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The Planetary Materials Database

NASA provides funds for a variety of research programs whose principal focus is to collect and analyze terrestrial analog materials. These data are used to (1) understand and interpret planetary geology; (2) identify and characterize habitable environments and pre-biotic/biotic processes; (3) interpret returned data from present and past missions; and (4) evaluate future mission and instrument concepts prior to selection for flight. Data management plans are now required for these programs, but the collected data are still not generally available to the community. There is also little possibility to re-analyze the collected materials by other techniques, since there is no requirement to archive collected samples. The Planetary Materials Database (PMD) is a central, high-quality, long-term data repository, which aims to promote the field of astrobiology and increase scientific returns from NASA funded research by enabling data sharing, collaboration and exposure of non-NASA scientists to NASA research initiatives and missions. The PMD is a linked collection of databases developed using the Open Data Repository (ODR) system. The PMD will include detailed descriptions of terrestrial analog planetary materials as well as data from the instruments used in their analysis. The goal is to provide example patterns/spectra/analyses, etc. and background information suitable for use by the Space Science community. An early example showing the utility of these databases (although not in the ODR format) is the RRUFF mineral database. RRUFF, comprising 4,000+ pure mineral standards, is the most popular and widely used dataset of minerals and receives more than 180,000 queries per week from geologists and mineralogists worldwide. The PMD will be patterned after the CheMin database [3], a resource that contains all of the data collected by the MSL CheMin XRD instrument on Mars. Raw and processed CheMin data can be viewed, downloaded, reprocessed and reanalyzed using cloud-based “applications” linked to the data.

Blake, David↗

Hemispheric Airborne Measurements of Air Quality (HAMAQ)

Under NASA’s Earth Venture Suborbital program, Hemispheric Airborne Measurements of Air Quality (HAMAQ) will conduct a series of campaigns in 2028 under the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) geostationary satellite instrument. HAMAQ plans include two deployments, including the Mexico City megalopolis and another North American site yet to be selected. The effort will include two aircraft, NASA’s B777 for in situ sampling and G-III for remote sensing. These aircraft will be used to complete a system of integrated observations, combining satellite observations, ground-based monitoring and research observations with air quality modeling. HAMAQ field intensives will serve multiple objectives to include: improving the use of satellite observations in concert with traditional ground monitoring to inform air quality; assessing emissions to better understand their timing and source apportionment; advancing the development of satellite proxies for air quality; and assessing the factors controlling local air quality in each location sampled. Given the long lead time for this campaign, this poster welcomes discussion from the community on strategies and candidate sites for the second deployment. Given the broad applicability of the HAMAQ science objectives and observing strategy, possible partnerships to extend the pursuit of the larger vision of HAMAQ to also sample in Asia and Europe are of interest.

James H Crawford↗

DOE Residential Energy Code Field Study - Pennsylvania

This project consisted of three distinct phases – all focused on residential one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses. Phase 1 included a baseline field study with inspections and performance testing to assess construction practices with respect to the energy code. PNNL used the data to perform EUI and savings potential analyses. Phase 2 consisted of training, education, and outreach to building industry professionals with content based on the findings from Phase 1. Phase 3 was a post-program field study using the same methodology as Phase 1 and was intended to measure the impact of Phase 2. During Phase 1 of the project, PSD collected data from 171 job sites across eastern Pennsylvania, a territory bounded by PECO, PPL, and Met-Ed electric distribution territories, to reach the required 63 “home equivalents” deemed necessary by PNNL for a representative sample. Based on subsequent analysis, four key items were identified as having significant savings potential from improvement in compliance, including duct leakage, above-grade wall insulation (specifically insulation installation quality), foundation insulation, and high-efficacy lighting. About half the total savings potential is from duct leakage, so that was the primary focus. The goal of Phase 2 was to improve upon these key compliance weaknesses through an intensive training, education, and outreach program. PSD dubbed this effort the Penn Energy Codes Program. For Phase 3, PSD obtained a new sample plan from PNNL, obtained permit data from sample municipalities, and made substitutions where necessary. PSD field staff visited 165 job sites to collect the required 504 key observations. PSD submitted all data collection sheets to PNNL for their analysis to determine if there was a measurable change due to Phase 2 activities.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

High Energy Physics (Final Report)

The research at Yale funded by the DOE Office of High Energy Physics, with grant title Yale High Energy Physics Research is centered at all the frontier areas of elementary particle physics, both experimental and theoretical. Among the most compelling are the continued exciting study of the energy frontier at the LHC, the physics of neutrinos and neutrino mixing, and the properties of dark energy in the universe. These activities offer promise for providing the answers to some of the most fundamental questions in science, such as the origin of mass and the baryon asymmetry in the Universe, and the cause of its accelerated expansion. In neutrino physics Profs. Fleming and Heeger are leading several experiments using reactor and accelerator neutrinos and participate in research and development towards precision neutrino detection. In flavor physics, Prof. Demers contributes to the physics selection and design of the mu2e Experiment. In collider physics Profs. Baker, Demers, and Tipton’s efforts span searches and measurements for the Higgs, exotics, and planned upgrades. In astrophysics Profs. Baltay and Padmanabhan are exploring the Cosmic Frontier. Prof. Baltay plays a leading role in La Silla/QUEST and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Survey (DESI). Prof. Padmanabhan uses large galaxy surveys to constrain dark energy through critical participation in the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) and in DESI. In theoretical research, Prof. Goldberger has made contributions to many fields including electroweak symmetry breaking, relativistic and non-relativistic conformal field theories, cosmology and inflation, and general relativity. At Yale, we enjoy a close collaboration and shared resources between different experimental groups, and between theory and experimental communities.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Snowpack ground-truth manual

As remote sensing increasingly becomes more of an operational tool in the field of snow management and snow hydrology, there is need for some degree of standardization of ""snowpack ground truth'' techniques. This manual provides a first step in standardizing these procedures and was prepared to meet the needs of remote sensing researchers in planning missions requiring ground truth as well as those providing the ground truth. Focus is on ground truth for remote sensors primarily operating in the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum; nevertheless, the manual should be of value to other types of sensor programs. This first edition of ground truth procedures must be updated as new or modified techniques are developed.

Jones, E. B.↗

The role of human factors in missions of exploration

A framework is developed for considering human-factors issues in space-exploration missions and in relation to the Space Exploration Initiative. The special conditions of space exploration are set forth including multiple environments and duration and with respect to mission architecture. Human-factors research needs are outlined which relate to an overall mission analysis and subsequent categories of consideration. The analysis identifies the incorporation of individual, group, and vehicle/habitat architectures, the human/automation tradeoff, and the ability to provide special-circumstance performance requirements through selection, training, and support. An integrated research plan can include such options as flight experiments, analog environments, testbeds, field research, simulation, modeling, laboratory experiments, and/or analysis.

Connors, Mary M.↗

Toward a Comprehensive Carbon Budget for North America: Potential Applications of Adjoint Methods with Diverse Datasets

A detailed mechanistic understanding of the sources and sinks of CO2 will be required to reliably predict future COS levels and climate. A commonly used technique for deriving information about CO2 exchange with surface reservoirs is to solve an "inverse problem," where CO2 observations are used with an atmospheric transport model to find the optimal distribution of sources and sinks. Synthesis inversion methods are powerful tools for addressing this question, but the results are disturbingly sensitive to the details of the calculation. Studies done using different atmospheric transport models and combinations of surface station data have produced substantially different distributions of surface fluxes. Adjoint methods are now being developed that will more effectively incorporate diverse datasets in estimates of surface fluxes of CO2. In an adjoint framework, it will be possible to combine CO2 concentration data from long-term surface monitoring stations with data from intensive field campaigns and with proposed future satellite observations. A major advantage of the adjoint approach is that meteorological and surface data, as well as data for other atmospheric constituents and pollutants can be efficiently included in addition to observations of CO2 mixing ratios. This presentation will provide an overview of potentially useful datasets for carbon cycle research in general with an emphasis on planning for the North American Carbon Project. Areas of overlap with ongoing and proposed work on air quality/air pollution issues will be highlighted.

Andrews, A.↗

Implementing Artificial Thinking Autonomy with Model-Based System Engineering

Complex autonomous systems capable of successfully operating independently under ‘known unknowns’ and harsh conditions require paradigm innovation in modern development strategies. In the field of autonomy, developing a system-of-systems which can ostensibly think for itself in the face of ‘unknown unknowns’ is still a field of ongoing research. Maturing the systems architecting and modeling methodologies for developing henceforth named Thinking Autonomous Systems, which are verified with digital mission simulation, can potentially usher in the next generation of artificial intelligence for space exploration. The concept presented in this paper incorporates multiple Model-Based Systems Engineering and simulation methodologies combined as a new paradigm to design a novel, biomimetic thinking autonomy strategy. Anachronistic concepts from classical Kantian philosophy will be leveraged to inspire architectural designs that could be used for complex distributed systems in deep space. To accomplish this, digital transformation of a document-based implementation plan for Thinking Autonomous Systems, generated by experienced NASA software engineers, is implemented for NASA’s Platform for Autonomous Systems by creating descriptive and executable software models in SysML to prototype real-time operating capabilities. This conceptual implementation has been developed by incorporating model-based digital simulations to theorize how a cyberphysical thinking system would achieve specific strategies without crew reliance, while simultaneously being resilient to all operating conditions and remaining functional when devoid of ground communication. Additionally, ensuring that an autonomous system framework is an ethical Artificial Intelligence requires careful consideration of system behavior and accountability, human factors for teaming with a thinking autonomous system, and comparison to other modern approaches used for implementing true autonomy. This paper presents the first steps in formalizing the metacognition required for instantiating a truly Thinking Autonomous System; the approach described symphonizes autonomy characteristics from classical philosophical into a unified software architecture describing human thought. In the future, the foundational models described in this paper can be further leveraged to help advance research into thinking autonomy requirements for future deep space missions as well as for current near-term applications, i.e., living aboard crewed spacecraft like a NASA Gateway cislunar habitat.

Artificial Thought↗

Recovery Act. Development and Validation of an Advanced Stimulation Prediction Model for Enhanced Geothermal System

The research project aims to develop and validate an advanced computer model that can be used in the planning and design of stimulation techniques to create engineered reservoirs for Enhanced Geothermal Systems. The specific objectives of the proposal are to: 1) Develop a true three-dimensional hydro-thermal fracturing simulator that is particularly suited for EGS reservoir creation. 2) Perform laboratory scale model tests of hydraulic fracturing and proppant flow/transport using a polyaxial loading device, and use the laboratory results to test and validate the 3D simulator. 3) Perform discrete element/particulate modeling of proppant transport in hydraulic fractures, and use the results to improve understand of proppant flow and transport. 4) Test and validate the 3D hydro-thermal fracturing simulator against case histories of EGS energy production. 5) Develop a plan to commercialize the 3D fracturing and proppant flow/transport simulator. The project is expected to yield several specific results and benefits. Major technical products from the proposal include: 1) A true-3D hydro-thermal fracturing computer code that is particularly suited to EGS, 2) Documented results of scale model tests on hydro-thermal fracturing and fracture propping in an analogue crystalline rock, 3) Documented procedures and results of discrete element/particulate modeling of flow and transport of proppants for EGS applications, and 4) Database of monitoring data, with focus of Acoustic Emissions (AE) from lab scale modeling and field case histories of EGS reservoir creation.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Jwst from Below: An Overview of the Construction of the James Webb Space Telescope, Interesting Metrology, and Cryogenic-Vacuum Testing

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a 6.6m diameter, segmented, deployable telescope for cryogenic IR space astronomy (40K). The JWST Observatory includes the Optical Telescope Element (OTE) and the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) that contains four science instruments (SI) and the guider. The SIs are mounted to a composite metering structure. The SI and guider units are integrated to the ISIM structure and optically tested at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as a suite using a telescope simulator (Optical Telescope Element SIMulator; OSIM). OSIM is a full field, cryogenic JWST telescope simulator. SI performance, including alignment and wavefront error, is evaluated using OSIM. This is an overview presentation to undergraduate students and other personnel at the University of Richmond, planned for 12 Oct, 2016. It uses material previously released by NASA on the Internet (e.g., via Flickr) or at engineering conferences (e.g., SPIE). This presentation provides an overview of the status of the project, with an emphasis on optics and measurement.

instrument development↗

Harnessing Virtual Power Plants Reliably: Enabling tools for increased observability, controllability, operation, and aggregation of distributed energy resources

Harnessing virtual power plants enhances the integration of distributed energy resources into utility grids for a sustainable energy future. Virtual power plants (VPPs) aggregate DERs to enhance resource adequacy and reduce emissions. U.S. utilities are exploring various technologies to manage DERs effectively. FERC Order 2222 allows DERs to participate in both wholesale and retail markets. Enhancing observability and controllability of behind-the-meter (BTM) DERs is essential for reliable grid operations. A hierarchical control architecture can improve coordination among residential energy resources. Field tests showed nearly 20% energy savings and 30% peak power reduction during grid events. Effective management of DERs requires enhanced situational awareness to prevent grid congestion. Integrating DER management systems (DERMS) with existing planning tools can improve operational security. Near-real-time grid models can validate optimal resource set points against resource uncertainty. Traditional uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) can be upgraded to support grid services and become part of VPPs. Upgrading UPS systems can reduce costs by 75% and unlock significant battery capacity. New battery management systems and grid-aware controllers are essential for optimizing UPS performance. Continued research and development are necessary to address challenges in integrating DERs into utility grids. Encouraging customer participation in pilot programs is vital for the evolution of VPPs. Here, the shift towards price-responsive DERs and VPPs is expected to enhance energy distribution efficiency.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗

TH-CD-209-10: Scanning Proton Arc Therapy (SPArc) - The First Robust and Delivery-Efficient Spot Scanning Proton Arc Therapy

Purpose: To develop a delivery-efficient proton spot-scanning arc therapy technique with robust plan quality. Methods: We developed a Scanning Proton Arc(SPArc) optimization algorithm integrated with (1)Control point re-sampling by splitting control point into adjacent sub-control points; (2)Energy layer re-distribution by assigning the original energy layers to the new sub-control points; (3)Energy layer filtration by deleting low MU weighting energy layers; (4)Energy layer re-sampling by sampling additional layers to ensure the optimal solution. A bilateral head and neck oropharynx case and a non-mobile lung target case were tested. Plan quality and total estimated delivery time were compared to original robust optimized multi-field step-and-shoot arc plan without SPArc optimization (Arcmulti-field) and standard robust optimized Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy(IMPT) plans. Dose-Volume-Histograms (DVH) of target and Organ-at-Risks (OARs) were analyzed along with all worst case scenarios. Total delivery time was calculated based on the assumption of a 360 degree gantry room with 1 RPM rotation speed, 2ms spot switching time, beam current 1nA, minimum spot weighting 0.01 MU, energy-layer-switching-time (ELST) from 0.5 to 4s. Results: Compared to IMPT, SPArc delivered less integral dose(−14% lung and −8% oropharynx). For lung case, SPArc reduced 60% of skin max dose, 35% of rib max dose and 15% of lung mean dose. Conformity Index is improved from 7.6(IMPT) to 4.0(SPArc). Compared to Arcmulti-field, SPArc reduced number of energy layers by 61%(276 layers in lung) and 80%(1008 layers in oropharynx) while kept the same robust plan quality. With ELST from 0.5s to 4s, it reduced 55%–60% of Arcmulti-field delivery time for the lung case and 56%–67% for the oropharynx case. Conclusion: SPArc is the first robust and delivery-efficient proton spot-scanning arc therapy technique which could be implemented in routine clinic. For modern proton machine with ELST close to 0.5s, SPArc would be a popular treatment option for both single and multi-room center.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Soil Desiccation Treatability Testing at BC Waste Disposal Cribs

During Hanford’s production period, low-level waste products generated from chemical processing of uranium fuel rods were discharged directly to the ground through a system of cribs and trenches located in the 200-BC-1 Operable Unit (OU). The site consists of 6 cribs and 20 trenches that received more than 117,000 m3 of radioactive liquid waste discharged to the soil. These unlined infiltration galleries held volumes of liquid waste while it seeped into the ground, with the understanding that the 100 m (330 ft) thick vadose zone in the area would effectively capture the effluent and prevent groundwater impacts. A conceptual model showing the operation of cribs and trenches is shown in Figure 1. Data show effluent from the 26 cribs and trenches containing about 410 curies of Technetium-99 (Tc-99) is primarily located between 30 m and 70 m (98 ft and 230 ft) depth (Corbin et al., 2005; Ward et al., 2004). Despite no evidence indicating that the contamination has reached the groundwater at BC cribs and trenches, the mobility of Tc-99 had been demonstrated in laboratory tests and was recognized as a threat to groundwater at the site. Using data from numerical models, laboratory analyses, field investigations, and information on historical discharges, the EPA and Ecology identified Tc-99 and U contamination of the vadose zone as a remediation priority. The U.S. DOE was notified by EPA and Ecology regarding risks associated with Tc-99 contamination in a letter requesting development of a strategy for improved methods to understand the nature and extent of vadose zone contamination, specifically Tc-99, and to develop remedial options for addressing such contamination. To develop the appropriate technology for characterizing, remediating, and monitoring the deep vadose zone Tc-99 contamination, the U.S. DOE worked with the EPA and Ecology to create a Treatability Test Plan under a Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS) for the Hanford 200 Areas. Under this RI/FS, it was determined that a treatability test for soil desiccation should be carried out as it was identified as a promising in-situ treatment technology for mitigating risks posed by Tc-99 contamination to the groundwater table. The BC Cribs and Trenches site was identified as a representative site for Tc-99 and U contamination and selected for the soil desiccation treatability test. In this chapter, we summarize the overlying regulatory framework of RI/FS and treatability tests and illustrate how development and experimentation supported the evaluation of selected remedies. We briefly discuss the RI/FS for the 200 Areas of the Hanford Site and focus on the soil desiccation treatability testing performed at the BC cribs and trenches site under the Deep Vadose Zone Treatability Test Plan for the Hanford Central Plateau (DVZ-TT). The DVZ-TT is one component of the remedial investigation/feasibility study for the Hanford 200 Areas and represents the underlying regulatory framework that drives site operations towards records of decision and site closure.

Mangel, Adam R.↗

NASA Workshop on future directions in surface modeling and grid generation

Given here is a summary of the paper sessions and panel discussions of the NASA Workshop on Future Directions in Surface Modeling and Grid Generation held a NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California, December 5-7, 1989. The purpose was to assess U.S. capabilities in surface modeling and grid generation and take steps to improve the focus and pace of these disciplines within NASA. The organization of the workshop centered around overviews from NASA centers and expert presentations from U.S. corporations and universities. Small discussion groups were held and summarized by group leaders. Brief overviews and a panel discussion by representatives from the DoD were held, and a NASA-only session concluded the meeting. In the NASA Program Planning Session summary there are five recommended steps for NASA to take to improve the development and application of surface modeling and grid generation.

Vandalsem, W. R.↗

Algorithms for Haptic Rendering of 3D Objects

Algorithms have been developed to provide haptic rendering of three-dimensional (3D) objects in virtual (that is, computationally simulated) environments. The goal of haptic rendering is to generate tactual displays of the shapes, hardnesses, surface textures, and frictional properties of 3D objects in real time. Haptic rendering is a major element of the emerging field of computer haptics, which invites comparison with computer graphics. We have already seen various applications of computer haptics in the areas of medicine (surgical simulation, telemedicine, haptic user interfaces for blind people, and rehabilitation of patients with neurological disorders), entertainment (3D painting, character animation, morphing, and sculpting), mechanical design (path planning and assembly sequencing), and scientific visualization (geophysical data analysis and molecular manipulation).

Basdogan, Cagatay↗

Lenslet Array to Further Suppress Star Light for Direct Exoplanet Detection

Direct imaging plays a key role in the detection and characterization of exoplanets orbiting within its host star's habitable zone. Many innovative ideas for starlight suppression and wavefront control have been proposed and developed over the past decade. However, several technological challenges still lie ahead to achieve the required contrast, including controlling the observatory pointing performance, fabricating occulting masks with tight optical tolerances, developing wavefront control algorithms, controlling stray light, advancing single photon detecting detectors, and integrated system-level issues. This paper explores how a lenslet array and pinhole mask may be implemented to further suppress uncorrected starlight that leaks through the occulting mask. An external occulter, or star shade, is simulated to demonstrate this concept, although this approach can be implemented for internal coronagraphs as well. We describe how to use simple relay optics to control the scene near the inner working angle and the level of the suppression expected. Furthermore, if the lenslet array is the input to an integral field spectrograph, as planned for the WFIRST mission, the spectral content of the exoplanet atmospheres can be obtained to determine if the observed planet is habitable and ultimately, if it is inhabited.

Integral Field spectrograph↗

The Large UV/Optical/Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR): Decadal Mission Concept Design Update

In preparation for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey, NASA has commissioned the study of four large mission concepts, including the Large Ultraviolet / Optical / Infrared (LUVOIR) Surveyor. The LUVOIR Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) has identified a broad range of science objectives including the direct imaging and spectral characterization of habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars, the study of galaxy formation and evolution, the epoch of reionization, star and planet formation, and the remote sensing of Solar System bodies. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is providing the design and engineering support to develop executable and feasible mission concepts that are capable of the identified science objectives. We present an update on the first of two architectures being studied: a 15-meter-diameter segmented-aperture telescope with a suite of serviceable instruments operating over a range of wavelengths between 100 nm to 2.5 microns. Four instruments are being developed for this architecture: an optical / near-infrared coronagraph capable of 10(exp -10) contrast at inner working angles as small as 2 lambda/D; the LUVOIR UV Multi-object Spectrograph (LUMOS), which will provide low- and medium-resolution UV (100 – 400 nm) multi-object imaging spectroscopy in addition to far-UV imaging; the High Definition Imager (HDI), a high-resolution wide-field-of-view NUV-Optical-IR imager; and a UV spectro-polarimeter being contributed by Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES). A fifth instrument, a multi-resolution optical-NIR spectrograph, is planned as part of a second architecture to be studied in late 2017.

Decadal Study; Astrophysics; LUVOIR↗

Chip Development Toward 12 bit 10 GSPS Cryogenic ADC for Multiplexed Quantum Readout

This presentation presents the background and plan for the development toward a 12 bit 10 GSPS cryogenic ADC for multiplexed quantum readout. It covers the first two chips that have been taped out and tested. It includes results for those chips and provides some context to plans for the upcoming chip tapeout and the final one to come later.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗