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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 1,099 records · Page 61

Inertia of Ionospheric Conductance During Electron Precipitation Events in Pulsating Aurora and Polar Arcs

Using coupled SuperThermal Electron Transport (STET) and Super-thermal Proton Electron Atomic Hydrogen – tRansport in the Ionosphere and Thermosphere (SPEAH-RIT) codes, we demonstrate that temporal variability of ionospheric conductance is defined by several time scales: magnetospheric source time variations, starting time of electron precipitation, and termination of the corresponding source of magnetospheric origin. In this case, the time scales are defined by dissipation of energetic electrons and effective recombination processes. The results presented in this paper were applied in the regions of pulsating aurora and polar arcs, demonstrating the fact that ionospheric conductance requires some time to form and decay. These time delays constitute an effective “inertia” in the conductance calculation which is not accounted for in many global models which assume an instantaneous connection between precipitation and conductance. Ionospheric conductance inertia influences the temporal variation in ionospheric and magnetospheric electric fields, and as a result, impacts magnetospheric dynamics and ultimately reconfigures the electron precipitation.

Khazanov, George V↗

Differential Cross Sections for the Electron Impact Excitation of the A(sup 3)(Sigma)(sub u)(sup +), B(sup 3)Pi(sub g), W(sup 3)(Delta)(sub u), B'(sup 3)(Sigma)(sub u)(sup -), a'(sup 1)Sigma(sub u)(sup -), a(sup 1)Pi(sub g), w(sup 1)Delta(sub u), and C(sup 3)Pi(sub u) States of N(sub 2)

Measurements of differential cross sections for the electron-impact excitation of molecular nitrogen from the ground X(sup 1)(Sigma)(sub g)(sup +)(v''=0)level to the A(sup 3)(Sigma)(sub u)(sup +)(v'), B(sup 3)Pi(sub g)(v'), W(sup 3)(Delta)(sub u)(v'),B'(sup 3)(Sigma)(sub u)(sup -)(v'), a(sup 1)(Pi)(sub g)(v'), w(sup 1)(Delta)(sub u)(v'), and C(sup 3)(Pi)(sub u)(v') levels are presented. The data are obtained at the incident energies of 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 30, 50, and 100 eV over the angular range of 5(deg)-130(deg) in 5(deg) intervals. The individual electronic state excitation differential cross sections are obtained by unfolding electron energy-loss spectra of molecular nitrogen using available semiempirical Frank-Condon factors. The data are compared to previous measurements and to available theory. We also make several important suggestions regarding future work that, like the present, relies on the unfolding of electron energy-loss spectra for obtaining differential cross sections.

electron impact↗

NASA Past, Present, and Future: The Use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Electronics in Space

NASA has a long history of using commercial grade electronics in space. In this presentation we will provide a brief history of NASA's trends and approaches to commercial grade electronics focusing on processing and memory systems. This will include providing summary information on the space hazards to electronics as well as NASA mission trade space. We will also discuss developing recommendations for risk management approaches to Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) parts usage in space. Two examples will be provided focusing on a near-earth Polar-orbiting spacecraft as well as a mission to Mars. The final portion will discuss emerging trends impacting usage.

Commercial off the Shelf (COTS); Electronic and El↗

NASA Past, Present, and Future: The Use of Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Electronics in Space

NASA has a long history of using commercial grade electronics in space. In this presentation we will provide a brief history of NASA's trends and approaches to commercial grade electronics focusing on processing and memory systems. This will include providing summary information on the space hazards to electronics as well as NASA mission trade space. We will also discuss developing recommendations for risk management approaches to Electrical, Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) parts usage in space. Two examples will be provided focusing on a near-earth Polar-orbiting spacecraft as well as a mission to Mars. The final portion will discuss emerging trends impacting usage.

Electronic and Electromechanical (EEE) parts↗

ELECTRON TEMPERATURES IN THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE

Energy loss processes for fast electrons, electron heating efficiency, heat input to the electron gas, effect of thermal coupling, and electron thermal conductivity above the f2 peak

F- 2 LAYER↗

5' modification of duplex DNA with a ruthenium electron donor-acceptor pair using solid-phase DNA synthesis

Incorporation of metalated nucleosides into DNA through covalent modification is crucial to measurement of thermal electron-transfer rates and the dependence of these rates with structure, distance, and position. Here, we report the first synthesis of an electron donor-acceptor pair of 5' metallonucleosides and their subsequent incorporation into oligonucleotides using solid-phase DNA synthesis techniques. Large-scale syntheses of metal-containing oligonucleotides are achieved using 5' modified phosporamidites containing [Ru(acac)(2)(IMPy)](2+) (acac is acetylacetonato; IMPy is 2'-iminomethylpyridyl-2'-deoxyuridine) (3) and [Ru(bpy)(2)(IMPy)](2+) (bpy is 2,2'-bipyridine; IMPy is 2'-iminomethylpyridyl-2'-deoxyuridine) (4). Duplexes formed with the metal-containing oligonucleotides exhibit thermal stability comparable to the corresponding unmetalated duplexes (T(m) of modified duplex = 49 degrees C vs T(m) of unmodified duplex = 47 degrees C). Electrochemical (3, E(1/2) = -0.04 V vs NHE; 4, E(1/2) = 1.12 V vs NHE), absorption (3, lambda(max) = 568, 369 nm; 4, lambda(max) = 480 nm), and emission (4, lambda(max) = 720 nm, tau = 55 ns, Phi = 1.2 x 10(-)(4)) data for the ruthenium-modified nucleosides and oligonucleotides indicate that incorporation into an oligonucleotide does not perturb the electronic properties of the ruthenium complex or the DNA significantly. In addition, the absence of any change in the emission properties upon metalated duplex formation suggests that the [Ru(bpy)(2)(IMPy)](2+)[Ru(acac)(2)(IMPy)](2+) pair will provide a valuable probe for DNA-mediated electron-transfer studies.

Non-NASA Center↗

Survival of bacterial isolates exposed to simulated Jovian trapped radiation belt electrons and solar wind protons

With missions to Jupiter, the spacecraft will be exposed for extended durations to solar wind radiation and the Jovian trapped radiation belt. This study is designed to determine the effect of these radiation environments on spacecraft bacterial isolates. The information can be used in the probability of contamination analysis for these missions. A bacterial subpopulation from Mariner Mars 1971 spacecraft (nine spore-forming and three non-spore-forming isolates) plus two comparative organisms, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 17917 and a strain of Bacillus subtilis var. niger, were exposed to 2, 12, and 25 MeV electrons at different doses with simultaneous exposure to a vacuum of 1.3 x 10(-4) N m-2 at 20 and -20 degrees C. The radioresistance of the subpopulation was dependent on the isolate, dose and energy of electrons. Temperature affected the radioresistance of only the spore-forming isolates. Survival data indicated that spores were reduced approximately 1 log/1500 J kg-1 (10 J kg-1=1 krad), while non-spore-forming isolates (micrococci) were reduced 1.5-2 logs/1500 J kg-1 with the exception of an apparent radioresistant isolate whose resistance approached that of the spores. The subpopulation was found to be less resistant to lower energy than to higher energy electrons. The bacterial isolates were exposed to 3 keV protons under the same conditions as the electrons with a total fluence of 1.5 x 10(13) p cm-2 and a dose rate of 8.6 x 10(9) p cm-2 s-1. The results showed that only 20% of S. epidermidis and 45% of B. subtilis populations survived exposure to the 3 keV protons, while the mean survival of the spacecraft subpopulation was 45% with a range from 31.8% (non-spore-former) to 64.8% (non-spore-former). No significant difference existed between spore-forming and non-spore-forming isolates.

Electrons↗

Electron Impact Excitation of Autoionizing Levels of Kr and Xe Between the (sup 2)P(sub 3/2) and (sup 2)P(sub 1/2) Ionic Limits

We have observed electrons ejected from autoionizing levels which lie between the (sup 2)P(sub 3/2) and (sup 2)P(sub 1/2) ionic limits for Kr and Xe. Kinetic energy spectra of the ejected electrons were obtained following electron impact excitation of the target gases by using time-of-flight spectroscopy in a crossed beam experiment. Spectral features which correspond to electrons ejected from both odd and even parity autoionizing levels have been identified.

autoionizing ejected electrons↗

Electron Excitation Cross Sections for the 2s(sup 2)2p(sup 3) (sup 4)S -> 2s(sup 2)2p(sup 3) (sup 2d) ->2s2p(sup 4) (sup 4p) (Resonance) Transitions in Oil

Experimental and theoretical excitation cross sections are reported for the first forbidden transition xxx and the first allowed (resonance) transition xxx in OII. Use is made of electron-energy loss and merged beams methods. The electron energy range covered is 3.33 eV (threshold) to 15 eV for the S->D transition, and 14.9 eV (threshold) to 40 eV for the S->P transition. Care was taken to assess and minimize the metastable fraction of the OII beam. An electron mirror was designed and tested to reflect inelastically back-scattered electrons into the forward direction to account for the full range of polar scattering angles. Comparisons are made between present experiments and 11-state R-Matrix calculations. Calculations are also presented for the xxx transition.

electron excitation↗

Electronics for Mars Exploration Rover and beyond

Mars exploration seeks to understand the potential for life elsewhere in the universe; characterize the present and past climate and climate processes; understand geological processes affecting Mars' interior, crust, and surface; and, develop the knowledge and technology necessary for eventual human exploration. The design of a Mars Exploration rover is discussed, in particular it electronic components. The avionics development activities for the subsystem and hardware functionality are outlined. The functions and interfaces of the Rover Electronics Module, Cruise Electronics Module, and Lander Electronics Module are highlighted.

avionics↗

A Physical Relationship Between Electron-Proton Temperature Equilibration and Mach Number in Fast Collisionless Shocks

The analysis of Balmer-dominated optical spectra from nonradiative (adiabatic) SNRs has shown that the ratio of the electron to proton temperature at the blast wave is close to unity at v(s) approximate or smaller than 400 km s(-1) but declines sharply down to the minimum value of m(e) /m(p) dictated by the jump conditions at shock speeds exceeding 2000 km s(-1). We propose a physical model for the heating of electrons and ions in non-cosmic-ray-dominated, strong shocks (v(s) 400 km s(-1)) wherein the electrons are heated by lower hybrid waves immediately ahead of the shock front. These waves arise naturally from the cosmic ray pressure gradient upstream from the shock. Our model predicts a nearly constant level of electron heating over a wide range of shock speeds, producing a relationship (T(e)/T(p))sub 0 proportional to v(-2/s) (proportional to M(-2)) that is fully consistent with the observations.

SNR(ONRADIATIVE SUPERNOVA REMNANTS)↗

Challenges with Electrical, Electronics, and Electromechanical Parts for James Webb Space Telescope

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is the space-based observatory that will extend the knowledge gained by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Hubble focuses on optical and ultraviolet wavelengths while JWST focuses on the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, to see the earliest stars and galaxies that formed in the Universe and to look deep into nearby dust clouds to study the formation of stars and planets. JWST, which commenced creation in 1996, is scheduled to launch in 2018. It includes a suite of four instruments, the spacecraft bus, optical telescope element, Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM, the platform to hold the instruments), and a sunshield. The mass of JWST is approximately 6200 kg, including observatory, on-orbit consumables and launch vehicle adaptor. Many challenges were overcome while providing the electrical and electronic components for the Goddard Space Flight Center hardware builds. Other difficulties encountered included developing components to work at cryogenic temperatures, failures of electronic components during development and flight builds, Integration and Test electronic parts problems, and managing technical issues with international partners. This paper will present the context of JWST from a EEE (electrical, electronic, and electromechanical) perspective with examples of challenges and lessons learned throughout the design, development, and fabrication of JWST in cooperation with our associated partners including the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), Lockheed Martin and their respective associated partners. Technical challenges and lessons learned will be discussed.

EEE Parts↗

Advancing Small Satellite Electronics Heritage for Microfluidic Biological Experiments

DLR's Eu:CROPIS (Euglena and Combined Regenerative Organic-Food Production in Space) mission, launching in 2017, will carry multiple biological payloads into a sun-synchronous orbit, including NASA Ames' PowerCell experiment. PowerCell will attempt to characterize the viability of synthetic biology at micro-g, Lunar, and Martian gravity levels. PowerCell experiment requirements demand an electronic system similar to previous microfluidic biology payloads, but with an expanded feature set. As such, the system was based on PharmaSat (Diaz-Aguado et al. 2009), a previous successful biology payload from NASA Ames, and improved upon. Newer, more miniaturized electronics allow for greater capability with a lower part count and smaller size. Two identical PowerCell enclosures will fly. Each enclosure contains two separate and identical experiments with a 48-segment optical density measurement system, grow light system, microfluidic system for nutrient delivery and waste flushing, plus thermal control and environmental sensing/housekeeping including temperature, pressure, humidity, and acceleration. Electronics consist of a single Master PCB that interfaces to the spacecraft bus and regulates power and communication, plus LED, Detector, and Valve Manifold PCBs for each experiment. To facilitate ease of reuse on future missions, experiment electronics were designed to be compatible with a standard 3U small sat form factor and power bus, or to interface with a Master power/comm PCB for use in a larger satellite as in the case of PowerCell's flight on Eu:CROPIS.

biology↗

Evolution of Electronic Approval Request Procedures at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

At many major U.S. airports, a departure approval request, or 'APREQ,' establishes a later runway departure time for a flight, allowing it to absorb tactical delay on the ground. APREQ times are traditionally coordinated by a process known as 'call-for-release' whereby an airport surface traffic manager calls an airspace traffic manager on the telephone. This research examines new electronic APREQ coordination enabled by the NASA Airspace Technology Demonstration-2 system and compares it to the call-for-release method of coordination. During the initial deployment period, electronic APREQ coordination was used for more than half of eligible flights. A majority of electronic requests were approved in less than one minute on average. Data suggest that both the average tactical delay and compliance with the electronically coordinated departure times did not differ significantly from departure times coordinated using call-for-release.

APREQ↗

Evolution of Electronic Approval Request Procedures at Charlotte Douglas International Airport

A departure approval request, or APREQ, establishes a later runway departure time for a flight, allowing it to absorb tactical delay on the ground. APREQ times are traditionally coordinated by a process known as "call-for-release" whereby an airport surface traffic manager calls an airspace traffic manager on the telephone. This research examines new electronic APREQ coordination enabled by the NASA Airspace Technology Demonstration-2 system and compares it to the traditional call-for-release method of coordination. During the initial deployment period, electronic APREQ coordination was used for more than half of eligible flights. A majority of electronic requests were approved in less than one minute on average. Both the average tactical delay and compliance with the electronically coordinated departure times did not differ significantly from departure times coordinated using call-for-release.

APREQ↗

A Superconducting Hot Electron Bolometer Mixer for 530 GHz

This paper describes a superconducting hot electron bolometer mixer that uses diffusion rather than interactions with phonons as a cooling mechanism for the hot electrons. The bolometer is a 0.14 µm; wide niobium microbridge with a length less than 0.5 µm;. The submicron length ensures rapid diffusion of the hot electrons into contacting gold films. This mechanism is believed to be fast enough to allow mixer operation with intermediate frequencies of several GHz. An electron cooling time of 55 ps is inferred from DC resistance versus temperature measurements, indicating a roll-off frequency close to 3 GHz. Initial receiver measurements using a two-tuner waveguide mixer confirm heterodyne mixing at 532 GHz with an intermediate frequency of 1.4 GHz.

bolometer↗

Large Bandwidth and Low Noise in a Diffusion-Cooled Hot-Electron Bolometer Mixer

X Heterodyne measurements have been made at 533 GHz using a novel superconducting hot-electron bolometer in a waveguide mixer. The bolometer is a 0.3 ??ong niobium microbridge with T c =(approx. equal to)5K. The short length ensures that electron diffusion dominates over electron-phonon interactions as the electron cooling mechanism, which should allow heterodyne detection with intermediate frequencies (if{italics})) of several GHz. A Y-factor response of 1.15dB has been obtained at an if(italics) of 1.4 GHz with 77k and 295k loads, indicating a receiver noise temperature of 650 k DSB. The -3 dB rolloff in the if(italics) response occurs at 1.7 GHz.

Heterodyne↗

Variable Pressure - Scanning Electron Microscopy (VP-SEM)

Variable Pressure (or Environmental) Scanning Electron Microscopy (VP-SEM) combined with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) is one of the most powerful methods for characterizing the sub-micron topography and chemical composition of uncoated samples. Terrestrially, VP-SEM is extensively used to non-destructively study geologic and manufactured materials with high spatial resolution (tens of nanometers) and large depth-of-field. An SEM offers a geologist a first survey of microscopic mineral phases via secondary electron imaging (SEI), which provides a topographic look at a sample, as well as backscattered electron (BEI) imaging, which contrasts the phases present based on their geochemistry (atomic number). A VP-SEM utilizes a gas in the sample chamber as a charge dissipation and signal amplification method, allowing analysis of a sample without preparation in the form of a conductive coating. A miniaturized VP-SEM operating in-situ on a lander or rover would be able to use the CO2-rich Martian atmosphere (e.g., Nier et al., 1976; Williams 2016) as an imaging medium for this purpose. Adaptation of a VP-SEM for in-situ Mars surface studies will provide a new imaging capability (via SEI) that is at least an order of magnitude higher resolution than the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) on the Mars Science Laboratory (Williams et al., 2015), and equal to or better than the achieved resolution of the Atomic Force Microscope on the Phoenix Mars lander (Pike et al., 2011). In addition, the MVP-SEM is capable of BSI and simultaneous chemical analysis of the imaged region. In this sense, the MVP-SEM can be regarded as an instrument suite that will provide a new set of information not achievable by any other instrument. The Miniaturized Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscope (MVP-SEM) was designed, built, and benchtop tested by a team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Jacobs Space Exploration Group, Applied Physics Technologies, Inc. (AP-Tech), and Creare LLC, working with a team of technical and science collaborators. Benchtop testing was successful, proving concept feasibility. To date, the MVP-SEM has achieved an imaging resolution of <100 nm in the lab, and with continued optimization, even better performance (~50 nm resolution) is possible. Use in-situ on the lunar or other planetary surfaces would require some redesign to optimize instrument performance, but such an instrument would be equally useful.

Variable Pressure Scanning Electron Microscopy↗