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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 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Tailoring electrode microstructure via ink content to enable improved rated power performance for platinum cobalt/high surface area carbon based polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Improvements in polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) electrode performance have primarily focused on catalyst and ionomer developments, marginalizing the importance of catalyst ink formulation. In this study, the effect of ink formulation is examined across a series of cathodes comprised of PtCo supported on high surface area carbon (PtCo/ HSC ) and Nafion ionomer using an array of in situ electrochemical and ex situ characterization techniques. In contrast to prior work on Pt/Vu systems, ink water content had little effect on the electrochemically determined ionomer coverage for the PtCo/HSC electrocatalyst examined here. Characterization using nano-scale resolution X-ray computed tomography (nano-CT) demonstrated that water-rich ink formulations lead to a reduction in aggregate size (ionomer + PtCo/HSC), improving local O 2 transport. This understanding, combined with the use of a commercially-available electrocatalyst was used to produced state-of-the-art membrane electrode assemblies with Pt loadings of 0.03/0.08 mg Pt /cm 2 on the anode and cathode respectively, having; i) > 1 A/mg Pt (0.9 V iR-free , 150 kPa, 80 °C, 100% RH, H 2 /O 2 ), ii) 320 mA/cm 2 at 0.8 V, 150 kPa, 80 ° C, 100% RH, H 2 /Air), and iii) > 1 W/cm 2 elec at rated power (0.67 V, 250 kPa, 94 °C, 65% RH, H 2 /Air) or < 0.11 g Pt /kW rated .

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Performance on {101} CoMn 2 O 4 Spinel Facets

Here, we present a facile colloidal synthesis method for producing {101}-facet-tailored CoMn 2 O 4 spinel nano-octahedra with uniform size (9 nm). These nano-octahedra exhibit superior electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline media compared to their spherical counterparts and previously reported spinel electrocatalysts. At 0.85 V, they achieve a high mass activity (MA) of 60.0 A/g, surpassing the spherical counterparts (38.6 A/g). Furthermore, the CoMn 2 O 4 nano-octahedra demonstrate excellent stability, maintaining an MA of 47.2 A/g after 10,000 durability cycles. This work highlights a promising approach for synthesizing advanced spinel nano-oxides with controlled crystal facets, offering potential as non-precious metal ORR electrocatalysts. The exposed active catalyst surfaces and well-defined structures contribute to their enhanced ORR performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Image processing workflow yielding high contrast synchrotron nanoscale computed tomography data from Ni-YSZ electrodes

The operating lifetime of Ni-YSZ fuel electrodes used in solid oxide electrolysis cells and fuel cells (SOECs and SOFCs) is limited by Ni redistribution, one of the primary degradation mechanisms that must be overcome to extend the longevity and maximize the performance of SOECs and SOFCs. To achieve this, 3D microstructural data is needed to relate both initial performance and performance loss over time to microstructural properties and their evolution throughout operation under various conditions. However, 3D microstructure data remains relatively scarce within the literature due to multiple challenges in acquiring and analyzing such data reliably. This work presents a workflow for acquiring and processing synchrotron X-ray nanoscale computed tomography (nano-CT) data from Ni-YSZ electrodes. Parameters for each step in the nano-CT workflow are described up to the final result (a 3D reconstruction), with particular emphasis on image alignment using freely available software. Following the results of a parametric sweep of the image alignment step, high contrast, low signal-to-noise 3D nano-CT data is obtained with relatively short compute times. While the exact methods best suited to samples with different microstructural qualities, or similar Ni-YSZ nano-CT data obtained from other sources may deviate from the solution found herein, this work also generalizes the decision points and evaluation of each step to provide a starting point to adapt this workflow to other datasets.

08 HYDROGEN↗
DOE OSTI2024

Detection and Signal Processing for Near-Field Nanoscale Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Researchers from a broad spectrum of scientific and engineering disciplines are increasingly using scattering-type near-field infrared spectroscopic techniques to characterize materials non-destructively with nanoscale spatial resolution. However, a sub-optimal understanding of a technique's implementation can complicate data interpretation and act as a barrier to entering the field. Here the key detection and processing steps involved in producing scattering-type near-field nanoscale Fourier transform infrared spectra (nano-FTIR) are outlined. The self-contained mathematical and experimental work derives and explains: i) how normalized complex-valued nano-FTIR spectra are generated, ii) why the real and imaginary components of spectra qualitatively relate to dispersion and absorption respectively, iii) a new and generally valid equation for spectra which can be used as a springboard for additional modeling of the scattering processes, and iv) an algebraic expression that can be used to extract an approximation to the sample's local extinction coefficient from nano-FTIR. The algebraic model for weak oscillators is validated with nano-FTIR and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectra on samples of polystyrene and Kapton and further provides a pedagogical pathway to cementing some of the technique's key qualitative attributes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Autogenous formation and smart behaviors of nitrite- and nitrate-intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) in Portland cement-metakaolin-dolomite blends

In this work, the influence of sodium nitrite (NaNO{sub 2}) and sodium nitrate (NaNO{sub 3}) corrosion inhibitors on the composition, structure, and chloride binding behaviors of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) formed in ternary ordinary Portland cement-metakaolin-dolomite (OPC-MK-DM) systems is studied. The results show that the nitrite and nitrate anions are preferably intercalated in the CaAl LDHs (AFm phases), but not in the MgAl LDHs (hydrotalcite-type phases) due to its limited formation in these ternary cementitious systems cured at ambient temperature. The autogenously formed nitrate- and nitrite-AFm phases are decomposed upon chloride exposure accompanied by Friedel's salts formation, potentially releasing corrosion inhibitive ions to the pore solution in a progressive manner. The NaNO{sub 2} and NaNO{sub 3} incorporation in ternary OPC-MK-DM binders marginally lowers chloride binding capacity but reduces its penetration resistance mainly due to pore coarsening. Nevertheless, a strong linear correlation can be established between the water-soluble and total chloride contents in ternary OPC-MK-DM systems, regardless of OPC replacement level and corrosion inhibitor incorporation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Plastic homogeneity in nanoscale heterostructured binary and multicomponent metallic eutectics: An overview

Heterostructured materials comprised of relatively soft/hard disparate phases typically exhibit composite strengthening but lack plastic deformability at ambient temperatures. However, heterostructured systems comprised of nanoscale phases can simultaneously enhance yield strength and strain hardening, thereby promoting uniform distribution of plastic flow. In this review, the atomic-scale deformation mechanisms in model systems of eutectic alloys, Al-Al 2 Cu and Al-Si, refined to nanoscales via laser rapid solidification are discussed, and compared with literature on multi-component (high entropy) eutectics such as Ni-Al-Fe-based with Cr and/or Co additions. The nano-lamellar Al-Al 2 Cu structures exhibit unit defect mechanisms not reported in monolithic Al 2 Cu intermetallic: localized shear on {0 1 1} and shear-induced faults on {1 2 1} planes, constrained by closely-spaced dislocation arrays in Al confined by Al/Al 2 Cu interfaces. The unexpected plasticity mechanisms are enabled by slip continuity in nanoscale Al-Al 2 Cu eutectics associated with the orientation relationship and interface habit planes. In nano-fibrous Al-Si eutectic, tensile ductility at strength approaching 600 MPa is observed resulting from dislocation plasticity in the nano-Al channels and cracking in Si nanofibers. Molecular dynamics simulations show that Al dislocations easily cross-slip (screw) or climb (edge) along Al-Si interfaces, making slip transmission difficult. The propagation of nano-cracks is suppressed by surrounding strain hardening Al, retaining good ductility of the sample, in spite of lack of direct slip transmission. Finally, the critical unit mechanisms of slip transmission and interface-enabled plasticity observed in nanoscale eutectic binary systems can also explain the strength-ductility relationship in multi-component eutectics and homogeneously distributed plastic flow with increasing microstructural heterogeneity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Scalable simulation of coupled adsorption and transport of methane in confined complex porous media with density preconditioning

The growing significance of shales and tight formations in the transition to less carbon-intensive and clean energy drives the research endeavor to understand the physics of gas flow within these systems. However, shales are composed of massively heterogeneous physical and chemical features. Most nano-sized pores connect to millimeter-scale fractures, leading to multiscale transport. These nano-scale pore throats demonstrate non-classical flow behavior, such as non-negligible slip velocities and adsorbed gas layers at the boundary. As a result, classical computational fluid dynamics models do not capture the physics. In this work, we develop a coupling scheme for the multiple-relaxation-time (MRT) lattice Boltzmann (LB) method that integrates the Peng-Robinson equation of state into a pseudo-potential interaction model to capture the physics of methane flow in irregular networks of channels that represent nano-scale porous media. We use atomistic simulations to calibrate and validate our model in slit nano-channels. We propose a preconditioning scheme to initialize the coupled transport and adsorption simulation of methane in complex porous media. The results of this implementation of LB agree with Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. We then scale up the LB implementation through vectorization and indirect addressing. We parallelize it using Message Passing Interface (MPI) and OpenMP frameworks to simulate transport and adsorption in complex media with a million lattices. Additionally, we analyze the differences between coupled and transport-only simulations in two case studies and show that considering phase behavior, i.e., adsorption, can significantly change the flow behavior. This work constitutes an important step towards bridging the gap between molecular flow and system-scale behavior of complex disordered porous media.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2023

Rapid Accumulation of Soil Inorganics on Plastics: Implications for Plastic Degradation and Contaminant Fate

As plastics degrade in the environment, chemical oxidation of the plastic surface enables inorganics to adsorb and form inorganic coatings, likely through a combination of adsorption of minerals and in situ mineral formation. The presence of inorganic coatings on aged plastics has negative implications for plastics fate, hindering our ability to recycle weathered plastics and increasing the potential for plastics to adsorb contaminants. Here, inorganic coatings formed on terrestrially weathered polyethylene were characterized using synchrotron spectroscopy and microscopy techniques across spatial scales including optical microscopy, nano-X-ray-fluorescence mapping (nano-XRF), nano-X-ray absorption near edge structure (nano-XANES), and high-energy resolution fluorescence detected-XANES (HERFD-XANES). Results indicate a heterogeneous elemental distribution and speciation which includes inorganics common to soil terrestrial environments including iron oxides and oxyhydroxides, aluminosilicates, and carbonates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

A quantitative model for a nanoscale switch accurately predicts thermal actuation behavior

Manipulation of temperature can be used to actuate DNA origami nano-hinges containing gold nanoparticles. We develop a physical model of this system that uses partition function analysis of the interaction between the nano-hinge and nanoparticle to predict the probability that the nano-hinge is open at a given temperature. The model agrees well with experimental data and predicts experimental conditions that allow the actuation temperature of the nano-hinge to be tuned over a range of temperatures from 30 °C to 45 °C. Additionally, the model identifies microscopic interactions that are important to the macroscopic behavior of the system, revealing surprising features of the system. This combination of physical insight and predictive potential is likely to inform future designs that integrate nanoparticles into dynamic DNA origami structures or use strand binding interactions to control dynamic DNA origami behavior. Furthermore, our modeling approach could be expanded to consider the incorporation, stability, and actuation of other types of functional elements or actuation mechanisms integrated into nucleic acid devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Nanoindentation-Enhanced Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

We combine nanoindentation, herein achieved using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based pulsed-force lithography, with tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and imaging. Our approach entails indentation and multimodal characterization of otherwise flat Au substrates, followed by chemical functionalization and TERS spectral imaging of the indented nanostructures. We find that the resulting structures, which vary in shape and size depending on the tip used to produce them, may sustain nano-confined and significantly enhanced local fields. We take advantage of the latter and illustrate TERS-based ultrasensitive detection/chemical fingerprinting as well as chemical reaction imaging – all using a single platform for nano-lithography, topographic imaging, hyperspectral dark field optical microscopy, and TERS.

Wang, Chih-Feng↗
DOE OSTI2022

Designing, synthesizing, and modeling active fluids

We review recent advances in the design, synthesis, and modeling of active fluids. Active fluids have been at the center of many technological innovations and theoretical advances over the past two decades. Research on this new class of fluids has been inspired by the fascinating and remarkably efficient strategies that biological systems employ, leading to the development of biomimetic nano- and micro-machines and swimmers. The review encompasses active fluids on both the nano- and micro-scale. We start with examples of biological active systems before we discuss how experimentalists leverage novel propulsion mechanisms to power nano- and micro-machines. Furthermore, we then examine how the study of these far-from-equilibrium systems has prompted the development of new simulation methods and theoretical models in nonequilibrium physics to account for their mechanical, thermodynamic, and emergent properties. Recent advances in the field have paved the way for the design, synthesis, and modeling of autonomous systems at the nano- and micro-scale and opened the door to the development of soft matter robotics.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Spatially resolved charge-transfer kinetics at the quantum dot–microbe interface using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy

Integrating the optoelectronic properties of quantum dots (QDs) with biological enzymatic systems to form microbe-semiconductor biohybrids offers promising prospects for both solar-to-chemical conversion and light-modulated biochemical processes. Developing these nano–bio hybrid systems necessitates a deep understanding of charge-transfer dynamics at the nano–bio interface. Photoexcited carrier transfer from QDs to microbes is driven by complex interactions, with emerging insights into the relevant thermodynamic and kinetic factors. The heterogeneities of both microbes and QD ensembles pose significant challenges in mechanistic understanding, which is critical for designing advanced nano–bio hybrids. We used fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy to analyze charge transfer between a CdSe QD film andShewanella oneidensismicrobes. We correlated the spatiotemporal fluorescence data with an analytical model. Our analysis revealed two distinct distributions of QD de-excitation pathways. The characteristics of these distributions: 1) a faster transfer rate ( k ¯ E T 1 = 1.5 10 9 s - 1 ), with a lower acceptor number ( N ¯ a 1 = 0.03 ) and 2) a slower transfer rate ( k ¯ E T 2 = 4.1 10 8 s - 1 ) with a higher acceptor number ( N ¯ a 2 = 0.18 ). We assign these distributions to the indirect and direct electron transfer mechanisms, respectively. Our findings demonstrate how spectroscopic imaging can uncover fundamental electron transfer mechanisms at complex interfaces, offering valuable design principles for future nano–bio hybrids.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
DOE OSTI2026

Degradation science: Integrating modeling and experiments to predict localized corrosion processes (Annual Progress Report)

Additively manufactured (AM) eutectic high-entropy alloys (EHEAs), such as nano-lamellar AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 , have excellent strength, ductility, and wear resistance even at elevated temperatures, but their corrosion behavior in aggressive acids at different length scales remain poorly understood. This work investigates the corrosion behavior of laser powder bed–fused (L-PBF) AlCoCrFeNi 2.1 as a function of annealing temperatures, probing degradation mechanisms from nanoscopic to macroscopic length scales. The alloy is dual phase consisting of a ductile FCC L1 2 phase and a high-strength BCC B2 phase. Rapid solidification during L-PBF produces a far-from-equilibrium nano-lamellar structure with nearly homogeneous elemental distribution, which tends to evolve upon annealing toward Cr/Co/Fe-enriched FCC and Al/Ni-enriched B2. Three conditions were studied: as-printed, 600 °C/5 h, and 1000 °C/1 h, over which B2 lamellae coarsen, lamellar spacing increases, and elemental segregation becomes more prominent. Microstructure and chemistry were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), while in-situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) was used to link early (<5 h) local dissolution to microstructure after exposure in sulfuric acid. EC-AFM highlights preferential dissolution of the BCC/B2 phase where the surrounding matrix is Cr-depleted and directly quantifies the dissolution rates within individual phases, tracks the transition from early nano-scale attack to partial repassivation, to correlate height differences with current and impedance responses. To monitor longer-term behavior (up to 96 h), ex-situ AFM, SEM, and confocal imaging were combined with conventional bulk electrochemical tests, bridging nanoscale observations to micro/meso-scale damage morphologies. At the meso-scale, the deepest dissolution channels align with the build-direction lamellae and melt-pool boundaries, indicating that printing directionality guides the propagation of these localized corrosion sites. Annealing modifies corrosion by restructuring BCC/FCC phase fractions, lamellar spacing, and Cr/Al segregation, thereby changing the cathode/anode ratio and passive film stability. The results clarify how as-printed and annealed nano-lamellar architectures differ in their susceptibility to selective dissolution; how elemental segregation competes with residual stresses along the build direction. With these insights, future work will use CALPHAD-guided alloy modification to stabilize higher Cr contents in the B2 phase while retaining a dominant FCC+B2/BCC microstructure, with the goal of designing mechanically robust, corrosion-resistant EHEAs for safety-critical applications to leverage the LLNL’s broader national and global security mission.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Search for evidence of a clock related to the solar 154 day complex of periodicities

Evidence that has recently been compiled (Bai and Sturrock 1991) indicates that the enigmatic 154-day periodicity in solar activity may be viewed as part of a complex of periodicities that are approximate multiples of 25.8 days, suggesting that the Sun contains a 'clock' with frequency in the range 440 to 463 nano Hz. The clock may comprise either an oscillator or a rotator, each of which may be either real or virtual. We have reconsidered a previous spectrum analysis of the Zurich sunspot-number sequence by Knight, Schatten, and Sturrock (1979) which revealed a sharp, persistent and significant periodicity with a period of 12.072 days, corresponding to a frequency of about 958.8 nano Hz. This periodicity may be regarded as the (second) upper sideband of the second harmonic (2nu(sub R) + 2nu(sub E)) of a fundamental frequency of 447.7 nano Hz that is clearly within the search band. In this expression, nu(sub R) is the sidereal frequency of the hypothetical rotator and nu(sub E) is the frequency (31.69 nano Hz) of the Earth in its orbital motion around the Sun. In analyzing sunspot area data derived from the Greenwich data set, and on noting that any frequency is defined only to within the Nyquist frequency, we find clear evidence not only for the upper sideband of the second harmonic, but also for the second harmonic (2nu(sub R)) and the lower sideband of the second harmonic (2nu(sub R) - 2nu(sub E)). There is no strong peak at the fundamental frequency in the Greenwich data, but there is in the Zurich sunspot data. The effect of a linear oscillator is, to the lowest order in the amplitude, the same as the combined effect of two rotators of opposite polarities. A rotator that has arbitrary orientation with respect to the ecliptic may influence the outer layers of the Sun and thereby modulate the occurrence of solar activity such as sunspots. By analyzing a simple model, we find that such a rotator would influence surface activity in such a way that the spectrum of a 'signal' (such as the record of sunspots), as seen from the Earth, would contain components with frequencies that are certain integral combinations of nu(sub R) and nu(sub E). The amplitudes of the various components depend sensitively on theta, the angle between the axis of the rotator and the axis of the Earth's orbital motion. This simple model therefore offers a kinematical (but not dynamical) interpretation of the sunspot spectrum. The present analysis, while offering support of our conjectures that the Sun contains a clock that regulates the 154-day complex of periodicities, cannot distinguish between an osillator or a rotator (that might be a traveling wave), nor between a real rotator or a virtual rotator (that might be an apparent traveling wave due to the aliasing effect of an oscillator in a rotating system). Further analysis of sunspot and other data sets will be required to confirm the existence of such clock and (if it is real) to determine its physical nature.

Sturrock, P. A.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Non-Contact Stiffness Measurement of a Suspended Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Device

A new nanoscale electric field sensor was developed for studying triboelectric charging in terrestrial and Martian dust devils. This sensor is capable to measure the large electric fields for large dust devils without saturation. However, to quantify the electric charges and the field strength it is critical to calibrate the mechanical stiffness of the sensor devices. We performed a technical feasibility study of the Nano E-field Sensor stiffness by a non-contact stiffness measurement method. The measurement is based on laser Doppler vibrometer measurement of the thermal noise due to energy flunctuations in the devices. The experiment method provides a novel approach to acquire data that is essential in analyzing the quantitative performance of the E-field Nano Sensor. To carry out the non-contact stiffness measurement, we fabricated a new Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) E-field sensor with different SWCNTs suspension conditions. The power spectra of the thermal induced displacement in the nano E-field sensor were measured at the accuracy of picometer. The power spectra were then used to derive the mechanical stiffness of the sensors. Effect of suspension conditions on stiffness and sensor sensitivty was discussed. After combined deformation and resistivity measurement, we can compare with our laboratory testing and field testing results. This new non-contact measurement technology can also help to explore to other nano and MEMS devices in the future.

Zheng, Yun↗
NASA NTRS2014

Shockwave Consolidation of Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials

Nanotechnology based thermoelectric materials are considered attractive for developing highly efficient thermoelectric devices. Nano-structured thermoelectric materials are predicted to offer higher ZT over bulk materials by reducing thermal conductivity and increasing electrical conductivity. Consolidation of nano-structured powders into dense materials without losing nanostructure is essential towards practical device development. Using the gas atomization process, amorphous nano-structured powders were produced. Shockwave consolidation is accomplished by surrounding the nanopowder-containing tube with explosives and then detonating. The resulting shock wave causes rapid fusing of the powders without the melt and subsequent grain growth. We have been successful in generating consolidated nano-structured bismuth telluride alloy powders by using the shockwave technique. Using these consolidated materials, several types of thermoelectric power generating devices have been developed. Shockwave consolidation is anticipated to generate large quantities of nanostructred materials expeditiously and cost effectively. In this paper, the technique of shockwave consolidation will be presented followed by Seebeck Coefficient and thermal conductivity measurements of consolidated materials. Preliminary results indicate a substantial increase in electrical conductivity due to shockwave consolidation technique.

Prasad, Narasimha S.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Modification of Radiator Pigments by Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)

The optical and physical properties of spacecraft radiator coatings are dictated by orbital environmental conditions. For example, coatings must adequately dissipate charge buildup when orbital conditions, such as polar, geostationary or gravity neutral, result in surface charging. Current dissipation techniques include depositing a layer of ITO (indium tin oxide) on the radiator surface in a high temperature process. Other examples include the application of variable emittance coatings such as the use of VO2 to optimize radiator size, allowing for a decrease in heater power budget. The application of these enhanced coatings must be such that the properties in question are tailored to mission-specific requirements. Modification of these coatings can be accomplished during coating application preprocessing by using a deposition technique prevalent in the semiconductor micro processing industry called Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). The preprocessing is rendered directly on the coating dry pigment before binding. ALD is a cost effective nano-manufacturing technique that allows for the conformal coating of substrates with atomic-level thickness control in a benign temperature and pressure environment. Through the introduction of paired precursor gases, thin films can be deposited on a myriad of substrates ranging from glass, polymers, aerogels, metals, powders, and other high aspect-ratio micro- and nano-structures. By providing atomic-level control, where single layers of atoms can be deposited, the fabrication of metal transparent films, precise nano-laminates, and coatings of nano-channels and pores is achievable. We have demonstrated a method for the ALD of In2O3 and ITO films on a variety of substrates from Si(100) wafers, glass slides, and on Z93P pigments (patent pending). The results indicate excellent growth of 4-22 nm thick films demonstrating an order of magnitude decrease in resistivity on the pigments.

ITO↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) Status

This paper will provide the status of the NASA Small Spacecraft Technology (SST) program’s Pathfinder Technology Demonstrator (PTD) series. Details on the development, launch, and operations of the recently completed PTD-1, as well as the planned operations of the upcoming PTD-3 and PTD-4 flights will be presented. Significant advances in the capabilities of nano-spacecraft over the past 15 years, coupled with improved access to space for CubeSats, have created new opportunities for scientific exploration using these high-value platforms. Continued development and demonstration of key technologies are improving the performance of the 1-unit (U) and 3U class CubeSats while expanding the reach of nano-spacecraft technologies into larger platforms, such as the 12-kilogram class “6U” buses. NASA’s PTD series is demonstrating a variety of new technologies on-orbit, providing proof of the maturity of these significant new technologies, and enhancing the performance of future CubeSats. Each of the four PTD flights consists of one 6U CubeSat weighing approximately 12 kilograms and measuring approximately 36 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 10 centimeters. Each flight is planned to characterize its payload within 90 days of insertion into low-Earth orbit. The PTD flights will demonstrate key technologies such as novel nano-spacecraft compatible propulsion systems, which enable deep space and maneuverable CubeSat flights; optical communications systems to facilitate high data rate collection and communications; and highly integrated systems that combine power and communication system elements to enable high power generation and novel integrated communication systems. The first PTD spacecraft, PTD-1, was placed in orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch in January of 2021 and demonstrated the functionality of the HYDROS propulsion system, developed by Tethers Unlimited of Bothell, Washington, over a period of six months. The PTD-3 flight, scheduled for launch in summer 2022, will demonstrate the TeraByte InfraRed Delivery, or TBIRD, optical communications payload developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington. The PTD-4 flight will demonstrate the Lightweight Integrated Solar Array and anTenna, or LISA-T, a payload that consists of an integrated solar array and transceiver developed by NASA’s Marshall Spaceflight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. The PTD spacecraft bus, integration and test, and flight operations services are provided by Tyvak Nano-Satellite Systems, Inc. (“Tyvak”) of Irvine, California. NASA’s SST program within the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate funds the PTD demonstration flights. The SST program rapidly develops and demonstrates capabilities for small spacecraft applicable to exploration, science, and the commercial sector. The program is based at NASA’s Ames Research Center.

Small Spacecraft↗