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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2006

A highly capable arbitrary waveform generator for next generation radar systems

We are developing an Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) to provide enhanced capability for radar applications. The current design will accommodate two waveform generators on a single unit for dual frequency operation. The basic architecture of this unit employs a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and a high speed and high precision Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) for direct digital synthesis. This AWG will be capable of up to 450 MHz bandwidth with ability for frequency notching. Phase fidelity of less than 1.2(sup o) deviation RMS is also achievable. This AWG operates with lower power consumption as compared with other waveform generators, which is advantageous for future spaceborne applications. This will enable radars to return higher precision data, to be reduced in complexity, and to operate in any band without interfering with dedicated bandwidths.

chirp generators↗
NASA NTRS1988

The next generation

The next generation of computer systems are studied by examining the processes and methodologies. The present generation is ok for small projects, but not so good for large projects. They are not good for addressing the iterative nature of requirements, resolution, and implementation. They do not address complexity issues of requirements stabilization. They do not explicitly address reuse opportunities, and they do not help with people shortages. Therefore, there is a need to define and automate improved software engineering processes. Some help may be gained by reuse and prototyping, which are two sides of the same coin. Reuse library parts are used to generate good approximations to desired solutions, i.e., prototypes. And rapid prototype composition implies use of preexistent parts, i.e., reusable parts.

Yudkin, Howard↗
NASA NTRS1995

PMAD for the Next Generation Spacecraft

The next generation spacecraft is reducing the power, mass and volume envelope for the power system. The Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) function has traditionally been the largest

Next↗
NASA NTRS2006

Proceedings of the Next Generation Exploration Conference

The Next Generation Exploration Conference (NGEC) brought together the emerging next generation of space leaders over three intensive days of collaboration and planning. The participants extended the ongoing work of national space agencies to draft a common strategic framework for lunar exploration, to include other destinations in the solar system. NGEC is the first conference to bring together emerging leaders to comment on and contribute to these activities. The majority of the three-day conference looked beyond the moon and focused on the "next destination": Asteroids, Cis-Lunar, Earth 3.0, Mars Science and Exploration, Mars Settlement and Society, and Virtual Worlds and Virtual Exploration.

Schingler, Robbie↗
NASA NTRS2005

High-Temperature Structures, Adhesives, and Advanced Thermal Protection Materials for Next-Generation Aeroshell Design

The next generation of planetary exploration vehicles will rely heavily on robust aero-assist technologies, especially those that include aerocapture. This paper provides an overview of an ongoing development program, led by NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) and aimed at introducing high-temperature structures, adhesives, and advanced thermal protection system (TPS) materials into the aeroshell design process. The purpose of this work is to demonstrate TPS materials that can withstand the higher heating rates of NASA's next generation planetary missions, and to validate high-temperature structures and adhesives that can reduce required TPS thickness and total aeroshell mass, thus allowing for larger science payloads. The effort described consists of parallel work in several advanced aeroshell technology areas. The areas of work include high-temperature adhesives, high-temperature composite materials, advanced ablator (TPS) materials, sub-scale demonstration test articles, and aeroshell modeling and analysis. The status of screening test results for a broad selection of available higher-temperature adhesives is presented. It appears that at least one (and perhaps a few) adhesives have working temperatures ranging from 315-400 C (600-750 F), and are suitable for TPS-to-structure bondline temperatures that are significantly above the traditional allowable of 250 C (482 F). The status of mechanical testing of advanced high-temperature composite materials is also summarized. To date, these tests indicate the potential for good material performance at temperatures of at least 600 F. Application of these materials and adhesives to aeroshell systems that incorporate advanced TPS materials may reduce aeroshell TPS mass by 15% - 30%. A brief outline is given of work scheduled for completion in 2006 that will include fabrication and testing of large panels and subscale aeroshell test articles at the Solar-Tower Test Facility located at Kirtland AFB and operated by Sandia National Laboratories. These tests are designed to validate aeroshell manufacturability using advanced material systems, and to demonstrate the maintenance of bondline integrity at realistically high temperatures and heating rates. Finally, a status is given of ongoing aeroshell modeling and analysis efforts which will be used to correlate with experimental testing, and to provide a reliable means of extrapolating to performance under actual flight conditions. The modeling and analysis effort includes a parallel series of experimental tests to determine TSP thermal expansion and other mechanical properties which are required for input to the analysis models.

Collins, Timothy J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Project - Overview and Progress Status

The Next Generation Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (Next Gen RTG) Project is a spaceflight system project within NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) Program. The project, in partnership with the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) / Battelle Energy Alliance (BEA), will build and deliver an unfueled, flight qualified Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) system based on RPS Program needs. The Next Gen RTG Project aims to assure the availability of high-power, vacuum-rated RTGs to enable future deep space missions. The Project team is developing that capability through a multi-phase effort that leverages the heritage General Purpose Heat Source - RTG (GPHS-RTG) design and available legacy hardware. The Project’s primary aim is to re-establish the capability to manufacture a silicon germanium (SiGe) unicouple based thermoelectric converter and associated hardware with minimal changes to the heritage GPHS-RTG design. The project will also refurbish the GPHS-RTG Flight Unit #5 (F-5) located at INL and verify its compliance with heritage GPHS-RTG requirements. This paper will detail the project’s plans for the development of these systems. Management approaches, technical challenges, and risks will also be discussed.

Radioisotope↗
NASA NTRS2008

Next-Generation Telemetry Workstation

A next-generation telemetry workstation has been developed to replace the one currently used to test and control Range Safety systems. Improving upon the performance of the original system, the new telemetry workstation uses dual-channel telemetry boards for better synchronization of the two uplink telemetry streams. The new workstation also includes an Interrange Instrumentation Group/Global Positioning System (IRIG/GPS) time code receiver board for independent, local time stamping of return-link data. The next-generation system will also record and play back return-link data for postlaunch analysis.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

Next generation initiation techniques

Four-dimensional data assimilation strategies can generally be classified as either current or next generation, depending upon whether they are used operationally or not. Current-generation data-assimilation techniques are those that are presently used routinely in operational-forecasting or research applications. They can be classified into the following categories: intermittent assimilation, Newtonian relaxation, and physical initialization. It should be noted that these techniques are the subject of continued research, and their improvement will parallel the development of next generation techniques described by the other speakers. Next generation assimilation techniques are those that are under development but are not yet used operationally. Most of these procedures are derived from control theory or variational methods and primarily represent continuous assimilation approaches, in which the data and model dynamics are 'fitted' to each other in an optimal way. Another 'next generation' category is the initialization of convective-scale models. Intermittent assimilation systems use an objective analysis to combine all observations within a time window that is centered on the analysis time. Continuous first-generation assimilation systems are usually based on the Newtonian-relaxation or 'nudging' techniques. Physical initialization procedures generally involve the use of standard or nonstandard data to force some physical process in the model during an assimilation period. Under the topic of next-generation assimilation techniques, variational approaches are currently being actively developed. Variational approaches seek to minimize a cost or penalty function which measures a model's fit to observations, background fields and other imposed constraints. Alternatively, the Kalman filter technique, which is also under investigation as a data assimilation procedure for numerical weather prediction, can yield acceptable initial conditions for mesoscale models. The third kind of next-generation technique involves strategies to initialize convective scale (non-hydrostatic) models.

Warner, Tom↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Students Solving Problems for ISS and Beyond: Inspiring the Next-Generation

Students Solving Problems for ISS and Beyond: Inspiring the Next-Generation Session Title: Students Solving Problems for ISS and Beyond: Inspiring the Next-Generation Session Description: NASA High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) mission is to empower and inspire students through a Project-Based Learning program where 7-12 grade students learn 21st century skills and can launch their careers through participation in the design and fabrication of real-world valued products for NASA. With six different tracks consisting of Design & Prototype, Culinary Challenge, Softgoods, Precision Machining, Software, and Video Challenge, students are given the opportunity to create solutions for the International Space Station (ISS), the Moon, and beyond. Many projects are requested by the Crew to help ease living conditions, giving students the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of Astronauts. Other projects come directly from NASA and its partners. Join our session to learn how NASA is working with teachers across the country to mentor the next generation of scientists and engineers to solve some of NASA’s greatest challenges. Learning Outcomes: 1. Describe the NASA HUNCH Program, including the program objectives, goals, and strategic partnerships for middle school and high school outreach and advocacy efforts. 2. Identify the innovative strategies NASA is using to work with middle and high school students to solve real-world problems 3. Use the knowledge gained to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers Session Track: Advocacy & Outreach Specialized Focus Area: Women in Government and Military Learning Level: Foundational Session Format: Listen & Learn Speaker Qualifications: 1. Deboshri Sadhukhan • Current Job Title: Deputy Project Manager • Topic Experience (years of experience related to proposed topic): 1-5 years • Biography: Deboshri Sadhukhan is an engineer for NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). She has worked on numerous projects — from International Space Station (ISS) fluid technologies, to Orion European Service Module propulsion, to planetary science missions and other game-changing technologies. Her roles have ranged from Project Manager to System Safety Lead. She currently serves as a GRC Regional Mentor for the High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) program. She also serves as Deputy Project Manager for an ISS payload and Safety & Mission Assurance Lead for a Radioisotope Power Systems project. In these roles, she oversees each phase of a project from beginning to end and provides leadership to increase the reliability, maintainability and system safety of hardware and personnel throughout the system life cycle. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The University of Akron. 2. Nancy Hall • Current Job Title: Project Manager • Topic Experience: 20+ years • Biography: Nancy Rabel Hall earned a B.S. degree in Space Sciences from Florida Institute of Technology and a M.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo. She has been at NASA Glenn for over 30 years. She has led several International Space Station experiments that studied how the behavior of fluids and fluid systems behave differently in microgravity as compared to here on Earth. She is also the High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware (HUNCH) project manager, a program that allows students to design and fabricate hardware and softgoods for NASA as well as participate in a culinary and video challenge. She enjoys talking to the public and students about the work being done at NASA as well as showing students how math and science can be fun. She is an amateur radio operator, enjoys playing golf, and reading science fiction and fantasy books.

HUNCH↗
NASA NTRS1984

Optical-system design for next-generation pushbroom sensors

Next-generation pushbroom sensors for earth observation require high-performance optics that provide high spatial resolution over wide fields of view. Specifically, blur diameters on the order of 10 to 15 microns are needed over 5 to 15 deg fields. In addition to this fundamental level of optical performance, other characteristics, such as spatial coregistration of spectral bands, flat focal plane, telecentricity, and workable pupil location are significant instrument design considerations. The detector-assembly design, optical line-of-sight pointing method and sensor packaging all hinge on these secondary attributes. Moreover, the need for broad spectral coverage, ranging from 0.4 to 12.5 microns, places an additional constraint on optical design. This paper presents alternative design forms that are candidates for wide-field pushbroom sensors, and discusses the instrument-design tradeoffs that are linked to the selection of these alternate optical approaches.

Mika, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Innovative Sealing Technology for Next Generation Subsonic Engines

The next generation of subsonic engines can be expected to continue the historical trend towards increased thrust to weight (T/W) and decreased specific fuel consumption (SFC). Development programs currently underway throughout the gas turbine industry such as DOD's Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET), and more recently NASA's Advanced Subsonic Transport (AST) programs, have altered these trends in both pace and magnitude. Advanced seals and sealing technologies have become a prominent part of these efforts due to the large potential performance gains which can be realized. Allison has recently completed a study for NASA the goal of which was to quantize the potential performance benefits which might accrue through the use of advanced seals in future subsonic gas turbine engines. For the study, two engines where analyzed, a small turboshaft and a larger turbofan engine to help assess the effect of engine size on the results. Engines were analyzed stage by stage with the most sensitive areas highlighted. Leakage characteristics for advanced seals were then substituted into secondary airflow models, and the leakage reductions documented. These leakage reductions were then converted to changes in performance, i.e. increased range, decreased takeoff gross weight, etc. and presented. It was found that the development and use of a realtively few advanced seals, less than 5, could for example reduce SFC by 10% or more.

Munson, John↗
NASA NTRS1998

Design of Large Lightweight Space Telescope Optical Systems for the Next Generation Space Telescope

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) is currently in a Pre Phase A study effort to prove feasibility of design and to show that the design can be implemented within cost constraint guidelines and meet the requirements of the science community. In an effort to achieve the science communities goals as outlined in "HST and Beyond" the NGST team has developed a government "yardstick" design of an eight meter diameter segmented telescope which would be launched in an Atlas IIAS launch vehicle to a L2 (Lagrange Point) orbit. This paper will discuss the design of the Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) and the various issues and complications of designing lightweight optics to be placed in the environment that the NGST will encounter both during launch and during its operational mission at L2. The OTA must be lightweight but structurally must withstand the launch environment and transfer to its final L2 orbit. The OTA must be stable at L2 to provide high quality science at the cryogenic temperatures it will experience. The OTA segmented petal concept is to develop lightweight optics which can either be manipulated to achieve and maintain a desired figure or be rigid enough so that change in shape is only necessary for phasing and alignment. The secondary mirror structural mast must also be rigid with frequency responses which are not coupled to spacecraft modes in order to maintain and decenter and despace requirements.

Jacobson, Dave↗
NASA NTRS2000

Optical Communications Study for the Next Generation Space Telescope

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), part of NASA's Origins program, is a follow on to the Hubble Space Telescope expected to provide timely new science along with answering fundamental questions. NGST is a large diameter, infrared optimized telescope with imaging and spectrographic detectors which will be used to help study the origin of galaxies. Due to the large data NGST will collect, Goddard Space Flight Center has considered the use of optical communications for data downlink. The Optical Communications Group at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has performed a study on optical communications systems for NGST. The objective of the study was to evaluate the benefits gained through the use of optical communication technologies. Studies were performed for each of four proposed NGST orbits. The orbits considered were an elliptical orbit about the semi stable second Lagrangian point, a 1 by 3 AU elliptic orbit around the sun, a 1 AU drift orbit, and a 1 AU drift orbit at a 15 degree incline to the ecliptic plane. An appropriate optical communications system was determined for each orbit. Systems were evaluated in terms of mass, power consumption, size, and cost for each of the four proposed orbits.

Ceniceros, Juan M.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Next Generation Space Telescope

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST), planned for launch in 2009, will be an 8-m class radiatively cooled infrared telescope at the Lagrange point L2. It will cover the wavelength range from 0.6 to 28 microns with cameras and spectrometers, to observe the first luminous objects after the Big Bang, and the formation, growth, clustering, and evolution of galaxies, stars, and protoplanetary clouds, leading to better understanding of our own Origins. It will seek evidence of the cosmic dark matter through its gravitational effects. With an aperture three times greater than the Hubble Space Telescope, it will provide extraordinary advances in capabilities and enable the discovery of many new phenomena. It is a joint project of the NASA, ESA, and CSA, and scientific operations will be provided by the Space Telescope Science Institute.

Mather, John↗
NASA NTRS2001

The Next Generation Space Telescope

The Next Generation Space Telescope NGST is an 6-7 m class radiatively cooled telescope, planned for launch to the Lagrange point L2 in 2009, to be built by a partnership of NASA, ESA, and CSA. The NGST science program calls for three core instruments: 1) Near IR camera, 0.6 - 5 micrometer; 2) Near IR multiobject spectrometer, 1 - 5 micrometer, and 3) Mid IR camera and spectrometer, 5 - 28 micrometers. I will report on the scientific goals, project status, and the recent reduction in aperture from the target of 8 m.

Mather, John C.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Scientific and Technical Development of the Next Generation Space Telescope

The Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) is part of the Origins program and is the key mission to discover the origins of galaxies in the Universe. It is essential that scientific requirements be translated into technical specifications at the beginning of the program and that there is technical participation by astronomers in the design and modeling of the observatory. During the active time period of this grant, the PI participated in the NGST program at GSFC by participating in the development of the Design Reference Mission, the development of the full end-to-end model of the observatory, the design trade-off based on the modeling, the Science Instrument Module definition and modeling, the study of proto-mission and test-bed development, and by participating in meetings including quarterly reviews and support of the NGST SWG. This work was documented in a series of NGST Monographs that are available on the NGST web site.

Burg, Richard↗