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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 109 records · Page 6
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2012

Autonomous RPOD Technology Challenges for the Coming Decade

Rendezvous Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) technologies are important to a wide range of future space endeavors. This paper will review some of the recent and ongoing activities related to autonomous RPOD capabilities and summarize the current state of the art. Gaps are identified where future investments are necessary to successfully execute some of the missions likely to be conducted within the next ten years. A proposed RPOD technology roadmap that meets the broad needs of NASA's future missions will be outlined, and ongoing activities at OSFC in support of a future satellite servicing mission are presented. The case presented shows that an evolutionary, stair-step technology development program. including a robust campaign of coordinated ground tests and space-based system-level technology demonstration missions, will ultimately yield a multi-use main-stream autonomous RPOD capability suite with cross-cutting benefits across a wide range of future applications.

Naasz, Bo J.↗
NASA NTRS2018

The Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC): History, Status and Perspectives

The Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change (NDACC) is an international global network of more than 90 stations making high-quality measurements of atmospheric composition that began official operations in 1991 after 5 years of planning. Apart from sonde measurements, all measurements in the network are performed by ground-based remote-sensing techniques. Originally named the Network for the Detection of Stratospheric Change (NDSC), the name of the network was changed to NDACC in 2005 to better reflect the expanded scope of its measurements. The primary goal of NDACC is to establish long-term databases for detecting changes and trends in the chemical and physical state of the atmosphere (mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere) and to assess the coupling of such changes with climate and air quality. NDACC's origins, station locations, organizational structure, and data archiving are described. NDACC is structured around categories of ground-based observational techniques (sonde, lidar, microwave radiometers, Fourier-transform infrared, UV-visible DOAS (differential optical absorption spectroscopy)-type, and Dobson-Brewer spectrometers, as well as spectral UV radiometers), timely cross-cutting themes (ozone, water vapour, measurement strategies, cross-network data integration), satellite measurement systems, and theory and analyses. Participation in NDACC requires compliance with strict measurement and data protocols to ensure that the network data are of high and consistent quality. To widen its scope, NDACC has established formal collaborative agreements with eight other cooperating networks and Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW). A brief history is provided, major accomplishments of NDACC during its first 25 years of operation are reviewed, and a forward-looking perspective is presented.

lidar↗
NASA NTRS2016

Soft-Robotic Rover with Electrodynamic Power Scavenging: NIAC Final Report - Phase 1

The purpose of studying the capabilities of Electrodynamic Tethers (EDT) and Soft Robotics is to ascertain the feasibility of using cross-cutting EDT and soft robotics technologies to achieve future NASA mission objectives with mass and power budgets orders of magnitude lower than conventional spacecraft. In this context, the Phase I study focuses on three technological elements: the design of a soft-robotic rover that can operate in extraterrestrial oceans, demonstrating feasibility of electrodynamic tethers for power scavenging in the Europa environment, and utilizing electrolysis to power biomimetic propulsion.The Phase I results show that a soft robotic, underwater rover has many advantages over a traditional view of autonomous underwater vehicles. Many of these advantages stem from its ability to collapse or expand the body, which carries two key benefits: (i) cost savings in transport and (ii) buoyancy control. Furthermore, this rover's material offers properties that enable it to survive most oceanic conditions, withstand a likely radiation environment, and retard ice formation. The use of these soft robots under water is very attractive because buoyancy enables very large robots without the need for skeletal structures that limit their shape-changing ability. The prime limitation of soft robots for underwater exploration is their nascent state of development, an issue that this study has begun to address and that we hope to continue in Phase II. The theoretical calculations and experimental investigation on electrodynamic tethers discussed in this report show that their use in saltwater environments is feasible. However, magneto hydrodynamic effects require attention, which will be a priority in Phase II. A possible approach involves magnetic shielding of a portion of the EDT array to generate significant current from imposed alternating magnetic fields. The Phase I experiments show that this approach may enable enough power to be generated for a soft robotic rover of the scale contemplated here. This power is in the range of 1mW to 1W and determines the time required to collect and transmit science data.

Soft Robotics↗
NASA NTRS2018

Probing Supraglacial Debris on Mars 2: Crater Morphology

Lobate debris aprons (LDA), lineated valley fill (LVF), and concentric crater fill (CCF) on Mars, interpreted to bedebris-covered glaciers, possess craters with a suite of distinct interior landforms (called "ring-mold craters")that have been attributed to the presence of glacial ice at depth or surface modification processes. We testedcurrent hypotheses for the formation of ring-mold craters by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the size andmorphology of 16,457 impact craters 125m in diameter formed within glacial deposits in DeuteronilusMensae. Two major groups, bowl-shaped craters and ring-mold craters, are found, with at least nine distinctcrater types. While there is statistical difference in median diameters between these crater types, this differenceis relatively small and is within the estimated uncertainty in diameter measurements and may be related to moreenhanced erosion of the rims of ring-mold craters. Clear degradation sequences are observed, supporting a rolefor post-impact modification in producing at least some of the diversity in crater landforms. The spatial densityof ring-mold craters is also directly correlated with the development of LDA, LVF, and CCF surface textures. Flowlineations cross-cut two ring-mold crater types but they maintain their circular planforms in some cases, suggestingthat the craters initially formed completely within mantling layers deposited after glacial flow hadceased. We also find analogous craters in non-glacial units; glacial ice is therefore not required to form theobserved morphologic diversity. Our observations are most consistent with formation of crater landforms byemplacement and modification of at least two depositional episodes of icy dust (i.e., "mantle"). This mantle wasinitially tens of meters in thickness to support crater formation, and has experienced much downwasting anderosion since emplacement. Derived crater retention ages of 460 Ma for LDA, LVF, and CCF features in the regiontherefore reflect deposition of mantle units and only give a very minimum age for the formation of LDA, LVF, andCCF

Geological↗
NASA NTRS2017

Concepts for the Design of Human-Autonomy Systems

Over the last two years a number of workshops or similar meetings have been held under the auspice of NASA Ames Research Center that, although dealing with different primary foci, considered at some level the cross-cutting topic of humans-autonomous systems and the partnership between them. This publication presents findings from the reports of these meetings as they inform the process of designing autonomous systems to work in conjunction with humans. Some workshops were highly relevant to this question, others less so. Drawing from conclusions in these reports, this publication presents, at a high level, a summary of issues that could usefully be considered in the design process of automated systems working with human agents. Although differing in emphases, reports from the several workshops reflect many similar beliefs regarding human-autonomy teaming (HAT). Conclusions can be viewed as generally applicable to various aviation venues—air, ground, and air-ground interactions. The objective of the workshops was primarily to identify issues, concerns, and research needs associated with evolving human-autonomy systems—not in providing solutions. The analysis herewithin is generally limited to the findings in the workshop reports. And, since there was often commonality in findings among the several reports, no attempt is made to ascribe particular findings or observations to particular reports.

autonomy↗
NASA NTRS2019

LTF/Fluid and Cryogenic Systems Branch

Functions of the Branch: Cross-Cutting Fluids Engineering; Research and Technology Development of Cryogenic Fluid Management (CFM) Systems; Component and System level; Design, Development Test and Evaluation (DDT&E) for Fluid, CFM, Propellant and Gaseous Systems; Fluid Component Specification and Selection; Code Compliance of Pressurized Systems; Fluid/Cryogenic System Performance Analysis and Trade Studies; Hazards Analysis and Risk Assessment of Fluidic Systems; Fluids Modeling and Simulation Capabilities

Fluid↗
NASA NTRS2019

Implementation of Human System Integration Workshop at NASA for Human Spaceflight

The human is a key element in the complex system of systems underlying space exploration missions. As a critical system, its operating bands and requirements need to be characterized and integrated with other systems. Optimal integration of the human system with hardware and software elements has an impact on multiple aspects of mission execution, including human health and performance, risk mitigation, effective design and functionality, enhanced safety, and reduced lifecycle costs. The field of Human Systems Integration (HSI) represents an interdisciplinary and comprehensive cross-cutting approach encompassing technical and management processes for integrating human as a system consideration and objective within and across all other system components and multiple domains. In addition to human activities, HSI covers training, operations and support dimensions. Moreover, HSI is an essential enabler to systems engineering practice, emphasizing human system aspects toward optimizing fully integrated system of systems performance while systematically infusing the needs of all users during the earliest stages of development. Consistent with the National Space Exploration Campaign, NASA is developing the Gateway, a lunar orbiting platform that will serve as astronaut habitat, support transit to deep space, validate new technologies and systems, and function as a science laboratory and communications hub, among other uses. It is an essential element of a phase that will extend human exploration into deep space through evolvable infrastructure and advanced technology, supporting assembly and logistics of other exploration architecture elements. In an effort to explore the current status and forward plan of HSI implementation in the mission (system of systems) lifecycle, the HSI Employee Resource Group conducted an HSI workshop using the Gateway Program as a case study. It revealed how different organizations at the Johnson Space Center incorporate HSI in their processes in preparation for the development and operation of the Gateway. The workshop focused on HSI methodology for implementation of the six NASA HSI domains: Human Factors Engineering, Operations Resources, Habitability and Environment, Maintainability and Supportability, Safety, and Training. Results from the workshop are reported on this paper, as well as some historical background of HSI at NASA, and the success in using an Employee Resource Group to promote technical knowledge. The authors hope that this information can be used to disseminate best practices for translational applications to other space exploration systems.

Silva-Martinez, Jackelynne↗
NASA NTRS2019

Implementation of Human System Integration Workshop at NASA for Human Spaceflight

The human is a key element in the complex system of systems underlying space exploration missions. As a critical system, its operating bands and requirements need to be characterized and integrated with other systems. Optimal integration of the human system with hardware and software elements has an impact on multiple aspects of mission execution, including human health and performance, risk mitigation, effective design and functionality, enhanced safety, and reduced lifecycle costs. The field of Human Systems Integration (HSI) represents an interdisciplinary and comprehensive cross-cutting approach encompassing technical and management processes for integrating human as a system consideration and objective within and across all other system components and multiple domains. In addition to human activities, HSI covers training, operations and support dimensions. Moreover, HSI is an essential enabler to systems engineering practice, emphasizing human system aspects toward optimizing fully integrated system of systems performance while systematically infusing the needs of all users during the earliest stages of development. Consistent with the National Space Exploration Campaign, NASA is developing the Gateway, a lunar orbiting platform that will serve as astronaut habitat, support transit to deep space, validate new technologies and systems, and function as a science laboratory and communications hub, among other uses. It is an essential element of a phase that will extend human exploration into deep space through evolvable infrastructure and advanced technology, supporting assembly and logistics of other exploration architecture elements. In an effort to explore the current status and forward plan of HSI implementation in the mission (system of systems) lifecycle, the HSI Employee Resource Group conducted an HSI workshop using the Gateway Program as a case study. It revealed how different organizations at the Johnson Space Center incorporate HSI in their processes in preparation for the development and operation of the Gateway. The workshop focused on HSI methodology for implementation of the six NASA HSI domains: Human Factors Engineering, Operations Resources, Habitability and Environment, Maintainability and Supportability, Safety, and Training. Results from the workshop are reported on this paper, as well as some historical background of HSI at NASA, and the success in using an Employee Resource Group to promote technical knowledge. The authors hope that this information can be used to disseminate best practices for translational applications to other space exploration systems.

Silva-Martinez, Jackelynne↗
NASA NTRS2020

MEDPRAT-SEL: Medical Resource Set Selector Searching High-Dimensionality Space

NASA Human Research Program's (HRP) next generation risk model closes the loop on medical risk and resource evaluation, providing researchers with a tool to assess and choose capabilities scientifically. The Medical Extensible Dynamic Probabilistic Risk Assessment Tool (MEDPRAT) simulator (SIM) evaluates resources in terms of medical benefit, such as reduced crew quality time lost (QTL), vs. cost, in mass or volume. The MEDPRAT resource set selector (SEL) searches the space of resource benefits v. cost, closing a feedback loop around the simulator, thus selecting resource sets with best benefit for cost. We discuss the design and results of the resource set selector. NASA HRP's emphasis on scientific assessment of risk, PRA, has led to the Cross-cutting Computational Modeling Project (CCMP).

Leinweber, Lawrence↗
NASA NTRS2020

TPS and Entry System Technologies for Future Mars and Titan Exploration

The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview to the NRC Decadal Survey Mars and Ocean Worlds Sub-Panels on thermal protection system (TPS) technologies required for future Mars and Titan exploration missions. It considers the capability of heritage TPS technology used by previous Mars and Titan missions. A prime conclusion is that there are important advances regarding the availability of forebody TPS therefore, we recommend that NASA invest in a cross-cutting technology program that focuses on development and sustainment of relevant TPS materials, entry systems, test facilities, design tools, and flight instrumentation.

Thermal protection systems↗
NASA NTRS2020

Technologies for Future Venus Exploration

The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview to the NRC Decadal Survey Inner Planets Sub-Panel on thermal protection system (TPS) technologies required for future Venus exploration missions. It considers the capability of heritage TPS technology used by the Pioneer Venus and Galileo probe missions and identifies new technologies that could enable greater science value and more ambitious missions in the future. A prime conclusion is that there are important advances regarding the availability of forebody TPS required for Venus entry probes. Specifically, the carbon phenolic flown on the Pioneer Venus probes has been deemphasized and a new 3D woven material system, Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) has replaced carbon phenolic. Along with the development of HEEET, there have been test facility upgrades and design tool improvements. These new material and test methods are enabling for Venus missions. However, without a mission scheduled in the near future, even these new developments are at risk of becoming unavailable. Therefore, we recommend that NASA invest in a cross-cutting technology program that focuses on sustainment of relevant TPS materials, entry systems, test facilities, design tools, and flight instrumentation.

Thermal Protection Systems↗
NASA NTRS2020

TPS and Entry Technologies for Future Outer Planet Exploration

The lack of knowledge about the Ice Giants (Voyager being the only probe to briefly visit them) and literally narrow window of planetary alignment for pragmatic missions to the Ice Giants, make them high priority targets in the next decade. The purpose of this white paper is to provide an overview to the NRC Decadal Survey on thermal protection system (TPS) technologies required for future Outer Planet exploration missions. A prime conclusion is that several of the most significant recommendations made during the last decadal survey were addressed positioning the TPS community to better support missions to the Outer Planets. These include maturation of the Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET) to TRL 6 as replacement for Carbon Phenolic (that requires requalification itself), TPS test facility upgrades, and design tool improvements. These new materials and test methods are enabling for Outer Planet missions. However, there are limitations in the HEEET technology and available ground based test facilities that could become mission constraints depending on the science objectives. This white paper discusses opportunities to mitigate those constraints. In addition, if a mission is not scheduled in the near future, these new developments are at risk of becoming unavailable. Therefore, we recommend that NASA invest in a cross-cutting technology program that focuses on sustainment of relevant TPS materials, entry systems, test facilities, design tools, and flight instrumentation.

Outer Planets↗
NASA NTRS2020

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Vertiport Automation Trade Study

The NASA Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Vertiport Automation Trade Study seeks to understand the barriers to scaling AAM takeoff and landing facilities, described in this study as vertiplaces. This trade study provides an overview of AAM, vertiplaces, and insight into the gaps in capability, regulatory certainty, and knowledge needed to sufficiently manage the volume of expected traffic anticipated for vertiplaces. The study also outlines potential mitigations to those gaps based on research conducted by the project team and interviews with 23 individuals in government and industry. In this report, the elements that make up a vertiport are discussed. The study then defines a vertiplace and introduces a concept for vertiplace categorization based on capability. Capability gaps and mitigations to increasing scale and automation of vertiplaces are then discussed based around four cross-cutting themes the research of our project team found in the interviews and research: Technology, Physical Infrastructure, Policy, and Community Acceptance. The study then concludes by discussing topics requiring further research that were identified by interviewees.

Vertiport↗
DOE OSTI2025

Energy to Communities (E2C)

The Energy to Communities (E2C) program provides innovative, cross-cutting technical analysis to support community-level efforts to secure abundant, reliable, and affordable energy systems. E2C provides three pathways for assistance: in-depth partnerships, peer-learning cohorts, and expert match. E2C is managed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory with support from Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Advanced Transmission Technologies – GETs and HPCs Session 2: Advanced Power Flow Control and Transmission Topology Optimization

The INL TADA GETs Cohort Session 2, held on November 7, 2025, conducted in collaboration with ScottMadden, focused on two core Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs): Advanced Power Flow Control (APFC) and Transmission Topology Optimization (TTO). These technologies are pivotal in enhancing grid flexibility, reliability, and cybersecurity resilience. APFC, particularly through modular FACTS devices like Modular Static Synchronous Series Compensators (M-SSSCs), enables dynamic voltage injection to reroute power flows. The session highlighted the deployment benefits of APFC, such as rapid installation, minimal civil works, and re-deployability. Regulatory drivers like FERC Order 2023 mandate the inclusion of Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs) in interconnection studies. Case studies from Central Hudson, CAISO, and National Grid (UK) demonstrated APFC’s effectiveness in congestion relief and cost savings. The session also addressed cybersecurity concerns, including firmware vulnerabilities, SCADA integration risks, and supply chain dependencies. Participants engaged in interactive exercises to rank cybersecurity and supply chain risks, emphasizing the need for robust digital assurance strategies. TTO involves software-based reconfiguration of transmission networks to optimize power flow without new infrastructure. The session showcased its operational value, with examples from SPP, PJM, and MISO showing significant congestion cost reductions. Cybersecurity vulnerabilities were discussed, particularly in API security and software supply chains, referencing incidents like SolarWinds and attacks on Danish utilities. Digital assurance exercises explored worst-case scenarios, attack paths, and mitigation responsibilities between vendors and utilities. Reliability challenges such as algorithm stability, vendor dependency, and operator trust were also examined. Cross-cutting themes emphasized the importance of digital assurance tools, including Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) and hardware-in-loop testing. Human performance, training, and operational confidence were identified as critical enablers of technology adoption. The session concluded with a preview of Session 3, which will focus on High Performance Conductors (HPCs) and risk-based cybersecurity tools. Session 2 of 3.

24 - POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
NASA NTRS2017

Communications and Intelligent Systems Division Overview

Provides expertise, and plans, conducts and directs research and engineering development in the competency fields of advanced communications and intelligent systems technologies for applications in current and future aeronautics and space systems.Advances communication systems engineering, development and analysis needed for Glenn Research Center's leadership in communications and intelligent systems technology. Focus areas include advanced high frequency devices, components, and antennas; optical communications, health monitoring and instrumentation; digital signal processing for communications and navigation, and cognitive radios; network architectures, protocols, standards and network-based applications; intelligent controls, dynamics and diagnostics; and smart micro- and nano-sensors and harsh environment electronics. Research and discipline engineering allow for the creation of innovative concepts and designs for aerospace communication systems with reduced size and weight, increased functionality and intelligence. Performs proof-of-concept studies and analyses to assess the impact of the new technologies.

Intelligent Systems↗
NASA NTRS2016

Division Overview

This presentation provides an overview of the research and engineering in the competency fields of advanced communications and intelligent systems with emphasis on advanced technologies, architecture definition and system development for application in current and future aeronautics and space systems.

Cross-cutting Competencies↗