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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 793 records · Page 44
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Temporal Study 2022-2024: Sample-Based Surface Water Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, Dissolved Organic Carbon, Total Nitrogen, Stable Isotopes, and Total Suspended Solids from across Multiple Watersheds in the Yakima River Basin, Washington, USA

This dataset supports a broader study examining the drivers of temporal variability in sediment respiration rates in the Yakima River Basin. The dataset provides geochemistry data generated from samples collected at bi-weekly or monthly intervals at six sites across the Yakima River Basin in Washington, USA. Sample and sensor data from previous years (2021-2022) can be found at https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1898912 and https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/1892054, respectively. Related sensor data from 2022-2024 will be published separately. This dataset is comprised of one main data folder containing (1) file-level metadata; (2) data dictionary; (3) readme; (4) field metadata; (5) dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and averages; (6) dissolved organic carbon (DOC; reported as non-purgeable organic carbon; NPOC) and averages; (7) total dissolved nitrogen (TN) and averages; (8) total suspended solids (TSS); (9) stable isotopes; (10) surface water sampling protocol; (11) sensor protocol; (12) methods codes; and (13) international generic sample number (IGSN) mapping file. All files are .csv or .pdf. For details on how to navigate data packages generated by this project, see https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/portals/PNNLRiverCorridorSFA/About. For data and scripts associated with "Shifts in rain-snow partitioning drive faster water transit times in the US Pacific Northwest" (Butler et al., 2026), go to https://data.ess-dive.lbl.gov/datasets/doi:10.15485/3025481

18-O↗
NASA NTRS2009

Ares I First Stage Booster Deceleration System: An Overview

In 2005, the Congressional NASA Authorization Act enacted a new space exploration program, the "Vision for Space Exploratien". The Constellation Program was formed to oversee the implementation of this new mission. With an intent not simply to support the International Space Station, but to build a permanent outpost on the Moon and then travel on to explore ever more distant terrains, the Constellation Program is supervising the development of a brand new fleet of launch vehicles, the Ares. The Ares lineup will include two new launch vehicles: the Ares I Crew Launch Vehicle and the Ares V Cargo Launch Vehicle. A crew exploration vehicle, Orion, will be launched on the Ares I. It will be capable of docking with the Space Station, the lunar lander, Altair, and the Earth Departure Stage of Ares V. The Ares V will be capable of lifting both large-scale hardware and the Altair into space. The Ares First Stage Team is tasked with developing the propulsion system necessary to liftoff from the Earth and loft the entire Ares vehicle stack toward low Earth orbit. The Ares I First Stage booster is a 12-foot diameter, five-segment, reusable solid rocket booster derived from the Space Shuttle's four segment reusable solid rocket booster (SRB). It is separated from the Upper Stage through the use of a Deceleration Subsystem (DSS). Booster Tumble Motors are used to induce the pitch tumble following separation from the Upper Stage. The spent Ares I booster must be recoverable using a parachute deceleration system similar to that of the Shuttle SRB heritage system. Since Ares I is much heavier and reenters the Earth's atmosphere from a higher altitude at a much higher velocity than the SRB, all of the parachutes must be redesigned to reliably meet the operational requisites of the new launch vehicles. This paper presents an overview of this new booster deceleration system. It includes comprehensive detail of the parachute deceleration system, its design and deployment sequences, including how and why it is being developed, the requirements it must meet, and the testing involved in its implementation.

King, Ron↗
NASA NTRS2009

NiF2/NaF:CaF2/Ca Solid-State High-Temperature Battery Cells

Experiments and theoretical study have demonstrated the promise of all-solid-state, high-temperature electrochemical battery cells based on NiF2 as the active cathode material, CaF2 doped with NaF as the electrolyte material, and Ca as the active anode material. These and other all-solid-state cells have been investigated in a continuing effort to develop batteries for instruments that must operate in environments much hotter than can be withstood by ordinary commercially available batteries. Batteries of this type are needed for exploration of Venus (where the mean surface temperature is about 450 C), and could be used on Earth for such applications as measuring physical and chemical conditions in geothermal wells and oil wells. All-solid-state high-temperature power cells are sought as alternatives to other high-temperature power cells based, variously, on molten anodes and cathodes or molten eutectic salt electrolytes. Among the all-solid-state predecessors of the present NiF2/NaF:CaF2/Ca cells are those described in "Solid-State High-Temperature Power Cells" (NPO-44396), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 32, No. 5 (May 2008), page 40. In those cells, the active cathode material is FeS2, the electrolyte material is a crystalline solid solution of equimolar amounts of Li3PO4 and LiSiO4, and the active anode material is Li contained within an alloy that remains solid in the intended high operational temperature range.

West, William↗
DOE OSTI2024

Recovery of Rare Earths, Precious Metals and other Critical Materials from Geothermal Waters with Advanced Sorbent Structures - CRADA 355 (Abstract)

The ability to recover valuable trace level minerals from geothermal brines using high-performance solid-phase sorbents will be explored and developed. A compressive range of sorbent materials will be screened for application to metal extraction from geothermal brines. Preferred sorbents from extraction of trace levels of rare earths (REs), precious metals (PMs), and other critical/strategically valuable materials (CMs) such as Zn, Mn, Te, Sc, Se and U from geothermal brines will be identified. For the preferred sorbents PNNL will determine the volumes they are capable of providing efficient extraction from. The thermal and chemical limits (including, acid, sulfur, salt) for performance of the preferred sorbent materials will be determined; with a target of at least 125°C and perhaps as high as 400° C. Sorbent form factors (including, packed bed, membrane, mats) that can function efficiently and be installed cost effectively in geothermal energy plants will be assessed for chemical and economic viability. Material regeneration and cyclic utilization will be demonstrated, targeting hundreds to thousands of cycles. Options for recovery and purification (including, selective separation of heavy REs) of collected materials will be explored. A techno-economic analysis (TEA) will be performed to assess the best approach to provide a value-added extraction process for geothermal energy systems. The sorbent materials and engineering analysis will be applicable to other industrial processes in which secondary recovery of valuable materials could provide economic benefit.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1981

Models of the earth's core

Combined inferences from seismology, high-pressure experiment and theory, geomagnetism, fluid dynamics, and current views of terrestrial planetary evolution lead to models of the earth's core with five basic properties. These are that core formation was contemporaneous with earth accretion; the core is not in chemical equilibrium with the mantle; the outer core is a fluid iron alloy containing significant quantities of lighter elements and is probably almost adiabatic and compositionally uniform; the more iron-rich inner solid core is a consequence of partial freezing of the outer core, and the energy release from this process sustains the earth's magnetic field; and the thermodynamic properties of the core are well constrained by the application of liquid-state theory to seismic and labroatory data.

Stevenson, D. J.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Uranyl oxalate species in high ionic strength environments: stability constants for aqueous and solid uranyl oxalate complexes

Uranyl ion, UO 2 2+ , and its aqueous complexes with organic and inorganic ligands can be the dominant species for uranium transport on the Earth surface or in a nuclear waste disposal system if an oxidizing condition is present. As an important biodegradation product, oxalate, C 2 O 4 2– , is ubiquitous in natural environments and is known for its ability to complex with the uranyl ion. Oxalate can also form solid phases with uranyl ion in certain environments thus limiting uranium migration. Therefore, the determination of stability constants for aqueous and solid uranyl oxalate complexes is important not only to the understanding of uranium mobility in natural environments, but also to the performance assessment of nuclear waste disposal. In this work, we developed a thermodynamic model for the UO 2 2+ –Na + –H + –Cl – –ClO 4 – –C 2 O 4 2– –NO 3 – –H 2 O system to ionic strength up to ~11 mol•kg –1 . We constrained the stability constants for UO 2 C 2 O 4 (aq) and UO 2 (C 2 O 4 ) 2 2– at infinite dilution based on our evaluation of the literature data over a wide range of ionic strengths up to ~11 mol•kg –1 . We also obtained the solubility constants at infinite dilution for solid uranyl oxalates, UO 2 C 2 O 4 •3H 2 O, based on the solubility data over a wide range of ionic strengths. The developed model will enable for the accurate stability assessment of oxalate complexes affecting uranium mobility under a wide range of conditions including those in deep geological repositories.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Data for Roebuck et al. (2025), "Differences in dissolved organic matter composition between rivers and estuaries is conserved across freshwater and saltwater coastal regions"

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in coastal surface waters influences local water quality and is an important component of biogeochemical cycling in coastal systems, but the processes that alter DOM composition along lower reaches of rivers and estuarine waters are poorly understood. Roebuck et al. (2025) leveraged a spatially distributed community sampling effort in coastal ecosystems across two regions to identify broad spatial drivers of surface water DOM composition and identify transferable trends between saltwater and freshwater coastal systems. Samples were collected by community members from 47 locations within the mid-Atlantic and Great Lakes coastal regions.This dataset includes:* A selection of commonly reported absorbance and fluorescence peaks normalized to dissolved organic carbon concentrations* Parallel factor output from the EC1 fluorescence datasets* A selection of commonly reported absorbance and fluorescence peaks * Spectral indices output from matlab script for absorbance and fluorescence datasets* CO2sys calculations of pH changes under varying temperatures and a constant salinity, DIC, and alkalinity concentrationAll data files are plain-text CSV (comma separated value) and no special software is required to read them.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1971

Performance potential of gas-core and fusion rockets - A mission applications survey.

This paper reports an evaluation of the performance potential of five nuclear rocket engines for four mission classes. These engines are: the regeneratively cooled gas-core nuclear rocket; the light bulb gas-core nuclear rocket; the space-radiator cooled gas-core nuclear rocket; the fusion rocket; and an advanced solid-core nuclear rocket which is included for comparison. The missions considered are: earth-to-orbit launch; near-earth space missions; close interplanetary missions; and distant interplanetary missions. For each of these missions, the capabilities of each rocket engine type are compared in terms of payload ratio for the earth launch mission or by the initial vehicle mass in earth orbit for space missions (a measure of initial cost). Other factors which might determine the engine choice are discussed. It is shown that a 60 day manned round trip to Mars is conceivable.-

Fishbach, L. H.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The Delta launch vehicle Model 2914 series

Description of a new, medium-class Delta launch-vehicle configuration, the three-stage Model 2914. The first stage of this vehicle is composed of a liquid-propellant core which is thrust-augmented with up to nine strap-on solid-propellant motors. The second stage, recently uprated with a strap-down inertial guidance system, is now being modified to adapt the liquid-propellant descent engine from the Apollo Lunar Excursion Module. The third stage is a spin-stabilized solid-propellant motor. The Model 2914 is capable of injecting 2040 kg into low earth orbit, 705 kg into geosynchronous transfer orbit, or 455 kg into an escape trajectory.

Gunn, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Geophysical observations pertaining to solid-state convection in the terrestrial planets

Observational evidence for solid-state convection in the interiors of the terrestrial planets is reviewed. For the earth, the motion of the lithospheric plates constitutes clear evidence of large-scale convection in the mantle. Although Mars has been found to lack evidence of plate tectonics, the morphology of the Tharsis uplift and the elevation dichotomy between the northern and southern hemispheres may be evidence of mantle convection at one time. Measurements of lunar heat flow and seismic Q imply a convective mechanism limited to the lower mantle. Evidence for internal convection on Mercury consists of its dipole magnetic field and the 3/2 resonance between its rotational motion and its orbital motion, both of which can also be explained by other processes. The limited radar imagery of Venus has not yet provided conclusive evidence of either the presence or absence of convection features. It is concluded that although interior convection in terrestrial planets is implied by rheological, energy and momentum considerations, only on earth is the lithosphere thin enough to provide conclusive evidence of convection.

Phillips, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

A statistical model for evaluating GOPEX uplink performance

This article describes a statistical model to analyze the signal intensity received at the solid-state imaging (SSI) camera of the Galileo optical communications system from an Earth-based transmitter (GOPEX) demonstration. The analytical model assumes that the optical beam possesses a Gaussian profile and the communication channel has a log-normal scattering characteristic. The atmospheric-induced jitter is modelled as two independent zero mean Gaussian random variables. By modelling the system parameters as a set of independent and identically distributed (iid) random variables, the combined impact of uncertainties due to system parameters and the turbulent atmosphere can be approximated by a log-normal distributed signal intensity at the spacecraft. A Monte-Carlo software simulation package was also developed to compute the confidence interval probabilities for general optical beam profiles. Numerical results show that the approximation is valid for a wide range of operation scenarios.

Kiesaleh, K.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The AstroBiology Explorer (ABE) MIDEX Mission

The Astrobiology Explorer (ABE) is a Medium-Class Explorer (MIDEX) mission concept currently under study at NASA's Ames Research Center. ABE will conduct infrared (IR) spectroscopic observations with much better sensitivity than Infrared Space Observatory (ISO) or the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy program (SOFIA) in order to address outstanding astrobiologically important problems in astrochemistry as well as important astrophysical investigations. The core observational astrobiology program would make fundamental scientific progress in understanding the cosmic history of molecular carbon, the distribution of organic matter in the diffuse interstellar medium, tracing the chemical history of complex organic molecules in the interstellar medium, and the evolution of organic ices in young planetary systems. The ABE instrument concept includes a 0.5 m aperture Cassegrain telescope and a suite of three moderate resolution (R = 1000 - 4000) spectrographs which cover the entire lambda = 2.5-20 micron spectral region. Use of large format (1024 x 1024 pixel or larger) IR detector arrays will allow each spectrograph to cover an entire octave of spectral range per exposure without any moving parts. The telescope is passively cooled by a sun shade to below 65 K, and the detectors are cooled with solid H2 cryogen to approximately 8 K. ABE will be placed in an Earth-trailing one AU solar orbit by a Delta II launch vehicle. This energetically favorable orbit provides a low thermal background, affords good access to the entire sky over the one year mission lifetime, and allows adequate communications bandwidth. The spacecraft will be stabilized in three axes and will be pointed to an accuracy of approximately one arcsecond at ABE's several thousand individual scientific targets.

Greene, Thomas↗
NASA NTRS2002

Life Beneath Glacial Ice - Earth(!) Mars(?) Europa(?)

We are investigating a set of cold springs that deposit sulfur and carbonate minerals on the surface of a Canadian arctic glacier. The spring waters and mineral deposits contain microorganisms, as well as clear evidence that biological processes mediate subglacial chemistry, mineralogy, and isotope fractionation . The formation of native sulphur and associated deposits are related to bacterially mediated reduction and oxidation of sulphur below the glacier. A non-volcanic, topography driven geothermal system, harboring a microbiological community, operates in an extremely cold environment and discharges through solid ice. Microbial life can thus exist in isolated geothermal refuges despite long-term subfreezing surface conditions. Earth history includes several periods of essentially total glaciation. lee in the near subsurface of Mars may have discharged liquid water in the recent past Cracks in the ice crust of Europa have apparently allowed the release of water to the surface. Chemolithotrophic bacteria, such as those in the Canadian springs, could have survived beneath the ice of "Snowball Earth", and life forms with similar characteristics might exist beneath the ice of Mars or Europa. Discharges of water from such refuges may have brought to the surface living microbes, as well as longlasting chemical, mineralogical, and isotopic indications of subsurface life.

Allen, Carlton C.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Solid-State Photochemistry as a Formation Mechanism for Titan's Stratospheric C4N2 Ice Clouds

We propose that C4N2 ice clouds observed in Titan's springtime polar stratosphere arise due to solid-state photochemistry occurring within extant ice cloud particles of HCN-HC3N mixtures. This formation process resembles the halogen-induced ice particle surface chemistry that leads to condensed nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) particles and ozone depletion in Earth's polar stratosphere. As our analysis of the Cassini Composite Infrared Spectrometer 478 per centimeter ice emission feature demonstrates, this solid-state photochemistry mechanism eliminates the need for the relatively high C4N2 saturation vapor pressures required (even though they are not observed) when the ice is produced through the usual procedure of direct condensation from the vapor.

Titan's stratosphere↗
NASA NTRS1976

The meteorology of Jupiter

From the point of view of meteorology the most important differences between Jupiter and the earth are related to the fact that Jupiter has an appreciable internal energy source and probably lacks a solid surface. The composition and vertical structure of the Jovian atmosphere is considered along with the composition of Jovian cloud particles, turbulence in Jupiter's atmosphere, data on the horizontal structure and motions of the atmosphere, and questions related to the longevity of Jupiter's clouds. Attention is given to the barotropic characteristics of Jupiter's atmosphere, the radiation balance in the atmosphere of the earth and of Jupiter, and studies of the Great Red Spot.

Ingersoll, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Bioreduction of Solid Rocket Motors for Planetary Protection

Solid rocket propulsion systems have been used for in-space applications including planetary exploration missions for many years. Current NASA science lander projects require solid rocket propulsion systems to touchdown on the surface of potentially life-supporting planets and moons. A critical requirement of these missions is the prevention of accidental transportation of Earth's microbes to these environments. This mission requirement places an increased importance on the ability to reduce the biological burden that may be on board the solid propulsion systems and potentially deposited in a habitable environment. Some traditional interplanetary spacecraft decontamination operations could reduce the reliability of the solid propulsion system, indicating a need for new decontamination procedures. New techniques for biological burden reduction are being studied and may become the method of choice to ensure adequate reduction has been achieved. These techniques include biocidal elimination through chemical agents already present within the motor and cellular disruption due to assembly and operational environments induced in the motor. Recent investigations into the effectiveness of these techniques have generated promising experimental results. These techniques and current experimental results will be presented.

Boyle, Sadie M.↗