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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Small Spacecraft Technology Program

NASA's Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, expands the ability to execute unique missions through rapid development and demonstration of capabilities for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science and the commercial space sector. Through targeted development and frequent in space testing, the program: Enables execution of missions at much lower cost than previously possible; Substantially reduces the time required for development of spacecraft; Enables new mission architectures through the use of small spacecraft; Expands the reach of small spacecraft to new destinations and challenging new environments; and Enables the augmentation of existing assets and future missions with supporting small spacecraft. An overview the program's technology demonstration missions will be provided.

Roger C Hunter↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) Program - Recent and Upcoming Technology Demonstrations and Development Efforts

The Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, expands the ability to execute unique missions through rapid development and demonstration of capabilities for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science and the commercial space sector. Through targeted development and frequent in space testing, the program: • Enables execution of missions at much lower cost than previously possible • Substantially reduces the time required for development of spacecraft • Enables new mission architectures through the use of small spacecraft • Expands the reach of small spacecraft to new destinations and challenging new environments • Enables the augmentation of existing assets and future missions with supporting small spacecraft. The program achieves its objectives through: • Identification and investment in the development of new subsystem technologies to enhance or expand the capabilities of small spacecraft • Sponsorship of flight demonstrations of new technologies, capabilities and applications for small spacecraft • Promotion of the use of small spacecraft as platforms for testing and demonstrating technologies and capabilities that might have more general applications in larger-scale spacecraft and systems Technologies funded by the program that are key to advancing the utility and capability of small spacecraft were demonstrated in 2022 and 2023. Notable on-orbit demonstrations include the following. • The Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment’s (CAPSTONE) navigation technology that was demonstrated for the first time in 2023 could provide autonomous onboard navigation information for future lunar missions, minimizing or eliminating human-in-the-loop mission operations. • The optical communications technology also demonstrated in 2023 by the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery (TBIRD) payload that launched on Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator-3, achieved 200 gigabit per second (Gbps) throughput on a space-to-ground optical link between a satellite in orbit and Earth, the highest data rate ever achieved by optical communications technology. • The precision laser pointing performance of NASA’s CubeSat Infrared CrossLink A (CLICK) spacecraft’s fine steering mirror control system was successfully demonstrated. This element of the laser communications system will be used to demonstrate two-way crosslink communication in low-Earth orbit by CLICK B/C anticipated to launch in late 2024. Investments in subsystem technology development through funding to university, industry, and other government partners in a number of areas will be discussed. Among others, topic areas include propulsion, autonomous swarm technology, edge computing, and thermal control. Additionally, the status of the CubeSat-alternative platform, DiskSat, strategies for accelerating the demonstration of technology payloads via the Realizing Rapid, Reduced-cost high-Risk Research (R5) project, and the status of recently completed and upcoming on-orbit demonstrations will also be presented.

Roger C Hunter↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) Program - Recent and Upcoming Technology Demonstrations and Development Efforts

The Small Spacecraft Technology program within NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, expands the ability to execute unique missions through rapid development and demonstration of capabilities for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science, and the commercial space sector. Through targeted development and frequent in space testing, the program: • Enables execution of missions at much lower cost than previously possible • Substantially reduces the time required for development of spacecraft • Enables new mission architectures through the use of small spacecraft • Expands the reach of small spacecraft to new destinations and challenging new environments • Enables the augmentation of existing assets and future missions with supporting small spacecraft. The program achieves its objectives through: • Identification and investment in the development of new subsystem technologies to enhance or expand the capabilities of small spacecraft • Sponsorship of flight demonstrations of new technologies, capabilities and applications for small spacecraft • Promotion of the use of small spacecraft as platforms for testing and demonstrating technologies and capabilities that might have more general applications in larger-scale spacecraft and systems Program-funded projects may be executed at academic institutions, in the private sector, at NASA Centers, as public-private partnerships, or cooperative agreements.

SST↗
DOE OSTI2015

Bench-scale Development of an Advanced Solid Sorbent-based CO 2 Capture Process for Coal-fired Power Plants

It is increasingly clear that CO 2 capture and sequestration (CCS) must play a critical role in curbing worldwide CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere. Development of these technologies to cost-effectively remove CO 2 from coal-fired power plants is very important to mitigating the impact these power plants have within the world’s power generation portfolio. Currently, conventional CO 2 capture technologies, such as aqueous-monoethanolamine based solvent systems, are prohibitively expensive and if implemented could result in a 75 to 100% increase in the cost of electricity for consumers worldwide. Solid sorbent CO 2 capture processes – such as RTI’s Advanced Solid Sorbent CO 2 , Capture Process – are promising alternatives to conventional, liquid solvents. Supported amine sorbents – of the nature RTI has developed – are particularly attractive due to their high CO 2 loadings, low heat capacities, reduced corrosivity/volatility and the potential to reduce the regeneration energy needed to carry out CO 2 capture. Previous work in this area has failed to adequately address various technology challenges such as sorbent stability and regenerability, sorbent scale-up, improved physical strength and attrition-resistance, proper heat management and temperature control, proper solids handling and circulation control, as well as the proper coupling of process engineering advancements that are tailored for a promising sorbent technology. The remaining challenges for these sorbent processes have provided the framework for the project team’s research and development and target for advancing the technology beyond lab- and bench-scale testing. Under a cooperative agreement with the US Department of Energy, and part of NETL’s CO 2 Capture Program, RTI has led an effort to address and mitigate the challenges associated with solid sorbent CO 2 capture. The overall objective of this project was to mitigate the technical and economic risks associated with the scale-up of solid sorbent-based CO 2 capture processes, enabling subsequent larger pilot demonstrations and ultimately commercial deployment. An integrated development approach has been a key focus of this project in which process development, sorbent development, and economic analyses have informed each of the other development processes. Development efforts have focused on improving the performance stability of sorbent candidates, refining process engineering and design, and evaluating the viability of the technology through detailed economic analyses. Sorbent advancements have led to a next generation, commercially-viable CO 2 capture sorbent exhibiting performance stability in various gas environments and a physically strong fluidizable form. The team has reduced sorbent production costs and optimized the production process and scale-up of PEI-impregnated, fluidizable sorbents. Refinement of the process engineering and design, as well as the construction and operation of a bench-scale research unit has demonstrated promising CO 2 capture performance under simulated coal-fired flue gas conditions. Parametric testing has shown how CO 2 capture performance is impacted by changing process variables, such as Adsorber temperature, Regenerator temperature, superficial flue gas velocity, solids circulation rate, CO 2 partial pressure in the Regenerator, and many others. Long-term testing has generated data for the project team to set the process conditions needed to operate a solids-based system for optimal performance, with continuous 90% CO 2 capture, and no operational interruptions. Data collected from all phases of testing has been used to develop a detailed techno-economic assessment of RTI’s technology. These detailed analyses show that RTI’s technology has significant economic advantages over current amine scrubbing and potential to achieve the DOE’s Carbon Capture Program’s goal of >90% CO 2 capture rate at a cost of < $40/T-CO 2 captured by 2025. Through this integrated technology development approach, the project team has advanced RTI’s CO 2 capture technology to TRL-4 (nearly TRL-5, with the missing variable being testing on actual, coal-fired flue gas), according to the DOE/FE definitions for Technology Readiness Levels. At a broader level, this project has advanced the whole of the solid sorbent CO 2 capture field, with advancements in process engineering and design, technical risk mitigation, sorbent scale-up optimization, and an understanding of the commercial viability and applicability of solid sorbent CO 2 capture technologies for the U.S. existing fleet of coal-fired power plants.

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT↗
NASA NTRS1983

Integrated requirements for a space station

The time-phased mission set developed for the proposed space station program (including the manned facility, coorbiting and remote free flyers and platforms, orbital maneuvering and transfer systems, and storage and service facilities) by the Space Station Mission Requirements Workshop in May 1983, is presented in figures and tables and discussed. The scientific, commercial, and technology-development proposals are characterized, and the requirements for a station and coorbiting platform at 28.5-deg orbital inclination are listed for the period 1991-2000. Japanese, ESA, and Canadian utilization is considered, special requirements are outlined, and functional characteristics are summarized. Developmental strategies to meet the concerns of the user community are suggested.

Pritchard, E. B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

ECUT (Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies) program: Biocatalysis project

The Annual Report presents the fiscal year (FY) 1988 research activities and accomplishments, for the Biocatalysis Project of the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies (ECUT) Division. The ECUT Biocatalysis Project is managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The Biocatalysis Project is a mission-oriented, applied research and exploratory development activity directed toward resolution of the major generic technical barriers that impede the development of biologically catalyzed commercial chemical production. The approach toward achieving project objectives involves an integrated participation of universities, industrial companies and government research laboratories. The Project's technical activities were organized into three work elements: (1) The Molecular Modeling and Applied Genetics work element includes research on modeling of biological systems, developing rigorous methods for the prediction of three-dimensional (tertiary) protein structure from the amino acid sequence (primary structure) for designing new biocatalysis, defining kinetic models of biocatalyst reactivity, and developing genetically engineered solutions to the generic technical barriers that preclude widespread application of biocatalysis. (2) The Bioprocess Engineering work element supports efforts in novel bioreactor concepts that are likely to lead to substantially higher levels of reactor productivity, product yields and lower separation energetics. Results of work within this work element will be used to establish the technical feasibility of critical bioprocess monitoring and control subsystems. (3) The Bioprocess Design and Assessment work element attempts to develop procedures (via user-friendly computer software) for assessing the energy-economics of biocatalyzed chemical production processes, and initiation of technology transfer for advanced bioprocesses.

Baresi, Larry↗
NASA NTRS1995

Technology Transfer

The objective of this summer's work was to attempt to enhance Technology Application Group (TAG) ability to measure the outcomes of its efforts to transfer NASA technology. By reviewing existing literature, by explaining the economic principles involved in evaluating the economic impact of technology transfer, and by investigating the LaRC processes our William & Mary team has been able to lead this important discussion. In reviewing the existing literature, we identified many of the metrics that are currently being used in the area of technology transfer. Learning about the LaRC technology transfer processes and the metrics currently used to track the transfer process enabled us to compare other R&D facilities to LaRC. We discuss and diagram impacts of technology transfer in the short run and the long run. Significantly, it serves as the basis for analysis and provides guidance in thinking about what the measurement objectives ought to be. By focusing on the SBIR Program, valuable information regarding the strengths and weaknesses of this LaRC program are to be gained. A survey was developed to ask probing questions regarding SBIR contractors' experience with the program. Specifically we are interested in finding out whether the SBIR Program is accomplishing its mission, if the SBIR companies are providing the needed innovations specified by NASA and to what extent those innovations have led to commercial success. We also developed a survey to ask COTR's, who are NASA employees acting as technical advisors to the SBIR contractors, the same type of questions, evaluating the successes and problems with the SBIR Program as they see it. This survey was developed to be implemented interactively on computer. It is our hope that the statistical and econometric studies that can be done on the data collected from all of these sources will provide insight regarding the direction to take in developing systematic evaluations of programs like the SBIR Program so that they can reach their maximum effectiveness.

Smith, Nanette R.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Providing Experimental Infrastructure for Accelerating Advanced Reactor Demonstrations through the National Reactor Innovation Center

A suite of experimental infrastructure projects has been developed by the National Reactor Innovation Center to accelerate advanced reactor demonstrations and facilitate their development, addressing crucial gaps in data, materials characterization, and modeling. First, the Molten Salt Thermophysical Examination Capability (MSTEC) provides a specialized platform for post-irradiation characterization of molten salt reactor fuel, coolant salts, and structural materials, essential for supporting the design and operation of advanced reactors and future commercial molten salt reactor development and licensing. The Virtual Test Bed (VTB) complements these efforts by leveraging advanced modeling and simulation tools to evaluate reactor performance and safety. Serving as a library of reference models, the VTB offers a database of multiphysics reactor models, facilitating rapid safety evaluations and includes continuous software quality assurance, crucial for accelerating deployment while maintaining reliability. Additionally, the Helium Component Test Facility (HeCTF) addresses the need for high-temperature helium-cooled reactor component testing. As the first-of-its-kind facility in the United States, HeCTF emulates high-temperature gas reactor conditions, reducing time and cost associated with component validation, thereby accelerating reactor development. Finally, In-cell Thermal Creep Frames provide a unique solution for obtaining thermal creep data from irradiated materials, critical for materials qualification and licensing. Developed by the National Reactor Innovation Center, these compact frames enable the examination of previously irradiated materials, overcoming traditional limitations and enhancing the understanding of mechanical properties crucial for reactor development. Collectively, these experimental infrastructure projects form a comprehensive framework aimed at expediting advanced reactor demonstrations, fostering innovation, and ensuring the viability of next-generation nuclear energy solutions.

22 - GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

SPLENDAQ: A Detector-Agnostic Data Acquisition System for Small-Scale Physics Experiments

Many scientific applications from rare-event searches to condensed matter system characterization to high-rate nuclear experiments require time-domain triggering on a raw stream of data, where the triggering is generally threshold-based or randomly acquired. When carrying out detector R &D, there is a need for a general data acquisition (DAQ) system to quickly and efficiently process such data. In the SPLENDOR collaboration, we are developing the Python-based SPLENDAQ package for this exact purpose—it offers two main features for offline analysis of continuous data: a threshold triggering algorithm based on the time-domain optimal filter formalism and an algorithm for randomly choosing nonoverlapping segments for noise measurements. Further, combined with the commercially available Moku platform, developed by Liquid Instruments, we have a full pipeline of event building off raw data with minimal setup. Here, we review the underlying principles of this detector-agnostic DAQ package and give concrete examples of its utility in various applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
NASA NTRS1984

Standard test evaluation of graphite fiber/resin matrix composite materials for improved toughness

Programs sponsored by NASA with the commercial transport manufacturers to develop a technology data base are required to design and build composite wing and fuselage structures. To realize the full potential of composite structures in these strength critical designs, material systems having improved ductility and interlaminar toughness are being sought. To promote systematic evaluation of new materials, NASA and the commercial transport manufacturers have selected and standardized a set of five common tests. These tests evaluate open hole tension and compression performance, compression performance after impact at an energy level of 20 ft-lb, and resistance to delamination. Ten toughened resin matrix/graphite fiber composites were evaluated using this series of tests, and their performance is compared with a widely used composite system.

Chapman, Andrew J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Advanced thermal control technology for commercial applications

A number of the technologies previously developed for the thermal control of spacecraft have found their way into commercial application. Specialized coatings and heat pipes are but two examples. The thermal control of current and future spacecraft is becoming increasingly more demanding, and a variety of new technologies are being developed to meet these needs. Closed two-phase loops are perceived to be the answer to many of the new requirements. All of these technologies are discussed, and their spacecraft and current terrestrial applications are summarized.

Swanson, Theodore D.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Ares V: Game Changer for National Security Launch

NASA is designing the Ares V cargo launch vehicle to vastly expand exploration of the Moon begun in the Apollo program and enable the exploration of Mars and beyond. As the largest launcher in history, Ares V also represents a national asset offering unprecedented opportunities for new science, national security, and commercial missions of unmatched size and scope. The Ares V is the heavy-lift component of NASA's dual-launch architecture that will replace the current space shuttle fleet, complete the International Space Station, and establish a permanent human presence on the Moon as a stepping-stone to destinations beyond. During extensive independent and internal architecture and vehicle trade studies as part of the Exploration Systems Architecture Study (ESAS), NASA selected the Ares I crew launch vehicle and the Ares V to support future exploration. The smaller Ares I will launch the Orion crew exploration vehicle with four to six astronauts into orbit. The Ares V is designed to carry the Altair lunar lander into orbit, rendezvous with Orion, and send the mated spacecraft toward lunar orbit. The Ares V will be the largest and most powerful launch vehicle in history, providing unprecedented payload mass and volume to establish a permanent lunar outpost and explore significantly more of the lunar surface than was done during the Apollo missions. The Ares V consists of a Core Stage, two Reusable Solid Rocket Boosters (RSRBs), Earth Departure Stage (EDS), and a payload shroud. For lunar missions, the shroud would cover the Lunar Surface Access Module (LSAM). The Ares V Core Stage is 33 feet in diameter and 212 feet in length, making it the largest rocket stage ever built. It is the same diameter as the Saturn V first stage, the S-IC. However, its length is about the same as the combined length of the Saturn V first and second stages. The Core Stage uses a cluster of five Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68B rocket engines, each supplying about 700,000 pounds of thrust. Its propellants are liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. The two solid rocket boosters provide about 3.5 million pounds of thrust at liftoff. These 5.5-segment boosters are derived from the 4-segment boosters now used on the Space Shuttle, and are similar to those used in the Ares I first stage. The EDS is powered by one J-2X engine. The J-2X, which has roughly 294,000 pounds of thrust, also powers the Ares I Upper Stage. It is derived from the J-2 that powered the Saturn V second and third stages. The EDS performs two functions. Its initial suborbital burns will place the lunar lander into a stable Earth orbit. After the Orion crew vehicle, launched separately on an Ares I, docks with the lander/EDS stack, EDS will ignite a second time to put the combined 65-metric ton vehicle into a lunar transfer orbit. When it stands on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center late in the next decade, the Ares V stack will be approximately 381 feet tall and have a gross liftoff mass of 8.1 million pounds. The current point-of-departure design exceeds Saturn V s mass capability by approximately 40 percent. Using the current payload shroud design, Ares V can carry 315,000 pounds to 29-degree low Earth orbit (LEO) or 77,000 pounds to a geosynchronous orbit. Another unique aspect of the Ares V is the 33-foot-diameter payload shroud, which encloses approximately 30,400 cubic feet of usable volume. A larger hypothetical shroud for encapsulating larger payloads has been studied. While Ares V makes possible larger payload masses and volumes, it may alternately make possible more cost-effective mission design if the relevant payload communities are willing to consider an alternative to the existing approach that has driven them to employ complexity to solve current launch vehicle mass and volume constraints. By using Ares V s mass and volume capabilities as margin, payload designers stand to reduce development risk and cost. Significant progress has been made on the Ares V to support a plaed fiscal 2011 authority-to-proceed (ATP) milestone. The Ares V team is actively reaching out to external organizations during this early concept phase to ensure that the Ares V vehicle can be leveraged for national security, science, and commercial development needs. This presentation will discuss Ares V vehicle configuration, the path to the current concept, accomplishments to date, and potential payload utilization opportunities.

Sumrall, Phil↗
DOE OSTI2023

Development of Spectroscopic Tools for Nuclear Forensics Signatures Development

Diversion of nuclear materialsfrom legitimate commercial processes for use by nefarious actors is a frightening and surreptitious problem. Smuggled nuclear material can be used to manufacture a simple radiological dispersion device (RDD) and potentially incorporated into the development of a nuclear weapon. With some frequency, smuggled nuclear material is interdicted in foreign countries as actors cross border checkpoints. Nuclear material interdicted in this way can be analyzed using a variety of tools. Plutonium-239 is commonly used as the fissile material in nuclear weapon production as an alternative to uranium-235. Plutonium in a production, refining, or finishing facility will exist in many forms including oxide precursors (PuF4, PuF3, Pu oxalate, etc.), oxide, and metal. The ability to identify plutonium in each of these forms and determine properties, characteristics, or history of these materials is crucial for determining if the processes occurring in a nuclear facility are legitimate or not. This presentation will focus on the development and application ofspectroscopic tools developed at SRNL using doubled-walled cells (DWC) to characterize Pu-bearing compounds. Advances in the use of vibrational spectroscopy techniques (Raman and IR), UV-VIS-SWIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, gamma emission spectroscopy, luminescence spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy in conjunction with XRD and SEM in the characterization of Pu-bearing compounds will be presented with emphasis in material processing history.

Villa-Aleman, Eliel↗
NASA NTRS1992

The FAA/NASA flight loads monitoring program - The prototype system and its benefits for the aviation community

The FAA established the flight load monitoring program to collect a data base of typical flight operational loads experienced by commercial transports. This system will provide a comprehensive monitoring of aircraft loading conditions with over 20 flight parameters being recorded simultaneously. NASA is designing and testing a prototype data collection and analysis system which will be implemented into an FAA operational program. This paper presents the program's objectives and the proposed development testing on a commercial Boeing 737-400. The prototype system, its data processing schemes, and reports are described. The searching criteria or flight attributes generated for each flight are listed. The data processing system will provide the aviation community with a powerful tool for the study of transport flight loading conditions and the system's flexibility will accommodate individual studies and specialized concerns.

Whitehead, Julia H.↗
DOE OSTI2026

PACT Center: Perovskite PV Accelerator for Commercializing Technologies (Final Technical Report)

The Perovskite PV Accelerator for Commercializing Technologies (PACT) center was established in July 2021 as a national resource to accelerate the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaic (PV) technology in the United States. Since its inception, PACT has been led by Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) in partnership with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), formerly known as NREL. From FY20-FY23, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), CFV Labs, Black & Veatch (B&V), and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) were part of the project team. LANL brought expertise in perovskite PV device designs and processing, CFV Labs (now GroundWork Renewables) provided initial indoor and outdoor measurement hardware technology, B&V led the initial effort on perovskite PV bankability, and EPRI worked on reviewing testing standards, identifying commercialization gaps, and helping to run PACT’s Industry Advisory Board, a group including representatives from commercial testing labs, independent engineering firms, insurance companies, state regulators, and electric utilities. To source perovskite PV module samples, PACT contracted with the University of North Carolina (UNC), the University of Toledo, the University of Washington, and SLAC/Stanford University to provide a steady stream of research-grade perovskite mini modules, enabling protocol development in advance of commercial module availability. The project period ran from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, including a No Cost Extension. Starting in FY25, the project was continued as a Core Capability in the Lab Call portfolio and continues at a reduced budget with only Sandia and NLR as funded recipients. Notably, starting in FY25 PACT expanded its scope beyond MHP modules to accept all emerging PV mini module technologies for testing, including organic PV (OPV) and all-thin-film tandems, with the aim of supporting commercialization across the broader emerging PV ecosystem. With this change in scope the program was renamed the PV Accelerator for Commercializing Technologies, dropping perovskite from the name.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1995

Technology for Safer Skies

The Bendix RDR-4B airborne weather radar, developed by Allied Signal Commercial Avionic Systems, is the product of a decade-long Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/NASA/industry/academia research program. Numerous aircraft accidents had occurred because of windshear, a sudden shift in wind direction and velocity. A characteristic of windshear is the microburst, a column of air which cools rapidly in a thunderstorm and generates intense downdrafts. Microbursts can cause an airplane to lose lift and speed and then crash. A Congressional Mandate to the FAA launched the program with NASA to develop the essential technology for detecting and avoiding microbursts. Langley Research Center developed microburst sensors, including Doppler microwave radar, which sends a radio wave ahead of the aircraft to measure windshear velocity. These predictions give pilots time to prepare for the microbursts. After flight tests and the design of certification standards, the FAA required all commercial aircraft to install some type of windshear detector or predictor.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2018

Rapidly Assessing the Quality of Targeted Proteomics Experiments through Monitoring Stable-Isotope Labeled Standards

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM), also known as multiple reaction monitoring (MRM), is a data acquisition technique used in targeted analysis of molecules, including targeted proteomic studies. It exploits the unique capability of triple-quadrupole (QQQ) mass spectrometers to monitor the predefined precursor and fragment ion pairs of specific molecules of interest throughout a liquid chromatography (LC) elution profile. Compared to shotgun proteomics, targeted proteomics using SRM has high selectivity, high sensitivity, and a wide linear dynamic range,(1-3) which makes it especially useful in the accurate and reproducible quantification of low-abundance proteins in highly complex biological samples. SRM has been widely used in the fields of biomarker discovery,(4-7) analysis of protein post-translational modifications(8) and characterization of biological protein networks.(4,9) In the recent years, multiple technical advances have greatly improved the throughput of SRM analyses, allowing for the quantification of hundreds of peptides in a single analysis.(6,7,10) For example, a single 800-plex SRM assay (e.g., 400 unlabeled and heavy-labeled peptide pairs and 2400 transitions with retention time scheduling) using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) has been developed to quantify proteins in plasma.(11) Advanced labeling techniques utilizing in vitro proteome-assisted MRM for protein absolute quantification (iMPAQT) demonstrated the capability of SRM in genome-wide protein quantification of over 18?000 human proteins.(12) Moreover, the scan speed of QQQ instrumentation has been greatly improved in recent releases of commercial instrumentation. The newly developed TSQ Altis (released in 2017) can scan more than 600 transitions per second, which is 6 times more than a traditional QQQ scan speed of 100 transitions per second. The breadth of measurement enabled by these technological improvements to QQQ mass spectrometry has increased the feasibility and popularity of large scale targeted proteomics studies,(13) a major application of which will be in clinical studies in which up to hundreds of protein candidates need to be quantified in hundreds of clinical specimens.(14) Quantitative accuracy is a primary motivating factor for utilizing a targeted proteomics protocol. The precise and reproducible absolute quantification produced by SRM assays is essential to many clinical and laboratory experiments.(15,16) Because the abundance of an endogenous peptide is calculated from the measurement of the spiked-in reference standard, it is essential to assess the data quality of these references.(17) In early applications of targeted proteomics, when instrument speed greatly limited the number of transitions that could be monitored, much of this quality assessment was done manually. However, recent improvements in instrument performance and experimental design have enabled a dramatic increase in the number of target peptides and associated SRM transitions, which makes manual quality assessment an untenable and laborious task. A variety of computational tools assist in SRM experiment design and data analysis. The first task in creating an SRM experiment is the choice of proteins and representative peptides to monitor. Achieving a reliable protein abundance requires appropriately choosing peptides that have a strong signal and are free from interferences in the biological matrix. Numerous computational tools exist to facilitate assay design by identifying peptides and refining SRM transitions.(18-21) To help share these assays and eliminate time spent designing the same transitions at multiple institutions, community portals have begun to host well-designed and vetted assays.(22-24) Analyzing the experimental data requires significant computational effort to align files across replicates and experimental conditions, pick peaks and produce quantitative values, normalize data and perform statistical tests, etc.(25-27)

Gibbons, Bryson C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Study of utilization of advanced composites in fuselage structures of large transports

The effort required by the transport aircraft manufacturers to support the introduction of advanced composite materials into the fuselage structure of future commercial and military transport aircraft is investigated. Technology issues, potential benefits to military life cycle costs and commercial operating costs, and development plans are examined. The most urgent technology issues defined are impact dynamics, acoustic transmission, pressure containment and damage tolerance, post-buckling, cutouts, and joints and splices. A technology demonstration program is defined and a rough cost and schedule identified. The fabrication and test of a full-scale fuselage barrel section is presented. Commercial and military benefits are identified. Fuselage structure weight savings from use of advanced composites are 16.4 percent for the commercial and 21.8 percent for the military. For the all-composite airplanes the savings are 26 percent and 29 percent, respectively. Commercial/operating costs are reduced by 5 percent for the all-composite airplane and military life cycle costs by 10 percent.

Jackson, A. C.↗