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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

NASA X-34 Technology in Motion

The X-34 technology development program is a joint industry/government project to develop, test, and operate a small, fully-reusable hypersonic flight vehicle. The objective is to demonstrate key technologies and operating concepts applicable to future reusable launch vehicles. Integrated in the vehicle are various systems to assure successful completion of mission objectives, including the Main Propulsion System (MPS). NASA-Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is responsible for developing the X-34's MPS including the design and complete build package for the propulsion system components. The X-34 will be powered by the Fastrac Engine, which is currently in design and development at NASA-MSFC. Fastrac is a single-stage main engine, which burns a mixture of liquid oxygen (LOX) and kerosene(RP-1). The interface between the MPS and Fastrac engine are critical for proper system operation and technologies applicable to future reusable launch vehicles. Deneb's IGRIP software package with the Dynamic analysis option provided a key tool for conducting studies critical to this interface as well as a mechanism to drive the design of the LOX and RP-1 feedlines. Kinematic models were created for the Fastrac Engine and the feedlines for various design concepts. Based on the kinematic simulation within Envision, design and joint limits were verified and system interference controlled. It was also critical to the program to evaluate the effect of dynamic loads visually, providing a verification tool for dynamic analysis and in some cases uncovering areas that had not been considered. Deneb's software put the X-34 technology in motion and has been a key factor in facilitating the strenuous design schedule.

Beech, Geoffrey↗

Space Commerce 1994 Forum: The 10th National Space Symposium. Proceedings report

The theme of the 10th National Space Symposium was 'New Windows of Opportunity'. These proceedings cover the following: Business Trends in High Tech Commercialization; How to Succeed in Space Technology Business -- Making Dollars and Sense; Obstacles and Opportunities to Success in Technology Commercialization NASA's Commercial Technology Mission -- a New Way of Doing Business: Policy and Practices; Field Center Practices; Practices in Action -- A New Way: Implementation and Business Opportunities; Space Commerce Review; Windows of Opportunity; the International Space Station; Space Support Forum; Spacelift Update; Competitive Launch Capabilities; Supporting Life on Planet Earth; National Security Space Issues; NASA in the Balance; Earth and Space Observations -- Did We Have Cousins on Mars?; NASA: A New Vision for Science; and Space Technology Hall of Fame.

Lipskin, Beth Ann↗

User Interface Technology Transfer to NASA's Virtual Wind Tunnel System

Funded by NASA grants for four years, the Brown Computer Graphics Group has developed novel 3D user interfaces for desktop and immersive scientific visualization applications. This past grant period supported the design and development of a software library, the 3D Widget Library, which supports the construction and run-time management of 3D widgets. The 3D Widget Library is a mechanism for transferring user interface technology from the Brown Graphics Group to the Virtual Wind Tunnel system at NASA Ames as well as the public domain.

vanDam, Andries↗

Examination of the costs, benefits and enery conservation aspects of the NASA aircraft fuel conservation technology program

The costs and benefits of the NASA Aircraft Fuel Conservation Technology Program are discussed. Consideration is given to a present worth analysis of the planned program expenditures, an examination of the fuel savings to be obtained by the year 2005 and the worth of this fuel savings relative to the investment required, a comparison of the program funding with that planned by other Federal agencies for energy conservation, an examination of the private industry aeronautical research and technology financial posture for the period FY 76 - FY 85, and an assessment of the potential impacts on air and noise pollution. To aid in this analysis, a computerized fleet mix forecasting model was developed. This model enables the estimation of fuel consumption and present worth of fuel expenditures for selected commerical aircraft fleet mix scenarios.

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The NASA automation and robotics technology program

The development and objectives of the NASA automation and robotics technology program are reviewed. The objectives of the program are to utilize AI and robotics to increase the probability of mission success; decrease the cost of ground control; and increase the capability and flexibility of space operations. There is a need for real-time computational capability; an effective man-machine interface; and techniques to validate automated systems. Current programs in the areas of sensing and perception, task planning and reasoning, control execution, operator interface, and system architecture and integration are described. Programs aimed at demonstrating the capabilities of telerobotics and system autonomy are discussed.

Holcomb, Lee B.↗

NASA space research and technology overview (ITP)

A series of viewgraphs summarizing NASA space research and technology is presented. Some of the specific topics covered include the organization and goals of the Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology, technology maturation strategy, integrated technology plan for the Civil Space Program, program selection and investment prioritization, and space technology benefits.

Reck, Gregory M.↗

Lunar Dust Mitigation Technology Development

NASA s plans for implementing the Vision for Space Exploration include returning to the moon as a stepping stone for further exploration of Mars, and beyond. Dust on the lunar surface has a ubiquitous presence which must be explicitly addressed during upcoming human lunar exploration missions. While the operational challenges attributable to dust during the Apollo missions did not prove critical, the comparatively long duration of impending missions presents a different challenge. Near term plans to revisit the moon places a primary emphasis on characterization and mitigation of lunar dust. Comprised of regolith particles ranging in size from tens of nanometers to microns, lunar dust is a manifestation of the complex interaction of the lunar soil with multiple mechanical, electrical, and gravitational effects. The environmental and anthropogenic factors effecting the perturbation, transport, and deposition of lunar dust must be studied in order to mitigate it s potentially harmful effects on exploration systems. This paper presents the current perspective and implementation of dust knowledge management and integration, and mitigation technology development activities within NASA s Exploration Technology Development Program. This work is presented within the context of the Constellation Program s Integrated Lunar Dust Management Strategy. The Lunar Dust Mitigation Technology Development project has been implemented within the ETDP. Project scope and plans will be presented, along with a a perspective on lessons learned from Apollo and forensics engineering studies of Apollo hardware. This paper further outlines the scientific basis for lunar dust behavior, it s characteristics and potential effects, and surveys several potential strategies for its control and mitigation both for lunar surface operations and within the working volumes of a lunar outpost.

Hyatt, Mark J.↗

Wearable Technology Development at NASA JSC

Final document is attached. I am going to be presenting at the Bluetooth World 2018 conference. I will be talking about my role as the lead of the Wearable Electronics and Application Research (WEAR) lab, the projects we have created using Bluetooth technology, and the future features of Bluetooth 5 that we are excited about.

Bautista, Justin↗

Profit opportunities for the chemical process industries

Papers given at a seminar designed to assist industry in the utilization of NASA-developed technology are presented. The topics include the following: the Technology Utilization program, NASA patent policy changes, transfer of Hysttl resin technology, nonflammable cellulosic materials development, nonflammable paper technology, circuit board laminates and construction, polymide resins and other polymers, and intumescent coatings.

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Innovative Technologies for Human Exploration: Opportunities for Partnerships and Leveraging Novel Technologies External to NASA

Human spaceflight organizations have ambitious goals for expanding human presence throughout the solar system. To meet these goals, spaceflight organizations have to overcome complex technical challenges for human missions to Mars, Near Earth Asteroids, and other distant celestial bodies. Resolving these challenges requires considerable resources and technological innovations, such as advancements in human health and countermeasures for space environments; self-sustaining habitats; advanced power and propulsion systems; and information technologies. Today, government space agencies seek cooperative endeavors to reduce cost burdens, improve human exploration capabilities, and foster knowledge sharing among human spaceflight organizations. This paper looks at potential opportunities for partnerships and spin-ins from economic sectors outside the space industry. It highlights innovative technologies and breakthrough concepts that could have significant impacts on space exploration and identifies organizations throughout the broader economy that specialize in these technologies.

Hay, Jason↗

NASA Accelerates SpaceCube Technology into Orbit

On May 11, 2009, STS-125 Space Shuttle Atlantis blasted off from Kennedy Space Center on a historic mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). In addition to sending up the hardware and tools required to repair the observatory, the servicing team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center also sent along a complex experimental payload called Relative Navigation Sensors (RNS). The main objective of the RNS payload was to provide real-time image tracking of HST during rendezvous and docking operations. RNS was a complete success, and was brought to life by four Xilinx FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) tightly packed into one integrated computer called SpaceCube. SpaceCube is a compact, reconfigurable, multiprocessor computing platform for space applications demanding extreme processing capabilities based on Xilinx Virtex 4 FX60 FPGAs. In a matter of months, the concept quickly went from the white board to a fully funded flight project. The 4-inch by 4-inch SpaceCube processor card was prototyped by a group of Goddard engineers using internal research funding. Once engineers were able to demonstrate the processing power of SpaceCube to NASA, HST management stood behind the product and invested in a flight qualified version, inserting it into the heart of the RNS system. With the determination of putting Xilinx into space, the team strengthened to a small army and delivered a fully functional, space qualified system to the mission.

Petrick, David↗

Organizing to Implement Technology in the NASA Science Organization

As part of a NASA reorganization to support the new Vision for Space Exploration, a number of space and Earth science activities were combined into a single organization. This merger provided an opportunity to review and revise technology development within the new entity. While this process has yet to be finalized, an overview . of some of the options and considerations is provided. Examples from one portion of the new entity, the Earth-Sun System Technology program, are used as illustrations.

Bauer, Robert↗

Lithium-ion Battery Demonstration for the 2007 NASA Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) Program

The NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) Electrochemistry Branch designed and produced five lithium-ion battery packs for demonstration in a portable life support system (PLSS) on spacesuit simulators. The experimental batteries incorporated advanced, NASA-developed electrolytes and included internal protection against over-current, over-discharge and over-temperature. The 500-gram batteries were designed to deliver a constant power of 38 watts over 103 minutes of discharge time (130 Wh/kg). Battery design details are described and field and laboratory test results are summarized.

Bennett, William↗

Research and Technology 1997

NASA Lewis Research Center is responsible for developing and transferring critical technologies that address national priorities in aeropropulsion and space applications in partnership with U.S. industries, universities, and Government institutions. As NASA s designated Lead Center for Aeropropulsion, our role is to develop, verify, and transfer aeropropulsion technologies to U.S. industry. As NASA s designated Center of Excellence in Turbomachinery, our role is to develop new and innovative turbomachinery technology to improve the reliability, performance, efficiency and affordability, capacity, and environmental compatibility of future aerospace vehicles. We also maintain a science and technology development role in aeropropulsion, communications, space power and onboard propulsion, and microgravity fluid physics and combustion. We are committed to enabling non-aerospace U.S. industries to benefit directly from the technologies developed through our programs to maximize the benefit to the Nation and the return on each taxpayer s investment. In addition, we are aggressively pursuing continuous improvement in our management and business practices and striving for diversity in our workforce as together we push the edge of technology in space and aeronautics. The Lewis Research Center is a unique facility located in an important geographical area, the southwest corner of Cleveland, Ohio. Situated on 350 acres of land adjacent to the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, Lewis comprises more than 140 buildings that include 24 major facilities and over 500 specialized research and test facilities. Additional facilities are located at Plum Brook Station, which is about 50 miles west of Cleveland. Over 3700 people staff Lewis, including civil service employees and support service contractors. Over half of them are scientists and engineers, who plan, conduct or oversee, and report on our research tasks and projects. They are assisted by technical specialists, skilled workers, and an administrative staff. Our end product is knowledge. This report is designed to help us make this knowledge fully available to potential users the aircraft engine industry, the energy industry, the automotive industry, the aerospace industry, and others. It is organized so that a broad cross section of the community can readily use it. Each article begins with a short introductory paragraph that should prove to be a valuable tool for the layperson. These articles summarize the progress made during the year in various technical areas and portray the technical and administrative support associated with Lewis technology programs. We hope that the information is useful to all. If additional information is desired, readers are encouraged to contact the researchers identified in the articles and to visit Lewis on the World Wide Web (http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/). This document is available on the World Wide Web (http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/RT).

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Technology Drives Exploration: How NASA Is Embracing Additive Manufacturing

NASA has over 60 years of technology development that enabled human space and space science exploration “for the benefit of all humankind”. This presentation will start with the overview of NASA’s organization structure; the roles NASA’s leadership plays as well as 10 regional centers’ focused areas and capabilities. It will also highlight NASA’s Mission Directorates –Science, Human, Aeronautics, and Technology. With the onset of the newer and still evolving procurement business model (NASA being a buyer, instead of maker), a question remains: which is the right framework under which NASA can best integrate the capabilities of commercial, international, and other US government entities into a coherent exploration strategy? Another critical consideration is identifying which critical technologies to invest in NASA and which capabilities are better suited for commercialization as NASA as a buyer. Additive Manufacturing (AM) is certainly changing the space industry and providing new opportunities to travel to low earth orbit and explore our universe. New design opportunities –not previously possible –for new high performance metal alloys, light-weighting, managing thermal, structural, and dynamic loads are being enabled by AM. This presentation will showcase the vast portfolio of NASA’s AM activities in the last 13 years; transportation from Earth to Destination, Habitat at Destination, Lander from Station to Surface, and Science mission spacecrafts. NASA’s technical excellence is being leveraged heavily in the AM and Commercial Space community through collaborative projects, partnership agreements, tech transfer program. Examples of challenges of AM implementation as well as opportunities will be discussed.

Alison Park↗

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.↗

Open Rotor Noise Prediction Methods at NASA Langley- A Technology Review

Open rotors are once again under consideration for propulsion of the future airliners because of their high efficiency. The noise generated by these propulsion systems must meet the stringent noise standards of today to reduce community impact. In this paper we review the open rotor noise prediction methods available at NASA Langley. We discuss three codes called ASSPIN (Advanced Subsonic-Supersonic Propeller Induced Noise), FW - Hpds (Ffowcs Williams-Hawkings with penetrable data surface) and the FSC (Fast Scattering Code). The first two codes are in the time domain and the third code is a frequency domain code. The capabilities of these codes and the input data requirements as well as the output data are presented. Plans for further improvements of these codes are discussed. In particular, a method based on equivalent sources is outlined to get rid of spurious signals in the FW - Hpds code.

Farassat, F.↗