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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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NASA NTRS2019

The Large UV/Optical/Infrared Surveyor Decadal Mission Concept Thermal System Architecture

The Large Ultraviolet/Optical/Infrared (LUVOIR) Surveyor is one of four large strategic mission concept studies commissioned by NASA for the 2020 Decadal Survey in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Slated for launch to the second Lagrange point (L2) in the mid-to-late 2030s, LUVOIR seeks to directly image habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars, characterize their atmospheric and surface composition, and search for biosignatures, as well as study a large array of astrophysics goals including galaxy formation and evolution. Two observatory architectures are currently being considered which bound the trade-off between cost, risk, and scientific return: a 15-meter diameter segmented aperture primary mirror in a three-mirror anastigmat configuration, and an 8-meter diameter unobscured segmented aperture design. To achieve its science objectives, both architectures require milli-Kelvin level thermal stability over the optics, structural components, and interfaces to attain picometer wavefront RMS stability. A 270 Kelvin operational temperature was chosen to balance the ability to perform science in the near-infrared band and the desire to maintain the structure at a temperature with favorable material properties and lower contamination accumulation. This paper will focus on the system-level thermal designs of both LUVOIR observatory architectures. It will detail the various thermal control methods used in each of the major components - the optical telescope assembly, the spacecraft bus, the sunshade, and the suite of accompanying instruments - as well as provide a comprehensive overview of the analysis and justification for each design decision. It will additionally discuss any critical thermal challenges faced by the engineering team should either architecture be prioritized by the Astro2020 Decadal Survey process to proceed as the next large strategic mission for development.

Yang, Kan↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Habitable Exoplanet (HabEx) imaging mission concept: preliminary science drivers and technical requirements

HabEx is one of 4 possible NASA flagship mission concepts studied for a possible launch in the 2030s. It will be optimized for direct imaging and spectroscopy of habitable exoplanets, and will also enable a wide range of general astrophysics observations. HabEx shall characterize full planetary systems around nearby solar-type stars for the first time, including rocky planets, possible water worlds, gas giants, ice giants, and faint circumstellar debris disks. It will in particular explore our nearest neighbor planetary systems and search for signs of habitability and bio-signatures in the atmospheres of rocky planets. Such high spatial resolution high contrast observations require a large (~3.5 to 8m) stable diffraction- limited optical space telescope, which also opens new unique capabilities for studying the formation and evolution of stars and galaxies. We present here some preliminary science objectives identified for HabEx by our Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT), together with a first look at the key challenges and design trades ahead.

Mennesson, Bertrand↗
NASA NTRS2003

Orbit Determination (OD) Error Analysis Results for the Triana Sun-Earth L1 Libration Point Mission and for the Fourier Kelvin Stellar Interferometer (FKSI) Sun-Earth L2 Libration Point Mission Concept

The Triana spacecraft was designed to be launched by the Space Shuttle. The nominal Triana mission orbit will be a Sun-Earth L1 libration point orbit. Using the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Orbit Determination Error Analysis System (ODEAS), orbit determination (OD) error analysis results are presented for all phases of the Triana mission from the first correction maneuver through approximately launch plus 6 months. Results are also presented for the science data collection phase of the Fourier Kelvin Stellar Interferometer Sun-Earth L2 libration point mission concept with momentum unloading thrust perturbations during the tracking arc. The Triana analysis includes extensive analysis of an initial short arc orbit determination solution and results using both Deep Space Network (DSN) and commercial Universal Space Network (USN) statistics. These results could be utilized in support of future Sun-Earth libration point missions.

Marr, Greg C.↗
NASA NTRS2017

The Large UV/Optical/Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR): Decadal Mission Concept Technology Development Overview

The Large Ultraviolet / Optical / Infrared (LUVOIR) Surveyor is one of four large mission concept studies being developed by NASA for consideration in the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey. LUVOIR will support 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. The LUVOIR Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) has tasked a Technology Working Group (TWG), with more than 60 members from NASA centers, academia, industry, and international partners, with identifying technologies that enable or enhance the LUVOIR science mission. The TWG has identified such technologies in the areas of Coronagraphy, Ultra-Stable Opto-mechanical Systems, Detectors, Coatings, Starshades, and Instrument Components, and has completed a detailed assessment of the state-of-the-art. We present here a summary of this technology assessment effort, as well as the current progress in defining a technology development plan to mature these technologies to the required technology readiness level (TRL).

Decadal Study; Technology; LUVOIR↗
NASA NTRS2001

GLAST Mission Concept Study

Cominsky served as the chair of the GLAST Public Affairs Working Group during the mission concept study. The major accomplishments of this group, which were carried out under her direction include: (1) GLAST Outreach website; (2) Brochure for scientists; (3) Brochure for public; (4) Developed the five key science goal 'bullets' to explain GLAST to the public, as well as the motto used on the GLAST brochures 'Quest for the Ultimate Sources of Energy in the Universe'; (5) Defined the EPO program for GLAST for the proposal phase. Developed initial program outline and budget; and (6) Assisted in the development of the GLAST exhibit, which was used at several scientific conferences.

Cominsky, Lynn R.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Optimization of Instrument Requirements for NASAs GEO-CAPE Coastal Mission Concept Based On Sensor Capability And Cost Studies

NASA's GEOstationary Coastal and Air Pollution Events (GEOCAPE) mission concept recommended by the U.S. National Research Council (2007) focuses on measurements of atmospheric trace gases and aerosols and aquatic coastal ecology and biogeochemistry from geostationary orbit (35,786 km altitude). GEO-CAPE is currently in pre-formulation (pre- Phase) A with no established launch date. NASA continues to support science and engineering studies to reduce mission risk. Instrument design lab (IDL) studies were commissioned in 2014 to design and cost two implementations for geostationary ocean color instruments (1) Wide-Angle Spectrometer (WAS) and (2) Filter Radiometer (FR) and (3) a cost scaling study to compare the costs for implementing different science performance requirements.

Geo-CAPE↗
NASA NTRS2016

The LUVOIR Mission Concept: Update and Technology Overview

We present an overview of the Large Ultra Violet Optical Infrared (LUVOIR) decadal mission concept study. We provide updates from recent activities of the Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) and the Technology Working Group (TWG). We review the technology prioritization and discuss specific technology needs to enable the LUVOIR mission.

spaceborne telescopes↗
NASA NTRS2008

Rapid Cost Assessment of Space Mission Concepts through Application of Complexity Indices

In 2005, the Solar System Exploration Strategic Roadmap Conmrittee (chartered by NASA to develop the roadmap for Solar System Exploration Missions for the coming decades) found itself posed with the difficult problem of sorting through several mission concepts and determining their relative costs. While detailed mission studies are the normal approach to costing, neither the budget nor schedule allotted to the conmrittee could support such studies. Members of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) supporting the conmrittee were given the challenge of developing a semi-quantitative approach that could provide the relative costs of these missions, without requiring an in depth study of the missions. In response to this challenge, a rapid cost assessment methodology based on a set of mission cost/complexity indexes was developed. This methodology also underwent two separate validations, one comparing its results when applied to historical missions, and another comparing its estimates against those of veteran space mission managers. Remarkably good agreement was achieved, suggesting that this approach provides an effective early indication of space mission costs.

mission studies↗
NASA NTRS2004

Mission Concept for the Single Aperture Far-Infrared (SAFIR) Observatory

We have developed a preliminary but comprehensive mission concept for SAFIR, as a 10 m-class far-infrared and submillimeter observatory that would begin development later in this decade to meet the needs outlined above. Its operating temperature (< or = 4K) and instrument complement would be optimized to reach the natural sky confusion limit in the far-infrared with diffraction-limited performance down to at least the atmospheric cutoff, lambda > or approx. 40 microns. This would provide a point source sensitivity improvement of several orders of magnitude over that of the Spitzer Space Telescope (previously SIRTF) or the Herschel Space Observatory. Additionally, it would have an angular resolution 12 times finer than that of Spitzer and three times finer than Herschel. This sensitivity and angular resolution are necessary to perform imaging and spectroscopic studies of individual galaxies in the early universe. We have considered many aspects of the SAFIR mission, including the telescope technology (optical design, materials, and packaging), detector needs and technologies, cooling method and required technology developments, attitude and pointing, power systems, launch vehicle, and mission operations. The most challenging requirements for this mission are operating temperature and aperture size of the telescope, and the development of detector arrays. SAFIR can take advantage of much of the technology under development for JWST, but with much less stringent requirements on optical accuracy.

Benford, Dominic J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Assessment of a 2016 Mission Concept: The Search for Trace Gases in the Atmosphere of Mars

The reported detection of methane in the atmosphere of Mars as well as its potentially large seasonal spatial variations challenge our understanding of both the sources and sinks of atmospheric trace gases. The presence of methane suggests ongoing exchange between the subsurface and the atmosphere of potentially biogenic trace gases, while the spatial and temporal variations cannot be accounted for with current knowledge of martian photochemistry. A Joint Instrument Definition Team (JIDT) was asked to assess concepts for a mission that might follow up on these discoveries within the framework of a series of joint missions being considered by ESA and NASA for possible future exploration of Mars. The following is based on the report of the JIDT to the space agencies (Zurek et al., 2009); a synopsis of the report was presented at the Workshop on Mars Methane held in Frascati, Italy, in November 2009. To summarize, the JIDT believed that a scientifically exciting and credible mission could be conducted within the evolving capabilities of the science/telecommunications orbiter being considered by ESA and NASA for possible launch in the 2016 opportunity for Mars.

Zurek, Richard W.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Asteroid Redirect Mission Concept: A Bold Approach for Utilizing Space Resources

The utilization of natural resources from asteroids is an idea that is older than the Space Age. The technologies are now available to transform this endeavour from an idea into reality. The Asteroid Redirect Mission (ARM) is a mission concept which includes the goal of robotically returning a small Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) or a multi-ton boulder from a large NEA to cislunar space in the mid 2020's using an advanced Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) vehicle and currently available technologies. The paradigm shift enabled by the ARM concept would allow in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to be used at the human mission departure location (i.e., cislunar space) versus exclusively at the deep-space mission destination. This approach drastically reduces the barriers associated with utilizing ISRU for human deep-space missions. The successful testing of ISRU techniques and associated equipment could enable large-scale commercial ISRU operations to become a reality and enable a future space-based economy utilizing processed asteroidal materials. This paper provides an overview of the ARM concept and discusses the mission objectives, key technologies, and capabilities associated with the mission, as well as how the ARM and associated operations would benefit humanity's quest for the exploration and settlement of space.

Mazanek, Daniel D.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Mars Sample Return mission concept status

This paper will provide an overview of current options and specific concepts for a potential Mars Sample Return (MSR) architecture being jointly studied by NASA and ESA. Overall objectives and mission options will be described, including the architecture’s constraints and notional timelines. The paper will highlight architecture-level trade studies, including specific elements and their status. The overall Sample Retrieval Lander (SRL) mission concept, including vehicle options will be described, including the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV), Sample Fetch Rover (being studied by ESA), Orbiting Sample container (OS), and tube transfer robotics systems. The concept and status of the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO) mission, being studied by ESA, and the Capture/Containment and Return System (CCRS) which would be the payload on the ERO, will be discussed.

Vijendran, Sanjay↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Inaugural Mission Concepts-1 Program

Learn about the innovative mission design collaboration between the Department of the Air Force’s University Nanosatellite Program (UNP) and NASA that will broaden access to space and strengthen the capabilities and knowledge of higher education institutions, faculty, and students. The presentation will include an overview of the inaugural program, summary of the activities conducted with participating universities, and plans for future programs.

University Nanosatellite Program (UNP)↗
NASA NTRS2007

FIR/THz Space Interferometry: Science Opportunities, Mission Concepts, and Technical Challenges

Sensitive far-IR imaging and spectroscopic measurements of astronomical objects on sub-arcsecond angular scales are essential to our understanding of star and planet formation, the formation and evolution of galaxies, and to the detection and characterization of extrasolar planets. Cold single-aperture telescopes in space, such as the Spitzer Space Telescope and the Herschel Space Observatory, are very sensitive, but they lack the necessary angular resolution by two or more orders of magnitude. Far-IR space interferometers will address this need in the coming decades. Several mission concepts have already been studied, including in the US the Space Infrared Interferometric Telescope (SPIRIT) and the more ambitious Submillimeter Probe of the Evolution of Cosmic Structure (SPECS). This talk will describe science goals and summarize alternative concepts for future FIR/THz space interferometry missions. Small arrays of sensitive, fast, direct detectors are a key enabling technology for SPIRIT and SPECS. I will describe the technology requirements for far-IR interferometry, including the detector requirements, and their derivation from the mission science goals and instrument concepts.

Leisawitz, David↗
NASA NTRS2010

Development of a NASA 2018 Mars Landed Mission Concept

Fundamental to NASA's Mars Exploration Program (MEP) is an ongoing development of an integrated and coordinated set of possible future candidate missions that meet fundamental science and programmatic objectives of NASA and the Mars scientific community. In the current planning horizon of the NASA MEP, a landed mobile surface exploration mission launching in the 2018 Mars launch opportunity exists as a candidate project to meet MEP in situ science and exploration objectives. This paper describes the proposed mission science objectives and the mission implementation concept developed for the 2018 opportunity. As currently envisioned, this mission concept seeks to explore a yet-to-be-selected site with high preservation potential for physical and chemical biosignatures, evaluate paleoenvironmental conditions, characterize the potential for preservation of biosignatures, and access multiple sequences of geological units in a search for evidence of past life and/or prebiotic chemistry at a site on Mars.

Mars Astrobiology Explorer- Cacher (MAX-C)↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Shadow Chaser: A SmallSat Mission Concept to Characterize Upper Atmosphere of Uranus through Stellar Occultation Technique from Earth Orbit

Science Goals and Objectives: The Shadow Chaser SmallSat mission concept will measure the middle and upper atmospheric temperature and density of Uranus and Neptune through stellar occultation (SO) technique from Earth orbit. By achieving its scientific objectives, the mission will address the Decadal Survey Priority Question “Q7. Giant planet structure and evolution: What processes influence the structure, evolution, and dynamics of giant planet interiors, atmospheres, and magnetospheres?”

Kunio M Sayanagi↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Ganymede Interior Structure, and Magnetosphere Observer (GISMO) Mission Concept

The NASA Planetary Science Summer School (PSSS) at JPL offers graduate students and young professionals a unique opportunity to learn about the mission design process. Program participants select and design a mission based on a recent NASA Science Mission Directorate Announcement of Opportunity (AO). Starting with the AO, in this case the 2009 New Frontiers AO, participants generate a set of science goals and develop a early mission concept to accomplish those goals within the constraints provided. As part of the 2010 NASA PSSS, the Ganymede Interior, Surface, and Magnetosphere Observer (GISMO) team developed a preliminary satellite design for a science mission to Jupiter's moon Ganymede. The science goals for this design focused on studying the icy moon's magnetosphere, internal structure, surface composition, geological processes, and atmosphere. By the completion of the summer school an instrument payload was selected and the necessary mission requirements were developed to deliver a spacecraft to Ganymede that would accomplish the defined science goals. This poster will discuss those science goals, the proposed spacecraft and the proposed mission design of this New Frontiers class Ganymede observer.

radar sounder↗
NASA NTRS2005

Relevant Parameter Evolution in Team X Mission Concept Designs

The Advanced Projects Design Team, also known as Team X, is a concurrent engineering team that quickly and cheaply designs space mission architectures including the flight system and subsystems, the trajectory, and ground system. Through the use of ICEMaker, an Excel spreadsheet database, the parameters from each subsystem can be shared and used among the other subsystems. This allows for entire missions to be planned with only a few short design team sessions. Based on the results, the feasibility of the mission concept can be determined. Over the Years since the team was created, the amount of information being shared among subsystems on the database has increased, however many of the parameters are now obsolete. Removal of these unused parameters Will clean UP the database and help to streamline the mission design process. By comparing parameter files from previous Team X mission studies, the parameter usage can be determined. As was initially suspected there are more unused parameters on the database than parameters that are actually used.

Huelman, Brandon N.↗