Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “hardware performance”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2000

Architecture in Mission Integration, Choreographing Constraints

In any building project the Architect's role and skill is to balance the client's requirements with the available technology, a site and budget. Time, place and resources set the boundaries and constraints of the project. If these boundaries are correctly understood and respected by the Architect they can be choreographed into producing a facility that abides by those constraints and successfully meets the clients needs. The design and assembly of large scale space facilities whether in orbit around or on the surface of a planet require and employs these same skills. In this case the site is the International Space Station (ISS) which operates at a nominal rendezvous altitude of 220 nautical miles. With supplies to support a 7 day mission the Shuttle nominally has a cargo capacity of 35,000 pounds to that altitude. Through the Mission Integration process the Launch Package Management Team choreographs the constraints of ascent performance, hardware design, cargo, rendezvous, mission duration and assembly time in order to meet the mission objective.

Jones, Rod↗
NASA NTRS2003

Human Factors Engineering Requirements for the International Space Station - Successes and Challenges

Advanced technology coupled with the desire to explore space has resulted in increasingly longer human space missions. Indeed, any exploration mission outside of Earth's neighborhood, in other words, beyond the moon, will necessarily be several months or even years. The International Space Station (ISS) serves as an important advancement toward executing a successful human space mission that is longer than a standard trip around the world or to the moon. The ISS, which is a permanently occupied microgravity research facility orbiting the earth, will support missions four to six months in duration. In planning for the ISS, the NASA developed an agency-wide set of human factors standards for the first time in a space exploration program. The Man-Systems Integration Standard (MSIS), NASA-STD-3000, a multi-volume set of guidelines for human-centered design in microgravity, was developed with the cooperation of human factors experts from various NASA centers, industry, academia, and other government agencies. The ISS program formed a human factors team analogous to any major engineering subsystem. This team develops and maintains the human factors requirements regarding end-to-end architecture design and performance, hardware and software design requirements, and test and verification requirements. It is also responsible for providing program integration across all of the larger scale elements, smaller scale hardware, and international partners.

Whitmore, M.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Feed-Back Moisture Sensor Control for the Delivery of Water to Plants Cultivated in Space

The development of a spaceflight-rated Porous Tube Insert Module (PTIM) nutrient delivery tray has facilitated a series of studies evaluating various aspects of water and nutrient delivery to plants as they would be cultivated in space. We report here on our first experiment using the PTIM with a software-driven feedback moisture sensor control strategy for maintaining root zone wetness level set-points. One-day-old wheat seedlings (Tritium aestivum cv Apogee; N=15) were inserted into each of three Substrate Compartments (SCs) pre-packed with 0.25-1 . mm Profile(TradeMark) substrate and maintained at root zone relative water content levels of 70, 80 and 90%. The SCs contained a bottom-situated porous tube around which a capillary mat was wrapped. Three Porous Tubes. were planted using similar protocols (but without the substrate) and also maintained at these three moisture level set-points. Half-strength modified Hoagland's nutrient solution was used to supply water and nutrients. Results on hardware performance, water usage rates and wheat developmental differences between the different experimental treatments are presented.

Levine, Howard G.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Mars Atmosphere Resource Verification INsitu (MARVIN) - In Situ Resource Demonstration for the Mars 2020 Mission

The making of oxygen from resources in the Martian atmosphere, known as In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), has the potential to provide substantial benefits for future robotic and human exploration. In particular, the ability to produce oxygen on Mars for use in propulsion, life support, and power systems can provide significant mission benefits such as a reducing launch mass, lander size, and mission and crew risk. To advance ISRU for possible incorporation into future human missions to Mars, NASA proposed including an ISRU instrument on the Mars 2020 rover mission, through an announcement of opportunity (AO). The purpose of the the Mars Atmosphere Resource Verification INsitu or (MARVIN) instrument is to provide the first demonstration on Mars of oxygen production from acquired and stored Martian atmospheric carbon dioxide, as well as take measurements of atmospheric pressure and temperature, and of suspended dust particle sizes and amounts entrained in collected atmosphere gases at different times of the Mars day and year. The hardware performance and environmental data obtained will be critical for future ISRU systems that will reduce the mass of propellants and other consumables launched from Earth for robotic and human exploration, for better understanding of Mars dust and mitigation techniques to improve crew safety, and to help further define Mars global circulation models and better understand the regional atmospheric dynamics on Mars. The technologies selected for MARVIN are also scalable for future robotic sample return and human missions to Mars using ISRU.

Sanders, Gerald B.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Expansion of Microbial Monitoring Capabilities on the International Space Station (ISS)

Microbial monitoring is one of the tools that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) uses on the International Space Station (ISS) to help maintain crew health and safety. In combination with regular housekeeping and disinfection when needed, microbial monitoring provides important information to the crew about the quality of the environment. Rotation of astronauts, equipment, and cargo on the ISS can affect the microbial load in the air, surfaces, and water. The current ISS microbial monitoring methods are focused on culture-based enumeration during flight and require a significant amount of crew time as well as long incubation periods of up to 5 days there by proliferating potential pathogens. In addition, the samples require return to Earth for complete identification of the microorganisms cultivated. Although the current approach assess the quality of the ISS environment, molecular technology offers faster turn-around of information particularly beneficial in an off-nominal situation. In 2011, subject matter experts from industry and academia recommended implementation of molecular-based technologies such as quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for evaluation to replace current, culture-based technologies. The RAZOR EX (BioFire Defense, Inc, Salt Lake City, UT) a ruggedized, compact, COTS (commercial off the shelf) qPCR instrument was tested, evaluated and selected in the 2 X 2015 JSC rapid flight hardware demonstration initiative as part of the Water Monitoring Suite. RAZOR EX was launched to ISS on SpaceX-9 in July 2016 to evaluate the precision and accuracy of the hardware by testing various concentrations of DNA in microgravity compared to ground controls. Flight testing was completed between September 2016 and March 2017. Data presented will detail the hardware performance of flight testing results compared to ground controls. Future goals include additional operational ground-based testing and assay development to determine if this technology can meet spaceflight microbial monitoring requirements.

Khodadad, Christina L.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Connecting Projects to Complete the In Situ Resource Utilization Paradigm

Terrain Identify specifics such as slope, rockiness, traction parameters Identify what part of ISRU needs each Physical Geotechnical Hardness, density, cohesion, etc. Identify what part of ISRU needs each (e.g., excavation needs to know hardness, density; soil processing needs to know density, cohesion; etc.)Mineral Identify specifics Identify what part of ISRU needs each Volatile Identify specifics Identify what part of ISRU needs each Atmosphere Identify specifics Identify what part of ISRU needs each Environment Identify specifics Identify what part of ISRU needs each Resource Characterization What: Develop an instrument suite to locate and evaluate the physical, mineral, and volatile resources at the lunar poles Neutron Spectrometer Near Infrared (IR) to locate subsurface hydrogen surface water Near IR for mineral identification Auger drill for sample removal down to 1 m Oven with Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer to quantify volatiles present ISRU relevance: Water volatile resource characterization and subsurface material access removal Site Evaluation Resource Mapping What: Develop and utilize new data products and tools for evaluating potential exploration sites for selection and overlay mission data to map terrain, environment, and resource information e.g., New techniques applied to generate Digital Elevation Map (DEMs) at native scale of images (1mpxl)ISRU relevance: Resource mapping and estimation with terrain and environment information is needed for extraction planning Mission Planning and Operations What: Develop and utilize tools and procedures for planning mission operations and real time changes Planning tools include detailed engineering models (e.g., power and data) of surface segment systems allows evaluation of designs ISRU relevance: Allows for iterative engineering as a function of environment and hardware performance.

Paradigm↗
NASA NTRS2018

Improving Imaging Instrument Spatial Resolution Using Software

In order to overcome spatial resolution limitations associated with physical sensor limitations when using smallsats and cubesats, we utilize an image processing technology referred to as Super-Resolution (SR). In general, software approaches are increasingly considered in connection with smaller satellites for which size, mass and power constraints limit the sensor capabilities. Being able to perform hardware vs. software trades might enable more capabilities for a lower cost. This paper describes recent experiments conducted to optimize the spatial enhancement of acquired observations using multiple sub-pixel shifted low resolution image.

Image Processing↗
NASA NTRS2018

Improving the Spatial Resolution of Imaging Instruments Using Software

In order to overcome spatial resolution limitations associated with physical sensor limitations when using smallsats and cubesats, we utilize an image processing technology referred to as Super-Resolution (SR). In general, software approaches are increasingly considered in connection with smaller satellites for which size, mass and power constraints limit the sensor capabilities. Being able to perform hardware vs. software trades might enable more capabilities for a lower cost. This paper describes recent experiments conducted to optimize the spatial enhancement of acquired observations using multiple sub-pixel shifted low resolution image.

Image Processing↗
NASA NTRS2019

Applicability of Spectral Decomposition by Varimax-Rotated, Principal Component Analysis to the Surface Biology and Geology (SBG) VNIR Mission Concept

Cyanobacterial and Harmful Algal Blooms (CyanoHABs) are a growing concern in coastal and inland waters. But, spectral interference from multiple constituents in optically complex waters can hamper application of remote sensing using traditional image processing methods. The Kent State University (KSU) spectral decomposition method can be applied to multispectral and hyperspectral remote sensing images (e.g. HICO and the NASA Glenn HSI2) to partition and identify signals related to cyanobacteria, algae, pigment degradation products and suspended sediment in each pixel. Fundamental to the use of remote sensing data is the ability to extract independent signals from correlated hyperspectral VNIR data cubes. The Kent State University varimax-rotated, principal component analysis method (VPCA) is important to integrate into the SBG VNIR mission concept because it provides greater specificity, a software-based SNR boost relative to hardware performance, and can assist with Cal/Val, Modeling and Applications. We present examples of the hyperspectral application of the KSU VPCA method with relevance to SBG. The information extracted by VPCA can be validated spectrally or spatially with laboratory and/or in situ sensors, which capture spatial or time series of information at discrete points within remote sensing images. Comparisons show hyperspectral sensors extract more components than multispectral ones, but more independent information can be extracted from multispectral sensors by VPCA than traditional band ratio approaches. The spectral decomposition method is capable of enhancing the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the NASA Glenn, second-generation hyperspectral imager by a factor of 7x to 20x, with a spectral reproducibility of ±3%. The spectral decomposition method, when compared against existing remote sensing monitoring methods exhibits both greater specificity and a lower detection limit. The method has been validated with multispectral images in Lake Erie to quantify the Microcystis CyanoHAB and from the Indian River Lagoon, Florida to quantify the Brown Tide resulting from A. lagunesnsis. Field operations in the Western Basin of Lake Erie were conducted using a bbe Fluoroprobe to collect vertical profiles and horizontal tows along a transect from the Toledo to the Detroit Lighthouse during coincident satellite overpasses. Extraction of pixel values from the MODIS Aqua sensor yields agreement between in situ field and lab-based measures of cyanobacterial, cryptophyte, diatoms and green algae, suspended sediment and pigment degradation products with R2>0.8.

hyperspectral↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Automated Software for Crewed Spacecraft - Bridging the Gap from Sci Fi to Reality

With a voice command or a few taps on the console, the spacecraft pivots on a dime at high velocity and gently docks to an orbiting space platform. This is the image most people have of the complex software computations and integrated hardware performance necessary for a spacecraft to successfully perform an automated launch, rendezvous, and docking. Today’s reality is that while computer operations are advancing rapidly, science fiction over-simplifies and over-sells current capabilities. This paper discusses the integration of spacecraft computer automation into the operation of one of the United States’ new Commercial Crew vehicles - the Boeing CST-100 Starliner. Lessons learned by the Boeing Mission Operations team, a unique private-public partnership with NASA, from conceptual design through real-time operation of the first test flight will be discussed along with evolution of the system in preparation for the second uncrewed test flight. Focus will center on how operations has learned to use the automated software to their advantage while also knowing how to adjust the automation in response to spacecraft or mission anomalies.

Robert C. Dempsey↗
NASA NTRS2023

The Living With a Star Space Environment Testbed Payload

The objectives, instrumentation, methods and data leading up to launch of the NASA Living With a Star (LWS) Space Environment Testbed (SET) payload onboard the Air Force Research Laboratory Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) spacecraft are described. The experiments characterize the space radiation environment and how it affects hardware performance. The payload consists of a compact space weather instrument and a carrier containing four board experiments.

Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX)↗
NASA NTRS2023

Reactive Additive Manufacturing for Fourth Industrial Revolution Exploration Systems (Ramfire) Aluminum 6061-Ram2 Nozzle Testing

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has applied various forms of metallic additive manufacturing (AM) in liquid rocket engine component design, development, and testing since 2010. These AM techniques reduce hardware cost, shorten fabrication schedules, increase reliability by reducing the number of joints, and improve hardware performance by allowing unconventional design. The RAMFIRE project, funded under Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) Game Changing Development (GCD) Program, has furthered the use of novel AM liquid rocket nozzles in collaboration with Elementum 3D. The project advanced novel large-scale AM aluminum material technology for significant weight savings in rocket engines and launch vehicles. Previously, aluminum alloys were difficult to weld and print using additive manufacturing. Elementum 3D’s patented Aluminum 6061-RAM2 alloy allows for aluminum alloys to be printed using various AM techniques and at various scales. The alloy can be leveraged for welding wire, showing drastic improvements in aluminum weldability. The RAMFIRE project focuses on five key areas: 1) Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) AL6061-RAM2 feedstock specification and verification, 2) LP-DED process development and validation, 3) LP-DED printed AL6061-RAM2 microstructural and mechanical property characterization, 4) Hot-fire test a 7k-lbf thrust class regeneratively cooled nozzle, 5) Print large scale regeneratively cooled nozzle. Hot-fire testing demonstrates potential of advanced space technologies to NASA and potential users by providing the relevant environments to advance TRL levels to the 5/6 range.

Al6061-RAM2↗
DOE OSTI2019

Restricted Boltzmann Machines for galaxy morphology classification with a quantum annealer

We present the application of Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs) to the task of astronomical image classification using a quantum annealer built by D-Wave Systems. Morphological analysis of galaxies provides critical information for studying their formation and evolution across cosmic time scales. We compress the images using principal component analysis to fit a representation on the quantum hardware. Then, we train RBMs with discriminative and generative algorithms, including contrastive divergence and hybrid generative-discriminative approaches. We compare these methods to Quantum Annealing (QA), Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) Gibbs Sampling, Simulated Annealing (SA) as well as machine learning algorithms like gradient boosted decision trees. We find that RBMs implemented on D-wave hardware perform well, and that they show some classification performance advantages on small datasets, but they don't offer a broadly strategic advantage for this task. During this exploration, we analyzed the steps required for Boltzmann sampling with the D-Wave 2000Q, including a study of temperature estimation, and examined the impact of qubit noise by comparing and contrasting the original D-Wave 2000Q to the lower-noise version recently made available. While these analyses ultimately had minimal impact on the performance of the RBMs, we include them for reference.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2022

Peak Prediction Using Multi Layer Perceptron (MLP) for Edge Computing ASICs Targeting Scientific Applications

High data rate detectors play an integral part in scientific research and their development is actively pursued at High Energy Physics (HEP) facilities around the world. Edge Machine Learning (ML) offers the ability to reduce data rates by integrating ML algorithms into Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) on the front end electronics. In this work, we explore a set of neural network architectures for predicting the peak amplitudes in the detector's sensor response. We have designed and synthesized several MLP based neural networks comparing their inference accuracy, power consumption, and area targeting for minimal latency. The neural networks are synthesized in a commercial 65nm process. The effect of quantizing the network's weights and biases on hardware performance and area is reported. We also conduct design space exploration to compare between design alternatives

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗
DOE OSTI2023

PSI/J: A Portable Interface for Submitting, Monitoring, and Managing Jobs

It is generally desirable for high-performance computing (HPC) applications to be portable between HPC systems, for example to make use of more performant hardware, make effective use of allocations, and to co-locate compute jobs with large datasets. Unfortunately, moving scientific applications between HPC systems is challenging for various reasons, most notably that HPC systems have different HPC schedulers. We introduce PSI/J, a job management abstraction API intended to simplify the construction of software components and applications that are portable over various HPC scheduler implementations. We argue that such a system is both necessary and that no viable alternative currently exists. We analyze similar notable APIs and attempt to determine the factors that influenced their evolution and adoption by the HPC community. We base the design of PSI/J on that analysis. We describe how PSI/J has been integrated in three workflow systems and one application, and also show via experiments that PSI/J imposes minimal overhead.

Hategan, Mihael↗
DOE OSTI2024

Offshore Wind to Hydrogen - Modeling, Analysis, Testing and International Collaboration Work

This project explores electrolytic hydrogen production from an offshore wind turbine by: Modeling: Simulate an offshore wind turbine and generate power output profiles; Analysis: Analyze offshore conditions and determine operational modes of the stack; Testing: Perform hardware testing to evaluate dynamic characteristics; and International Collaboration Work: Share learnings and publish. Potential Outcomes: Accelerate development of an integrated, in-turbine offshore wind hydrogen system; and Support two DOE Energy Earthshots - Hydrogen and Floating Offshore Wind.

electrolyzer↗
DOE OSTI2025

Summer 2025 SULI: Nucleus ID, TinyTPC, and Scientific Communication

This paper summarizes my work during the Summer 2025 SULI internship, which focused on two main projects and broader scientific development. The first project involved improving the particle identification (PID) of protons, deuterons, and tritons using PIDA distributions and template fitting, with the goal of modeling nuclear final-state interactions (FSI) and testing the robustness of the method against systematic uncertainties. These techniques pave the way for future application to LArTPC data from the ICARUS detector. The second project centered on the optimization and data-taking of the TinyTPC detector, a compact LArTPC used for high-resolution low-energy measurements. I adjusted gain and threshold parameters, performed hardware validation tests, and developed analysis strategies to extract meaningful physics from collected data. Throughout the summer, I also enhanced my scientific communication and mentorship skills through presentations, collaborative analysis, and peer guidance.

McCright, Hannah [Maryland U.]↗
DOE OSTI2020

Processing unit performance projection using dynamic hardware behaviors

Methods for estimating accelerator performance for dynamic hardware behaviors are disclosed. Computer program code to be executed on a first processing unit is received, and an execution of the computer code on the first processing unit is monitored to determine a plurality of performance characteristics. A plurality of dynamic hardware behaviors is determined by applying a clustering algorithm to the performance characteristics, and an equivalent accelerator portion of computer code to be executed on a second processing unit is generated by translating a set of instructions in a first portion of computer code corresponding to a first one of the plurality of dynamic hardware behaviors to an equivalent set of instructions to be executed on the second processing unit. An estimated measure of performance for executing the equivalent accelerator portion on the second processing unit is determined for the first one of the plurality of dynamic hardware behaviors.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗