Award Data

GTL has been developing three transformational technologies that have the capability to disrupt the traditional launch vehicle paradigm. BHL composite cryotank technology provides a four times improvement over large Al-Li tanks, offering a 6 percentage point improvement in stage PMF. Superior Stability Engine is an innovative liquid rocket engine configured to maximize combustion stability margi ...

The objective of the proposed project is the development of technology for more efficient and effective human-computer supervision of complex systems. Systems that combine humans and automation in a synergistic or cooperative manner may be termed hybridsystems. Hybrid systems offer advantages over both purely automated systems and purely manual systems in many circumstances. However, future hybrid ...

We propose to demonstrate a fully automatic capability for generating a global, high resolution (30 m) land classification map, with continuous updates from satellite imagery and crowdsourced ground truth, and an annual publication cycle. The resulting map will be fully extensible, supporting many layers including Anderson type land cover categories, specific crop types in agricultural areas, and ...

The prevalence of off earth landing missions both proposed and undertaken has been steadily increasing. With the proposal of missions, not only to Mars, but also to comets, asteroids and outer planet moons, the ruggedness and robustness of equipment must meet the challenges of ever harsher environments. As a part of these missions, researchers wish to analyze the materials which make up the surfac ...

The full spectrum of military missions will demand broader leadership skills in officers. The skills required are based on vast amounts of tacit knowledge. A powerful new technology promises to significantly improve the way in which these leadershipskills are acquired and put into practice. The novel technology acts as a facilitator, knowledge resource, and evaluator in online discussion groups, ...

Important information lies at the processing resolution limits of current LiDAR systems. Subtle discontinuities such as runoff channels, fault lines, and ridges can reveal important local terrain modeling data as well as provide an indication of factors affecting small unit movement. Unpaved roads, trails, or wheel-ruts can provide critical information about preferred movement paths. Man-made f ...

When using autonomous systems in unknown environments, it will not be possible to anticipate all scenarios in which the devices will be involved and pre-program their response. It will be increasingly incumbent on the machines to ascertain the intent of the users and be able to learn from user actions to improve performance. Intelligent Automation Inc. (IAI) and the University of Pennsylvania (Pen ...

Plasma Controls will manufacture and test a set of ion optics for electric propulsion ion thrusters using additive manufacturing technology, also known as 3D printing. Additive manufacturing can potentially produce optics with novel or complex geometry that have better performance compared to those made traditionally, while also giving cost and mass savings.

The proposed innovation builds on the successes of the Phase I program by integrating our direct oxidation membrane electrode assembly (MEA) into a monolithic solid oxide fuel cell stack (SOFC) capable of long-term operation on methane or syngas. This innovation is significant because it will contribute to durable, cycle-able simple SOFC systems to meet the needs for NASA and commercial customers. ...

The effective use of a network centric collaborative force to autonomously deliver precise long range indirect fire weapons system demand low latency and stringent bandwidth requirements for decision making and engagement processes. This is furthercompounded by the extensive information processing capability that is required in the sensor-decider-shooter operation. Specifically, substantial capabi ...