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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 NTRS2010

Shifting the Inertial Navigation Paradigm with MEMS Technology

Why don t you use MEMS? is one of the most common questions posed to navigation systems engineers designing inertial navigation solutions in the modern era. The question stems from a general understanding that great strides have been made in terrestrial MEMS accelerometers and attitude rate sensors in terms of accuracy, mass, and power. Yet, when compared on a unit-to-unit basis, MEMS devices do not provide comparable performance (accuracy) to navigation grade sensors. This paper will propose a paradigm shift where the comparison in performance is between multiple MEMS devices and a single navigation grade sensor. The concept is that systematically, a sufficient number of MEMS sensors may mathematically provide comparable performance to a single navigation grade device and be competitive in terms power and mass allocations when viewed on a systems level. The implication is that both inertial navigation system design and fault detection, identification, and recovery could benefit from a system of MEMS devices in the same way that swarm sensing has benefited Earth observation and astronomy. A survey of the state of the art in inertial sensor accuracy scaled by mass and power will be provided to show the specific error in MEMS and navigation graded devices, a mathematical comparison of multi-unit to single-unit sensor errors will be developed, and preliminary applications to Constellation vehicles will be explored.

Crain, Timothy↗
NASA NTRS2010

Shifting the Intertial Navigation Paradigm with the MEMS Technology

"Why don't you use MEMS?" is of the most common questions posed to navigation systems engineers designing inertial navigation solutions in the modern era. The question stems from a general understanding that great strides have been made in terrestrial MEMS accelerometers and attitude rate sensors in terms of accuracy, mass, and power. Yet, when compared on a unit-to-unit basis, MEMS devices do not provide comparable performance (accuracy) to navigation grade sensors in several key metrics. This paper will propose a paradigm shift where the comparison in performance is between multiple MEMS devices and a single navigation grade sensor. The concept is that systematically, a sufficient number of MEMS sensors may mathematically provide comparable performance to a single navigation grade device and be competitive in terms power and mass allocations when viewed on a systems level. The implication is that both inertial navigation system design and fault detection, identification, and recovery could benefit from a system of MEMS devices in the same way that swarm sensing has benefited Earth observation and astronomy. A survey of the state of the art in inertial sensor accuracy scaled by mass and power will be provided to show the scaled error in MEMS and navigation graded devices, a mathematical comparison of multi-unit to single-unit sensor errors will be developed, and preliminary application to an Orion lunar skip atmospheric entry trajectory will be explored.

Crain, Timothy P., II↗
NASA NTRS2010

Changing the Safety and Mission Assurance (S and MA) Paradigm

This slide presentation reviews the change in the work and impact of the Safety and Mission Assurance directorate at Marshall Space Flight Center. It reviews the background and the reasons given for a strong Safety & Mission Assurance presence in all planning for space flight. This was pointed out by the Rogers Commission Report after the Space Challenger accident, by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB) and by a 2006 NASA Exploration Safety Study (NESS) Team. The overall objective of the work in this area was to improve and maintain S&MA expertise and skills. Training for this work was improved and the S&MA organization was reorganized. This has resulted in a paradigm shift for NASA's safety efforts, which is described. The presentation then reviews the impact of the new S&MA work in the Ares I design and development.

Malone, Roy W.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Rapid Turn Around BRIC-PDFU Payload: A New Paradigm for Spaceflight Experiments

In 2009, NASA's Fundamental Space Biology program provided an opportunity for investigators to propose for a quick-turn-around multi-user spaceflight experiment that focused on the model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. This was a passive payload with no on-orbit power or communications available. An NRA was rapidly written (8/09), released (NNH09ZTT004N; 9/09), proposals were received (11/09) and peer reviewed with 3 PI groups selected for flight (1/10): (1) A-L Paul, University of Florida, (2) E. Blancaflor, Noble Foundation, (3) J. Kiss, Miami University. The investigators flew Arabidopsis seeds or callus cultures of their choosing (plated onto 60 mm diameter Petri dishes containing agarsolidified media) on the STS-131 Space Shuttle mission (launched 4/5/10) and the resulting plant tissues returned to earth on 4/20/10. Each petri dish was placed inside its own Petri Dish Fixation Unit (PDFU), which was assembled and loaded with either formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde or RNAlater for crew-facilitated on-orbit fixation. Five PDFUs plus a temperature data logger were loaded into each of 8 BRIC-PDFUs (Biological Research In Canisters PDFU). All eight BRIC-PDFUs were loaded into a half tray along with actuator equipment that the crew used for the fixations. Pre-flight turn-over was 28 hours prior to launch. The BRIC-PDFU assemblies were removed from the orbiter and handed over to the investigator teams for processing 5-6 hours after landing. This payload demonstrated a rapid response turnaround for flying multiple peer-reviewed science investigations using previously flown hardware and minimal ISS-resources. The approach used reduced both hardware/certification and PI costs. The time waiting for a flight opportunity for the selected Pls was minimal. This new paradigm for spaceflight experiments may provide a model for future flight research opportunities. The ultimate goal is to fly as many investigators as rapidly as possible and reinvigorate the space biology community while obtaining high-quality, peer-reviewed science.

Levine, Howard G.↗
NASA NTRS2011

TAMU: Blueprint for A New Space Mission Operations System Paradigm

The Transferable, Adaptable, Modular and Upgradeable (TAMU) Flight Production Process (FPP) is a System of System (SOS) framework which cuts across multiple organizations and their associated facilities, that are, in the most general case, in geographically disperse locations, to develop the architecture and associated workflow processes of products for a broad range of flight projects. Further, TAMU FPP provides for the automatic execution and re-planning of the workflow processes as they become operational. This paper provides the blueprint for the TAMU FPP paradigm. This blueprint presents a complete, coherent technique, process and tool set that results in an infrastructure that can be used for full lifecycle design and decision making during the flight production process. Based on the many years of experience with the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) and the International Space Station (ISS), the currently cancelled Constellation Program which aimed on returning humans to the moon as a starting point, has been building a modern model-based Systems Engineering infrastructure to Re-engineer the FPP. This infrastructure uses a structured modeling and architecture development approach to optimize the system design thereby reducing the sustaining costs and increasing system efficiency, reliability, robustness and maintainability metrics. With the advent of the new vision for human space exploration, it is now necessary to further generalize this framework to take into consideration a broad range of missions and the participation of multiple organizations outside of the MOD; hence the Transferable, Adaptable, Modular and Upgradeable (TAMU) concept.

Ruszkowski, James T.↗
NASA NTRS2011

TAMU: A New Space Mission Operations Paradigm

The Transferable, Adaptable, Modular and Upgradeable (TAMU) Flight Production Process (FPP) is a model-centric System of System (SoS) framework which cuts across multiple organizations and their associated facilities, that are, in the most general case, in geographically diverse locations, to develop the architecture and associated workflow processes for a broad range of mission operations. Further, TAMU FPP envisions the simulation, automatic execution and re-planning of orchestrated workflow processes as they become operational. This paper provides the vision for the TAMU FPP paradigm. This includes a complete, coherent technique, process and tool set that result in an infrastructure that can be used for full lifecycle design and decision making during any flight production process. A flight production process is the process of developing all products that are necessary for flight.

Meshkat, Leila↗
NASA NTRS2014

Paradigms and Paradoxes: Dawn at Vesta

While confirming the popular paradigm of Vesta as the parent body of the HED meteorites, Dawn measurements have discovered many unexpected aspects of the vestan surface. First, an olivine layer was not found in the bottom of the large basin near the south pole of Vesta. In fact, while patches of olivine have been found in the north, it is rare on the surface. Secondly, while Vesta has little gravity and appears to have completely differentiated, it is not completely dry evidence for transient flows and pits resulting from devolatization have been found, implying a substantial amount of accessible water. Thirdly, transport of material to the surface of Vesta from elsewhere in the asteroid belt appears as dark material buried near the top of the crust to Vesta. This may have arrived in a single large impact and been spread around the surface and buried, later to be re-excavated. However, it is not certain that this is the only scenario possible for the source of this material. In short, Dawn's observations of Vesta have been both reassuring but unsettling at the same time.

Raymond, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Deep Space Atomic Clock: Ushering in a New Paradigm for Radio Navigation and Science

The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC) mission will demonstrate the on-orbit performance of a high-accuracy, high-stability miniaturized mercury ion atomic clock during a year-long experiment in Low Earth Orbit. DSAC's timing error requirement provides the frequency stability necessary to perform deep space navigation based solely on one-way radiometric tracking data. Compared to a two-way tracking paradigm, DSAC-enabled one-way tracking will benefit navigation and radio science by increasing the quantity and quality of tracking data. Additionally, DSAC also enables fully-autonomous onboard navigation useful for time-sensitive situations. The technology behind the mercury ion atomic clock and a DSAC mission overview are presented. Example deep space applications of DSAC, including navigation of a Mars orbiter and Europa flyby gravity science, highlight the benefits of DSAC-enabled one-way Doppler tracking.

atomic clock↗
NASA NTRS2014

LunarCubes: Application of the Cubesat Paradigm to Lunar Missions

We have evaluated the application of the CubeSat Paradigm for deep space exploration, often referred to as LunarCube. Over the course of this year, we conducted systems definition and design activities, with focus on enhanced guidance, navigation, and control as well as propulsion requirements for cislunar space operation, thermal requirements and communication as dominant drivers for long duration operation on the lunar surface. The end result is costeffective, generic design(s) for a cross-section of future high priority space or surface payloads for planetary, heliophysics, and astrophysics disciplines, the requirements for which are described.

Lunar↗
NASA NTRS2009

A Systems Approach to Lower Cost Missions: Following the Rideshare Paradigm

Small-satellite rideshare capabilities and opportunities for low-cost access to space have been evolving over the past 10 years. Small space launch vehicle technology is rapidly being developed and demonstrated, including the Minotaur series and the Space X Falcon, among others, along with the lower cost launch facilities at Alaska's Kodiak Launch Complex, NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, and the Reagan Test Site in the Pacific. Demonstrated capabilities for the launch of multiple payloads have increased (and continue to increase) significantly. This will allow more efficient and cost-effective use of the various launch opportunities, including utilizing the excess capacity of the emerging Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV)-based missions. The definition of standardized interfaces and processes, along with various user guides and payload implementation plans, has been developed and continues to be refined. Top-level agency policies for the support of low-cost access to space for small experimental payloads, such as the DoD policy structure on auxiliary payloads, have been defined and provide the basis for the continued refinement and implementation of these evolving technologies. Most importantly, the coordination and cooperative interfaces between the various stakeholders continues to evolve. The degree of this coordination and technical interchange is demonstrated by the wide stakeholder participation at the recent 2008 Small Payload Rideshare Workshop, held at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility. This annual workshop has been the major platform for coordination and technical interchange within the rideshare community and with the various sponsoring agencies. These developments have provided the foundation for a robust low-cost small payload rideshare capability. However, the continued evolution, sustainment, and utilization of these capabilities will require continued stakeholder recognition, support, and nourishing. Ongoing, coordinated effort, partnering, and support between stakeholders is essential to acquire the improved organizational processes and efficiencies required to meet the needs of the growing small payload community for low-cost access to space. Further, a mix of capabilities developed within the space community for Operationally Responsive Space, an international committee investigating space systems cross-compatibility, and an industry-based organization seeking small satellite "standardization" all work toward a new paradigm: sharing or leveraging resources amongst multiple users. The challenge: where are those users, and what is the best way to leverage them? What is leveraged-mass, power, cost-sharing? And how does one sort through these options? What policies may prevent the use of some options? Who are the "other users" that might share or leverage capabilities? This paper presents a systematic look at both the users and the launch options, and suggests a way forward.

access to space↗
NASA NTRS2016

CGRO/BATSE Data Support the New Paradigm For GRB Prompt Emission and the New L-i(nTh)-E-peak,i(nTh,rest) Relation

The paradigm for gamma-ray burst (GRB) prompt emission is changing. Since early in the Compton Gamma RayObservatory (CGRO) era, the empirical Band function has been considered a good description of the keV-MeV-gamma-ray prompt emission spectra despite the fact that its shape was very often inconsistent with the theoretical predictions, especially those expected in pure synchrotron emission scenarios. We have recently established a new observational model analyzing data of the NASA Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. In this model, GRB prompt emission would be a combination of three main emission components: (i) a thermal-like component that we have interpreted so far as emission from the jet photosphere, (ii) a non-thermal component that we have interpreted so far as either synchrotron radiation from the propagating and accelerated charged particles within the jet or reprocessed jet photospheric emission, and (iii) an additional non-thermal (cutoff) power law (PL) extending from low to high energies in gamma-rays and most likely of inverse Compton origin. In this article we reanalyze some of the bright GRBs, namely GRBs 941017, 970111, and 990123, observed with the Burst And Transient Source Experiment (BATSE) on board CGRO with the new model. We conclude that BATSE data for these three GRBs are fully consistent with the recent results obtained with Fermi: some bright BATSE GRBs exhibit three separate components during the prompt phase with similar spectral parameters as those reported from Fermi data. In addition, the analysis of the BATSE GRBs with the new prompt emission model results in a relation between the time-resolved energy flux of the non-thermal component, F(in)(Th), and its corresponding nuFnu spectral peak energy,Epeak,inTh (i.e., FinThEpeak,inTh ), which has a similar index when fitted to a PL as the one initially derived from Fermi data. For GRBs with known redshifts (z) this results in a possible universal relation between the luminosity of the non-thermal component, LinTh, and its corresponding nuFnu spectral peak energy in the rest frame, Epeak,iNT,rest (i.e.,LinThEpeak,iNT,rest). We estimated the redshifts of GRBs 941017 and 970111 using GRB 990123 with z = 1.61as a reference. The estimated redshift for GRB 941017 is typical for long GRBs and the estimated redshift for GRB970111 is right in the range of the expected values for this burst.

acceleration of particles – black hole physics â↗
NASA NTRS2016

Enhancing Application Performance Using Mini-Apps: Comparison of Hybrid Parallel Programming Paradigms

In this work, several mini-apps have been created to enhance a real-world application performance, namely the VULCAN code for complex flow analysis developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. These mini-apps explore hybrid parallel programming paradigms with Message Passing Interface (MPI) for distributed memory access and either Shared MPI (SMPI) or OpenMP for shared memory accesses. Performance testing shows that MPI+SMPI yields the best execution performance, while requiring the largest number of code changes. A maximum speedup of 23X was measured for MPI+SMPI, but only 10X was measured for MPI+OpenMP.

Lawson, Gary↗
NASA NTRS2017

Enhancing Application Performance Using Mini-Apps: Comparison of Hybrid Parallel Programming Paradigms

In many fields, real-world applications for High Performance Computing have already been developed. For these applications to stay up-to-date, new parallel strategies must be explored to yield the best performance; however, restructuring or modifying a real-world application may be daunting depending on the size of the code. In this case, a mini-app may be employed to quickly explore such options without modifying the entire code. In this work, several mini-apps have been created to enhance a real-world application performance, namely the VULCAN code for complex flow analysis developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. These mini-apps explore hybrid parallel programming paradigms with Message Passing Interface (MPI) for distributed memory access and either Shared MPI (SMPI) or OpenMP for shared memory accesses. Performance testing shows that MPI+SMPI yields the best execution performance, while requiring the largest number of code changes. A maximum speedup of 23 was measured for MPI+SMPI, but only 11 was measured for MPI+OpenMP.

Lawson, Gary↗
NASA NTRS2018

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Tires - A New Paradigm in Tire Performance

Tires for rover applications have had to deal with numerous challenges, risking mission failure and significantly increasing costs associated with missions. As a result, a new tire technology has been developed to overcome all of the limitations with the current approach. This presentation will highlight how this new technology has changed the paradigm for NASA's mission and will provide a glimpse at terrestrial applications where this technology may provide advantage.

Spring↗
NASA NTRS2020

Contributions of Antarctic Meteorites in Understanding the Inner Solar System: The Interplay of Samples and Paradigms

Antarctic meteorites number nearly 50,000 in world collections, and have provided significant contributions to our understanding of the Solar System. Collections include samples from the Moon, Mars, asteroid 4 Vesta, as well as dozens or even hundreds of other bodies from the asteroid belt or near Earth objects. This 50th anniversary of the Japanese Antarctic finds from Yamato Mountains offers a chance to reflect on the contributions to planetary science. Antarctic meteorites have provided fundamental constraints on Solar System science in three major roles: A) unique samples of bodies (Mars and Vesta), B) complementary samples of bodies (Moon, together with Apollo and Luna), and C) foundational samples that have expanded the variety of known and documented materials in our sample collections. These have all contributed to the ideas and paradigms that have influenced the understanding of our Solar System.

Righter, K.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Computer In The Loop: A Paradigm For Software Augmentation Of Terrestrial Medical Support In Asynchronous Communication Environments

As humans plan for missions beyond the reach of real-time communication supported by terrestrially-based crews (i.e., increasingly earth-independent spaceflight missions), we need to consider how to maximize this effectiveness despite asynchronous communication with Earth. Medical events – especially those involving the sparing of life, limb, or eyesight - often need to be acted on immediately, in real-time. Often the expertise necessary to successfully complete such action covers an enormous range of training that is unrealistic to expect from crews engaged in exploration spaceflight. Thus, the medical support paradigm for asynchronous environments must account for both the limitations and coordinate seamlessly among ground-based expertise, the need for real-time interventions, and the limited crew time and knowledge resources.

D R Levin↗