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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 541 records · Page 30

Quality and productivity drive innovation and improvement at United Technologies Aerospace Operations, Inc.

Quality and innovation are the hallmarks of the national space program. In programs that preceded the Shuttle Program the emphasis was on meeting the risks and technical challenges of space with safety, quality, reliability, and success. At United Technologies Aerospace Operations, Inc. (UTAO), the battle has developed along four primary fronts. These fronts include programs to motivate and reward people, development and construction of optimized processes and facilities, implementation of specifically tailored management systems, and the application of appropriate measurement and control systems. Each of these initiatives is described. However, to put this quality and productivity program in perspective, UTAO and its role in the Shuttle Program are described first.

Jamar, L. G.↗

NASA Langley flight test program

General overview of NASA/Langley Research Center wind shear flight project is presented in the form of view-graphs. The following subject areas are covered: program elements (hazard characterization, sensor technology, and flight management systems); flight test objective; facility; flight requirements; flight operations; and status/schedule.

Lewis, Mike↗

Blazing the trailway - Nuclear electric propulsion and its technology program plans

An overview is given of the plans for a program in nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) technology for outer space applications being considered by NASA, DOE, and DOD. Possible missions using NEP are examined, and NEP technology plans are addressed regarding concept development, systems engineering, nuclear fuels, power conversion, thermal management, power management and distribution, electric thrusters, facilities, and issues related to safety and environment. The programmatic characteristics are considered.

Doherty, Michael P.↗

Blazing the trailway: Nuclear electric propulsion and its technology program plans

An overview is given of the plans for a program in nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) technology for space applications being considered by NASA, DOE, and DOD. Possible missions using NEP are examined, and NEP technology plans are addressed regarding concept development, systems engineering, nuclear fuels, power conversion, thermal management, power management and distribution, electric thrusters, facilities, and issues related to safety and environment. The programmatic characteristics are considered.

Doherty, Michael P.↗

Testing a Mars science outpost in the Antarctic dry valleys

Field research conducted in the Antarctic has been providing insights about the nature of Mars in the science disciplines of exobiology and geology. Located in the McMurdo Dry Valleys of southern Victoria Land (160 deg and 164 deg E longitude and 76 deg 30 min and 78 deg 30 min S latitude), research outposts are inhabited by teams of 4-6 scientists. It is proposed that the design of these outposts be expanded to enable meaningful tests of many of the systems that will be needed for the successful conduct of exploration activities on Mars. Although there are some important differences between the environment in the Antarctic dry valleys and on Mars, the many similarities and particularly the field science activities, make the dry valleys a useful terrestrial analog to conditions on Mars. Three areas have been identified for testing at a small science outpost in the dry valleys: (1) studying human factors and physiology in an isolated environment; (2) testing emerging technologies (e.g. innovative power management systems, advanced life support facilities including partial bioregenerative life support systems for water recycling and food growth, telerobotics, etc.); and (3) conducting basic scientific research that will enhance understanding of Mars while contributing to the planning for human exploration. It is suggested that an important early result of a Mars habitat program will be the experience gained by interfacing humans and their supporting technology in a remote and stressful environment.

Andersen, D. T.↗

Space Station Freedom environmental database system (FEDS) for MSFC testing

The Water Recovery Test (WRT) at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is the first demonstration of integrated water recovery systems for potable and hygiene water reuse as envisioned for Space Station Freedom (SSF). In order to satisfy the safety and health requirements placed on the SSF program and facilitate test data assessment, an extensive laboratory analysis database was established to provide a central archive and data retrieval function. The database is required to store analysis results for physical, chemical, and microbial parameters measured from water, air and surface samples collected at various locations throughout the test facility. The Oracle Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) was utilized to implement a secured on-line information system with the ECLSS WRT program as the foundation for this system. The database is supported on a VAX/VMS 8810 series mainframe and is accessible from the Marshall Information Network System (MINS). This paper summarizes the database requirements, system design, interfaces, and future enhancements.

Story, Gail S.↗

Total Quality Management in Space Shuttle Main Engine manufacturing

The Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy developed in the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is briefly reviewed and the ongoing TQM implementation effort which is being pursued through the continuous improvement (CI) process is discussed. TQM is based on organizational excellence which integrates the new supportive culture with the technical tools necessary to identify, assess, and correct manufacturing processes. Particular attention is given to the prime contractor's change to the organizational excellence management philosophy in SSME manufacturing facilities.

Ding, J.↗

Recommended techniques for effective maintainability. A continuous improvement initiative of the NASA Reliability and Maintainability Steering Committee

This manual presents a series of recommended techniques that can increase overall operational effectiveness of both flight and ground based NASA systems. It provides a set of tools that minimizes risk associated with: (1) restoring failed functions (both ground and flight based); (2) conducting complex and highly visible maintenance operations; and (3) sustaining a technical capability to support the NASA mission using aging equipment or facilities. It considers (1) program management - key elements of an effective maintainability effort; (2) design and development - techniques that have benefited previous programs; (3) analysis and test - quantitative and qualitative analysis processes and testing techniques; and (4) operations and operational design techniques that address NASA field experience. This document is a valuable resource for continuous improvement ideas in executing the systems development process in accordance with the NASA 'better, faster, smaller, and cheaper' goal without compromising safety.

Source record↗

A Web Based Collaborative Design Environment for Spacecraft

In this era of shrinking federal budgets in the USA we need to dramatically improve our efficiency in the spacecraft engineering design process. We have come up with a method which captures much of the experts' expertise in a dataflow design graph: Seamlessly connectable set of local and remote design tools; Seamlessly connectable web based design tools; and Web browser interface to the developing spacecraft design. We have recently completed our first web browser interface and demonstrated its utility in the design of an aeroshell using design tools located at web sites at three NASA facilities. Multiple design engineers and managers are now able to interrogate the design engine simultaneously and find out what the design looks like at any point in the design cycle, what its parameters are, and how it reacts to adverse space environments.

Dunphy, Julia↗

Constellation X-Ray Mission and Support

This is the Third Annual Report of work performed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) under Cooperative Agreement NCC5-3681. The Agreement is entitled 'Constellation X-ray Mission Study and Support.' Work performed through January 31, 2001 was reported in a supplement to the Second Annual Report. That supplemental report was submitted in order to obtain funding subsequent to March 2001 which has, as the result of prior funding actions, become the de facto beginning of the funding year under the Agreement. This report covers the balance of the third year of the Agreement from February 1, 2001 through September 30, 2001. The Agreement as currently configured runs for two more years. When funding is significantly different from the originally approved amounts, SAO submits a revised budget. One such revision was submitted last year and was the basis for funding a portion of the work reported here. This report summarizes the main areas of SAO activity. Most of the work has been performed jointly with personnel from GSFC and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). Consequently, we do not claim that such activities were carried out exclusively by SAO. Rather, we describe SAO participation in these efforts. Under the Agreement, SAO performed work in seven major areas of activity. These areas related to: (1) Constellation X-ray Mission Facility Definition Team and Study Management; (2) Science Support; (3) Spectroscopy X-ray Telescope (SXT); (4) Systems Engineering; (5) Travel; and (6) In-house Management and Coordination.

Tananbaum, H.↗

Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paint Field System

This report documents the Pressure and Temperature Sensitive Paint Field System that is used to provide global surface pressure and temperature measurements on models tested in Langley wind tunnels. The system was developed and is maintained by Global Surface Measurements Team personnel of the Data Acquisition and Information Management Branch in the Research Facilities Services Competency. Descriptions of the system hardware and software are presented and operational procedures are detailed.

Sprinkle, Danny R.↗

Constellation X-Ray Mission and Support

This Fifth Annual Report summarizes work performed by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) under Cooperative Agreement NCC5-368. The Agreement is entitled 'Constellation X-ray Mission Study and Support.' This report covers the period from October 1, 2002 through September 30,2003. The report summarizes the main areas of SAO activity. Most of the work has been done jointly with personnel from GSFC and Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). We describe SAO participation in these efforts. In spite of the work being mainly a level of effort, a significant amount of work was accomplished. Under the Agreement, SAO performed work in eight major areas of activity. These areas related to: 1) Constellation X-ray Mission Facility Definition Team and Study Management; 2) Science Support; 3) Spectroscopy X-ray Telescope (SXT); 4) Systems Engineering; 5) Travel in Support of the Work Effort; 6) In-house Management and Coordination; 7) Technical Readiness and Implementation Plan (TRIP) Report and Follow-up; 8) Industry Liaison and Study Preparation.

Grady, Jean↗

Scheduling and Delivering Aircraft to Departure Fixes in the NY Metroplex with Controller-Managed Spacing Tools

In this paper, successful Time-Based Flow Management (TBFM) scheduling systems for arrivals are considered and adapted to apply to departures. We present a concept of operations that integrates Controller-Managed Spacing tools for departures (CMS-D) with existing tactical departure scheduling tools to coordinate demand at departure fixes in a metroplex environment. We tested our concept in a Human-in-the-Loop simulation and compared the effect of two scheduling conditions: 1) "Departure Scheduling" consisting of an emulation of the Integrated Departure and Arrival Capability (IDAC) where Towers and a Planner (Traffic Management Coordinator at the appropriate facility) coordinate aircraft scheduled takeoff times to departure fixes; and 2) "Arrival Sensitive Departure Scheduling" where, in addition, the Tower and Planner also consider arrival Scheduled Time of Arrivals (STAs) at the airport's dependent runway. Results indicate little difference between the two scheduling conditions, but a large difference between the No Tools and the two scheduling conditions with CMS-D tools. The scheduling/CMS-D tools conditions markedly reduced heading, speed clearances, and workload for controllers who were merging flows at the departure fixes. In the tool conditions, departure controllers conditioned departures earlier rather than later when aircraft were tied near the departure fixes. In the scheduling/CMS-D tools conditions, departures crossed the departure fixes 50 seconds earlier and with an 8% error rate (consisting of time ahead or behind desired time of arrival) compared to a 19% error rate in the No Tool condition. Two exploratory runs showed that similar beneficial effects can be obtained only with the CMS-D tools without scheduling takeoff times, but at the cost of a somewhat higher workload for controllers, indicating the benefits of pre-departure scheduling of aircraft with minimal delays. Hence, we found that CMS-D tools were very beneficial in the metroplex environment we tested but that further research is needed to clarify the benefits of the various scheduling approaches.

terminal airspace↗

Airport Information Sharing Concept Architecture

The National Airspace System (NAS) Air Traffic management, control and operation depends on a timely and efficient distribution of real time information generated by stakeholders and published from a variety of sources. The Federal Aviation Administration System Wide Information Management (SWIM) is a service oriented architecture design to provide stakeholders with timely NAS information. However, there are other sources of useful information generated by stakeholders that can be included in the management of NAS operations. Airport facilities are host to most stakeholders operating in the NAS (airspace user, airport authority, ground handling, controller tower) and thus large information is generated and consumed at these facilities. The NASA Glenn Research center has been investigating an information exchange architecture framework that would enable the timely, efficient and secure gathering and distribution information generated at airport facilities. This presentation describes the framework architecture concept for the efficient information exchange of airport information.

Airports↗

Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area (SWMU 055) 2021 Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report

This document presents a summary of activities completed at the Contractors Road Heavy Equipment (CRHE) Area, located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida, from January through December 2021. The activities conducted at the CRHE Area include: - Annual groundwater sampling activities associated with site-wide plume monitoring and Underground Injection Control (UIC) monitoring in the former bioremediation Interim Measures (IM) Hot Spot 1 (HS1) area; - Direct push technology (DPT) groundwater investigation; and - Semi-annual vapor intrusion (VI) evaluation activities. This facility is designated Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) Number 055 (SWMU 055) under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Corrective Action program. This report was prepared by HydroGeoLogic, Inc. (HGL) for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under contract number 80KSC019F0096. The annual groundwater sampling results demonstrated that the footprint where chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOC) are present above their State of Florida groundwater cleanup target levels (GCTLs) is not expanding overall. One non-chlorinated VOC (1,4-dioxane) is found above its GCTL at isolated points within the chlorinated VOC plume. The DPT groundwater investigation is being used to delineate the horizontal and vertical boundaries where chlorinated VOCs are present at levels above natural attenuation default concentrations. That data supports an evaluation of potential additional remedial actions. The potential for VI into the CRHE Area Office (K6-1996H) is evaluated by collected sub-slab vapor samples from four locations twice a year (once in the wet season and once in the dry season). The results for 2021 were all below the Environmental Protection Agency's vapor intrusion screening levels (VISLs) for both commercial and residential settings. The path forward for the site is to continue annual monitoring for chlorinated VOCs and 1,4-dioxane until additional remedies are implemented or the site is transitioned to long-term monitoring.

Contractors Road Heavy Equipment↗

A Flight Replanning Tool for Terminal Area Urban Air Mobility Operations

In this presentation we describe and evaluate a flight replanning tool, called the trial planner, for terminal area air transport applications. The trial planner employs predefined airspace structures to generate rerouting options between vertiports. In a simplified definition, vertiports are facilities that provide services for managing the take-off and landing of autonomous or manned electric vertical take-off or landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The airspace structures involved in our test cases are arrival routes that consist of predefined entry points to which a transitional path is computed dynamically from the current position of the aircraft. Rerouting options include the transitional path and approach segment along the arrival route; these rerouting options are not vetted for potential conflicts with other operations until a human operator commits to a choice and forwards the flight plan modification for approval from an automated airspace management service. A selected rerouting option is executed by loading a flight plan file to the aircraft ground control station. We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the trial planner using ratings provided by flight crews and air transportation human factors experts with relevant experience from air traffic control. Evaluation criteria included trust in the route recommendations and adequate explanation for the route options. We detail the logic and implementation of the trial planner, as well as report the results of the evaluation of the implementation herein.

Trial planning↗

Contractors Road Heavy Equipment Area (SWMU 055) 2022 Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report

This document presents a summary of activities completed at the Contractors Road Heavy Equipment (CRHE) Area, located at Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Florida, from June through December 2022. The activities conducted at the CRHE Area include: - Annual groundwater sampling activities associated with sitewide plume monitoring and Underground Injection Control (UIC) monitoring in the former bioremediation Interim Measures (IM) Hot Spot 1 (HS1) area; - Direct push technology (DPT) groundwater investigation; - Semiannual vapor intrusion (VI) evaluation activities. This facility is designated Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) Number 055 (SWMU 055) under KSC’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Corrective Action program. HydroGeoLogic, Inc. (HGL) prepared this report for the National Aeronautics and Space NASA) under contract number 80KSC019F0096/80KSC019D0012, Technical Directive-03. An Advance Data Package (ADP) presentation of the elements of this report received Team (KSCRT) agreement at the April 5, 2023, KSCRT meeting. The chlorinated volatile organic compound plume appears to be stable vertically and horizontally. Additional DPT groundwater sampling will be completed to support a remedial alternatives evaluation for potential means to expedite groundwater cleanup. There are per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in site groundwater, and assessment is planned in the future. Sub-slab soil gas monitoring results do not indicate any concerns with indoor vapor intrusion. Based on the 2022 annual groundwater sampling results, it is recommended that annual sampling continue to alternate with the wet and dry season, with the next sampling event planned for December 2023.

groundwater↗

Panel Session 67: US Savannah River Operation Office: Nuclear Materials Management

The Savannah River Site (SRS) has a proud 70-year history of nuclear materials management and processing. This panel provided an overview of the history, current status, and a look at potential future missions related to spent nuclear fuel (SNF), nuclear materials, and facilities at SRS. Panelists with presentations: SRS Nuclear Materials Management (Maxcine Maxted, Janice Lawson, Michael Mikolanis)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗