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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 379 records · Page 21
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

A Search for Star Formation in the Translucent Cloud MBM 40

The star formation status of the translucent high-latitude molecular cloud, MBM 40, is explored through analysis of radio, infrared, optical, and X-ray data. With a peak visual extinction of 1 to 2 mag, MBM 40 is an example of a high-latitude cloud near the diffuse/translucent demarcation. However, unlike most translucent clouds, MBM 40 exhibits a compact morphology and a kinetic energy-to gravitational potential energy ratio near unity. Our radio data, encompassing the CO (J = 1-0), CS (J = 2-1), and H2CO 1(sub 11-1(sub 10), spectral line transitions, reveal that the cloud contains a ridge of molecular gas with n greater than or equal to 10(exp 3)/ cc. In addition, the molecular data, together with IRAS data, indicate that the mass of MBM 40 is approx. 40 solar mass. In light of the ever-increasing number of recently formed stars far from any dense molecular clouds or cores, we searched the environs of MBM 40 for any trace of recent star formation. We used the ROSAT All-Sky Survey X-ray data and a ROSAT PSPC pointed observation toward MBM 40 to identify 33 stellar candidates with properties consistent with pre-main-sequence (PMS) stars. Follow-up optical spectroscopy of the candidates with V less than 15.5 was conducted with the 1.5 m Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory telescope in order to identify signatures of T Tauri or pre-main- sequence stars (such as the Li 6708 A resonance line). Since none of our optically observed candidates display standard PMS signatures, we conclude that MBM 40 displays no evidence of recent or ongoing star formation. The absence of high-density molecular cores in the cloud and the relatively low column density compared to star-forming interstellar clouds may be the principal reasons that MBM 40 is devoid of star formation. More detailed comparison between this cloud and other, higher extinction translucent and dark clouds may elucidate the necessary initial conditions for the onset of low-mass star formation.

Magnani, Loris↗
NASA NTRS1999

STS-93 Post Flight Presentation

An overview of Flight STS-93 is presented. The primary objective of the STS-93 mission was to deploy the Advanced X-Ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF), also known as the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The mission flew on the Columbia Shuttle, on July 22, 1999. This facility is the most sophisticated X-ray observatory ever built. Other payloads on STS-93 were: (1) the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX), (2) Shuttle Ionospheric Modification with Pulsed Local Exhaust (SIMPLEX), (3) Southwest Ultraviolet Imaging System (SWUIS), (4) Gelation of Sols: Applied Microgravity Research (GOSAMR), Space Tissue Loss-B (STL-B), (5) Light Weight Flexible Solar Array Hinge (LFSAH), (6) Cell Culture Module (CCM), and (7) the Shuttle Amateur Radio Experiment-II (SAREX-II), (8) EarthKam, (9) Plant Growth Investigations in Microgravity (PGIM), (10) Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus (CGBA), (11) Micro-Electrical Mechanical System (MEMS), and (12) the Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC). The crew was: Eileen M. Collins, Mission Commander, the first female shuttle commander; Jeffrey S. Ashby, Pilot; Steven A. Hawley , Mission Specialist; Catherine G. Coleman, Mission Specialist; Michel Tognini (CNES), Mission Specialist. The video contains views of life aboard the space shuttle. This mission featured both a night launching and a night landing at the Kennedy Space Center.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2001

High Resolution Observations and Modeling of Small-Scale Solar Magnetic Elements

This research contract investigating the radiative transfer and dynamic physics of the smallest observable magnetic structures in the solar photosphere. Due to the lack of a high-resolution visible light satellite instrument for solar studies, all data were acquired using ground-based instrumentation. The primary goal of the investigation was to understand the formation and evolution of "G-band bright points" in relation to the associated magnetic elements. G-band bright points are small (on the order of 100 kin or less in diameter) bright signatures associated with magnetic flux elements in the photosphere. They are seen in the A2A-X2 4308 A molecular bandhead of the CH radical ill the solar spectrum and offer the highest spatial resolution and highest contrast "tracers" of small magnetic structure on the Sun.

Berger, Thomas E.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Handheld Searchlight

Streamlite Inc. reengineered the NASA searchlight for commercial use. The brightest hand-held light yet produced is result of Xenon-arc lights developed as solar simulators at Johnson Space Center. Intense battery powered searchlight is rated a million candlepower - 50 times brighter than high beam headlights of a car, and weighs only 7 pounds. Lifetime of xenon lamp is at least 200 hours at maximum intensity. Retail cost is under $400.00. Company has introduced smaller unit in shape of a flashlight, produces 20,000 candlepower and costs approximately $60.00.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2012

Estimated Environmental Exposures for MISSE-7B

This paper details the 18-month environmental exposure for Materials International Space Station Experiment 7B (MISSE-7B) ram and wake sides. This includes atomic oxygen, ultraviolet radiation, particulate radiation, thermal cycling, meteoroid/space debris impacts, and observed contamination. Atomic oxygen fluence was determined by measured mass and thickness loss of polymers of known reactivity. Diodes sensitive to ultraviolet light actively measured solar radiation incident on the experiment. Comparisons to earlier MISSE flights are discussed.

Finckenor, Miria M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

SPICES: Spectro-Polarimetric Imaging and Characterization of Exoplanetary Systems - From Planetary Disks To Nearby Super Earths

SPICES (Spectro-Polarimetric Imaging and Characterization of Exoplanetary Systems) is a five-year M-class mission proposed to ESA Cosmic Vision. Its purpose is to image and characterize long-period extrasolar planets and circumstellar disks in the visible (450-900 nm) at a spectral resolution of about 40 using both spectroscopy and polarimetry. By 2020/2022, present and near-term instruments will have found several tens of planets that SPICES will be able to observe and study in detail. Equipped with a 1.5 m telescope, SPICES can preferentially access exoplanets located at several AUs (0.5-10 AU) from nearby stars (less than 25 pc) with masses ranging from a few Jupiter masses to Super Earths (approximately 2 Earth radii, approximately 10 mass compared to Earth) as well as circumstellar disks as faint as a few times the zodiacal light in the Solar System.

Boccaletti, Anthony↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Olivine Compositional Variation of Asteroid Ryugu Samples: Possible Precursors of Ryugu’s Parent Asteroid

JAXA’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully recovered samples from Cb-type asteroid Ryugu and returned samples are now under detailed scrutiny by the international community. The ongoing initial analysis has so far revealed that the Ryugu samples are pristine primitive asteroidal materials mostly composed of secondary minerals such asphyllosilicates, carbonates, Fe sulfides and magnetite associated with organic matter [e.g., 1]. However, some samples contain small amounts of anhydrous silicates and oxides such as olivine that are thought to be the precursors of the Ryugu parent asteroid. Their sizes are mostly <5 mm, and detailed mineralogical analysis is possible using an electron microprobe with field emission gun (FE-EPMA). Here we report results of our extensive FE-EPMA analysis of an hydrous minerals focusing on olivine to compare with literature chondritic data. We also performed synchrotron XRD of olivine crystals to evaluate the shock degree of Ryugu samples. These analyses allow us to discuss the formation of Ryugu in light of the solar system early evolution.

T Mikouchi↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Space Algae-2 Ground and Lunar Analog Studies in Preparation for Long-Duration Propagation of Cyanobacteria in Spaceflight

There are numerous applications for microalgae in spaceflight missions and on Earth, such as, oxygen production, carbon dioxide removal, nutrition, wastewater processing, and biofuel production. Space Algae-2 aims to test the genetic stability of Arthrospira platensis, commonly known as spirulina, during six-months of continuous culture in spaceflight on the International Space Station. Long-duration exposure to ionizing radiation and microgravity may impact growth, nutrient composition, and genetic stability. The high protein, vitamin, antioxidant content, and radiation resistance make spirulina a promising candidate for bioregenerative life support systems during long-duration missions. A concept of operations was developed to grow and harvest algal biomass in space. Preflight testing experiments were conducted to optimize conditions for an extended growth period in a gas permeable bioreactor bag. Preflight and post-harvest storage methods were developed in addition to a novel cryopreservation method. After sample return, multi-omics analysis will be conducted to determine the mutation rate, gene expression, and protein and metabolite profile. The concept of operations for Space Algae-2 was tested at HI-SEAS (Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) during a six-day lunar analog mission (EMMIHS23, EuroMoonMars, International MoonBase Alliance, HI-SEAS, 2023). A. platensis was grown in the semi-controlled environment using flight-like hardware and solar powered LED lights. Then, the biomass was harvested and used to supplement bread as an example of A. platensis utilization. Overall, the data collected from Space Algae-2 will inform potential bioengineering of spirulina for space and terrestrial applications.

Algae↗
DOE OSTI2019

Asymmetric tracking-integrated optics for solar concentration

A method is provided for using asymmetrically focused photovoltaic conversion in a hybrid parabolic trough solar power system. Light rays received in a plurality of transverse planes are concentrated towards a primary linear focus in an axial plane, orthogonal to the transverse planes. T band wavelengths of light are transmitted to the primary linear focus, while R band wavelengths of light are reflected towards a secondary linear focus in the axial plane. The light received at the primary linear focus is translated into thermal energy. The light received at the secondary linear focus is asymmetrically focused along a plurality of tertiary linear foci, orthogonal to the axial plane. The focused light in each tertiary linear focus is concentrated into a plurality of receiving areas and translated into electrical energy. Asymmetrical optical elements are used having an optical input interfaces elongated along rotatable axes, orthogonal to the axial plane.

Wheelwright, Brian↗
DOE OSTI2020

An Experimental Investigation of Multilayer Flow in a Slide Die Coating Process

Roll-to-roll coating technology has been actively applied not only for conventional film production but also for emerging energy devices such as organic solar cells, organic light emitting diodes, batteries, smart windows, and fuel cells. The devices are multilayer structures requiring several coating and drying steps when implemented in a serial fashion, which increases capital costs and energy consumption. Simultaneous multilayer (ML) coating technologies present an opportunity for cost reductions and improved process efficiency by reducing equipment footprint and the number of process steps. In this talk, we experimentally investigate ML slide die coating flow for the manufacturing of fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). For ML slide coating, understanding fluid properties such as density, surface tension, and viscosity are necessary for stable flows and limiting intermixing of the miscible layers. Here, we utilize a design-of-experiment methodology - Box-Behnken design (BBD) - to correlate ink formulation parameters to fluid properties. Using the ink properties obtained from the BBD, we performed numerical flow simulations to obtain a proper process conditions to guide experimental coating trials. Finally, experimental verification is performed on a ML slide die and a degree of miscibility was observed for various ink formulation conditions.

28 EE - Advanced Manufacturing Office (EE-5A)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Light-Induced Metastabilities in Highly Efficient MZO/CdSeTe/CdTe Thin Film Solar Cells

Metastability effects have been investigated in high efficiency MZO/CdSeTe/CdTe solar cells. Two different preconditioning procedures have been studied to recover the performance of the devices. These preconditioning procedures include light soaking, annealing and cooling down the device under different atmospheric conditions. J-V curves before any preconditioning showed a `S` shaped behavior and disappears after 15 minutes of light soaking under 1000 Wm-2. Both Atmospheric and Vacuum preconditioning showed similar recovery of the device performance. However, this recovery only lasts for 3 days when the devices were kept under vacuum in the dark.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1994

Coronal streamers as detected with the SPARTAN 201-01 white light coronagraph

The preliminary results concerning the fine scale structure analysis of the streamers on the east limb and the region between these streamers, as well as their morphological and physical characteristics are presented. The results were obtained using white light polarized brightness data. The solar corona was observed with an externally occulted white light coronagraph carried on the SPARTAN 201-01 spacecraft for a 47 h period beginning on DOY 101, 1993. At this phase of the solar magnetic activity cycle there were well developed coronal helmet streamers located over both the east and west limbs of the sun. The photometric properties of one streamer found near the south east limb of the sun are similar to those measured of helmet streamers at the time of the 1973 total eclipse by both the ground based white light coronal camera and the Skylab externally occulted coronagraph.

Fisher, Richard↗
NASA NTRS1988

Coatings Boost Solar-Cell Outputs

Efficiencies increased by more-complete utilization of incident light. Electrical outputs of thin solar photovoltaic cells made of dendritic-web silicon increased by combination of front-surface, antireflective coatings and back-surface, reflective coatings. Improvements achieved recently through theoretical and experimental studies of ways to optimize coatings for particular wavelengths of incident light, cell thicknesses, and cell materials.

Rohatgi, Ajeet↗
NASA NTRS2012

CME-Associated Radio Bursts from Satellite Observations

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) are closely associated with various types of radio bursts from the Sun. All radio bursts are due to nonthermal electrons, which are accelerated during the eruption of CMEs. Radio bursts at frequencies below about 15 MHz are of particular interest because they are associated with energetic CMEs that contribute to severe space weather. The low-frequency bursts need to be observed primarily from space because of the ionospheric cutoff. The main CME-related radio bursts are associated are: type III bursts due to accelerated electrons propagating along open magnetic field lines, type II bursts due to electrons accelerated in shocks, and type IV bursts due to electrons trapped in post-eruption arcades behind CMEs. This paper presents a summary of results obtained during solar cycle 23 primarily using the white-light coronagraphic observations from the Solar Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the WAVES experiment on board Wind. Particular emphasis will be placed on what we can learn about particle acceleration in the coronal and interplanetary medium by analyzing the CMEs and the associated radio bursts.

Gopalswamy, Nat↗
NASA NTRS1986

The need for isotopic data on refractory elements in the solar wind

The Sun accounts for the bulk of material in the solar system. Information on the isotopic composition of elements in the solar wind is therefore essential for an understanding of the contribution made by each nucleogenetic component that has been identified in meteorites. Recent work suggests that isotopic data on the solar wind may also help us to understand the physical process that is concentrating light elements at the solar surface. Refractory and volatile elements would behave alike under the conditions of solar fractionation. Prolonged exposure of foils at 1AU from the sun would be a relatively inexpensively way to collect the quantity of solar wind implanted refractory elements needed to test this hypothesis.

Manuel, O. K.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Washington, D.C. & Maryland Energy: Estimating Solar Potential Using NASA POWER Data to Inform Renewable Energy Policy for Washington, D.C.

In line with the Sustainable D.C. 2.0 plan to combat climate change, Washington D.C. aims to decrease its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% by 2050. As solar energy is a clean, renewable energy form, its integration into the region’s power grids lowers energy costs and incentivizes sustainable development. We partnered with the Washington D.C. Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) to determine how urban areas surrounding D.C. can better be incorporated into decisions regarding renewable energy policy. The team used NASA’s Prediction of Worldwide Energy Resources (POWER) solar data and a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) derived digital surface model, to estimate and visualize rooftop solar potential for Maryland’s Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. POWER provided solar irradiance data adjusted for tilt angle while the digital surface model contributed aspect and slope data. This methodology factored out areas that were unsuitable for solar panel installation while displaying areas that possess a high potential for energy return. The team found the total rooftop solar potential for the study area to be almost 32 million kW, which is equivalent to roughly 660 kW per building. The methodology used to generate the solar potential maps can be applied to other regions of the country seeking to efficiently utilize solar energy. The end users at the DOEE can use our resulting solar potential map and data table to effectively target buildings that have the highest potential to generate solar energy.

Edward Cronin↗
DOE OSTI2024

Barrier reinforcement for enhanced perovskite solar cell stability under reverse bias

Stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) under light, heat, humidity and their combinations have been notably improved recently. However, PSCs have poor reverse-bias stability that limits their real-world application. Here we report a systematic study on the degradation mechanisms of p-i-n structure PSCs under reverse bias. The oxidation of iodide by injected holes at the cathode side initialize the reverse-bias-induced degradation, then the generated neutral iodine oxidizes metal electrode such as copper, followed by drift of Cu+ into perovskites and its reduction by injected electrons, resulting in localized metallic filaments and thus device breakdown. A reinforced barrier with combined lithium fluoride, tin oxide and indium tin oxide at the cathode side reduces device dark current and avoids the corrosion of Cu0. It dramatically increases breakdown voltage to above -20 V and improved the T90 lifetime of PSCs to ~1,000 h under -1.6 V. The modified minimodule also maintained over 90% of its initial performance after 720 h of shadow tests.

degradation mechanisms↗