Award Data

The proposed optical device is a fiber-based multi-channel switch to quickly switch a fiber-coupled laser among many possible output channels to create a fiber-based fixed-array laser transmitter for next-generation NASA lidar systems. The key innovation is the use of an arrangement of electro-optic prisms created in a nonlinear optical crystal through domain reversal to direct the laser into one ...

BRO will provide commercially available optics software that dependably calculates image plane irradiance to the precision required by TPF missions. Calculations will be compared to those predicted in the published literature. BRO will use the Gaussian Beam Decomposition Algorithm (GBDA), which works within fully 3D systems, simulates interferometers and deformable mirrors, includes polarization, ...

The SSC needs a hydrogen temperature sensor that can provide high accuracy, fast response and can be operated on a superheated hydrogen (SHH2) environment. This will help prepare the SSC testing facility to support the new NASA mission for US space exploration as proposed by the President in January 2004. Here, we propose to develop an innovative, non-intrusive temperature sensor based on Spontan ...

Diamond Data Systems (DDS) proposes the development of a new, advanced architecture, algorithms and software to support the end-to-end processing of LIDAR data to derive a Digital Elevation Model (DEM). Our approach is innovative in three ways. First, we propose a complete end-to-end system instead of a solution that addresses only a single step of the complex problem of accurately gathering, pr ...

It is proposed to develop compact and lightweight ceramic heat exchangers and chemical reactors suitable for high temperature processes. These devices will have micro-scale geometric features that would result in very high heat and mass transfer rates per unit volume and per unit frontal area. The process for fabrication of these devices is based on a novel micro-machining and joining technique ...

The proposed SBIR effort will employ a systems approach to develop motor/controller/screw element systems adequate for demanding launch thrust vector control and control surface actuator applications. This approach will utilize high bandwidth, high efficiency, redundant motor systems coupled with appropriately paired motor controls. The actuator system will consist of a high efficiency permanen ...

Many properties of intermetallic compounds (IMC's) would make them strong candidates for vehicle structures, tankage, secondary structures, and appendages for NASA exploration systems. This includes excellent specific strength, creep, and oxidation resistance. However, the lack of ductility in these IMC's generally does not allow these materials to meet the design requirements for those vehicle ...

The NASA vision of Space Exploration requires new approaches to radiation shielding. Both Spiral 2 and Spiral 3 concepts are extremely sensitive to weight reduction. Currently used thermal protection (TPS) and radiation shielding concepts are separate identities. As a result, the net weight of current TPS/radiation shielding concepts is very significant. In an effort to greatly reduce the mass ...

The hot structures for current space vehicles require an atmospheric entry thermal protection system. Reusable hot structures that can function without requiring any atmospheric entry thermal protection system for space vehicle would constitute a paradigm. A high temperature stable fiber reinforcement and a ceramic material that exhibits atmospheric entry thermal stability can be combined into a ...

Manned space exploration requires radiation protection, particularly since the impact of radiation on the health and safety of humans on extended missions is not known. The best material candidates are those with high hydrogen contents and low molecular weight, and thus polymers are excellent choices. However, their thermal stability and mechanical properties need to be improved. MER proposes to ...