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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

TOPS attitude propulsion subsystem technology

The thermoelectric outer-planet spacecraft (TOPS) attitude propulsion subsystem effort is summarized. It includes the tradeoff rationale that went into the selection of anhydrous hydrazine as the propellant, and a brief description of three types of 0.445-N (100-mlbf) thrusters that were purchased for in-house evaluation. A discussion is also included of the 0.2224-N (50-mlbf)-developed thrusters and their integration with a portable, completely enclosed, propulsion module that was designed and developed to support the TOPS single-axis attitude control tests in the celestarium.

Moynihan, P. I.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Space shuttle vehicle automatic docking study

The material presented is divided into three main areas of accomplishment. The first is a description of the angle only docking sensor concept and the computational requirements to develop useful guidance information from the raw angle only data. The second describes the analytical effort including the MIT in-house computer simulation, the development of guidance equations and vehicle stability related thereto, and presents the results of studies covering the effects of employing Kalman filtering with the sensor. The third area presents the conclusions and recommendations resulting from the program. Much of the material has appeared in previous reports, but is included here for the sake of completeness. New material indicating how the computer might operate to identify the individual sources in the target array is included.

Blanchard, E. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Experiences in interfacing NASTRAN with another finite element program

The coupling of NASTRAN to another finite element program developed for the static analysis of automotive structures is discussed. The two programs were coupled together to use the substructuring capability of the in-house program and the normal mode analysis capability of NASTRAN. Modifications were made to the NASTRAN program in order to make the coupling feasible.

Schwerzler, D. D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Project management in the Apollo program: An interdisciplinary study

Findings concerning project management in the NASA Apollo program are presented. The Apollo program in the context of the total NASA organization is examined along with the nature of project management and the manner in which project managers functioned in the Apollo program. The utilization of the in-house technical competence in the support of the Apollo program, and the formal and informal relationships between Apollo managers and the contractors are discussed.

Drucker, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Development of boron-epoxy tubular struts for a one-third scale shuttle booster thrust structure.

A one-third scale booster thrust truss structure was designed by Grumman under an in-house program using both boron/epoxy and titanium for the tubular strut members. The boron/epoxy design showed a 22% weight saving and a two phase demonstration program was subsequently funded by NASA-MSFC. In the first phase, structural elements and the most highly loaded center member of the truss were fabricated and tested. The second phase consists of fabrication and test of a complete two-dimensional truss. The design, analysis, fabrication and test procedures are discussed in this paper which also includes the results of successful tests on the elements and center member conducted under the first phase of the NASA program.

Engler, E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Infrared response measurements on radiation-damaged Si/Li/ detectors.

The improved infrared response (IRR) technique has been used to qualitatively compare radiation effects on Si(Li) detectors with energy levels reported for silicon in the literature. Measurements have been made on five commercial silicon detectors and one fabricated in-house, both before and after irradiation with fast neutrons, 1.9-MeV protons, and 1.6-MeV electrons. Effects dependent upon the extent of radiation damage have been observed. It seems likely that the photo-EMF, or photo-voltage, effect is the basic mechanism for the observation of IRR in p-i-n diodes with a wide i-region. Experimental characteristics of the IRR measurement are in agreement with those of the photovoltage effect.

Sher, A. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Attitude propulsion technology for TOPS

The thermoelectric outer planet spacecraft (TOPS) attitude propulsion subsystem (APS) effort is discussed. It includes the tradeoff rationale that went into the selection of an anhydrous hydrazine baseline system, followed by a discussion of the 0.22 N thruster and its integration into a portable, self-contained propulsion module that was designed, developed, and man rated to support the TOPS single-axis attitude control tests. The results of a cold-start feasibility demonstration with a modified thruster are presented. A description of three types of 0.44 thrusters that were procured for in-house evaluation is included along with the results of the test program. This is followed by a description of the APS feed system components, their evaluations, and a discussion of an evaluation of elastomeric material for valve seat seals. A list of new technology items which will be of value for application to future systems of this type is included.

Moynihan, P. I.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Geology of Utah and Nevada by ERTS imagery

The author has identified the following significant results. Imagery for a portion of the study area was received, catalogued for in-house availability, and examined for relevant data. Topographic, geologic, aeromagnetic, and gravity maps were gathered to form a basis of comparison. Overlay drawings were prepared indicating significant features for further study and eventual field checking. The number of significant observations appears to be very great, and it is apparent that methods of handling the acquired information for easy access, for planning field checks, and for final presentation, must be improved. The tracing of lithologic variations and contacts is readily noted on many of the images. Some of the features vary from what is shown on geological maps but the correlation, or lack of same, is still to be studied in the field and by comparison of ground truth geological maps with the specific images. Numerous lineaments, based on tonal differences, are noted in the districts, some of which extend for tens of kilometers. Several positive and negative magnetic anomalies are noted with the suggestion that the sources of the mineralizing fluids were derived from hidden intrusives.

Jensen, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Assessment of and standardization for quantitative nondestructive test

Present capabilities and limitations of nondestructive testing (NDT) as applied to aerospace structures during design, development, production, and operational phases are assessed. It will help determine what useful structural quantitative and qualitative data may be provided from raw materials to vehicle refurbishment. This assessment considers metal alloys systems and bonded composites presently applied in active NASA programs or strong contenders for future use. Quantitative and qualitative data has been summarized from recent literature, and in-house information, and presented along with a description of those structures or standards where the information was obtained. Examples, in tabular form, of NDT technique capabilities and limitations have been provided. NDT techniques discussed and assessed were radiography, ultrasonics, penetrants, thermal, acoustic, and electromagnetic. Quantitative data is sparse; therefore, obtaining statistically reliable flaw detection data must be strongly emphasized. The new requirements for reusable space vehicles have resulted in highly efficient design concepts operating in severe environments. This increases the need for quantitative NDT evaluation of selected structural components, the end item structure, and during refurbishment operations.

Neuschaefer, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

OAST space technology accomplishments FY 1991

The program consists of a continuum of space research and technology activities ranging from initial research to the full scale test of prototype equipment in space. Activities include work that is performed by in-house staff at the NASA Centers, university researchers supported by NASA funded grants and contracts, and industrial aerospace organizations under contract to NASA. These diverse activities provide advances in technology breakthroughs that may revolutionalize a technical discipline or mission concept. The work is managed and coordinated by OAST through a process that integrates the best available talent and capability in NASA, industry, and universities into a National civil space research and technology program.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) Battery History and Performance

The "International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) Battery History and Performance" report provides the information on the cell/battery design, battery performance during the thirty eight (38) solar eclipse seasons and the end-of-life test data. It is noteworthy that IUE spacecraft was an in-house project and that the batteries were designed, fabricated and tested (Qualification and Acceptance) at the Goddard Space Flight Center. A detailed information is given on the cell and battery design criteria and the designs, on the Qualification and the Acceptance tests, and on the cell life cycling tests. The environmental, thermal, and vibration tests were performed on the batteries at the battery level as well as with the interface on the spacecraft. The telemetry data were acquired, analyzed, and trended for various parameters over the mission life. Rigorous and diligent battery management programs were developed and implemented from time to time to extend the mission life over eighteen plus years. Prior to the termination of spacecraft operation, special tests were conducted to check the battery switching operation, battery residual capacity, third electrode performance and battery impedance.

Rao, Gopalskrishna M.↗
NASA NTRS1965

Factors Relating to the Airport-Community Noise Problem

Factors relating to the airport-community noise problem are discussed herein. The noise problems are associated with aircraft landing approaches, take-offs, and climbouts in communities near commercial airports. The main objectives are to identify the significant factors involved in the problem, to define some of their interrelationships, and to present recent related research information from NASA in-house and contract studies. Changes in the types of aircraft power plants, the aircraft operating procedures, and the community itself are all judged to be important; however, these changes should not be made without understanding the associated human-response implications.

Hubbard, Harvey H.↗
NASA NTRS2026

NASA Talks: Space Shuttle Columbia - Lessons Learned: Columbia Launch and Recovery

On February 25, 2026, this NASA Talk was held regarding the Space Shuttle Columbia (Columbia Launch & Recovery). Crew & Thermal System Division (EC) partnered with Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Engineering Directorate (EA) to bring this talk to Johnson Space Center (JSC) centering on what led up to and transpired after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. Some recovered debris was on exhibit during the talk. Retired NASA Columbia Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston presented this talk. Mr. Thurston brings a wealth of knowledge from his mission experience. This talk was timely and a solemn reminder of the critical importance of diligence, safety, and excellence in our work. EA Director Julie Kramer White welcomed the 400+ center-wide in-person audience, and EC Division Chief Rubik Sheth introduced the speakers. This event was held in the JSC Teague Auditorium, recorded, and executed by the EC in-house STAR Productions team. This record includes an mp4 video presentation with a run time of 36 min. 20 sec.; in color; with sound.

NASA Talks↗
NASA NTRS2026

NASA Talks: Space Shuttle Columbia - Lessons Learned

On February 25, 2026, two NASA Talks were held regarding the Space Shuttle Columbia (Columbia Launch & Recovery, Columbia Reconstruction, Investigation, Causes & Key Takeaways). Crew & Thermal System Division (EC) partnered with Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Engineering Directorate (EA) to bring these talks to Johnson Space Center (JSC) centering on what led up to and transpired after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. Some recovered debris was on exhibit during the talks. NASA Mishap Program Specialist David Erickson and retired NASA Columbia Vehicle Manager Scott Thurston presented these talks. Mr. Erickson supports NASA mishap investigations and assists with the development of NASA's new Columbia Learning Center at KSC. Mr. Thurston brought a wealth of knowledge from his mission experience. These talks were timely and a solemn reminder of the critical importance of diligence, safety, and excellence in our work. EA Director Julie Kramer White welcomed the 400+ center-wide in-person audience, and EC Division Chief Rubik Sheth introduced the speakers. This event was held in the JSC Teague Auditorium, recorded, and executed by the EC in-house STAR Productions team.

Space Shuttle Columbia↗
NASA NTRS2026

NASA Talks: Space Shuttle Columbia - Lessons Learned: Columbia Reconstruction, Investigation, Causes and Key Takeaways

On February 25, 2026, this NASA Talk was held regarding the Space Shuttle Columbia (Columbia Launch & Recovery, Columbia Reconstruction, Investigation, Causes & Key Takeaways). Crew & Thermal System Division (EC) partnered with Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and Engineering Directorate (EA) to bring these talks to Johnson Space Center (JSC) centering on what led up to and transpired after the Space Shuttle Columbia accident. Some recovered debris was on exhibit during the talks. NASA Mishap Program Specialist David Erickson presented this talk. Mr. Erickson supports NASA mishap investigations and assists with the development of NASA's new Columbia Learning Center at KSC. This talk was timely and a solemn reminder of the critical importance of diligence, safety, and excellence in our work. EA Director Julie Kramer White welcomed the 400+ center-wide in-person audience, and EC Division Chief Rubik Sheth introduced the speakers. This event was held in the JSC Teague Auditorium, recorded, and executed by the EC in-house STAR Productions team. This record includes an mp4 video with a run time of 32 min. 31 sec.; in color; with sound.

NASA Talks↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Time-History Statistics of Soot Formation in A Model Gas Turbine Combustor

Soot formation is a complex dynamic and intermittent process determined by properties of the fuel, combustor design, and combustor operation. Although the major steps in soot formation (i.e., formation of precursors, inception, growth and evolution) are similar for a variety of carbonaceous fuels, applications, and operating conditions, it remains unclear when the temporal transition between these steps occurs. An engineering prediction tool coupled with computational fluid physics (CFD), therefore needs to accurately model all these complex steps. To develop such a model, we propose the time-history concept for understanding the time dependency of soot formation as a function of local properties (i.e., temperature, velocity, local fuel air ratio, etc.). We continue our previous work with modeling the DLR aero-combustor [1] with our updated in-house CFD code, Open National Combustion Code (OpenNCC), that now includes a Multiple Time-Scale Flamelet Progress Variable approach and a the semi-empirical two-equation soot model. We injected massless tracer particles upstream of the injector region of the combustor to collect time-history statistics of the solution variables. The correlations between the collected statistics with respect to the experimental soot volume fraction data showed that time-history effect of certain flow variables, including turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and multiple species is indeed important for soot formation. We then conducted a time-history based correlation analysis to determine the key species and the concentration ranges critical for soot formation (C6H5-based nucleation, acetylene-based surface growth, and oxidation with OH and O2). Based on the time-history correlation coefficient (THCC) analysis, we propose possible modifications to improve the current two-equation model.

LES↗