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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 1,189 records · Page 66

Hybrid Communication Architectures for Distributed Smart Grid Applications

Wired and wireless communications both play an important role in the blend of communications technologies necessary to enable future smart grid communications. Hybrid networks exploit independent mediums to extend network coverage and improve performance. However, whereas individual technologies have been applied in simulation networks, as far as we know there is only limited attention that has been paid to the development of a suite of hybrid communication simulation models for the communications system design. Hybrid simulation models are needed to capture the mixed communication technologies and IP address mechanisms in one simulation. To close this gap, we have developed a suite of hybrid communication system simulation models to validate the critical system design criteria for a distributed solar Photovoltaic (PV) communications system, including a single trip latency of 300 ms, throughput of 9.6 Kbps, and packet loss rate of 1%. In conclusion, the results show that three low-power wireless personal area network (LoWPAN)-based hybrid architectures can satisfy three performance metrics that are critical for distributed energy resource communications.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

An Augmented Ground Station Architecture for Spacecraft-Initiated Communication Service Requests

Spacecraft performing science and exploration missions have increasingly complex and event-driven objectives, making communication needs difficult to predict in advance. Additional flexibility is required in space communication provider networks to effectively meet time-varying demand. We envision a framework for automated resource allocation in which requests for communications service are initiated by spacecraft based on current mission needs. We propose an augmented ground station configuration featuring a wide field-of-view antenna to receive transmissions from spacecraft requesting high-rate communications. A software suite to automate the service fulfillment process, including interfacing with external scheduling systems such as NASA’s Near Space Network, is described. Experimental results characterizing the physical-layer link between the wide field-of-view antenna and a software-defined radio testbed on the International Space Station are presented. We also discuss long-duration software testing on a ground-based testbed. Taken together, these proof-of-concept results demonstrate the feasibility of the concept to improve the responsiveness of space communications.

user-initiated service↗

The Automated Conflict Resolution System (ACRS)

The Automated Conflict Resolution System (ACRS) is a mission-current scheduling aid that predicts periods of mutual interference when two or more orbiting spacecraft are scheduled to communicate with the same Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) at the same time. The mutual interference predicted has the potential to degrade or prevent communications. Thus the ACRS system is a useful tool for aiding in the scheduling of Space Network (SN) communications.

Kaplan, Ted↗

Portable Power And Digital-Communication Units

Conceptual network of electronic-equipment modules provides electrical power and digital radio communications at multiple sites not served by cables. System includes central communication unit and portable units powered by solar photovoltaic arrays. Useful to serve equipment that must be set up quickly at remote sites or buildings that cannot be modified to provide cable connections.

Levin, Richard R.↗

Communicate and Fuse: How Filamentous Fungi Establish and Maintain an Interconnected Mycelial Network

Cell-to-cell communication and cell fusion are fundamental biological processes across the tree of life. Survival is often dependent upon being able to identify nearby individuals and respond appropriately. Communication between genetically different individuals allows for the identification of potential mating partners, symbionts, prey, or predators. In contrast, communication between genetically similar (or identical) individuals is important for mediating the development of multicellular organisms or for coordinating density-dependent behaviors (i.e., quorum sensing). This review describes the molecular and genetic mechanisms that mediate cell-to-cell communication and cell fusion between cells of Ascomycete filamentous fungi, with a focus on Neurospora crassa . Filamentous fungi exist as a multicellular, multinuclear network of hyphae, and communication-mediated cell fusion is an important aspect of colony development at each stage of the life cycle. Asexual spore germination occurs in a density-dependent manner. Germinated spores (germlings) avoid cells that are genetically different at specific loci, while chemotropically engaging with cells that share identity at these recognition loci. Germlings with genetic identity at recognition loci undergo cell fusion when in close proximity, a fitness attribute that contributes to more rapid colony establishment. Communication and cell fusion also occur between hyphae in a colony, which are important for reinforcing colony architecture and supporting the development of complex structures such as aerial hyphae and sexual reproductive structures. Over 70 genes have been identified in filamentous fungi (primarily N. crassa ) that are involved in kind recognition, chemotropic interactions, and cell fusion. While the hypothetical signal(s) and receptor(s) remain to be described, a dynamic molecular signaling network that regulates cell-cell interactions has been revealed, including two conserved MAP-Kinase cascades, a conserved STRIPAK complex, transcription factors, a NOX complex involved in the generation of reactive oxygen species, cell-integrity sensors, actin, components of the secretory pathway, and several other proteins. Together these pathways facilitate the integration of extracellular signals, direct polarized growth, and initiate a transcriptional program that reinforces signaling and prepares cells for downstream processes, such as membrane merger, cell fusion and adaptation to heterokaryon formation.

Microbiology↗

The use of Ada in distributed simulations

The increasing need for detailed information about systems of continually growing complexity enhances steadily the demands regarding the employed models. The present investigation is concerned with work related to the development of high-performance computer hardware intended for the support of the real-time simulation of jet engines. The hardware is structured in the form of a network of communicating microprocessors running in parallel. The need for a higher-order language capability for programming such a network has led to the research considered in this study. Attention is given to the hardware which is being developed, an abstract model, programming language considerations, research considerations, research objectives, Ada tasks, Ada packages, the Ada model, the mapping of the model to the hardware, a precompiler example, and the advantages of Ada.

Collins, W. R.↗

Search for optimal distance spectrum convolutional codes

In order to communicate reliably and to reduce the required transmitter power, NASA uses coded communication systems on most of their deep space satellites and probes (e.g. Pioneer, Voyager, Galileo, and the TDRSS network). These communication systems use binary convolutional codes. Better codes make the system more reliable and require less transmitter power. However, there are no good construction techniques for convolutional codes. Thus, to find good convolutional codes requires an exhaustive search over the ensemble of all possible codes. In this paper, an efficient convolutional code search algorithm was implemented on an IBM RS6000 Model 580. The combination of algorithm efficiency and computational power enabled us to find, for the first time, the optimal rate 1/2, memory 14, convolutional code.

Connor, Matthew C.↗

Introductions to Mission Operations and Ground Data Systems

This slide presentation discusses how in the early concept studies the communications architecture plays an important part: The communications architecture is the arrangement, or configuration of satellites and ground systems in a space system, and the network of communications links that transfers information between them.

Stewart, Helen J.↗

The deep space network

The facilities, programming system, and monitor and control system for the deep space network are described. Ongoing planetary and interplanetary flight projects are reviewed, along with tracking and ground-based navigation, communications, and network and facility engineering.

Source record↗

Dan Goldin Presentation: Pathway to the Future

In the "Path to the Future" presentation held at NASA's Langley Center on March 31, 1999, NASA's Administrator Daniel S. Goldin outlined the future direction and strategies of NASA in relation to the general space exploration enterprise. NASA's Vision, Future System Characteristics, Evolutions of Engineering, and Revolutionary Changes are the four main topics of the presentation. In part one, the Administrator talks in detail about NASA's vision in relation to the NASA Strategic Activities that are Space Science, Earth Science, Human Exploration, and Aeronautics & Space Transportation. Topics discussed in this section include: space science for the 21st century, flying in mars atmosphere (mars plane), exploring new worlds, interplanetary internets, earth observation and measurements, distributed information-system-in-the-sky, science enabling understanding and application, space station, microgravity, science and exploration strategies, human mars mission, advance space transportation program, general aviation revitalization, and reusable launch vehicles. In part two, he briefly talks about the future system characteristics. He discusses major system characteristics like resiliencey, self-sufficiency, high distribution, ultra-efficiency, and autonomy and the necessity to overcome any distance, time, and extreme environment barriers. Part three of Mr. Goldin's talk deals with engineering evolution, mainly evolution in the Computer Aided Design (CAD)/Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) systems. These systems include computer aided drafting, computerized solid models, virtual product development (VPD) systems, networked VPD systems, and knowledge enriched networked VPD systems. In part four, the last part, the Administrator talks about the need for revolutionary changes in communication and networking areas of a system. According to the administrator, the four major areas that need cultural changes in the creativity process are human-centered computing, an infrastructure for distributed collaboration, rapid synthesis and simulation tools, and life-cycle integration and validation. Mr. Goldin concludes his presentation with the following maxim "Collaborate, Integrate, Innovate or Stagnate and Evaporate." He also answers some questions after the presentation.

Source record↗

Empowering Critical Infrastructure Communication with Secure 5G Private Networks

With the transformational New Radio- Unlicensed (NR-U), 5G network can be operated with unlicensed and shared spectrum. Private 5G networks without any licensed bands, which are both highly expensive and usually available to only large commercial wireless providers, can now be used for a whole range of new applications including smart factories, warehouses, connected cars and drones. 5G’s support of a) massive machine type communication (mMTC) for a large number of connected devices with b) ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) capability when needed, and c) up to 20 times higher data rate with enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) than previously available, enables new and powerful capabilities in a wireless network. While these capabilities are transformational, necessary security and reliability requirements have to be satisfied when used in critical infrastructure such as factories, power plants, water systems, ports, and other industrial facilities. 5G standards have introduced significant security improvement over 4G/LTE as well as mitigations for new attack surfaces created by changes in the 5G network. This talk will discuss these security improvements and whether they meet the security properties required for mission critical communication over wireless.

5G↗

Autonomous Congestion Control in Delay-Tolerant Networks

This presentation highlights communication congestion control in delay-tolerant networks (DTNs). Large-scale future space exploration will offer complex communication challenges that may be best addressed by establishing a network infrastructure. However, current internet techniques for congestion control are not well suited for operation of a network over interplanetary distances. An alternative, delay-tolerant technique for congestion control in a delay-tolerant network is presented. A simple DTN was constructed and an experimental congestion control mechanism was applied. The mechanism appeared to be effective and each router was able to make its bundle acceptance decisions autonomously. Future research will examine more complex topologies and alternative bundle acceptance rules that might enhance performance.

congestion control↗

Using Digital Trace Data to Identify Regions and Cities

A greater understanding of human dynamics as they play out in both physical space and through inter-personal communication is vital for the design and development of intelligent and resilient cities. Physical context provides insight in to the space-time distribution of population and their activity patterns, while inter-personal communication can, for the first time, be measured at scale through virtual interactions. The confluence of these two enables spatial social network analysis in the built environment for edge computing, knowledge discovery, and artificial intelligence activities. In this work, we propose a novel method to discover such dynamics. We use a dataset of 72 million tweets to develop a spatially embedded network of communication, and then use community detection algorithms to explore regional and urban delineation in the United States. We find that the broad spatial delineation of communities and community sub-structure is consistent with major United States socio-cultural regions, states, and major metropolitan areas. We describe how these methods could be extended to generate a measure of socially cohesive regions that can be consistently applied anywhere there is a sufficiently rich data source. We hope the proposed methods will generate new perspectives on smart and resilient cities.

Brelsford, Christa↗

Lunar Relay Satellite Network for Space Exploration: Architecture, Technologies and Challenges

NASA is planning a series of short and long duration human and robotic missions to explore the Moon and then Mars. A key objective of these missions is to grow, through a series of launches, a system of systems infrastructure with the capability for safe and sustainable autonomous operations at minimum cost while maximizing the exploration capabilities and science return. An incremental implementation process will enable a buildup of the communication, navigation, networking, computing, and informatics architectures to support human exploration missions in the vicinities and on the surfaces of the Moon and Mars. These architectures will support all space and surface nodes, including other orbiters, lander vehicles, humans in spacesuits, robots, rovers, human habitats, and pressurized vehicles. This paper describes the integration of an innovative MAC and networking technology with an equally innovative position-dependent, data routing, network technology. The MAC technology provides the relay spacecraft with the capability to autonomously discover neighbor spacecraft and surface nodes, establish variable-rate links and communicate simultaneously with multiple in-space and surface clients at varying and rapidly changing distances while making optimum use of the available power. The networking technology uses attitude sensors, a time synchronization protocol and occasional orbit-corrections to maintain awareness of its instantaneous position and attitude in space as well as the orbital or surface location of its communication clients. A position-dependent data routing capability is used in the communication relay satellites to handle the movement of data among any of multiple clients (including Earth) that may be simultaneously in view; and if not in view, the relay will temporarily store the data from a client source and download it when the destination client comes into view. The integration of the MAC and data routing networking technologies would enable a relay satellite system to provide end-to-end communication services for robotic and human missions in the vicinity, or on the surface of the Moon with a minimum of Earth-based operational support.

Bhasin, Kul B.↗

Challenges Using the Linux Network Stack for Real-Time Communication

Starting in the early 2000s, human-in-the-loop (HITL) simulation groups at NASA and the Air Force Research Lab began using the Linux network stack for some real-time communication. More recently, SpaceX has adopted Ethernet as the primary bus technology for its Falcon launch vehicles and Dragon capsules. As the Linux network stack makes its way from ground facilities to flight critical systems, it is necessary to recognize that the network stack is optimized for communication over the open Internet, which cannot provide latency guarantees. The Internet protocols and their implementation in the Linux network stack contain numerous design decisions that favor throughput over determinism and latency. These decisions often require workarounds in the application or customization of the stack to maintain a high probability of low latency on closed networks, especially if the network must be fault tolerant to single event upsets.

Madden, Michael M.↗