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NASA NTRS2011

Contribution of Spaceflight Environmental Factors to Vision Risks

The risk of visual impairment and elevated intracranial pressure as a result of low-earth orbit microgravity exposure has directed our attention and research efforts to the eye. While the alterations observed in astronauts returning from long duration missions include vision and neuroanatomical changes observed by non-invasive methods, other effects and subsequent tissue responses at the molecular and cellular level can only be studied by accessing the tissue itself. As a result of this need, several studies are currently taking place within the Human and Health Countermeasures Element (HHC) that use animal models for eye research. The rodent eye has many similarities to the human eye, and both rats and mice have historically been used as models of human eye disease, aiding in the identification of the disease genes, elucidation of mechanisms of disease, as well as in the assessment of therapeutic treatments. These studies attempt to answer two central questions in the etiology of possible vision alterations in the environment of space exploration missions. The first is: what effects and response mechanisms take place in the different eye structures at the cellular and molecular level? The second question is directed to elucidate the contribution of the various environmental stressors (radiation, nutrition, fluid shift) to these effects. Collaborative approaches with internal and external investigators have allowed performing these studies in a most cost-effective fashion, providing preliminary data and laying the bases for testing further hypotheses in future and specifically designed animal experiments. From a study centered on the radioadaptive response in mice, we have learned that the retina responds to low and high dose gamma radiation by elevating antioxidant-related genes at early time points (4hrs) and that this response returns to control levels after 1 day post-irradiation. We are expanding this research with another collaborative study that investigates the combined effects of radiation exposure and iron overload on sensitivity to radiation injury in rat eyes. All main eye structures will be analyzed in this study: retina, lens and cornea. A study in collaboration with the Space Human Factors and Habitability Element (SHFH) investigates the effects of lunar dust exposure on the rat cornea. It is anticipated that common underlying oxidative stress mechanisms of damage may be observed as a result of these three stressors: radiation, nutritional iron and lunar dust. The contribution of fluid shift is addressed by a study using rats subjected to hindlimb suspension. The hypothesis to be tested in this study is that the mechanical stress imparted by the pressure differential across the optic disc and lamina cribosa will impact oxygenation (therefore causing oxidative stress and hypoxia) and cell survival. This study also includes the assessment of two nutritional antioxidant countermeasures: epigallocatechin gallate (green tea) and resveratrol. Finally, as a result of two successful tissue sharing efforts, we are proceeding with the analysis of eye samples of mice aboard two shuttle missions: STS-133 and STS-135. Results from the STS-133 study are presented in an independent abstract. Briefly, the results show that spaceflight represents a source of environmental stress that directly translates into oxidative and cellular stress in the retina. Similar analysis is also planned for the cornea. These samples add large value to our current vision research as they provide data on the direct effects of low-earth orbit spaceflight on eye structures and physiology.

Zanello, Susana B.↗

NASA NTRS2012

An Operationally Based Vision Assessment Simulator for Domes

The Operational Based Vision Assessment (OBVA) simulator was designed and built by NASA and the United States Air Force (USAF) to provide the Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine (USAFSAM) with a scientific testing laboratory to study human vision and testing standards in an operationally relevant environment. This paper describes the general design objectives and implementation characteristics of the simulator visual system being created to meet these requirements. A key design objective for the OBVA research simulator is to develop a real-time computer image generator (IG) and display subsystem that can display and update at 120 frame s per second (design target), or at a minimum, 60 frames per second, with minimal transport delay using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology. There are three key parts of the OBVA simulator that are described in this paper: i) the real-time computer image generator, ii) the various COTS technology used to construct the simulator, and iii) the spherical dome display and real-time distortion correction subsystem. We describe the various issues, possible COTS solutions, and remaining problem areas identified by NASA and the USAF while designing and building the simulator for future vision research. We also describe the critically important relationship of the physical display components including distortion correction for the dome consistent with an objective of minimizing latency in the system. The performance of the automatic calibration system used in the dome is also described. Various recommendations for possible future implementations shall also be discussed.

Archdeacon, John↗

NASA NTRS2013

FPGA Vision Data Architecture

JPL has produced a series of FPGA (field programmable gate array) vision algorithms that were written with custom interfaces to get data in and out of each vision module. Each module has unique requirements on the data interface, and further vision modules are continually being developed, each with their own custom interfaces. Each memory module had also been designed for direct access to memory or to another memory module.

Morfopoulos, Arin C.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Evidence Based Medicine in Space Flight: Evaluation of Inflight Vision Data for Operational Decision-Making

Due to recently identified vision changes associated with space flight, JSC Space and Clinical Operations (SCO) implemented broad mission‐related vision testing starting in 2009. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), 3 Tesla Brain and Orbit MRIs, Optical Biometry were implemented terrestrially for clinical monitoring. While no inflight vision testing was in place, already available onorbit technology was leveraged to facilitate in‐flight clinical monitoring, including visual acuity, Amsler grid, tonometry, and ultrasonography. In 2013, on‐orbit testing capabilities were expanded to include contrast sensitivity testing and OCT. As these additional testing capabilities have been added, resource prioritization, particularly crew time, is under evaluation.

Van Baalen, Mary↗

NASA NTRS2015

Are Medications Involved in Vision and Intracranial Pressure Changes Seen in Spaceflight?

Some crewmembers have experienced changes in their vision after long-duration spaceflight on the ISS. These impairments include visual performance decrements, development of cotton-wool spots or choroidal folds, optic-disc edema, optic nerve sheath distention, and/or posterior globe flattening with varying degrees of severity and permanence. These changes are now used to define the visual impairment/intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome. It is known that many medications can have side effects that are similar to VIIP symptoms. Some medications raise blood pressure, which can affect intracranial pressure. Many medications that act in the central nervous system can affect intracranial pressures and/or vision. About 40% of the medications in the ISS kit are known to cause side effects involving changes in blood pressure, intracranial pressure and/or vision. For this reason, we have begun an investigation of the potential relationship between ISS medications and their risk of causing or exacerbating VIIP-like symptoms.

Wotring, V. E.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Are Medications Involved in Vision and intracranial Pressure Changes Seen in Spaceflight?

Some crewmembers have experienced changes in their vision after long-duration spaceflight on the ISS. These impairments include visual performance decrements, development of cotton-wool spots or choroidal folds, optic-disc edema, optic nerve sheath distention, and/or posterior globe flattening with varying degrees of severity and permanence. These changes are now used to define the visual impairment/intracranial pressure (VIIP) syndrome. The reasons for these potentially debilitating medical issues are currently unknown. The potential role of administered medications has not yet been examined, but it is known that many medications can have side effects that are similar to VIIP symptoms. Some medications raise blood pressure, which can affect intracranial pressure. Many medications that act in the central nervous system can affect intracranial pressures and/or vision. About 40% of the medications in the ISS kit are known to cause side effects involving changes in blood pressure, intracranial pressure and/or vision. For this reason, we proposed an investigation of the potential relationship between ISS medications and their risk of causing or exacerbating VIIP-like symptoms. The purpose of this study was to use medication usage records for affected and unaffected crew to determine if use of particular medications seemed to correlate with VIIP occurrence or severity.

Wotring, V. E.↗

NASA NTRS2017

Simulation Test of a Head-Worn Display with Ambient Vision Display for Unusual Attitude Recovery

Head-Worn Displays (HWDs) are envisioned as a possible equivalent to a Head-Up Display (HUD) in commercial and general aviation. A simulation experiment was conducted to evaluate whether the HWD can provide an equivalent or better level of performance to a HUD in terms of unusual attitude recognition and recovery. A prototype HWD was tested with ambient vision capability which were varied (on/off) as an independent variable in the experiment testing for attitude awareness. The simulation experiment was conducted in two parts: 1) short unusual attitude recovery scenarios where the aircraft is placed in an unusual attitude and a single-pilot crew recovered the aircraft; and, 2) a two-pilot crew operating in a realistic flight environment with "off-nominal" events to induce unusual attitudes. The data showed few differences in unusual attitude recognition and recovery performance between the tested head-down, head-up, and head-worn display concepts. The presence and absence of ambient vision stimulation was inconclusive. The ergonomic influences of the head-worn display, necessary to implement the ambient vision experimentation, may have influenced the pilot ratings and acceptance of the concepts.

Arthur, Jarvis (Trey) J., III↗

NASA NTRS2018

2040 Vision: A Roadmap for Integrated, Multiscale Materials and System Modeling and Simulation

Over the last few decades, advances in high-performance computing, new materials characterization methods, and, more recently, an emphasis on integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) and additive manufacturing have been a catalyst for multiscale modeling and simulation-based design of materials and structures in the aerospace industry. While these advances have driven significant progress in the development of aerospace components and systems, that progress has been limited by persistent technology and infrastructure challenges that must be overcome to realize the full potential of integrated materials and systems design and simulation modeling throughout the supply chain. As a result, NASA's Transformational Tools and Technology (TTT) Project sponsored a study (performed by a team led by Pratt & Whitney) to define the potential 25-year future state required for integrated multiscale modeling of materials and systems (e.g., load-bearing structures) to accelerate the pace and reduce the expense of innovation in future aerospace and aeronautical systems. This talk will describe the findings of this 2040 Vision study (e.g., the 2040 vision state; the required interdependent core technical work areas, Key Element (KE); associated critical gaps and actions to close those gaps; and major recommendations). This roadmap is a community consensus document and is a result of over 450 professionals input obtain via: i) four society workshops (AIAA, NAFEMS, and two TMS), ii) community-wide survey, and iii) the establishment of 9 expert panels (one per key element) consisting on average 10 non-team members from academia, government and industry to review, update content, and prioritize gaps and actions. It is NASA's hope and desire that this roadmap provides the strategic guidance to both public and private research and development decision makers to make the proposed 2040 vision state a reality and thereby provide a significant advancement in the United States global competitiveness.

Multiscale Modeling↗

NASA NTRS2019

Demonstration of Stereo Vision for Deorbit Descent and Landing

Planetary landers need to reduce velocity at low altitude for soft landing. Traditionally, estimating velocity and altitude has been performed with radar sensors whose performance meets the specific mission needs. There are not very many options for these sensors and they are difficult to include in a flight system either due to obsolescence, prohibitive cost or difficulty in accommodation. Recently, alternative sensing modalities are being pursued including Doppler LiDAR and vision. This paper describes results from a recent helicopter field test of a binocular stereo vision system for deorbit descent and landing applications. The system consisted of two 18.6 ̊ field of view cameras mounted 1.7m apart. Post processing of the images showed ranging accuracy better than 1% up to 500mand 17 cm/s velocimetry accuracy at 37m. For a flight system these images could be input into an FPGA-based processor which processes dense stereo and visual odometry in less than 1 second to achieve the stereo ranging frame rates required for soft landing. When coupled with vision based Terrain Relative Navigation this stereo system enables landing accuracies on the order of 10m.

Sternberg, David C.↗

NASA NTRS2017

A Minimal State Augmentation Algorithm for Vision-Based Navigation without Using Mapped Landmarks

This paper describes MAVeN (Minimal State Augmentation Algorithm for Vision-Based Navigation), which is a new algorithm for vision-based navigation that has only 21 states, yet is able to track features in successive camera images and use them to propagate estimates of the spacecraft position and velocity. The filter dimension drops to 12 if attitude information is already available. The low filter dimension makes MAVeN a very reliable and practical algorithm for real-time flight implementation. The main idea is to project observed features onto a rough shape model of the ground surface, which are then used by the filter as pseudo-landmarks. The shape model is assumed to be known beforehand, as would be obtained from prior surveillance of the landing site from orbit. MAVeN does not require pre-mapped landmarks, so it is able to navigate terrain that has not been previously observed up close. This property is especially important for close proximity operations in small body missions where ground surface features are being seen for the first time at close range. MAVeN is also able to hover motionless above the ground without position error growth, which is unusual for this class of vision-based navigation algorithms.

San Martin, A. Miguel↗

NASA NTRS2018

An “EPIIC” Vision to Evolve Project Integration, Innovation, and Collaboration with Broad Impact for How NASA Executes Complex Projects

Evolving Project Integration, Innovation, and Collaboration (EPIIC) is a vision defined to transform the way projects manage information to support real-time decisions, capture best practices and lessons learned, perform assessments, and manage risk across a portfolio of projects. The foundational project management needs for data and information will be revolutionized through innovations on how we manage and access that data, implement configuration control, and certify compliance. The embedded intelligence of new interactive data interfaces integrate technical and programmatic data such that near real time analytics can be accomplished to more efficiently and accurately complete systems engineering and project management tasks. The system-wide data analytics that are integrated into customized data interfaces allows the growing team of engineers and managers required to develop and implement major NASA missions the ability to access authoritative source(s) of system information while greatly reducing the labor required to complete system assessments. This would allow, for example, much of what is accomplished in a scheduled design review to take place as needed, between any team members, at any time. An intelligent data interface that rigorously integrates systems engineering and project management information in near real time can provide substantially greater insight for systems engineers, project managers, and the large diverse teams required to complete a complex project. System engineers, programmatic personnel (those who focus on cost, schedule, and risk), the technical engineering disciplines, and project management can realize immediate benefit from the shared vision described herein. Implementation of the vision also enables significant improvements in the performance of the engineered system being developed.

Moreland, Robert J.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Evaluation of a Head-Worn Display with Ambient Vision Cues for Unusual Attitude Recovery

A Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) study of 18 loss-of-control events determined that a lack of external visual references was a contributing factor in 17 of these events. CAST recommended that manufacturers should develop and implement virtual day-VMC display systems, such as synthetic vision (SV) or equivalent systems (CAST Safety Enhancement, SE-200). In support of this recommended action, CAST has requested studies to define minimum requirements for virtual day-visual meteorological conditions (VMC) displays to improve flight crew awareness of airplane attitude. NASA’s research in Virtual day-VMC displays, known as synthetic vision systems, are intended to support intuitive flight crew attitude awareness similar to a day-VMC-like environment, especially if they could be designed to create visual dominance. A study was conducted to evaluate the utility of ambient vision (AV) cues paired with virtual Head-Up Display (HUD) symbology on a prototype head-worn display (HWD) during recovery from unusual attitudes in a simulated environment. The virtual-HUD component meets the requirement that the HWD may be used as an equivalent display to the HUD. The presence of AV cueing leverages the potential that a HWD has over the HUD for spatial disorientation prevention. The simulation study was conducted as a single-pilot operation, under realistic flight scenarios, with off-nominal events occurring that were capable of inducing unusual attitudes. Independent variables of the experiment included: 1) AV capability (on vs off) 2) AV display opaqueness (transparent vs opaque) and display location (HWD vs traditional head- down displays); AV cues were only present when the HWD was being worn by the subject pilot.

Nicholas, Stephanie N.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Vision 2030 Aircraft Propulsion Grand Challenge Problem: Full-engine CFD Simulations with High Geometric Fidelity and Physics Accuracy

In 2014 NASA published the outcome of the 2030 CFD Vision study: “CFD Vision 2030: A path to Revolutionary Computational Aerosciences” (Slotnick et al., 2014). The study provided a comprehensive review of the state of the art of CFD in 2014 for aerospace applications including, but not limited to, numerical algorithms, physics models, MDAO and HPC hardware. The study also proposed four conceptual ideas of Grand Challenge problems that would benefit from advances outlined in the roadmap including “off-design turbofan engine transient simulation”. The proposed challenges served as a starting point for more detailed problem descriptions that would benefit from advances in simulation. The objective of this paper is to build upon the NASA 2030 CFD Vision study and provide a detailed overview of what needs to take place to enable accurate and efficient simulation of flow through an aircraft engine at off-design condition for transient operation . Execution of the proposed roadmap would significantly advance aircraft engine development by reducing program cost, reducing program development timelines and enabling design objectives associated with Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC), noise, weight and durability.

compressor↗

NASA NTRS2021

Future Model-Based Systems Engineering Vision and Strategy Bridge for NASA

A vision for the future of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) at NASA in 2029 and a strategy bridge towards that future are presented. Strategic thinking and leading change concepts were used to analyze reports and presentations on global trends and visionary thinking about the future of systems and digital engineering. The context, strategic time horizon, stakeholders, strategic challenges, strategic advantages, driving forces, and opportunities were considered. The analysis resulted in a future vision of MBSE that shows what NASA systems engineers and digital machines will do to perform rapid, extraordinary, and unprecedented missions. The NASA systems engineer, in this future vision, works with a global project team in a virtual and collaborative environment, engineers the system, and uses digital approaches as the routine and default way of working. The digital machines provide data-driven and automated mission designs; have a backbone of program and project management, systems engineering, and product life-cycle management; and are a knowledge-sharing infrastructure. The NASA systems engineer and the systems engineering team are envisioned to use digital machines to plan and perform rapid exploration missions, develop a digital twin that lasts across the life cycle, and develop enduring and adaptable systems. NASA has an engineering enterprise and a life-cycle management framework that endure, adapt, and respond. A strategy bridge based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence Framework and lessons learned from a recent MBSE initiative illuminates a way forward from today to this desired future. The bridge lays out a strategy for leaders and recommends investments of today for immediate benefits and for benefits in 2029.

model-based systems engineering, digital engineeri↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Recent Advances in Soft Matter Characterization Capabilities Developed at NASA GRC for Lunar Exploration: Differential Dynamic Microscopy to Spectroscopy to Computer Vision

In 1991, famous French scientist Pierre-Gilles de Genes was awarded Nobel prize for his impactful research in soft matter, more specifically polymers. He is defined as the founding father of soft matter. In his Nobel lecture (https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/gennes-lecture.pdf ) he described soft matter aka complex fluids as materials with two primary features – (a) complexity and (b) flexibility. The sub-categories of soft matter (e.g.- granular materials, polymers, foams, colloids etc.) are defined on the basis of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes’ definition. At NASA GRC, we are pushing the boundaries for fundamental study of soft matter on Lunar Surface. With regard to Lunar surface science, we are focusing on developing capabilities pertaining to granular materials and bio-soft/active matter to facilitate future efforts in ISRU and bio-ISRU capabilities. In order to achieve fundamental goals of soft matter research within the limitations of Lunar environment, the scientific capabilities need to be small, flexible, modular, off the shelf and the focus needs to be more on developing an interdisciplinary capability that leverages the recent growth in AI/ML and Computer Vision to augment our understanding of fundamental science. This strategy would allow us to reduce our resource requirement during launch, installation, and occupied real estate footprint on Lunar surface In this talk, we will go over 3 different capabilities that we have developed in house and in close collaboration – (a) Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), (b) Portable In-situ Chemical Spectroscopy (PICS) and (c) Computer Vision Enabled Observation. At very high level, Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) allows us to study the structure-property-process relation (microrheology) of bio-soft/active matter using optical microscope and improved image analysis capabilities. PICS uses AI/ML-based advanced signal deconvolution and analysis technique that can work with existing portable spectroscopy tools to perform materials analysis (e.g.- granular materials and bio-soft/active matter) inspection on the go. Finally, computer vision enabled analysis allows us to use simple camera images for 3D reconstruction of experimental process and tracking of objects of interest in an experiment. We expect that this detailed process will allow us reach a thorough understanding of soft matter in Lunar environment. The capabilities developed by us will help to validate and establish fundamental understanding in Lunar environment. This will, in turn, allow us to guide future space exploration missions and expand the knowledge base of the scientific and engineering communities.

Suman Sinha Ray↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Recent Advances in Soft Matter Characterization Capabilities Developed at NASA GRC for Lunar Exploration: Differential Dynamic Microscopy to Spectroscopy to Computer Vision

In 1991, famous French scientist Pierre-Gilles de Genes was awarded Nobel prize for his impactful research in soft matter, more specifically polymers. He is defined as the founding father of soft matter. In his Nobel lecture (https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2018/06/gennes-lecture.pdf ) he described soft matter aka complex fluids as materials with two primary features – (a) complexity and (b) flexibility. The sub-categories of soft matter (e.g.- granular materials, polymers, foams, colloids etc.) are defined on the basis of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes’ definition. At NASA GRC, we are pushing the boundaries for fundamental study of soft matter on Lunar Surface. With regard to Lunar surface science, we are focusing on developing capabilities pertaining to granular materials and bio-soft/active matter to facilitate future efforts in ISRU and bio-ISRU capabilities. In order to achieve fundamental goals of soft matter research within the limitations of Lunar environment, the scientific capabilities need to be small, flexible, modular, off the shelf and the focus needs to be more on developing an interdisciplinary capability that leverages the recent growth in AI/ML and Computer Vision to augment our understanding of fundamental science. This strategy would allow us to reduce our resource requirement during launch, installation, and occupied real estate footprint on Lunar surface. In this talk, we will go over 3 different capabilities that we have developed in house and in close collaboration – (a) Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM), (b) Portable In-situ Chemical Spectroscopy (PICS) and (c) Computer Vision Enabled Observation. At very high level, Differential Dynamic Microscopy (DDM) allows us to study the structure-property-process relation (microrheology) of bio-soft/active matter using optical microscope and improved image analysis capabilities. PICS uses AI/ML-based advanced signal deconvolution and analysis technique that can work with existing portable spectroscopy tools to perform materials analysis (e.g.- granular materials and bio-soft/active matter) inspection on the go. Finally, computer vision enabled analysis allows us to use simple camera images for 3D reconstruction of experimental process and tracking of objects of interest in an experiment. We expect that this detailed process will allow us reach a thorough understanding of soft matter in Lunar environment. The capabilities developed by us will help to validate and establish fundamental understanding in Lunar environment. This will, in turn, allow us to guide future space exploration missions and expand the knowledge base of the scientific and engineering communities.

Suman Sinha-Ray↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Recent Advances in Soft Matter Characterization Capabilities Developed at NASA GRC for Lunar Exploration: Differential Dynamic Microscopy to Spectroscopy to Computer Vision

Suman Sinha Ray↗

DOE OSTI2020

Material sorting using a vision system

A material sorting system sorts materials utilizing a vision system that implements a machine learning system in order to identify or classify each of the materials, which are then sorted into separate groups based on such an identification or classification. The material sorting system may include an x-ray fluorescence system to perform a classification of the materials in combination with the vision system, whereby the classification efforts of the vision system and x-ray fluorescence system are combined in order to classify and sort the materials.

Kumar, Nalin↗