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At least 703 records · Page 39

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NASA NTRS1989

A dynamic model of stress and sustained attention

Arguments are presented that an integrated view of stress and performance must consider the task demanding a sustained attention as a primary source of cognitive stress. A dynamic model is developed on the basis of the concept of adaptability in both physiological and psychological terms, that addresses the effects of stress on vigilance and, potentially, a wide variety of attention-demanding performance tasks. The model provides an insight into the failure of an operator under the driving influences of stress and opens a number of potential avenues through which solutions to the complex challenge of stress and performance might be posed.

Hancock, P. A.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel

This annual report is based on the activities of the Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel in calendar year 2000. During this year, the construction of the International Space Station (ISS) moved into high gear. The launch of the Russian Service Module was followed by three Space Shuttle construction and logistics flights and the deployment of the Expedition One crew. Continuous habitation of the ISS has begun. To date, both the ISS and Space Shuttle programs have met or exceeded most of their flight objectives. In spite of the intensity of these efforts, it is clear that safety was always placed ahead of cost and schedule. This safety consciousness permitted the Panel to devote more of its efforts to examining the long-term picture. With ISS construction accelerating, demands on the Space Shuttle will increase. While Russian Soyuz and Progress spacecraft will make some flights, the Space Shuttle remains the primary vehicle to sustain the ISS and all other U.S. activities that require humans in space. Development of a next generation, human-rated vehicle has slowed due to a variety of technological problems and the absence of an approach that can accomplish the task significantly better than the Space Shuttle. Moreover, even if a viable design were currently available, the realities of funding and development cycles suggest that it would take many years to bring it to fruition. Thus, it is inescapable that for the foreseeable future the Space Shuttle will be the only human-rated vehicle available to the U.S. space program for support of the ISS and other missions requiring humans. Use of the Space Shuttle will extend well beyond current planning, and is likely to continue for the life of the ISS.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2002

Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR

The mission of Oklahoma EPSCoR is to make Oklahoma researchers more successful in competing for research funding. Specific goals, objectives, and strategies were developed for each federal EPSCoR program, based on federal and state needs. A theme of stimulating collaboration among campuses and building on common research strengths is a strong component of the Oklahoma EPSCoR strategic plan. It extends also to our relationships with the federal agencies, and wherever possible, Oklahoma EPSCoR projects are developed collaboratively with federal research laboratories and program offices. Overall, Oklahoma EPSCoR seeks to capitalize on unique research capabilities and opportunities. The NASA EPSCoR Program in Oklahoma was developed through this grant as a joint effort between Oklahoma EPSCoR and the NASA Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium (OSGC). The major goal of the Oklahoma NASA EPSCoR Plan established in 1996 is to develop an academic research enterprise directed towards a long-term, self-sustaining, nationally competitive capability in areas of mutual self-interest to NASA and Oklahoma. Our final technical summary pie chart demonstrates the strong successes we have achieved during this period as a result of the award.

Snowden, Victoria Duca↗

NASA NTRS2009

Austere Human Missions to Mars

The Design Reference Architecture 5 (DRA 5) is the most recent concept developed by NASA to send humans to Mars in the 2030 time frame using Constellation Program elements. DRA 5 is optimized to meet a specific set of requirements that would provide for a robust exploration program to deliver a new six-person crew at each biennial Mars opportunity and provide for power and infrastructure to maintain a highly capable continuing human presence on Mars. This paper examines an alternate architecture that is scaled back from DRA 5 and might offer lower development cost, lower flight cost, and lower development risk. It is recognized that a mission set using this approach would not meet all the current Constellation Mars mission requirements; however, this 'austere' architecture may represent a minimum mission set that would be acceptable from a science and exploration standpoint. The austere approach is driven by a philosophy of minimizing high risk or high cost technology development and maximizing development and production commonality in order to achieve a program that could be sustained in a flat-funded budget environment. Key features that would enable a lower technology implementation are as follows: using a blunt-body entry vehicle having no deployable decelerators, utilizing aerobraking rather than aerocapture for placing the crewed element into low Mars orbit, avoiding the use of liquid hydrogen with its low temperature and large volume issues, using standard bipropellant propulsion for the landers and ascent vehicle, and using radioisotope surface power systems rather than a nuclear reactor or large area deployable solar arrays. Flat funding within the expected NASA budget for a sustained program could be facilitated by alternating cargo and crew launches for the biennial Mars opportunities. This would result in two assembled vehicles leaving Earth orbit for Mars per Mars opportunity. The first opportunity would send two cargo landers to the Mars surface to preposition a habitat, supplies, and exploration equipment. The next opportunity, two years later, would send to Mars orbit 1) a lander with a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) and 2) a crewed Mars Transit Habitat with an Orion CEV for Earth return. The following opportunity, two years after the first crew, would go back to cargo-only launches. This alternation of cargo and crew opportunities results in a sustainable launch rate of six Ares V launches every two years. It is notable that four of the six launches per Mars opportunity are identical, build-to-print, Tran-Mars Injection stages. This type of production rate could lend itself well to a COTStype service provider, and would make it feasible to have a live spare in place in the event of a single launch failure.

landers↗

NASA NTRS2009

Flight Simulator and Training Human Factors Validation

Loss of control has been identified as the leading cause of aircraft accidents in recent years. Efforts have been made to better equip pilots to deal with these types of events, commonly referred to as upsets. A major challenge in these endeavors has been recreating the motion environments found in flight as the majority of upsets take place well beyond the normal operating envelope of large aircraft. The Environmental Tectonics Corporation has developed a simulator motion base, called GYROLAB, that is capable of recreating the sustained accelerations, or G-forces, and motions of flight. A two part research study was accomplished that coupled NASA's Generic Transport Model with a GYROLAB device. The goal of the study was to characterize physiological effects of the upset environment and to demonstrate that a sustained motion based simulator can be an effective means for upset recovery training. Two groups of 25 Air Transport Pilots participated in the study. The results showed reliable signs of pilot arousal at specific stages of similar upsets. Further validation also demonstrated that sustained motion technology was successful in improving pilot performance during recovery following an extensive training program using GYROLAB technology.

Glaser, Scott T.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Hyperresolution Global Land Surface Modeling: Meeting a Grand Challenge for Monitoring Earth's Terrestrial Water

Monitoring Earth's terrestrial water conditions is critically important to many hydrological applications such as global food production; assessing water resources sustainability; and flood, drought, and climate change prediction. These needs have motivated the development of pilot monitoring and prediction systems for terrestrial hydrologic and vegetative states, but to date only at the rather coarse spatial resolutions (approx.10-100 km) over continental to global domains. Adequately addressing critical water cycle science questions and applications requires systems that are implemented globally at much higher resolutions, on the order of 1 km, resolutions referred to as hyperresolution in the context of global land surface models. This opinion paper sets forth the needs and benefits for a system that would monitor and predict the Earth's terrestrial water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles. We discuss six major challenges in developing a system: improved representation of surface-subsurface interactions due to fine-scale topography and vegetation; improved representation of land-atmospheric interactions and resulting spatial information on soil moisture and evapotranspiration; inclusion of water quality as part of the biogeochemical cycle; representation of human impacts from water management; utilizing massively parallel computer systems and recent computational advances in solving hyperresolution models that will have up to 10(exp 9) unknowns; and developing the required in situ and remote sensing global data sets. We deem the development of a global hyperresolution model for monitoring the terrestrial water, energy, and biogeochemical cycles a grand challenge to the community, and we call upon the international hydrologic community and the hydrological science support infrastructure to endorse the effort.

Wood, Eric F.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Next Generation Wiring

Wiring is a major operational component on aerospace hardware that accounts for substantial weight and volumetric space. Over time wire insulation can age and fail, often leading to catastrophic events such as system failure or fire. The next generation of wiring must be reliable and sustainable over long periods of time. These features will be achieved by the development of a wire insulation capable of autonomous self-healing that mitigates failure before it reaches a catastrophic level. In order to develop a self-healing insulation material, three steps must occur. First, methods of bonding similar materials must be developed that are capable of being initiated autonomously. This process will lead to the development of a manual repair system for polyimide wire insulation. Second, ways to initiate these bonding methods that lead to materials that are similar to the primary insulation must be developed. Finally, steps one and two must be integrated to produce a material that has no residues from the process that degrades the insulating properties of the final repaired insulation. The self-healing technology, teamed with the ability to identify and locate damage, will greatly improve reliability and safety of electrical wiring of critical systems. This paper will address these topics, discuss the results of preliminary testing, and remaining development issues related to self-healing wire insulation.

Medelius, Petro↗

NASA NTRS2014

NASA Fixed Wing Project: Green Technologies for Future Aircraft Generation

The NASA Fundamental Aeronautics Fixed Wing (FW) Project addresses the comprehensive challenge of enabling revolutionary energy efficiency improvements in subsonic transport aircraft combined with dramatic reductions in harmful emissions and perceived noise to facilitate sustained growth of the air transportation system. Advances in multidisciplinary technologies and the development of unconventional aircraft systems offer the potential to achieve these improvements. The presentation will highlight the FW Project vision of revolutionary systems and technologies needed to achieve the challenging goals of aviation. Specifically, the primary focus of the FW Project is on the N+3 generation that is, vehicles that are three generations beyond the current state of the art, requiring mature technology solutions in the 2025-30 timeframe.

aircraft engines↗

NASA NTRS2016

Update on the activities of the GGOS Bureau of Networks and Observations

The recently reorganized GGOS Bureau of Networks and Observations has many elements that are associated with building and sustaining the infrastructure that supports the Global Geodetic Observing System (GGOS) through the development and maintenance of the International Terrestrial and Celestial Reference Frames, improved gravity field models and their incorporation into the reference frame, the production of precision orbits for missions of interest to GGOS, and many other applications. The affiliated Service Networks (IVS, ILRS, IGS, IDS, and now the IGFS and the PSMSL) continue to grow geographically and to improve core and co-location site performance with newer technologies. Efforts are underway to expand GGOS participation and outreach. Several groups are undertaking initiatives and seeking partnerships to update existing sites and expand the networks in geographic areas void of coverage. New satellites are being launched by the Space Agencies in disciplines relevant to GGOS. Working groups now constitute an integral part of the Bureau, providing key service to GGOS. Their activities include: projecting future network capability and examining trade-off options for station deployment and technology upgrades, developing metadata collection and online availability strategies; improving coordination and information exchange with the missions for better ground-based network response and space-segment adequacy for the realization of GGOS goals; and standardizing site-tie measurement, archiving, and analysis procedures. This poster will present the progress in the Bureau's activities and its efforts to expand the networks and make them more effective in supporting GGOS.

Networks↗

NASA NTRS2018

TPS for Outer Planets

This invited talk will provide an assessment of the TPS needs for Outer Planet In-situ missions to destinations with atmosphere. The talk will outline the drivers for TPS from destination, science, mission architecture and entry environment. An assessment of the readiness of the TPS, both currently available and under development, for Saturn, Titan, Uranus and Neptune are provided. The challenges related to sustainability of the TPS for future missions are discussed.

Outer Planets↗

NASA NTRS2018

Convergent Aeronautics Solutions Project

NASA is committed to transforming our aviation system to best meet demands and opportunities of the future. With a vision of safe, efficient, flexible, and environmentally sustainable air transportation, the NASA Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate is conducting research and development to address future needs of the aviation community, the Nation, and the world. While our NASA Aeronautics vision and strategy reaches into the next 25 years and beyond, we recognize that our vision and strategy must be responsive to new discoveries and emerging markets. For this reason, we are empowering our research community to redefine the future of aviation by dreaming up convergent/transformative ideas and studying if those ideas are possible. By modeling the new NASA Aeronautics' Convergent Aeronautics Solutions (CAS) Project after the venture capital community, we created opportunities for teams of intrapreneurs to mature their ideas into concepts through rapid feasibility studies. The CAS Project expects teams to consider the complexities and potential benefits of multi-disciplinary solutions and to leverage technology advances from outside the field of aeronautics. We also expect teams to explore their concepts in a rapid, iterative manner that allows them to learn and adjust their research approach. Within a year or two, teams are responsible for reporting on the feasibility of their concept. The findings inform NASA Aeronautics strategic planning and further investment. This presentation will give an overview of CAS.

Transformative↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Reversibly Assembled Microparticles for Sustained Applications on the Moon and Mars

A sustained presence in any extra-terrestrial environment will require the capability to generate materials, goods, and ultimately vehicles, construction supplies and habitats to be tenable. As an example, NASA, in collaboration with Made In Space, Inc., recently reported the results of extensive research toward enabling3D printing in space. The extensive characterization and comparison of 3D printed articles suggested that, overall, articles generated in the International Space Station microgravity environment were comparable to those generated on Earth. The benefit of in-space manufacturing can be increased through utilization of recyclable materials. A recent analysis of a hypothetical 1,100 day round trip mission to Mars determined that significant mass savings and increase in mission probability of success could be achieved through in-space manufacturing with recyclable materials. NASA’s project ESPUR (Enabling Sustained Presence Using Recyclables), through support from NASA Langley’s Innovative Research and Development Fund, is investigating novel, polymer-coated, epoxy microparticle systems as an enabling technology to realize in-space manufacturing using recyclable feedstocks. Building from previously reported results, further progress toward synthesis of the polymer coating containing click chemical functionalities will be described here. Finite elemental analysis (FEA) has been utilized, in light of scale-free/small world considerations in an effort to identify compositions most likely to yield robust macroscopic geometries. Initial results will be described here. Finally, potential mass savings and life cycle of this recyclable materials technology will be discussed.

Click Chemistry↗

NASA NTRS2021

Hydrologic Baseline Conditions and Projected Trends for Kennedy Space Center and the Cape Canaveral Barrier Island Complex

The purpose of this document is the creation of a comprehensive collection of data, information and knowledge on the eco-hydrologic setting, and current and predicted (2030 -2080) hydrologic conditions that will directly and indirectly influence the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) industrial and ecological system. Focus is on identification of existing data sources (web based, published, in-house) and identification of future possible needs. The document will aid in assessment of risks to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and stakeholder missions associated with changing local, regional and global conditions. This living document will allow for rapid updates as new data and improved spatial data (LiDAR elevations, land use, land cover, runoff coefficients, etc.) are accumulated by the Environmental Management Branch (EMB), stakeholders, and supporting staff from the NASA Environmental and Medical Contract (NEMCON) currently managed by Herndon Solutions Group LLC. (HSG).The report summarizes and visualizes hydrologic conditions supporting long-term trends monitoring, management and regulatory compliance needs, climate risk mitigation, and achievement of KSC and stakeholder’s sustainability goals. Future utility may extend to implementation actions of the KSC future development plan, KSC updates to future KSC Environmental Resource Documents (ERD), and the regional multi-agency Indian River Lagoon Health Initiative.

Carlton Hall↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Uncrewed Lunar Surface Operations and Support Activities

This presentation summarizes the contents of the uncrewed lunar surface operations and support activities paper. It outlines the functions, features, and capabilities that support sustained human and robotic surface operations. It summarizes the complexities associated with the development and operation of autonomous systems and discusses a simulation tool for integrated surface operations planning.

Lunar↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Materials for Power Transmission in Extreme Environments

NASA’s goal for a sustained human presence on the Moon and a future Lunar economy requires the development of novel power transmission materials for extreme environments. As an increasing number of public and private entities set their sights towards a future on the Moon, the demand for surface power will dramatically increase – potentially up to megawatt levels. A Lunar economy is envisioned to include a human habitat, manned and unmanned science exploration assets, excavation rovers and systems, and large-scale infrastructure construction such as solar arrays and power grids. A NASA trade study estimated that 1 to 3 km of power transmission lines (1 to 3 KV ac and dc) will be needed over time. Current high power and voltage SOA cables/wire can easily exceed 1 kg/m where mass is not as critical. Connectors, deployment spools and robots further increase the subsystem mass significantly increasing costs. On the other hand, advances in aeronautics provides path towards space missions. The operating environment on the Moon presents substantial risk to safe and reliable power transmission due to space weathering and degradation. These challenges include cosmic and UV radiation, extreme temperatures swings, the electrostatic Lunar exosphere, and the electrostatic and abrasive lunar regolith. The critical need for lightweight, safe and reliable power cables/wires materials is evident. In this presentation, the extreme high altitude and lunar environments and recent materials development from NASA Glenn Research Center’s High Voltage Materials team towards meeting NASA’s objectives and goals for aeronautics and space missions.

Cu/CNT conductors↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Powering the Lunar Surface: Managing Dust, Extreme Environments, and Power Needs

Power availability remains one of the primary constraints for lunar surface science. This talk reviews power requirements from previously flown instruments to help prepare future payloads for upcoming CLPS opportunities and highlights the testing and environmental simulation capabilities at NASA JSC that enable reliable lunar payload development. It also outlines the power needs, environmental challenges, and emerging technologies required to support sustained human and robotic operations on the lunar surface as part of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy. Key challenges include variable solar illumination at polar and equatorial regions, extreme thermal environments, and dust driven degradation that limit current surface power systems. The science data needed for resource identification and landing site planning will allow for the successful preparation of crewed Artemis activities and long-term presence. Building on recent missions, current test infrastructure, and emerging power technology pathways, this presentation equips industry, academia, and government teams with the information needed to design robust lunar payloads, reduce development risk, and fully leverage the increasing cadence of CLPS missions. These developments will form a critical technical foundation for long duration lunar presence and future Mars exploration.

Anastasia Ford↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Powering the Lunar Surface: Managing Dust, Extreme Environments, and Power Needs

lunar power↗

NASA NTRS2014

Advances in Spacecraft Brine Water Recovery: Development of a Radial Vaned Capillary Drying Tray

Technology improvements in the recovery of water from brine are critical to establishing closed-loop water recovery systems, enabling long-duration missions, and achieving a sustained human presence in space. A genre of 'in-place drying' brine water recovery concepts, collectively referred to herein as Brine Residual In-Containment, are under development. These brine water recovery concepts aim to increase the overall robustness and reliability of the brine recovery process by performing drying inside the container used for final disposal of the solid residual waste. Implementation of in-place drying techniques have been demonstrated for applications where gravity is present and phase separation occurs naturally by buoyancy-induced effects. In this work, a microgravity-compatible analogue of the gravity-driven phase separation process is considered by exploiting capillarity in the form of surface wetting, surface tension, and container geometry. The proposed design consists of a series of planar radial vanes aligned about a central slotted core. Preliminary testing of the fundamental geometry in a reduced gravity environment has shown the device to spontaneously fill and saturate rapidly, thereby creating a free surface from which evaporation and phase separation can occur similar to a terrestrial-like 'cylindrical pool' of fluid. Mathematical modeling and analysis of the design suggest predictable rates of filling and stability of fluid containment as a function of relevant system dimensions; e.g., number of vanes, vane length, width, and thickness. A description of the proposed capillary design solution is presented along with preliminary results from testing, modeling, and analysis of the system.

Callahan, Michael R.↗