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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2014

Synthesis of 3-D Coronal-Solar Wind Energetic Particle Acceleration Modules

Acute space radiation hazards pose one of the most serious risks to future human and robotic exploration. Large solar energetic particle (SEP) events are dangerous to astronauts and equipment. The ability to predict when and where large SEPs will occur is necessary in order to mitigate their hazards. The Coronal-Solar Wind Energetic Particle Acceleration (C-SWEPA) modeling effort in the NASANSF Space Weather Modeling Collaborative [Schunk, 2014] combines two successful Living With a Star (LWS) (http:lws.gsfc.nasa.gov) strategic capabilities: the Earth-Moon-Mars Radiation Environment Modules (EMMREM)[Schwadron et al., 2010] that describe energetic particles and their effects, with the Next Generation Model forthe Corona and Solar Wind developed by the Predictive Science, Inc. (PSI) group. The goal of the C-WEPA effort is to develop a coupled model that describes the conditions of the corona, solar wind, coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and associated shocks, particle acceleration, and propagation via physics-based modules. Assessing the threat of SEPs is a difficult problem. The largest SEPs typically arise in conjunction with X classflares and very fast (1000 kms) CMEs. These events are usually associated with complex sunspot groups(also known as active regions) that harbor strong, stressed magnetic fields. Highly energetic protonsgenerated in these events travel near the speed of light and can arrive at Earth minutes after the eruptiveevent. The generation of these particles is, in turn, believed to be primarily associated with the shock waveformed very low in the corona by the passage of the CME (injection of particles fromthe flare sitemay also playa role). Whether these particles actually reach Earth (or any other point) depends on their transport in theinterplanetary magnetic field and their magnetic connection to the shock.

exploration↗
NASA NTRS2018

Integrated Real-Time Modeling System for Heliospheric Space Weather Forecasting

The Sun lies at the center of space weather and is the source of its variability. The primary input to coronal and solar wind models is the activity of the magnetic field in the solar photosphere. What is needed is to develop physics-based models for the dynamics of the magnetic field from the deep convection zone of the Sun to the corona with the goal of providing robust near real-time boundary conditions at the base of space weather forecast models. NASA strategic capabilities efforts toward this goal will be summarized during the talk. These have the objective to enable characterizing and predicting the magnetic field structure and flow dynamics of the Sun by assimilating data from helioseismology and magnetic field observations into physics-based realistic magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) simulations. It is argued that an effort in integrating first-principle modeling of solar magnetism and flow dynamics with real-time observational data via advanced data assimilation methods is needed for transformative steps in space weather research and prediction.

Mansour, Nagi N.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Summary of Gateway Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) Studies

NASA's Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) is based on a joint industry/NASA demonstration of an advanced solar electric propulsion powered spacecraft to meet commercial and NASA objectives. The PPE can establish the initial presence in cislunar space for the Gateway through initial operations and the subsequent deployment of additional partner-provided elements for the cislunar platform. Five commercial vendors were selected to conduct PPE studies which addressed key drivers for PPE development and support for the Gateway concept formulation. The study vendors focused on their performance trades and assessing their strategic capabilities, leveraging their existing and planned capabilities for PPE development. The industry studies examined differences between prior Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) mission concepts, expected industry capabilities, and potential needs supporting NASA's Gateway concept. These studies provided data on commercial capabilities relevant to NASA's exploration needs and reduced risk for a new, powerful, and efficient SEP-based PPE spacecraft.

Irimies, David↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulated Evaluation of Strategic Conflict Management Capabilities for Urban Air Mobility Operations

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a new air transportation service concept to carry passengers or cargo in metropolitan areas, leveraged by innovative aircraft and automation technologies. NASA has conducted a series of simulations to evaluate the UAM concept of operations and inform the development of airspace procedures and services for UAM operations. The latest set of simulations called “X5” were conducted to test a Provider of Services for UAM (PSU) prototype that NASA developed for UAM flight planning, strategic conflict management support, and data exchange between UAM operators. In these simulations, two strategic conflict management capabilities, Demand-Capacity Balancing (DCB) and Sequencing and Scheduling (S&S), were further investigated. This paper describes the system architecture designed for the X5 simulation activities, the sequence diagram for strategic conflict management, and the simulation environment in the Dallas/Fort Worth urban area. The simulation results based on several system performance metrics for evaluation show that a sequential application of DCB and S&S effectively works to distribute traffic demand and meet sequencing and spacing criteria by assigning ground delays, compared to the DCB only and S&S only cases.

Urban Air Mobility, Strategic Conflict Management,↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Simulated Evaluation of Strategic Conflict Management Capabilities for Urban Air Mobility Operations

Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a new air transportation service concept to carry passengers or cargo in metropolitan areas, leveraged by innovative aircraft and automation technologies. NASA has conducted a series of simulations to evaluate the UAM concept of operations and inform the development of airspace procedures and services for UAM operations. The latest set of simulations called “X5” were conducted to test a Provider of Services for UAM (PSU) prototype that NASA developed for UAM flight planning, strategic conflict management support, and data exchange between UAM operators. In these simulations, two strategic conflict management capabilities, Demand-Capacity Balancing (DCB) and Sequencing and Scheduling (S&S), were further investigated. This paper describes the system architecture designed for the X5 simulation activities, the sequence diagram for strategic conflict management, and the simulation environment in the Dallas/Fort Worth urban area. The simulation results based on several system performance metrics for evaluation show that a sequential application of DCB and S&S effectively works to distribute traffic demand and meet sequencing and spacing criteria by assigning ground delays, compared to the DCB only and S&S only cases.

Simulation↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Value Proposition, Strategic Framework, and Capability Needs for In-Space Assembly

The Space Science and Technology (S&T) Partnership Forum was established in 2015 to identify synergistic efforts and technologies across the government, with a focus on key pervasive and game-changing technologies across government space agencies in order to more efficiently and effectively manage S&T resources. As principal partners of the interagency S&T Partnership Forum, the U.S. Air Force (USAF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) identified and prioritized several S&T collaboration topic areas. Autonomous and semi-autonomous in-space assembly (iSA) is the focus of the topic area that NASA, under the direction of the Office of Chief Technologist, is currently coordinating among the S&T principal partners and affiliate partners, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL). The S&T iSA facilitation and analysis team, led by NASA, collected data from the participating agencies on their current developments, activities, and needs in the area of in-space assembly. This paper provides an overview of the S&T iSA facilitation and analysis team’s efforts in establishing the value proposition and strategic framework for interagency collaboration in iSA within the partnership as a foundation to deliver value and achieve iSA topic objectives across government space agencies. Further, this paper describes the early products of these efforts in the definition of the iSA capabilities, design drivers, and stakeholder goals to facilitate dialogue within the partnership and the larger community.

Phillip A Williams↗
NASA NTRS2011

Comparative Assessment and Decision Support System for Strategic Military Airlift Capability

The Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company has been awarded several programs to modernize the aging C-5 military transport fleet. In order to ensure its continuation amidst budget cuts, it was important to engage the decision makers by providing an environment to analyze the benefits of the modernization program. This paper describes an interface that allows the user to change inputs such as the scenario airfields, take-off conditions, and reliability characteristics. The underlying logistics surrogate model was generated using data from a discrete-event simulation. Various visualizations such as intercontinental flight paths illustrated in 3D, have been created to aid the user in analyzing scenarios and performing comparative assessments for various output logistics metrics. The capability to rapidly and dynamically evaluate and compare scenarios was developed enabling real time strategy exploration and trade-offs.

Salmon, John↗
NASA NTRS1976

The challenge for improved air cargo capability

Requirements for a strategic air cargo capability are considered. Practical national resource investment considerations dictate that future military strategic airlift planners regard civil capabilities as an integral part of the solution. Attention is given to the military needs for airlift, the civil-military airlift commonality, the present air cargo business, growth projections for civil air cargo, future air cargo business, the introduction date for a dedicated airfreighter, and the demands for transport aircraft.

Vaughan, J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

NASA capabilities roadmap: advanced telescopes and observatories

The NASA Advanced Telescopes and Observatories (ATO) Capability Roadmap addresses technologies necessary for NASA to enable future space telescopes and observatories collecting all electromagnetic bands, ranging from x-rays to millimeter waves, and including gravity-waves. It has derived capability priorities from current and developing Space Missions Directorate (SMD) strategic roadmaps and, where appropriate, has ensured their consistency with other NASA Strategic and Capability Roadmaps. Technology topics include optics; wavefront sensing and control and interferometry; distributed and advanced spacecraft systems; cryogenic and thermal control systems; large precision structure for observatories; and the infrastructure essential to future space telescopes and observatories.

Feinberg, Lee D.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Robotic Access to Planetary Surfaces Capability Roadmap

A set of robotic access to planetary surfaces capability developments and supporting infrastructure have been identified. Reference mission pulls derived from ongoing strategic planning. Capability pushes to enable broader mission considerations. Facility and flight test capability needs. Those developments have been described to the level of detail needed for high-level planning. Content and approach. Readiness and metrics. Rough schedule and cost. Connectivity to mission concepts.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2005

NASA Strategic Roadmap Summary Report

In response to the Vision, NASA commissioned strategic and capability roadmap teams to develop the pathways for turning the Vision into a reality. The strategic roadmaps were derived from the Vision for Space Exploration and the Aldrich Commission Report dated June 2004. NASA identified 12 strategic areas for roadmapping. The Agency added a thirteenth area on nuclear systems because the topic affects the entire program portfolio. To ensure long-term public visibility and engagement, NASA established a committee for each of the 13 areas. These committees - made up of prominent members of the scientific and aerospace industry communities and senior government personnel - worked under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. A committee was formed for each of the following program areas: 1) Robotic and Human Lunar Exploration; 2) Robotic and Human Exploration of Mars; 3) Solar System Exploration; 4) Search for Earth-Like Planets; 5) Exploration Transportation System; 6) International Space Station; 7) Space Shuttle; 8) Universe Exploration; 9) Earth Science and Applications from Space; 10) Sun-Solar System Connection; 11) Aeronautical Technologies; 12) Education; 13) Nuclear Systems. This document contains roadmap summaries for 10 of these 13 program areas; The International Space Station, Space Shuttle, and Education are excluded. The completed roadmaps for the following committees: Robotic and Human Exploration of Mars; Solar System Exploration; Search for Earth-Like Planets; Universe Exploration; Earth Science and Applications from Space; Sun-Solar System Connection are collected in a separate Strategic Roadmaps volume. This document contains memebership rosters and charters for all 13 committees.

Wilson, Scott↗
NASA NTRS2013

Upgrades to the Probabilistic NAS Platform Air Traffic Simulation Software

This document is the final report for the project entitled "Upgrades to the Probabilistic NAS Platform Air Traffic Simulation Software." This report consists of 17 sections which document the results of the several subtasks of this effort. The Probabilistic NAS Platform (PNP) is an air operations simulation platform developed and maintained by the Saab Sensis Corporation. The improvements made to the PNP simulation include the following: an airborne distributed separation assurance capability, a required time of arrival assignment and conformance capability, and a tactical and strategic weather avoidance capability.

Hunter, George↗
NASA NTRS2018

NASA's Space Launch System: Progress Toward Unmatched Exploration Capability

The Space Launch System (SLS) Program delivered the first element of the exploration-class rocket and completed manufacturing of all major structural elements in 2017. The Program continues component integration and testing in 2018 in preparation for the inaugural launch of NASA's new deep space exploration system in fiscal year 2020. SLS represents a new strategic national capability designed for the most challenging human and robotic exploration and is engineered for overall mission success. This paper will discuss the technical and programmatic successes and challenges of the past year and look ahead to plans for 2018 and 2019.

Honeycutt, John↗
NASA NTRS2016

Recent Investments by NASA's National Force Measurement Technology Capability

The National Force Measurement Technology Capability (NFMTC) is a nationwide partnership established in 2008 and sponsored by NASA's Aeronautics Evaluation and Test Capabilities (AETC) project to maintain and further develop force measurement capabilities. The NFMTC focuses on force measurement in wind tunnels and provides operational support in addition to conducting balance research. Based on force measurement capability challenges, strategic investments into research tasks are designed to meet the experimental requirements of current and future aerospace research programs and projects. This paper highlights recent and force measurement investments into several areas including recapitalizing the strain-gage balance inventory, developing balance best practices, improving calibration and facility capabilities, and researching potential technologies to advance balance capabilities.

Commo, Sean A.↗
DOE OSTI2020

Leveraging National Laboratory Assets to Address Stability Challenges due to Declining Grid Inertia Using Geographically Distributed Electrical–Thermal Co-Emulation

Due to increased penetration of low-inertia resources into the electric grid, challenges are increasing for maintaining wide-area system stability. Grid stability assessment requires a faithful representation of the multiple-physics interaction at the system level, and timescales of interaction varying in orders of magnitude, from microseconds to seconds to several minutes. Along with the simulation-based techniques, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), controller HIL, and power HIL techniques have been developed to better understand the emergent behavior of the system with emerging technologies. US National Laboratories have played a vital role in research and development to understand the behavior of individual technologies and devices integrated to the electric grid. Each national laboratory forwards a technological and strategic initiative tied core and enabling capabilities. Due to strategic, efficiency, and economic reasons, not all the labs have assets to conduct research on all technologies concomitantly, so it becomes crucial to integrate the labs across geographies to understand the interplay of different technologies together at the system level. This approach avoids duplication of the assets at different lab facilities and helps understand the integrated system behavior of various technologies representative of actual grid conditions by connecting multiple national labs. This article talks about techniques of connecting three national laboratories to enable co-emulation of electrical–mechanical–thermal characteristics of devices and systems. Such an approach can be used to understand the dynamic and transient interaction of multi-physics in a system level, at-scale emulation using real-time simulation tools and techniques.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗