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NASA NTRS2022

Planetary Protection Policy and Technology Developments for the Crewed Exploration of Mars

As part of planning for potential future crewed exploration of Mars, NASA is developing its planetary protection policy for crewed missions, building on concepts developed within the international space exploration community. COSPAR (The Committee on Space Research), together with participating space agencies, has over the last several years organized and held interdisciplinary meetings to consider next steps in addressing knowledge gaps for planetary protection for the first human missions to Mars. Beginning with these workshop discussions as a base, NASA has held follow-on planning activities to identify the necessary steps to be accomplished to close those knowledge gaps. Significant overlap was identified between the planetary protection needs, including; microbial monitoring requirements for crew health and medical systems; studies of the microbiome of the built environment; environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) venting and disinfection strategies; waste management, and; planetary surface operations. In many cases, efforts to mature exploration systems for Mars that are occurring in other technology domains can be leveraged with minor changes to address planetary protection gaps as well. In other cases, work planned for testing on ISS as an analog for Mars transit, or on the lunar surface as an analog for Mars surface operations, can be used to close gaps in current planetary protection capabilities. This presentation provides a status update on the findings of the COSPAR Meetings on this topic to date, together with NASA’s responses in terms of agency-level plans and activities.

James N Benardini↗

NASA NTRS2015

An Overview of NASA's Risk of Cardiovascular Disease from Radiation Exposure

The association between high doses of radiation exposure and cardiovascular damage is well established. Patients that have undergone radiotherapy for primary cancers of the head and neck and mediastinal regions have shown increased risk of heart and vascular damage and long-term development of radiation-induced heart disease [1]. In addition, recent meta-analyses of epidemiological data from atomic bomb survivors and nuclear industry workers has also shown that acute and chronic radiation exposures is strongly correlated with an increased risk of circulatory disease at doses above 0.5 Sv [2]. However, these analyses are confounded for lower doses by lifestyle factors, such as drinking, smoking, and obesity. The types of radiation found in the space environment are significantly more damaging than those found on Earth and include galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), solar particle events (SPEs), and trapped protons and electrons. In addition to the low-LET data, only a few studies have examined the effects of heavy ion radiation on atherosclerosis, and at lower, space-relevant doses, the association between exposure and cardiovascular pathology is more varied and unclear. Understanding the qualitative differences in biological responses produced by GCR compared to Earth-based radiation is a major focus of space radiation research and is imperative for accurate risk assessment for long duration space missions. Other knowledge gaps for the risk of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease include the existence of a dose threshold, low dose rate effects, and potential synergies with other spaceflight stressors. The Space Radiation Program Element within NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) is managing the research and risk mitigation strategies for these knowledge gaps. In this presentation, we will review the evidence and present an overview of the HRP Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Other Degenerative Tissue Effects from Radiation Exposure.

Patel, Zarana S.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Mind the Gap: Exploring the Underground of the NASA Space Cancer Risk Model

The REID quantifies the lifetime risk of death from radiation-induced cancer in an exposed astronaut. The NASA Space Cancer Risk (NSCR) 2012 mode incorporates elements from physics, biology, epidemiology, and statistics to generate the REID distribution. The current model quantifies the space radiation environment, radiation quality, and dose-rate effects to estimate a NASA-weighted dose. This weighted dose is mapped to the excess risk of radiation-induced cancer mortality from acute exposures to gamma rays and then transferred to an astronaut population. Finally, the REID is determined by integrating this risk over the individual's lifetime. The calculated upper 95% confidence limit of the REID is used to restrict an astronaut's permissible mission duration (PMD) for a proposed mission. As a statistical quantity characterized by broad, subjective uncertainties, REID estimates for space missions result in wide distributions. Currently, the upper 95% confidence level is over 350% larger than the mean REID value, which can severely limit an astronaut's PMD. The model incorporates inputs from multiple scientific disciplines in the risk estimation process. Physics and particle transport models calculate how radiation moves through space, penetrates spacecraft, and makes its way to the human beings onboard. Epidemiological studies of exposures from atomic bombings, medical treatments, and power plants are used to quantify health risks from acute and chronic low linear energy transfer (LET) ionizing radiation. Biological studies in cellular and animal models using radiation at various LETs and energies inform quality metrics for ions present in space radiation. Statistical methodologies unite these elements, controlling for mathematical and scientific uncertainty and variability. Despite current progress, these research platforms contain knowledge gaps contributing to the large uncertainties still present in the model. The NASA Space Radiation Program Element (SRPE) defines the knowledge gaps that impact our understanding of the cancer risks. These gaps are outlined in NASA's Human Research Roadmap [4], which identifies the research questions and actions recommended for reducing the uncertainty in the current NSCR model and for formulation of future models. The greatest contributors to uncertainty in the current model include radiation quality, dose rate effects, and the transfer of exposure-based risk from other populations to an astronaut population. Future formulations of the risk model may benefit from including other potential sources of uncertainty such as space dosimetry, errors in human epidemiology data, and the impact of microgravity and other spaceflight stressors. Here, we discuss the current capabilities of the NSCR-2012 model and several immediate research needs, highlighting areas expected to have an operational impact on the current model schema. The following subway-style route map outlines the NSCR-2012 model (Green Line), emphasizing the research gaps in the Human Research Roadmap for risk of radiation-induced carcinogenesis (Stops on Dashed Lines). The map diagrams how these research gaps feed specific portions of the model.

Chappell, L. J.↗

NASA NTRS2012

Increased Science Instrumentation Funding Strengthens Mars Program

As the strategic knowledge gaps mature for the exploration of Mars, Mars sample return (MSR), and Phobos/Deimos missions, one approach that becomes more probable involves smaller science instrumentation and integrated science suites. Recent technological advances provide the foundation for a significant evolution of instrumentation; however, the funding support is currently too small to fully utilize these advances. We propose that an increase in funding for instrumentation development occur in the near-term so that these foundational technologies can be applied. These instruments would directly address the significant knowledge gaps for humans to Mars orbit, humans to the Martian surface, and humans to Phobos/ Deimos. They would also address the topics covered by the Decadal Survey and the Mars scientific goals, objectives, investigations and priorities as stated by the MEPAG. We argue that an increase of science instrumentation funding would be of great benefit to the Mars program as well as the potential for human exploration of the Mars system. If the total non-Earth-related planetary science instrumentation budget were increased 100% it would not add an appreciable amount to the overall NASA budget and would provide the real potential for future breakthroughs. If such an approach were implemented in the near-term, NASA would benefit greatly in terms of science knowledge of the Mars, Phobos/Deimos system, exploration risk mitigation, technology development, and public interest.

Graham, Lee D.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Key Gaps for Enabling Plant Growth in Future Missions

Growing plants to provide food or psychological benefits to crewmembers is a common vision for the future of human spaceflight, often represented in media and in serious concept studies. The complexity of controlled environment agriculture, and plant growth in microgravity have and continue to be the subject of dedicated scientific research. However, actually implementing these systems in a way that will be cost effective, efficient, and sustainable for future space missions is a complex, multi-disciplinary problem. Key questions exist in many areas: human medical research in nutrition and psychology, horticulture, plant physiology and microbiology, multi-phase microgravity fluid physics, hardware design and technology development, and system design, operations and mission planning. This paper describes key knowledge gaps identified by a multi-disciplinary working group within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It also begins to identify solutions to the simpler questions identified by the group based on work initiated in 2017. Growing plants to provide food or psychological benefits to crewmembers is a common vision for the future of human spaceflight, often represented in media and in serious concept studies. The complexity of controlled environment agriculture, and plant growth in microgravity have and continue to be the subject of dedicated scientific research. However, actually implementing these systems in a way that will be cost effective, efficient, and sustainable for future space missions is a complex, multi-disciplinary problem. Key questions exist in many areas: human medical research in nutrition and psychology, horticulture, plant physiology and microbiology, multi-phase microgravity fluid physics, hardware design and technology development, and system design, operations and mission planning. This paper describes key knowledge gaps identified by a multi-disciplinary working group within the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It also begins to identify solutions to the simpler questions identified by the group based on work initiated in 2017.

Anderson, Molly↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Solar Absorptivity Degradation of Spacecraft Materials Due to UV and Charged Particles in the Gateway Environment

The Gateway Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Group has identified charged particle and UV degradation of Gateway materials as a knowledge gap for the Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) and transit environment. Candidate materials and coatings were subjected to expected mission UV and charged particle environments at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). In situ change in reflectivity was observed at specified intervals during testing such that change in solar absorptivity could be plotted as a function of time of solar exposure. Gateway will be an outpost in cislunar space designed to survive a 15-year mission to support human moon landings and future deep space exploration. The Gateway Passive Thermal Control System (PTCS) Group has identified charged particle and UV degradation of potential Gateway materials as a knowledge gap for the Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) and transit environment, especially the slow spiral transit planned for the first two modules. Solar absorptivity degradation is important to quantify because the end-of-life absorptivity impacts thermal performance of the system. To address this, ground testing is being completed at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in which potential Gateway materials, including radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), and structural materials are subjected to the expected transit plus 15-year on-orbit charged particle fluence (9.86x1015 protons/cm2 at 2.5 keV and 3.1x1016 electrons/cm2 at 10 keV) and up to 5000 Equivalent Solar Hours (ESH). Reflectivity of a single sample of each material was measured in atmosphere and in vacuum inside the chamber after exposure to incremental levels of ESH and charged particle fluence. Increase in absorptivity of most samples were seen throughout the test including large differences in absorptivity of materials of the same category. Future testing will validate these results and include additional materials of interest.

materials in the space environment↗

NASA NTRS2014

Assessing the Risk of Crew Injury Due to Dynamic Loads During Spaceflight

Spaceflight requires tremendous amounts of energy to achieve Earth orbit and to attain escape velocity for interplanetary missions. Although the majority of the energy is managed in such a way as to limit the accelerations on the crew, several mission phases may result in crew exposure to dynamic loads. In the automotive industry, risk of serious injury can be tolerated because the probability of a crash is remote each time a person enters a vehicle, resulting in a low total risk of injury. For spaceflight, the level of acceptable injury risk must be lower to achieve a low total risk of injury because the dynamic loads are expected on each flight. To mitigate the risk of injury due to dynamic loads, the NASA Human Research Program has developed a research plan to inform the knowledge gaps and develop relevant tools for assessing injury risk. The risk of injury due to dynamic loads can be further subdivided into extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors. Extrinsic risk factors include the vehicle dynamic profile, seat and restraint design, and spacesuit design. Human tolerance to loads varies considerably depending on the direction, amplitude, and rise-time of acceleration therefore the orientation of the body to the dynamic vector is critical to determining crew risk of injury. Although a particular vehicle dynamic profile may be safe for a particular design, the seat, restraint, and suit designs can affect the risk of injury due to localized effects. In addition, characteristics intrinsic to the crewmember may also contribute to the risk of injury, such as crewmember sex, age, anthropometry, and deconditioning due to spaceflight, and each astronaut may have a different risk profile because of these factors. The purpose of the research plan is to address any knowledge gaps in the risk factors to mitigate injury risk. Methods for assessing injury risk have been well documented in other analogous industries and include human volunteer testing, human exposure to dynamic environments, post-mortem human subject (PMHS) testing, animal testing, anthropomorphic test devices (ATD), dynamic models of the human, numerical models of ATDs, and numerical models of the human. Each has inherent strengths and limitations. For example, human volunteer testing is advantageous because a population can be selected that is similar to the astronaut corps; however, because of the inherent ethical limitations, only sub-injurious conditions can be tested. PMHSs can be tested in a variety of conditions including injurious levels, but the responses are not completely analogous to living human subjects. In addition, it is exceedingly difficult to select a PMHS population that is similar to the astronaut corps. ATDs are currently widely used in the automotive industry and military because they are highly repeatable and durable. Unfortunately, because they are mechanical models of the human body, the biofidelity of the responses are limited to dynamic conditions used to validate the ATD. Numerical models of the ATD, in addition to the strengths and limitations for ATDs, are easy to use for a variety of designs before a design is fabricated, but also have additional limitations for ATDs, are easy to use for a variety of designs before a design is fabricated, but also have additional uncertainty. Dynamic models are simple and easy to use, but do not account for localized effects of the seat and suit. Finally, numerical models of the human have the potential to have the most advantages; however, the current models are not validated for the conditions expected during spaceflight. To properly assess spaceflight conditions with numerical human models, human data would be needed to optimize the model responses for those conditions. Using the appropriate assessment method with the knowledge gained for each risk factor, an appropriate approach for mitigating the risk of injury due to dynamic loads can be developed ensuring crew safety in future NASA vehicles.

Somers, J. T.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Leveraging the Power of SAR Observations for Forest Monitoring Systems

Earth observations from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can provide unique information related to forest structure and condition. Despite the many advantages of SAR, particularly where clouds impede optical observations, a knowledge gap has prevented the applied remote sensing community from harnessing its full potential. Here, we discuss the results of a collaboration between SERVIR, a joint program between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and SilvaCarbon, the United States’ contribution to the Global Forest Observation Initiative, to build global capacity in using SAR for forest monitoring and biomass estimation. This includes primarily the creation of 1) The SAR Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest Monitoring and Biomass Estimation, 2) a series of international hands-on trainings and training materials, 3) quick-reference guides illustrating SAR concepts, and 4) animated videos explaining how SAR works. The SERVIR-Global community joined efforts to develop a hands-on guide to support decision-makers in the forestry community to leverage the power of SAR technology to better protect and manage forest resources. We worked with world-renowned SAR experts to provide targeted trainings and develop the SAR Handbook. This handbook consists of approachable theoretical background and applied content that contributes to filling the knowledge gap in the applied use of SAR technology for forestry applications. We hope that forest managers and remote sensing specialists will use these materials to benefit from currently available SAR datasets, as well as prepare for future SAR missions, such as NISAR and BIOMASS. Since its release on April 11, 2019, the SAR Handbook has been accessed more than 100,000 times in less than a month, demonstrating the remote sensing community’s urgent need and interest to learn and use SAR.

Herndon, Kelsey E.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Leveraging the Power of SAR Observations for Forest Monitoring Systems

Earth observations from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can provide unique information related to forest structure and condition. Despite the many advantages of SAR, particularly where clouds impede optical observations, a knowledge gap has prevented the applied remote sensing community from harnessing its full potential. Here, we discuss the results of a collaboration between SERVIR, a joint program between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and SilvaCarbon, the United States' contribution to the Global Forest Observation Initiative, to build global capacity in using SAR for forest monitoring and biomass estimation. This includes primarily the creation of 1) The SAR Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest Monitoring and Biomass Estimation, 2) a series of international hands-on trainings and training materials, 3) quick-reference guides illustrating SAR concepts, and 4) animated videos explaining how SAR works. The SERVIR-Global community joined efforts to develop a hands-on guide to support decision-makers in the forestry community to leverage the power of SAR technology to better protect and manage forest resources. We worked with world-renowned SAR experts to provide targeted trainings and develop the SAR Handbook. This handbook consists of approachable theoretical background and applied content that contributes to filling the knowledge gap in the applied use of SAR technology for forestry applications. We hope that forest managers and remote sensing specialists will use these materials to benefit from currently available SAR datasets, as well as prepare for future SAR missions, such as NISAR and BIOMASS. Since its release on April 11, 2019, the SAR Handbook has been accessed more than 100,000 times in less than a month, demonstrating the remote sensing community's urgent need and interest to learn and use SAR.

Herndon, Kelsey E.↗

NASA NTRS2024

ISS External Microorganisms: A Planetary Protection Experiment to Inform Requirements for Crewed Missions to Mars

We have developed, tested, and flown a caddy capable of collecting aseptic samples from external surfaces of the ISS (International Space Station). The sampling caddy is certified for use during US EVA (extra vehicular activity) and was launched to ISS in the summer of 2023. We are scheduled to collect samples from 6 locations outside ISS during an EVA in May of 2024. We will freeze these samples at -80°C on orbit and return them to Earth. We will then extract and sequence any DNA collected during the EVA using next generation sequencing technologies to characterize the community composition and function of each sample. Measuring the type and quantity of microbes present on the exterior of ISS will allow us to address knowledge gap 2B, “Acceptable levels of microbial/organic releases from humans and support systems” described in a 2019 COSPAR report. Collecting data about microbial release from current crewed vehicles will inform requirements for acceptable leak rates for future crewed missions to Mars. The sampling kit consists of eight commercially available, sterile, DNA free, macrofoam swabs ( 23 mm. diameter ) installed in custom aluminum end effectors. Each end effector is housed in and individual aluminum canister. Each canister contains a 0.2 μm Teflon filter to allow the interior volume to accommodate pressure changes without permitting microbial contaminants to enter the sterile interior volume. A handle repurposed from the space shuttle tile repair kit is used to remove the end effector from the sample canister, collect a sample by swabbing a surface and then replace the end effector in its canister. The canisters and end effectors were cleaned and assembled on Earth. Prior to installing the sterile swab the canisters and end effectors were sterilized in an autoclave at 134°C, 215 kPA, for 7 min.. The final assembly occurred in a sterilized class II biosafety cabinet. We will collect six samples from the 1) airlock vestibule, 2) airlock thermal cover, 3) a gap in the micrometeorite shielding near the airlock, 4) a handrail near the airlock, 5) the CDRA (Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly) vent, and 6) the VES (Vacuum Exhaust System) vent. The remaining two swabs will be reserved as controls. One swab will be exposed during the EVA without touching any surfaces to act as a blank. The final swab will remain sealed until the entire sampling kit is returned to earth. Based on previously published results from the Russian segment, we hypothesize that there will be detectable microbes at some or all of these locations. Ground-based testing of this sampling caddy confirms that the swabs remain sterile as the canisters transition in and out of vacuum. We were able to retrieve, viable bacterial and fungal cells as well as DNA from samples collected from US space suits during vacuum chamber tests lasting as long as seven hours. Based on these results and feedback from the test subjects the sampling caddy was modified to improve ergonomics and meet US EVA safety requirements. Bayonet probes were added to the sides of the sample kit as alternate mounting points. Additional locking features were added to the end effector and the filter stack to prevent inadvertent release during use. The opening mechanism was changed from one where the end effector was rocked laterally to defeat a ball detent to a twist-to-open threaded closure for similar reasons. Demonstrating, this sampling caddy’s effectiveness during a US EVA will allow us to address knowledge gaps identified in COSPAR reports and begin to define planetary protection requirements for life support systems on crewed missions to mars. This kit could also be used to collect contamination control samples during Artemis missions to verify requirements and could be easily modified for robotic sample collection.

Planetary Protection↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

ISS External Microorganisms: Collecting Planetary Protection Samples During Extravehicular Activity

Planetary Protection↗

NASA NTRS2016

The Spacecraft Fire Experiment (Saffire) - Objectives, Development and Status

Since 2012, the Spacecraft Fire Experiment (Saffire) has been under development by the Spacecraft Fire Safety Demonstration (SFS Demo) project that is funded by NASA's Advanced Exploration Systems Division in the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. The overall objective of this project is to reduce the uncertainty and risk associated with the design of spacecraft fire safety systems for NASA's exploration missions. This is accomplished by defining, developing, and conducting experiments that address gaps in spacecraft fire safety knowledge and capabilities identified by NASA's Fire Safety System Maturation Team. This paper describes the three Spacecraft Fire Experiments (Saffire-I, -II, and -III) that were developed at NASA-GRC and that will conduct a series of material flammability tests in low-gravity and at length scales that are realistic for a spacecraft fire. The experiments will be conducted in Orbital ATK's Cygnus vehicle after it has unberthed from the International Space Station. The tests will be fully automated with the data downlinked at the conclusion of the test and before the Cygnus vehicle reenters the atmosphere. The objectives of these experiments are to (1) determine how rapidly a large scale fire grows in low-gravity and (2) investigate the low-g flammability limits compared to those obtained in NASA's normal gravity material flammability screening test. The hardware for these experiments has been completed and is awaiting their respective launches, all planned for 2016. This paper will review the objectives of these experiments and how they address several of the knowledge gaps for NASA's exploration missions. The hardware development will be discussed including several novel approaches that were taken for testing and evaluation of these series payloads. The status of the missions and operational status will also be presented.

combustion↗

NASA NTRS2009

Knowledge Discovery/A Collaborative Approach, an Innovative Solution

Collaboration between Medical Informatics and Healthcare Systems (MIHCS) at NASA/Johnson Space Center (JSC) and the Texas Medical Center (TMC) Library was established to investigate technologies for facilitating knowledge discovery across multiple life sciences research disciplines in multiple repositories. After reviewing 14 potential Enterprise Search System (ESS) solutions, Collexis was determined to best meet the expressed needs. A three month pilot evaluation of Collexis produced positive reports from multiple scientists across 12 research disciplines. The joint venture and a pilot-phased approach achieved the desired results without the high cost of purchasing software, hardware or additional resources to conduct the task. Medical research is highly compartmentalized by discipline, e.g. cardiology, immunology, neurology. The medical research community at large, as well as at JSC, recognizes the need for cross-referencing relevant information to generate best evidence. Cross-discipline collaboration at JSC is specifically required to close knowledge gaps affecting space exploration. To facilitate knowledge discovery across these communities, MIHCS combined expertise with the TMC library and found Collexis to best fit the needs of our researchers including:

Fitts, Mary A.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Integrated Risk and Knowledge Management Program -- IRKM-P

The NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD) IRKM-P tightly couples risk management and knowledge management processes and tools to produce an effective "modern" work environment. IRKM-P objectives include: (1) to learn lessons from past and current programs (Apollo, Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station); (2) to generate and share new engineering design, operations, and management best practices through preexisting Continuous Risk Management (CRM) procedures and knowledge-management practices; and (3) to infuse those lessons and best practices into current activities. The conceptual framework of the IRKM-P is based on the assumption that risks highlight potential knowledge gaps that might be mitigated through one or more knowledge management practices or artifacts. These same risks also serve as cues for collection of knowledge particularly, knowledge of technical or programmatic challenges that might recur.

Lengyel, David M.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Co-Operative Advances in Behavioral Health and Performance Research and Operations

In organizations that engage in both operations and applied research, with operational needs guiding research questions and research informing improved operations, the ideal goal is a synergy of ideas and information. In reality, this ideal synergy is often lacking. Real-time operational needs driving day-to-day decisions, lack of communication, lag time in getting research advances plugged into operations can cause both areas to suffer from this gap between operations and research. At Johnson Space Center, the Behavior Health and Performance group (BHP) strives to bridge this gap by following a Human Research Program framework: Expectations of future operational needs identify the knowledge gaps; the gaps in turn guide research leading to a product that is transitioned into operations. Thus, the direction those of us in research take is in direct response to current and future needs of operations. Likewise, those of us in operations actively seek knowledge that is supported by evidence-based research. We make an ongoing effort to communicate across the research and operations gap by working closely with each other and making a conscious effort to keep each other informed. The objective of the proposed panel discussion is to demonstrate through the following presentations the results of a successful collaboration between research and operations and to provide ASMA members with more practical knowledge and strategies for building these bridges to serve our field of practice well. The panel will consist of six presenters from BHP operations, internal BHP research, and external research instigated by BHP who together represent the entire BHP Research Transition to Operations Framework

VanderArk, Stephen T.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Constructing a Knowledge Graph & Applying Graph Algorithms to Draw Insights about GES-DISC Jira Tickets

In order to assess the complexities of Jira tickets created by NASA Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES-DISC), it was beneficial to create a knowledge graph. The knowledge graph receives ticket data through the Jira API. The creation of a knowledge graph will help to answer high-level questions about internal structure, knowledge gaps, and team organization within GES-DISC. To work towards this goal, the knowledge graph was constructed in adockerizedNeo4j graph database. Once the graph had been created, graph algorithms were applied to answer high-level questions, such as exploring the role of staff in relation to projects, which qualities of a ticket contribute to the formation of communities within the graph, etc. To answer these questions, centrality and community detection algorithms were applied using Cypher querying language. The analysis of the results of the algorithms indicated that, as expected, certain individuals were more connected to some projects, while others were serving as hub nodes between two or more projects. Similarly, specific keywords are more likely to increase a Jira ticket’s centrality in the graph. In terms of community detection, when tickets in a community have certain qualities, it is more probable for them to be grouped together. To best visualize which nodes had higher centrality scores or were grouped into certain communities, interactive graphs were created in Python using Plotly and Matplotlib. Ultimately, the project was successful in creating and deploying a knowledge graph to better understand the relationships between data in GES-DISC Jira tickets

Rebecca Lipton↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Dust Characterization Needs for Dust Mitigation

Unknowns remain regarding several lunar dust characteristics, and the lunar dust mitigation community, in collaboration with the science community, is compiling a list of lunar dust characterization needs. It is expected, through the course of currently planned or future lunar surface mission instrumentation, lab experiments, or analysis, that some of these unknowns will be characterized. This list is derived from several sources including findings from the 2020 publication “The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Exploration”, NASA-STD-1008, SLS-SPEC-159 DSNE, and known gaps identified within NASA programs and projects. The goal of this information collection process is to create a list of dust characterization needs based on scientific and engineering knowledge gaps that will aid in the design and survival of designed and future systems, and address the challenges related to defining the lunar environment and mitigating lunar dust effects on systems and operations. Examples of dust properties and characterization needs include detailed examination of the finest fraction of lunar regolith as it varies by surface location, understanding dust transfer within natural and induced environments, determination of the effects of the lunar plasma environment with regards to materials and hardware, understand the triboelectric charging effects for activities and hardware in contact with the regolith, including grain to grain electrostatic interactions, and material adhesive properties.

dust mitigation↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Lunar Water ISRU System Study for Human-Scale Propellant Production

NASA’s plans to return to the moon in the Artemis campaign include intentions for sustainable surface operations. In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is key to enabling sustainability. The use of water, which has been identified in the lunar polar regions [1-4], could be pivotal to a sustainable architecture. While water has been identified, there is limited information regarding its form and distribution. The Lunar Water ISRU Measurement Study (LWIMS) [5] outlined the current state of knowledge regarding water resources on the moon, what information is lacking, and how to approach a measurement campaign to close those knowledge gaps. However the NASA timeline necessitates that lunar surface water prospecting, or reconnaissance, efforts and ISRU system design to occur in parallel. ISRU hardware and systems development must proceed without key resource knowledge. Yet, engineering design requires come constraints and targets to work to. The goal of this study was to define a set of lunar water reference cases, based on the cur-rent lunar water information, to help focus ISRU de-sign and planning. This approach is similar to an study focused on Mars resources called Mars Water ISRU Planning (MWIP) [6].

Lunar Water↗