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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 847 records · Page 47
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1994

Passive Vibration Isolator For Experiments

Passive isolator reduces natural vibrational frequency of platform to less than 1 Hz - well below frequencies of vibration induced by human activity. Biological, crystal-growth, and other experiments mounted on platform protected against disturbances by technicians working in vicinity. Designed for use in microgravitational environment of spacecraft. Modified version designed for use on Earth by including components counteracting steady normal Earth gravitation. Consumes no electrical power, simple, and inexpensive.

Naumann, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of space environment effects on active fiber optic links orbited aboard the LDEF

The interim analysis correlates the results of the 'Preliminary Analysis of WL Experiment no. 701, Space Environment Effects on Operating Optic Systems' (NASA Report CP-3134) with space simulated post retrieval terrestrial studies performed on the M0004 experiment. Temperature cycling measurements were performed on the active optical data links for the purpose of assessing link signal to noise ratio and bit error rate performance some 69 months following the experiment deployment in low earth orbit. The early results indicate a high correlation between pre-orbit, orbit recorded, and post orbit functionality of the first known and longest space demonstration of operating optic fibers.

Monarski, T. W.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Zero gravity tissue-culture laboratory

Hardware was developed for performing experiments to detect the effects that zero gravity may have on living human cells. The hardware is composed of a timelapse camera that photographs the activity of cell specimens and an experiment module in which a variety of living-cell experiments can be performed using interchangeable modules. The experiment is scheduled for the first manned Skylab mission.

Cook, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Astronomy on a manned Mars mission

Three extra-solar-system astronomical experiments onboard a manned Mars mission are proposed. First, a modest, 50 cm aperture optical-ultraviolet-infrared telescope (or pair used as an interferometer) coupled with the Mars-Sun baseline would increase the number (by a factor of 3.4) and a volume of stars with accurately measured distances via stellar parallax and, therefore, greatly improve upon the cosmic distance scale; the darker sky at Mars would also provide nearly a full astronomical magnitude deeper images of distant and low brightness objects (limited by zodiacal light). Second, a gamma-ray burst detector coupled with similar detectors in other parts of the solar system will be used to reduce the position error boxes and to study the nature of these energetic sources. Third, the long baselines on a Mars mission radio interferometer will provide a view of the radio universe at unprescedented resolution, 4 x 10 to the minus 9th arcsec at 1 mm wavelength, which can potentially resolve the engine in nearby active galaxies. Each of these experiments is relatively inexpensive, taking advantage of the human presence for operation and maintenance, and the long Earth to Mars baseline.

Burns, Jack O.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Skylab contamination control

The optical contamination control systems of Skylab are reviewed, covering contamination sources, critical elements, flight hardware configuration, contamination monitoring sensors, mathematical contamination prediction models, contamination cloud and deposition models, and hardware implementation. Also considered are supportive contamination tests, contamination mission support activities, Skylab contamination evaluation, contamination measurement experiments, and the effectiveness of contamination control measures. Sources of contamination are identified, Skylab system susceptibility to contamination is determined, and predictions are made for surface contamination deposition and background brightness levels. Mission evaluation results indicate that, barring anomalous conditions, Skylab mission equipment and activities are adequate to reduce the general contamination level to the sensitivity threshold levels for experiments and affected subsystems.

Davis, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS2007

High-Lift System for a Supercritical Airfoil: Simplified by Active Flow Control

Active flow control wind tunnel experiments were conducted in the NASA Langley Low-Turbulence Pressure Tunnel using a two-dimensional supercritical high-lift airfoil with a 15% chord hinged leading-edge flap and a 25% chord hinged trailing-edge flap. This paper focuses on the application of zero-net-mass-flux periodic excitation near the airfoil trailing edge flap shoulder at a Mach number of 0.1 and chord Reynolds numbers of 1.2 x 10(exp 6) to 9 x 10(exp 6) with leading- and trailing-edge flap deflections of 25 deg. and 30 deg., respectively. The purpose of the investigation was to increase the zero-net-mass-flux options for controlling trailing edge flap separation by using a larger model than used on the low Reynolds number version of this model and to investigate the effect of flow control at higher Reynolds numbers. Static and dynamic surface pressures and wake pressures were acquired to determine the effects of flow control on airfoil performance. Active flow control was applied both upstream of the trailing edge flap and immediately downstream of the trailing edge flap shoulder and the effects of Reynolds number, excitation frequency and amplitude are presented. The excitations around the trailing edge flap are then combined to control trailing edge flap separation. The combination of two closely spaced actuators around the trailing-edge flap knee was shown to increase the lift produced by an individual actuator. The phase sensitivity between two closely spaced actuators seen at low Reynolds number is confirmed at higher Reynolds numbers. The momentum input required to completely control flow separation on the configuration was larger than that available from the actuators used.

Melton, LaTunia Pack↗
NASA NTRS1994

Prostanoid-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 messenger ribonucleic acid in rat osteosarcoma cells

Individual prostanoids have distinct potencies in activating intracellular signaling pathways and regulating gene expression in osteoblastic cells. The E-series prostaglandins (PGs) are known to stimulate matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) synthesis and secretion in certain rodent and human osteoblastic cells, yet the intracellular events involved remain unclear. To further characterize this response and its signal transduction pathway(s), we examined prostanoid-induced expression of the MMP-1 gene in the rat osteoblastic osteosarcoma cell line UMR 106-01. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGE1 were very potent stimulators (40-fold) of MMP-1 transcript abundance, PGF2 alpha and prostacyclin were weak stimulators (4-fold), and thromboxane-B2 had no effect. The marked increase in MMP-1 transcript abundance after PGE2 treatment was first detected at 2 h, became maximal at 4 h, and persisted beyond 24 h. This response was dose dependent and elicited maximal and half-maximal effects with concentrations of 10(-6) and 0.6 x 10(-7) M, respectively. Cycloheximide, a protein synthesis inhibitor, completely blocked this effect of PGE2, suggesting that the expression of other genes is required. Nuclear run-on experiments demonstrated that PGE2 rapidly activates MMP-1 gene transcription, with a maximal increase at 2-4 h. The second messenger analog, 8-bromo-cAMP, mimicked the effects of PGE2 by stimulating a dose-dependent increase in MMP-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, with a maximal effect quantitatively similar to that observed with PGE2. Thus, in UMR 106-01 cells, different prostanoids have distinct potencies in stimulating MMP-1 mRNA abundance. Our data suggest that PGE2 stimulation of MMP-1 synthesis is due to activation of MMP-1 gene transcription and a subsequent marked increase in MMP-1 mRNA abundance. This effect is dependent on de novo protein synthesis and is mimicked by protein kinase-A activation.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS2014

Dual Fan Separator within the Universal Waste Management System

Since NASA's new spacecraft in development for both LEO and Deep Space capability have considerable crew volume reduction in comparison to the Space Shuttle, it is clear that NASA requires a smaller and less expensive commode. The UTAS Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) was designed to address these new constraints, resulting in an 80% volume reduction in the cabin while enhancing performance. Whereas all of the current space commodes use air flow to capture both urine and feces and separate air from the captured air/urine mixture, the UWMS commode and urine fans and the urine separator were combined into a single unit. This unit enables use of a single motor and motor controller, which provides considerable packaging and weight efficiency. In some of the intended platform applications for the UWMS, the urine is pumped to a water reclamation system. The ISS Urine Processor Assembly (UPA) system requires delivered urine to include less than 0.25% air inclusion. Air inclusion in centrifugal urine separators is greatly dependent on its rotational speed. To satisfy this requirement, a gear reducer was included, allowing the fans to rotate at a much higher speed than the separator. This new design, the Dual Fan Separator (DFS) has been designed, prototyped and tested. This paper will outline the studies and analysis performed to develop the design configuration for testing. The studies included a configuration trade study, dynamic stability analysis of the rotating bodies and a performance analysis of included labyrinth seals. NASA is considereing a program to fly the UWMS aboard the ISS as a flight experiment. The goal of the design activity is to elevate the Technical Readiness Level (TRL) of the Dual Fan Separator and determine if the concept is ready to be included in flight experiment deliverable.

Stapleton, Tom↗
NASA NTRS2000

Radiation Transport Modeling and Assessment to Better Predict Radiation Exposure, Dose, and Toxicological Effects to Human Organs on Long Duration Space Flights

NASA's long-range plans include possible human exploratory missions to the moon and Mars within the next quarter century. Such missions beyond low Earth orbit will expose crews to transient radiation from solar particle events which include high-energy galactic cosmic rays and high-energy protons. Because the radiation levels in space are high and the missions long, adequate shielding is needed to minimize the deleterious health effects of exposure to radiation. The focus of this study is radiation exposure to the blood-forming organs of the NASA astronauts. NASA/JSC developed the Phantom Torso Experiment for Organ Dose Measurements which housed active and passive dosimeters that would monitor and record absorbed radiation levels at vital organ locations. This experiment was conducted during the STS-9 I mission in May '98 and provided the necessary space radiation data for correlation to results obtained from the current analytical models used to predict exposure to the blood-forming organs. Numerous models (i.e., BRYNTRN and HZETRN) have been developed and used to predict radiation exposure. However, new models are continually being developed and evaluated. The Space Environment Information Systems (SPENVIS) modeling program, developed by the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy, is to be used and evaluated as a part of the research activity. It is the intent of this research effort to compare the modeled data to the findings from the STS-9 I mission; assess the accuracy and efficiency of this model; and to determine its usefulness for predicting radiation exposure and developing better guidelines for shielding requirements for long duration manned missions.

Denkins, Pamela↗
NASA NTRS1976

The search for life on Mars - Viking 1976 gas changes as indicators of biological activity

The objective of the gas exchange experiment (GEX) in the Viking lander biology instrument package is to determine whether life exists in a 1-cc Martian soil sample delivered to it. The GEX is capable of maximum flexibility while protecting the indigenous organisms from exposure to physiologically incompatible medium. The discussion covers the biological premises implemented in the GEX, the requirements for the GEX M4 medium, the operational aspects of the incubation chamber, nonbiological and biological changes, and Antarctica soil experiment. Sources of biological gas changes are examined along with ways of differentiating biological gas changes from nonbiological ones. From cold incubation of low-frequency soils, it is concluded that decisive negative tests of GEX may require extended incubations beyond the nominal mission plan of 60 days, barring any outright information that negates the presence of life on Mars.

Oyama, V. I.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Measurement of polar stratospheric NO2 from the 23rd and 24th Japanese Antarctic Research Expedition (JARE) balloon experiments

As a part of the Japanese activities of MAP in the Antarctica, balloon-borne measurements of the stratospheric NO2 profile were planned and carried out by the JARE 23rd and 24th wintering parties. Few results have been reported so far as the stratospheric NO2 profile at high latitude. There were no reported balloon measurements carried out in the Southern Hemisphere. Profiles are presented for the first balloon-borne measurement of the stratospheric NO2 in the Antarctica. Three balloons named JA21, JA25 and JA26 were launched from Syowa Station (69 deg S, 35.6 deg E) using 5000 cu. cm plastic balloons. JA21 balloon was launched on November 24, 1982, and JA25 and JA26 balloons on November 12 and 20, 1983, respectively.

Shibasaki, K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Cosmic dust analogue material condensation in microgravity: The Stardust programme - First results and future activities

Initial results are presented from airborne experiments investigating the vapor phase condensation in microgravity, carried out in the framework of the Stardust international program. Special attention is given to the design and operation of the experimental equipment, which includes the furnace for producing vapors from different materials and the cloud chamber in which the vapor nucleation occurs. A two-part mathematical model was developed to describe the transport processes in the nucleation chamber. Results obtained from three experimental series were conducted with Mg and Zn aboard NASA's KC-135 reduced-gravity research aircraft showed that nucleation front (smoke cloud) was quite different in appearance in microgravity from that typically observed at 1-g condition. The Mg and Zn particles exhibited significant differences in shape; there was some evidence of coagulation.

Ferguson, F.↗
NASA NTRS1999

STS-93 Flight Day 5 Highlights and Crew Activities

Columbia's crew began packing up experiments and preparing to return to Earth tomorrow with a touchdown planned for Kennedy Space Center at 10:20 p.m. CDT. Commander Eileen Collins and Pilot Jeff Ashby checked out the cockpit instruments, displays and flight control systems. They also test fired the 38 small steering jets. Everything was in good shape and ready for the trip back to Earth. Also, Collins and Ashby were joined by the rest of the crew for a press conference, fielding questions from reporters in Houston, Florida and Massachusetts.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1993

AIRSAR South American deployment: Operation plan, version 3.0

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Brazilian Commission for Space Activities (COBAE) are undertaking a joint experiment involving NASA's DC-8 research aircraft and the Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (AIRSAR) system during late May and June 1993. The research areas motivating these activities are: (1) fundamental research in the role of soils, vegetation, and hydrology in the global carbon cycle; and (2) in cooperation with South American scientists, airborne remote sensing research for the upcoming NASA Spaceborne Imaging Radar (SIR)-C/X-SAR flights on the Space Shuttle. A flight schedule and plans for the deployment that were developed are included. Maps of the site locations and schematic indications of flight routes and dates, plots showing swath locations derived from the flight requests and generated by flight planning software, and, most importantly, a calendar showing which sites will be imaged each day are included.

Kobrick, M.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Launching a dream: A teachers guide to a simulated space shuttle mission

Two simulated shuttle missions cosponsored by the NASA Lewis Research Center and Cleveland, Ohio, area schools are highlighted in this manual for teachers. A simulated space shuttle mission is an opportunity for students of all ages to plan, train for, and conduct a shuttle mission. Some students are selected to be astronauts, flight planners, and flight controllers. Other students build and test the experiments that the astronauts will conduct. Some set up mission control, while others design the mission patch. Students also serve as security officers or carry out public relations activities. For the simulated shuttle mission, school buses or recreation vehicles are converted to represent shuttle orbiters. All aspects of a shuttle mission are included. During preflight activities the shuttle is prepared, and experiments and a flight plan are made ready for launch day. The flight itself includes lifting off, conducting experiments on orbit, and rendezvousing with the crew from the sister school. After landing back at the home school, the student astronauts are debriefed and hold press conferences. The astronauts celebrate their successful missions with their fellow students at school and with the community at an evening postflight recognition program. To date, approximately 6,000 students have been involved in simulated shuttle missions with the Lewis Research Center. A list of participating schools, along with the names of their space shuttles, is included. Educations outcomes and other positive effects for the students are described.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2001

The ISS Fluids and Combustion Facility: Experiment Accommodations Summary

The International Space Station's (ISS's) Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF) is in the process of final design and development activities to accommodate a wide range of experiments in the fields of combustion science and fluid physics. The FCF is being designed to provide potential experiments with well defined interfaces that can meet the experimenters requirements, provide the flexibility for on-orbit reconfiguration, and provide the maximum capability within the ISS resources and constraints. As a multi-disciplined facility, the FCF supports various experiments and scientific objectives, which will be developed in the future and are not completely defined at this time. Since developing experiments to be performed within FCF is a continuous process throughout the FCF's operational lifetime, each individual experiment must determine the best configuration of utilizing facility capabilities and resources with augmentation of specific experiment hardware. Configurations of potential experiments in the FCF has been on-going to better define the FCF interfaces and provide assurances that the FCF design will meet its design requirements. This paper provides a summary of ISS resources and FCF capabilities, which are available for potential ISS FCF users. Also, to better understand the utilization of the FCF a description of a various experiment layouts and associated operations in the FCF are provided.

Corban, Robert R.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Participation in the Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter Experiment

This NASA Grant, 5-4434, has covered the active participation of the Principal Investigator, Prof. Gordon Pettengill, and his Co-Investigator, Peter Ford, in the Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter (MOLA) Experiment, over a period of five years. This participation has included attending team meetings, planning observing operations, developing data-reduction software algorithms, and processing data, as well as presenting a number of oral reports at scientific meetings and published papers in refereed journals. This research has concentrated on the various types of Martian clouds that were detected by the laser altimeter.

Pettengill, Gordon H.↗