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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 91 records · Page 5

Instrumentation and data acquisition systems

A comprehensive and integrated measurement system was identified and a design and development effort initiated to meet the criteria imposed by the National Transonic Facility operating environment. Specific measurement areas receiving concentrated attention include: data acquisition, force measurement, pressure instrumentation, flow visualization techniques, model attitude and model deformation measurement, and temperature measurement. The NTF instrument complex will be centered around four 32-bit, 1-microsecond-cycle-time central processing units connected in a multipoint-distributed network configuration. The principal activities to be supported by these computers are: (1) data base management and processing; (2) research measurement data acquisition and display; (3) tunnel and model control; and (4) process monitoring and communication control. The distributed network approach was chosen to modularize the functional software into definable and implementable parts by the various groups involved in the design and to permit use of similar hardware configurations to improve reliability and maintainability.

Guarino, J. F.↗

Soyuz/ACRV accommodation study

Included is a set of viewgraphs that present the results of a study conducted at the LaRC Space Station Freedom Office at the request of the Space Station Freedom Level 1 Program Office and the JSC ACRV Project Office to determine the implications of accommodating two Soyuz TM spacecraft as Assured Crew Return Vehicles (ACRV) on the Space Station Freedom (SSF) at the Permanently Crewed Capability (PCC) stage. The study examined operational as well as system issues associated with the accommodation of the Soyuz for several potential configuration options. Operational issues considered include physical hardware clearances, worst case Soyuz departure paths, and impacts to baseline operations such as Pressurized Logistics Module (PLM) exchange, Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) attachment, Extravehicular Activity (EVA), and automatic rendezvous and docking (AR&D). Systems impact analysis included determining differences between Soyuz interface requirements and SSF capabilities for the Electrical Power System (EPS), Thermal Control System (TCS), Communications and Tracking (C&T), Audio-Video Subsystem (A/V), Data Management System (DMS), and Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). Significant findings of this study have indicated that the current AV capability of the Soyuz will need to be increased to provide adequate departure clearances for a worst case escape from an uncontrolled SSF and that an interface element will be required to mate the Soyuz vehicles to station, provide for AR&D structural loads, and to house Soyuz-to-SSF system interfaces.

Cruz, Jonathan↗

An Investigation Into Transecting Satellites in Future Space Traffic Management Scenarios

The number of satellites expected to populate the near-Earth space environment is set to dramatically increase in the coming decade as new large constellations are approved and deployed. Current strategies for deploying new batches of these satellites often involve launching into an initial orbit, and then performing apogee raising maneuvers to reach a target altitude. Similarly, end-of-life planning for these constellation satellites can consist of de-orbit burns that lower perigee to permit disposal via re-entry. Both the raising and de-orbiting maneuvers can result in the individual satellites traveling in transecting orbits that have the potential to cross other spacecraft trajectories. While individual large constellations may be able to coexist in separate altitude and inclination bands, having thousands of satellites moving between these bands as new satellites are added and old satellites are removed could pose additional collision risks. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the impact that large numbers of university-class CubeSats might have in terms of their overall collision risk, especially as these satellites typically do not have propulsion systems for active maneuvering. To assess the impact that transecting satellites might have on future space traffic management strategies, this study explored a variety of realistic future scenarios using a high-fidelity simulation tool. The model can simulate the orbit of tens of thousands of resident space objects (RSOs) simultaneously, to include active satellites, debris, rocket bodies, or even future hypothetical satellite constellations, using a realistic force model that incorporates non-spherical gravity, atmospheric drag, and solar radiation pressure, as well as station-keeping. The simulation can be customized to accommodate different methods of calculating the probability of collision, as well as the process for determining probability ellipsoids and screening volumes. This makes it possible to replicate, and compare, different processes used by different spacecraft operators and space situational awareness (SSA) providers. As the model is run forward in time, each conjunction event is recorded, allowing for the analysis of statistics and meta-data related to these events, providing insight into the nature and frequency of potential collisions, such as whether are they active or passive objects, what size are the two objects, and who owns the objects (if known). This information makes it possible to characterize how changes to the status quo affect the number and type of conjunctions that occur, as well as the distributional effects on various types of satellite operators. To assess the general risks that transecting satellites might pose for hypothetical future space object environments, approximately 60,000 new large constellation satellites were considered, in addition to the existing catalog of approximately 7800 known resident space objects (RSOs), over a simulation period of one year. The results indicate that the future space environment will introduce a non-linear increase in conjunction events as the number of RSOs also increase. This will require adjustments to spacecraft fuel budgets in order to conduct the avoidance maneuvers necessary to minimize collision risk, both for existing and new satellites. This increase is due in large part to the higher density of RSOs and the overlap between some constellation orbits. Current catalog objects were shown to require three times more ∆V for collision avoidance (CA) maneuvers in the simulated future environment, and some constellation spacecraft were estimated to devote the majority of their annual ∆V to CA. The impact of small satellites was found to be proportional for the current space environment, and actually decreased in terms of percentage for the future scenario, suggesting that small satellites do not pose an outsized collision risk. Lastly, transecting satellites were found to contribute thousands of additional conjunctions outside of their operational orbit, and may require up to an additional 5% in CA maneuver fuel allocation.

conjunction assessment↗

3D Photocatalytic Air Processor for Dramatic Reduction of Life Support Mass and Complexity

To dramatically reduce the cost and risk of CO2 management systems in future extended missions, we have conducted preliminary studies on the materials and device development for advanced "artificial photosynthesis" reaction systems termed the High Tortuosity PhotoElectroChemical (HTPEC) system. Our Phase I studies have demonstrated that HTPEC operates in much the same way a tree would function, namely directly contacting the cabin air with a photocatalyst in the presence of light and water (as humidity) to immediately conduct the process of CO2 reduction to O2 and useful, "tunable" carbon products. This eliminates many of the inefficiencies associated with current ISS CO2 management systems. We have laid the solid foundation for Phase II work to employ novel and efficient reactor geometries, lighting approaches, 3D manufacturing methods and in-house grown novel catalytic materials.The primary objective of the proposed work is to demonstrate the scientific and engineering foundation for light-activated, compact devices capable of converting CO2 to O2 and mission-relevant carbon compounds. The proposed HTPEC CO2 management system will demonstrate a novel pathway with high efficiency and reliability in a compact, lightweight reactor architecture. The proposed HTPEC air processing concept can be developed in multiple architectures, such as centralized processing as well as "artificial leaves" distributed throughout the cabin that utilize pre-existing cabin ventilation (wind). Additionally, HTPEC can be deployed with spectrally tunable collection channels for selectable product generation. HTPEC employs light as its only energy source to remove and convert waste CO2 using a non-toxic composite catalyst.We have demonstrated in the Phase I studies the production, tunability and robustness of the novel composite catalysts following the preliminary work in the Chen laboratory. Additionally, we have designed, fabricated and tested all components of HTPEC device with active materials, including flow modeling to optimize flow mixing and pressure drop as well as the production of ethylene and other larger hydrocarbons. To best determine how this technology could be implemented, we also performed system integration optimization and trade studies. This includes parameters such as mass, volume, power in relation to selected mission configurations, CO2 delivery methods and light source/delivery approaches.

Artificial Photosynthesis↗

Regenerative life support system research

Sections on modeling, experimental activities during the grant period, and topics under consideration for the future are contained. The sessions contain discussions of: four concurrent modeling approaches that were being integrated near the end of the period (knowledge-based modeling support infrastructure and data base management, object-oriented steady state simulations for three concepts, steady state mass-balance engineering tradeoff studies, and object-oriented time-step, quasidynamic simulations of generic concepts); interdisciplinary research activities, beginning with a discussion of RECON lab development and use, and followed with discussions of waste processing research, algae studies and subsystem modeling, low pressure growth testing of plants, subsystem modeling of plants, control of plant growth using lighting and CO2 supply as variables, search for and development of lunar soil simulants, preliminary design parameters for a lunar base life support system, and research considerations for food processing in space; and appendix materials, including a discussion of the CELSS Conference, detailed analytical equations for mass-balance modeling, plant modeling equations, and parametric data on existing life support systems for use in modeling.

Source record↗

Activity Planning for a Lunar Orbital Mission

This paper describes a challenging, real-world planning problem within the context of a NASA mission called LADEE (Lunar Atmospheric Dust Environment Explorer). LADEEs science phase was performed in an equatorial, retrograde orbit around the Moon. The science observations were constrained with respect to key points in the spacecrafts orbit. We present the approach taken to reduce the complexity of the activity planning task in order to effectively perform it within the time pressures imposed by the mission requirements. One key aspect of this approach is the design of the activity planning process based on principles of problem decomposition and planning abstraction levels. The second key aspect is the mixed-initiative system developed for this task, called LASS (LADEE Activity Scheduling System). The primary challenge for LASS was representing and managing the orbit-based science constraints, given their dynamic nature due to the continually updated orbit determination solution.

Bresina, John L.↗

Baseline Assumptions and Ersatz Waste Streams for Partial Gravity Habitats with Mobile Female and Male Crew

Effective and reliable water management and recovery systems will be required to support human missions beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO) of the International Space Station (ISS). Lunar and Mars surface missions will introduce new challenges to managing water and associated waste streams from mobile crew members who are transiting between up to six living shelters in extreme environmental conditions under a range of gravity conditions. A review of baseline assumptions for the human activities and associated air and water cycles in and between transit vehicle, orbiting station, lander-ascent vehicle, surface habitat, pressurized rover, and suits is conducted. The paper updates ersatz formulations and water flow rates for the main liquid water waste streams of urine, humidity condensate, hygiene, and laundry. Emphasis is placed on the metabolic emissions partitioning between the six vehicles during a design reference mission scenario. Ersatz to represent menses are reviewed.

Dean L Muirhead↗

Active Fail-Safe Micro-Array Flow Control for Advanced Embedded Propulsion Systems

The primary objective of this research effort was to develop and analytically demonstrate enhanced first generation active "fail-safe" hybrid flow-control techniques to simultaneously manage the boundary layer on the vehicle fore-body and to control the secondary flow generated within modern serpentine or embedded inlet S-duct configurations. The enhanced first-generation technique focused on both micro-vanes and micro-ramps highly-integrated with micro -jets to provide nonlinear augmentation for the "strength' or effectiveness of highly-integrated flow control systems. The study focused on the micro -jet mass flow ratio (Wjet/Waip) range from 0.10 to 0.30 percent and jet total pressure ratios (Pjet/Po) from 1.0 to 3.0. The engine bleed airflow range under study represents about a 10 fold decrease in micro -jet airflow than previously required. Therefore, by pre-conditioning, or injecting a very small amount of high-pressure jet flow into the vortex generated by the micro-vane and/or micro-ramp, active flow control is achieved and substantial augmentation of the controlling flow is realized.

Anderson, Bernhard H.↗

Baseline Assumptions and Ersatz Waste Streams for Partial Gravity Habitats with Mobile Female and Male Crew

Effective and reliable water management and recovery systems will be required to sup-port human missions beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO) of the International Space Station (ISS). Lunar and Mars surface missions will introduce new challenges to managing water and associated waste streams from mobile crew members who will be living in up to six shelters in extreme environmental conditions under a range of gravity conditions. A review of baseline assumptions for the human activities and associated air and water cycles in and between the transit vehicle, orbiting station, lander-ascent vehicle, surface habitat, pressurized rover, and suits is conducted. The paper reviews ersatz formulations and water flow rates for the main liquid water waste streams of urine, humidity condensate, hygiene, and laundry. Emphasis is placed on the metabolic emissions partitioning between the six habitat elements and the lunar exosphere during a design reference mission scenario.

Water Ersatz Habitat↗

Baseline Assumptions and Ersatz Waste Streams for Partial Gravity Habitats with Mobile Female and Male Crew

Effective and reliable water management and recovery systems will be required to sup-port human missions beyond the low Earth orbit (LEO) of the International Space Station (ISS). Lunar and Mars surface missions will introduce new challenges to managing water and associated waste streams from mobile crew members who will be living in up to six shelters in extreme environmental conditions under a range of gravity conditions. A review of baseline assumptions for the human activities and associated air and water cycles in and between the transit vehicle, orbiting station, lander-ascent vehicle, surface habitat, pressurized rover, and suits is conducted. The paper reviews ersatz formulations and water flow rates for the main liquid water waste streams of urine, humidity condensate, hygiene, and laundry. Emphasis is placed on the metabolic emissions partitioning between the six habitat elements and the lunar exosphere during a design reference mission scenario.

Water Ersatz Habitat↗

An Investigation Into Transecting Satellites in Future Space Traffic Management Scenarios

The number of satellites expected to populate the near-Earth space environment is set to dramatically increase in the coming decade as new large constellations are approved and deployed. Current strategies for placing new batches of these satellites on orbit often involve launching into an initial orbit, and then performing apogee raising maneuvers to reach a target altitude. Similarly, end-of-life planning for these constellation satellites can consist of de-orbit burns that lower perigee to permit disposal via re-entry. Both the raising and de-orbiting maneuvers can result in the individual satellites traveling in high-eccentricity orbits that have the potential to transect other spacecraft trajectories. While individual large constellations may be able to coexist in separate altitude and inclination bands, having thousands of satellites moving between these bands as new satellites are replaced and old ones are removed could pose additional collision risks. Similar concerns have been raised regarding the impact that large numbers of university-class CubeSats might have in terms of their overall collision risk, especially as these satellites typically do not have propulsion systems for active maneuvering. To assess the impact that transecting satellites might have to future space traffic management strategies, this study explored a variety of future realistic scenarios using a high-fidelity simulation tool. The model can simulate the orbit of tens of thousands of resident space objects (RSOs) simultaneously, to include active satellites, debris, rocket bodies, or even future hypothetical scenarios, using a realistic force model that incorporates non-spherical gravity, atmospheric drag, solar radiation pressure, and more. As the model is run forward in time, various statistics and meta-data are gathered on any predicted conjunction event, providing insight into the nature and frequency of potential collisions, e.g., what size are the two satellites, who operates the satellites, are they active or passive objects, etc. Additional customization is available in terms of how probability of collision is computed, and how the probability ellipsoids and screening volumes are determined. The simulation tool also allows for rule-based maneuvers for active satellites, e.g, given an advance conjunction “warning,” one or both of the satellites can maneuver to a safe distance. A wide range of maneuvers can be implemented using impulsive or low-thrust methods, and the latencies can also be varied, e.g., using maneuver lead times of 48 hours, 24 hours, or 12 hours. Validation of the simulation results is performed against current and historical datasets available, to include comparisons to prior conjunction data messages (CDMs), object properties (mass, volume, etc.), and two-line-element records from both public and internal sources. Using the simulation environment, an assessment on the general risks that transecting satellites might pose for hypothetical future space object environments will be presented. This will involve the simulation of approximately 50,000 new large constellation satellites, in addition to the existing catalog of approximately 20,000 known resident space objects (RSOs), over propagation periods of one month to one year. A description of the simulation methodologies, scenarios evaluated, and validation methods will also be presented, as well as a preliminary assessment of the effectiveness of several candidate maneuver strategies that have the potential to reduce collision risk between active satellites.

Brian Gunter↗

Long term orbital storage of cryogenic propellants for advanced space transportation missions

A comprehensive study has developed the major features of a large capacity orbital propellant depot for the space-based, cryogenic OTV. The study has treated both the Dual-Keel Space Station and co-orbiting platforms as the accommodations base for the propellant storage facilities, and trades have examined both tethered and hard-docked options. Five tank set concepts were developed for storing the propellants, and along with layout options for the station and platform, were evaluated from the standpoints of servicing, propellant delivery, boiloff, micrometeoroid/debris shielding, development requirements, and cost. These trades led to the recommendation that an all-passive storage concept be considered for the platform and an actively refrigerated concept providing for reliquefaction of all boiloff be considered for the Space Station. The tank sets are modular, each storing up to 45,400 kg of LO2/LH2, and employ many advanced features to provide for microgravity fluid management and to limit boiloff. The features include such technologies as zero-gravity mass gauging, total communication capillary liquid acquisition devices, autogenous pressurization, thermodynamic vent systems, thick multilayer insulation, vapor-cooled shields, solar-selective coatings, advanced micrometeoroid/debris protection systems, and long-lived cryogenic refrigeration systems.

Schuster, John R.↗

Antihypertensive effect of quinoa protein under simulated gastrointestinal digestion and peptide characterization

Abstract BACKGROUND Quinoa protein is a potential source of bioactive peptides. Although some studies have demonstrated its angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory properties, research into its in vivo effect on blood‐pressure regulation and peptide characterization remains limited. RESULTS Quinoa protein hydrolyzate (QPH) was prepared by simulated gastrointestinal digestion. QPH lowered the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in spontaneously hypertensive model rats (SHRs) from 2 h to10 h after oral administration, effectively controlling blood pressure in these SHRs. An in vitro study showed that QPH is capable of inhibiting ACE activity. This was attributed to the activity of a number of low‐molecular‐weight peptides. With relatively high scores predicted by PeptideRanker, three promising bioactive peptides, FHPFPR, NWFPLPR, and NIFRPF, were further studied and their ACE‐inhibition effects were confirmed with IC 50 values of 34.92, 16.77, and 32.40 μM, respectively. A molecular docking study provided insights into the binding of ACE with peptides, and revealed that the presence of specific amino acids in the peptide sequence (Pro, Phe, and Arg at the C‐terminal, and Asn at the N‐terminal) could contribute to the interaction between ACE and peptides. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated the potential of QPH for the management of hypertension, which indicates that it could be a good candidate for inclusion in functional foods to control high blood pressure. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry

Guo, Huimin↗

Aerospace Medicine Talk

The presentation is next Sunday, May 10th. It will be to the Civil Aviation Medical Association, for 2 hours at Disney World in Orlando. It is a high level talk on space medicine, including history, the role of my office, human health risks of space flight, general aspects of space medicine practice, human health risk management (including integrated activities of medical operations and the Human Research Program, and thoughts concerning health risks for long duration exploration class space missions. No proprietary data or material will be used, all is readily available in the public sector. There is also a short (30 min) talk on Monday at the CAMA lunch. There we will describe the Visual Impairment and Intracranial Pressure syndrome, with possible etiologies and plans for research (already selected studies). Again, nothing proprietary will be discussed.

Aerospace Medicine Overview↗

Disturbance and the Carbon Balance of US Forests: A Quantitative Review of Impacts from Harvests, Fires, Insects, and Droughts

Disturbances are a major determinant of forest carbon stocks and uptake. They generally reduce land carbon stocks but also initiate a regrowth legacy that contributes substantially to the contemporary rate of carbon stock increase in US forestlands. As managers and policy makers increasingly look to forests for climate protection and mitigation, and because of increasing concern about changes in disturbance intensity and frequency, there is a need for synthesis and integration of current understanding about the role of disturbances and other processes in governing forest carbon cycle dynamics, and the likely future of this and other sinks for atmospheric carbon. This paper aims to address that need by providing a quantitative review of the distribution, extent and carbon impacts of the major disturbances active in the US. We also review recent trends in disturbances, climate, and other global environmental changes and consider their individual and collective contributions to the US carbon budget now and in the likely future. Lastly, we identify some key challenges and opportunities for future research needed to improve current understanding, advance predictive capabilities, and inform forest management in the face of these pressures. Harvest is found to be the most extensive disturbance both in terms of area and carbon impacts, followed by fire, windthrow and bark beetles, and lastly droughts. Collectively these lead to the gross loss of about 200 Tg C y(exp -1) in live biomass annually across the conterminous US. At the same time, the net change in forest carbon stocks is positive (190 Tg C y(exp -1)), indicating not only forest resilience but also an apparently large response to growth enhancements such as fertilization by CO2 and nitrogen. Uncertainty about disturbance legacies, disturbance interactions, likely trends, and global change factors make the future of the US forest carbon sink unclear. While there is scope for management to enhance carbon sinks in US forests, tradeoffs with other values and uses are likely to significantly limit practical implementation. Continued and expanded remote sensing and field-based monitoring capabilities and manipulative experimentation are needed to improve understanding of the US forest carbon sink, and assess how disturbance processes are responding to the pressures of global environmental change. In addition, continued development and application of holistic, decision support tools that consider a range of forest values are needed to enable managers and policy makers to use the best available information for guiding forest resources now and into the future.

Williams, Christopher A.↗

SERFE PLSS Component Lessons Learned from ISS

NASA has been developing a new spacesuit, called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) for over a decade. This spacesuit is under development to support missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and also to the Moon. Improvements in the life and robustness of the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) has been a major objective of these efforts. The Suit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) was chosen as the technology to provide cooling to the xEMU and has undergone several iterations of development over this period. An ISS flight experiment centered around the SWME and other thermal control loop (TCL) technologies was developed and tested in an ISS EXpedite PRocessing of Experiments to the Space Station (EXPRESS) rack from November of 2020 to August of 2022. In addition to the SWME, the SWME EXPRESS Rack Flight Experiment (SERFE) contains several technologies from the xEMU project and demonstrated their performance in micro-gravity and over an extended duration. These included two dissimilar water pumps, custom check valves, custom bypass relieve valves, a custom thermal control valve, development pressure and temperature sensors, and the thermal loop controller. This paper presents PLSS component lessons learned after return of the SERFE flight unit in August of 2022. The SERFE team took the flight unit apart and handed hardware components over to hardware owners to see how parts of the TCL managed after almost 2 years on the ISS and 25 simulated EVAs (Exploration Extravehicular Activity) on orbit. The team performed inspection, testing, and analysis and provided lessons learned on PLSS components for NASA’s prototype spacesuit. This analysis included how well SWME maintained its heat rejection capability, as well as looked at the robustness of the other TCL hardware.

SERFE↗

SERFE PLSS Component Lessons Learned from ISS

NASA has been developing a new spacesuit, called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) for over a decade. This spacesuit is under development to support missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and also to the Moon. Improvements in the life and robustness of the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) has been a major objective of these efforts. The Suit Water Membrane Evaporator (SWME) was chosen as the technology to provide cooling to the xEMU and has undergone several iterations of development over this period. An ISS flight experiment centered around the SWME and other thermal control loop (TCL) technologies was developed and tested in an ISS EXpedite PRocessing of Experiments to the Space Station (EXPRESS) rack from November of 2020 to August of 2022. In addition to the SWME, the SWME EXPRESS Rack Flight Experiment (SERFE) contains several technologies from the xEMU project and demonstrated their performance in micro-gravity and over an extended duration. These included two dissimilar water pumps, custom check valves, custom bypass relieve valves, a custom thermal control valve, development pressure and temperature sensors, and the thermal loop controller. This paper presents PLSS component lessons learned after return of the SERFE flight unit in August of 2022. The SERFE team took the flight unit apart and handed hardware components over to hardware owners to see how parts of the TCL managed after almost 2 years on the ISS and 25 simulated EVAs (Exploration Extravehicular Activity) on orbit. The team performed inspection, testing, and analysis and provided lessons learned on PLSS components for NASA’s prototype spacesuit. This analysis included how well SWME maintained its heat rejection capability, as well as looked at the robustness of the other TCL hardware.

SERFE↗

Status of Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) activities

The current status of the JEM activities are presented in graphic form. The JEM spacecraft configuration is presented. The JEM configuration consist of the Pressurized Module, the Exposed Facility, the Experiment Logistics Module which consist of a pressurized section and an exposed section; and the Remote Manipulator System. The master schedule of the space station is given. Also the development tests of the structure and mechanism, the electrical power system, the data management system, the thermal control system, the environment control system, the experiment support system, and the remote manipulator system are listed.

Source record↗