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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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NASA NTRS1990

Press abstracts of the 21st Lunar and Planetary Science Conference

The Program Committee for the Twenty-fisrt Lunar and Planetary Science Conference has chosen these contributions as having the greatest potential interest for the general public. The papers in this collection were written for general presentation, avoiding jargon and unnecessarily complex terms. More technical abstracts will be found in Lunar and Planetary Science XXI. Representative titles are: Ancient Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Interactions on Mars: Global Model and Geological Evidence; Oxygen Isotopic Compositions of Ordinary Chondrites and Their Chondrules; Exposure Ages and Collisional History of L-Chondrite Parent Bodies; Models of Solar-Powered Geysers on Triton; and Search for Life: A Science Rationale for a Permanent Base on Mars.

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NASA NTRS1967

Lunar and planetary sciences

Lunar and planetary studies dealing with Coude facility with 24-inch telescope, Dicke-type radiometer to measure emission from Venus, and emission spectra of silicates

RADIO EMISSION↗
NASA NTRS2005

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 22

The Lunar and Planetary Science XXXVI, Part 22 is presented. The topics include: 1) Pressure Histories from Thin and Thick Shock-induced Melt Veins in Meteorites; 2) Nano-structured Minerals as Signature of Microbial Activity; 3) The Insoluble Carbonaceous Material of CM Chondrites as Possible Source of Discrete Organics During the Asteroidal Aqueous Phase; 4) Discovery of Abundant Presolar Silicates in Subgroups of Antarctic Micrometeorites; 5) Characteristics of a Seismometer for the LUNAR-A Penetrator; 6) Heating Experiments of the HaH 262 Eucrite and Implication for the Metamorphic History of Highly Metamorphosed Eucrites; 7) Measurements of Ejecta Velocity Distribution by a High-Speed Video Camera; 8) Petrological Comparison of Mongolian Jalanash Ureilite and Twelve Antarctic Ureilites; 9) Metallographic Cooling Rate of IVA Irons Revisited; 10) Inhomogeneous Temperature Distribution in Chondrules in Shock-Wave Heating Model; 11) Subsurface Weathering of Rocks and Soils at Gusev Crater; 12) Extinct Radioactivities in the Early Solar System and the Mean Age of the Galaxy; 13) Correlation of Rock Spectra with Quantitative Morphologic Indices: Evidence for a Single Rock Type at the Mars Pathfinder Landing Site; 14) Silicon Isotopic Ratios of Presolar Grains from Supernovae; 15) Current Status and Readiness on In-Situ Exploration of Asteroid Surface by MINERVA Rover in Hayabusa Mission; 16) Long Formation Period of Single CAI: Combination of O and Mg Isotope Distribution; 17) Supra-Canonical Initial 26Al/27Al Indicate a 105 Year Residence Time for CAIs in the Solar Proto-Planetary Disk; 18) Evolution of Mercury's Obliquity; 19) First Results from the Huygens Surface Science Package; 20) Polyhedral Serpentine Grains in CM Chondrites; 21) Mountainous Units in the Martian Gusev Highland Region: Volcanic, Tectonic, or Impact Related? 22) Petrography of Lunar Meteorite MET 01210, A New Basaltic Regolith Breccia; 23) Earth-Moon Impacts at ~300 Ma and ~500 Ma Ago; 24) Chemical and Isotopic Analyses of Apollo 16 Glasses: An Integrated Approach; 25) Measuring the Surfaces on Mars; 26) Melting in Martian Snowbanks; 27) The Effect of Ni on Fe-FeS Phase Relations: Implications for the Chemistry of the Martian Core; 28) Shorelines in the Western United States as Analogs for Hypothesized Shoreline Features on Mars; 29) Al and Ti Isotopic Ratios of Presolar SiC Grains of Type Z; 30) Physicochemical Conditions of Clinopyroxene Crystallization in the Parental Bodies of Ordinary Chondrites; 31) Metamorphosed CM and CI Carbonaceous Chondrites Could be from the Breakup of the Same Earth-crossing Asteroid; 32) Aqueous Alteration and Hydrogen Generation on Parent Bodies of Unequilibrated Ordinary Chondrites: Thermodynamic Modeling for the Semarkona Composition; and 33) Preliminary Analysis of Relative Abundances of Hydrothermal Alteration Products in the C1-N10, Y6-N19, and Yax-1_863.51 Impact Melt Samples, Chicxulub Structure, Mexico

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NASA NTRS2004

Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV: Concerning Chondrites

The Lunar and Planetary Science XXXV session entitled "Concerning Chondrites" includes the following topics: 1) Petrology and Raman Spectroscopy of Shocked Phases in the Gujba CB Chondrite and the Shock History of the CB Parent Body; 2) The Relationship Between CK and CV Chondrites: A Single Parent Body Source? 3) Samples of Asteroid Surface Ponded Deposits in Chondritic Meteorites; 4) Composition and Origin of SiO2-rich Objects in Carbonaceous and Ordinary Chondrites; 5) Re-Os Systematics and HSE distribution in Tieschitz (H3.6); Two Isochrons for One Meteorite; 6) Loss of Chromium from Olivine During the Metamorphism of Chondrites; 7) Very Short Delivery Times of Meteorites After the L-Chondrite Parent Body Break-Up 480 Myr Ago; and 8) The Complex Exposure History of a Very Large L/LL5 Chondrite Shower: Queen Alexandra Range 90201.

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NASA NTRS2010

Cosmological Effects in Planetary Science

In an earlier discussion of the planetary flyby anomaly, a preliminary assessment of cosmological effects upon planetary orbits exhibiting the flyby anomaly was made. A more comprehensive investigation has since been published, although it was directed at the Pioneer anomaly and possible effects of universal rotation. The general subject of Solar System anomalies will be examined here from the point of view of planetary science.

Blume, H. J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermostructural Qualification of PICA-D for NASA Planetary Science Missions

Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (PICA) has been used as the heatshield TPS material for many NASA planetary science missions. Due to a supply issue with the heritage Rayon fibers used in PICA fabrication, NASA started a project in 2017 to develop a sustainable replacement for PICA using a domestic fiber source, named PICA-D. This material has been selected as the heatshield TPS material for two upcoming NASA planetary science missions, Dragonfly mission to Titan and Mars Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL). While most PICA-D thermal and mechanical properties are very similar to PICA, early test data suggest that PICA-D is stiffer in tension in the in-plane (IP) direction, with higher strength but lower strain-to-failure. Preliminary thermostructural analysis using Finite Element Methods (FEM) tools predict IP compressive failure in the near-surface layers of PICA-D, for both Dragonfly and SRL flight environments. This talk provides an overview of the thermostructural qualification plans for PICA-D. A two-pronged approach is being pursued to demonstrate that the material and heatshield design has adequate capability for both SRL and Dragonfly design environments. The first part is to improve the accuracy of analytical predictions through a comprehensive characterization of PICA-D mechanical properties. The second, and more critical, part of the qualification approach is a subsystem-level test of PICA-D to demonstrate material capability under flight-relevant combined mechanical and thermal loads. The team is currently preparing for two test series in Sandia’s Solar Tower facility, scheduled in September 2023 and focusing on PICA-D acreage, followed by additional tests in the Solar Tower and LHMEL facilities focusing on design features and repair methods.

TPS↗
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 NTRS2026

Diamond-Loaded Polyimide Aerogel Scattering Filters and Their Applications in Astrophysical and Planetary Science Observations

Infrared-blocking, aerogel-based scattering filters have a broad range of potential applications in astrophysics and planetary science instruments in the far-infrared, sub-millimeter, and microwave regimes. This paper demonstrates the ability of conductively-loaded, polyimide aerogel filters to meet the mechanical and science instrument requirements for several experiments, including the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (CLASS), the Experiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping (EXCLAIM), and the Sub-millimeter Solar Observation Lunar Volatiles Experiment (SSOLVE). Thermal multi-physics simulations of the filters predict their performance when integrated into a cryogenic receiver. Prototype filters have survived cryogenic cycling to 4 K with no degradation in mechanical properties. Measurement of total hemispherical reflectance and transmittance, as well as cryogenic tests of the aerogel filters in a full receiver context, allow estimates of the integrated infrared emissivity of the filters. Knowledge of the emissivity will help instrument designers incorporate the filters into future experiments in planetary science, astrophysics, and cosmology.

Kyle R Helson↗
NASA NTRS1987

Planetary science - 1983-1986

Results obtained in the U.S. planetary science programs during 1983-1986 are discussed in a brief review. Topics examined include Halley observations and probes, the flyby of comet Giacobini-Zinner by ISEE-3 (ICE), the Voyager 2 encounter with Uranus, analysis of Voyager 1 and 2 data from the Jupiter and Saturn systems, Pioneer Venus Orbiter observations, theoretical models of lunar evolution, and antarctic meteorites of lunar and perhaps Martian origin.

Clifford, Stephen M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Thermostructural Testing of PICA-D for NASA Planetary Science Missions

Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator–Domestic (PICA‑D) has been selected as the heatshield thermal protection system (TPS) material for two upcoming NASA planetary science missions: the Dragonfly mission to Titan and the Mars Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL). Early testing revealed differences between PICA‑D and heritage PICA, particularly in in‑plane (IP) tensile stiffness and thermal expansion. Thermostructural analyses using Finite Element Method (FEM) tools subsequently predicted the potential for IP compressive failure in the near‑surface layers of PICA‑D under both Dragonfly and SRL flight environments. Over the past three years, the Dragonfly and SRL teams have carried out an extensive thermostructural qualification campaign to address these concerns and validate PICA‑D for flight. This effort began with a comprehensive mechanical property characterization program at Kratos test laboratories, which significantly improved understanding of PICA‑D mechanical behavior and increased the fidelity of FEM predictions. The teams also conducted six large‑scale test entries at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) solar tower, exposing PICA‑D articles—including gap fillers and representative design features or flaws—to combined thermal and mechanical loads. The talk will summarize key findings from these mechanical and thermostructural test campaigns and present the current status of PICA‑D qualification for NASA’s planetary science missions.

TPS↗
NASA NTRS2016

NASA Planetary Science Division's Instrument Development Programs, PICASSO and MatISSE

The Planetary Science Division (PSD) has combined several legacy instrument development programs into just two. The Planetary Instrument Concepts Advancing Solar System Observations (PICASSO) program funds the development of low TRL instruments and components. The Maturation of Instruments for Solar System Observations (MatISSE) program funds the development of instruments in the mid-TRL range. The strategy of PSD instrument development is to develop instruments from PICASSO to MatISSE to proposing for mission development.

Instruments↗
NASA NTRS2014

Planetary Science Technology Infusion Study: Findings and Recommendations Status

The Planetary Science Division (PSD) within the National Aeronautics and Space Administrations (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) at NASA Headquarters sought to understand how to better realize a scientific return on spacecraft system technology investments currently being funded. In order to achieve this objective, a team at NASA Glenn Research Center was tasked with surveying the science and mission communities to collect their insight on technology infusion and additionally sought inputs from industry, universities, and other organizations involved with proposing for future PSD missions. This survey was undertaken by issuing a Request for Information (RFI) activity that requested input from the proposing community on present technology infusion efforts. The Technology Infusion Study was initiated in March 2013 with the release of the RFI request. The evaluation team compiled and assessed this input in order to provide PSD with recommendations on how to effectively infuse new spacecraft systems technologies that it develops into future competed missions enabling increased scientific discoveries, lower mission cost, or both. This team is comprised of personnel from the Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program and the In-Space Propulsion Technology (ISPT) Program staff.The RFI survey covered two aspects of technology infusion: 1) General Insight, including: their assessment of barriers to technology infusion as related to infusion approach; technology readiness; information and documentation products; communication; integration considerations; interaction with technology development areas; cost-capped mission areas; risk considerations; system level impacts and implementation; and mission pull. 2) Specific technologies from the most recent PSD Announcements of Opportunities (AOs): The Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator (ASRG), aerocapture and aeroshell hardware technologies, the NASA Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT) ion propulsion system, and the Advanced Materials Bi-propellant Rocket (AMBR) engine.This report will present the teams Findings from the RFI inputs and the recommendations that arose from these findings. Methodologies on the findings and recommendations development are discussed.

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NASA NTRS2013

Assessing the Potential of Stratospheric Balloons for Planetary Science

Recent developments in high altitude balloon platform capabilities, specifically long duration flights in excess of 50 days at over 100,000 ft and precision pointing with performance at the arc sec level or better have raised the question whether this platform can be utilized for high-value planetary science observations. In January of 2012 a workshop was held at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio to explore what planetary science can be achieved utilizing such a platform. Over 40 science concepts were identified by the scientists and engineers attending the workshop. Those ideas were captured and then posted to a public website for all interested planetary scientists to review and give their comments. The results of the workshop, and subsequent community review, have demonstrated that this platform appears to have potential for high-value science at very competitive costs. Given these positive results, the assessment process was extended to include 1) examining, in more detail, the requirements for the gondola platform and the mission scenarios 2) identifying technical challenges and 3) developing one or more platform concepts in enough fidelity to enable accurate estimating of development and mission costs. This paper provides a review of the assessment, a summary of the achievable science and the challenges to make that science a reality with this platform.

Kremic, Tibor↗
NASA NTRS1994

The Twenty-Fifth Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. Part 2: H-O

Various papers on lunar and planetary science are presented, covering such topics as: planetary geology, lunar geology, meteorites, shock loads, cometary collisions, planetary mapping, planetary atmospheres, chondrites, chondrules, planetary surfaces, impact craters, lava flow, achondrites, geochemistry, stratigraphy, micrometeorites, tectonics, mineralogy, petrology, geomorphology, and volcanology.

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NASA NTRS2024

THUNDER: A Titan orbiter mission concept for the New Frontiers program designed at the JPL Planetary Science Summer School

Saturn’s moon Titan is an enigmatic icy world whose surface is constantly modified by its active, Earthlike precipitation system. Here, we propose the THUNDER (Titan’s Hydrocarbons: Uncovering New Dimensions of Evolutionary pRocesses) mission concept to investigate how Titan’s surface reflects the nature of its interior and its active hydrocarbon cycle. This mission will change our understanding of Titan’s surface through three science objectives: characterizing the heat and material transport properties of Titan’s icy outer layer, tracing surface liquid storage through and across the crust, and assessing the total hydrocarbon budget through time. This New Frontiers-class mission, designed as part of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) Planetary Science Summer School, responds directly to the call for a Titan orbiter in the NASA Planetary Science and Astrobiology Decadal Survey 2023-2032. THUNDER’s focused geology and geophysics mission could achieve full surface mapping to complement both the Cassini-Huygens and Dragonfly missions using gravity science, radar with three operational modes, and a visible-to-infrared spectrometer. These instruments together could give us the first look at Titan as a fully connected and geologically active world , revolutionizing our understanding of icy bodies, fluvial and atmospheric processes, and habitability across geologic time. Here, we summarize goals of the science mission and engineering approaches, as well as challenges and future directions to study before THUNDER can become a viable mission concept.

mission concept↗
NASA NTRS1990

The Planetary Data System - A solution to data management for the planetary science community

An overview of the first release of the Planetary Data System (PDS) is presented, and some of the challenges encountered during development of the system are described. The principal goals of the PDS are to distribute planetary science data and information about these data to NASA, to provide scientific knowledge to users of these data, and to provide for permanent storage. The current architecture and capabilities of the PDS (Version 1.0) are examined, and some of the special challenges encountered and lessons learned during the application are highlighted. Finally, implications for future versions of the PDS as well as for other science data systems are discussed.

Dobinson, Elaine R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The Twenty-Fifth Lunar and Planetary Science Conference. Part 3: P-Z

Various papers on lunar and planetary science are presented, covering such topics as: impact craters, tektites, lunar geology, lava flow, geodynamics, chondrites, planetary geology, planetary surfaces, volcanology, tectonics, topography, regolith, metamorphic rock, geomorphology, lunar soil, geochemistry, petrology, cometary collisions, geochronology, weathering, and meteoritic composition.

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