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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1980

The EMC impact of SPS operations on low Earth orbit satellites

The susceptibility of various operational and planned low Earth orbit satellites to solar power satellite (SPS) operations was examined. Functional degradation for the electronic systems on LANDSAT, the global positioning system, and the space telescope is described in relation to the amplitude of the SPS illumination components. Analyses include the modes of coupling to devices and subsystems, and performance effects in relation to satellite mission.

Grant, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) power conversion concept

A summary design analysis of a GaAs power conversion system for the solar power satellite (SPS) is presented. Eight different satellite configuration options for the solar arrays are compared. Solar cell annealing effects after proton irradiation are considered. Mass estimates for the SPS and the effect of solar cell parameters on SPS array design are discussed.

Nussberger, A. A.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Demonstration of Advanced C/SiC Cooled Ramp

Under a NASA contract, SPS is evaluating its C/SiC to metal brazing technique for the development of light, composite, actively cooled panels. The program first consisted of defining a system applicable to the X-33 nozzle ramp. SPS then performed evaluation tests for tube, composite, and braze material selection, and for the adaptation of braze process parameters to the parts geometry. SPS is presently manufacturing a 250x60 millimeter squared specimen, including 10 metallic tubes, which will be cycled in the NASA/GRC-CELL-22 test bed under engine representative conditions.

Bouquet, Clement↗
NASA NTRS1979

Space construction system analysis study: Project systems and missions descriptions

Three project systems are defined and summarized. The systems are: (1) a Solar Power Satellite (SPS) Development Flight Test Vehicle configured for fabrication and compatible with solar electric propulsion orbit transfer; (2) an Advanced Communications Platform configured for space fabrication and compatible with low thrust chemical orbit transfer propulsion; and (3) the same Platform, configured to be space erectable but still compatible with low thrust chemical orbit transfer propulsion. These project systems are intended to serve as configuration models for use in detailed analyses of space construction techniques and processes. They represent feasible concepts for real projects; real in the sense that they are realistic contenders on the list of candidate missions currently projected for the national space program. Thus, they represent reasonable configurations upon which to base early studies of alternative space construction processes.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1980

Critical technology areas of an SPS development and the applicability of European technology

Possible system development and implementation scenarios for the hypothetical European part of a cooperative Satellite Power System effort are discussed, and the technology and systems requirements which could be used as an initial guideline for further evaluation studies are characterized. Examples of advanced European space technologies are described including high power microwave amplifiers, antennas, advanced structures, multi-kilowatt solar arrays, attitude and orbit control systems, and electric propulsion.

Kassing, D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Photovoltaic and thermal energy conversion for solar powered satellites

A summary is provided concerning the most important aspects of present investigations related to a use of solar power satellites (SPS) as a future source of terrestrial energy. General SPS characteristics are briefly considered, early work is reviewed, and a description of current investigations is presented. System options presently under study include a photovoltaic array, a thermionic system, and a closed Brayton cycle. Attention is given to system reference options, basic building blocks, questions of system analysis and engineering, photovoltaic conversion, and the utility interface. It is concluded that an SPS may be cost effective compared to terrestrial systems by 1995.

Von Tiesenhausen, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS2024

From Blood Platelets Classification to Earth System Digital Twins: A Career in Computer Vision

IEEE SIgnal Processing Society (SPS) and Women in Signal Processing (WiSP) Webinar (https://signalprocessingsociety.org/blog/webinar-wisp-blood-platelets-classification-earth-system-digital-twins-career-computer-vision): Join us for an interactive session with Dr. Jacqueline Le Moigne, Manager of the NASA Science Mission Directorate Earth Science Technology Office’s Advanced Information Systems Technology Program. In this webinar, Dr. Le Moigne will share her journey through academia, the private sector, and her pivotal roles at NASA, emphasizing her work in signal processing, computer vision, and related technologies. The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, providing attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Dr. Le Moigne about her experiences and insights. Dr. Jacqueline Le Moigne manages NASA's Advanced Information Systems Technology Program, focusing on novel technologies that support Earth Science missions. She previously held roles at NASA Goddard, including Assistant Chief for Technology, and has worked on NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program and Technology Roadmaps. Before NASA, she was a Research Scientist at the University of Maryland's Computer Vision Laboratory and also gained experience in the private sector. Jacqueline earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris. Her research interests include Image Registration, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Autonomous Systems, Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSM), and Earth System Digital Twins (ESDT), as well as high-performance and onboard computing. She has authored over 180 publications, including books and patents, and has received multiple awards, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Goddard Information Science and Technology Award in 2012.

Computer Vision; Image Processing; Earth Science R↗
NASA NTRS1991

Human exploration of space and power development

The possible role of Solar Power Satellites (SPS) in advancing the goals of the Space Exploration Initiative is considered. Three approaches are examined: (1) the use of lunar raw materials to construct a large SPS in GEO, (2) the construction of a similar system on the lunar surface, and (3) a combination of (1) and (2). Emphasis is given to the mining of He-3 from the moon and its use by the SPS.

Cohen, Aaron↗
NASA NTRS1989

Software Reuse Issues

NASA Langley Research Center sponsored a Workshop on NASA Research in Software Reuse on November 17-18, 1988 in Melbourne, Florida, hosted by Software Productivity Solutions, Inc. Participants came from four NASA centers and headquarters, eight NASA contractor companies, and three research institutes. Presentations were made on software reuse research at the four NASA centers; on Eli, the reusable software synthesis system designed and currently under development by SPS; on Space Station Freedom plans for reuse; and on other reuse research projects. This publication summarizes the presentations made and the issues discussed during the workshop.

Voigt, Susan J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

SPS program review transportation perspective

The delivery of cargo and space workers to the SPS construction site requires the development of two different systems, one to handle large cargo deliveries and a smaller system to accommodate crew. The overall scenario of the transportation system is shown. Eight major elements comprise the transportation system: personnel launch vehicle (PLV) or shuttle; personnel orbital transfer vehicle (POTV); the heavy lift launch vehicle (HLLV); the electric orbital transfer vehicle (EOTV); intra orbit transfer vehicle (IOTV); LEO support facility; GEO support facility and a shuttle derived HLLV (SDHLLV) for supporting the early SPS Demonstration Program. The HLLV and EOTV represent the cargo carriers while the PLV and POTV represent the people carriers. The IOTV is utilized to ferry people and cargo modules over short distances in the vicinity of its station.

Wales, W. W., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1991

ASPEC: Solar power satellite

The solar power satellite (SPS) will provide a clean, reliable source of energy for large-scale consumption. The system will use satellites in geostationary orbits around the Earth to capture the Sun's energy. The intercepted sunlight will be converted to laser beam energy that can be transmitted to the Earth's surface. Ground systems on the Earth will convert the transmissions from space into electric power. The preliminary design for the SPS consists of one satellite in orbit around the Earth transmitting energy to a single ground station. The SPS design uses multilayer solar cell technology arranged on a 20 km squared planar array to intercept sunlight and convert it to an electric voltage. Power conditioning devices then send the electricity to a laser, which transmits the power to the surface of the Earth. A ground station will convert the beam into electricity. Typically, a single SPS will supply 5 GW of power to the ground station. Due to the large mass of the SPS, about 41 million kg, construction in space is needed in order to keep the structural mass low. The orbit configuration for this design is to operate a single satellite in geosynchronous orbit (GEO). The GEO allows the system to be positioned above a single receiving station and remain in sunlight 99 percent of the time. Construction will take place in low Earth orbit (LEO); array sections, 20 in total, will be sailed on solar wind out to the GEO location in 150 days. These individual transportation sections are referred to as solar sailing array panels (SSAP's). The primary truss elements used to support the array are composed of composite tubular members in a pentahedral arrangement. Smart segments consisting of passive and active damping devices will increase the control of dynamic SPS modes.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1978

Solar power satellite

The solar power satellite (SPS) concept, under evaluation by NASA since 1974, is discussed. A typical system providing a total of 10,000 MW of electrical power to the ground receiving stations is considered. Energy conversion systems, including the photovoltaic device category using single-crystal silicon cells, are taken into account, as are the 2.45-GHz microwave power-transmission link and the ground receiver (or rectenna). Concepts involving space construction of the satellite's large structures (5 x 25 km) are described, noting that a process similar to the familiar roll-forming of light sheet metal parts has been adapted to the space environment. Transportation vehicles are discussed, including the Space Shuttle planned to reach 60 flights per year by the mid 1980's. Electrical power forecasts and advanced systems cost projections are analyzed, together with a description of costs estimates. The indirect economics of energy research and development, and the present NASA/DOE SPS program are noted.

Davis, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Solid-state configurations

Two prototype solid-state phased array systems concepts developed for the solar power satellite (SPS) are described. In both concepts, the beam was centered on the rectenna by means of phase conjugation of a pilot signal emanating from the ground. Also discussed are results of solid state studies.

Schroeder, K. G.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Balloon Experiment

During grant NAG5-5064, Louisiana State University (LSU) led the ATIC team in the development, construction, testing, accelerator validation, pre-deployment integration and flight operations of the Advanced Thin Ionization Calorimeter (ATIC) Balloon Experiment. This involved interfacing among the ATIC collaborators (UMD, NRL/MSFC, SU, MSU, WI, SNU) to develop a new balloon payload based upon a fully active calorimeter, a carbon target, a scintillator strip hodoscope and a pixilated silicon solid state detector for a detailed investigation of the very high energy cosmic rays to energies beyond 10(exp 14) eV/nucleus. It is in this very high energy region that theory predicts changes in composition and energy spectra related to the Supernova Remnant Acceleration model for cosmic rays below the "knee" in the all-particle spectrum. This report provides a documentation list, details the anticipated ATIC science return, describes the particle detection principles on which the experiment is based, summarizes the simulation results for the system, describes the validation work at the CERN SPS accelerator and details the balloon flight configuration. The ATIC experiment had a very successful LDB flight from McMurdo, Antarctica in 12/00 - 1/01. The instrument performed well for the entire 15 days. Preliminary data analysis shows acceptable charge resolution and an all-particle power law energy deposition distribution not inconsistent with previous measurements. Detailed analysis is underway and will result in new data on the cosmic ray charge and energy spectra in the GeV - TeV energy range. ATIC is currently being refurbished in anticipation of another LDB flight in the 2002-03 period.

Wefel, John P.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Sensor Management for Applied Research Technologies (SMART)-On Demand Modeling (ODM) Project

NASA requires timely on-demand data and analysis capabilities to enable practical benefits of Earth science observations. However, a significant challenge exists in accessing and integrating data from multiple sensors or platforms to address Earth science problems because of the large data volumes, varying sensor scan characteristics, unique orbital coverage, and the steep learning curve associated with each sensor and data type. The development of sensor web capabilities to autonomously process these data streams (whether real-time or archived) provides an opportunity to overcome these obstacles and facilitate the integration and synthesis of Earth science data and weather model output. A three year project, entitled Sensor Management for Applied Research Technologies (SMART) - On Demand Modeling (ODM), will develop and demonstrate the readiness of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) capabilities that integrate both Earth observations and forecast model output into new data acquisition and assimilation strategies. The advancement of SWE-enabled systems (i.e., use of SensorML, sensor planning services - SPS, sensor observation services - SOS, sensor alert services - SAS and common observation model protocols) will have practical and efficient uses in the Earth science community for enhanced data set generation, real-time data assimilation with operational applications, and for autonomous sensor tasking for unique data collection.

Goodman, M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Electromagnetic compatibility overview

An assessment of the electromagnetic compatibility impact of the Satellite Power System is discussed. The discussion is divided into two parts: determination of the emission expected from SPS including their spatial and spectral distributions, and evaluation of the impact of such emissions on electromagnetic systems including considerations of means for mitigating effects.

Davis, K. C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Electric propulsion for SPS

The design and characteristics of the solar power satellite electric propulsion system are described. Both the payload powered orbital transfer vehicle and the independent powered transfer vehicle configuations are discussed. Mass estimates for the system, the average cost per system unit, and the cost per flight estimates are also given.

Crum, E. M.↗
NASA NTRS1982

A new SPS antenna design to reduce grating lobes

In the Solar Power Satellite system, the antenna's misalignment will produce well defined grating lobes. These gratings lobe peaks occur every 440 km and are potentially hazardous to the environment. One way to suppress these peaks is to phase control every power module. The cost due to the increase in receiving electronics and processors, however, could prove to be prohibitive. A new design of the antenna involving the addition of two broad gaps, one along the x axis and another along the y axis is proposed. The gap distance is exactly one half of the distance between the center of two neighboring subarrays. Calculation of far field radiation patterns shows that the design reduces grating lobe peaks without sacrificing power in the main lobe.

Chan, C. H.↗