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NASA NTRSDate not supplied

TPS and Entry Systems Technologies for Future Mars and Titan Exploration

During the past twenty years, NASA effectively erased earlier Mars mishaps with six successful missions to the Red Planet. These missions delivered one orbiter and five payloads to the surface. Those payloads included three rovers, Spirit (2004) which roamed 11 years, Opportunity (2004) which roamed nearly 15 years, and Curiosity (2012) which is in its ninth year, along with two landers, Phoenix (2008) and InSIGHT (2018). In July, the Mars 2020 mission will send another large rover, Perseverance, which will land in 2021. The InSIGHT mission even demonstrated the capability to send CubeSats along to help with communication back to the surface. NASA has demonstrated the capability to land a metric ton of vehicles plus science instruments on Mars and expects that the same technologies will be equally successful landing Dragonfly on Titan in the 2030’s. The thermal protection systems (TPS) used on the Mars missions are sufficiently developed and matured to continue furthering science on both Mars and Titan, assuming that the TPS materials are sustained by industry. The purpose of this white paper is to encourage further exploration and science on both Mars and Titan because we have the technologies to support them. In addition, we will look forward to human exploration of Mars and identify the improvements in TPS materials required to facilitate landing the larger payloads.

Thermal Protection Systems↗

NASA NTRS2019

Requirements Development and Management on the Psyche Project

In January 2017, Psyche was one of two mission concepts selected by NASA for flight as part of the 14th Discovery mission competition. The project has been staffing up and maturing the spacecraft, instrument and mission system baseline designs on the path towards a 2022 launch. During much of 2018, the Project has been executing the lifecycle stage called Phase B, “Preliminary Design and Technology Completion,” one key element of which is the development and management of requirements at various levels. In the case of the Psyche project, this process has been particularly unique for several reasons. The project utilizes a Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) Chassis from Space Systems Loral (SSL), a high volume manufacturer of commercial geostationary (GEO) telecom spacecraft based on the 1300 satellite bus. While SSL has an extensive, well-vetted set of requirements based on their very successful Earth-orbiting product line, translating that heritage to a deep space science mission required special care. In addition to the differences associated with the deep space environment and longer communication times, new interfaces had to be incorporated. While a substantial portion of the Flight System consists of the SEP Chassis, there were several new interfaces within various subsystems between SSL components and those provided by JPL and other contractors. Managing these interfaces through requirements at a relatively higher level than normally seen on internal or external builds proved challenging. Finally, the Psyche spacecraft plans to host the flight terminal of the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) technology demonstration, which is itself a separate project with its own requirements that must be flowed down and managed. This paper will present an overview of the requirement development and management process for the Psyche project. It will discuss in detail the various challenges summarized above, the methods and decisions chosen to address them, and evaluate their overall effectiveness at this stage in the project.

Elkins-Tanton, Linda T.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Rapid, Comprehensive, Mission Architecting at the Jet Propolusion Laboratory

One of the first multi-disciplinary optimization challenges a mission concept faces is finding an initial system level architecture that simultaneously satisfies the constraints of cost, the requirements of science, and the capabilities of engineering. Compounding this challenge, especially in the early formulation of an architecture, is communicating amongst all key stakeholders, in this multidimensional space of constraints and requirements, where the current architecture is not yet adequately defined, or if it is defined, where it is broken. Recently, a factor of two improvement in the speed of development of the engineering architecture, while also comprehensively considering scientific performance and cost, has been achieved through a single screen visualization dashboard (“S-Chart”), a cost allocation tool, segment level analogy databases and parametric relationships for segment technical capabilities and their technical (Size, Weight, Power, and Data) and financial (Cost) capabilities and/or accommodation requirements.

Nash, Alfred E.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Balloon Data Readout via Free-Space Optical Communications

Free-space optical communications is a mature technology, using eye-safe beams and small-terminals, that has the potential to increase balloon data readout rates by orders of magnitude. Large commercial memory buffers paired with incredibly high-rate bursted communications – 100 Gbps has already been demonstrated with higher rates possible with existing commercial technologies – could revolutionize how science missions are designed and run. We will give an overview of the technology, show some examples of how it could already be useful to missions, and propose next steps to make affordable and robust systems be available to the balloon community.

Don Boroson↗

NASA NTRS2020

CubeSat Array for Detection of RF Emissions from Exoplanets using Inter-Satellite Optical Communicators

We are presenting a CubeSat mission concept wherein a large number of small spacecraft furnished with Ultra-Long Wavelength (ULW) observation antennas is to be implemented to synthesize a large aperture for detecting ULW emissions from selected exoplanets. The CubeSat Array for the Detection of RF Emissions from Exoplanets (CADRE) concept involves the placement of a swarm arrangement of CubeSats into small amplitude Lissajous orbits around the Earth-Moon L2 point. In addition to the ULW receivers, each CADRE CubeSat will be furnished with a novel omnidirectional optical communicator which should allow data sharing at gigabit per second data rates. In this paper we discuss the science goals, potential architecture and key technical challenges of an eventual CADRE implementation. We present the estimated interferometer specifications needed to detect Exoplanet RF emissions, CubeSat orbits and formations as well as CubeSat design considerations. Special focus is placed on the design of the mission-enabling inter-CubeSat optical cross link which allows for fast sharing of the detected RF signals for subsequent correlation.

Bentum, Mark↗

NASA NTRS2006

ARPS Enabled Titan Rover Concept with Inflatable Wheels

The Decadal Survey identified Titan as one of the top priority science destinations in the large moons category, while NASA's proposed Design Reference Mission Set ranked a Titan in-situ explorer second, after a recommended Europa Geophysical Observer mission. This paper discusses a Titan rover concept, enabled by a single advanced Radioisotope Power System that could provide about 110We (BOL). The concept targets the smaller Flagship or potentially the New Frontiers mission class. This MSL class rover would traverse on four 1.5 m diameter inflatable wheels during its 3 years mission duration and would use as much design and flight heritage as possible to reduce mission cost. Direct to Earth communication would remove the need for a relay orbiter. Details on the strawman instrument payload, and rover subsystems are given for this science driven mission concept. In addition, power system trades between Advanced RTG, TPV, and Advanced Stirling and Brayton Radioisotope Power Systems (RPS) are outlined. While many possible approaches exist for Titan in-situ exploration, the Titan rover concept presented here could provide a scientifically interesting and programmatically affordable solution.

Radioisotope Power System (RPS)↗

NASA NTRS2018

Mega-Drivers to Inform NASA Space Technology Strategic Planning

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) has been developing a new Strategic Framework to guide investment prioritization and communication of STMD strategic goals to stakeholders. STMD’s analysis of global trends identified four overarching drivers which are anticipated to shape the needs of civilian space research for years to come. These Mega-Drivers form the foundation of the Strategic Framework. The Increasing Access Mega-Driver reflects the increase in the availability of launch options, more capable propulsion systems, access to planetary surfaces, and the introduction of new platforms to enable exploration, science, and commercial activities. Accelerating Pace of Discovery reflects the exploration of more remote and challenging destinations, drives increased demand for improved abilities to communicate and process large datasets. The Democratization of Space reflects the broadening participation in the space industry, from governments to private investors to citizens. Growing Utilization of Space reflects space market diversification and growth. This paper will further describe the observable trends that inform each of these Mega Drivers, as well as the interrelationships between them within STMD’s new Strategic Framework.

Grande, Melanie L.↗

NASA NTRS2018

Mega-Drivers to Inform NASA Space Technology Strategic Planning

Melanie L Grande↗

NASA NTRS2021

An Evaluation of the CAN bus for Use on the Europa Lander Motor Controller

This paper will present the application of the Controller Area Network (CAN) for communication between the Motor Control Processor and the Europa Lander Motor Control Cards. The Europa Lander mission is concerned about lowering the mass, volume, and power so that it can maximize its science return. The motor controller uses multiple Motor Control Cards to control the 24 motors that will be operating in the extremes of the Europa environment. The CAN bus was considered because of its multi-drop nature, low power interface, and simple communication protocol. Beyond communication with the motor controller cards we also use the CAN bus interface to gather telemetry from the Power Conversion Card. Our system requires the collection of telemetry at a rate of 64Hz from the Power Conversion Card and all active motor controllers along with the sending of control packets and the receipt of control parameters at 512 Hz. In the paper we will address the ability of the CAN bus to meet these requirements along with our Arduino based test system used to learn about the CAN bus standard and verify our analysis.

Lias, Malcolm↗

NASA NTRS1990

The ISES: A non-intrusive medium for in-space experiments in on-board information extraction

The Information Science Experiment System (ISES) represents a new approach in applying advanced systems technology and techniques to on-board information extraction in the space environment. Basically, what is proposed is a 'black box' attached to the spacecraft data bus or local area network. To the spacecraft the 'black box' appears to be just another payload requiring power, heat rejection, interfaces, adding weight, and requiring time on the data management and communication system. In reality, the 'black box' is a programmable computational resource which eavesdrops on the data network, taking and producing selectable, real-time science data back on the network. This paper will present a brief overview of the ISES Concept and will discuss issues related to applying the ISES to the polar platform and Space Station Freedom. Critical to the operation of ISES is the viability of a payload-like interface to the spacecraft data bus or local area network. Study results that address this question will be reviewed vis-a-vis the solar platform and the core space station. Also, initial results of processing science and other requirements for onboard, real-time information extraction will be presented with particular emphasis on the polar platform. Opportunities for a broader range of applications on the core space station will also be discussed.

Murray, Nicholas D.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Materials and devices for fundamental quantum science and quantum technologies

Technologies operating on the basis of quantum mechanical laws and resources such as phase coherence and entanglement are expected to revolutionize our future. Quantum technologies are often divided into four main pillars: computing, simulation, communication, and sensing & metrology. Moreover, a great deal of interest is currently also nucleating around energy-related quantum technologies. In this Perspective, we focus on advanced superconducting materials, van der Waals materials, and moiré quantum matter, summarizing recent exciting developments and highlighting a wealth of potential applications, ranging from high-energy experimental and theoretical physics to quantum materials science and energy storage.

Polini, Marco↗

NASA NTRS1991

Data compression: The end-to-end information systems perspective for NASA space science missions

The unique characteristics of compressed data have important implications to the design of space science data systems, science applications, and data compression techniques. The sequential nature or data dependence between each of the sample values within a block of compressed data introduces an error multiplication or propagation factor which compounds the effects of communication errors. The data communication characteristics of the onboard data acquisition, storage, and telecommunication channels may influence the size of the compressed blocks and the frequency of included re-initialization points. The organization of the compressed data are continually changing depending on the entropy of the input data. This also results in a variable output rate from the instrument which may require buffering to interface with the spacecraft data system. On the ground, there exist key tradeoff issues associated with the distribution and management of the science data products when data compression techniques are applied in order to alleviate the constraints imposed by ground communication bandwidth and data storage capacity.

Tai, Wallace↗

NASA NTRS2012

Methods for Improving Long-Range Wireless Communication Between Extreme Terrain Vehicles

Axel is an extreme terrain, two-wheeled rover designed to traverse rocky surface and sub-surface landscapes in order to conduct remote science experiments in hard-to-reach locations. The rover's design meets many requirements for a mobile research platform capable of reaching water seeps on Martian cliff sides. Axel was developed by the Mobility and Robotic Systems section at the Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Unique design criteria associated with extreme terrain mobility led to a unique rover solution, consisting of a central module, which provides long-term energy storage and space for large-scale science payloads, and two detachable Axels that can detach and explore extreme terrain locations that are inaccessible to conventional rovers. The envisioned mission could involve a four-wheeled configuration of Axel called 'DuAxel' that is able to traverse the benign, flattened terrain of a landing site and approach the edge of the targeted crater or cave where it would deploy anchoring legs and detach one of the Axel rovers [1]. A tether provides a secure link between the Axel rover and the central module, acting as an anchor to allow Axel to descend along steep crater walls to collect data from the scientifically relevant sites along the water seeps or crater ledges. After completing its scientific mission Axel would hoist itself up to the central module and dock autonomously (using its on-board stereo cameras), allowing the once-again recombined DuAxel to travel to another location to repeat data collection.

wireless communication↗

NASA NTRS2008

Lunar Communication Terminals for NASA Exploration Missions: Needs, Operations Concepts and Architectures

NASA is conducting architecture studies prior to deploying a series of short- and long-duration human and robotic missions for the exploration of the Moon and Mars under the Vision for Space Exploration Initiative. A key objective of these missions is to establish and expand, through a series of launches, a system of systems approach to exploration capabilities and science return. The systems identified were Crew Exploration Vehicles, crew and cargo launch vehicles, crew EVA suits, crew and cargo landers, habitats, mobility carriers, and small, pressurized rovers. Multiple space communication networks and systems, deployed over time, will support these space exploration systems of systems. Each deployment phase will support interoperability of components and provide 20 years of legacy systems. In this paper, we describe the modular lunar communications terminals needed for the emerging lunar mission operational scenarios. These lunar communication terminals require flexibility for use in stationary, integrated, and mobile environments. They will support links directly to Earth, to lunar relay satellites, to astronauts and to fixed and mobile lunar surface systems. The operating concepts and traffic models are presented for these terminals within variety of lunar scenarios. A preliminary architecture is outlined, providing for suitable long-duration operations in the harsh lunar environment.

Bhasin, Kul B.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Microgravity Science in Space Flight Gloveboxes

Microgravity science studies the influences of gravity on phenomena in fluids, materials processes, combustion, and human cell growth in the low acceleration environment of space flight. During the last decade, the accomplishment of the flight research in the field has evolved into an effective cooperation between the flight crew in the Shuttle and the ground-based investigator using real-time communication via voice and video links. This team structure has led to interactive operations in which the crew performs the experimentation while guided, as necessary, by the science investigator who formulated the investigation and who will subsequently interpret and analyze the data. One of the primary challenges to implementing this interactive research has been the necessity of structuring a means of handling fluids, gases, and hazardous materials in a manned laboratory that exhibits the novelty of weightlessness. Developing clever means of designing experiments in closed vessels is part of the solution- but the space flight requirement for one and two failure-tolerant containment systems leads to serious complications in the physical handling of sample materials. In response to the conflict between the clear advantage of human operation and judgment, versus the necessity to isolate the experiment from the crewmember and the spacecraft environment, the Microgravity Research Program has initiated a series of Gloveboxes in the various manned experiment carriers. These units provide a sealed containment vessel whose interior is under a negative pressure with respect to the ambient environment but is accessible to a crewmember through the glove ports.

Baugher, Charles↗

NASA NTRS2016

Enabling Science and Deep Space Exploration through Space Launch System (LSL) Secondary Payload Opportunities

For the first time in almost 40 years, a NASA human-rated launch vehicle has completed its Critical Design Review (CDR). By reaching this milestone, NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft are on the path to launch a new era of deep space exploration. NASA is making investments to expand science and exploration capability of the SLS by developing the capability to deploy small satellites during the trans-lunar phase of the mission trajectory. Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1), currently planned for launch no earlier than July 2018, will be the first mission to carry such payloads on the SLS. The EM-1 launch will include thirteen 6U Cubesat small satellites that will be deployed beyond low earth orbit. By providing an earth-escape trajectory, opportunities are created for advancement of small satellite subsystems, including deep space communications and in-space propulsion. This SLS capability also creates low-cost options for addressing existing Agency strategic knowledge gaps and affordable science missions. A new approach to payload integration and mission assurance is needed to ensure safety of the vehicle, while also maintaining reasonable costs for the small payload developer teams. SLS EM-1 will provide the framework and serve as a test flight, not only for vehicle systems, but also payload accommodations, ground processing, and on-orbit operations. Through developing the requirements and integration processes for EM-1, NASA is outlining the framework for the evolved configuration of secondary payloads on SLS Block upgrades. The lessons learned from the EM-1 mission will be applied to processes and products developed for future block upgrades. In the heavy-lift configuration of SLS, payload accommodations will increase for secondary opportunities including small satellites larger than the traditional Cubesat class payload. The payload mission concept of operations, proposed payload capacity of SLS, and the payload requirements for launch and deployment will be described to provide potential payload users an understanding of this unique exploration capability.

Singer, Jody↗

DOE OSTI2020

Wireless Sensor Modalities at a Nuclear Plant Site to Collect Vibration Data

One of the major contributors to the total operating costs of domestic nuclear fleet of reactors today is the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. These include labor-intense preventive maintenance programs involving manually-performed inspection, calibration, testing, and maintenance of plant assets at periodic frequency and time-based replacement of assets at periodic frequency, irrespective of their conditions. This has resulted in a labor-centric business model to achieve high capacity factors. To build an optimal maintenance program, it’s time to transition from this labor-centric business model to a technology-centric business model. Fortunately, there are technologies (advanced sensor, data analytics, and risk assessment methodologies) that will support this transition. The technology-centric business model will result in significant plant life extension and reduction of time-based maintenance activities. This will drive down O&M costs as labor is a rising cost and technology is a declining cost. This approach will lay the foundation for real-time condition assessment of plant assets, allowing condition-based maintenance to enhance plant safety, reliability, and economics of operation. The goal of this project is to address challenges in the area of digital monitoring, i.e., the application of advanced sensor technologies (particularly wireless sensor technologies) and science-based data analytic capabilities to advance online monitoring and predictive maintenance in nuclear plants to improve plant performance (efficiency gain and economic competitiveness). To achieve the project goal, in partnership with Exelon Generating Company (Exelon), researchers from Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are performing research and development (R&D) to demonstrate application of wireless sensors using the distributed antenna system and advanced data analytics to achieve predictive maintenance. In the report, wireless vibration sensors, vibration data and its indicator are described. The wireless vibration sensors presented in this report support three types of wireless communication, namely, Wi-Fi, cellular, and 900 MHz. These wireless vibration sensors are considered by partner plant site for installation on plant asset to enable online vibration monitoring to replace periodic measurements. These vibration data along with other plant process data will be utilized to develop diagnostic and prognostic models.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

NASA NTRS2019

Metric Tracking Services in the Era of Optical Communications

The Space Communications and Navigation program, at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is developing free-space optical communications technology to facilitate the next generation of space missions in near-Earth, Lunar, and planetary space. A discussion of optimetric observation performance and hardware-in-the-loop test results are presented. Simulation of orbit-determination for LEO and Lunar spacecraft relying on optimetric tracking extends raw observation accuracy to realizable orbit-determination performance. Potential science and operational applications are reviewed, along with NASA's approach for developing optimetric technology. Current investments in developing optimetric hardware and plans for NASA's future optical communications network define the path for a future operational optimetric capability in the 2020's and beyond.

optimetrics↗