Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “Harsh Environments”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 667 records · Page 37
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Lunar Node 1 and Beyond

Lunar Node 1 (LN-1) is an S-band Navigation beacon for lunar applications that was recently designed and built at MSFC. As part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative, this beacon will be delivered to the moon's surface on Intuitive Machine's NOVA-C lunar lander in November 2021. During this mission, LN-1’s goal will be to demonstrate navigation technologies that can support local surface and orbital operations around the moon, enabling autonomy which would decrease dependency on heavily utilized Earth based assets like the Deep Space Network. To do this, LN-1’s design leverages Cubesat components as well as the Multi-spacecraft Autonomous Positioning System (MAPS) algorithms, which enable the autonomous spacecraft positioning through communication-integrated navigation measurements. In addition to demonstrating the MAPS payload, the radio will also be used in standard tone-based non-coherent ranging and Doppler tracking to provide an alternate approaches and comparisons for navigation performance. LN-1 will represent a single node in a potential greater MAPS network of assets. While LN-1 awaits launch to demonstrate this initial use of one-way navigation, designs are already under way for proposed subsequent missions like LN-2 to enable expanded capability. The next steps in these missions seek to include a receive capability to allow two-way ranging support with other operational spacecraft in the lunar vicinity, and to provide some component upgrades related to the radio, power, and thermal systems that will improve the longevity of the payload in the harsh lunar environment. The LN-1 design details, status, and potential forward work with mission like LN-2 will be outlined in this presentation.

Evan John Anzalone↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Solar Energetic Particle Radiation Dosage Near a Simple Lunar Crater

The Moon has a harsh radiation environment that poses significant challenges to future science and exploration activities. Exposure hazards from space radiation are primarily due to galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) that are incident at the lunar surface from all directions. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s (LRO) Cosmic Ray Telescope for Effects of Radiation (CRaTER) instrument has been observing space radiation around the Moon since 2009 [1].The CRaTER observations show as teady GCR flux with intermittent SEP events that have much higher fluxes. During solar minimum GCR shave a higher flux, while SEP events are less common. On the other hand, during solar maximum the SEP events have a higher rate, but the GCR flux is lower. This is due to variations in solar activity. GCR shave characteristic energies spanning from1 MeV to 10s of GeV[2]. SEPs, however, have much lower energy ranges of 50 keV to 100sof MeV. The level of exposure at a given location on the Moon is dependent on the amount of space radiation incident from above the local horizon(Figure 1). This means that radiation dosage depends on the surrounding terrain for any location on the surface, so it can vary substantially from point to point. Here we consider the radiation exposure around simple lunar craters that are representative of the types of landforms that will be encountered by future landed missions(e.g., the Artemis program)[3]. Of particular concern will be radiation exposure to biological targets, such as astronauts, and to critical electronic systems

P H Phipps↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Galactic Cosmic Ray Proton Radiation Dosage Near a Simple Lunar Crater

The Moon has a harsh radiation environment that poses significant challenges to future science and exploration activities. Exposure hazards from space radiation are primarily due to galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) and solar energetic particles (SEPs) that are incident at the lunar surface from all directions. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s (LRO) Cosmic Ray Telescope for Effects of Radiation (CRaTER)instrument has been observing space radiation around the Moon since 2009 [1].The CRaTER observations show a steady rate of GCR flux with intermittent SEP events that have much higher fluxes. During solar minimum the GCR have a higher flux rate while the SEP events are less common. On the other hand, during solar maximum the SEP events have a higher rate but the GCR flux is lower. This is due to variations in solar activity. GCR shave characteristic energies spanning from 1 MeV to 10s of GeV[2]. SEPs, however, have much lower energy ranges of 50 keV to 10 GeV. The level of exposure at a given location on the Moon is dependent on the amount of space radiation incident from above the local horizon(Figure 1). This means that, radiation dosage depends on the surrounding terrain for any location on the surface, so it can vary substantially from point to point. Here we consider the radiation exposure around simple lunar craters that are representative of the types of landforms that will be encountered by future landed missions(e.g., the Artemis program)[3]. Of particular concern will be radiation exposure to biological targets, such as astronauts, and to critical electronic systems.

P H Phipps↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Ground Testing of the MISSE-16 Materials

The harsh space environment imposes very stringent requirements upon spacecraft materials, especially those located on exterior surfaces of space objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). As humankind moves from space exploration to space commercialization, these materials may have to last for 15–20 years without considerable degradation of their optical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Operational requirements dictate that these materials continue to function according to expectations. Hence, we must understand the effects of the space environment on materials currently in use as well as on untested materials. For the years, the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) have flown many different materials to investigate the effect of LEO space weather exposure on the performance and durability of materials and devices. The MISSE-16 scientific team members plan to launch fifteen different novel and well-characterized spacecraft-relevant materials to the LEO environment for a duration of six months during the MISSE-16 mission. Changes in spectral reflectivity will be measured throughout the mission as the samples are exposed to the space environment. The same chemical damage the produces changes in optical reflectance also causes changes in numerous other physical properties such as electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and chemical reactivity. Correlation of the changes in each of these properties as a function of radiation type, flux, and fluence allows various material properties to be inferred from one experimentally tractable measurement: color change. Flying identical test fixtures on the ram, zenith, and wake positions of the MISSE-FF, collecting spectrally resolved images of the materials, and concomitantly measuring the ambient space environment allows deconvolution of the material effects which occur as a result of exposure to neutral atomic oxygen (AO), unfiltered solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and electrons. The flight experiment will function as a ground truth reference for our team’s ongoing laboratory-based space weather-material interactions experiments. Comparison of the MISSE-16 data with extensive testing of “flight-duplicate” samples under simulated space weather conditions will enable development of chemical models for prediction of material degradation. This paper discusses preliminary results from the ground test campaign including measurements of UV/VIS/IR reflectance spectra, bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF), surface potential decay, and surface morphology under electron and AO exposure.

Elena A. Plis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Characterization of Novel Spacecraft Materials Under High Energy Electron and Atomic Oxygen Exposure

The harsh space environment imposes stringent requirements upon spacecraft materials, especially those located on exterior surfaces of space objects in low Earth orbit (LEO). As humankind moves from space exploration to space commercialization, these polymers may have to last for 15–20 years without considerable degradation of their material properties. Hence, we must understand the effects of the space environment on materials currently in use as well as on untested materials. In the presented study authors exposed several space-relevant polymers to the simulated space weather comprised by electrons and atomic oxygen irradiation. First, materials were thoroughly characterized in their pristine state to create a baseline for the ground- and space-based experiments. Next, alteration of optical, surface, and charge transport properties of the same materials were studied under space-simulated environment.

Elena A. Plis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

LOW-COST MARS IN-SITU ASTROBIOLOGY MEASUREMENTS AND STRATEGY.

Identifying evidence of Martian life would revolutionize our understanding of biological processes and predictions about the likelihood of life elsewhere. Of all Solar System bodies, Mars remains a primary life-detection target because conditions during its first 500 million years resembled those on Earth when early life emerged [1]. The search for life on Mars should include identifying preserved remains of ancient life from this more habitable epoch in Martian history relative to today, as well as searching for evidence of potential modern survivors that could have found refuge in locations with available liquid water and protection from the harsh surface environment [2]

M B Wilhelm↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of Hypervelocity-Impacted Thin Films for Space Applications

Exposure to the harsh space environment and hypervelocity impacts from micrometeoroids and small orbital debris can affect space operations through long-term degradation of spacecraft materials, surfaces, or systems. Multi-layer insulation (MLI) and coated polyimide films are space-craft materials commonly found on the external surfaces of spacecraft for thermal control and protection. Characterizing the damage to these exposed materials with in-situ and laboratory measurements can better inform spacecraft designers and operators in understanding and mitigating surface or system degradation. In this paper, we examine flown Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Electronic Bay 5 MLI and coated polyimide ground test articles to characterize hyper-velocity impact damage. Impact feature cavities are inspected to identify damage, which can validate long-term degradation models, improve thermal management systems, or improve accuracy of damage predictions. An overview of the impact characterization using optical microscopy, narrow-band spectroscopy, and scanning election microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray (SEM/EDX) of the two materials is presented. Observations of robustness in the space environment, as well as a detailed assessment of cratering and penetration statistics for the space-exposed sample, also are discussed.

Melissa A Ward↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Protective Coatings for Mitigating Lunar Dust Abrasion and Adhesion

Materials resistant to the harsh lunar environment are needed to support long duration, sustainable missions on the Moon’s surface. Lunar dust poses a significant threat to the durability of components and vehicles due to its fine, jagged morphology and highly abrasive nature. These characteristics result in particles eroding, adhering and/or embedding onto component surfaces and into device confined geometries (e.g., gear housing, interlocking systems, etc.) potentially leading to premature failure. The aim of this work is to identify and characterize wear-resistant materials, including advanced ceramics, for use as protective coatings to minimize abrasion and adhesion caused by lunar dust. Results from testing and evaluation methods devised to elucidate and mimic aspects of lunar dust degradation, including adhesion, abrasion and erosion, as well as the lunar environment, will be presented. Discussion on balancing the need for dust management and tolerance versus dust adhesion mitigation will be shared in context of relevant lunar applications within the NASA Lunar Occupancy Dust Surface Separation Technologies effort, which is part of a NASA-wide effort to enable a sustained lunar presence through the Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative.

lunar dust mitigation↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Spectral Characterization of Modern Spacecraft Materials

One of the observational parameters of interest in ground-based optical measurements is ascertaining material properties using broadband filter photometry and spectroscopy for orbiting targets. Broadband photometry can provide reflectance measurements that can aid in color-color indices and assess if objects can be classified into families or taxonomies. However, these reflectance properties can vary due to aspect angle, phase angle, and general degradation of the target’s exterior material. Spectral characterization can aid in material characterization utilizing known absorption bands and spectra signatures, but these signatures are affected by the same conditions described for remote observations. When utilizing ground-based measurements, it is well understood that material characterization is subject to variability due to space weathering and/or other external events (i.e., collision or explosion). The focus of this study is on space weathering effects on spacecraft materials in low Earth orbit. To better assess how materials are affected by the harsh space environment, specifically modern materials, a collection of materials was analyzed in both its pristine condition and after electron bombardment. This sample collection is part of an upcoming mission with the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) that will be launched in 2022. These laboratory analyses on the samples will provide a ground truth to compare with the in-situ collected data. The data will also be stored in the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Spacecraft Materials Spectral Database that is available to U. S. citizens and maintained by the Orbital Debris Program Office. The following paper provides an overview of the materials investigated, laboratory and database overview, and spectral results for both pristine and post-electron exposed conditions. The spectral signature data highlights which materials are stable, or remain relatively unchanged, and which materials vary significantly due to exposure and material configuration (variations due to rotation of the sample on a flat surface). Initial results on changes in spectral directional reflectance of the materials as a function of incident illumination direction are also presented. This data also will benefit the space situational awareness community with spectral characterization of novel materials that can support their respective optical measurements focused on material identification.

Heather M Cowardin↗
NASA NTRS2021

INTEGRAL reloaded: Spacecraft, instruments and ground system

The European Space Agency’s INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory (ESA/INTEGRAL) was launched aboard a Proton-DM2 rocket on 17 October 2002 at 06:41 CEST, from Baikonur in Kazakhstan. Since then, INTEGRAL has been providing long, uninterrupted observations (up to about 47 h, or 170 ksec, per satellite orbit of 2.7 days) with a large field-of-view (FOV, fully coded: 100 deg), millisecond time resolution, keV energy resolution, polarization measurements, as well as additional wavelength coverage at optical wavelengths. This is realized by two main instruments in the 15 keV to 10 MeV energy range, the spectrometer SPI (spectral resolution 3 keV at 1.8 MeV) and the imager IBIS (angular resolution: 12 arcmin FWHM), complemented by X-ray (JEM-X; 3–35 keV) and optical (OMC; Johnson V-band) monitor instruments. All instruments are co-aligned to simultaneously observe the target region. A particle radiation monitor (IREM) measures charged particle fluxes near the spacecraft. The Anti-coincidence subsystems of the main instruments, built to reduce the background, are also very efficient all-sky γ-ray detectors, which provide virtually omni-directional monitoring above ~75 keV. Besides the long, scheduled observations, INTEGRAL can rapidly (within a couple of hours) re-point and conduct Target of Opportunity (ToO) observations on a large variety of sources. INTEGRAL observations and their scientific results have been building an impressive legacy: The discovery of currently more than 600 new high-energy sources; the first-ever direct detection of (56)Ni and (56)Co radio-active decay lines from a Type Ia supernova; spectroscopy of isotopes from galactic nucleo-synthesis sources; new insights on enigmatic positron annihilation in the Galactic bulge and disk; and pioneering gamma-ray polarization studies. INTEGRAL is also a successful actor in the new multi-messenger astronomy introduced by non-electromagnetic signals from gravitational waves and from neutrinos: INTEGRAL found the first prompt electromagnetic radiation in coincidence with a binary neutron star merger. Up to now more than 1750 scientific papers based on INTEGRAL data have been published in refereed journals. In this paper, we will give a comprehensive update of the satellite status after more than 18 years of operations in a harsh space environment, and an account of the successful Ground Segment.

Erik Kuulkers↗
NASA NTRS2020

Ultra-Compact Imaging Spectrometer Moon (UCIS-Moon) For Lunar Surface Missions: Optical, Optomechanical, and Thermal Design

The Ultra-Compact Imaging Spectrometer Moon (UCIS-Moon) instrument is an imaging spectrometer designed for integration with a lander or rover for lunar surface science missions. Operating over a 600-3600 nm spectral range with 10 nm sampling and 1.15 mrad IFOV, UCIS-Moon is capable of detecting spectral absorptions from common lunar minerals, OH species, molecular H2O, water ice, organics, and placing mineral identifications within an established geologic context at the cm to m scale. We present an instrument design capable of surviving the harsh lunar environment in the daytime with temperatures as high as 370 K, while providing high-quality spectral data.

Mouroulis, Pantazis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Ground Testing of the MISSE-16 Materials

External spacecraft materials play an important role in satellite protection from the harsh space environment. Research has shown that the physical, chemical, and optical properties of matter change continuously as a result of exposure to solar radiation and aggressive chemical species produced in Earth’s upper atmosphere. Thorough knowledge of the material properties evolution throughout a planned mission lifetime helps to improve the reliability of spacecraft. Moreover, the establishment of correlation factors between true space exposure and accelerated space weather experiments at ground facilities enables accurate prediction of on-orbit material performance based on laboratory-based testing. The presented work aims to evaluate the radiation effects of low Earth orbit (LEO) environment, namely, exposure to the high-energy electrons and atomic oxygen (AO), of heritage and novel spacecraft materials selection. The studied materials represent the “flight duplicates” of samples that are launched as a part of the 16th Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) mission in 2022.

Elena A. Plis↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Analysis of Hypervelocity-Impacted Thin Films for Space Applications

Exposure to the harsh space environment and hypervelocity impacts from micrometeoroids and small orbital debris can affect space operations through long-term degradation of spacecraft materials, surfaces, or systems. Multi-layer insulation (MLI) and coated, polyimide films are spacecraft materials commonly found on the external surfaces of spacecraft for thermal control and protection. Characterizing the damage to these exposed materials with in situ and laboratory measurements can better inform spacecraft designers and operators in understanding and mitigating surface or system degradation. In this paper, we examine flown Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Equipment Bay 5 MLI and coated, polyimide ground test articles to characterize hypervelocity impact damage. Impact feature cavities are inspected to identify damage, which can validate long-term degradation models, improve thermal management systems, or improve accuracy of damage predictions. An overview of the impact characterization using optical microscopy, narrowband spectroscopy, and Scanning Election Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X- ray (SEM/EDX) of the two materials is presented. Observations of robustness in the space environment, as well as a detailed assessment of cratering and penetration statistics for the space-exposed sample, also are discussed.

Melissa A. Ward↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Spectral Characterization of Modern Spacecraft Materials

One of the observational parameters of interest in ground-based optical measurements is ascertaining material properties using broadband filter photometry and spectroscopy for orbiting targets. Broadband photometry can provide reflectance measurements that can aid in producing color-color indices and assess if objects can be classified into families or taxonomies. However, these reflectance properties can vary due to aspect angle, phase angle, and general degradation of the target’s exterior material. Spectral characterization can aid in material characterization utilizing known absorption bands and spectral signatures, but these signatures are affected by the same conditions described for remote observations.When utilizing ground-based measurements, it is well understood that material characterization is subject to variability due to space weathering and/or other external events (i.e., collision or explosion). The focus of this study is on space weathering effects on spacecraft materials in low Earth orbit. To better assess how materials are affected by the harsh space environment, specifically modern materials, a collection of materials were analyzed in both their pristine condition and after electron bombardment. This sample collection is part of an upcoming mission with the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) that will be launched in 2022. These laboratory analyses on the samples will provide a ground-truth to compare with the insitu collected data. The data will also be stored in the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Spacecraft Materials Spectral Database that is available to U.S. citizens and maintained by the Orbital Debris Program Office. The following paper provides an overview of the materials investigated, laboratory, and database overview, and spectral results for both pristine and post-electron exposed conditions. The spectral signature data highlights which materials are stable, or remain relatively unchanged, and which materials vary significantly due to exposure and material configuration (variations due to rotation of the sample on a flat surface).Initial results on changes in spectral directional reflectance of the materials as a function of incident illumination direction are also presented.This data also will benefit the space situational awareness community with spectral characterization of novel materials that can support their respective optical measurements focused on material identification.

Heather M. Cowardin↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High-Altitude ADS-B Flight Tests on a NASA ER-2 Research Airplane

Researchers at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Armstrong Flight Research Center (Edwards, California); the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); and Regulus Group, LLC (Atlantic City, New Jersey) collaborated for the flight-test demonstration of an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system equipped on a high-altitude Earth Resources-2 (ER-2) research airplane. The unique ER-2 airplane is a NASA-owned and operated airborne science version of the United States Air Force / Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (Bethesda, Maryland) U-2S airplane. The FAA has mandated that by the year 2020, aircraft operating within certain sections of the United States National Airspace system be equipped with ADS-B Out technology; the research presented in this paper is the first to show how the NASA ADS-B architecture satisfies the mandate for a unique high-altitude aircraft. An exceptional military aircraft design, security protocols, and the performance envelope of the ER-2 airplane made the avionics integration remarkably challenging. The design required the ADS-B avionics to survive the harsh flight environment of the ER-2 airplane. The most prominent challenge was the functional integration of modern civilian avionics into federated military legacy avionics. Flight-test objectives were to certify an ADS-B Out (1090ES) passive surveillance integrated with a Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) I active surveillance system on an ER-2 platform for high-altitude cruise operations. In April 2022, NASA conducted three flights at Edwards Air Force Base (Edwards, California) - each greater than one-hour flight reaching altitudes above 60,000 ft.

ADS-B↗
NASA NTRS2023

Protective Coatings for Lunar Dust Tolerance

Materials capable of withstanding the harsh lunar environment are critically needed to support long duration, sustainable missions on the Moon’s surface. Lunar dust significantly threatens the durability and reusability of components and vehicles due to possessing a fine, jagged morphology and highly abrasive nature. These characteristics result in the particles eroding, adhering and/or embedding onto component surfaces and into device confined geometries (e.g., gear housing, interlocking systems, etc.) potentially leading to premature failure. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize wear-resistant commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) materials, including advanced ceramics, for use as protective coatings to minimize abrasion and adhesion caused by lunar dust. Preliminary testing that mimics various aspects of lunar dust degradation, such as abrasive wear and adhesion, suggests that COTS ceramic coatings can improve lunar dust tolerance and protect underlying metallic substrates.

Valerie. L. Wiesner↗
NASA NTRS2022

Power Converter Design for the Europa Lander Motor Controller

This paper will outline the design and test results for the Europa Lander motor controller’s Power Conversion Slice. Europa Lander is a proposed NASA mission concept to send a stationary spacecraft to Jupiter’s Icy Moon, Europa, to search for subsurface biosignatures. The Power Conversion Card is one of the many technologies designed for this mission. The Power Conversion Card’s primary function is to convert the power supplied by the spacecraft battery to usable power for use within the motor controller. In addition, this card provides power system telemetry to the spacecraft computer. This card tolerates Europa’s harsh radiation environment within a protected vault to enable it to survive the external temperatures which can be as low as -184°C during the three-week mission. This design makes use of multiple commercially available radiation hardened electronics, including Cobham’s UT32M0R500 Arm Microcontroller along with VPT’s DC-DC Converters for power conversion. The microcontroller is used to collect local power system telemetry and assess card health autonomously without intervention from the spacecraft’s main computer. This paper will showcase the design behind the prototype and electrical testing results.

Lias, Malcolm↗