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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1979

Remote measurement of tropospheric ozone

It is shown that a differential absorption lidar employing a pulsed CO2 laser and a direct detection receiver is capable of significantly improving the existing data base on the tropospheric ozone burden. As a ground-based system, the lidar could obtain urban to regional scale O3 measurements with a vertical or horizontal resolution of at least 1 km in the troposphere. As a space-based system, it could obtain global scale coverage of the O3 burden below the stratospheric maximum of O3.

Bufton, J. L.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Materials science and engineering in space

The influences of gravitational forces on processes used in the preparation of materials employed in earth-based applications are addressed and the benefits which may be derived from the microgravity environment of space in improving on such constraints are considered. Attention is given to the fact that Materials Processing in Space is directed toward the utilization of the unique space environment as a tool to establish a scientific characterization of materials processes for technological exploitation in the public benefit. In the context of enhancement to earth-based technology or implementation of space-based processes for specialized, low volume, high value materials, the thrust of the Materials Processing in Space program is surveyed.

Zoller, L. K.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Materials processing in space: Future technology trends

NASA's materials processing in space- (MPS) program involves both ground and space-based research and looks to frequent and cost effective access to the space environment for necessary progress. The first generation payloads for research are under active design and development. They will be hosted by the Space Shuttle/Spacelab on Earth orbital flights in the early 1980's. hese missions will focus on the acquisition of materials behavior research data, the potential enhancement of Earth based technology, and the implementation of space based processing for specialized, high value materials. Some materials to be studied in these payloads may provide future breakthroughs for stronger alloys, ultrapure glasses, superior electronic components, and new or better chemicals. An operational 25 kW power system is expected to be operational to support sustained, systematic space processing activity beyond shuttle capability for second generation payload systems for SPACELAB and free flyer missions to study solidification and crystal growth and to process metal/alloys, glasses/ceramics, and chemicals and biologicals.

Barter, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A technology development program for large space antennas

Recent studies sponsored by NASA and United States industry indicate a need for technology to handle large space-based antenna systems. These systems will require apertures of up to 100 m and more in order to be capable of radio frequency operation up to Ku-band for communications, earth observations, and radio astronomy applications. They must also be cost-effective and compatible with the Space Transportation System. Selection criteria for the antennas which include such considerations as surface precision in the intended service environment and mechanical packaging efficiency, are enumerated. Space testing of the antennas will be carried out as part of NASA's Large Space Systems Technology (LSST) Program, which will be continued through fiscal year 1984. Deployable antennas have been selected for development by the LSST Program. The maturity of this class of antennas is such that a significant number of near-term space based applications will be satisfied (mobile communications, submillimeter radio astronomy, orbiting deep space relay station ODSRS, orbiting VLBI, earth-looking radiometry). Two antenna concepts selected for development are the offset wrap-rib configuration and the maypole (hoop/column) configuration with details for these concepts presented.

Russell, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Comparison of stray light mechanisms and performance in the Infrared Astronomy Satellite /IRAS/ and Shuttle Infrared Telescope Facility /SIRTF/ telescopes

NASA is developing two large space-based infrared astronomy telescopes, IRAS and SIRTF. Both of these systems will be functioning in the environment of a bright thermal emitting earth and sun while concurrently having baffle surfaces radiating thermal photons which combine to produce a stray-radiation background. The APART program was used to analyze the stray radiation propagation paths of both the IRAS and SIRTF designs. The SIRTF design was found to be about 1000 times superior in its stray radiation transmission, because several design options were able to be incorporated through different mechanical and optical constraints that were different, while being generically of a similar optical design.

Lange, S. R.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Manned orbit transfer vehicles and their missions

From a study that identified over 100 possible geosynchronous orbit-related applications for manned orbit transfer vehicles (MOTV), a group of 20 are chosen for consideration. These generic missions can be grouped into five categories: (1) inspection service and repair, (2) operation of large systems, (3) debris removal, (4) construction, and (5) unmanned cargo. Among the findings of this study is that space basing permits more efficient use of Space Shuttle flights, since the core propulsion system, crew cabin and general purpose mission hardware need not be launched into space each time. A conservative traffic model shows that $600 million may be saved over five years by space basing, due to the decreased number of Shuttle flights needed to support the space-based MOTV. Crew information, payloads, characteristics of the vehicle, and mission requirements are covered in detail.

Boyland, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

The potential evolution of the space transportation system

An evolutionary plan satisfying the requirements of permanent manned space stations in low orbit by 1990 along with geostationary orbit sortie capabilities by 2000 is proposed. The program, to be gradually implemented with near-term technology, comprises: (1) unmanned platforms in low and geostationary orbits; (2) growth and development of these platforms into manned systems; (3) satellite checkout, handling, repair and maneuvering by means of special techniques, such as teleoperated docking, berthing and component exchange; and (4) transportation, by means of unmanned, cargo-carrying derivatives of the Space Shuttle and reuseable, space-based orbit transfer vehicles. Attention is given the envisioned configurations of both manned and unmanned orbital platforms, through a series of progress diagrams.

Bekey, I.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Infrared charge-injection-device array performance at low background

Low-background tests of a 1 x 32 Si:Bi charge-injection-device (CID) IR detector are carried out to evaluate its feasibility for space-based astronomical observations. Optimum performance is obtained at a temperature of 11 K. The sensitivity is found to compare well with that of discrete extrinsic silicon photoconductors. The measured sensitivity and the apparent absence of anomalous effects make extrinsic silicon CID arrays very promising for astronomical applications.

Mccreight, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Space Telescope - Design for orbital maintenance

Maintenance and repair of the Shuttle launched Space Telescope (ST) are examined, noting that except for the basic structure, mirrors, cables, and several noncritical items, the entire ST is replaceable or reparable on-orbit. EVA tasks have been designed to avoid contamination, and to provide a reduction in Orbital Replacement Units, a minimal number of doors and openings, and minimized structural weight associated with free-volume. All removable components have been provided with tool-compatible fittings and releases, and standardization of parts has been compromised with considerations of interface with crew handling. Replacement and repair equipment will be carried as an added parcel on Shuttle flights and are not part of the standard Shuttle components. The necessity of designing for crew-aid at ST workstations is suggested to provide sound data for the design of other space-based equipment.

Fisher, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Space platforms - A cost effective evolution of Spacelab operation

The capabilities added to the Shuttle/Spacelab configuration by the addition of the Power Extension Package (PEP), the Power System (PS), and the Science and Applications Space Platforms (SASP) are reviewed with an emphasis on SASP. SASP are intended for placement in orbit by the Shuttle to test new instruments and systems, for clustering of instrumentation, and for servicing, refurbishment, repair, or augmentation by the Shuttle. The PEP permits extended stays in orbit (30 days), and the PS is an orbital solar array and energy storage system acting as a free flying spacecraft. The Shuttle can deliver payloads to the PS or attach to it for extension of the Spacelab operations. Applications of SASP for long term space-based biological experiments are outlined, and the fact that SASP do not increase the required Shuttle in-orbit time is stressed.

Stofan, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Advanced technology for earth observation - Data processing

The Experimental Land Observing System (ELOS) is to demonstrate major advances in space-based land observation. Program success will depend upon successful demonstration of both space-segment performance and ground-system capabilities. Increases in data-rate, volume, and processing requirements present substantial challenges to the ground data processing system. ELOS is based on the utilization of the multispectral linear array (MLA) sensor, a solid-state, electronically scanned instrument. Current MLA instrument designs offer a number of capabilities beyond those provided in the Landsat imaging devices. These capabilities include greater resolution, inherent registration, onboard calibration, off-nadir pointing capability, and fore/aft pointing capability. The proposed MLA flight mission scenario will be one of continued growth and will include flights on the Space Transportation System. Attention is also given to ground-to-ground data transport, data capture, and the use of high speed computers.

Heffner, P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Rain rate measurement capabilities using a Seasat type radar altimeter

The combined use of a space-based radar and a radiometer for measurement of precipitation is discussed. Phenomena to exploit or overcome is surveyed. Basic measurement problems are discussed. Several active systems are proposed, including three ocean systems and two land-sea systems. Recommendations for future research are given.

Goldhirsh, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Differential absorption lidar measurements of atmospheric temperature and pressure profiles

The theory and methodology of using differential absorption lidar techniques for the remote measurement of atmospheric pressure profiles, surface pressure, and temperature profiles from ground, air, and space-based platforms are presented. Pressure measurements are effected by means of high resolution measurement of absorption at the edges of the oxygen A band lines where absorption is pressure dependent due to collisional line broadening. Temperature is assessed using measurements of the absorption at the center of the oxygen A band line originating from a quantum state with high ground state energy. The population of the state is temperature dependent, allowing determination of the temperature through the Boltzmann term. The results of simulations of the techniques using Voigt profile and variational analysis are reported for ground-based, airborne, and Shuttle-based systems. Accuracies in the 0.5-1.0 K and 0.1-0.3% range are projected.

Korb, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Yacht Race Monitoring

Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) participants were aided by a French-American space-based monitoring system which reported the yacht's positions throughout the race, and also served as an emergency locator service. Originating from NASA's Nimbus 6 Satellite, use of this system, called ARGOS made the OSTAR competition the most accurately reported sea race ever conducted. Each boat carried a portable transmitter allowing 88 new sources of oceanographic data available during the race.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2024

UZrCN Synthesis via Arc Melting - A Novel Synthesis Study

The next generation of nuclear reactors for both power production and space nuclear propulsion require fuel that is more durable, thermally stable, and more thermally conductive to support rapid heat transfer. High temperature gas reactors (HTGR), advanced gas reactors (AGR), and space-based nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) are advanced reactor concepts that require a fuel type that can withstand high temperatures (1000-2900K) and flow of corrosive gas coolants such as helium, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. One fuel with the potential to meet these demanding requirements is uranium-zirconium-carbonitride (UZrCN). UZrCN has many favorable fuel qualities compared to other eligible fuel forms such as uranium dioxide (UO2) and uranium mononitride (UN) that could support the aforementioned reactor concepts. UZrCN has an exceptionally high operating temperature and thermal conductivity which are highly desirable to improve reactor economics and safety. It far exceeds the properties of UO2 which is the most common fuel form in the United States. UZrCN also surpasses UN in terms of thermal conductivity and operating temperature by eliminating the dissociation problem UN has at 1700K. UZrCN could improve gas reactor performance and enable NTP technologies; however, it is an under-researched fuel that lacks rigorous scientific study. In recent efforts by the Idaho National Laboratory, a variety of novel methods to produce this fuel composition have been explored. One such method is via arc melting of uranium, zirconium, and carbon under a nitrogen atmosphere. Alloy fabrication using arc melting has been utilized for close to 150 years now and is well-understood as a method for rapid alloy prototyping. This process will be used to perform in-situ nitriding to form UZrCN.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

UZrCN Formation via Arc Melting – A Novel Synthesis Study

The next generation of nuclear reactors for both power production and space nuclear propulsion require fuel that is more durable, thermally stable, and more thermally conductive to support rapid heat transfer. High temperature gas reactors (HTGR), advanced gas reactors (AGR), and space-based nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) are advanced reactor concepts that require a fuel type that can withstand high temperatures (1000-2900K) and flow of corrosive gas coolants such as helium, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. One fuel with the potential to meet these demanding requirements is uranium-zirconium-carbonitride (UZrCN). UZrCN has many favorable fuel qualities compared to other eligible fuel forms such as uranium dioxide (UO2) and uranium mononitride (UN) that could support the aforementioned reactor concepts. UZrCN has an exceptionally high operating temperature and thermal conductivity which are highly desirable to improve reactor economics and safety. It far exceeds the properties of UO2 which is the most common fuel form in the United States. UZrCN also surpasses UN in terms of thermal conductivity and operating temperature by eliminating the dissociation problem UN has at 1700K. UZrCN could improve gas reactor performance and enable NTP technologies; however, it is an under-researched fuel that lacks rigorous scientific study. In recent efforts by the Idaho National Laboratory, a variety of novel methods to produce this fuel composition have been explored. One such method is via arc melting of uranium, zirconium, and carbon under a nitrogen atmosphere. Alloy fabrication using arc melting has been utilized for close to 150 years now and is well-understood as a method for rapid alloy prototyping. This process will be used to perform in-situ nitriding to form UZrCN.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Reliable Power for Remote Applications

Optical power beaming - using lasers to transmit energy across distances - could change how remote devices receive power. The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) seeks partners to explore the next stage in long-distance power beaming for terrestrial and space-based applications.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗