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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2021

Energy Arbitrage: Comparison of Options for use with LWR Nuclear Power Plants

Arbitrage is the opportunistic buying and selling of a commodity during local pricing valleys and peaks respectively to maximize economic value. This report evaluates options for energy arbitrage integrated with existing light water reactor (LWR) nuclear power plants (NPPs) where nuclear energy could be stored in a variety of forms and later recovered to generate electrical power during periods when grid electricity demand and pricing are high. The forms of energy storage examined in this report include the potential value of batteries, hydrogen, and thermal energy storage for coupling with nuclear power. Various large demand response options are also analyzed, including the production of liquid nitrogen via air separation and liquefaction, liquefaction of hydrogen, compressed hydrogen, and the cryogenic capture of CO2. Demand response refers to dispatchable loads that can cycle up or down depending on-grid electricity demand to aid in balancing the grid. Large demand response options could dispatch to aid nuclear power stations in avoiding power turndowns by providing an alternate disposition for electrical energy by producing marketable products (e.g., liquid nitrogen, hydrogen, or captured CO2). Static conditions were chosen and analyzed in this report for each option. Dynamic operation or optimization of energy arbitrage or demand response are out of scope for this report. The analysis is based on storage systems with discharge capacities of 500 MW for which various durations of storage and costs of charging (electricity cost) are examined. While the value of thermal energy to an industrial user for flexible plant operations has been previously proven as a business case, this report evaluates costs of hydrogen energy storage and leading thermal energy storage options, and large demand response loads that could be integrated with LWRs in comparison to utility-scale battery storage for use of off-peak nuclear energy. Compilation of this information will be used by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) RAVEN/HERON systems integration and economics tool to evaluate thermal energy dispatch to industrial users. Relative ranking of energy storage options was done using a levelized cost of storage (LCOS) metric which calculates a rough breakeven cost for the system, taking into account the capital and operating costs as well as the revenue from arbitrage. Table ES1 below shows the LCOS for each of the energy storage options considered. First, in the table, lithium iron (Fe) phosphate batteries are listed as the base case for comparison against the other options. Next is hydrogen storage where most of the hydrogen analyses assumed the hydrogen to be produced using solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) high temperature steam electrolysis (HTSE). The others used existing models of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) low temperature electrolysis to produce hydrogen. HTSE performance parameters and costs were taken from existing INL models. Various means were assumed to convert the hydrogen to electricity, including PEM fuel cells (FCs) and a gas turbine mixed in a 30 vol% mixture with natural gas. Physical storage (pressure vessels) and geological storage (natural underground features) were used to store the hydrogen as noted. Geological storage is more economical, but the locations are limited because of the requirement for pre-existing geological formations that will support storage. Thermal energy storage (TES) options were also analyzed including electro-thermal energy storage (ETES) and four different liquid sensible heat TES storage media as noted (Hitec, Hitec XL, Therminol-66, and Dowtherm A). The ETES process considered was modified using existing public documentation on an Echogen process and uses a separate supercritical CO2 charge and discharge cycle with sand as the heat storage media.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Heterointercalation in Chevrel-Phase Sulfides: A Model Periodic Solid for the Investigation of Chain Electron Transfer

Modulation of electron density localization on periodic crystal solids through electron transfer from interstitial cations can directly influence the bonding configurations of small-molecule intermediates at the catalyst binding site. This study presents the microwave-assisted solid-state synthesis of four heterointercalant Chevrel-phase (CP) sulfides with varying metal cation intercalants with compositional and electronic structure investigations of the electron density redistribution as a result of intercalation. The heterointercalant CP sulfides, with the general formula Cu x M y Mo 6 S 8 (where M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni; x, y = 1.5−2.5), are presented here for the probe reaction of electrochemical CO 2 reduction. A change in product selectivity is observed toward the production of methanol at low overpotentials of −0.5 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), as a result of the intercalant combination present within the CP interstitial cavity. Structural confirmation of all materials was examined through Rietveld refinement of the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) data, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). Electron transfer from the intercalated metal cations to the Mo 6 S 8 cluster was investigated via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of the intercalated metal cations and the chalcogenide cluster. Electron transfer was further confirmed through X-ray absorption analysis (XAS) of the K-edges of Mo and intercalants. Intermediate studies of electrochemical reduction of formaldehyde to methanol resulted in a faradaic efficiency of ∼78% methanol production on Cu x Ni y Mo 6 S 8 . The results presented herein identify distinct principles for materials design that can be utilized in other compositional spaces within the broad families of periodic crystal solids.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

The Next Generation of Lightning Mapping

With the removal of the Lightning Imaging Sensor from the International Space Station, a gap has opened in lightning observation from low-Earth orbit. The CubeSpark mission concept aims to fill this role using a constellation of satellites with radio frequency (RF) sensors and bi-spectral optical imagers to observe lightning flashes more completely and with better resolution than is currently possible from space. In this study, we assess the feasibility of multiple methods of not only mapping lightning locations, but also inferring 3D flash and charge structures. This is done primarily by simulating lightning emissions in the very high frequency (VHF) band, modeling their propagation to orbital sensors, and reconstructing their locations using time-of-arrival (TOA) minimization algorithms. Constellation shape, number, and atmospheric conditions are varied in order to quantify the three main sources of geolocation error: geometric, ionospheric, and instrumental effects. The promising results presented here demonstrate 3D resolution better than 1-2 km in many cases, enabling new applications in meteorology and climate sciences.

CubeSpark↗
DOE OSTI2026

Bike and Scoot to Transit

In this project, we developed a micromobility first-mile service for customers to access public transit. We launched this service as a pilot in the Seattle area that incentivized transit customers to bike or scoot to transit. The objective was to learn how to integrate different micromobility services and provide a unified reward program. Our pilot was called “Bike and Scoot to Transit” and ran from November 2022 to September 2023. More than a dozen locations were selected near transit hubs and light rail/train stations as preferred parking locations. Trips ending at those locations were partially funded. The pilot supported 19,226 qualified trips and distributed $73,000 in total benefits for the participants of the pilot. This dataset was collected from our pilot, which includes the following: - Monthly data: Monthly trip and funding summaries. - Data summary: Data broken down based on the micromobility service provider and equipment. - Trip data: List of all trips recorded during the pilot. - Pricing models: Fees charged by micromobility service providers. ![bike to transit](bike-transit.png)

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗
DOE OSTI2025

Hydrogen and Electric Charging Infrastructure for Heavy-Duty Trucks: A Nationally Scalable Megaregion Assessment

Decarbonizing regional and long-haul freight is challenging due to the limitations of battery-electric commercial vehicles and infrastructure constraints. Hydrogen fuel cell medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MHDVs) offer a viable alternative, aligning with the decarbonization goals of the Department of Energy and commercial entities. Historically, alternative fuels like compressed natural gas and liquefied propane gas have faced slow adoption due to barriers like infrastructure availability. To avoid similar issues, effective planning and deploying zero-emission hydrogen fueling infrastructure is crucial. This research develops deployment plans for affordable, accessible, and sustainable hydrogen refueling stations, supporting stakeholders in the decarbonized commercial vehicle freight system. It aims to benefit underserved and rural energy-stressed communities by improving air quality, reducing noise pollution, and enhancing energy resiliency. This research also provides a blueprint for replacing diesel in over-the-road Class 8 freight truck applications with hydrogen fueling solutions. The study focuses on the Texas Triangle Megaregion (I-45, I-35, and I-10), the I-10 corridor between San Antonio, TX, and Los Angeles, CA, and the I-5/CA-99 corridors between Los Angeles, CA, and San Francisco, CA. This area represents a significant portion of U.S. heavy-duty freight movement, carrying ~8.5% of the national freight volume. Using the OR-AGENT (Optimal Regional Architecture Generation for Efficient National Transport) modeling framework, the study conducts an advanced assessment of commercial vehicles, road and freight networks, and energy systems. The framework integrates data on freight mobility, traffic, weather, and energy pathways to deliver a region-specific, optimized vehicles powertrain architectures, infrastructure deployment solutions, operational logistics, and energy pathways. By considering all vehicle origin-destination pairs utilizing these corridors and all feasible fueling station location options, the framework's genetic algorithm identifies the minimum number and optimal locations of hydrogen refueling stations, ensuring no vehicle is stranded. It also determines fuel schedules and quantities at each station. A roadmap for station deployment based on multiple adoption trajectories ensures a strategic rollout of hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Sujan, Vivek [ORNL] (ORCID:0000000269882342)↗
NASA NTRS1992

Fuel cell technology for lunar surface operations

Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells have been shown, in several NASA and contractor studies, to be an enabling technology for providing electrical power for lunar bases, outposts, and vehicles. The fuel cell, in conjunction with similar electrolysis cells, comprises a closed regenerative energy storage system, commonly referred to as a regenerative fuel cell (RFC). For stationary applications, energy densities of 1,000 watt-hours per kilograms an order of magnitude over the best rechargeable batteries, have been projected. In this RFC, the coupled fuel cell and electrolyzer act as an ultra-light battery. Electrical energy from solar arrays 'charges' the system by electrolyzing water into hydrogen and oxygen. When an electrical load is applied, the fuel cell reacts the hydrogen and oxygen to 'discharge' usable power. Several concepts for utilizing RFC's, with varying degrees of integration, have been proposed, including both primary and backup roles. For mobile power needs, such as rovers, an effective configuration may be to have only the fuel cell located on the vehicle, and to use a central electrolysis 'gas station'. Two fuel cell technologies are prime candidates for lunar power system concepts: alkaline electrolyte and proton exchange membrane. Alkaline fuel cells have been developed to a mature production power unit in NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter. Recent advances in materials offer to significantly improve durability to the level needed for extended lunar operations. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells are receiving considerable support for hydrospace and terrestrial transportation applications. This technology promises durability, simplicity, and flexibility.

Deronck, Henry J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

3D Geolocation of Simulated Lightning Sources from Low-Earth Orbit

The recent removal of the Lightning Imaging Sensor from the International Space Station has left an observational gap in lightning detection from low-Earth orbit (LEO). However, new studies have demonstrated the potential for 3D geolocation of lightning sources using orbiting sensors. The Cubespark mission concept aims to take advantage of these developments by deploying a constellation of satellites with radio frequency (RF) sensors and optical imagers to not only map lightning locations, but also to collect bi-spectral flash images. These new capabilities include mapping storm charge structure, flash channel structure, and distinguishing microphysical processes throughout flash development, helping link microphysics and convective processes with overall flash and storm structure around the globe from LEO. In this study, we simulate lightning RF sources in the very high frequency (VHF) band, extrapolate their signals to space-based detection using an improved ionospheric model, and reconstruct their 3D locations using a time-of-arrival (TOA) minimization algorithm. Various constellation configurations, locations, and atmospheric conditions are considered in order to identify and quantify the three main sources of geolocation error: geometric, ionospheric, and instrumental effects. The promising results of this study emphasize the potential of space-based 3D lightning mapping under diverse conditions. 3D resolution is shown to be better than 1-2 km in many cases, enabling new global applications in meteorology and climate sciences. Here we present a selection of these geolocation results as seen from space alongside recent advancements, paving the way for a future generation of LEO lightning mappers.

CubeSpark↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Exposure of Highly Reflective Far-Ultraviolet Coatings to LEO Environment for TRL Advancement for the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Over the past several years, our team at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), in collaboration with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), have developed several new protected Al coating technologies with improved Far-Ultraviolet (FUV) reflectance performance and more robust environmental stability. These include Al protected with lithium-based fluoride (LiF) coatings such as hot deposited LiF (eLiF), XeF 2 -passivated LiF coatings (XeLiF), Li 3 AlF 6 overcoats, AlF 3 (plasma passivated), and XeF 2 passivated MgF 2 coatings (XeMgF 2 ). However, despite these developments, relatively little experimental information exists regarding the long-term stability of these coatings after simultaneous exposure to the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment. To evaluate their environmental durability and advance their Technology Readiness Level (TRL), representative samples of these coating technologies, Al+XeLiF, Al+eLiF, Al+Li 3 AlF 6 , Al+AlF 3 , Al+XeMgF 2 , and bare Al as reference samples, were flown onboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment 20 (MISSE-20). The MISSE platform is operated by Aegis Aerospace for relatively long-duration (e.g. 6 months) external exposure experiments in a space environment. The coatings were deposited on ULE and Zerodur substrates, and witness samples deposited on the same coatings runs, but on glass slides were left on Earth as control. A subset of the flight samples were fitted with MgF 2 windows to reduce direct exposure to atomic oxygen (AO) and charged particles, and still let through UV and other types of radiation on these samples. After approximately 6 months of exposure in the forward-facing (RAM) direction, the samples were returned to Earth and characterized by performing FUV/NUV/VIS/NIR reflectance measurements to quantify degradation, spectroscopic ellipsometry to evaluate coating thickness and optical constants, atomic force microscopy (AFM) to quantify surface roughness evolution during the flight in the ISS. The MgF 2 protective windows were also analyzed through FUV transmission measurements. Comparison with the witness samples left on the ground and with the flown bare Al samples (with just the naturally occurring Al 2 O 3 layer) provided a quantitative assessment of coating thickness variations, optical performance degradation, and morphological changes induced by prolonged exposure to the LEO environment.

Far Ultraviolet (FUV)↗
NASA NTRS2015

ISS-CREAM Thermal and Fluid System Design and Analysis

Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS), Silver Spring MD NCTS 21070-15. The ISS-CREAM (Cosmic Ray Energetics And Mass for the International Space Station) payload is being developed by an international team and will provide significant cosmic ray characterization over a long time frame. Cold fluid provided by the ISS Exposed Facility (EF) is the primary means of cooling for 5 science instruments and over 7 electronics boxes. Thermal fluid integrated design and analysis was performed for CREAM using a Thermal Desktop model. This presentation will provide some specific design and modeling examples from the fluid cooling system, complex SCD (Silicon Charge Detector) and calorimeter hardware, and integrated payload and ISS level modeling. Features of Thermal Desktop such as CAD simplification, meshing of complex hardware, External References (Xrefs), and FloCAD modeling will be discussed.

Thermal analysis↗
NASA NTRS2000

The ACCESS Mission: ISS Accommodation Study

ACCESS (Advanced Cosmic-ray Composition Experiment for Space Station) is a new mission concept payload for the International Space Station (ISS) which has undergone a preliminary accommodation study. ACCESS science goals include new measurements of the rare ultra-high energy and ultra-heavy components of the cosmic radiation above the Earth's atmosphere. The critical resource made available by the ISS is collecting power; up to 10,000 square meters-sr-days, for a four-year stay on-orbit, allows ACCESS to go beyond balloon-borne detectors. The instrument, consisting of a charge module, a transition radiation detector, and a calorimeter, measures nuclei throughout the periodic table. The study demonstrates that the ISS as a stable science platform at the threshold of space, can make improved cosmic-ray investigations possible in the next century.

Wefel, John P.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Natural and Induced Environment Around the International Space Station (ISS) as Observed During On-Orbit Operations of the Robotic External Leak Locator (RELL)

The Robotic External Leak Locator (RELL) was deployed to the International Space Station (ISS) with the goal of detecting and locating on-orbit leaks around the ISS. Three activities to characterize the background natural and induced environment of ISS were performed with RELL as part of the on-orbit validation and demonstration conducted in November and December 2016. The first demonstration activity pointed RELL directly in the ram (+X) and wake (-X) directions for one orbit each. The ram facing measurements showed high partial pressure for mass-to-charge ratio 16, corresponding to atomic oxygen (AO), as well as the presence of mass-to-charge ratio 17. RELL's view in the wake-facing direction included more ISS structure and several Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on-orbit vents were detected, including the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA), Russian segment ECLSS, and Sabatier vents. The second demonstration activity pointed RELL at three faces of the P1 Truss segment. Effluents from ECLSS and European Space Agency (ESA) Columbus module on-orbit vents were detected by RELL. The partial pressures of mass-to-charge ratios 17 and 18 remained consistent with the first on-orbit activity of characterizing the natural environment. The third demonstration activity involved RELL scanning an Active Thermal Control System (ATCS) radiator. Three locations along the radiator were scanned and the angular position of RELL with respect to the radiator was varied. Mass-to-charge ratios 16 and 17 both had upward shifts in partial pressure when pointing toward the Radiator Beam Valve Modules (RBVMs), likely corresponding to a known, small ammonia leak.

Fox, Katie L.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Characterization of Modern Spacecraft Materials under Space-simulated Environment

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, atomic oxygen (AO), and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV), of several modern spacecraft materials. The studied materials represent the “flight duplicates” of samples that will be launched as a part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) mission in 2022. MISSE-FF flight sample collection comprises different classes of polymers, including polyimides from the Kapton family, manufactured by E.I du Pont de Nemours and Co., Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) materials, liquid crystal polymers, PI/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS), and carbon and glass fiber reinforced polymers. A sequential exposure approach was undertaken to allow monitoring of degradation induced by each environmental component (electrons, AO, and VUV) separately. Surface morphology, optical, and charge transport properties of selected materials were characterized using different techniques, namely, atomic force and scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet visible (UV/Vis) transmission, reflectance, Bidirectional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF), and surface potential decay measurements.

Elena Plis↗
NASA NTRS1989

Solar dynamic power for space station freedom

The Space Station Freedom Program is presently planned to consist of two phases. At the completion of Phase 1, Freedom's manned base will consist of a transverse boom with attached manned modules and 75 kW of available electric power supplied by photovoltaic (PV) power sources. In Phase 2, electric power available to the manned base will be increased to 125 kW by the addition of two solar dynamic (SD) power modules, one at each end of the transverse boom. Power for manned base growth beyond Phase 2 will be supplied by additional SD modules. Studies show that SD power for the growth eras will result in life cycle cost savings of $3 to $4 billion when compared to PV-supplied power. In the SD power modules for Space Station Freedom, an offset parabolic concentrator collects and focuses solar energy into a heat receiver. To allow full power operation over the entire orbit, the receiver includes integral thermal energy storage by means of the heat of fusion of a salt mixture. Thermal energy is removed from the receiver and converted to electrical energy by a power conversion unit (PCU) which includes a closed brayton cycle (CBC) heat engine and an alternator. The receiver/PCU/radiator combination will be completely assembled and charged with gas and cooling fluid on Earth before launch to orbit. The concentrator subassemblies will be pre-aligned and stowed in the orbiter bay before launch. On orbit, the receiver/PCU/radiator assembly will be installed as a unit. The pre-aligned concentrator panels will then be latched together and the total concentrator attached to the receiver/PCU/radiator by the astronauts. After final electric connections are made and checkout is complete, the SD power module will be ready for operation.

Labus, Thomas L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Solar dynamic power for Space Station Freedom

The Space Station Freedom Program is presently planned to consist of two phases. At the completion of Phase 1, Freedom's manned base will consist of a transverse boom with attached manned modules and 75 kW of available electric power supplied by photovoltaic (PV) power sources. In Phase 2, electric power available to the manned base will be increased to 125 kW by the addition of two solar dynamic (SD) power modules, one at each end of the transverse boom. Power for manned base growth beyond Phase 2 will be supplied by additional SD modules. Studies show that SD power for the growth eras will result in life cycle cost savings of $3 to $4 billion when compared to PV-supplied power. In the SD power modules for Space Station Freedom, an offset parabolic concentrator collects and focuses solar energy into a heat receiver. To allow full power operation over the entire orbit, the receiver includes integral thermal energy storage by means of the heat of fusion of a salt mixture. Thermal energy is removed from the receiver and converted to electrical energy by a power conversion unit (PCU) which includes a closed brayton cycle (CBC) heat engine and an alternator. The receiver/PCU/radiator combination will be completely assembled and charged with gas and cooling fluid on earth before launch to orbit. The concentrator subassemblies will be pre-aligned and stowed in the orbiter bay before launch. On orbit, the receiver/PCU/radiator assembly will be installed as a unit. The pre-aligned concentrator panels will then be latched together and the total concentrator attached to the receiver/PCU/radiator by the astronauts. After final electric connections are made and checkout is complete, the SD power module will be ready for operation.

Labus, Thomas L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Enhanced Fair-Weather Electric Fields Soon After Sunrise

The typical fair weather electric field at the ground is between -100 and -300 V/m. At the NASA Kennedy Space Center and US Air Force Cape Canaveral Air Station (KSC) the electric field at the ground sometimes reaches -400 to -1200 V/m within an hour or two after sunrise on days that otherwise seem to be fair weather. We refer to the enhanced negative electric fields as the "sunrise enhancement." To investigate the sunrise enhancement at KSC we measured the electric field (E) in the first few hundred meters above the ground before and during several sunrise enhancements. From these E soundings we can infer the presence of charge layers and determine their thickness and charge density.

Marshall, T. C.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Electromagnetic Transient Simulation Algorithms for Evaluation of Large-Scale Extreme Fast Charging Systems (Distribution Grid Models)

The distribution and transmission grids are observing an increased penetration of power electronics in loads and generations. For example, there is increasing interest in integrating in extreme fast charging (XFC) systems for fast charging of electrical vehicles. As these systems are integrated, developing high-fidelity electromagnetic transient model of XFC systems in distribution grids and evaluating their interactions with the power grid would be of significant interest. This model will be utilized for design of XFC systems, to identify upgrades in distribution and/or transmission grids, for planning purposes by transmission planners or operators or owners, among others. It can also be utilized in operations for improved reliable performance of the grid and/or XFC station. The challenge with simulating these models is the high computational complexity introduced by the large number of states present in the system and the time-step needed to simulate the system. In this paper, advanced simulations algorithms are applied to reduce the computational complexity of simulating large-scale XFC systems. The algorithms include numerical stiffness-based segregation, time constant-based segregation, clustering and aggregation on differential algebraic equations (DAEs), and multi-order integration approaches. While the first three algorithms split the matrix that needs to be inverted from a large matrix to much smaller matrices, the final algorithm reduces the computational burden of applying higher-order integration approaches in the complete system. The comparison made in the previous sentence is with respect to use of homogeneous integration approaches used in conventional electromagnetic transient simulators like power systems computer aided design (PSCAD). The approaches mentioned here have resulted in speed-up of 36x in the simulation of a single distribution system with 15 XFCs.

Debnath, Suman↗
NASA NTRS2011

Modeling Ionosphere Environments: Creating an ISS Electron Density Tool

The International Space Station (ISS) maintains an altitude typically between 300 km and 400 km in low Earth orbit (LEO) which itself is situated in the Earth's ionosphere. The ionosphere is a region of partially ionized gas (plasma) formed by the photoionization of neutral atoms and molecules in the upper atmosphere of Earth. It is important to understand what electron density the spacecraft is/will be operating in because the ionized gas along the ISS orbit interacts with the electrical power system resulting in charging of the vehicle. One instrument that is already operational onboard the ISS with a goal of monitoring electron density, electron temperature, and ISS floating potential is the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU). Although this tool is a valuable addition to the ISS, there are limitations concerning the data collection periods. The FPMU uses the Ku band communication frequency to transmit data from orbit. Use of this band for FPMU data runs is often terminated due to necessary observation of higher priority Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) and other operations on ISS. Thus, large gaps are present in FPMU data. The purpose of this study is to solve the issue of missing environmental data by implementing a secondary electron density data source, derived from the COSMIC satellite constellation, to create a model of ISS orbital environments. Extrapolating data specific to ISS orbital altitudes, we model the ionospheric electron density along the ISS orbit track to supply a set of data when the FPMU is unavailable. This computer model also provides an additional new source of electron density data that is used to confirm FPMU is operating correctly and supplements the original environmental data taken by FPMU.

Gurgew, Danielle N.↗