SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “International Agencies”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 325 records · Page 18

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2016

Developing the Next Generation of Science Data System Engineers

At Goddard, engineers and scientists with a range of experience in science data systems are needed to employ new technologies and develop advances in capabilities for supporting new Earth and Space science research. Engineers with extensive experience in science data, software engineering and computer-information architectures are needed to lead and perform these activities. The increasing types and complexity of instrument data and emerging computer technologies coupled with the current shortage of computer engineers with backgrounds in science has led the need to develop a career path for science data systems engineers and architects.The current career path, in which undergraduate students studying various disciplines such as Computer Engineering or Physical Scientist, generally begins with serving on a development team in any of the disciplines where they can work in depth on existing Goddard data systems or serve with a specific NASA science team. There they begin to understand the data, infuse technologies, and begin to know the architectures of science data systems. From here the typical career involves peermentoring, on-the-job training or graduate level studies in analytics, computational science and applied science and mathematics. At the most senior level, engineers become subject matter experts and system architect experts, leading discipline-specific data centers and large software development projects. They are recognized as a subject matter expert in a science domain, they have project management expertise, lead standards efforts and lead international projects. A long career development remains necessary not only because of the breadth of knowledge required across physical sciences and engineering disciplines, but also because of the diversity of instrument data being developed today both by NASA and international partner agencies and because multidiscipline science and practitioner communities expect to have access to all types of observational data.This paper describes an approach to defining career-path guidance for college-bound high school and undergraduate engineering students, junior and senior engineers from various disciplines.

Next Generation of Science↗

NASA NTRS2016

GPM Rainfall-Based Streamflow Analyses for East Africa

SERVIR is a joint project of NASA and US Agency for International Development (USAID). Mission is to use satellite data and geospatial technology to help developing countries manage resources, land use, and climate risks. Means to serve, in Spanish.

remote sensing↗

NASA NTRS2016

Potential Cislunar and Interplanetary Proving Ground Excursion Trajectory Concepts

NASA has been investigating potential translunar excursion concepts to take place in the 2020s that would be used to test and demonstrate long duration life support and other systems needed for eventual Mars missions in the 2030s. These potential trajectory concepts could be conducted in the proving ground, a region of cislunar and near-Earth interplanetary space where international space agencies could cooperate to develop the technologies needed for interplanetary spaceflight. Enabled by high power Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) technologies, the excursion trajectory concepts studied are grouped into three classes of increasing distance from the Earth and increasing technical difficulty: the first class of excursion trajectory concepts would represent a 90-120 day round trip trajectory with abort to Earth options throughout the entire length, the second class would be a 180-210 day round trip trajectory with periods in which aborts would not be available, and the third would be a 300-400 day round trip trajectory without aborts for most of the length of the trip. This paper provides a top-level summary of the trajectory and mission design of representative example missions of these three classes of excursion trajectory concepts.

asteroids↗

NASA NTRS2016

Surface Water and Flood Extent Mapping, Monitoring, and Modeling Products and Services for the SERVIR Regions

SERVIR is a joint NASA - US Agency for International Development (USAID) project to improve environmental decision-making using Earth observations and geospatial technologies. A common need identified among SERVIR regions has been improved information for disaster risk reduction and in specific surface water and flood extent mapping, monitoring and forecasting. Of the 70 SERVIR products (active, complete, and in development), 4 are related to surface water and flood extent mapping, monitoring or forecasting. Visit http://www.servircatalog.net for more product details.

environment↗

NASA NTRS2017

Experiences in Applying Earth Observing Satellite Technology in SERVIR Regions with an Emphasis on Disasters: Successes, Lessons and Paths Forward

Earth observing satellites offer a unique perspective of our environment from the vantage point of space. Repeated measurements of the Earths subsystems such as the biosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and of humans interactions with their environments, allow for a better understanding of Earth system processes, and they can provide input for decision making in areas of environmental management and disaster risk reduction. SERVIR is a joint initiative of the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) that began in 2005 and has been active in applying Earth observations for sustainable development in many regions around the world, recently the Lower Mekong and West Africa regions. This talk will highlight some successes achieved and lessons learned through SERVIR in Central America, Eastern Southern Africa, and the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region, focusing on disasters. We will also present opportunities for enhanced decision making with Earth observations and geospatial technologies in the Lower Mekong region.

SERVIR↗

NASA NTRS2018

Citizen Science as a Tool for Scientific Research and Societal Benefit at NASA

NASA's strategic goals include advancing knowledge and opportunity in space and improving life on Earth. We support these goals through extensive programs in space and Earth science research accomplished via space-based missions and research funding. NASA's "system" is configured to conduct science using (1) in-house personnel and (2) grants, contracts, and agreements with external entities (academia, industry, international space agencies.

earth scienc↗

NASA NTRS2018

A Partnership for Global Impact and Resiliency

Many researchers, particularly in the development sector, struggle with connecting their work with on-the-ground users who will benefit from their research. SERVIR, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/ United States Agency for International Development (USAID) joint program strives to “connect space to village” and to reduce through the use of geospatial technology and data. Partnerships with organizations, such as Mercy Corps, are important for connecting to the village level and ensuring that our work is benefiting the most vulnerable communities. Mercy Corps is a global non-governmental, humanitarian and development organization operating in transitional contexts that have undergone, or have been undergoing, various forms of economic, environmental, social and political instabilities. Through the Mercy Corps and SERVIR partnership, we are able to bring together the remote sensing and geospatial technology expertise of SERVIR and the on-the-ground expertise of Mercy Corps. In this talk we will provide additional background of this partnership as well as provide examples of how we have collaborated thus far in the partnership. The partnership spans engagement from connecting one another with our various partners to in-depth collaboration on specific projects. Additionally, we will discuss some of the various goals and outcomes of the partnership that help frame our work together in the present and future.

Muench, Rebekke↗

NASA NTRS2019

Hydrologic and Agricultural Earth Observations and Modeling for the Water-Food Nexus

In a globalizing and rapidly-developing world, reliable, sustainable access to water and food are inextricably linked to each other and basic human rights. Achieving security and sustainability in both requires recognition of these linkages, as well as continued innovations in both science and policy. We present case studies of how Earth observations are being used in applications at the nexus of water and food security: crop monitoring in support of G20 global market assessments, water stress early warning for USAID, soil moisture monitoring for USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, and identifying food security vulnerabilities for climate change assessments for the UN and the UK international development agency. These case studies demonstrate that Earth observations are essential for providing the data and scalability to monitor relevant indicators across space and time, as well as understanding agriculture, the hydrological cycle, and the water-food nexus. The described projects follow the guidelines for co-developing useable knowledge for sustainable development policy. We show how working closely with stakeholders is essential for transforming NASA Earth observations into accurate, timely, and relevant information for water-food nexus decision support. We conclude with recommendations for continued efforts in using Earth observations for addressing the water-food nexus and the need to incorporate the role of energy for improved food and water security assessments

Food Security↗

NASA NTRS2019

Leveraging the Power of SAR Observations for Forest Monitoring Systems

Earth observations from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can provide unique information related to forest structure and condition. Despite the many advantages of SAR, particularly where clouds impede optical observations, a knowledge gap has prevented the applied remote sensing community from harnessing its full potential. Here, we discuss the results of a collaboration between SERVIR, a joint program between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and SilvaCarbon, the United States’ contribution to the Global Forest Observation Initiative, to build global capacity in using SAR for forest monitoring and biomass estimation. This includes primarily the creation of 1) The SAR Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest Monitoring and Biomass Estimation, 2) a series of international hands-on trainings and training materials, 3) quick-reference guides illustrating SAR concepts, and 4) animated videos explaining how SAR works. The SERVIR-Global community joined efforts to develop a hands-on guide to support decision-makers in the forestry community to leverage the power of SAR technology to better protect and manage forest resources. We worked with world-renowned SAR experts to provide targeted trainings and develop the SAR Handbook. This handbook consists of approachable theoretical background and applied content that contributes to filling the knowledge gap in the applied use of SAR technology for forestry applications. We hope that forest managers and remote sensing specialists will use these materials to benefit from currently available SAR datasets, as well as prepare for future SAR missions, such as NISAR and BIOMASS. Since its release on April 11, 2019, the SAR Handbook has been accessed more than 100,000 times in less than a month, demonstrating the remote sensing community’s urgent need and interest to learn and use SAR.

Herndon, Kelsey E.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Lunar Science for Landed Missions - High-Priority Landing Sites Visualized with NASA's Moon Trek

The Lunar Science for Landed Missions workshop was held on 10–12 January, 2018 at NASA Ames Research Center and was attended by lunar scientists, representatives from commercial companies, and representative of various international space agencies including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the European Space Agency. The workshop was cosponsored by the Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) and the Lunar Exploration Analysis Group (LEAG). The primary goal of the workshop was to produce a set of high‐priority landing site targets, generated by the lunar science community, for near‐term lunar missions. The scope of such missions was aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at commercial exploration companies with interests in pursuing ventures on the surface of the Moon. The results of this workshop were published in a report that summarized the findings of the workshop and provided an analysis of priority landing sites and how missions to these sites would meet key science and exploration goals determined by NASA and the scientific community (Jawin, et al, 2019). This presentation for JpGU will review the landing sites advocated by the workshop, highlight characteristics that make them high-priority sites, and showcase the sites using visualizations generated using NASA’s Moon Trek data visualization and analysis portal (Day and Law, 2017).

Day, Brian↗

NASA NTRS2019

Connecting Space to Village: Tethys Adoption Within SERVIR

The SERVIR program, a joint development initiative of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), works in partnership with leading regional organizations world-wide to help developing countries use information provided by Earth observing satellites and geospatial technologies for managing climate risks and land use. SERVIR empowers decision-makers with tools, products, and services to act locally on critical issues related to four key areas: Food Security and Agriculture, Water and Water-related Disasters, Land Use/Land Cover and Ecosystems, Weather and Climate. SERVIR is improving awareness, increasing access to information, and supporting analysis to help people in West Africa, Eastern and Southern Africa, Hindu Kush-Himalaya (HKH), the Lower Mekong, South America and Mesoamerica. NASA funds an Applied Sciences Team (AST), composed of experts from universities and research institutions around the United States. Through AST, SERVIR adopted the Tethys platform introduced by Brigham Young University (BYU) for the implementation of tools to deliver scientific data to stakeholders in the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region. Several Tethys applications developed within SERVIR have raised interest amongst decision makers in the countries served by our regional hubs. They see these new apps as key vehicles to disseminate complex information related to weather models, hydrological models, and air quality monitoring, and as such the scope of our Tethys efforts continue to expand to other regions. As of July 2019, each one of the SERVIR hubs (with the exception of Amazonia, which has only recently started), have stood up Tethys portals and have at least one individual trained in the implementation and maintenance of a Tethys portal and in the creation of basic applications. HKH, with BYU's valuable support, has implemented very sophisticated applications that showcase the possibilities and the benefits that the Tethys platform brings.

Tethys↗

NASA NTRS2019

SERVIR: Leveraging the Expertise of a Space Agency and a Development Agency to Increase Impact of Earth Observation in the Developing World

SERVIR is a joint initiative of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with leading technical organizations around the world-- called SERVIR hubs--that serve and empower developing countries to use satellite data addressing critical challenges in food security and agriculture; water and water-related disasters; land cover, land use and ecosystems; and weather and climate. Over the past fourteen years, the program has worked with stakeholders in 50 countries across the world, partnered with 390 institutions, and generated and shared over 70 products from 27 satellites and sensors. In that process, around 7,400 specialists have been trained in the application of Earth observation data and technology. In its lifetime, SERVIR has been agile and innovative in shifting from what was essentially an incubator for testing and deploying Earth observation science and technology to making co-development the hallmark of its work, exemplified by both South-South and North-South scientific collaborations. SERVIR’s approach has embodied the concept that to solve really big problems, big, creative solutions are needed. SERVIR represents the world working together to address environmental challenges using spaced-based and geospatial technologies. Aligning with the very meaning of SERVIR, i.e. “to serve,” the program continues to be demand-driven in developing and deploying services (versus one-off products) which address development challenges using geospatial tools and Earth observation science. In 2016, as part of SERVIR’s evolution, USAID and NASA released the ‘SERVIR Service Planning Toolkit,’ a guidance document which provides a framework for how geospatial services can be used to tackle development challenges in a sustained manner. Since then, the Service Planning Toolkit’s systematic approach has begun to catch on in other Earth observation efforts. To improve access and use, SERVIR launched a Service Catalogue in February 2019, a searchable collection of demand-driven geospatial services that use Earth observations to support decision making. SERVIR implementing hub partners –include SERVIR-West Africa at the Agrometeorology, Hydrology and Meteorology (AGRHYMET) Regional Center, in Niamey, Niger; SERVIR-Eastern & Southern Africa at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development in Nairobi, Kenya; SERVIR-Hindu Kush Himalaya at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu, Nepal; SERVIR-Mekong at the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center in Bangkok, Thailand; and SERVIR’ -Amazonia, at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Cali, Colombia.

Searby, Nancy D.↗

NASA NTRS2019

An Update on the CCSDS Optical Communications Working Group Interoperability Standards

International space agencies around the world are working together in the Interagency Operation Advisory Group (IOAG) and the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) to develop interoperability standards for optical communications. The standards support optical communication systems for both Near Earth and Deep Space robotic and human-rated spacecraft. The standards generally address both free space links between spacecraft and free space links between spacecraft and ground. This paper will overview the history and structure of the CCSDS Optical Communications Working Group and provide an update on the set of optical communications standards being developed. The paper will address the ongoing work on High Photon Efficiency communications, High Data Rate communications, and Optical On/Off Keying communications. It will also cover the working being done within CCSDS on documenting atmospheric measurement techniques and link operations concepts.

Edwards, Bernard L.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Leveraging the Power of SAR Observations for Forest Monitoring Systems

Earth observations from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) can provide unique information related to forest structure and condition. Despite the many advantages of SAR, particularly where clouds impede optical observations, a knowledge gap has prevented the applied remote sensing community from harnessing its full potential. Here, we discuss the results of a collaboration between SERVIR, a joint program between NASA and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and SilvaCarbon, the United States' contribution to the Global Forest Observation Initiative, to build global capacity in using SAR for forest monitoring and biomass estimation. This includes primarily the creation of 1) The SAR Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest Monitoring and Biomass Estimation, 2) a series of international hands-on trainings and training materials, 3) quick-reference guides illustrating SAR concepts, and 4) animated videos explaining how SAR works. The SERVIR-Global community joined efforts to develop a hands-on guide to support decision-makers in the forestry community to leverage the power of SAR technology to better protect and manage forest resources. We worked with world-renowned SAR experts to provide targeted trainings and develop the SAR Handbook. This handbook consists of approachable theoretical background and applied content that contributes to filling the knowledge gap in the applied use of SAR technology for forestry applications. We hope that forest managers and remote sensing specialists will use these materials to benefit from currently available SAR datasets, as well as prepare for future SAR missions, such as NISAR and BIOMASS. Since its release on April 11, 2019, the SAR Handbook has been accessed more than 100,000 times in less than a month, demonstrating the remote sensing community's urgent need and interest to learn and use SAR.

Herndon, Kelsey E.↗

NASA NTRS2020

Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 (QSF18) Test: Galveston, Texas Risk Reduction for Future Community Testing with a Low-Boom Flight Demonstration Vehicle

The Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 (QSF18) Program was designed to develop tools and methods for demonstration of overland supersonic flight with an acceptable sonic boom, and collect a large dataset of responses from a representative sample of the population. Phase 1 provided the basis for a low amplitude sonic boom testing in six different climate regions that will enable international regulatory agencies to draft a noise-based standard for certifying civilian supersonic overland flight. Phase 2 successfully executed a large scale test in Galveston, Texas, developed well documented data sets, calculated dose response relationships, yielded lessons, and identified future risk reduction activities.

Galveston↗

NASA NTRS2020

Quiet Supersonic Flights 2018 (QSF18) Test: Galveston, Texas Risk Reduction for Future Community Testing with a Low-Boom Flight Demonstration Vehicle

Galveston↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

CubeSat Payloads on NASA’s Space Launch System Pave the Way for Artemis Moon Missions

Preparing for first launch in 2021, NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) super heavy-lift launch vehicle will usher in a new era of human spaceflight, returning astronauts to the Moon as part of the Artemis program. Although designed to send crew in the Orion spacecraft and large payloads to the Moon and beyond, SLS also provides CubeSats with rideshare opportunities for missions to deep space. The first launch of SLS and Orion, Artemis I, has 13 6U CubeSats manifested. The payloads have been tested and will soon ship to Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to be integrated into commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) dispensers and integrated into the SLS Block 1 vehicle. Leveraging launches for the Artemis program to deploy rideshare smallsats to deep space provides a low-cost opportunity to perform missions that previously would have required a larger spacecraft and a dedicated launch, and offers additional benefits to both NASA and the smallsat community. CubeSats, including those manifested on the Artemis I flight, have a valuable role to play in the Artemis program, providing data to address NASA’s identified Strategic Knowledge Gaps (SKGs) in its plans to permanently establish humanity in deep space. Payload sponsors and developers for the Artemis I CubeSats hail from a variety of NASA industry partners and mission directorates, as well as international space agencies and universities. Several payloads destined for cislunar space will demonstrate propulsion systems and other technologies useful to future exploration. Science missions manifested on the Artemis I flight include characterizing the effects of deep space radiation on living organisms, searching for hydrogen and other volatiles on the Moon’s South Pole, and studying the lunar radiation environment. Three of the payloads were selected through NASA’s Centennial Challenges Program. Those payloads are competing for prize money while meeting specific technical development goals, such as communication with Earth from millions of miles in space. Student involvement in almost half of the Artemis I payload development allows STEM engagement with SLS and NASA’s Artemis program. As the initial vehicle to fly, the SLS Block 1 vehicle will lay the foundation for a generation of human and robotic deep space exploration missions. The Block 1 core stage is undergoing final testing at Stennis Space Center in 2020 before transportation to KSC for integration and launch in 2021. Following the Block 1 vehicle, the Block 1B and Block 2 vehicles will incorporate propulsion system upgrades and other changes to increase lift capability. In addition to sending the Orion vehicle to TLI, SLS can also be outfitted with large-diameter fairings to send robotic probes to deep space. With unparalleled lift, volume and departure energy, SLS is poised to usher in a new generation of spaceflight. In addition to launching Orion and large-volume missions, CubeSats may also be a part of Artemis missions to deep space.

Kimberly Robinson↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Multi Targeted Dietary Supplement as a Potential Countermeasure for Prolonged, Deep Space Exploration

Deep space exploration, particularly to the Moon and Mars, are currently major goals of NASA and other international space agencies. Long-term space flight presents unique challenges to the human physiology from microgravity, social isolation, altered circadian rhythm and radiation. Oxidative stress has been implicated as a crucial factor in space environment induced injury. Elucidating these detrimental effects on the central nervous system and brain is a primary objective, as they may result in adverse changes in astronaut behavior, mood and performance of critical tasks. We were recently funded by HRP Human Factors Behavioral Performance (HFBP) Element to test the hypothesis that Galactic Cosmic Ray Simulation (GCRsim) Ionizing Radiation (IR), microgravity and social isolation combine synergistically to trigger an oxidative stress response that alters immune homeostasis, brain structure and function, and neurobehavioral and cognitive performance. This project will identify potential biomarkers for, and mechanisms underlying, structural and functional changes in the immune and nervous systems leading to behavioral/cognitive performance deficits, and its potential application to develop effective countermeasures to mitigate negative health effects of long duration space habitation. Countermeasures to offset neurological damaged and cognitive deficits are paramount for protecting astronauts during deep space transits, but many countermeasures have been found to be unsuitable in ground-based model studies. We have developed a multi targeted dietary supplement (MTDS) designed to simultaneously ameliorate oxidative stress, inflammatory processes, energetic shortfalls, and membrane and mitochondrial deterioration. Administration of this MTDS has improved cognition and longevity in age accelerated and normal aging mice. Specifically, the MTDS was found to prevent a decline in mitochondrial complex III activity and cell loss, as well as prevent an increase in protein carbonyls and mitochondrial 3-nitrotyrosine in the brain of these mice. Further, administration of the MTDS was also found to reduce bone marrow chromosomal aberrations, DNA damage, lymphocyte apoptosis after whole body exposure of 2 Gy γ radiation. Mice exposed to a high dose cranially (10 Gy) had decreased cognitive responses (seen as increased latency time to uncover buried food and decreased novel object recognition), increased plasma 8-OHdG levels, increased markers of cell stress in the brain, decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein and decreased plasma levels of cytokines, all of which were ameliorated with treatment of the MTDS. As we have shown the supplement is protective in models of cognitive damage similar space environment stressors, particularly increased oxidative stress, we propose it may be a suitable countermeasure for upcoming deep space exploration.

radiation↗