empty) and after (full) use will be a significant burden on the overall spacecraft habitable volume, layout, and design. To help with this challenge, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Mars Campaign Office (MCO) Logistics Reduction (LR) Portfolio has developed a collapsible canister for the collection and containment of fecal deposits. The Alternate Fecal Canister (AFC) is a collapsible alternative to the exploration toilet Hard-sided Fecal Canister (HFC). The AFC in its empty state has a volumetric benefit to smaller vehicles on longer missions. The current designs for HFC and AFC were tested with human fecal material for odor containment at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) where the tests on both were unsuccessful. The source of the lack of containment was isolated to a gasket used on both HFC and AFC. The gasket used was found to be open cell in design. This paper provides a summary of the materials selection and testing process to identify a replacement gasket material with the intention to replace the gaskets on both existing units as well as incorporate it into the designs going forward for future builds for exploration. Details will be provided on the design of the canisters interface with the odor bacteria lid which led to the selection of the thickness of the desired replacement. Finally, the paper will provide an update on the testing in advance of a return to WSTF for final testing and detail plans to complete testing and perform a demonstration on ISS with UWMS.

Toilet↗