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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 865 records · Page 48
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1996

Thermodynamic Vent System Applied as Propellant Delivery System for Air Force

Responding to a request from the Air Force, NASA Lewis Research Center engineers designed a combination pressure control and propellant delivery system based on thermodynamic vent system (TVS) technology. The Air Force is designing a new type of orbit transfer vehicle that uses energy from sunlight to both propel and power the vehicle. Because this vehicle uses propellant at a substantially slower rate than higher-energy rockets, it needed the Lewis-developed TVS technology for long-duration storage of cryogen propellants. Lewis engineers, in conjunction with industry partners, showed how this TVS technology could also be used to deliver propellant to the thruster. The Air Force has now begun the ground test demonstration phase. After successful completion of ground testing, the Air Force plans to use this technology in a space flight as early as 1999.

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NASA NTRS2006

Status of Solar Sail Propulsion: Moving Toward an Interstellar Probe

NASA's In-Space Propulsion Technology Program has developed the first-generation of solar sail propulsion systems sufficient to accomplish inner solar system science and exploration missions. These first-generation solar sails, when operational, will range in size from 40 meters to well over 100 meters in diameter and have an areal density of less than 13 grams-per-square meter. A rigorous, multiyear technology development effort culminated last year in the testing of two different 20-meter solar sail systems under thermal vacuum conditions. This effort provided a number of significant insights into the optimal design and expected performance of solar sails as well as an understanding of the methods and costs of building and using them. In a separate effort, solar sail orbital analysis tools for mission design were developed and tested. Laboratory simulations of the effects of long-term space radiation exposure were also conducted on two candidate solar sail materials. Detailed radiation and charging environments were defined for mission trajectories outside the protection of the earth's magnetosphere, in the solar wind environment. These were used in other analytical tools to prove the adequacy of sail design features for accommodating the harsh space environment. Preceding, and in conjunction with these technology efforts, NASA sponsored several mission application studies for solar sails, including one that would use an evolved sail capability to support humanity's first mission into nearby interstellar space. The proposed mission is called the Interstellar Probe. The Interstellar Probe might be accomplished in several ways. A 200-meter sail, with an areal density approaching 1 gram-per-square meter, could accelerate a robotic probe to the very edge of the solar system in just under 20 years from launch. A sail using the technology just demonstrated could make the same mission, but take significantly longer. Conventional chemical propulsion systems would require even longer flight times. Spinner sails of the type being explored by the Japanese may also be a good option, but the level of maturity in that technology is not clear. While the technology to support a 200-meter, ultralightweight sail mission is not yet in hand, the recent NASA investments in solar sail technology are an essential first step toward making it a reality. This paper will describe the status of solar sail propulsion within NASA, near-term solar sail mission applications, and the plan to advance the technology to the point where the Interstellar Probe mission can be flown.

Johnson, Les↗
NASA NTRS2015

Iodine Satellite

The Iodine Satellite (iSat) spacecraft will be the first CubeSat to demonstrate high change in velocity from a primary propulsion system by using Hall thruster technology and iodine as a propellant. The mission will demonstrate CubeSat maneuverability, including plane change, altitude change and change in its closest approach to Earth to ensure atmospheric reentry in less than 90 days. The mission is planned for launch in fall 2017. Hall thruster technology is a type of electric propulsion. Electric propulsion uses electricity, typically from solar panels, to accelerate the propellant. Electric propulsion can accelerate propellant to 10 times higher velocities than traditional chemical propulsion systems, which significantly increases fuel efficiency. To enable the success of the propulsion subsystem, iSat will also demonstrate power management and thermal control capabilities well beyond the current state-of-the-art for spacecraft of its size. This technology is a viable primary propulsion system that can be used on small satellites ranging from about 22 pounds (10 kilograms) to more than 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms). iSat's fuel efficiency is ten times greater and its propulsion per volume is 100 times greater than current cold-gas systems and three times better than the same system operating on xenon. iSat's iodine propulsion system consists of a 200 watt (W) Hall thruster, a cathode, a tank to store solid iodine, a power processing unit (PPU) and the feed system to supply the iodine. This propulsion system is based on a 200 W Hall thruster developed by Busek Co. Inc., which was previously flown using xenon as the propellant. Several improvements have been made to the original system to include a compact PPU, targeting greater than 80 percent reduction in mass and volume of conventional PPU designs. The cathode technology is planned to enable heaterless cathode conditioning, significantly increasing total system efficiency. The feed system has been designed to include iodine compatible control valves with internal heaters and temperature sensors to coincide with the iodine-compatible thruster. A key advantage to using iodine as a propellant is that it may be stored in the tank as an unpressurized solid on the ground and before flight operations. During operations, the tank is heated to vaporize the propellant. Iodine vapor is then routed through custom flow control valves to control mass flow to the thruster and cathode assembly. The thruster then ionizes the vapor and accelerates it via magnetic and electrostatic fields, resulting in high specific impulse, characteristic of a highly efficient propulsion system. The iSat spacecraft is a 12-unit (12U) CubeSat with dimensions of about 8 inches x 8 inches x 12 inches (20 centimeters x 20 centimeters x 30 centimeters). The spacecraft frame will be constructed from aluminum with a finish to prevent iodine-driven corrosion. The iSat spacecraft includes full three-axis control and will leverage heat generated by spacecraft components and radiators for a passive thermal control system. After the CubeSat has successfully detached from its launch vehicle, it will deploy its solar panels, correct for tip-off and maintain attitude control before ground contact. An initial check-out period of two weeks is planned for testing all subsystems. The spacecraft will charge the power system while in sunlight, using momentum wheels and magnetic torque rods to rotate the vehicle to the required attitude.

iSat↗
NASA NTRS2019

New Observing Strategy (NOS) for Future Earth Science Missions

One of the new thrusts of the Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO) Advanced Information Systems Technology (AIST) Program is the New Observing Strategy (NOS) thrust. Its goal is to provide a framework for identifying technology advances needed to exploit newly available observational capabilities, particularly to enable the development of the information technologies needed to support planning, evaluating, implementing, and operating dynamic, multi-element sets of observing assets. In this paper, we will introduce relevant NOS terminology and some key concepts before describing the objectives, driving factors and technology goals of this new thrust.

Advanced Information Systems↗
NASA NTRS2000

EOSDIS: Archive and Distribution Systems in the Year 2000

Earth Science Enterprise (ESE) is a long-term NASA research mission to study the processes leading to global climate change. The Earth Observing System (EOS) is a NASA campaign of satellite observatories that are a major component of ESE. The EOS Data and Information System (EOSDIS) is another component of ESE that will provide the Earth science community with easy, affordable, and reliable access to Earth science data. EOSDIS is a distributed system, with major facilities at seven Distributed Active Archive Centers (DAACs) located throughout the United States. The EOSDIS software architecture is being designed to receive, process, and archive several terabytes of science data on a daily basis. Thousands of science users and perhaps several hundred thousands of non-science users are expected to access the system. The first major set of data to be archived in the EOSDIS is from Landsat-7. Another EOS satellite, Terra, was launched on December 18, 1999. With the Terra launch, the EOSDIS will be required to support approximately one terabyte of data into and out of the archives per day. Since EOS is a multi-mission program, including the launch of more satellites and many other missions, the role of the archive systems becomes larger and more critical. In 1995, at the fourth convening of NASA Mass Storage Systems and Technologies Conference, the development plans for the EOSDIS information system and archive were described. Five years later, many changes have occurred in the effort to field an operational system. It is interesting to reflect on some of the changes driving the archive technology and system development for EOSDIS. This paper principally describes the Data Server subsystem including how the other subsystems access the archive, the nature of the data repository, and the mass-storage I/O management. The paper reviews the system architecture (both hardware and software) of the basic components of the archive. It discusses the operations concept, code development, and testing phase of the system. Finally, it describes the future plans for the archive.

Behnke, Jeanne↗
NASA NTRS2018

NASA Goddard Thermal Technology Overview 2018

This presentation summarizes the current plans and efforts at NASA/Goddard to develop new thermal control technology for anticipated future missions. It will also address some of the programmatic developments currently underway at NASA, especially with respect to the NASA Technology Development Program. The effects of the recently submitted NASA budget will also be addressed. While funding for basic technology development is still tight, significant efforts are being made in direct support of flight programs. Thermal technology Implementation on current flight programs will be reviewed, and the recent push for Cube-sat mission development will also be addressed. Many of these technologies also have broad applicability to DOD, DOE, and commercial programs. Partnerships have been developed with the Air Force, Navy, and various universities to promote technology development. In addition, technology development activities supported by internal research and development (IRAD) program and the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program are reviewed in this presentation. Specific technologies addressed include; two-phase systems applications and issues on NASA missions, latest developments of thermal control coatings, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Micro-scale Heat Transfer, and various other research activities.

Thermal Vacuum Testing↗
NASA NTRS2019

NASA Goddard Thermal Technology Overview 2019

This presentation summarizes the current plans and efforts at NASA/Goddard to develop new thermal control technology for anticipated future missions. It will also address some of the programmatic developments currently underway at NASA, especially with respect to the NASA Technology Development Program and will highlight some of the latest flight project activities at GSFC. While funding for basic technology development is still scarce, significant efforts are being made in direct support of flight programs. New technology development continues to be driven by the needs of future missions, and applications of these technologies to current Goddard programs will be addressed. Many of these technologies also have broad applicability to DOD, DOE, and commercial programs. Partnerships have been developed with the Air Force, Navy, and various universities to promote technology development. Technology development activities supported by the internal research and development (IRAD) program, the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, and other technology development programs are reviewed in this presentation. Specific technologies addressed include; micro-channel heat transfer, latest developments of electro-hydro-dynamically pumped systems, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), thermal control coatings, and various other research activities.

Butler, Dan↗
NASA NTRS2001

Bitsy Thinks Big

AeroAstro, of Herndon, Virginia, developed a nanospacecraft core module capable of developing recyclable spacecraft designs using standard interfaces. From this core module, known as the Bitsy(TM) kernel, custom spacecraft are able to connect mission-specific instruments and subsystems for variation in mission usage. The nanospacecraft core module may be used in conjunction with an existing microsatellite bus or customized to meet specific requirements. Building on this premise, AeroAstro has developed a line of satellite communications equipment, sun sensors, and Lithium-Ion batteries which are all incorporated in its complete line of mission-specific nanospacecraft. The Bitsy technology is also a key component in AeroAstro#s satellite inspection products and orbital transfer services. In the future, AeroAstro plans to market an even less expensive version of the Bitsy technology. The plan, which is targeted to universities, markets a sort of "satellite in a kit," for less than $1 million. This technology would allow universities to build true space hardware for a fraction of the cost of launching a regular satellite.

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NASA NTRS1982

A repair technology program at NASA on composite materials

Repair techniques for graphite/epoxy and graphite/polyimide composite structures are discussed. Tension and compression test results for several basic repair processes that were applied to damaged specimens are shown to approach the strength of undamaged specimens. Other repair configurations currently under investigation are illustrated, and plans in the repair technology program are presented.

Deaton, J. W.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Planetary Surface Operations and Utilization: How ISS and Artemis Missions Can Be Used to Model Human Exploration of Mars

As NASA moves forward with plans to send astronauts to the Moon under Artemis missions and prepare for human exploration of Mars, the Agency is developing a set of high-level objectives for human spaceflight, identifying 50 points falling into four overarching categories of exploration. An element in NASA’s overall process of achieving these objectives is to leverage its assets and missions – such as the many crew increments sent to the International Space Station and future Artemis expeditions sent to the Moon – to develop more robust spaceflight systems and build a culture of interplanetary human exploration. This paper describes several examples of how NASA is exercising a process to achieve these objectives for future human Mars surface missions; both (a) building on lessons learned from ISS missions and maturing plans for Artemis missions, and (b) using human Mars mission planning to inform the plans for future ISS and Artemis missions so that the knowledge gained will reduce uncertainty and risk for Mars. One focal point for this two-way interaction between ISS and Artemis with future human Mars missions is a document titled “Reference Surface Activities for Crewed Mars Mission Systems and Utilization” (HEOMD-415), which describes the systems and operations of the crew thought necessary for the first human Mars surface mission. The details described in this paper will address three specific aspects of HEOMD-415 that have been influenced by ISS and where HEOMD-415 is influencing plans in ISS, Artemis, research and technology development, and other related aspects: (1) crew (activity planning and medical), (2) Mars surface infrastructure, and (3) communication and navigation support. The paper will close by describing near-term opportunities for tests and analogs relevant to these aspects of HEOMD-415.

Mars↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

PLANETARY SURFACE OPERATIONS AND UTILIZATION: HOW ISS AND ARTEMIS MISSIONS CAN BE USED TO MODEL HUMAN EXPLORATION OF MARS

As NASA moves forward with plans to send astronauts to the Moon under Artemis missions and prepare for human exploration of Mars, the Agency is developing a set of high-level objectives for human spaceflight, identifying 50 points falling into four overarching categories of exploration. An element in NASA’s overall process of achieving these objectives is to leverage its assets and missions – such as the many crew increments sent to the International Space Station and future Artemis expeditions sent to the Moon – to develop more robust spaceflight systems and build a culture of interplanetary human exploration. This paper describes several examples of how NASA is exercising a process to achieve these objectives for future human Mars surface missions; both (a) building on lessons learned from ISS missions and maturing plans for Artemis missions, and (b) using human Mars mission planning to inform the plans for future ISS and Artemis missions so that the knowledge gained will reduce uncertainty and risk for Mars. One focal point for this two-way interaction between ISS and Artemis with future human Mars missions is a document titled “Reference Surface Activities for Crewed Mars Mission Systems and Utilization” (HEOMD-415), which describes the systems and operations of the crew thought necessary for the first human Mars surface mission. The details described in this paper will address three specific aspects of HEOMD-415 that have been influenced by ISS and where HEOMD-415 is influencing plans in ISS, Artemis, research and technology development, and other related aspects: (1) crew (activity planning and medical), (2) Mars surface infrastructure, and (3) communication and navigation support. The paper will close by describing near-term opportunities for tests and analogs relevant to these aspects of HEOMD-415.

Mars↗
NASA NTRS1993

NASA's progress in nuclear electric propulsion technology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has established a requirement for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) technology for robotic planetary science mission applications with potential future evolution to systems for piloted Mars vehicles. To advance the readiness of NEP for these challenging missions, a near-term flight demonstration on a meaningful robotic science mission is very desirable. The requirements for both near-term and outer planet science missions are briefly reviewed, and the near-term baseline system established under a recent study jointly conducted by the Lewis Research Center (LeRC) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is described. Technology issues are identified where work is needed to establish the technology for the baseline system, and technology opportunities which could provide improvement beyond baseline capabilities are discussed. Finally, the plan to develop this promising technology is presented and discussed.

Stone, James R.↗
NASA NTRS1993

NASA's progress in nuclear electric propulsion technology

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has established a requirement for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) technology for robotic planetary science mission applications with potential future evolution to systems for piloted Mars vehicles. To advance the readiness of NEP for these challenging missions, a near-term flight demonstration on a meaningful robotic science mission is very desirable. The requirements for both near-term and outer planet science missions are briefly reviewed, and the near-term baseline system established under a recent study jointly conducted by the Lewis Research Center (LeRC) and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is described. Technology issues are identified where work is needed to establish the technology for the baseline system, and technology opportunities which could provide improvement beyond baseline capabilities are discussed. Finally, the plan to develop this promising technology is presented and discussed.

Stone, James R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Space Science for the 21st Century. Strategic Plan for 1995-2000

This publication is one of three volumes in 'Space Science for the 21st Century', the Office of Space Science Strategic plan for 1995-2000. The other two volumes are the recently released Integrated Technology Strategy and the Education Plan, which is in preparation at this publication date. The Science Plan was developed by the Office of Space Science (OSS) in partnership with the Space Science Advisory Committee. The mission of the OSS is to seek answers to fundamental questions about: the galaxy and the universe; the connection between the Sun, Earth, and Heliosphere; the origin and evolution of planetary systems; and the origin and distribution of life in the universe. The strategy to answer these questions includes completing the means to survey the universe across the entire electromagnetic spectrum; completing the survey of cosmic rays through their highest energies, and of interstellar gas; carrying out a basic new test of the Theory of General Relativity; completing development of the means to understand the mechanisms of solar variability and its effects on Earth; completing the first exploration of the inner and outer frontiers of the heliosphere; determining the plasma environments of the solar system planets and how those environments are affected by solar activity; completing development of the means to finish the reconnaissance of the entire solar system from the Sun to Pluto; beginning the comprehensive search for other planets around other stars; resuming surface exploration of solar system bodies to understand the origin and evolution of the Sun's planetary system; continuing the study of biogenic compounds and their evolution in the universe; and searching for indicators of past and present conditions conducive to life.

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