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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 757 records · Page 42
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2024

Key Perseverance Sampling Locations for the Ancient Martian Crust and Implications for Mars Science

Since Feb 2021, the Perseverance rover has collected samples in the Jezero crater. The plan baselined at the 2018 landing site selection, subsequently further developed by the Mars-2020 team, and presented to the Decadal Survey included the exploration and sampling of the Jezero crater rim and the Nili Planum area, a rock record that is important to preserving the science return of the endeavor. Specifically, the science team identified the following prioritized science objectives aligned with community objectives that are not covered by the current sample cache: 1) Investigate the habitable environments with potential biosignatures from a more ancient time interval and from a diverse set of geological environments (incl. exposed subsurface) than the Jezero crater sedimentary deposits (Fig. 2). (2) Determine radioisotopic ages for well-defined craterretaining surfaces and/or the Isidis basin impact event. (3) Characterize ancient aqueous environments to study climate, environmental transitions, and habitability on ancient Mars. (4) Investigate planetary accretion, crustal evolution, and dynamo activity through analysis and sampling of igneous lithologies. (5) Study the geology of basin-forming impacts. In addition, for the Jezero rim and any Jezero ejecta: (6) Analyze Jezero impactites for potentially habitable hydrothermal environments and radioisotopic dating of the Jezero crater formation. From 2018 to now, we used a combination of High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HiRISE) and Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) data to further characterize Jezero rim and Nili Planum, culminating in our prioritized sample location recommendations: (1) Monument Valley and (2) Northwest Jezero rim.

Mars sample return↗
NASA NTRS1984

Exploration of the Solar System by Airborne Astronomy

The contributions of airborne astronomy to the knowledge of our solar system are reviewed, beginning in 1967 when planetary observations became a vigorous part of NASA's airborne astronomy initiatives using aircraft outfitted with 30 cm diameter telescopes for infrared observations at altitudes between 12 and 15 km. These early facilities and their successor, the Kuiper airborne observatory (KAO), profoundly influenced many areas of planetary science by providing optimized platforms for the conduct of certain types of remote sensing experiments that were incompatible with both ground-based and spacecraft environments. Specific topics reviewed include energy balance in the outer planets, the composition and structure of planetary atmospheres, and planetary ring systems.

Larson, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Magnetour: Surfing Planetary Systems on Electromagnetic and Multi-Body Gravity Fields

In this NIAC Phase One study, we propose a new mission concept, named Magnetour, to facilitate the exploration of outer planet systems and address both power and propulsion challenges. Our approach would enable a single spacecraft to orbit and travel between multiple moons of an outer planet, with no propellant required. Our approach would enable a single spacecraft to orbit and travel between multiple moons of an outer planet, with no propellant nor onboard power source required. To achieve this free-lunch _Grand Tour', we exploit the unexplored combination of magnetic and multi-body gravitational fields of planetary systems, with a unique focus on using a bare tether for power and propulsion. The main objective of the study is to develop this conceptually novel mission architecture, explore its design space, and investigate its feasibility and applicability to enhance the exploration of planetary systems within a 10-year timeframe. Propellantless propulsion technology offers enormous potential to transform the way NASA conducts outer planet missions. We hope to demonstrate that our free-lunch tour concept can replace heavy, costly, traditional chemical-based missions and can open up a new variety of trajectories around outer planets. Leveraging the powerful magnetic and multi-body gravity fields of planetary systems to travel freely among planetary moons would allow for long-term missions and provide unique scientific capabilities and flagship-class science for a fraction of the mass and cost of traditional concepts. New mission design techniques are needed to fully exploit the potential of this new concept.This final report contains the results and findings of the Phase One study, and is organized as follows. First, an overview of the Magnetour mission concept is presented. Then, the research methodology adopted for this Phase One study is described, followed by a brief outline of the main findings and their correspondence with the original Phase One task plan. Next, an overview of the environment of outer planets is provided, including magnetosphere, radiation belt and planetary moons. Then performance of electrodynamic tethers is assessed, as well as other electromagnetic systems. A method to exploit multi-body dynamics is given next. These analyses allow us to carry out a Jovian mission design to gain insight in the benefits of Magnetour. In addition, a spacecraft configuration is presented that fully incorporates the tether in the design. Finally technology roadmap considerations are discussed.

Gravity Fields↗
NASA NTRS2019

Laboratory Astrophysics Studies of the Evolution of Organic Matter with the COSmIC Facility.

Understanding the origin of organic matter in astrophysical environments ranging from circumstellar (CS) outflows to diffuse and dense interstellar (IS) clouds to protoplanetary disks and planetary bodies has become a central objective in astrophysics. Experimental facilities dedicated to the formation and characterization of laboratory analogs generated under conditions relevant to the targeted environments have been developed in the past recent years. Recent advances achieved in laboratory astrophysics using COSmIC’s laboratory data in synergy with observational data will be presented. These results include the use of laboratory spectra to search for IS organic molecules and ions in astronomical spectra, the formation of laboratory analogs of CS and IS dust grains and planetary atmospheres aerosols from molecular precursors.

Salama, Farid↗
NASA NTRS1979

Dust-magnetospheric interactions

The important processes controlling the electrical potentials of dust grains in planetary magnetospheres are considered, and the quasi-equilibrium electric potentials acquired by them in the different plasma and radiative environments encountered are evaluated. The orbital dynamics of such charged grains is discussed, and their interaction with satellites within the planetary magnetospheres is considered. The possibility of magneto-gravitational capture of these gains by magnetospheres, to form dust rings around the planets, is also discussed. Finally, the possible break-up of grains charged to large electrical potentials and its consequences are briefly addressed.

Mendis, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The young sun and the atmosphere and photochemistry of the early earth

The origin and evolution of the earth's early atmosphere depend crucially on the dissipation time of the primitive solar nebula (SN). Using different theories of turbulence, the dissipation time of an SN of 0.1 solar mass is estimated as 2.5-8.3 Myr. Because accretion times are usually much longer, it is concluded that most planetary accretion must have occurred in a gas-free environment. Using new IUE data, a wavelength-dependent UV flux is constructed for the young sun which is then used to study the photochemistry and concentrations of O, O2, O3, OH, H, HCO and formaldehyde H2CO in the earth's early prebiological atmosphere.

Canuto, V. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Clustered impacts - Experiments and implications

The characteristics of impact by clusters of projectiles are experimentally studied by launching grouped projectiles of aluminum shot, steel shot, iron filings, and sand. Cratering efficiency is considered as a function of a dimensionless parameter related to projectile size and impact velocity. The effects of different target and projectile densities on cratering efficiency are examined. Crater morphology is addressed by considering a typical example, reviewing the systematics between cluster dispersion and crater morphology for vertical impacts, and examining oblique angle impacts which have relevance for planetary secondary cratering processes. These results are compared with impacts by single bodies with different strengths. The evolution of the ejecta plume for clustered impacts is compared to that for single-body impacts for vertical and oblique impacts from 1.3 to 1.8 km/s. The experimental results are discussed in the context of planetary surface processes, emphasizing processes in an atmosphere-free environment and secondary impact cratering.

Schultz, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Strategies for a permanent lunar base

One or more of three possible objectives, encompassing scientific research, lunar resource exploitation for space infrastructure construction, and lunar environment self-sufficiency refinement with a view to future planetary habitation, may be the purpose of manned lunar base activities. Attention is presently given to the possibility that the early phases of all three lunar base orientations may be developed in such a way as to share the greatest number of common elements. An evaluation is made of the cost and complexity of the lunar base, and the Space Transportation System used in conjunction with it, as functions of long term base use strategy.

Duke, M. B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Exobiology and SETI from the lunar farside

Within the Life Sciences Division of NASA, the Exobiology Program seeks to understand the origin, evolution and distribution of life in the universe. There are two feasible methods of searching for life beyond the earth. The first is to return to Mars and systematically explore its surface and subsurface with instrumentation capable of identifying extinct as well as extant life. The second is to search for advanced forms of life in other planetary systems that have developed a technology capable of modifying their environment in ways that make it detectable across the vast interstellar distances. The Exobiology Program is currently pursuing both of these options. If NASA's SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence) Microwave Observing Project of the 1990s fails to detect evidence of radio signals generated by an extraterrestrial technology, what might be the next step? The establishment of a permanent lunar base early in the next century may enable the construction of large aperture radio telescopes that can extend both the sensitivity and the frequency range of SETI observations. A lunar base may also provide the opportunity for construction of optical and IR telescopes intended for the direct detection of extrasolar planetary systems.

Tarter, Jill C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Evolution of protoplanetary disks with dynamo magnetic fields

The notion that planetary systems are formed within dusty disks is certainly not a new one; the modern planet formation paradigm is based on suggestions made by Laplace more than 200 years ago. More recently, the foundations of accretion disk theory where initially developed with this problem in mind, and in the last decade astronomical observations have indicated that many young stars have disks around them. Such observations support the generally accepted model of a viscous Keplerian accretion disk for the early stages of planetary system formation. However, one of the major uncertainties remaining in understanding the dynamical evolution of protoplanetary disks is the mechanism responsible for the transport of angular momentum and subsequent mass accretion through the disk. This is a fundamental piece of the planetary system genesis problem since such mechanisms will determine the environment in which planets are formed. Among the mechanisms suggested for this effect is the Maxwell stress associated with a magnetic field treading the disk. Due to the low internal temperatures through most of the disk, even the question of the existence of a magnetic field must be seriously studied before including magnetic effects in the disk dynamics. On the other hand, from meteoritic evidence it is believed that magnetic fields of significant magnitude existed in the earliest, PP-disk-like, stage of our own solar system's evolution. Hence, the hypothesis that PP disks are magnetized is not made solely on the basis of theory. Previous studies have addressed the problem of the existence of a magnetic field in a steady-state disk and have found that the low conductivity results in a fast diffusion of the magnetic field on timescales much shorter than the evolutionary timescale. Hence the only way for a magnetic field to exist in PP disks for a considerable portion of their lifetimes is for it to be continuously regenerated. In the present work, we present results on the self-consistent evolution of a turbulent PP disk including the effects of a dynamo-generated magnetic field.

Reyes-Ruiz, M.↗
NASA NTRS2000

On the origin of Titan's atmosphere

The present atmosphere of Titan exhibits evidence of extensive evolution, in the form of rapid photochemical destruction of methane and a large fractionation of the nitrogen and oxygen isotopes. Attempts to recover the initial inventory of volatiles lead toward a model in which nitrogen was originally supplied as NH3, essentially unmodified from its relative abundance in the outer solar nebula. Titan's atmospheric methane, in contrast, appears to have been formed from carbon and other carbon compounds, either by gas phase reactions in the subnebula or by accretional heating during the formation of Titan. These conclusions can be tested by further studies of abundances and isotope ratios in Titan's atmosphere, augmented by studies of comets. The possible similarity of carbon and nitrogen inventories on Titan to those on the inner planets makes this investigation particularly intriguing.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2003

Spectral behavior of hydrated sulfate salts: implications for Europa mission spectrometer design

Remote sensing of the surface of Europa with near-infrared instruments has suggested the presence of hydrated materials, including sulfate salts. Attention has been focused on these salts for the information they might yield regarding the evolution of a putative interior ocean, and the evaluation of its astrobiological potential. These materials exhibit distinct infrared absorption features due to bound water. The interactions of this water with the host molecules lead to fine structure that can be used to discriminate among these materials on the basis of their spectral behavior. This fine structure is even more pronounced at the low temperatures prevalent on icy satellites. Examination of hydrated sulfate salt spectra measured under cryogenic temperature conditions provides realistic constraints for future remote-sensing missions to Europa. In particular, it suggests that a spectrometer system capable of 2-5 nm spectral resolution or better, with a spatial resolution approaching 100 m, would be able to differentiate among proposed hydrated surface materials, if present, and constrain their distributions across the surface. Such information would provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of Europa.

Astronomy↗
NASA NTRS2007

Lunar Resource Utilization: Development of a Reactor for Volatile Extraction from Regolith

The extraction and processing of planetary resources into useful products, known as In- Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), will have a profound impact on the future of planetary exploration. One such effort is the RESOLVE (Regolith and Environment Science, Oxygen and Lunar Volatiles Extraction) Project, which aims to extract and quantify these resources. As part of the first Engineering Breadboard Unit, the Regolith Volatiles Characterization (RVC) reactor was designed and built at the NASA Glenn Research Center. By heating and agitating the lunar regolith, loosely bound volatiles, such as hydrogen and water, are released and stored in the reactor for later analysis and collection. Intended for operation on a robotic rover, the reactor features a lightweight, compact design, easy loading and unloading of the regolith, and uniform heating of the regolith by means of vibrofluidization. The reactor performance was demonstrated using regolith simulant, JSC1, with favorable results.

Kleinhenz, Julie E.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Evaluation of Advanced COTS Passive Devices for Extreme Temperature Operation

Electronic sensors and circuits are often exposed to extreme temperatures in many of NASA deep space and planetary surface exploration missions. Electronics capable of operation in harsh environments would be beneficial as they simplify overall system design, relax thermal management constraints, and meet operational requirements. For example, cryogenic operation of electronic parts will improve reliability, increase energy density, and extend the operational lifetimes of space-based electronic systems. Similarly, electronic parts that are able to withstand and operate efficiently in high temperature environments will negate the need for thermal control elements and their associated structures, thereby reducing system size and weight, enhancing its reliability, improving its efficiency, and reducing cost. Passive devices play a critical role in the design of almost all electronic circuitry. To address the needs of systems for extreme temperature operation, some of the advanced and most recently introduced commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) passive devices, which included resistors and capacitors, were examined for operation under a wide temperature regime. The types of resistors investigated included high temperature precision film, general purpose metal oxide, and wirewound.

Patterson, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2011

Cryogenic Behavior of the High Temperature Crystal Oscillator PX-570

Microprocessors, data-acquisition systems, and electronic controllers usually require timing signals for proper and accurate operation. These signals are, in most cases, provided by circuits that utilize crystal oscillators due to availability, cost, ease of operation, and accuracy. Stability of these oscillators, i.e. crystal characteristics, is usually governed, amongst other things, by the ambient temperature. Operation of these devices under extreme temperatures requires, therefore, the implementation of some temperature-compensation mechanism either through the manufacturing process of the oscillator part or in the design of the circuit to maintain stability as well as accuracy. NASA future missions into deep space and planetary exploration necessitate operation of electronic instruments and systems in environments where extreme temperatures along with wide-range thermal swings are countered. Most of the commercial devices are very limited in terms of their specified operational temperature while very few custom-made and military-grade parts have the ability to operate in a slightly wider range of temperature. Thus, it is becomes mandatory to design and develop circuits that are capable of operation efficiently and reliably under the space harsh conditions. This report presents the results obtained on the evaluation of a new (COTS) commercial-off-the-shelf crystal oscillator under extreme temperatures. The device selected for evaluation comprised of a 10 MHz, PX-570-series crystal oscillator. This type of device was recently introduced by Vectron International and is designed as high temperature oscillator [1]. These parts are fabricated using proprietary manufacturing processes designed specifically for high temperature and harsh environment applications [1]. The oscillators have a wide continuous operating temperature range; making them ideal for use in military and aerospace industry, industrial process control, geophysical fields, avionics, and engine control. They exhibit low jitter and phase noise, consume little power, and are suited for high shock and vibration applications. The unique package design of these crystal oscillators offers a small ceramic package footprint, as well as providing both through-hole mounting and surface mount options.

Patterson, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2013

Atmospheric Entry Studies for Uranus

The Objectives of this work are: 1) Establish a range of probe atmospheric entry environments based on the Uranus Flagship mission outlined in the Planetary Science Decadal Survey for two launch windows: Year 2021 and 2034. 2) Define Uranus entry trade space by performing parametric studies, by varying vehicle mass and size and entry Flight Path Angle (FPA). 3) Investigate various trajectory options, including direct ballistic entry and aero-capture entry. 4) Identify entry technologies that could be leveraged to enable a viable mission to Uranus that meets science objectives.

Thermal protection material↗
NASA NTRS2018

Science Service Status 2019 World Radiocommunication Conference

Science missions such as Earth-exploration and remote sensing thatuse frequencies allocated for Earth Exploration-Satellite Service(EESS) provide valuable information about, for example: (1) Air quality monitoring (2) Soil moisture mapping (3) Sensing sea salinity (4) Weather forecasting and climate models (winds, storms, clouds).Another set of science missions use Space Research Service (SRS)allocations. These space research missions can support: (1) On orbit research that for example can help in the creation of new drugsor the impact of the space environment on satellites (2) Scientific information about the universe – stars, planetary science, solarsystem, and the future evolution of the universe.

Roura, Corali↗
NASA NTRS2018

Lunar Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (LSMES)

Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) is an energy storage system that stores electrical energy in the form of a magnetic field by passing direct current through a superconducting coil. The conductor for carrying the current operates at cryogenic temperatures where it becomes a superconductor and thus has virtually no resistive losses as it produces the magnetic field. [1]. The energy can be stored in a persistent mode until required [2]. The main terrestrial challenge for SMES is the need for a cryo-cooling system and the cost associated with its deployment, operation and maintenance. For lunar and planetary exploration, this challenge is totally mitigated using the cold environment of the mission to sustain superconductivity temperatures. The permanently shadowed craters on the moon have regolith temperatures between 50-60K (3), which is the operating temperature for High Temperature Superconducting (HTS) wire. SMES provides several ad-vantages over traditional chemical batteries that: 1) incur much energy loss in extremely cold environments due to power needed for heaters, 2) are inefficient due to their inherent redox and side reactions, and 3) fail over time due to charge/discharge cycling changes in their chemical processes.

Evans, M. E.↗