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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 NTRS1965

Spacecraft Sterilization Technology

Upon the recommendation of the scientific community, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration has established as a major goal the search for extraterrestrial life. So that the data obtained in this search will not be compromised, NASA has embarked on a program designed to prevent external contamination of the planets. This National Conference on Spacecraft Sterilization Technology was convened to bring together for exchange of knowledge those scientists, engineers, and administrators who play a role in spacecraft sterilization technology. Recognizing the rapid accumulation of knowledge in this area of scientific endeavor, it was deemed essential to broadcast this information as rapidly as possible, to establish a firm base upon which newer techniques could be built, and to provide a forum in which differences could be aired and guidelines revised or established.

contamination↗
NASA NTRS1973

An investigation of a sterile access technique for the repair and adjustment of sterile spacecraft

A description is presented of a unique system for the sterilization and sterile repair of spacecraft and the results of a test program designed to assess the biological integrity and engineering reliability of the system. This trailer-mounted system, designated the model assembly sterilizer for testing (MAST), is capable of the dry-heat sterilization of spacecraft and/or components less than 2.3 meters in diameter at temperatures up to 433 K and the steam sterilization of components less than 0.724 meter in diameter. Sterile access to spacecraft is provided by two tunnel suits, called the bioisolator suit systems (BISS), which are contiguous with the walls of the sterilization chambers. The test program was designed primarily to verify the biological and engineering reliability of the MAST system by processing simulated space hardware. Each test cycle simulated the initial sterilization of a spacecraft, sterile repair of a failed component, removal of the spacecraft from the MAST for mating with the bus, and a sterile recycle repair.

Farmer, F. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

A stochastic bioburden model for spacecraft sterilization.

Development of a stochastic model of the probability distribution for the random variable representing the number of microorganisms on a surface as a function of time. The first basic principle associated with bioburden estimation is that viable particles are removed from surfaces. The second notion important to the analysis is that microorganisms in environments and on surfaces occur in clumps. The last basic principle relating to bioburden modeling is that viable particles are deposited on a surface. The bioburden on a spacecraft is determined by the amount and kind of control exercised on the spacecraft assembly location, the shedding characteristics of the individuals in the vicinity of the spacecraft, its orientation, the geographical location in which the assembly takes place, and the steps in the assembly procedure. The model presented has many of the features which are desirable for its use in the spacecraft sterilization programs currently being planned by NASA.

Roark, A. L.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Spacecraft Sterilization Using Non-Equilibrium Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

As a solution to chemically and thermally destructive sterilization methods currently used for spacecraft, non-equilibrium atmospheric pressure plasmas are used to treat surfaces inoculated with Bacillus subtilis and Deinococcus radiodurans. Evidence of significant morphological changes and reduction in viability due to plasma exposure will be presented, including a 4-log reduction of B. subtilis after 2 minutes of dielectric barrier discharge treatment.

disinfection↗
NASA NTRS1972

Planning, evaluation and analytical studies in planetary quarantine and spacecraft sterilization

The technical and analytical support used to aid in developing requirements for planetary quarantine are presented. The investigation was divided into 8 work tasks which are presented in tabular form. Data include methods of sterilization, safety margins for quarantine, revision of contamination logs for Mars and Venus, and estimates of encapsulated and 'free' microbial burden.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

Application of planetary quarantine methodology and spacecraft sterilization technology to improved health care delivery.

In 1969 the Jet Propulsion Laboratory undertook an investigation to determine which of its space-derived capabilities could make significant contributions to the improvement of health care delivery in the U.S. The area of planetary quarantine was identified as one of high relevance. Two studies were conducted in this connection. The first study, which could contribute to infection reduction and control, was concerned with conversion of infection implicated complex, nonheat sterilizable equipment to dry heat, sterilizable equipment by changes in design and materials of construction. The second study area related to hospital acquired infection is clean room technology. A definite investigation has been performed to demonstrate and statistically evaluate performance under controlled conditions.

Green, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1962

EFFECT OF STERILIZATION IN SPACECRAFT DESIGN

Modern spacecraft design no longer involves only the Engineering Sciences. To get "the bugs" out of a system must now be taken literally to signify eradication of actual free-living microorganisms. A severe impact of a non-sterilized space vehicle could result in overt, reckless contamination, virtually eliminating a celestial body as a scientific base for the exobiological phases of space exploration. Recognizing the potentially damaging effects of septic launches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in December, 1960 authorized spacecraft sterilization and decontamination as National policy, thereby elevating the space effort onto a higher scientific plane. In the NASA directive, the basic reasons for sterilization were established, viz., "to preserve clues to the origin of life and of the universe, which may be hidden beneath the lunar strata or under the atmospheres of strange planets, to prevent inadvertent seeding of extraterrestrial surfaces by earth-life cultures, and to protect the earth from mutual contamination." In light of the foregoing, spacecraft sterilization should be regarded as the most significant single mission as well as design requirement of planetary space exploration --- especially if our objectives are primarily scientific.

Ranger project↗