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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Thermally induced structural competitiveness and metastability of body-centered-cubic iron under nonequilibrium conditions

The structure and stability of iron near melting at multi-megabar pressures are of significant interest in high pressure physics and earth and planetary sciences. While the body-centered cubic (BCC) phase is generally recognized as unstable at lower temperatures, its stability relative to the hexagonal close-packed (HCP) phase at high temperatures (approximately 0.5 eV) in the Earth’s inner core (IC) remains a topic of ongoing theoretical and experimental debate. Motivated by a series of studies attempting to understand the state of the IC and resulting in contradictory findings, we aim to explore the physical factors that may contribute to this confusion in a broader context. Our ab initio calculations show a significant drop in energy, the emergence of a plateau and a local minimum in the potential energy surface, and stabilization of all phonon modes of BCC iron at elevated electron temperatures (>1–1.5 eV). These effects increase the competition among the BCC, HCP, and the face-centered cubic (FCC) phases and lead to the metastability of the BCC structure. Furthermore, at pressure-temperature conditions relevant to the IC, we can expect substantial coexistence of FCC and HCP iron due to their similar free energies and low transition barrier (∼0.2 eV/atom), and the thermodynamic stability of BCC iron is enhanced by its substantial lattice vibration entropy. In conclusion, these findings provide a clear theoretical framework for understanding iron phase relations and solidification processes, both experimentally and in the IC.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2023

Exploring the Meteorological Impacts of Surface and Rooftop Heat Mitigation Strategies Over a Tropical City

Different heat mitigation technologies have been developed to improve the thermal environment in cities. However, the regional impacts of such technologies, especially in the context of a tropical city, remain unclear. The deployment of heat mitigation technologies at city-scale can change the radiation balance, advective flow, and energy balance between urban areas and the overlying atmosphere. We used the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting model coupled with a physically based single-layer urban canopy model to assess the impacts of five different heat mitigation technologies on surface energy balance, standard surface meteorological fields, and planetary boundary layer (PBL) dynamics for premonsoon typical hot summer days over a tropical coastal city in the month of April in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Results indicate that the regional impacts of cool materials (CMs), super-cool broadband radiative coolers, green roofs (GRs), vegetation fraction change, and a combination of CMs and GRs (i.e., “Cool city (CC)”) on the lower atmosphere are different at diurnal scale. Results showed that super-cool materials have the maximum potential of ambient temperature reduction of 1.6°C during peak hour (14:00 LT) compared to other technologies in the study. During the daytime hours, the PBL height was considerably lower than the reference scenario with no implementation of strategies by 700 m for super-cool materials and 500 m for both CMs and CC cases; however, the green roofing system underwent nominal changes over the urban area. During the nighttime hours, the PBL height increased by CMs and the CC strategies compared to the reference scenario, but minimal changes were evident for super-cool materials. The changes of temperature on the vertical profile of the heat mitigation implemented city reveal a stable PBL over the urban domain and a reduction of the vertical mixing associated with a pollution dome. This would lead to crossover phenomena above the PBL due to the decrease in vertical wind speed. Therefore, assessing the coupled regional impact of urban heat mitigation over the lower atmosphere at city-scale is urgent for sustainable urban planning.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1975

Video guidance, landing, and imaging systems

The adaptive potential of video guidance technology for earth orbital and interplanetary missions was explored. The application of video acquisition, pointing, tracking, and navigation technology was considered to three primary missions: planetary landing, earth resources satellite, and spacecraft rendezvous and docking. It was found that an imaging system can be mechanized to provide a spacecraft or satellite with a considerable amount of adaptability with respect to its environment. It also provides a level of autonomy essential to many future missions and enhances their data gathering ability. The feasibility of an autonomous video guidance system capable of observing a planetary surface during terminal descent and selecting the most acceptable landing site was successfully demonstrated in the laboratory. The techniques developed for acquisition, pointing, and tracking show promise for recognizing and tracking coastlines, rivers, and other constituents of interest. Routines were written and checked for rendezvous, docking, and station-keeping functions.

Schappell, R. T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Impact experimentation and the microgravity environment: An overview

Impact is an ubiquitous physical process in the solar system. It occurs on all solid bodies and operates over a spectrum of scales, influencing geologic processes ranging from accretion, the early evolution of planetary bodies, the petrogenetic and spatial relations of lunar samples, the surface characteristics and interpretation of spectral data of asteroidal bodies, to the nature of some meteorites. Understanding impact phenomena is therefore paramount in constraining and underpinning a large number of research efforts into fundamental planetary geology. Gravity is an important parameter in impact processes. The physical environment offered by the Space Station represents an unique opportunity to extend the experimental aspect of impact studies into the microgravity (less than 1 g) regime. Through the use of free floating targets, it may be possible to explore in detail phenomena associated with the collision of bodies. Such experiments can address questions regarding early and late accretional processes, catastrophic disruption and asteroidal evolution, as well as the effects of large impacts on the momentum and spin of the target bodies. The last question is of considerable topical interest with respect to the hypothesized origin of the moon by a Mars-sized impact on Earth.

Grieve, R. A. F.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Investigating Surface Mineralogy, Alteration Processes, and Biomarkers on Mars Using Laser Raman Spectroscopy

Despite a wealth of information from past and ongoing missions to Mars, the capability to determine the mineralogy of surface materials and to connect mineralogy with lithologic characteristics that are diagnostic of the environment in which those materials formed remains inadequate. The 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) will carry a Mini-TES and a Mossbauer spectrometer, which will provide some detailed mineralogy information. For general characterization of minerals and/or biogenic phases (reduced carbon, PAHs, etc) on the surface of Mars, we have been developing a miniaturized laser Raman spectrometer for in situ analyses -- the Mars Microbeam Raman Spectrometer, MMRS. We are also developing strategies to use Raman spectroscopy as a stand-alone technique and to be used synergistically with other in situ analysis methods in future planetary missions. Through studies of Martian meteorites and terrestrial analogs, we are gaining experience of what compositional and structural information can be obtained on key mineral groups using in-situ Raman measurements. We are developing methods for determining mineral proportions in rocks or soils and identifying rock types from sets of closely spaced, rapidly acquired spectra. We are studying how weathering and alteration affect the Raman and luminescence features of minerals and rocks, and we are investigating the Raman characteristics of biogenic organisms and their remains. These studies form the scientific basis for in-situ planetary Raman spectroscopy, and they are being done in parallel with instrument development towards a flight version of the MMRS.

Alian Wang↗
NASA NTRS2016

Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) Formulation Assessment and Support Team (FAST) Final Report

The Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) Formulation Assessment and Support Team (FAST) was a two-month effort, chartered by NASA, to provide timely inputs for mission requirement formulation in support of the Asteroid Redirect Robotic Mission (ARRM) Requirements Closure Technical Interchange Meeting held December 15-16, 2015, to assist in developing an initial list of potential mission investigations, and to provide input on potential hosted payloads and partnerships. The FAST explored several aspects of potential science benefits and knowledge gain from the ARM. Expertise from the science, engineering, and technology communities was represented in exploring lines of inquiry related to key characteristics of the ARRM reference target asteroid (2008 EV5) for engineering design purposes. Specific areas of interest included target origin, spatial distribution and size of boulders, surface geotechnical properties, boulder physical properties, and considerations for boulder handling, crew safety, and containment. In order to increase knowledge gain potential from the mission, opportunities for partnerships and accompanying payloads were also investigated. Potential investigations could be conducted to reduce mission risks and increase knowledge return in the areas of science, planetary defense, asteroid resources and in-situ resource utilization, and capability and technology demonstrations. This report represents the FASTâ€"TM"s final product for the ARM.

Mazanek, Daniel D.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Jet Propulsion Laboratory: Annual Report 2002

The year 2002 brought advances on many fronts in our space exploration ventures. A new orbiter settled in at Mars and delivered tantalizing science results suggesting a vast store of water ice under the planet's surface, a discovery that may have profound consequences for exploring Mars. A long-lived spacecraft made its final fly-bys of Jupiter's moons, while another started its final approach toward Saturn and yet another flew by an asteroid on its way to a comet. A new ocean satellite began science observations, joined in Earth orbit by a pair of spacecraft measuring our home planets gravity field, as well as JPL instruments on NASA and Japanese satellites. A major new infrared observatory and a pair of Mars rovers were readied for launch. All told, JPL is now communicating with 14 spacecraft cast like gems across the velvet expanses of the solar system. It is a far cry from the early 1960's, when JPL engineers made prodigious efforts to get the first planetary explorers off the ground and into space - an achievement of which we were especially mindful this year, as 2002 marked the 40th anniversary of the first successful planetary mission, Mariner 2, which barely reached our closest planetary neighbor, Venus. Added to this anniversary were celebrations surrounding the 25th anniversaries of the launches of Voyagers 1 and 2, two remarkable spacecraft that are still flying and are actively probing the outer realms of the solar system. These events of the past and present provide an occasion for reflection on the remarkable era of exploration that we at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory are privileged to be a part of. As 2002 neared its end, the Laboratory had yet another reason for celebration, as a new five-year management contract between NASA and the California Institute of Technology was signed that calls for a closer working relationship with NASA and other NASA centers as a member of the 'One NASA' team. There is a strong emphasis on cost control and management, areas in which we can improve, enabling us to become more competitive. This new agreement again confirms NASA's trust and faith in Caltech and JPL, in which we should all take great pride. If the history of JPL were a book, we are on the verge of turning the page to one that promises to be one of the most exciting and busiest chapters in JPL's history. In 2003 and 2004, we will launch 11 spacecraft or major payloads. We will land two rovers on Mars; put a spacecraft in orbit around Saturn, deliver a probe to the surface of its largest moon, Titan, and map Titan's surface withimaging radar; send a spacecraft past a comet collecting samples from its tail, while another one is launched toward a comet impact; bring a capsule back to Earth with the first samples ever collected beyond the orbit of the Moon; map the skies in the ultraviolet as well as the infrared spectrum to unprecedented accuracy; and continue the mapping of ocean topography and winds on our home planet, Earth.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NAS↗
NASA NTRS1976

Disharmony of the spheres - Recent trends in planetary surface nomenclature

Inadvisable departures from tradition in naming newly mapped features on Mars, Mercury, and the moon have been implemented and proposed since 1970. Functional need for place names also has become confused with cartographic convenience. Much of the resulting new nomenclature is neither unique, efficient, nor imaginative. The long-standing classical orientation in Solar System geography needs to be firmly reasserted. The Maedler scheme for designating smaller craters on the moon should be retained and extended to the farside. Names of surface features on other bodies might best reflect the traditional connotations of planet and satellite names: for example, most craters on Mars would be named for mythical heroes and military personalities in ancient history, craters on Mercury might commemorate explorers or commercial luminaries, and features on Venus would bear the names of famous women.

Pike, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Mapping of lunar surface from side-looking orbital radar images

Side-looking spacecraft radar imagery has thus far been produced only from an orbit around the moon. This was a part of the Apollo Lunar Sounder Experiment (ALSE) of the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. This paper reports results of a radargrammetric evaluation of overlapping Apollo 17 synthetic-aperture radar images (wavelength 2 m). The potential to map from single images and to reconstruct three-dimensional stereoscopic models is studied. The relative height accuracy achieved is about + or - 100 m and is thus competitive with that obtained with the vidicon camera presently used for planetary exploration.

Leberl, F.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mineralogical evidence for hydrothermal alteration of Bennu samples

Samples of asteroid (101955) Bennu delivered by the OSIRIS-REx mission offer the opportunity to study pristine planetary materials unchanged by exposure to the terrestrial environment. Here we use a combination of X-ray diffraction and various electron microscopy techniques to explore the detailed mineralogy of Bennu samples and determine the alteration history of the planetesimal protolith from which they originated. The samples consist largely of hydrated sheet-silicate minerals, namely nanoscale serpentine and saponite of varied grain size, which are decorated with micro- to nanoscale Fe-sulfides, magnetite and carbonates. We observe sheet silicates parallel and normal to sulfide surfaces and as inclusions in sulfides; sulfur-rich veins transecting the sheet-silicate matrix; zoned carbonates and phosphates and sulfide and magnetite grains exhibiting embayment. The mineralogical evidence indicates alteration of accreted minerals by a fluid that evolved with time, leading to etching, dissolution and reprecipitation. Sulfide compositions indicate alteration at ~25 °C, similar to conditions inferred for asteroid (162173) Ryugu and Ivuna-type (CI) chondrite meteorites. The fluid probably evolved from neutral to alkaline, culminating with the precipitation of highly soluble salts. We conclude that Bennu’s protolith comprised mainly nanometre to micrometre silicates, with fewer chondrules and calcium–aluminium-rich inclusions than those of most chondrite groups.

Zega, T J↗
NASA NTRS1986

Planetary exploration through year 2000: An augmented program. Part two of a report by the Solar System Exploration Committee of the NASA Advisory Council

In 1982, the NASA Solar System Exploration Committee (SSEC) published a report on a Core Program of planetary missions, representing the minimum-level program that could be carried out in a cost effective manner, and would yield a continuing return of basic scientific results. This is the second part of the SSEC report, describing missions of the highest scientific merit that lie outside the scope of the previously recommended Core Program because of their cost and technical challenge. These missions include the autonomous operation of a mobile scientific rover on the surface of Mars, the automated collection and return of samples from that planet, the return to Earth of samples from asteroids and comets, projects needed to lay the groundwork for the eventual utilization of near-Earth resources, outer planet missions, observation programs for extra-solar planets, and technological developments essential to make these missions possible.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1990

Rationale and requirements for lunar exploration

The moon has had a complex and geologically fascinating history. It is a natural laboratory in which to study planetary processes and is readily accessible, only 2.5 days away. The moon is the only planetary object from which there are samples of known geologic context, and its history is understood well enough to permit the posing and answering of sophisticated scientific questions. The moon also preserves information about the earth's early history and cratering record, and about the sun's history. To retrieve all this information, it is necessary to return to the moon and study it from orbit, establish surface geophysical networks, obtain reconnaissance samples, and perform field work. These ventures will require development of interesting technological systems, such as a robotic field geologist, automated roving vehicles (both pressurized for humans and unpressurized for robotic devices), a host of sampling tools, automated sample-return spacecraft, and all of the associated navigation, communication, and power systems.

Spudis, Paul D.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Lunar Radio Telescopes: A Staged Approach for Lunar Science, Heliophysics, Astrobiology, Cosmology, and Exploration

Observations with radio telescopes address key problems in cosmology, astrobiology, heliophysics, and planetary science including the first light in the Universe (Cosmic Dawn), magnetic fields of extrasolar planets, particle acceleration mechanisms, and the lunar ionosphere. The Moon is a unique science platform because it allows access to radio frequencies that do not penetrate the Earth's ionosphere and because its far side is shielded from intense terrestrial emissions. The instrument packages and infrastructure needed for radio telescopes can be transported and deployed as part of Exploration activities, and the resulting science measurements may inform Exploration (e.g., measurements of lunar surface charging). An illustrative roadmap for the staged deployment of lunar radio telescopes

Moon science platform↗
NASA NTRS2018

Overview of Primitive Object Volatile Explorer (PrOVE) CubeSat or Smallsat Concept

Here we describe the Primitive Object Volatile Explorer (PrOVE), a smallsat mission concept to study the surface structure and volatile inventory of comets in their perihelion passage phase when volatile activity is near peak. CubeSat infrastructure imposes limits on propulsion systems, which are compounded by sensitivity to the spacecraft disposal state from the launch platform and potential launch delays. We propose circumventing launch platform complications by using waypoints in space to park a deep space SmallSat or CubeSat while awaiting the opportunity to enter a trajectory to flyby a suitable target. In our Planetary Science Deep Space SmallSat Studies (PSDS3) project, we investigated scientific goals, waypoint options, potential concept of operations (ConOps) for periodic and new comets, spacecraft bus infrastructure requirements, launch platforms, and mission operations and phases. Our payload would include two low-risk instruments: a visible image (VisCAM) for 5-10 m resolution surface maps; and a highly versatile multispectral Comet CAMera (ComCAM) will measure 1) H2O, CO2, CO, and organics non-thermal fluorescence signatures in the 2-5 μm MWIR, and 2) 7-10 and 8-14 μm thermal (LWIR) emission. This payload would return unique data not obtainable from ground-based telescopes and complement data from Earth-orbiting observatories. Thus, the PrOVE mission would (1) acquire visible surface maps, (2) investigate chemical heterogeneity of a comet nucleus by quantifying volatile species abundance and changes with solar insolation, (3) map the spatial distribution of volatiles and determine any variations, and (4) determine the frequency and distribution of outbursts.

Clark, Pamela S.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Overview of Primitive Volatile Explorer (PrOVE) Cubesat or Smallsat Concept

Here we describe the Primitive Object Volatile Explorer (PrOVE), a smallsat mission concept to study the surface structure and volatile inventory of comets in their perihelion passage phase when volatile activity is near peak. CubeSat infrastructure imposes limits on propulsion systems, which are compounded by sensitivity to the spacecraft disposal state from the launch platform and potential launch delays. We propose circumventing launch platform complications by using waypoints in space to park a deep space SmallSat or CubeSat while awaiting the opportunity to enter a trajectory to flyby a suitable target. In our Planetary Science Deep Space SmallSat Studies (PSDS3) project, we investigated scientific goals, waypoint options, potential concept of operations (ConOps) for periodic and new comets, spacecraft bus infrastructure requirements, launch platforms, and mission operations and phases. Our payload would include two low-risk instruments: a visible image (VisCAM) for 5-10 m resolution surface maps; and a highly versatile multispectral Comet CAMera (ComCAM) will measure 1) H2O, CO2, CO, and organics non-thermal fluorescence signatures in the 2-5 µm MWIR, and 2) 7-10 and 8-14 µm thermal (LWIR) emission. This payload would return unique data not obtainable from ground-based telescopes and complement data from Earth-orbiting observatories. Thus, the PrOVE mission would (1) acquire visible surface maps, (2) investigate chemical heterogeneity of a comet nucleus by quantifying volatile species abundance and changes with solar insolation, (3) map the spatial distribution of volatiles and determine any variations, and (4) determine the frequency and distribution of outbursts.

Zucherman, Aaron↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Plants in Space and Space Crop Production

As astronauts venture farther from Earth, and for longer periods, the space food system will increase in importance. Crop production can supplement a packaged diet to provide additional nutrients and dietary variety for astronauts, and in future missions, bioregenerative approaches may be used to generate a larger percentage of the diet. Plants may also provide behavioural health benefits and assist with other life support functions. Several unique challenges exist for growth of plants in microgravity and on other planetary surfaces like the moon and Mars. Testing with the Veggie and Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) chambers on the International Space Station is allowing us to understand the impacts of gravity and spaceflight on crop growth, nutritional content, acceptability, and the importance of plants to astronauts living and working away from Earth. We are also gaining a better understanding of food safety concerns and the behaviour of space plant microbiomes and plant pathogens. As we transition from research towards operational space crop production to enable human exploration, there are several gaps and challenges of growing crops in space that must be addressed. Research and technology development in key areas such as water and nutrient delivery, plant health monitoring, and crop selection are needed to overcome these challenges. Additionally, there are opportunities for breeding or engineering of custom space crops related to plant growth and development, plant physiology, produce nutrition, organoleptic acceptability, and post-harvest characteristics. Solutions to help ensure food security off-Earth may also translate to better approaches to terrestrial sustainable crop production.

Advanced Plant Habitat↗
NASA NTRS2023

Plants in Space and Space Crop Production

As astronauts venture farther from Earth, and for longer periods, the space food system will increase in importance. Crop production can supplement a packaged diet to provide additional nutrients and dietary variety for astronauts, and in future missions, bioregenerative approaches may be used to generate a larger percentage of the diet. Plants may also provide behavioural health benefits and assist with other life support functions. Several unique challenges exist for growth of plants in microgravity and on other planetary surfaces like the moon and Mars. Testing with the Veggie and Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) chambers on the International Space Station is allowing us to understand the impacts of gravity and spaceflight on crop growth, nutritional content, acceptability, and the importance of plants to astronauts living and working away from Earth. We are also gaining a better understanding of food safety concerns and the behaviour of space plant microbiomes and plant pathogens. As we transition from research towards operational space crop production to enable human exploration, there are several gaps and challenges of growing crops in space that must be addressed. Research and technology development in key areas such as water and nutrient delivery, plant health monitoring, and crop selection are needed to overcome these challenges. Additionally, there are opportunities for breeding or engineering of custom space crops related to plant growth and development, plant physiology, produce nutrition, organoleptic acceptability, and post-harvest characteristics. Solutions to help ensure food security off-Earth may also translate to better approaches to terrestrial sustainable crop production.

Advanced Plant Habitat↗
NASA NTRS1977

What the exploration of Mars tells us about earth

Data obtained from the Viking missions to Mars have lead to comparisons between characteristics of that planet and certain aspects of earth. Topics discussed include: thermal and compositional evolution of the planets' interiors, the origin of their atmospheres, the history of their fluid environments, the evolution of organic material, and climatic changes. Examples of convective and magmatic activity on the crusts of the two planets are contrasted; outgassing evidenced in the crustal zones is related to the evolution of atmosphere. Analysis of experimental degassing of meteorites provides further insight into the origin and composition of planetary atmospheres. Attributes of the Martian surface, which is apparently an oxidizing rather than reducing medium, are reviewed, and explanations proposed to account for its lack of an organic richness comparable to that found on earth. Data on long-range climatic changes on earth, related to precession, obliquity, and eccentricity of the planet, may contribute to understanding of the Martian polar caps, and vice versa.

Rasool, S. I.↗