Algae-based biofuels are more expensive than both petroleum based fuels and biofuels derived from other forms of biomass. It is estimated that the processing of algae using current techniques can account for 50% or more of the cost of the biofuel. The cost competitiveness of biofuels derived from… More

NASA's Science Mission Directorate is currently considering various sample cache and return missions to the Moon, Mars and asteroids. These missions involve the use of a coring tool to produce rock and soil cores. The MEPAG committee recommends that core acquisition take place directly into an… More

Future sampling missions to the Moon, Mars and Asteroids will likely involve drilling and in-situ analysis from mobile robotic platforms in low gravity. Past sampling systems like the MER and MSL Rovers have used tool body preloading as their method of stabilization. This method puts high demands… More