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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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Artificial Intelligence: Powering Human Spaceflight Exploration of the Moon and Mars
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NASA Lunar Exploration – Gateway’s Power and Propulsion Element Communications Links
As a key part of NASA’s Artemis program to return to the moon, the Lunar Gateway will provide a platform for staging lunar missions, for gaining experience in operations beyond earth orbit, and for creating sustainable infrastructure. Of specific interest, the Lunar Gateway will provide communications support to landers, orbiters, and surface systems, including in the South Polar Region where direct line of sight (LOS) to Earth is limited or non-existent. A foundational segment of the Gateway is the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE), which will carry: solar arrays to provide power to the Gateway; electric propulsion to maintain the Gateway in its operational orbit; and communication links between the Earth and Gateway, the Moon and Gateway, and relays from the Moon to the Earth. PPE Communication Links include an X-band link to Earth for Command, Ranging, and Telemetry (CR&T), which also carries low to medium rate data; a Ka-band Direct to Earth(DTE) link for high rate data transmissions; and a Ka-band Lunar link for high data rate connections to lunar systems. This paper describes the PPE communication links from a technical perspective. Other Gateway links supported by other modules are outside the scope of this paper.
NASA LUNAR EXPLORATION – GATEWAY’S POWER AND PROPULSION ELEMENT COMMUNICATIONS LINKS
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The Core Flight System (cFS): NASA Quality Flight Software to Power Science and Exploration Available to the World
The presentation is planned to be a continuation of two previous discussions completed at the FSW Workshop regarding the cFS Test Framework (CTF) and Engineering Data Sheets (EDS). The presentation will also cover the latest advancements in cFS, including: 1. Quick into to cFS 2. An overview of our software release process + Git repo 3. Release of EDS files for the cFE + open-source apps 4. Overview of how to independently verify EDS files using CTF + what they can be used for. 5. Future plans for cFS. This presentation complements the talk on configuration management of distributed cFS repos, to be presented by Tam Ngo from Johnson Space Center.
Space-Based Solar Power Enabling Lunar Exploration and Beyond
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Artificial Intelligence: Powering Human Spaceflight Exploration of the Moon and Mars
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The SP-100 space reactor as a power source for Mars exploration missions
This paper argues that many of the power requirements of complex, relatively long-duration space missions such as the exploration of Mars may best be met through the use of power systems which use nuclear reactors as a thermal energy source. The development of such a power system, the SP-100, and its application in Mars mission scenarios is described. The missions addressed include a freighter mission and a mission involving exploration of the Martian surface.
ISRU Reactant, Fuel Cell Based Power Plant for Robotic and Human Mobile Exploration Applications
Three basic power generation system concepts are generally considered for lander, rover, and Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) assistant applications for robotic and human Moon and Mars exploration missions. The most common power system considered is the solar array and battery system. While relatively simple and successful, solar array/battery systems have some serious limitations for mobile applications. For typical rover applications, these limitations include relatively low total energy storage capabilities, daylight only operating times (6 to 8 hours on Mars), relatively short operating lives depending on the operating environment, and rover/lander size and surface use constraints. Radioisotope power systems are being reconsidered for long-range science missions. Unfortunately, the high cost, political controversy, and launch difficulties that are associated with nuclear-based power systems suggests that the use of radioisotope powered landers, rovers, and EVA assistants will be limited. The third power system concept now being considered are fuel cell based systems. Fuel cell power systems overcome many of the performance and surface exploration limitations of solar array/battery power systems and the prohibitive cost and other difficulties associated with nuclear power systems for mobile applications. In an effort to better understand the capabilities and limitations of fuel cell power systems for Moon and Mars exploration applications, NASA is investigating the use of in-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) produced reactant, fuel cell based power plants to power robotic outpost rovers, science equipment, and future human spacecraft, surface-excursion rovers, and EVA assistant rovers. This paper will briefly compare the capabilities and limitations of fuel cell power systems relative to solar array/battery and nuclear systems, discuss the unique and enhanced missions that fuel cell power systems enable, and discuss the common technology and system attributes possible for robotic and human exploration to maximize scientific return and minimize cost and risk to both. Progress made to date at the Johnson Space Center on an ISRU producible reactant, Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell based power plant project to demonstrate the concept in conjunction with rover applications will be presented in detail.
Long range inhabited surface transportation system power source for the exploration of Mars (manned Mars mission)
A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell system is identified as a viable power source for a long range inhabited surface transportation system for the exploration of Mars. Power system weights and power requirements are determined as a function of vehicle weight. For vehicles weighing from 2700 to 7300 kg in LEO, the total power system weight ranges from 1140 to 1860 kg, with the reactants and energy conversion hardware (fuel cells, reactant storage, and radiator) weighing 430 to 555 kg and 610 to 1110 kg, respectively. Vehicle power requirements range from 45 kW for a 2700 kg vehicle to 110 kW for a 7300 kg vehicle. Power system specific weights and power profiles for housekeeping and the operation of scientific equipment such as coring drills and power tools are also specified.
ARTIFICIAL ELECTRON-BELT RADIATION PROTECTION FOR THE EXPLORER XVI SOLAR CELL POWER SUPPLY
Quartz window thickness requirement to protect explorer xvi solar cells from the artificial radiation belt caused by a high-altitude nuclear explosion
A dynamic isotope power system for Space Exploration Initiative surface transport systems
The Dynamic Isotope Power System (DIPS) Demonstration Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy with support funding from NASA, is currently focused on the development of a standardized 2.5-kWe portable generator for multiple applications on the lunar or Martian surface. A variety of remote and mobile potential applications have been identified by NASA, including surface rovers for both short- and extended-duration missions, remote power to science packages, and backup to central base power. Recent work focused on refining the 2.5-kWe design and emphasizing the compatibility of the system with potential surface transport systems. Work included an evaluation of the design to ensure compatibility with the Martian atmosphere while imposing only a minor mass penalty on lunar operations. Additional work included a study performed to compare the DIPS with regenerative fuel cell systems for lunar mobile and remote power systems. Power requirements were reviewed and a modular system chosen for the comparison.
Modular Power Standard for Space Explorations Missions
Future human space exploration will most likely be composed of assemblies of multiple modular spacecraft elements with interconnected electrical power systems. An electrical system composed of a standardized set modular building blocks provides significant development, integration, and operational cost advantages. The modular approach can also provide the flexibility to configure power systems to meet the mission needs. A primary goal of the Advanced Exploration Systems (AES) Modular Power System (AMPS) project is to establish a Modular Power Standard that is needed to realize these benefits. This paper is intended to give the space exploration community a "first look" at the evolving Modular Power Standard and invite their comments and technical contributions.
Power and propulsion for the exploration of space.
Space vehicle power and propulsion systems emphasizing energy sources, propellants, energy conservation and future trends
Electric power for the scientific exploration of the solar system.
Isotope and solar thermoelectric generator, solar cell and battery electric power sources for unmanned scientific exploration of solar system
Enabling the space exploration initiative: NASA's exploration technology program in space power
Space power requirements for Space Exploration Initiative (SEI) are reviewed, including the results of a NASA 90-day study and reports by the National Research Council, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), NASA, the Advisory Committee on the Future of the U.S. Space Program, and the Synthesis Group. The space power requirements for the SEI robotic missions, lunar spacecraft, Mars spacecraft, and human missions are summarized. Planning for exploration technology is addressed, including photovoltaic, chemical and thermal energy conversion; high-capacity power; power and thermal management for the surface, Earth-orbiting platform and spacecraft; laser power beaming; and mobile surface systems.
The Space Launch System: NASA's Exploration Rocket
Powerful, versatile, and capable vehicle for entirely new missions to deep space. Vital to NASA's exploration strategy and the Nation's space agenda. Safe, affordable, and sustainable. Engaging the U.S. aerospace workforce and infrastructure. Competitive opportunities for innovations that affordably upgrade performance. Successfully meeting milestones in preparation for Preliminary Design Review in 2013. On course for first flight in 2017.
SP-100 space reactor power system for lunar, Mars, and robotic exploration
The SP-100 power system is described which was developed for three missions, namely, Pluto Orbiter with nuclear electric propulsion; human-rated surface reactor power system for lunar and Mars exploration; and earth surveillance with an integrated nuclear electric propulsion system. The reactor power systems technology is being developed to meet these requirements so that the technical database, design tools, and specifications will be applicable to these missions. The SP-100 power system design includes the following subsystems: reactor, reactor instrumentation and control, shield, heat transport, converter, heat rejection, power conditioning control and distribution, and mechanical/structural. Particular attention is given to a demonstration mission aimed at validating technology readiness for robotic, lunar, and Mars operational missions.