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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 NTRSDate not supplied

Bioreactor Development for CO2-Based In Situ Resource Utilization Manufacturing

Sustainable long-duration manned missions on both the Moon and Mars will require in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Carbon dioxide (CO2) has great potential as a harvestable resource, making up 95% of the atmosphere on Mars and being produced as respiratory waste in spacecraft and future planetary habitats. Through ISRU, biomanufacturing has the capability to produce a near limitless array of products from local space resources, which include pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, chemical feedstocks, and industrial enzymes. Here, a CO2-based ISRU recombinant protein bioreactor and associated biomanufacturing organisms were designed to produce a highly stable carbonic anhydrase (CA). Initial work characterized candidate organisms for growth on acetate and formic acid, carbon substrates that can be synthesized via electrochemical conversion of CO2. To improve growth on the CO2 producing substrate formic acid and for direct integration of ISRU CO2, a synthetic Calvin-Benson-Bassam cycle was designed for use in Cyberlindnera jadinii and Escherichia coli. Genetic modifications in E. coli will be facilitated by a tailored CRISPR/Cas9 and λ red recombineering two-vector system. For expression of CA, a blue light regulated T7 promoter was employed for dynamic and small molecule free induction. Efficient bioproduction through a fed-batch exponential feeding strategy was determined via mass balance calculations from ISRU substrates to biomass and CA yield. Flux balance analysis was used to model ISRU substrate metabolism and metabolic pathway engineering in candidate organisms under cultivation strategy conditions for both metabolism reconstruction and pathway design optimization. Finally, a small-scale, disposable bag bioreactor concept for use in the NASA Bioculture System infrastructure was designed to enable CO2-based CA production in reduced-gravity environments.

Biomanufacturing, Pathway Engineering, Flux Balanc↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Bioreactor Development for CO2-Based In Situ Resource Utilization Manufacturing

Sustainable long-duration manned missions on both the Moon and Mars will require in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Carbon dioxide (CO2) has great potential as a harvestable resource, making up 95% of the atmosphere on Mars and being produced as respiratory waste in spacecraft and future planetary habitats. Through ISRU, biomanufacturing has the capability to produce a near limitless array of products from local space resources. Here, a CO2-based ISRU recombinant protein producing bioreactor and associated biomanufacturing organisms were designed to produce a highly stable carbonic anhydrase (CA). Candidate organisms were selected by growth characterization on acetate and formic acid, carbon substrates that are synthesized via electrochemical conversion of CO2. To improve growth on the CO2 producing substrate formic acid and for direct integration of ISRU CO2, a synthetic Calvin-Benson-Bassam cycle was designed for use in Escherichia coli. Multiplex genetic modification in E. coli was facilitated by a tailored CRISPR/Cas9 and λ red recombineering two-vector system. For expression of CA, a blue light regulated T7 promoter was employed for dynamic and small molecule free induction. Efficient bioproduction through a fed-batch exponential feeding strategy was determined via mass balance analysis from ISRU substrates to biomass and CA yield. Flux balance analysis was used to model ISRU substrate metabolism and metabolic pathway engineering in candidate organisms under cultivation strategy conditions for both metabolism reconstruction and pathway design optimization. Finally, a small-scale, disposable bag bioreactor for use in the NASA Bioculture System infrastructure was designed to enable CO2-based CA biomanufacturing in reduced-gravity environments.

biomanufacturing↗
NASA NTRS2015

Center Planning and Development Student Engineer at KSC

This summer I was the Student Trainee (Engineering) Pathways Intern (co-op) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in the Center Planning & Development (CPD) Directorate. CPD works with commercial companies who are interested in using KSC's unique capabilities for spaceflight, spacecraft processing, ground systems and Research & Development (R&D) projects that fall in line with NASA's Mission and Vision. CPD is divided into three (3) groups: (1) AD-A, which works on the Master Planning for the center, (2) AD-B (where I am), which works on project control, management and integration, and (3) AD-C, which works on partnership development. CPD's main goal is to make KSC the world's preeminent multi-user spaceport and maintain the center as a leader in space exploration. CPD is a very diverse group of employees having a wide knowledge of not only the Space Shuttle, but also Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELV). The director of CPD, Scott Colloredo, is on the advisory board for Commercial Space Operations (CSO) and has a degree from ERAU. I worked on a number of different tasks for AD-B, as well as CPD, that includes, but not limited to: reviewing and reissuing engineering documents, weekly notes for CPD and senior management, engineering familiarizations with facilities at KSC, leading a tour for the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Career Services office, and working on actual agreements/proposals that will be used in the partnership process with multiple partners, along with other projects. Most of the work I have done is sensitive information and cannot be disclosed.

Engineer↗
NASA NTRS2013

Center Planning and Development Student Engineer

This fall I was the Student Trainee (Engineering) Pathways Intern (co-op) at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in the Center Planning Development (CPD) Directorate. CPD works with commercial companies who are interested using KSCs unique capabilities in spaceflight, spacecraft processing, ground systems and Research Development (RD) projects that fall in line with NASAs mission and goals. CPD is divided into four (4) groups: (1) AD-A, which works on the Master Planning for center, (2) AD-B (where I am), which works on project management and integration, (3) AD-C, which works on partnership development, and (4) AD-T, which works on the RD aspects of partnerships. CPDs main goal is to one day make KSC the worlds largest spaceport and maintain the center as a leader in space exploration. CPD is a very diverse group with employees having a wide knowledge of not only the Space Shuttle, but also that of the Apollo era. Our director of CPD, Scott Colloredo, is on the advisory board for Commercial Space Operations (CSO) and has a degree at ERAU. I worked on a number of different tasks for AD-B, as well as CPD, that includes, but not limited to: reviewing and reissuing engineering drawings from the Apollo and Shuttle eras, to supporting NASA rocket launches (MAVEN), and working on actual agreementsproposals that will be used in the partnership process with multiple partners. Most of the work I have done is sensitive information and cannot be disclosed.

engineering↗
NASA NTRS2015

NASA Work Experience

I have had the opportunity to support the analytical laboratories in chemical analysis of unknown samples, using Optical Microscopy (OM), Polarizing Light Microscopy (PLM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEMEDS), and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XPD). I have assisted in characterizing fibers pulled from a spacecraft, a white fibrous residue discovered in a jet refueler truck, brown residue from a plant habitat slated for delivery to the ISS (International Space Station), corrosion on a pipe from a sprinkler, and air filtration material brought back from the ISS. I also conducted my own fiber study in order to practice techniques and further my understanding of background concepts. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to participate in diverse work assignments, where I was assigned to work with other branches of the engineering department for 1-2 days each. The first was in the Materials Science branch where I participated in the construction of the plant habitat intended for use in research aboard the ISS. The second was in the Testing Design branch where I assisted with tensile and hardness testing of over 40 samples. In addition, I have had the privilege to attend multiple tours of the NASA KSC campus, including to the Astronaut Crew Quarters, the VAB (the main area, the Columbia room, and the catwalk), the Visitor Center housing the shuttle Atlantis, the Saturn-V exhibit, the Prototype laboratory, SWAMP WORKS, the Shuttle Landing Facility, the Crawler, and the Booster Fabrication Facility (BFF). Lastly, much of my coursework prepared me for this experience, including numerous laboratory courses with topics diverse as chemistry, physics, and biology.

Florida Tech↗
NASA NTRS1993

Pathways to excellence: A Federal strategy for science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education

This Strategic Plan was developed by the Federal Coordinating Council for Science, Engineering, and Technology (FCCSET) through its Committee on Education and Human Resources (CEHR), with representatives from 16 Federal agencies. Based on two years of coordinated interagency effort, the Plan confirms the Federal Government's commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education at all levels and in all sectors (i.e., elementary and secondary, undergraduate, graduate, public understanding of science, and technology education). The Plan represents the Federal Government's efforts to develop a five-year planning framework and associated milestones that focus Federal planning and the resources of the participating agencies toward achieving the requisite or expected level of mathematics and science competence by all students. The priority framework outlines the strategic objectives, implementation priorities, and components for the Strategic Plan and serves as a road map for the Plan. The Plan endorses a broad range of ongoing activities, including continued Federal support for graduate education as the backbone of our country's research and development enterprise. The Plan also identifies three tiers of program activities with goals that address issues in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education meriting special attention. Within each tier, individual agency programs play important and often unique roles that strengthen the aggregate portfolio. The three tiers are presented in descending order of priority: (1) reforming the formal education system; (2) expanding participation and access; and (3) enabling activities.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2024

A Collaborative Vision for Deep Space Human Exploration

Artemis will be the first cooperative campaign among nations for crewed planetary exploration. This paradigm shift reflects a collaborative vision for deep space human exploration that embraces the concept that, “If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together.” This paper elaborates on the way the National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)is striving to make its Moon to Mars effort a collaborative endeavor for long-term human exploration of deep space and for the international space community. The agency is making great strides in unifying its workforce, mission directorates, technical authorities, and centers behind shared goals and processes. Enhanced communication and a reinvigoration of systems engineering ideals have been a hallmark of that effort, guided by the Moon to Mars Architecture, which defines what NASA aims to accomplish and how it will execute those goals. This interdisciplinary approach ensures the Artemis campaign supports NASA’s engineering, science, and technology development goals. As of September 2024, over 43 nations have signed the Artemis Accords, which establish a common set of principles for peaceful cooperation in civil space exploration. Building off these efforts, NASA has been engaging in separate and distinct discussions about partner contributions to Artemis. International partnerships for the Artemis campaign include long-standing partners as well as agencies with which NASA has only more recently begun collaborating. The Gateway Program is an early example of both –benefitting from partnerships with Canada, Japan, and Europe forged though decades of cooperation on the International Space Station, as well as a new partnership with the United Arab Emirates. The agency’s Moon to Mars Objectives and Architecture unify the NASA workforce with common goals and shared systems-engineering processes. The architecture offers pathways for broader participation from industry, academia, and international partners. The agency evolves this collaborative approach through its annual Architecture Concept Review cycle, seeking input from the NASA workforce, and through workshops, from industry, academia, and the international space community to refine NASA’s roadmap for exploration. Exploring together, NASA and its partners are setting humanity on the path to long-term presence at the Moon and our eventual journey to Mars

Objective↗
NASA NTRS2023

Evolutionary Flexibility and Rigidity in the Bacterial Methylerythritol Phosphate (Mep) Pathway

Terpenoids are a diverse class of compounds with wide-ranging uses including as industrial solvents, pharmaceuticals, and fragrances. Efforts to produce terpenoids sustainably by engineering microbes for fermentation are ongoing, but industrial production still largely relies on nonrenewable sources. The methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway generates terpenoid precursor molecules and includes the enzyme Dxs and two iron–sulfur cluster enzymes: IspG and IspH. IspG and IspH are rate limiting-enzymes of the MEP pathway but are challenging for metabolic engineering because they require iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis and an ongoing supply of reducing equivalents to function. Therefore, identifying novel alternatives to IspG and IspH has been an on-going effort to aid in metabolic engineering of terpenoid biosynthesis. We report here an analysis of the evolutionary diversity of terpenoid biosynthesis strategies as a resource for exploration of alternative terpenoid biosynthesis pathways. Using comparative genomics, we surveyed a database of 4,400 diverse bacterial species and found that some may have evolved alternatives to the first enzyme in the pathway, Dxs making it evolutionarily flexible. In contrast, we found that IspG and IspH are evolutionarily rigid because we could not identify any species that appear to have enzymatic routes that circumvent these enzymes. The ever-growing repository of sequenced bacterial genomes has great potential to provide metabolic engineers with alternative metabolic pathway solutions. With the current state of knowledge, we found that enzymes IspG and IspH are evolutionarily indispensable which informs both metabolic engineering efforts and our understanding of the evolution of terpenoid biosynthesis pathways.

Bailey Marshall↗
NASA NTRS2021

NASA KSC Internship Experience & Project Report

As part of the Spring 2021 Engineering Student Trainee rotation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through the Pathways program at Kennedy Space Center (KSC). I served under KSC’s Engineering directorate as a Pneumatics Engineering Intern for the Environmental and Life support Systems branch (NE-XF). During my Internship, I primarily supported the Exploration Ground Systems (EGS) program under the direct supervision of NE-XF Pneumatics Senior Engineer, Ruben Jaca, and NE-XF matrix supervisor, Stephen M. Anthony. I worked on the completion of a Pressure Vessel and Pressurized System (PVS) certification for a Payload Accommodation Subsystem (PAS) prototype. As part of the Pathways program, I was additionally exposed to various career and skill enhancement activities.

Internship↗
NASA NTRS2016

Crawler Solids Unknown Analysis

Crawler Transporter (CT) #2 has been undergoing refurbishment to carry the Space Launch System (SLS). After returning to normal operation, multiple filters of the gear box lubrication system failed/clogged and went on bypass during a test run to the launch pad. Analysis of the filters was done in large part with polarized light microscopy (PLM) to identify the filter contaminates and the source of origin.

Polarized Light Microscopy↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Brighter Choice for Safety

Emergency exit signs can be lifesavers, but only if they remain visible when people need them. All too often, power losses or poor visibility can render the signs ineffective. Luna Technologies International, Inc., of Kent, Washington, is shining new light on this safety issue. The company s LUNAplast(trademark) product line illuminates without the need for electricity, maintenance, or a power connection. LUNAplast, which benefited from tests conducted at Johnson Space Center, is so successful that NASA engineers selected it for the emergency exit pathway indicators on the International Space Station (ISS).

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1999

Novel optical methodologies in studying mechanical signal transduction in mammalian cells

For the last 3 decades evidence has been accumulating that some types of mammalian cells respond to their mechanically active environment by altering their morphology, growth rate, and metabolism. The study of such responses is very important in understanding, physiological and pathological conditions ranging from bone formation to atherosclerosis. Obtaining this knowledge has been the goal for an active research area in bioengineering termed cell mechanotransduction. The advancement of optical methodologies used in cell biology research has given the tools to elucidate cellular mechanisms that would otherwise be impossible to visualize. Combined with molecular biology techniques, they give engineers invaluable tools in understanding the chemical pathways involved in mechanotransduction. Herein we briefly review the current knowledge on mechanical signal transduction in mammalian cells, focusing on the application of novel optical techniques in the ongoing research.

NASA Discipline Cell Biology↗
NASA NTRS2016

Pathways Intern Report 2016

This report is to inform civil engineering students of what it might be like to work for NASA. The report covers the initial construction phases of the Central Campus Replacement Building, the Indian River Bridge Studies, and Construction Branch Management.

Cortes, Daniela↗
NASA NTRS2016

Reliability and Maintainability Analysis for the Amine Swingbed Carbon Dioxide Removal System

I have performed a reliability & maintainability analysis for the Amine Swingbed payload system. The Amine Swingbed is a carbon dioxide removal technology that has gone through 2,400 hours of International Space Station on-orbit use between 2013 and 2016. While the Amine Swingbed is currently an experimental payload system, the Amine Swingbed may be converted to system hardware. If the Amine Swingbed becomes system hardware, it will supplement the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) as the primary CO2 removal technology on the International Space Station. NASA is also considering using the Amine Swingbed as the primary carbon dioxide removal technology for future extravehicular mobility units and for the Orion, which will be used for the Asteroid Redirect and Journey to Mars missions. The qualitative component of the reliability and maintainability analysis is a Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). In the FMEA, I have investigated how individual components in the Amine Swingbed may fail, and what the worst case scenario is should a failure occur. The significant failure effects are the loss of ability to remove carbon dioxide, the formation of ammonia due to chemical degradation of the amine, and loss of atmosphere because the Amine Swingbed uses the vacuum of space to regenerate the Amine Swingbed. In the quantitative component of the reliability and maintainability analysis, I have assumed a constant failure rate for both electronic and nonelectronic parts. Using this data, I have created a Poisson distribution to predict the failure rate of the Amine Swingbed as a whole. I have determined a mean time to failure for the Amine Swingbed to be approximately 1,400 hours. The observed mean time to failure for the system is between 600 and 1,200 hours. This range includes initial testing of the Amine Swingbed, as well as software faults that are understood to be non-critical. If many of the commercial parts were switched to military-grade parts, the expected mean time to failure would be 2,300 hours. Both calculated mean times to failure for the Amine Swingbed use conservative failure rate models. The observed mean time to failure for CDRA is 2,500 hours. Working on this project and for NASA in general has helped me gain insight into current aeronautics missions, reliability engineering, circuit analysis, and different cultures. Prior my internship, I did not have a lot knowledge about the work being performed at NASA. As a chemical engineer, I had not really considered working for NASA as a career path. By engaging in interactions with civil servants, contractors, and other interns, I have learned a great deal about modern challenges that NASA is addressing. My work has helped me develop a knowledge base in safety and reliability that would be difficult to find elsewhere. Prior to this internship, I had not thought about reliability engineering. Now, I have gained a skillset in performing reliability analyses, and understanding the inner workings of a large mechanical system. I have also gained experience in understanding how electrical systems work while I was analyzing the electrical components of the Amine Swingbed. I did not expect to be exposed to as many different cultures as I have while working at NASA. I am referring to both within NASA and the Houston area. NASA employs individuals with a broad range of backgrounds. It has been great to learn from individuals who have highly diverse experiences and outlooks on the world. In the Houston area, I have come across individuals from different parts of the world. Interacting with such a high number of individuals with significantly different backgrounds has helped me to grow as a person in ways that I did not expect. My time at NASA has opened a window into the field of aeronautics. After earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, I plan to go to graduate school for a PhD in engineering. Prior to coming to NASA, I was not aware of the graduate Pathways program. I intend to apply for the graduate Pathways program as positions are opened up. I would like to pursue future opportunities with NASA, especially as my engineering career progresses.

Dunbar, Tyler↗
NASA NTRS2003

Sulfur Oxidation and Contrail Precursor Chemistry

Sulfuric acid (H2SO4), formed in commercial aircraft operations via fuel-S (goes to) SO2 (goes to) SO3 (goes to) H2SO4 plays an important role in the formation of contrails. It is believed that the first step occurs inside the combustor, the second step in the engine exit nozzle, and the third step in the exhaust plume. Thus, measurements of the sulfur oxidation rates are critical to the understanding of contrail formation. Field measurements of contrails formed behind commercial aircraft indicate that significantly greater conversion of fuel-bound sulfur to sulfate aerosol occurs than can be explained by our current knowledge of contrail physics and chemistry. The conversion of sulfur from S(IV) to S(VI) oxidation state, required for sulfate aerosol formation, is thermodynamically favored for the conditions that exist within jet engines but is kinetically disfavored. The principal reaction pathway is O+SO2+M (goes to) SO3+M. The rates of this reaction have never been measured in the temperature and pressure regimes available to aircraft operation. In the first year (FY02) of this project, we performed a series of experiments to elucidate the rate information for the O+SO2+M (goes to) SO3+M reaction. The work performed is described following the proposed work plan. Because we used the H2/O2 system for an O-atom source and rate coefficients were obtained via computer simulation, construction of a reaction mechanism and either recalculation or estimation of thermodynamic properties of H(x)SO(y) species are described first.

DeWitt, Kenneth J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Regulatory Approach for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Reactor Systems

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is being developed to support crewed or cargo transfer missions to Mars. Obtaining regulatory approval for NTP engine testing proves a challenge for not only the technology maturation required but also the fabrication, launch and operational nuclear regulatory environments. Existing regulations currently apply to either (1) high power, long duration commercial power plants, or (2) low power, short duration research reactors. NTP systems find themselves in a separate and unique area due to their higher power but short operating duration. This is supplemented by use of the reactor coolant as propellant. When planning the regulatory approach for NTP systems, operations in space and testing on Earth must be considered – each have their own challenges. This paper identifies a preliminary pathway for regulatory approval to operate a NTP demonstration engine as well as supporting test data that is recommended to be generated during the development program to support major regulatory milestones and deliverables.

Regulatory↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Regulatory Approach for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is being developed to support crewed or cargo transfer missions to Mars. Obtaining regulatory approval for NTP engine testing proves a challenge for not only the technology maturation required but also the fabrication, launch and operational nuclear regulatory environments. Existing regulations currently apply to either (1) high power, long duration commercial power plants, or (2) low power, short duration research reactors. NTP systems find themselves in a separate and unique area due to their higher power but short operating duration. This is supplemented by use of the reactor coolant as propellant. When planning the regulatory approach for NTP systems, operations in space and testing on Earth must be considered – each have their own challenges. This paper identifies a preliminary pathway for regulatory approval to operate a NTP demonstration engine as well as supporting test data that is recommended to be generated during the development program to support major regulatory milestones and deliverables.

Regulatory↗
NASA NTRS2013

Spring 2013 Graduate Engineering Internship Summary

In the spring of 2013, I participated in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Pathways Intern Employment Program at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. This was my final internship opportunity with NASA, a third consecutive extension from a summer 2012 internship. Since the start of my tenure here at KSC, I have gained an invaluable depth of engineering knowledge and extensive hands-on experience. These opportunities have granted me the ability to enhance my systems engineering approach in the field of payload design and testing as well as develop a strong foundation in the area of composite fabrication and testing for repair design on space vehicle structures. As a systems engineer, I supported the systems engineering and integration team with final acceptance testing of the Vegetable Production System, commonly referred to as Veggie. Verification and validation (V and V) of Veggie was carried out prior to qualification testing of the payload, which incorporated the process of confirming the system's design requirements dependent on one or more validation methods: inspection, analysis, demonstration, and testing.

Ehrlich, Joshua↗