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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2018

N2 Chemistry in Interstellar and Planetary Ices: Radiation-Driven Oxidation

As part of our work on nitrogen-rich ices, the IR spectra and band strengths used in a recent paper to identify and quantify radiation-induced changes in an N2+H2O ice near 15 K are examined, along with reports of (i) a chemical tracer for N2+H2O ices, (ii) a new IR feature of solid N2, and (iii) a striking 15N isotopic enrichment. Problems are found for each IR band strength used and for each of the three claims made, to the extent that none are supported by the results presented to date. In contrast, new work presented here, combined with several older investigations, strongly supports the formation of di- and triatomic nitrogen oxides in irradiated N2-rich ices. Observations and trends in the chemistry of N2-rich icy solids are described, and conclusions are drawn. A considerable amount of material from previous chemical studies of N2-rich systems, spanning more than a century, is brought together for the rst time and used to examine the chemistry of N2-rich ices in extraterrestrial environments. Needs are identied and suggestions made for future studies of N2-rich interstellar and planetary ice analogs.

astrobiology↗
NASA NTRS2018

N2 Chemistry in Interstellar and Planetary Ices: Radiation-Driven Oxidation

As part of our work on nitrogen-rich ices, the IR spectra and band strengths used in a recent paper to identify and quantify radiation-induced changes in an N2+H2O ice near 15 K are examined, along with reports of (i) a chemical tracer for N2+H2O ices, (ii) a new IR feature of solid N2, and (iii) a striking 15N isotopic enrichment. Problems are found for each IR band strength used and for each of the three claims made, to the extent that none are supported by the results presented to date. In contrast, new work presented here, combined with several older investigations, strongly supports the formation of di- and triatomic nitrogen oxides in irradiated N2-rich ices. Observations and trends in the chemistry of N2-rich icy solids are described, and conclusions are drawn. A considerable amount of material from previous chemical studies of N2-rich systems, spanning more than a century, is brought together for the first time and used to examine the chemistry of N2-rich ices in extraterrestrial environments. Needs are identified and suggestions made for future studies of N2-rich interstellar and planetary ice analogs

astrobiology – astrochemistry – infrared: ISM – IS↗
NASA NTRS2015

AHED: The Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database

About the AHED (Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database): Mineral spectroscopy database; Rigid structure; Any change in structure requires extensive re‐programming; Diverse datatypes; Flexible structure; Ability to change design and include new data at any time.

The Astrobiology Habitable Environments Database↗
NASA NTRS2016

Icebreaker-3 Drill Integration and Testing at Two Mars-Analog Sites

A decade of evolutionary development of integrated automated drilling and sample handling at analog sites and in test chambers has made it possible to go 1 meter through hard rocks and ice layers on Mars. The latest Icebreaker-3 drill has been field tested in 2014 at the Haughton Crater Marsanalog site in the Arctic and in 2015 with a Mars lander mockup in Rio Tinto, Spain, (with sample transfer arm and with a prototype life-detection instrument). Tests in Rio Tinto in 2015 successfully demonstrated that the drill sample (cuttings) was handed-off from the drill to the sample transfer arm and thence to the on-deck instrument inlet where it was taken in and analyzed ("dirt-to-data").

astrobiology↗
NASA NTRS2000

The Future of the Internet in Science

How are scientists going to make use of the Internet several years from now? This is a case study of a leading-edge experiment in building a 'virtual institute'-- using electronic communication tools to foster collaboration among geographically dispersed scientists. Our experience suggests: Scientists will want to use web-based document management systems. There will be a demand for Internet-enabled meeting support tools. While internet videoconferencing will have limited value for scientists, webcams will be in great demand as a tool for transmitting pictures of objects and settings, rather than "talking heads." and a significant share of scientists who do fieldwork will embrace mobile voice, data and video communication tools. The setting for these findings is a research consortium called the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Guice, Jon↗
NASA NTRS2010

The Origins and Evolution of Molecules in Icy Solids

Astronomical observations of the past few decades have revealed the existence of a variety of molecules in extraterrestrial ices. These molecules include H2O, CO, and CO2, and organics such as CH4, CH30H, and C2H6. Some ices are dominated by polar molecules, while non-polar species appear to dominate others. Observations, mainly in the radio and IR regions, have allowed the inference of other solid-phase molecules whose formation remains difficult to explain by gas-phase chemistry alone. Several laboratory research groups have reported on extensive experiments on the solid-phase reaction chemistry of icy materials, generally as initiated by either ionizing radiation or vacuum-UV photons. These experiments not only permit molecular identifications to be made from astronomical observations, but also allow predictions of yet unidentified molecules. This laboratory approach has evolved over more than 30 years with much of the earliest work focusing on complex mixtures thought to represent either cometary or interstellar ices. Although those early experiments documented a rich solid-state photo- and radiation chemistry, they revealed few details of reactions for particular molecules, partly due to the multi-component nature of the samples. Since then, model systems have been examined that allow the chemistry of individual species and specific reactions to be probed. Reactions involving most of the smaller astronomical molecules have now been studied and specific processes identified. Current laboratory work suggests that a variety of reactions occur in extraterrestrial ices, including acid-base processes, radical dimerizations, proton transfers, oxidations, reductions, and isomerizations. This workshop presentation will focus on chemical reactions relevant to solar system and interstellar ices. While most of the work will be drawn from that to which the speaker has contributed, results from other laboratories also will be included. Suggestions for future studies will be made, with an emphasis on some present deficiencies. The speaker's work has been generously supported by these NASA research programs: Cassini Data Analysis, Exobiology, Mars Fundamental Research, Outer Planets Research, Planetary Atmospheres, Planetary Geology and Geophysics, and the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Hudson, Reggie L.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Planetary exploration in the time of astrobiology: protecting against biological contamination

These are intriguing times in the exploration of other solar-system bodies. Continuing discoveries about life on Earth and the return of data suggesting the presence of liquid water environments on or under the surfaces of other planets and moons have combined to suggest the significant possibility that extraterrestrial life may exist in this solar system. Similarly, not since the Viking missions of the mid-1970s has there been as great an appreciation for the potential for Earth life to contaminate other worlds. Current plans for the exploration of the solar system include constraints intended to prevent biological contamination from being spread by solar-system exploration missions.

Exobiology↗
NASA NTRS2012

Micro-XRF : Elemental Analysis for In Situ Geology and Astrobiology Exploration

The ability to make close-up measurements of rock chemistry is one of the most fundamental tools for astrobiological exploration of Mars and other rocky bodies of the solar system. When conducting surface-based exploration, lithochemical measurements provide critical data that enable interpretation of the local geology, which in turn is vital for determining habitability and searching for evidence of life. The value of lithochemical measurements for geological interpretations has been repeatedly demonstrated with virtually every landed Mars mission over the past four decades.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS2012

Finding Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) Destinations for Human Exploration: Implications for Astrobiology

The current number of known potential NEA targets for HSF is limited to those objects whose orbital characteristics are similar to that of the Earth. This is due to the projected capabilities of the exploration systems currently under consideration and development at NASA. However, NEAs with such orbital characteristics often have viewing geometries that place them at low solar elongations and thus are difficult to detect from the vicinity of Earth. While ongoing ground-based surveys and data archives maintained by the NEO Program Observation Program Office and the Minor Planet Center (MPC) have provided a solid basis upon which to build, a more complete catalog of the NEO population is required to inform a robust and sustainable HSF exploration program. Since all the present NEO observing assets are currently confined to the vicinity of the Earth, additional effort must be made to provide capabilities for detection of additional HSF targets via assets beyond Earth orbit. A space-based NEO survey telescope located beyond the vicinity of the Earth, has considerable implications for planetary science and astrobiology. Such a telescope will provide foundational knowledge of our Solar System small body population and detect targets of interest for both the HSF and scientific communities. Data from this asset will yield basic characterization data on the NEOs observed (i.e., albedo, size determination, potential for volatiles and organics, etc.) and help down select targets for future HSF missions. Ideally, the most attractive targets from both HSF and astrobiology perspectives are those NEAs that may contain organic and volatile materials, and which could be effectively sampled at a variety of locations and depths. Presented here is an overview of four space-based survey concepts; any one of which after just a few years of operation will discover many highly accessible NEO targets suitable for robotic and human exploration. Such a space-based survey mission will reveal incredible returns for several disciplines including: exploration, in situ resource utilization, planetary defense, and science. Of particular, interest to the scientific

Landis, Rob↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Remodeling BioSentinel’s Microbial Metabolism Measurement System

BioSentinel, the first biological CubeSat beyond low Earth orbit, will investigate how Saccharomyces cerevisiae responds to ionizing radiation using optical measurements of a colorimetric metabolic indicator dye (alamarBlue). To map optical data to more detailed metabolic measurements, a microbial culture system for ground testing was designed consisting of a 400 mL beaker and a rubber stopper with pass-through holes for its five sensor probes (electrical conductivity, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, dissolved oxygen, optical density). The initial design had several drawbacks. It was only partially reusable due to its one-time sealants: Teflon tape and parafilm. A steady increase in oxygen levels within the sensor’s testingdata indicated the design was not sufficiently airtight. Degradation of the rubber stopper’s elasticity due to sterilization and reinsertion of the probes led to poor robustness and eventual replacement. The vessel’s large headspace didn’t reproduce flight conditions and a large culture volume required more reagents. The system has been redesigned to contain a rigid, biocompatible polycarbonate disc lid that allows for threaded inserts. The culture vessel’s height will be reduced from 110 mm to 65 mm to decrease overhead space and material costs. A more reliable seal will be achieved with a gasket and clamps. The optical probe records absorbance at four wavelengths to characterize cell density and alamarBlue dye ratios. A pneumatically operated plunger draws media through the hollow interior of the probe. Currently, deformation of the silicone on the plunger causes asymmetrical movement and a drift from its initial state. Designs are being developed to limit the plunger’s travel for a more accurate measurement cycle. The remodeled system is under construction and will be tested for leaks and accuracy. The measurements collected will be used to provide additional insight into the optical data returned from the BioSentinel mission.

Astrobiology↗
NASA NTRS2006

A Bioinformatics Facility for NASA

Building on an existing prototype, we have fielded a facility with bioinformatics technologies that will help NASA meet its unique requirements for biological research. This facility consists of a cluster of computers capable of performing computationally intensive tasks, software tools, databases and knowledge management systems. Novel computational technologies for analyzing and integrating new biological data and already existing knowledge have been developed. With continued development and support, the facility will fulfill strategic NASA s bioinformatics needs in astrobiology and space exploration. . As a demonstration of these capabilities, we will present a detailed analysis of how spaceflight factors impact gene expression in the liver and kidney for mice flown aboard shuttle flight STS-108. We have found that many genes involved in signal transduction, cell cycle, and development respond to changes in microgravity, but that most metabolic pathways appear unchanged.

Schweighofer, Karl↗
NASA NTRS2008

Global Geologic Map of Europa

Europa, with its indications of a sub-ice ocean, is of keen interest to astrobiology and planetary geology. Knowledge of the global distribution and timing of Europan geologic units is a key step for the synthesis of data from the Galileo mission, and for the planning of future missions to the satellite. The first geologic map of Europa was produced at a hemisphere scale with low resolution Voyager data. Following the acquisition of higher resolution data by the Galileo mission, researchers have identified surface units and determined sequences of events in relatively small areas of Europa through geologic mapping using images at various resolutions acquired by Galileo's Solid State Imaging camera. These works provided a local to subregional perspective and employed different criteria for the determination and naming of units. Unified guidelines for the identification, mapping and naming of Europan geologic units were put forth by and employed in regional-to-hemispheric scale mapping which is now being expanded into a global geologic map. A global photomosaic of Galileo and Voyager data was used as a basemap for mapping in ArcGIS, following suggested methodology of all-stratigraphy for planetary mapping. The following units have been defined in global mapping and are listed in stratigraphic order from oldest to youngest: ridged plains material, Argadnel Regio unit, dark plains material, lineaments, disrupted plains material, lenticulated plains material and Chaos material.

Doggett, T.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Pale Blue Dot Explorer: A Case for Adding Earth to the Planetary Sciences List of Targets

Obtaining observational data to inform the science of future missions focused on Earth-like exoplanets is of prime importance for NASA Planetary Science and Astrobiology. However, Earth observations as a proxy for an exoplanet is an area of interdivisional research not well captured by existing NASA programs. To accommodate this, we propose adding Earth to the list of planets allowable by NASA Planetary Science Division’s objectives and adding Earth observation to the cruise phase of planetary probes. A specific research investigation would be a spacecraft whose goal would be to characterize Earth as an exoplanet proxy — a Pale Blue Dot Explorer. Such a mission’s objective would be to monitor the habitability and biological signatures of Earth in reflected light over broad wavelengths and phase angles.

Sanjoy M. Som↗
NASA NTRS2005

Astrobiology and the Exploration of Gusev Crater by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit

We assess the availability of nutrient elements, energy and liquid water on the plains surrounding Columbia Memorial Station by evaluating data from Spirit in the context of previous Mars missions, Earth-based studies of martian meteorites and studies of microbial communities on Earth that represent potential analogs of martian biota. The compositions of Gusev basalts resemble those of olivine basalts beneath the seabed on Earth that deep drilling has shown to support life. Of particular relevance to biology, phosphate abundances are much greater in Gusev basalts (0.84 +/- 0.07 wt. % P2O5) than in oceanic basalts (typically 0.06 wt. %).

DesMarais, I. David↗
NASA NTRS2004

Geology of Europa

Europa is a rocky object of radius 1565 km (slightly smaller than Earth s moon) and has an outer shell of water composition estimated to be of order 100 km thick, the surface of which is frozen. The total volume of water is about 3 x 10(exp 9) cubic kilometers, or twice the amount of water on Earth. Moreover, like its neighbor Io, Europa experiences internal heating generated from tidal flexing during its eccentric orbit around Jupiter. This raises the possibility that some of the water beneath the icy crust is liquid. The proportion of rock to ice, the generation of internal heat, and the possibility of liquid water make Europa unique in the Solar System. In this chapter, we outline the sources of data available for Europa (with a focus on the Galileo mission), review previous and on-going research on its surface geology, discuss the astrobiological potential of Europa, and consider plans for future exploration.

Greeley, R.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Small-RPS Enabled Mars Rover Concept

Both the MER and the Mars Pathfinder rovers operated on Mars in an energy-limited mode, since the solar panels generated power during daylight hours only. At other times the rovers relied on power stored in batteries. In comparison, Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) offer a power-enabled paradigm, where power can be generated for long mission durations (measured in years), independently from the Sun, and on a continuous basis. A study was performed at PL to assess the feasibility of a small-RPS enabled MER-class rover concept and any associated advantages of its mission on Mars. The rover concept relied on design heritage from MER with two significant changes. First, the solar panels were replaced with two single GPHS module based small-RPSs. Second, the Mossbauer spectroscope was substituted with a laser Raman spectroscope, in order to move towards MEPAG defined astrobiology driven science goals. The highest power requirements were contributed to mobility and telecommunication type operating modes, hence influencing power system sizing. The resulting hybrid power system included two small-RPSs and two batteries. Each small-RPS was assumed to generate 50We of power or 62OWh/sol of energy (BOL), comparable to that of MER. The two 8Ah batteries were considered available during peak power usage. Mission architecture, power trades, science instruments, data, communication, thermal and radiation environments, mobility, mass issues were also addressed. The study demonstrated that a new set of RPS-enabled rover missions could be envisioned for Mars exploration within the next decade, targeting astrobiology oriented science objectives, while powered by 2 to 4 GPHS modules.

Mars exploration↗
NASA NTRS2020

The Radiation Stability of Thymine in Solid H2O

Nucleobases are of significant importance to all known organisms, may be an important building block of life, and could be important biosignatures of current or past life. Given their potential significance to the field of astrobiology, it is important to understand the survival of these molecules when subjected to ionizing radiation as is present in a range of extraterrestrial environments. In this work we present data on the kinetics of the radiolytic destruction of pure thymine, and water + thymine ice mixtures at temperatures from 13 to 150 K. Rate constants were measured using in situ infrared spectroscopy and radiolytic half-lives for thymine were computed for different planetary and interstellar environments. Our results demonstrate that the survival of thymine decreases as the dilution of thymine in water increases. Additionally, we find that thymine survival increases with ice temperature and that this decrease may be related to structure of the ice matrix.

nucleobases, radiolysis, astrobiology↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Uranus Probe Entry and Descent Trajectory Design

Uranus has been recently selected as the priority destination for a future Flagship-class mission. The present study designed a mission concept including an orbiter and an atmospheric probe to Uranus. Specific concerns explored by this study included meeting structural requirements under high deceleration loads, designing a Thermal Protection System (TPS) to withstand the high heat fluxes for Uranus entry, and ensuring communication availability for science data up-link between the probe and the orbiter. The results of the study were used to support the 2023-2032 Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey.

Uranus Mission Concept↗