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At least 1,099 records · Page 61
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

VIPER: Pathfinding Lunar Resource Understanding

With the Artemis Program, NASA plans to return humans to the Moon to stay. To help support extended stays on the moon, use of local materials -so-called in-situ resources could be invaluable. Since the moon’s polar regions have confirmed the presence of volatiles, as revealed by LCROSS, LRO and other lunar missions, the next step is to understand the nature and distribution of those candidate resources and how they might be extracted. Recent studies have even indicated that if those volatiles are practically available for harvesting, they could be processed into propellants and human life-support resources, significantly aiding in sustaining humans on the Moon, and eventually and later to sup-port missions to Mars.

Daniel Andrews↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Bioreactor Development for CO2-Based In Situ Resource Utilization Manufacturing

Sustainable long-duration manned missions on both the Moon and Mars will require in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Carbon dioxide (CO2) has great potential as a harvestable resource, making up 95% of the atmosphere on Mars and being produced as respiratory waste in spacecraft and future planetary habitats. Through ISRU, biomanufacturing has the capability to produce a near limitless array of products from local space resources, which include pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, chemical feedstocks, and industrial enzymes. Here, a CO2-based ISRU recombinant protein bioreactor and associated biomanufacturing organisms were designed to produce a highly stable carbonic anhydrase (CA). Initial work characterized candidate organisms for growth on acetate and formic acid, carbon substrates that can be synthesized via electrochemical conversion of CO2. To improve growth on the CO2 producing substrate formic acid and for direct integration of ISRU CO2, a synthetic Calvin-Benson-Bassam cycle was designed for use in Cyberlindnera jadinii and Escherichia coli. Genetic modifications in E. coli will be facilitated by a tailored CRISPR/Cas9 and λ red recombineering two-vector system. For expression of CA, a blue light regulated T7 promoter was employed for dynamic and small molecule free induction. Efficient bioproduction through a fed-batch exponential feeding strategy was determined via mass balance calculations from ISRU substrates to biomass and CA yield. Flux balance analysis was used to model ISRU substrate metabolism and metabolic pathway engineering in candidate organisms under cultivation strategy conditions for both metabolism reconstruction and pathway design optimization. Finally, a small-scale, disposable bag bioreactor concept for use in the NASA Bioculture System infrastructure was designed to enable CO2-based CA production in reduced-gravity environments.

Biomanufacturing, Pathway Engineering, Flux Balanc↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Bioreactor Development for CO2-Based In Situ Resource Utilization Manufacturing

Sustainable long-duration manned missions on both the Moon and Mars will require in situ resource utilization (ISRU). Carbon dioxide (CO2) has great potential as a harvestable resource, making up 95% of the atmosphere on Mars and being produced as respiratory waste in spacecraft and future planetary habitats. Through ISRU, biomanufacturing has the capability to produce a near limitless array of products from local space resources. Here, a CO2-based ISRU recombinant protein producing bioreactor and associated biomanufacturing organisms were designed to produce a highly stable carbonic anhydrase (CA). Candidate organisms were selected by growth characterization on acetate and formic acid, carbon substrates that are synthesized via electrochemical conversion of CO2. To improve growth on the CO2 producing substrate formic acid and for direct integration of ISRU CO2, a synthetic Calvin-Benson-Bassam cycle was designed for use in Escherichia coli. Multiplex genetic modification in E. coli was facilitated by a tailored CRISPR/Cas9 and λ red recombineering two-vector system. For expression of CA, a blue light regulated T7 promoter was employed for dynamic and small molecule free induction. Efficient bioproduction through a fed-batch exponential feeding strategy was determined via mass balance analysis from ISRU substrates to biomass and CA yield. Flux balance analysis was used to model ISRU substrate metabolism and metabolic pathway engineering in candidate organisms under cultivation strategy conditions for both metabolism reconstruction and pathway design optimization. Finally, a small-scale, disposable bag bioreactor for use in the NASA Bioculture System infrastructure was designed to enable CO2-based CA biomanufacturing in reduced-gravity environments.

biomanufacturing↗
NASA NTRS1996

Evaluation of the Cassini Resource Exchange

The Cassini Resource Exchange was developed to assist the Cassini Science Instrumenmt Manager with the management of the spacecraft's science payload. This system, unlike previous develpment approaches, allocated the entire mass, power, data rate, and budget resources for the science instruments to the Principal Investigators. The result removed the Cassini Project from solving instrument development issues. Problems that did occur were resolved through by the Principal Investigators themselves through the use of a resource exchange.

spacecraft↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Prototype Early Planetary Organic Processor Assembly (OPA) Based on Dual-Stage Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) for Fecal and Food Waste Treatment and Resource Recovery

Long-duration, deep-space exploration and habitation missions demand robust and reliable technologies to ensure crew health, safety, and mission success. Local food production will be essential for crew nutrition and morale. However, at $10,000/lb, the payload costs and mass/volume limitations to transport and provide the necessary resources, including fertilizer, for an anticipated 30-month mission become challenging over time. For mission success and sustainability, the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) of the near future will need to recover resources from all “waste” sources and be near-closed loop. Organic wastes (e.g., fecal and food) offer a renewable source of C, N, P, water and other trace elements necessary to sustain crop production. However, these high solidwastes are often difficult to treatdue to factors includingheterogeneity, complexity, high organic strength, and the presence of pathogens. To date, there is no flight-ready technology capable of treating mixed organic wastes, creating a technology gap for future space missions. To address this need, a prototype Organic Processor Assembly (OPA) was developed through collaboration between the University of South Florida (USF) and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). The OPA is based on the anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR), a hybrid technology coupling high-rate anaerobic digestion with membrane filtration. The system is designed for an early planetary base (EPB) scenario to aid in closing the resource recovery loop and decreaseresupply dependence. This presentation discusses initial research pertaining to: 1) design challenges in maximizing hydraulic/organic throughputandReliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety(RAMS)while minimizingmass and volume; 2) create capabilities for treating simulated high solids waste under steady and non-steady state conditions; and 3) measuresolids performance parameter(s). Future research and development pertaining to further optimization on system operation, performance, and expanded treatment capabilities arepresented.

Bioreactor↗
NASA NTRS2021

Trees Outside Forests are an Underestimated Resource in a Country with Low Forest Cover

Trees outside forests (TOF) are an underrepresented resource in forest poor nations. As a result of their frequent omission from national forest resource assessments and a lack of readily available very-high-resolution remotely sensed imagery, TOF status and characterization has until now, been unknown. Here, we assess the capacity of openly available 10 m ESA Sentinel constellation satellite imagery for mapping TOF extent at the national level in Bangladesh. In addition, we estimate canopy height for TOF using a TanDEM-X DEM. We map 2,233,578 ha of TOF in Bangladesh with a mean canopy height of 7.3 m. We map 31 and 53% more TOF than existing estimates of TOF and forest, respectively. We find TOF in Bangladesh is nationally fragmented as a consequence of agricultural activity, yet is capable of maintaining connectedness between remaining stands. Now, TOF accounting is feasible at the national scale using readily available datasets, enabling the mainstream inclusion of TOF in national forest resource assessments for other countries.

Nathan Thomas↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Investigating the Applications of In-Situ Resource Utilization for Future Crewed Mars Missions

Several advancements are necessary before humans can safely explore Mars. One emerging strategy is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU): the process of extracting raw materials found onsite and converting them into usable products to ensure a constant flow of vital resources and greatly reduce overall mission cost. Scientists must confirm the presence and accessibility of these resources for future crewed missions. Our team investigated the feasibility of ISRU in NE Syrtis, a region of Mars with varied geology, mineralogy, and hydrological history. NE Syrtis has abundant subsurface water and a diverse suite of mineral deposits including olivine, phyllosilicates, sulfates, and carbonates–all of which can be leveraged for fuel, medical supplies, and/or construction materials. We conceptualized a joint rover and helicopter expedition to analyze and sample these minerals over a two-year primary mission using Java Mission-planning and Analysis for Remote Sensing (JMARS), Planetary Data Systems (PDS), and Computer-Aided Design (CAD). We plotted a strategic traverse to regions of interest identified from remote sensing data and planned operations at each target. Our mission aimed to prepare for human presence on Mars by demonstrating the utility and viability of ISRU-focused operations.

Zahra M. Ronizi↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Root Cause Analysis of the Data Refinement Process – Medical Conditions Capability Resource Tables

The medical system for spaceflight thus far has been designed to support missions in low earth orbit (LEO). Crew capabilities are limited and heavily dependent on the team of medical support staff at Mission Control Center (MCC) to guide diagnosis and management. However, missions to the Moon and Mars will suffer from several constraints that will make this ground support focused approach to care ineffective. In order to update and modify medical system design, NASA has relied on Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) modeling to mitigate medical risk through trade space analysis. Specifically, capability resource tables (CRT’s) were developed to create a dataset of resources required to manage a list of accepted medical conditions significant in exploration spaceflight. With 120 conditions, this dataset contained hundreds of capabilities and thousands of resources with tens of thousands of cells of data. Initially these tables were built in excel for high throughput during development, but ultimately had to be transferred, managed, and modified into the Evidence Library database for modeling purposes. The process of collating and reviewing the Evidence Library revealed numerous errors in the dataset that had to be corrected through iterative changes. Several error types emerged during this process and can be broken into specific classifications defined as “input”, “transcription”, “structural”, “branching”, and “information”. In reviewing these error types through the root cause analysis (RCA) approach, we were able to identify the contributors to these errors which included single data review points, changing product end goals, limited software selection, time constraints and several others. By reviewing and evaluating the underlying causes we can provide possible system improvements that can be implemented for current and future data management in PRA model inputs.

A. Anderson↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Investigation of Intelligent Resource Management for Aviation Communications

The emergence of new aerial vehicles into the airspace as part of new initiatives, such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), will place growing demand for spectrum resources to support airspace operations. The traditional approach of using fixed channel allocations within standard service volumes will not allow for dynamic and efficient distribution of resources based on airspace demand; consequently, a new approach to aviation spectrum management will be required to meet the anticipated needs of airspace users. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is investigating the application of advanced concepts to implement a novel spectrum management approach that allows for the intelligent utilization of aviation spectrum throughout the airspace while maintaining the quality of service prescribed by aeronautical standards. This technical investigation evaluates the dynamic assignment of resources for both air-ground and air-air communication links applicable to both the emerging AAM initiative as well as the existing air traffic management system. The performance of the proposed spectrum management concepts will be evaluated using a custom modeling and simulation capability that is currently under development. The implementation of these approaches is anticipated to facilitate increased spectrum utilization efficiency and enhanced airspace capacity, which will better serve the needs of future applications.

Eric Knoblock↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Integrated In-Situ Resource Utilization Modeling of a Lunar Water Processing System

A key element of achieving a sustained surface presence, such as defined in NASA’s Artemis plan, is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU is the practice of using local resources to provide mission consumables that reduce system launch mass requirements, and regenerate resources (chiefly, water and oxygen) for propulsion and life support supporting both Lunar and Martian missions. ISRU systems require multiple complex processes, such as excavation, chemical reactors, and electrolysis subsystems that must operate in harmony to optimize the overall system process from beginning to end. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) connects individual subsystem models into a customized, flexible framework for the purpose of technology downselect, optimization, and end-to-end process planning. MATLAB was favorable to use as the main software integration tool due to its ability to communicate with a vast number of other programming languages and makes up the backbone of data flow between inputs and outputs to the subsystem models. MAIT initially evaluated a suite of technologies, including but not limited to, the water processing Lunar Auger Dryer for ISRU (LADI) system and an oxygen extraction carbothermal reduction process. With individual models consolidated, the MAIT tool generated over 60,000 cases during its parametric sweeps; these system iterations produced valuable insight into the optimal LADI geometry for minimizing heater energy demands, estimating carbothermal reactor and radiator mass relationships, and calculated the power dynamics of the electrolysis unit. Efforts to update the MAIT tool are ongoing to accommodate and scale ISRU technologies supporting the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) commercialization strategy, and increase the MAIT software capability to handle a wide array of ISRU system models beyond the Lunar environment, e.g. production of propellant for a Martian lander.

Avery Carlson↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Resource Utilization Modeling of a Lunar Water Processing System

A key element of achieving a sustained surface presence, such as defined in NASA’s Artemis plan, is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU is the practice of using local resources to provide mission consumables that reduce system launch mass requirements, and regenerate resources (chiefly, water and oxygen) for propulsion and life support supporting both Lunar and Martian missions. ISRU systems require multiple complex processes, such as excavation, chemical reactors, and electrolysis subsystems that must operate in harmony to optimize the overall system process from beginning to end. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) was previously developed with MATLAB in FY22 to connect individual subsystem models into a customized, flexible framework for the purpose of technology downselect, optimization, and end-to-end process planning. Beginning in FY24, MAIT was leveraged and evolved using MATLAB/Simulink due to its ability to communicate with a vast number of other programming languages and makes up the backbone of data flow between inputs and outputs to the subsystem models. MAIT initially evaluated a suite of ISRU-related technologies, including the water processing Lunar Auger Dryer for ISRU (LADI) system with integrated upstream excavation and downstream electrolysis subsystems. With individual models consolidated, the MAIT tool generated over 60,000 cases during its parametric sweeps; these system iterations produced valuable insight into the optimal LADI geometry for minimizing energy demands, estimating carbothermal reactor and radiator mass relationships, and calculated the power dynamics of the electrolysis unit. Advanced efforts with advanced models will include examining multiple production targets to demonstrate the ability to scale ISRU technologies supporting the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) commercialization strategy, and increase the MAIT software capability to handle a wide array of ISRU system models beyond the Lunar environment, e.g. production of propellant for a Martian lander.

Avery Carlson↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

System Engineering & Integration (SE&I) In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Modeling and Analysis (SIMA) Tool for Subsystem Integration into Full-Scale Architectures

In situ resource utilization (ISRU) is the practice of producing mission consumables from local lunar/planetary resources, thereby minimizing system launch mass requirements, mainly through the production of propellant fuel components and life support resources. Modeling full ISRU technology architectures significantly impacts the design and optimization of individual unit processes and facilitates their introduction into service with the Science Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) logistical planning and operation space. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) is a modeling framework that connects individual ISRU subsystem models for the purposes of technology down select, scaling & optimization, and end-to-end process planning. The development project team seeks to address specific STMD capability gaps by simulating ISRU systems in MAIT. The goal is to produce system architectures for the Moon and Mars that are linked to Key Performance Parameters (KPP) and environmental requirements. To that end, the framework is adaptive, flexible, and suitable for collaboration among government, private sector, and international entities. Our approach currently provides conventional outputs, such as mass, power, and volume, to analyze whole system trade spaces. However, the framework was designed to validate current breadboard subsystems, simulate future process design capacity, and allow flexibility to any external developer-driven subsystem model that is in a state of evolution.

SE&I↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Resource Utilization Modeling of a Lunar Water Processing System

A key element of achieving a sustained surface presence, such as defined in NASA’s Artemis plan, is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU is the practice of using local resources to provide mission consumables that reduce system launch mass requirements, and regenerate resources (chiefly, water and oxygen) for propulsion and life support supporting both Lunar and Martian missions. ISRU systems require multiple complex processes, such as excavation, chemical reactors, and electrolysis subsystems that must operate in harmony to optimize the overall system process from beginning to end. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) was previously developed with MATLAB in FY22 to connect individual subsystem models into a customized, flexible framework for the purpose of technology downselect, optimization, and end-to-end process planning. Beginning in FY24, MAIT was updated and became the capital program in the Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) ISRU Modeling and Analysis (SIMA) project. Prior work was leveraged and evolved using MATLAB/Simulink due to its ability to communicate with a vast number of other programming languages and makes up the backbone of data flow between inputs and outputs to the subsystem models. MAIT initially evaluated a suite of ISRU-related technologies, including the water processing Lunar Auger Dryer for ISRU (LADI) system with integrated upstream excavation and downstream electrolysis subsystems. With individual models consolidated, the MAIT tool generated over 5,000 cases during its first round of parametric sweeps on the water processing architecture at multiple production targets; the system analysis produced valuable insight into the optimal LADI geometry that minimized energy demands, estimated effects to cold trap size and radiator requirements, and calculated the power dynamics of the electrolysis unit and liquid oxygen storage volume. Additional efforts are being made to demonstrate the ability to scale ISRU technologies supporting the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) commercialization strategy and increase the MAIT software capability. Work is ongoing to handle a wide array of ISRU system models beyond the Lunar environment, e.g. production of propellant for a Martian lander.

Avery Carlson↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Resource Utilization Modeling of a Lunar Water Processing System

A key element of achieving a sustained surface presence, such as defined in NASA’s Artemis plan, is In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). ISRU is the practice of using local resources to provide mission consumables that reduce system launch mass requirements, and regenerate resources (chiefly, water and oxygen) for propulsion and life support supporting both Lunar and Martian missions. ISRU systems require multiple complex processes, such as excavation, chemical reactors, and electrolysis subsystems that must operate in harmony to optimize the overall system process from beginning to end. The Mission Analysis and Integration Tool (MAIT) was previously developed with MATLAB in FY22 to connect individual subsystem models into a customized, flexible framework for the purpose of technology downselect, optimization, and end-to-end process planning. Beginning in FY24, MAIT was updated and became the capital program in the Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) ISRU Modeling and Analysis (SIMA) project. Prior work was leveraged and evolved using MATLAB/Simulink due to its ability to communicate with a vast number of other programming languages and makes up the backbone of data flow between inputs and outputs to the subsystem models. MAIT initially evaluated a suite of ISRU-related technologies, including the water processing Lunar Auger Dryer for ISRU (LADI) system with integrated upstream excavation and downstream electrolysis subsystems. With individual models consolidated, the MAIT tool generated over 5,000 cases during its first round of parametric sweeps on the water processing architecture at multiple production targets; the system analysis produced valuable insight into the optimal LADI geometry that minimized energy demands, estimated effects to cold trap size and radiator requirements, and calculated the power dynamics of the electrolysis unit and liquid oxygen storage volume. Additional efforts are being made to demonstrate the ability to scale ISRU technologies supporting the Space Technology Mission Directorate’s (STMD) commercialization strategy and increase the MAIT software capability. Work is ongoing to handle a wide array of ISRU system models beyond the Lunar environment, e.g. production of propellant for a Martian lander.

Avery Carlson↗
NASA NTRS2024

Terrestrial Proving Ground Capabilities Needed for Lunar In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) & Construction Concepts of Operation

Incorporating any new technology or system into a human exploration mission or architecture requires development well in advance of the mission to eliminate technology, cost, and schedule risk concerns. It is often stated that technologies need to be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6, i.e. ‘system/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a relevant environment (ground or space)’, by Authority To Proceed (ATP) or by the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the mission at the latest. There are two game changing capabilities for sustained human exploration of space that can have a significant effect on the overall exploration architecture and the technologies and systems included in the architecture. The first game changing capability, known as In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), involves the search for, acquisition, and processing of resources on the Moon and Mars into mission consumables and usable products, and the second is the ability to utilize space resources in the construction of roads, structures, and surface infrastructure. ISRU and surface construction capabilities have the potential to greatly reduce the cost and risk of human exploration while enabling sustained lunar surface and commercial operations. However, ISRU and surface construction systems are complex and must operate in extremely harsh environments, with abrasive regolith and pervasive dust, for long-periods of time, with potentially limited opportunities for maintenance and repair by humans. The complexity of these capabilities and operations also means that there are a limited number of companies that can design, build, and operate end-to-end systems on their own. The majority of the technologies being developed for these systems are by small companies and at the component or subsystem level. With the overarching strategy of the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) to enable industry to implement ISRU and surface infrastructure for Artemis and space commercialization, it is therefore important to establish processes and capabilities to promote and foster collaborations among large and small companies involved in ISRU and surface infrastructure development. For ISRU and infrastructure systems and capabilities to be used in Artemis missions and future commercial lunar surface operations, a coordinated framework with virtual/physical integration and testing locations, or ‘Proving Grounds’, needs to be established and operated on a regular basis and open to all. This paper will discuss the ISRU and surface construction near and long-term concepts of operations, and review operations and lessons-learned from the previous ISRU analog field tests. From this information, requirements and capabilities will be proposed to support and enable the integration and testing of ISRU and construction systems with industry, academia, and international agencies, as well as what facilities and organizations could help establish these Proving Grounds.

ISRU↗
DOE OSTI2014

Electric power grid control using a market-based resource allocation system

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values.

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION↗
DOE OSTI2014

Using bi-directional communications in a market-based resource allocation system

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Using one-way communications in a market-based resource allocation system

Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for distributing a resource (such as electricity) using a resource allocation system. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of requests for electricity are received from a plurality of end-use consumers. The requests indicate a requested quantity of electricity and a consumer-requested index value indicative of a maximum price a respective end-use consumer will pay for the requested quantity of electricity. A plurality of offers for supplying electricity are received from a plurality of resource suppliers. The offers indicate an offered quantity of electricity and a supplier-requested index value indicative of a minimum price for which a respective supplier will produce the offered quantity of electricity. A dispatched index value is computed at which electricity is to be supplied based at least in part on the consumer-requested index values and the supplier-requested index values.

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY↗