Next Generation Space Processor (NGSP) High Performance Spaceflight Computing (HPSC) Next Steps at NASA and AFRL
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high-performace computing↗
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Results for “space computing”
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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Computational methods and software systems for dynamics and control of large space structures
Two key areas of crucial importance to the computer-based simulation of large space structures are discussed. The first area involves multibody dynamics (MBD) of flexible space structures, with applications directed to deployment, construction, and maneuvering. The second area deals with advanced software systems, with emphasis on parallel processing. The latest research thrust in the second area involves massively parallel computers.
Park, K. C.↗
Computer-aided controllability assessment of generic manned Space Station concepts
NASA's Concept Development Group assessment methodology for the on-orbit rigid body controllability characteristics of each generic configuration proposed for the manned space station is presented; the preliminary results obtained represent the first step in the analysis of these eight configurations. Analytical computer models of each configuration were developed by means of the Interactive Design Evaluation of Advanced Spacecraft CAD system, which created three-dimensional geometry models of each configuration to establish dimensional requirements for module connectivity, payload accommodation, and Space Shuttle berthing; mass, center-of-gravity, inertia, and aerodynamic drag areas were then derived. Attention was also given to the preferred flight attitude of each station concept.
Ferebee, M. J.↗
Optimal Estimation of Rain Rate Profiles from Single-Frequency Radar Echoes
The significant ambiguities inherent in the determination of a particular vertical rain intensity profile from a given time profile of radar echo powers measured by a downward-looking (spaceborne or airborne) radar at a single attenuating frequency are well-documented. Indeed, one already knows that by appropriately varying the parameters of the reflectivity-rain-rate (Z - R) and/or attenuation-rain-rate (k - R) relationships, one can produce several substantially different hypothetical rain rate profiles which would have the same radar power profile. Imposing the additional constraint that the path-averaged rain-rate be a given fixed number does reduce the ambiguities but falls far short of eliminating them. While we now know how to generate as many mutually ambiguous rain-rate profiles from a given profile of received radar reflectivities as we like, there remains to produce a quantitative measure to assess how likely each of these profiles is, what the appropriate 'average' profile should be, and what the 'variance' of these multiple solutions is. Of course, in order to do this, one needs to spell out the stochastic constraints that can allow us to make sense of the words 'average' and 'variance' in a mathematically rigorous way. Such a quantitative approach would be particularly well-suited for such systems as the proposed Precipitation Radar of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM). Indeed, one would then be able to use the radar reflectivities measured by the TRMM radar from one particular look in order to estimate the most likely rain-rate profile that would have produced the measurements, as well as the uncertainty in the estimated rain-rates as a function of range. Such an optimal approach is described in this paper.
deep space flight computer real-time advanced spac↗
Identifying Trends in Deep Space Network Monitor Data
A computer program has been developed that analyzes Deep Space Network monitor data, looking for changes of trends in critical parameters. This program represents a significant improvement over the previous practice of manually plotting data and visually inspecting the resulting graphs to identify trends. This program uses proven numerical techniques to identify trends. When a statistically significant trend is detected, then it is characterized by means of a symbol that can be used by pre-existing model-based reasoning software. The program can perform any of the following functions: Given an expectation that data in a given list should exhibit an upward, downward, constant, or unknown trend, it can determine whether the data do or do not follow such a trend. Given a list of data, it can identify which of the aforementioned trends the data follow. Given two lists of data, it can determine whether or not both follow the same trend. This program can be executed on a variety of computers. It can be distributed in either source code or binary code form. It must be run in conjunction with any one of a number of Lisp compilers that are available commercially or as shareware.
James, Mark↗
Space-Subdivision Algorithm for Abstract Trajectories
Computational overhead in testing links between nodes reduced. Computationally efficient algorithm facilitates subdivision of n-dimensional spaces during selection, testing, or optimization of trajectories in those spaces. Reduces cost of computation in such diverse problems as scheduling of interrelated events to avoid conflicts, devising efficient production-line layouts and operating schedules, routing telephone calls, and analyzing the motions of gas particles.
Lyon, Douglas K.↗
Study and development of a mathematical analysis for the performance assessment of space communication system parameters
Electronic computer program user manual for optimum design of space communication system
Brinkman, K. L.↗
Study to define an approach for developing a computer-based system capable of automatic, unattended assembly/disassembly of spacecraft, phase 1
The initial set of requirements for additional studies necessary to implement a space-borne, computer-based work system capable of achieving assembly, disassembly, repair, or maintenance in space were developed. The specific functions required of a work system to perform repair and maintenance were discussed. Tasks and relevant technologies were identified and delineated. The interaction of spacecraft design and technology options, including a consideration of the strategic issues of repair versus retrieval-replacement or destruction by removal were considered along with the design tradeoffs for accomplishing each of the options. A concept system design and its accompanying experiment or test plan were discussed.
Nevins, J. L.↗
Computational studies of Ras and PI3K
Until recently, experimental techniques in molecular cell biology have been the primary means to investigate biological risk upon space radiation. However, computational modeling provides an alternative theoretical approach, which utilizes various computational tools to simulate proteins, nucleotides, and their interactions. In this study, we are focused on using molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) to study the mechanism of protein-protein binding and to estimate the binding free energy between proteins. Ras is a key element in a variety of cell processes, and its activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) is important for survival of transformed cells. Different computational approaches for this particular study are presented to calculate the solvation energies and binding free energies of H-Ras and PI3K. The goal of this study is to establish computational methods to investigate the roles of different proteins played in the cellular responses to space radiation, including modification of protein function through gene mutation, and to support the studies in molecular cell biology and theoretical kinetics models for our risk assessment project.
Ren, Lei↗
A method for determining the response of space shuttle to atmospheric turbulence. Volume 1: Space shuttle turbulence response
A computer program has been developed and demonstrated that can analyze the response of space shuttle to atmospheric turbulence. The method developed accounts for propellant slosh, gimballed engine, and stability augmentation system (SAS) coupling with the elastic vehicle. Statistical outputs are generated that relate vehicle loads and accelerations to level of random turbulence. For discrete turbulence descriptions, response time-histories are computed. Preliminary turbulence response analyses of space shuttle were conducted for one ascent and one booster flyback subsonic flight condition. The ascent case considered both symmetric and antisymmetric boundary conditions, while only the symmetric analysis was conducted for booster flyback. The three conditions were analyzed with SAS active and inactive, but apparent instabilities with SAS active (arising from improper gains) invalidated the results. Load and acceleration responses in all cases, however, were well within vehicle design limits.
Source record↗
FORTRAN plotting subroutines for the space plasma laboratory
The computer program known as PLOTRW was custom made to satisfy some of the graphics requirements for the data collected in the Space Plasma Laboratory at the Johnson Space Center (JSC). The general requirements for the program were as follows: (1) all subroutines shall be callable through a FORTRAN source program; (2) all graphs shall fill one page and be properly labeled; (3) there shall be options for linear axes and logarithmic axes; (4) each axis shall have tick marks equally spaced with numeric values printed at the beginning tick mark and at the last tick mark; and (5) there shall be three options for plotting. These are: (1) point plot, (2) line plot and (3) point-line plot. The subroutines were written in FORTRAN IV for the LSI-11 Digital equipment Corporation (DEC) Computer. The program is now operational and can be run on any TEKTRONICX graphics terminal that uses a DEC Real-Time-11 (RT-11) operating system.
Williams, R.↗
Vision requirements for Space Station applications
Problems which will be encountered by computer vision systems in Space Station operations are discussed, along with solutions be examined at Johnson Space Station. Lighting cannot be controlled in space, nor can the random presence of reflective surfaces. Task-oriented capabilities are to include docking to moving objects, identification of unexpected objects during autonomous flights to different orbits, and diagnoses of damage and repair requirements for autonomous Space Station inspection robots. The approaches being examined to provide these and other capabilities are television IR sensors, advanced pattern recognition programs feeding on data from laser probes, laser radar for robot eyesight and arrays of SMART sensors for automated location and tracking of target objects. Attention is also being given to liquid crystal light valves for optical processing of images for comparisons with on-board electronic libraries of images.
Crouse, K. R.↗
An upwind-biased space marching algorithm for supersonic viscous flow
The modifications are documented which were made to the Langley Aerothermodynamic Upwind Relaxation Algorithm which allow it to compute solutions in a space marching manner. The space marching flux is formulated to be either first- or second-order accurate, using Roe's upwind differencing or Symmetric Total Variation Diminishing differencing, respectively. The algorithm solves the thin layer Navier-Stokes equations, and is subject to the same flow restrictions as a parabolized Navier-Stokes solver. Each cross flow plane is locally iterated in time until converged, then marched in space to the next station. The algorithm is tested on a sphere-cone geometry and a geometry which models the windward side of the Space Shuttle Orbiter. Computational results for surface heating are compared to ground based experimental data. In addition, space marching predictions for surface pressure are compared against values from the original algorithm.
Greene, Francis A.↗
Research on computational and display requirements for human control of space vehicle boosters. Part 1 - Theory and results Final report, 22 Jun. - 22 Oct. 1966
Computational and display requirements for man-computer guidance and control techniques for reusable manned spacecraft
Gilchrist, J. D.↗
Computer methods for the reduction correlation and analysis of space battery test data Final report, 1 May - 31 Dec. 1966
Computer methods for collection, reduction, correlation, and analysis of spacecraft nickel-cadmium battery test data
COMPUTER METHOD↗
A general-purpose development environment for intelligent computer-aided training systems
Space station training will be a major task, requiring the creation of large numbers of simulation-based training systems for crew, flight controllers, and ground-based support personnel. Given the long duration of space station missions and the large number of activities supported by the space station, the extension of space shuttle training methods to space station training may prove to be impractical. The application of artificial intelligence technology to simulation training can provide the ability to deliver individualized training to large numbers of personnel in a distributed workstation environment. The principal objective of this project is the creation of a software development environment which can be used to build intelligent training systems for procedural tasks associated with the operation of the space station. Current NASA Johnson Space Center projects and joint projects with other NASA operational centers will result in specific training systems for existing space shuttle crew, ground support personnel, and flight controller tasks. Concurrently with the creation of these systems, a general-purpose development environment for intelligent computer-aided training systems will be built. Such an environment would permit the rapid production, delivery, and evolution of training systems for space station crew, flight controllers, and other support personnel. The widespread use of such systems will serve to preserve task and training expertise, support the training of many personnel in a distributed manner, and ensure the uniformity and verifiability of training experiences. As a result, significant reductions in training costs can be realized while safety and the probability of mission success can be enhanced.
Savely, Robert T.↗
Design and Performance of Kokkos Staging Space toward Scalable Resilient Application Couplings
With the growing number of applications designed for heterogeneous HPC devices, application programmers and users are finding it challenging to compose scalable workflows as ensembles of these applications, that are portable, performant and resilient. The Kokkos C++ library has been designed to simplify this cumbersome procedure by providing an intra-application uniform programming model and portable performance. However, assembling multiple Kokkos-enabled applications into a complex workflow is still a challenge. Although Kokkos enables a uniform programming model, the inter-application data exchange still remains a challenge from both performance and software development cost perspectives. In order to address this issue, we propose Kokkos data staging memory space, an extension of Kokkos' data abstraction (memory space) for heterogeneous computing systems. This new abstraction allows to express data on a virtual shared-space for multiple Kokkos applications, thus extending Kokkos to support inter-application data exchange to build an efficient application workflow. Additionally, we study the effectiveness of asynchronous data layout conversions for applications requiring different memory access patterns for the shared data. Our preliminary evaluation with a synthetic benchmark indicate the effectiveness of this conversion adapted to three different scenarios representing access frequency and use patterns of the shared data.
97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗