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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Overview of Results from the MISSE 9-15 Polymers and Composites Experiment 1-4 (PCE 1-4)

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) and other planetary orbits are subjected to harsh environmental conditions that can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation of susceptible materials threatening spacecraft performance and durability. To increase our understanding of space environmental effects on spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a series of experiments flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). Four Glenn experiments with 365 flight samples were flown on ISS’s MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). These experiments are the Polymers and Composites Experiment-1 (PCE-1) flown as part of the MISSE-9 mission, the PCE-2 flown as part of the MISSE-10 mission, the PCE-3 flown as part of the MISSE-12 and MISSE-15 missions, and the PCE-4 flown as part of the MISSE-13 mission. The PCE 1-4 flight samples were flown in either ram, wake, zenith or nadir flight orientations. The primary objectives of the PCE 1-4 experiments are to determine the LEO atomic oxygen (AO) erosion yield, Ey (volume loss per incident oxygen atom) and radiation durability of spacecraft polymers, composites and coatings. In addition, each experiment has a wide variety of materials with numerous sample objectives. This presentation provides an overview of the PCE 1-4 experiments, the numerous sample collaborators, the space environmental exposure of the flight samples, and an overview of the post-flight observations and results. The results include AO fluence and contamination analyses for each mission flight orientation, erosion data for the PCE 1-4 AO Ey samples, optical property data, and tensile results for the MISSE-9 and MISSE-13 tensile samples. In addition, an introduction of results from other unique samples such as indium tin oxide (ITO) coated thermal control samples, shape memory polymer composites, melanin based composites, and specialty coatings, will be provided.

Atomic oxygen↗
NASA NTRS2022

2022 Annual Report: Culture-Based Environmental Microbiology Monitoring of Crop-based Space Food Systems (Veggie Monitoring)

Crewmembers live and work in a closed environment that is monitored to ensure their health and safety. Quarterly monitoring of the microorganisms in the International Space Station (ISS) environment supports crew safety and contributes to a large set of environmental microbial data from the air, surface, and water samples that are collected. This study leverages quarterly operational Environmental Health System (EHS) sampling by collecting additional microbial samples from the surface of the station’s Veggie plant production system. Longer exploration missions may require spaceflight-based systems for growth of plants, and this investigation is expected to provide additional data to help establish requirements to protect these systems, plants, and crew, mitigating adverse microbial exposure.

Tanner Hamilton↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Continued Environmental Microbiology Monitoring of the International Space Station (ISS) Veggie Unit Used for In-Flight, Crop-Based Food Systems

Crewmembers live and work in a closed environment that is monitored to ensure their health and safety. To ensure occupants’ health and safety during their spaceflight residency, Environmental Health System (EHS) microbial samples including air, surface, and water, are collected, enumerated, and analyzed quarterly to monitor on-board system contamination and potential risks to crew health. Quarterly monitoring of the microorganisms in the ISS environment supports crew safety and contributes to a large set of microbial concentration and diversity data. Based upon data historically collected over the years, in-flight microbial requirements have been established to maintain the health and safety of the spacecraft environment. This study leverages quarterly operational Environmental Health System (EHS) sampling by collecting additional microbial samples from the surface of the station’s Veggie plant production system. Microbial surface samples collected from the Veggie plant production system will yield microbial concentration and diversity that can be compared and analyzed with nominal surface samples from the vehicle. The data collected in this study will aid in the development of requirements for spaceflight-based food production systems. Continued surface sampling of the internal and external surfaces of the Veggie locker, along with collaboration from both Johnson Space Center (JSC) & Kennedy Space Center (KSC) scientists studying the microbiome of the veggie-crop systems, will be implemented as part of the future development of crop-based food system requirements for the ISS and beyond. This presentation will include a review of the study procedures and evaluations of the current results.

Christian Mena↗
NASA NTRS2001

Integrating Public Perspectives in Sample Return Planning

Planning for extraterrestrial sample returns, whether from Mars or other solar system bodies, must be done in a way that integrates planetary protection concerns with the usual mission technical and scientific considerations. Understanding and addressing legitimate societal concerns about the possible risks of sample return will be a critical part of the public decision making process ahead. This paper presents the results of two studies, one with lay audiences, the other with expert microbiologists, designed to gather information, on attitudes and concerns about sample return risks and planetary protection. Focus group interviews with lay subjects, using generic information about Mars sample return and a preliminary environmental impact assessment, were designed to obtain an indication of how the factual content is perceived and understood by the public. A research survey of microbiologists gathered information on experts' views and attitudes about sample return, risk management approaches and space exploration risks. These findings, combined with earlier research results on risk perception, will be useful in identifying levels of concern and potential conflicts in understanding between experts and the public about sample return risks. The information will be helpful in guiding development of the environmental impact statement and also has applicability to proposals for sample return from other solar system bodies where scientific uncertainty about extraterrestrial life may persist at the time of mission planning.

Race, Margaret S.↗
NASA NTRS2024

Space Environmental Exposure of the MISSE 9-15 Polymers and Composites Experiment 1-4 (PCE 1-4)

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including radiation (cosmic rays, ultraviolet (UV), x-ray and charged particle radiation), micrometeoroids and orbital debris, temperature extremes, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen (AO). These environmental exposures can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation of susceptible materials threatening spacecraft performance and durability. To increase our understanding of effects such as AO erosion and radiation induced embrittlement of spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a series of experiments that were flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments have provided critical space environmental durability data such as AO erosion data of polymers and composites, and radiation induced mechanical property degradation of spacecraft insulation materials, after long term space exposure. Recently, four Glenn experiments with 365 flight samples were flown on ISS’s MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). These experiments are the Polymers and Composites Experiment-1 (PCE-1) flown as part of the MISSE-9 mission, the PCE-2 flown as part of the MISSE-10 mission, the PCE-3 flown as part of the MISSE-12 and MISSE-15 missions, and the PCE-4 flown as part of the MISSE-13 mission. This paper provides details on the space environment exposure of Glenn’s PCE 1-4 flight samples. Passive samples were flown in each flight orientation for post-flight AO fluence determination and on-orbit contamination analyses. Solar exposure estimates were computed by Aegis Aerospace, Inc. The environment exposure details include the total space vacuum duration, time on the MISSE-FF, the direct space exposure duration, the AO fluence and the computed mission Equivalent Sun Hours (ESH) solar exposure. Typical on-orbit temperatures are also provided along with a summary of analyses of PCE 1-4 contamination witness samples. Knowledge of the space environmental exposure of the PCE 1-4 flight samples is crucial for flight data interpretation.

Atomic oxygen↗
NASA NTRS2020

Culture-Based Environmental Microbiology Monitoring of Crop-Based Space Food Systems (veggie Monitoring)

Crewmembers live and work in a closed environment that is monitored to ensure their health and safety. Quarterly monitoring of the microorganisms in the International Space Station (ISS) environment supports crew safety and contributes to a large set of microbial concentration and diversity data from air, surfaces and water samples. This study leverages quarterly operational Environmental Health System (EHS) sampling by collecting additional microbial samples from the surface of the station’s Veggie plant production system. Longer exploration missions may require spaceflight-based systems for growth of plants, and this investigation is expected to provide additional data to help establish requirements to protect these systems, plants, and crew, mitigating adverse microbial exposure.

Hamilton, Tanner↗
NASA NTRS1998

Evaluation of Low Earth Orbit Environmental Effects on International Space Station Thermal Control Materials

Samples of International Space Station (ISS) thermal control coatings were exposed to simulated low Earth orbit (LEO) environmental conditions to determine effects on optical properties. In one test, samples of the white paint coating Z-93P were coated with outgassed products from Tefzel(R) (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) power cable insulation as-may occur on ISS. These samples were then exposed, along with an uncontaminated Z-93P witness sample, to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) radiation to determine solar absorptance degradation. The Z-93P samples coated with Tefzel(R) outgassing products experienced greater increases in solar absorptance than witness samples not coated with Tefzel(R) outgassing products. In another test, samples of second surface silvered Teflon(R) FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), SiO. (where x=2)-coated silvered Teflon(R) FEP, and Z-93P witness samples were exposed to the combined environments of atomic oxygen and VLTV radiation to determine optical properties changes due to these simulated ISS environmental effects. This test verified the durability of these materials in the absence of contaminants.

Dever, Joyce A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

A study of psychrophilic organisms isolated from the manufacture and assembly areas of spacecraft to be used in the Viking mission

The ability of psychrophilic microorganisms to grow in some of the environmental conditions suggested for Mars is studied with particular attention given to the effects of moisture and nutrients on growth. Results of growth with the slide culture technique are presented and indicate that this technique can be a rapid and sensitive technique for demonstration of microbial growth under various environmental conditions. Additional soil samples have been obtained from Cape Kennedy, and results of these assays at various low temperatures for psychrophilic populations are presented. The heat resistance of some of the psychrophilic sporeformers have been determined. Psychrophilic organisms were isolated from the teflon ribbons at Cape Kennedy and characterization of these was begun. In addition, heat survivors from the teflon ribbons are being investigated, and partial characterizations of these are presented.

Foster, T. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Investigation of discrete component chip mounting technology for hybrid microelectronic circuits

The use of polymer adhesives for high reliability microcircuit applications is a radical deviation from past practices in electronic packaging. Bonding studies were performed using two gold-filled conductive adhesives, 10/90 tin/lead solder and Indalloy no. 7 solder. Various types of discrete components were mounted on ceramic substrates using both thick-film and thin-film metallization. Electrical and mechanical testing were performed on the samples before and after environmental exposure to MIL-STD-883 screening tests.

Caruso, S. V.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Environmental charging of spacecraft-tests of thermal control materials for use on the global positioning system flight space vehicle. Part 2: Specimen 6 to 9

The NASA/USAF program on the Environmental Charging of Spacecraft Surfaces consists, in part, of experimental efforts directed toward evaluating the response of materials to the environmental charged particle flux. Samples of thermal blankets of the type to be used on the Global Positioning System Flight Space Vehicles were tested to determine their response to electron flux. The primary result observed was that no discharges were obtained with the quartz-fiber-fabric-covered multilayer insulation specimen. The taped aluminized polyester grounding system used on all specimens did not appear to grossly deteriorate with time; however, the specimens require specific external pressure to maintain constant grounding system resistance.

Stevens, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Environmental charging of spacecraft surfaces: Tests of thermal control materials for use on the global positioning system flight space vehicle. Part 1: Specimens 1 to 5

The NASA/USAF program on Environmental Charging of Spacecraft Surfaces consists of experimental efforts directed toward evaluating the response of materials to the environmental charged particle flux. Samples of thermal blankets and second surface mirrors of the type to be used on the Global Positioning System Flight Space Vehicle were tested to determine their response to electron flux. The primary result observed was that the ground connection of the metal layers of the blanket, as made by the baseline grounding technique using serrated washers and grommets, deteriorated with time at test. The discharges observed on the blankets were the glow type, not the 'lightning' strike observed on past specimens. Testing was performed at ambient laboratory temperatures.

Stevens, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Identification and dual adaptive control of a turbojet engine

The objective of this paper is to utilize the design methods of modern control theory to realize a dual-adaptive feedback control unit for a highly nonlinear single spool airbreathing turbojet engine. Using a very detailed and accurate simulation of the nonlinear engine as the data source, linear operating point models of unspecified dimension are identified. Feedback control laws are designed at each operating point for a prespecified set of sampling rates using sampled-data output regulator theory. The control system sampling rate is determined by an adaptive sampling algorithm in correspondence with turbojet engine performance. The result is a dual-adaptive control law that is functionally dependent upon the sampling rate selected and environmental operating conditions. Simulation transients demonstrate the utility of the dual-adaptive design to improve on-board computer utilization while maintaining acceptable levels of engine performance.

Merrill, W.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Identification and dual adaptive control of a turbojet engine

The objective of this paper is to utilize the design methods of modern control theory to realize a 'dual-adaptive' feedback control unit for a highly non-linear single spool airbreathing turbojet engine. Using a very detailed and accurate simulation of the non-linear engine as the data source, linear operating point models of unspecified dimension are identified. Feedback control laws are designed at each operating point for a prespecified set of sampling rates using sampled-data output regulator theory. The control system sampling rate is determined by an adaptive sampling algorithm in correspondence with turbojet engine performance. The result is a 'dual-adpative' control law that is functionally dependent upon the sampling rate selected and environmental operating conditions. Simulation transients demonstrate the utility of the dual-adaptive design to improve on-board computer utilization while maintaining acceptable levels of engine performance.

Merrill, W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

An alternate approach for low cost space cells

Silicon solar cells manufactured for the terrestrial market are examined as a potential low cost option for low earth orbit (LEO) space flight use. The results of simulated space environmental testing of representative samples are reported and discussed. It is shown that although the terrestrial cells are compatible with most space use requirements significant deficiencies still exist. Cell modifications are discussed which would enhance the space applicability of the various cells examined. In most cases these are expected to be of minimal cost impact. Concern for contact/interconnector designs capable of surviving 30,000 thermal cycles (corresponding to five years in LEO) however, needs to be resolved for the large area terrestrial devices.

Stella, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Status of robotic mission studies for the Space Exploration Initiative - 1991

Results of studies of robotic missions to the moon and Mars planned under the U.S. Space Exploration Initiative are summarized. First, an overall strategy for small robotic missions to accomplish the information gathering required by human missions is reviewed, and the principal robotic mission requirements are discussed. The discussion covers the following studies: the Lunar Observer, the Mars Environmental Survey mission, Mars Sample Return missions using microtechnology, and payloads.

Bourke, Roger D.↗