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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 91 records · Page 5
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1987

Apollo scientific exploration of the moon

The fundamental dichotomy of space exploration, unmanned versus manned projects, is discussed from an historical perspective. The integration of science into Apollo operations is examined with attention given to landing sites, extending the missions, and crew selection. A Science Working Group composed of scientists and Manned Spacecraft Center flight planners was formed in an attempt to produce the most scientific information possible within those operational limits that were considered absolutely inviolable.

Compton, W. D.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Radio science at Jupiter: past investigations, current results, and future prospects

The latest mission to Jupiter, Juno, includes the most advanced radio science instrumentation to date. With Juno’s unique polar orbit and dual frequency radio links, it is able to probe the planet’s deep interior structure and zonal wind profile with measurements of the gravitational field and probe the electron densities in the Io plasma torus, a doughnut-shaped ring around Jupiter charged with particles emitted by the volcanic activity on Io. Upcoming missions, such as the planned NASA’s Europa Clipper multiple flyby mission in 2022, potential follow-on Europa Lander, and the ESA’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission in 2022, may make further strides in the study of the planet and its moons utilizing radio science.

Oudrhiri, Kamal↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Laboratory on the Moon: Equipping and Testing of a Habitat Laboratory for the Scientific Exploration of the Moon by Humans

A human habitat on the Moon is predestined to house a laboratory, especially if it is built for scientific missions on the Moon. This laboratory could be used for (1) conducting experiments utilizing the lunar gravity and prepare experiments to be placed outside the laboratory in the lunar environment, (2) conducting analyses of lunar rock and regolith in high volume, and (3) performing preliminary analyses and screening of samples to be sent to Earth for more detailed, specialized analysis. In the past, spaceflight missions have often been implemented by adding scientific instruments after most of the engineering work is already finished, limiting scientific studies to relatively scattered, insular topics. However, if prepared appropriately, a research laboratory on the Moon can help address scientific questions thoroughly and at a fundamental level. Moreover, the challenge of creating a viable habitat is not only an engineering one, but one that requires input from architects, designers, and psychologists. After all, the crew not only works inside the habitat laboratory, but they spend (close to) their entire time on the Moon inside the habitat and under the isolation and confinement that comes with it. We combine science, engineering, and architecture to create a habitat laboratory that meets their conflicting requirements: The laboratory of the Moon and Mars Base Analog (MaMBA) has been designed with inputs from (1) scientists of selected disciplines, particularly geology, materials science, chemistry, biology, and medicine, (2) space architects specializing on extraterrestrial bases, and (3) engineers for the constraints imposed by the lunar environment. The MaMBA laboratory was built in 2019 into the mock-up of the first MaMBA module (out of six). Subsequently, the laboratory was tested by volunteer scientists for its usability. The scientists used the laboratory for work deemed representative of lunar scientific analyses; the complete test runs lasted one week each, with one test run in June 2019 and the second test run in late September 2019 following some modifications suggested by the scientists. Here, we will present an overview of the scientific topics that we think should be addressed on the Moon, together with a suggestion of scientific instrumentation that would be helpful for such investigations. Moreover, we present the MaMBA laboratory, equipped with the proposed instrumentation, and the outcomes of the test runs with a particular focus on the lessons learned regarding the equipping of the laboratory.

Christiane Heinicke↗
NASA NTRS1966

Scientific exploration of the moon and planets

Dynamical development of solar system, rotation of planets, and planetary interiors and magnetic fields discussed in relation to scientific exploration of moon and planets

PLANETARY EXPLORATION↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Surface Construction of Infrastructure

In situ resources offer an opportunity to reduce the amount of items brought from Earth when exploring moons and planets. Utilizing those resources requires energy that comes with a cost. In the case of human missions to Mars, trading surface power for launch mass is beneficial for propellant and consumables required to sustain human pioneering and settlement on the planet’s surface. However, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) can mean far more than propellant production and consumables replacement for missions beyond Low Earth Orbit. NASA’s Systems Capability Leader-ship Team (SCLT) for ISRU created a work break-down structure based on functions identified in roadmaps pertaining to human exploration. That WBS includes Prospecting, Extraction, Processing, Construction, Manufacturing, and Energy. Over the years, NASA has developed some capabilities and technologies for prospecting, extraction, and processing carbon dioxide and water on Mars into propellants and life support consumables. However, that is a small subset of the ISRU needs that are coming to light with NASA’s push to return to the Moon for extended periods of time. For instance, astronauts require shielding from Ga-lactic Cosmic Rays and nuclear radiation and protection from the low temperatures and pressures in Space. Surface assets including crew, landers, and ascent modules can be damaged by surface ejecta during landing and launch operations on the Moon and Mars. Creating shielding, berms, and pads requires movement of large volumes and stabilization of regolith in the context of a civil engineering construction project. Because of the multi-disciplinary nature of the aerospace systems needed for human exploration, SCLT on ISRU created an ISRU Construction Integrated Steering Group that combines expertise among several NASA Principal Technologists and Capabilities Leaders for exploring options, assessing opportunities, and developing requirements for construction and manufacturing on the Moon and Mars NASA’s new program to develop Lunar landers for small, mid, and large payload deliveries to the Lunar surface leading to human missions by 2025 spawned an investigation into plume surface interactions caused by the lander during descent and ascent. The trade space to resolve this issue includes regolith stabilization via landing pad construction techniques and lander nozzles characteristics due to vehicle systems design. Some data exists from the Apollo missions but more is required for the missions ahead. The purpose of this paper [1] is to outline an approach for developing requirements that can guide systems designs while taking advantage of flight opportunities in NASA’s plans to return to the Moon.

In-Situ↗
NASA NTRS1990

Yes, there was a moon race

Examination of newly disclosed evidence confirms that the Soviets were indeed striving to reach the moon before the U.S. in 1969. It is noted that a Soviet unmanned lunar probe crashed on the moon's surface only hours before the U.S. Apollo landing. Now confirmed openly are moon-exploration schedules that were competitive with Apollo plans, the names and histories of Soviet lunar boosters and landers, identities of the lunar cosmonauts; and even photos of manned lunar craft are available. Additional details on the troubled moon-probe program are presented: technical problems, continuous changes in goals, schedules, and planning, vehicle and personnel disasters, transfer of authority between ministries, and political power struggles in the scientific community.

Oberg, James E.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Exploration of the Moon with Remote Sensing, Ground-Penetrating Radar, and the Regolith-Evolved Gas Analyzer (REGA)

There are two important reasons to explore the Moon. First, we would like to know more about the Moon itself: its history, its geology, its chemistry, and its diversity. Second, we would like to apply this knowledge to a useful purpose. namely finding and using lunar resources. As a result of the recent Clementine and Lunar Prospector missions, we now have global data on the regional surface mineralogy of the Moon, and we have good reason to believe that water exists in the lunar polar regions. However, there is still very little information about the subsurface. If we wish to go to the lunar polar regions to extract water, or if we wish to go anywhere else on the Moon and extract (or learn) anything at all, we need information in three dimensions an understanding of what lies below the surface, both shallow and deep. The terrestrial mining industry provides an example of the logical steps that lead to an understanding of where resources are located and their economic significance. Surface maps are examined to determine likely locations for detailed study. Geochemical soil sample surveys, using broad or narrow grid patterns, are then used to gather additional data. Next, a detailed surface map is developed for a selected area, along with an interpretation of the subsurface structure that would give rise to the observed features. After that, further sampling and geophysical exploration are used to validate and refine the original interpretation, as well as to make further exploration/ mining decisions. Integrating remotely sensed, geophysical, and sample datasets gives the maximum likelihood of a correct interpretation of the subsurface geology and surface morphology. Apollo-era geophysical and automated sampling experiments sought to look beyond the upper few microns of the lunar surface. These experiments, including ground-penetrating radar and spectrometry, proved the usefulness of these methods for determining the best sites for lunar bases and lunar mining operations.

Cooper, B. L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Applied superconductivity and superfluidity for the exploration of the Moon and Mars

We discuss how superconductivity and superfluidity can be applied to solve the challenges in the exploration of the Moon and Mars. High sensitivity instruments using phenomena of superconductivity and superfluidity can potentially make significant contributions to the fields of navigation, automation, habitation, and resource location. Using the quantum nature of superconductivity, lightweight and very sensitive diagnostic tools can be made to monitor the health of astronauts. Moreover, the Moon and Mars offer a unique environment for scientific exploration. We also discuss how powerful superconducting instruments may enable scientists to seek answers to several profound questions about nature. These answers will not only deepen our appreciation of the universe, they may also open the door to paradigm-shifting technologies. c2005 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NASA Center JPL↗
NASA NTRS2022

Kaguya (SELENE) Mission

The Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE), also known as Kaguya, was the second Japanese lunar orbiter spacecraft, following the Hiten probe. The spacecraft launch in September 2007 and ended in June 2009. Two sub-satellites and a suite of instruments on the Main orbiter mapped across the Moon, exploring several science objectives relating to the geologic history of the lunar surface, including new data pertaining to magnetic anomalies and GRS data with higher spatial resolution were acquired.

Caitlin Ahrens↗
NASA NTRS2010

MOM-E: Moon-Orbiting Mothership Explorer

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration proposed that a new class of robotic space missions and spacecrafts be introduced to "ensure that future missions are safe, sustainable and affordable". Indeed, the United States space program aims for a return to manned space missions beyond Earth orbit, and robotic explorers are intended to pave the way. This vision requires that all future missions become less costly, provide a sustainable business plan, and increase in safety. Over the course of several fast feasibility studies that considered the 3 drivers above, the small-scale, consumer-driven Moon-Orbiting Mothership Explorer (MOM-E) mission was born. MOM-E's goals are to enable space exploration by offering a scaled down platform which carries multiple small space explorers to the Moon. Each payload will be dropped at their desired destination, offering a competitive price to customers. MOM-E's current scope of operations is limited to the Moon and will be used as a proof of concept mission. However, MOM-E is specifically designed with the idea that the platform is scalable.

Murphy, Gloria A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Dynamic Optimization of Multi-Spacecraft Relative Navigation Configurations in the Earth-Moon System

In this paper, the notion of relative navigation introduced by Hill, Lo and Born is analyzed for a large class of periodic orbits in the Earth-Moon three-body problem, due to its potential in supporting Moon exploration efforts. In particular, a navigation metric is introduced and used as a cost function to optimize over a class of periodic orbits. While the problem could be solve locally as an optimal control problem, a dynamical based approach that allows for a global/systematic view of the problem is proposed. First, the simpler problem of multiple spacecraft placement on a given periodic orbit is solved before the notion of continuation and bifurcation analysis is used to expand the range of solutions thus obtained.

Three Body Problem↗