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At least 379 records · Page 21

Preparation for Hollow Cathode Testing for the Advanced Electric Propulsion System at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Glenn Research Center is performing activities to support the unique needs of hollow cathode development and testing for the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS). Three existing vacuum facilities have been outfitted as cathode test facilities, and each will serve a different role in upcoming testing. Vacuum Facility 67 is being developed to serve as a long-duration test facility for the Engineering Development Unit cathode, which is to be delivered by the AEPS contractor. It will feature a thruster-like magnetic field simulator and cold-cycle capability via a liquid nitrogen-cooled cold plate. Vacuum Facility 17 is being developed as a test facility for short- to medium-duration experiments in order to provide auxiliary support for the long-duration testing. It will feature a magnetic field simulator but not cold-cycling. Finally, Vacuum Facility 1 will be a high-pumping speed cathode development environment, and will feature an array of plasma and temperature diagnostics. In addition to the facility preparation work, a new cathode, referred to as the Mark II, has been designed. The Mark II is an evolution of the Technology Demonstration Unit cathodes that better evokes the geometry, fabrication, and construction of the forthcoming Engineering Development Unit. This cathode serves as a transition between the Technology Demonstration Unit cathodes used during early thruster development and the forthcoming Engineering Development Unit cathodes. It will be used as a means of verifying the new test facilities prior to arrival of Engineering Development Unit hardware. Details of the Mark II design and key features are presented, as well as details of future work to be performed.

Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS)↗

Preparation for Hollow Cathode Testing for the Advanced Electric Propulsion System at NASA Glenn Research Center

NASA Glenn Research Center is performing activities to support the unique needs of hollow cathode development and testing for the Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS). Three existing vacuum facilities have been outfitted as cathode test facilities, and each will serve a different role in upcoming testing. Vacuum Facility 67 is being developed to serve as a long-duration test facility for the Engineering Development Unit cathode, which is to be delivered by the AEPS contractor. It will feature a thruster-like magnetic field simulator and cold-cycle capability via a liquid nitrogen-cooled cold plate. Vacuum Facility 17 is being developed as a test facility for short- to medium-duration experiments in order to provide auxiliary support for the long-duration testing. It will feature a magnetic field simulator but not cold-cycling. Finally, Vacuum Facility 1 will be a high-pumping speed cathode development environment, and will feature an array of plasma and temperature diagnostics. In addition to the facility preparation work, a new cathode, referred to as the Mark II, has been designed. The Mark II is an evolution of the Technology Demonstration Unit cathodes that better evokes the geometry, fabrication, and construction of the forthcoming Engineering Development Unit. This cathode serves as a transition between the Technology Demonstration Unit cathodes used during early thruster development and the forthcoming Engineering Development Unit cathodes. It will be used as a means of verifying the new test facilities prior to arrival of Engineering Development Unit hardware. Details of the Mark II design and key features are presented, as well as details of future work to be performed.

Hall, Scott J.↗

Issues in the development of a 10 MBPS K=15 Viterbi decoder

The NMSU Telemetry Center, in collaboration with the NASA Microelectronics Center (MRC) at UNM, has completed a study of the feasibility of building a constraint length 15, rate 1/2 Viterbi Decoder (or BVD) to operate at a rate of 10 Mbps. The BVD, if built, would make TDRSS more accessible to all users, small satellites in particular, by providing an additional 2 dB of link margin, relative to the use of the standard constraint length 7 decoder. The study included the following: review of the 1 Mbps BVD built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), currently the only BVD in existence; development of Specifications for the basic processing unit of the BVD (MRC); analytical Determination of performance of large constraint length convolutional codes; investigation of the impact of processor design on the overall system design; and two feasible packaging technologies, proposed by Cincinnati Electronics of Ohio. It was concluded that while the construction of the BVD is feasible, it will require the most advanced packaging technology currently available, and that the project would be best accomplished in an industrial facility. While the size, complexity, and power requirements of the BVD will be extreme, these will impact only the ground station. The spacecraft will incur a minor change in the encoder design, and the increased coding gain will allow a satellite to operate with a smaller antenna.

Osborne, William P.↗

Ergonomics technology

Major areas of research and development in ergonomics technology for space environments are discussed. Attention is given to possible applications of the technology developed by NASA in industrial settings. A group of mass spectrometers for gas analysis capable of fully automatic operation has been developed for atmosphere control on spacecraft; a version for industrial use has been constructed. Advances have been made in personal cooling technology, remote monitoring of medical information, and aerosol particle control. Experience gained by NASA during the design and development of portable life support units has recently been applied to improve breathing equipment used by fire fighters.

Jones, W. L.↗

Workshop on Technology Development Issues for the Large Deployable Reflector (LDR)

The results of the 2nd Large Deployable Reflector (LDR) Technology Review Workshop held at Asilomar, California, March 17 to 22, 1985, are summarized. The workshop was convened to update LDR Technology status and to revise as necessary the results for the first LDR Workshop held in June 1982. There were some 100 participants representing government agencies, industry, and universities. This Workshop's goal was to assess, identify, and set priorities for the LDR technology issues based on requirements identified in the first workshop. Four high-priority technology areas were identified: (1) mirror materials and construction; (2) sensing and controls; (3) system-simulation and modeling capability; and (4) submillimeter instruments. The results of the workshop were used to provide a list of technolgy issues for the development of a technology initiatives plan for the LDR by NASA's Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology.

Nishioka, Kenji↗

Aerocapture Technology Demonstration Risk Reduction Activity

NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has developed and constructed a full-scale mockup of a trim tab mechanism for a steerable entry vehicle to address the risks associated with a Technology Demonstration Mission (TDM) with respect to the mass and volume needed for such a system as compared to existing steering systems. This paper provides an overview of the conceptual design effort and the results of the risk reduction effort.

Scott Belbin↗

The Lunar Regolith Terrain (LRT) Field: A New Lunar Surface Planetary Analog Facility at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC)

Introduction: NASA is moving toward a new age of exploration and resource utilization of the lunar surface. Challenges related to exploration, resource utilization, and construction at the Lunar South Pole will require advanced technology and well-designed mission concepts and operations. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has added new capabilities to support surface mobility and construction activities to meet industry, academia, and NASA research and development goals for lunar applications. The Lunar Regolith Terrain (LRT) field is a new, large-area, lunar regolith simulant planetary analog testing ground for users interested in surface mobility and lunar construction activities. The LRT complements NASA MSFC’s other lunar environment testing facilities such as the Lunar Surface Simulator (V20 dirty vacuum chamber), the Lunar Environment Testing System (LETS), among many others. Lunar Regolith Terrain (LTR) Description: The Lunar Regolith Terrain field is an outdoor planetary analog environment facility located on base at MSFC. The lunar regolith simulant is JSC-1A feedstock material (volcanic cinder sand sourced from Meriam Crater, Flagstaff, AZ). The field contains more than 500 tons of lunar regolith simulant confined within a 125 ft x 125 ft (38 m x 38 m) area. The field is placed ~ 50% over paved parking lot and ~ 50% over a natural ground. Currently, the depth of regolith ranges between ~ 5 in - ~ 4 ft (~ 13cm – 1.2m) but can be modified to suit user needs. The lunar regolith simulant that makes up the field has representative geotechnical, geochemical, and optical properties of lunar mare basalt. An area within the LRT of lunar highlands terrain simulant is planned. Additional Features of the LRT: The LRT was designed to allow rapid modification of the terrain’s topography obstacles in the field. The terrain can be reshaped to suit specific testing requirements that may require flat expanses, steep hills, or heavily cratered and rocky landscapes. Large rocky obstacles in Fig. 1 are artificial landscape boulders (faux-rocks) that can be easily placed by users or removed entirely. Areas of the field also contain buried fiducials, large sheets, bar stock, and pipes of various composition and dimensions to allow for possible ground penetrating radar and shallow seismic studies. Rapid modification capabilities will also allow for burial of additional user-specific materials to enable in-situ resource utilization detection (e.g., burial of hydrogen sources for neutron detection or other materials). The field is also equipped with on-site office space with an air-conditioned and heated trailer with 120/240V power and lighting. The site has Wi-Fi and Cellular signal coverage. Direct radio frequency communication with the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) is in development. Additional on-site workspace and secure equipment storage is available in adjacent buildings. Accessibility to the field is straightforward with on-site parking and access for delivery of instruments, payloads, and additional equipment. Community Availability: The LRTF provides an accessible planetary analog surface environment for surface mobility testing, autonomous roving operations, developing advanced navigation techniques and operations development. Interested parties can contact the abstract authors for additional details, tours, and scheduling.

Lunar Regolith↗

Marshall Space Flight Center: Lunar Regolith Terrain (LRT)

Introduction: NASA is moving toward a new age of exploration and resource utilization of the lunar surface. Challenges related to exploration, resource utilization, and construction at the Lunar South Pole will require advanced technology and well-designed mission concepts and operations. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has added new capabilities to support surface mobility and construction activities to meet industry, academia, and NASA research and development goals for lunar applications. The Lunar Regolith Terrain (LRT) field is a new, large-area, lunar regolith simulant planetary analog testing ground for users interested in surface mobility and lunar construction activities. The LRT complements NASA MSFC’s other lunar environment testing facilities such as the Lunar Surface Simulator (V20 dirty vacuum chamber), the Lunar Environment Testing System (LETS), among many others. Lunar Regolith Terrain (LTR) Description: The Lunar Regolith Terrain field is an outdoor planetary analog environment facility located on base at MSFC. The lunar regolith simulant is JSC-1A feedstock material (volcanic cinder sand sourced from Meriam Crater, Flagstaff, AZ). The field contains more than 500 tons of lunar regolith simulant confined within a 125 ft x 125 ft (38 m x 38 m) area. The field is placed ~ 50% over paved parking lot and ~ 50% over a natural ground. Currently, the depth of regolith ranges between ~ 5 in - ~ 4 ft (~ 13cm – 1.2m) but can be modified to suit user needs. The lunar regolith simulant that makes up the field has representative geotechnical, geochemical, and optical properties of lunar mare basalt. An area within the LRT of lunar highlands terrain simulant is planned. Additional Features of the LRT: The LRT was designed to allow rapid modification of the terrain’s topography obstacles in the field. The terrain can be reshaped to suit specific testing requirements that may require flat expanses, steep hills, or heavily cratered and rocky landscapes. Large rocky obstacles in Fig. 1 are artificial landscape boulders (faux-rocks) that can be easily placed by users or removed entirely. Areas of the field also contain buried fiducials, large sheets, bar stock, and pipes of various composition and dimensions to allow for possible ground penetrating radar and shallow seismic studies. Rapid modification capabilities will also allow for burial of additional user-specific materials to enable in-situ resource utilization detection (e.g., burial of hydrogen sources for neutron detection or other materials). The field is also equipped with on-site office space with an air-conditioned and heated trailer with 120/240V power and lighting. The site has Wi-Fi and Cellular signal coverage. Direct radio frequency communication with the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) is in development. Additional on-site workspace and secure equipment storage is available in adjacent buildings. Accessibility to the field is straightforward with on-site parking and access for delivery of instruments, payloads, and additional equipment. Community Availability: The LRTF provides an accessible planetary analog surface environment for surface mobility testing, autonomous roving operations, developing advanced navigation techniques and operations development. Interested parties can contact the abstract authors for additional details, tours, and scheduling.

Lunar Regolith↗

Marshall Space Flight Center: Lunar Regolith Terrain (LRT)

Introduction: NASA is moving toward a new age of exploration and resource utilization of the lunar surface. Challenges related to exploration, resource utilization, and construction at the Lunar South Pole will require advanced technology and well-designed mission concepts and operations. NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has added new capabilities to support surface mobility and construction activities to meet industry, academia, and NASA research and development goals for lunar applications. The Lunar Regolith Terrain (LRT) field is a new, large-area, lunar regolith simulant planetary analog testing ground for users interested in surface mobility and lunar construction activities. The LRT complements NASA MSFC’s other lunar environment testing facilities such as the Lunar Surface Simulator (V20 dirty vacuum chamber), the Lunar Environment Testing System (LETS), among many others. Lunar Regolith Terrain (LTR) Description: The Lunar Regolith Terrain field is an outdoor planetary analog environment facility located on base at MSFC. The lunar regolith simulant is JSC-1A feedstock material (volcanic cinder sand sourced from Meriam Crater, Flagstaff, AZ). The field contains more than 500 tons of lunar regolith simulant confined within a 125 ft x 125 ft (38 m x 38 m) area. The field is placed ~ 50% over paved parking lot and ~ 50% over a natural ground. Currently, the depth of regolith ranges between ~ 5 in - ~ 4 ft (~ 13cm – 1.2m) but can be modified to suit user needs. The lunar regolith simulant that makes up the field has representative geotechnical, geochemical, and optical properties of lunar mare basalt. An area within the LRT of lunar highlands terrain simulant is planned. Additional Features of the LRT: The LRT was designed to allow rapid modification of the terrain’s topography obstacles in the field. The terrain can be reshaped to suit specific testing requirements that may require flat expanses, steep hills, or heavily cratered and rocky landscapes. Large rocky obstacles in Fig. 1 are artificial landscape boulders (faux-rocks) that can be easily placed by users or removed entirely. Areas of the field also contain buried fiducials, large sheets, bar stock, and pipes of various composition and dimensions to allow for possible ground penetrating radar and shallow seismic studies. Rapid modification capabilities will also allow for burial of additional user-specific materials to enable in-situ resource utilization detection (e.g., burial of hydrogen sources for neutron detection or other materials). The field is also equipped with on-site office space with an air-conditioned and heated trailer with 120/240V power and lighting. The site has Wi-Fi and Cellular signal coverage. Direct radio frequency communication with the Huntsville Operations Support Center (HOSC) is in development. Additional on-site workspace and secure equipment storage is available in adjacent buildings. Accessibility to the field is straightforward with on-site parking and access for delivery of instruments, payloads, and additional equipment. Community Availability: The LRTF provides an accessible planetary analog surface environment for surface mobility testing, autonomous roving operations, developing advanced navigation techniques and operations development. Interested parties can contact the abstract authors for additional details, tours, and scheduling.

Lunar Regolith↗

A path to in-space welding and to other in-space metal processing technologies using Space Shuttle small payloads

As we venture into space, it becomes necessary to assemble, expand, and repair space-based structures for our housing, research, and manufacturing. The zero gravity-vacuum of space challenges us to employ construction options which are commonplace on Earth. Rockwell International (RI) has begun to undertake the challenge of space-based construction via numerous options, of which one is welding. As of today, RI divisions have developed appropriate resources and technologies to bring space-based welding within our grasp. Further work, specifically in the area of developing space experiments to test RI technology, is required. RI Space Welding Project's achievements to date, from research and development (R&E) efforts in the areas of microgravity, vacuum, intra- / extra- vehicular activity and spinoff technologies, are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to results for G-169's (Get Away Special) microgravity flights aboard a NASA KC-135. Based on these achievements, a path to actual development of a space welding system is proposed with options to explore spinoff in-space metal processing technologies. This path is constructed by following a series of milestone experiments, of which several are to utilize NASA's Shuttle Small Payload Programs. Conceptual designs of the proposed shuttle payload experiments are discussed with application of lessons learned from G-169's design, development, integration, testing, safety approval process, and KC-135 flights.

Tamir, David↗

Develop and test fuel cell powered on site integrated total energy sysems: Phase 3: Full-scale power plant development

A 25-cell stack of the 13 inch x 23 inch cell size (about 4kW) remains on test after 8300 hours, using simulated reformate fuel. A similar stack was previously shut down after 7000 hours on load. These tests have been carried out for the purpose of assessing the durability of fuel cell stack components developed through the end of 1983. A 25kW stack containing 175 cells of the same size and utilizing a technology base representative of the 25-cell stacks has been constructed and is undergoing initial testing. A third 4kW stack is being prepared, and this stack will incorporate several new technology features.

Kaufman, A.↗

Assessment and Management of the Risks of Debris Hits During Space Station EVAs

The risk of EVAs is critical to the decision of whether or not to automate a large part of the construction of the International Space Station (ISS). Furthermore, the choice of the technologies of the space suit and the life support system will determine (1) the immediate safety of these operations, and (2) the long-run costs and risks of human presence in space, not only in lower orbit (as is the case of the ISS) but also perhaps, outside these orbits, or on the surface of other planets. The problem is therefore both an immediate one and a long-term one. The fundamental question is how and when to shift from the existing EMU system (suit, helmet, gloves and life support system) to another type (e.g. a hard suit), given the potential trade-offs among life-cycle costs, risks to the astronauts, performance of tasks, and uncertainties about new systems' safety inherent to such a shift in technology. A more immediate issue is how to manage the risks of EVAs during the construction and operation of the ISS in order to make the astronauts (in the words of the NASA Administrator) "as safe outside as inside". For the moment (June 1997), the plan is to construct the Space Station using the low-pressure space suits that have been developed for the space shuttle. In the following, we will refer to this suit assembly as EMU (External Maneuvering Unit). It is the product of a long evolution, starting from the U.S. Air Force pilot suits through the various versions and changes that occurred for the purpose of NASA space exploration, in particular during the Gemini and the Apollo programs. The Shuttle EMU is composed of both soft fabrics and hard plates. As an alternative to the shuttle suit, at least two hard suits were developed by NASA: the AX5 and the MRKIII. The problem of producing hard suits for space exploration is very similar to that of producing deep-sea diving suits. There was thus an opportunity to develop a suit that could be manufactured for both purposes with the economies of scale that could be gained from a two-branch manufacturing line (space and deep sea). Of course, the space suit would need to be space qualified. Some of the problems in adopting one of the hard suits were first that the testing had to be completed, and second that it required additional storage space. The decision was made not to develop a hard suit in time for the construction and operation of the ISS. Instead, to improve the safety of the current suit, it was decided to reinforce the soft parts of the shuttle EMU with KEVLAR linings to strengthen it against debris impacts. Test results, however, show that this advanced suit design has little effect on the penetration characteristics.

Pate-Cornell, Elisabeth↗

Workshop on Using In Situ Resources for Construction of Planetary Outposts

The workshop examined the potential uses of indigenous materials on the Moon and Mars, other than those associated with the production of propellants for space transportation. The papers presented concerned the needs for construction, based on analysis of the current NASA Mars reference Mission and past studies studies of lunar outposts; the availability of materials on the Moon and Mars; construction techniques that make use of the natural environment; materials production and fabrication techniques based on indigenous materials; and new technologies that could promote the use of indigenous materials in construction.

M. B. Duke↗

Citizen Explorer: An Earth Observer With New Small Satellite Technology - 1

Citizen Explorer-I (CX-I), designed and built by students at Colorado Space Grant Consortium in Boulder to provide global ozone monitoring, employs a unique mission architecture and several innovative technologies during its mission. The mission design allows K-12 schools around the world to be involved as ground stations available to receive science data and telemetry from CX-I. Another important technology allows the spacecraft to be less reliant on ground operators. Spacecraft Command Language (SCL) allows mission designers to set constraints on the satellite operations. The satellite then automatically adheres to the constraints when the satellite is out of contact with Mission Operations. In addition to SCL, a low level of artificial intelligence will be supplied to the spacecraft through the use of the Automated Scheduling and Planning ENvironment (ASPEN). ASPEN is used to maintain a spacecraft schedule in order to achieve the objectives a mission operator would normally have to complete. Within the communications system of CX-I, internet of CX-I, internet protocols are the main method for communicating with the satellite. As internet protocols have not been widely used in satellite communication, CX-I provides an opportunity to study the effectiveness of using internet protocols over radio links. The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) on CX-I uses a gravity gradient boom as a means of orienting the satellite's science instruments toward nadir. The boom design is unique because it is constructed of tape measure material. These new technologies' effectiveness will be tested for use on future small satellite projects within the space satellite industry.

Allen, Zachary↗

Space and energy conservation housing prototype unit development

Construction plans are discussed for a house which will demonstrate the application of advanced technology to minimize energy requirements and to help direct further development in home construction by defining the interaction of integrated energy and water systems with building configuration and construction materials. Housing unit designs are provided and procedures for the analysis of a variety of housing strategies are developed.

Sunshine, D. R.↗

Controlling and monitoring the space-station plasma interaction: A baseline for performing plasma experiments and using advanced technology

The size, complexity, and motion of space station through the Earth's environmental plasma means that there will be a large, complicated interaction region, involving a sheath, wake, charging of surfaces, induced electric fields, secondary emission, outgassing with ionization, etc. This interaction will necessarily be a factor in carrying out and interpreting plasma experiments and in the use of certain technologies. Attention should be given ahead of time to: (1) monitoring this interaction so that it is well described; (2) implifying the interaction by appropriate design and construction of the spacecraft and by appropriate planning of technology use; and (3) controlling the interaction by both active and passive means. Plasma emitters for modifying and controlling the spacecraft charge should be placed in several locations. Portable electrostatic shields could be deployed around noisy sections of the spacecraft in order to carry out sensitive experiments. A particle umbrella could be raised to deflect the ram ions and neutrals in order to provide a controlled environment. These interactions are briefly discussed.

Whipple, Elden C.↗

Technology Development and Advanced Planning for Curation of Returned Mars Samples

NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) curates extraterrestrial samples, providing the international science community with lunar rock and soil returned by the Apollo astronauts, meteorites collected in Antarctica, cosmic dust collected in the stratosphere, and hardware exposed to the space environment. Curation comprises initial characterization of new samples, preparation and allocation of samples for research, and clean, secure long-term storage. The foundations of this effort are the specialized cleanrooms (class 10 to 10,000) for each of the four types of materials, the supporting facilities, and the people, many of whom have been doing detailed work in clean environments for decades. JSC is also preparing to curate the next generation of extraterrestrial samples. These include samples collected from the solar wind, a comet, and an asteroid. Early planning and R\&D are underway to support post-mission sample handling and curation of samples returned from Mars. One of the strong scientific reasons for returning samples from Mars is to search for evidence of current or past life in the samples. Because of the remote possibility that the samples may contain life forms that are hazardous to the terrestrial biosphere, the National Research Council has recommended that all samples returned from Mars be kept under strict biological containment until tests show that they can safely be released to other laboratories. It is possible that Mars samples may contain only scarce or subtle traces of life or prebiotic chemistry that could readily be overwhelmed by terrestrial contamination . Thus, the facilities used to contain, process, and analyze samples from Mars must have a combination of high-level biocontainment and organic / inorganic chemical cleanliness that is unprecedented. JSC has been conducting feasibility studies and developing designs for a sample receiving facility that would offer biocontainment at least the equivalent of current maximum containment BSL-4 (BioSafety Level 4) laboratories, while simultaneously maintaining cleanliness levels equaling those of state-of-the-art cleanrooms. Unique requirements for the processing of Mars samples have inspired a program to develop handling techniques that are much more precise and reliable than the approach (currently used for lunar samples) of employing gloved human hands in nitrogen-filled gloveboxes. Individual samples from Mars are expected to be much smaller than lunar samples, the total mass of samples returned by each mission being 0.5- 1 kg, compared with many tens of kg of lunar samples returned by each of the six Apollo missions. Smaller samples require much more of the processing to be done under microscopic observation. In addition, the requirements for cleanliness and high-level containment would be difficult to satisfy while using traditional gloveboxes. JSC has constructed a laboratory to test concepts and technologies important to future sample curation. The Advanced Curation Laboratory includes a new-generation glovebox equipped with a robotic arm to evaluate the usability of robotic and teleoperated systems to perform curatorial tasks. The laboratory also contains equipment for precision cleaning and the measurement of trace organic contamination.

Lindstrom, David J.↗