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At least 487 records · Page 27

Robonaut 2 - Building a Robot on the International Space Station

In 2010, the Robonaut Project embarked on a multi‐phase mission to perform technology demonstrations on‐board the International Space Station (ISS), showcasing state of the art robotics technologies through the use of Robonaut 2 (R2). This phased approach implements a strategy that allows for the use of ISS as a test bed during early development to both demonstrate capability and test technology while still making advancements in the earth based laboratories for future testing and operations in space. While R2 was performing experimental trials onboard the ISS during the first phase, engineers were actively designing for Phase 2, Intra‐Vehicular Activity (IVA) Mobility, that utilizes a set of zero‐g climbing legs outfitted with grippers to grasp handrails and seat tracks. In addition to affixing the new climbing legs to the existing R2 torso, it became clear that upgrades to the torso to both physically accommodate the climbing legs and to expand processing power and capabilities of the robot were required. In addition to these upgrades, a new safety architecture was also implemented in order to account for the expanded capabilities of the robot. The IVA climbing legs not only needed to attach structurally to the R2 torso on ISS, but also required power and data connections that did not exist in the upper body. The climbing legs were outfitted with a blind mate adapter and coarse alignment guides for easy installation, but the upper body required extensive rewiring to accommodate the power and data connections. This was achieved by mounting a custom adapter plate to the torso and routing the additional wiring through the waist joint to connect to the new set of processors. In addition to the power and data channels, the integrated unit also required updated electronics boards, additional sensors and updated processors to accommodate a new operating system, software platform, and custom control system. In order to perform the unprecedented task of building a robot in space, extensive practice sessions and meticulous procedures were required. Since crew training time is at a premium, the R2 team took a skills‐based training approach to ensure the astronauts were proficient with a basic skill set while refining the detailed procedures over several practice sessions and simulations. In addition to the crew activities, meticulous ground procedures were required in order to upgrade firmware on the upper body motor drivers. The new firmware for the IVA mobility unit needed to be deployed using the old software system. This also provided an opportunity to upgrade the upper body joints with new software and allowed for limited insight into the success of the updates. Complete verification that the updated firmware was successfully loaded was not confirmed until the rewiring of the upper body torso was complete.

Diftler, Myron↗

The ORBCOMM data communications system

The ORBCOMM system is designed to provide low-cost, two-way data communications for mobile and remote users. The communications system is ideally configured for low data rate applications where communicating devices are geographically dispersed and two-way communications through terrestrial means is cumbersome and not cost effective. The remote terminals use VHF frequencies which allow for the use of very small, low-cost terminals. ORBCOMM has entered into joint development agreements with several large manufacturers of both consumer and industrial electronics to design and build the remote terminals. Based on prototype work, the estimated retail cost of these units will range from $50 to $400 depending on the complexity of the design. Starting in the fall of 1993, ORBCOMM will begin service with a demonstration network consisting of two operating satellites. By the end of 1994, a full operating network of 26 satellites, four Gateway Earth Stations, and a Network Control Center will be in place. The full constellation will provide full coverage of the entire world with greater than 94 percent communications availability for the continental U.S. This paper describes the ORBCOMM system, the technology used in its implementation, and its applications.

Schoen, David C.↗

The effect of direct and reflected radiation on the temperatures of space structures

As an orbiting structure passes from the bright side to the dark side of the earth, substantial differences in surface heating may take place due to direct sunlight and albedo. Most structures are built of convex curved elements to spread out the reflected energy. A change in the shortwave absorptivity and emissivity maintains the temperature of electronic components within a narrow range. Temperature extremes may also be reduced by the use of thermal capacity of the system or by shielding the surface from direct sunlight. For an instrument deployed from a Shuttle, a temperature must be established for it in the cargo bay before deployment. The effect of obstructed views by surfaces such as the Shuttle arm complicates solar flux computations because of the object's mobility. For typical orbits, the earth's albedo and the direct long wavelength radiation may be as much as 30 percent of the direct solar flux. Irradiation due to direct and reflected solar, long wave radiation and reflected radiation from earth, and from Shuttle surfaces is largely dependent on the specular reflection from the radiators as the Shuttle rolls and its surfaces block the sun. Through a judicious choice of surface properties, thermal capacitance and orbit attitude programming, the temperature response of a system can be controlled.

Emery, A. F.↗

Uncertainties about the physical electronics of n(+) and p(+) silicon, with applications for solar cells

After brief surveys of the significance of n(+) and p(+) silicon for the conversion efficiency of solar cells, the work in this paper is concentrated on uncertainties in the characterization of n(+) and p(+) regions. The topics treated include the quantum density states of the majority carrier band and the position of the Fermi level relative to the edge of this band, the resulting force field on the minority carriers accompanying a space dependence of the energy gap narrowing, and the interpretation of measurements of the energy gap narrowing and the minority carrier diffusivity and mobility. The treatment seeks to show how these uncertainties relate to solar cell design and to estimates of attainable conversion efficiency.

Lindholm, F. A.↗

Photographic Equipment Test System (PETS)

The Photographic Equipment Test System is presented. The device is a mobile optical system designed for evaluating performance of various sensors in a laboratory, in a vacuum chamber or on a flight line. The carriage is designed to allow elevation as well as azimuth control of the direction of the light from the collimator. The pneumatic tires provide an effective vibration isolation system. A target/illumination system is mounted on a motor driven linear slide, and focusing and exposure control can be operated remotely from the small electronics control console.

Source record↗

Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator; An Enhanced Evaporative Cooling System for the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit Portable Life Support System

Development of the Advanced Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AEMU) portable life support subsystem (PLSS) is currently under way at NASA Johnson Space Center. The AEMU PLSS features a new evaporative cooling system, the Generation 4 Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator (Gen4 SWME). The SWME offers several advantages when compared with prior crewmember cooling technologies, including the ability to reject heat at increased atmospheric pressures, reduced loop infrastructure, and higher tolerance to fouling. Like its predecessors, Gen4 SWME provides nominal crew member and electronics cooling by flowing water through porous hollow fibers. Water vapor escapes through the hollow fiber pores, thereby cooling the liquid water that remains inside of the fibers. This cooled water is then recirculated to remove heat from the crew member and PLSS electronics. Test results from the backup cooling system which is based on a similar design and the subject of a companion paper, suggested that further volume reductions could be achieved through fiber density optimization. Testing was performed with four fiber bundle configurations ranging from 35,850 fibers to 41,180 fibers. The optimal configuration reduced the Gen4 SWME envelope volume by 15% from that of Gen3 while dramatically increasing the performance margin of the system. A rectangular block design was chosen over the Gen3 cylindrical design, for packaging configurations within the AEMU PLSS envelope. Several important innovations were made in the redesign of the backpressure valve which is used to control evaporation. A twin-port pivot concept was selected from among three low profile valve designs for superior robustness, control and packaging. The backpressure valve motor, the thermal control valve, delta pressure sensors and temperature sensors were incorporated into the manifold endcaps, also for packaging considerations. Flight-like materials including a titanium housing were used for all components. Performance testing of the Gen4 SWME is underway.

Bue, Grant C.↗

Furrow microtubules and localized exocytosis in cleaving Xenopus laevis embryos

In dividing Xenopus eggs, furrowing is accompanied by expansion of a new domain of plasma membrane in the cleavage plane. The source of the new membrane is known to include a store of oogenetically produced exocytotic vesicles, but the site where their exocytosis occurs has not been described. Previous work revealed a V-shaped array of microtubule bundles at the base of advancing furrows. Cold shock or exposure to nocodazole halted expansion of the new membrane domain, which suggests that these microtubules are involved in the localized exocytosis. In the present report, scanning electron microscopy revealed collections of pits or craters, up to approximately 1.5 micro m in diameter. These pits are evidently fusion pores at sites of recent exocytosis, clustered in the immediate vicinity of the deepening furrow base and therefore near the furrow microtubules. Confocal microscopy near the furrow base of live embryos labeled with the membrane dye FM1-43 captured time-lapse sequences of individual exocytotic events in which irregular patches of approximately 20 micro m(2) of unlabeled membrane abruptly displaced pre-existing FM1-43-labeled surface. In some cases, stable fusion pores, approximately 2 micro m in diameter, were seen at the surface for up to several minutes before suddenly delivering patches of unlabeled membrane. To test whether the presence of furrow microtubule bundles near the surface plays a role in directing or concentrating this localized exocytosis, membrane expansion was examined in embryos exposed to D(2)O to induce formation of microtubule monasters randomly under the surface. D(2)O treatment resulted in a rapid, uniform expansion of the egg surface via random, ectopic exocytosis of vesicles. This D(2)O-induced membrane expansion was completely blocked with nocodazole, indicating that the ectopic exocytosis was microtubule-dependent. Results indicate that exocytotic vesicles are present throughout the egg subcortex, and that the presence of microtubules near the surface is sufficient to mobilize them for exocytosis at the end of the cell cycle.

Non-NASA Center↗

The Future of the Internet in Science

How are scientists going to make use of the Internet several years from now? This is a case study of a leading-edge experiment in building a 'virtual institute'-- using electronic communication tools to foster collaboration among geographically dispersed scientists. Our experience suggests: Scientists will want to use web-based document management systems. There will be a demand for Internet-enabled meeting support tools. While internet videoconferencing will have limited value for scientists, webcams will be in great demand as a tool for transmitting pictures of objects and settings, rather than "talking heads." and a significant share of scientists who do fieldwork will embrace mobile voice, data and video communication tools. The setting for these findings is a research consortium called the NASA Astrobiology Institute.

Guice, Jon↗

Direct coupling of microbore HPLC columns to MS systems

A detailed investigation using electron microscopy was conducted which examined the conditions of materials used in the construction of stable, high performance microbore liquid chromatography (LC) columns. Small details proved to be important. The effects of temperature on the elution of several homologous series used as probe compounds was examined in reverse phase systems. They showed that accessible temperature changes provide roughly half the increase in solvent strength that would be obtained going from a 100% aqueous to a 100% organic mobile phase, which is sufficient to warrant their use in many analyses requiring the use of gradients. Air circulation temperature control systems provide the easiest means of obtaining rapid, wide range changes in column temperature. However, slow heat transfer from the gas leads to thermal nonuniformity in the column and a decrease in resolution as the temperature program progresses.

Mcnair, H. M.↗

Development and Application of Weld Track Thermal Analysis for the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit

NASA is studying the next generation of space suit for safe operations in space, from the International Space Station to the lunar surface as part of the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit project. The backplate structure of the portable life support system (PLSS) serves as the attachment point for assembly of the PLSS and contains embedded cooling channels. The thermal loop plumbing assembly and backplate are combined into a single component such that the fluid lines run through the midplane of the backplate. The manufacturing of the Ti-6Al-4V backplate consists of machining channels into a plate, welding cover plates on each channel using an electron beam, and additional machining for excess material removal and final detail. Careful control of the electron beam weld process is necessary to completely seal cover plates, produce consistent weld tracks, and produce channels with uniform cross sections free of debris and defects. The backplate contains multiple weld channels with unique geometries. The weld process parameters include choosing the beam current and focus, accelerating voltage, travel speed, pause times between weld tracks, and sequence of weld tracks. A transient finite element thermal analysis was developed to provide support for choosing and controlling the weld process parameters to maintain a consistent melt pool along each of the weld tracks. A moving distributed heat source is modeled to represent the heat input generated by the electron beam. The heat source model is a critical input to the analysis for accurate temperature predictions during the weld process. A modified conical heat source was developed to account for the change in working distance between the backplate and cover plates. The geometry of the material being welded must be accounted for by the heat source model to define the correct energy input. The weld process control is designed according to the predicted thermal history and melt pool dimensions for each of the weld channels. The analysis model, modified heat source, temperature and melt pool predictions, application of the thermal data to the weld parameters, and comparison with micrograph cross-sections from weld trials will be discussed in this presentation.

Electron Beam Welding↗

Microstructural Evolution of the Civet Cat Norite (72255)

The ‘Civet Cat Norite’ is a ~ 2.5 cm clast within the Apollo impact melt breccia sample 72255 collected during Apollo 17 EVA 2 at Boulder 1. The norite is primarily composed of plagioclase and orthopyroxene with fine-scale exsolution lamellae of augite. The plagioclase and orthopyroxene (OPX) coexist with minor quartz and augitic clinopyroxene (CPX), and accessory apatite, baddeleyite, chromite, ilmenite, loveringite, merrillite, rutile and zircon. The major minerals range from 1 to 4 mm in size and show a cataclastic texture indicated by banding of the light and dark phases]. The chemical composition of the orthopyroxene, augitic exsolution lamellae, and exsolved oxides suggest the norite crystallized in the lower crust of the Moon (10 – 70 km depth) and was subsequently excavated by impact(s). Shock pressure estimates for the norite range from 15 – 35 GPa based on maskeleynite formation within the plagioclase, kink banding in pyroxenes, and granular recrystallization in the accessory phosphates. Previous Rb-Sr and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar analyses recalculated with modern decay constants yield relatively young ages of 4.16 ± 0.05 Ga and 3.99 ± 0.03 Ga, respectively. However, recent U-Pb analyses of some zircon grains from within the Civet Cat yield an age of 4.45 ± 0.03 Ga. While this is the oldest age for any rock recovered from the Moon, the full age spread of zircon from the Civet Cat range from ca. 4.46 to 4.02 Ga, indicating variable Pb-loss and complicating interpretation of the primary age. Recent atom probe analyses indicate minimal Pb mobilization within the oldest zircon grain from Civet Cat, supporting the interpretation that these ancient zircon ages reflect the age of the norite, rather than an apparent antiquity caused by reverse discordance. To investigate the potential antiquity and deep crustal origin of the Civet Cat norite, we have undertaken high resolution microstructural analyses of the major, minor, and accessory minerals to characterize the primary igneous textures and secondary overprinting by impact and metamorphism. The employed analytical techniques include scanning electron microscope-based electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analyses, electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) chemical analyses, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of pyroxene, plagioclase, quartz, zircon, and phosphates.

T M Erickson↗

The influence of Sb doping on the growth and electronic properties of GaAs(100) and AlGaAs(100)

Isoelectronic doping using antimony has been shown to reduce traps and improve material properties during epitaxial growth of Si doped GaAs(100) and AlGaAs(100). In this study, the effect of the antimony dopant on the optimal growth temperature is examined with the aim of producing high-quality heterostructures at lower temperatues. High-quality films of GaAs and AlGaAs have been grown by molecular-beam epitaxy at the normal growth temperatures of 610 and 700 C, respectively, and 50-100 C below this temperature using varying small amounts of Sb as a dopant. Electrical properties of the films were then examined using Hall mobility measurements and deep-level transient spectroscopy.

Jamison, K. D.↗

NASA Tech Briefs, December 2013

Topics include: Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detector With; Selective Polarization Coupling; Flexible Microstrip Circuits for; Superconducting Electronics; CFD Extraction Tool for TecPlot From DPLR Solutions; RECOVIR Software for Identifying Viruses; Enhanced Contact Graph Routing (ECGR) MACHETE Simulation Model; Orbital Debris Engineering Model (ORDEM) v.3; Scatter-Reducing Sounding Filtration Using a Genetic Algorithm and Mean Monthly Standard Deviation; Thermo-Mechanical Methodology for Stabilizing Shape Memory Alloy Response; Hermetic Seal Designs for Sample Return Sample Tubes; Silicon Alignment Pins: An Easy Way To Realize a Wafer-to-Wafer Alignment; Positive-Buoyancy Rover for Under Ice Mobility; Electric Machine With Boosted Inductance to Stabilize Current Control; International Space Station-Based Electromagnetic Launcher for Space Science Payloads; Advanced Hybrid Spacesuit Concept Featuring Integrated Open Loop and Closed Loop Ventilation Systems; Data Quality Screening Service.

Source record↗

A Record of Low-Temperature Asteroidal Processes of Amoeboid Olivine Aggregates from the Kainsaz Co3.2 Chondrite

Amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) from the Kainsaz CO3.2 chondrite were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy in order to gain a more complete understanding of thermal metamorphism on the parent body and the role of fluids during metamorphic heating. The Kainsaz AOAs are dominated by strongly zoned, fine-grained, olivine grains (Fa2-31) with heterogeneous Fe enrichments along the grain boundaries, which are interpreted as the result of 26Fe2+-Mg2+ interdiffusion with the matrix during thermal metamorphism. However, our diffusion calculations show that such AOA olivine zoning and compositions cannot be produced by a simple diffusional exchange during metamorphic heating, unlike chondrule olivine zoning and compositions. In addition, fine-grained ferroan olivine overgrowths occur heterogeneously in crystallographic continuity with olivines on the AOA exteriors. The overgrowths (Fa33-36) are compositionally distinct from the underlying AOA olivines and are not fully equilibrated with the matrix olivines (Fa~20-55).The ferroan olivine overgrowths likely formed by precipitation from fluids in an epitaxial relationship with forsteritic olivine on the edges of AOAs. Texturally and compositionally diverse chromite grains are also observed along olivine grain boundaries, in olivine grains, and in pore spaces between olivine grains. They share a similar crystallographic orientation relationships with adjacent olivine, suggestive of their formation by exsolution and/or epitaxial growth. Collectively, these observations provide evidence for the mobilization of Fe, Mg, Si, Cr, and Al in the presence of fluids along olivine grain boundaries and into olivine grains during thermal metamorphism. We conclude that in Kainsaz AOAs, the strong zonation development in individual olivine grains and the formation of ferroan olivine overgrowths and chromite grains were a fluid-driven process that occurred at relatively low temperatures (<500°C), during the cooling history of the CO3 chondrite parent body, following the peak of thermal metamorphism.

Amoeboid olivine aggregates↗

Spinoff 2009

Topics covered include: Image-Capture Devices Extend Medicine's Reach; Medical Devices Assess, Treat Balance Disorders; NASA Bioreactors Advance Disease Treatments; Robotics Algorithms Provide Nutritional Guidelines; "Anti-Gravity" Treadmills Speed Rehabilitation; Crew Management Processes Revitalize Patient Care; Hubble Systems Optimize Hospital Schedules; Web-based Programs Assess Cognitive Fitness; Electrolyte Concentrates Treat Dehydration; Tools Lighten Designs, Maintain Structural Integrity; Insulating Foams Save Money, Increase Safety; Polyimide Resins Resist Extreme Temperatures; Sensors Locate Radio Interference; Surface Operations Systems Improve Airport Efficiency; Nontoxic Resins Advance Aerospace Manufacturing; Sensors Provide Early Warning of Biological Threats; Robot Saves Soldier's Lives Overseas (MarcBot); Apollo-Era Life Raft Saves Hundreds of Sailors; Circuits Enhance Scientific Instruments and Safety Devices; Tough Textiles Protect Payloads and Public Safety Officers; Forecasting Tools Point to Fishing Hotspots; Air Purifiers Eliminate Pathogens, Preserve Food; Fabrics Protect Sensitive Skin from UV Rays; Phase Change Fabrics Control Temperature; Tiny Devices Project Sharp, Colorful Images; Star-Mapping Tools Enable Tracking of Endangered Animals; Nanofiber Filters Eliminate Contaminants; Modeling Innovations Advance Wind Energy Industry; Thermal Insulation Strips Conserve Energy; Satellite Respondent Buoys Identify Ocean Debris; Mobile Instruments Measure Atmospheric Pollutants; Cloud Imagers Offer New Details on Earth's Health; Antennas Lower Cost of Satellite Access; Feature Detection Systems Enhance Satellite Imagery; Chlorophyll Meters Aid Plant Nutrient Management; Telemetry Boards Interpret Rocket, Airplane Engine Data; Programs Automate Complex Operations Monitoring; Software Tools Streamline Project Management; Modeling Languages Refine Vehicle Design; Radio Relays Improve Wireless Products; Advanced Sensors Boost Optical Communication, Imaging; Tensile Fabrics Enhance Architecture Around the World; Robust Light Filters Support Powerful Imaging Devices; Thermoelectric Devices Cool, Power Electronics; Innovative Tools Advance Revolutionary Weld Technique; Methods Reduce Cost, Enhance Quality of Nanotubes; Gauging Systems Monitor Cryogenic Liquids; Voltage Sensors Monitor Harmful Static; and Compact Instruments Measure Heat Potential.

Source record↗

Flywheel-powered X-ray generator

The use of a small flywheel appears to be a practical alternative to other power sources for mobile X-ray system applications. A 5 kg flywheel has been constructed which runs at 10 krpm and stores 30 KJ while requiring less than 500 W to bring the system up to speed. The wheel is coupled to an aircraft alternator and can yield pulsed power levels over 50 KWp. The aircraft alternator has the advantage of high frequency output which has also permitted the design of smaller high voltage transformers. A series of optical sensors detecting shaft position function as an electronic commutator so that the alternator may operate as a motor to bring the wheel up to operating speed. The system permits the generation of extremely powerful X-rays from a variety of low power sources such as household power outlets, automobile batteries or sources of poorly regulated electrical power such as those found in third world countries.

Siedband, M. P.↗

Impact of Solar Array Position on ISS Vehicle Charging

The International Space Station (ISS), because of its large structure and high voltage solar arrays, has a complex plasma interaction with the ionosphere in low Earth orbit (LEO). This interaction of the ISS US Segment photovoltaic (PV) power system with the LEO ionospheric plasma produces floating potentials on conducting elements of the ISS structure relative to the local plasma environment. To control the ISS floating potentials, two Plasma Contactor Units (PCUs) are installed on the Z1 truss. Each PCU discharges accumulated electrons from the Space Station structure, thus reducing the potential difference between the ISS structure and the surrounding charged plasma environment. Operations of the PCUs were intended to keep the ISS floating potential to 40 Volts (Reference 1). Exposed dielectric surfaces overlying conducting structure on the Space Station will collect an opposite charge from the ionosphere as the ISS charges. In theory, when an Extravehicular Activity (EVA) crewmember is tethered to structure via the crew safety tether or when metallic surfaces of the Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) come in contact with conducting metallic surfaces of the ISS, the EMU conducting components, including the perspiration-soaked crewmember inside, can become charged to the Space Station floating potential. The concern is the potential dielectric breakdown of anodized aluminum surfaces on the EMU producing an arc from the EMU to the ambient plasma, or nearby ISS structure. If the EMU arcs, an electrical current of an unknown magnitude and duration may conduct through the EVA crewmember, producing an unacceptable condition. This electrical current may be sufficient to startle or fatally shock the EVA crewmember (Reference 2). Hence, as currently defined by the EVA community, the ISS floating potential for all nominal and contingency EVA worksites and translation paths must have a magnitude less than 40 volts relative to the local ionosphere at all times during EVA. Arcing from the EMU is classified as a catastrophic hazard, which requires two-failure tolerant controls, i.e., three hazard controls. Each PCU is capable of maintaining the ISS floating potential below the requirement during EVA. The two PCUs provide a single failure tolerant control of ISS floating potential. In the event of the failure of one or two PCUs, a combination of solar array shunting and turning the solar arrays into their own wakes will be used to supply control of the plasma hazard (Reference 3). The purpose of this paper is to present on-orbit information that shows that ISS solar array placement with respect to the ISS velocity vector can control solar array plasma charging, and hence, provide an operational control for the plasma hazard. Also, this paper will present on-orbit information that shows that shunting of the ISS solar arrays can control solar array plasma charging, and hence, provide an additional operational control for the plasma hazard.

Alred, John↗

The 'depletion layer' of amorphous p-n junctions

It is shown that within reasonable approximations for the density of state distribution within the mobility gap of a:Si, a one-to-one correspondence exists between the electric field distribution in the transition region of an amorphous p-n junction and that in the depletion layer of a crystalline p-n junction. Thus it is inferred that the depletion layer approximation which leads to a parabolic potential distribution within the depletion layer of crystalline junctions also constitutes a fair approximation in the case of amorphous junctions. This fact greatly simplifies an analysis of solid-state electronic devices based on amorphous material (i.e., solar cells).

Von Roos, O.↗