Award Data

For propulsion related applications, materials must be able to demonstrate excellent ablation and oxidation resistance at temperature approaching 3500?C, adequate load bearing capabilities, non-catastrophic failure modes, and ability to withstand transient thermal shock. Advanced Ceramics Research, Inc. (ACR) has developed low cost, flexible-manufacturing processes for Zr & Hf-based carbon fiber r ...

This proposal addresses the design and development of dynamically controlled protein crystal growth payloads for Space Station application. The Space Station will afford the protein crystal growth community the unprecedented opportunity to grow crystals in a microgravity environment for extended periods of time and then retrieve them. This will add a new dimension to determining the structures of ...

The primary objective of this SBIR is to investigate a novel OMIR (OMnidirectional InfraRed) imaging sensor concept, which provides a low-cost solution to obtain video rate 360-degree IR images for situation awareness for the space/aerial and groundvehicles. In our Phase I effort, we have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of the OMIR concept. Specifically, our accomplishments include: (a ...

The primary objective of the SBIR effort proposed herein is to develop the hardware and software prototype of a novel high-resolution volumetric three-dimensional (3D) display system that is suitable for visualizing various types of 3D data collected by satellite sensors. The proposed volumetric 3D display technique has a 360 degree look-around group viewing capability and allows a group of viewer ...

To move beyond teleoperated control of robot manipulators for ISS assembly and maintenance applications, robot controllers that support interactive learning will be required. It is not possible for ground personnel to anticipate all scenarios in which robot assistants in space will be involved and pre-program their response. It will also be increasingly incumbent on the robot to ascertain the inte ...

The key innovation of this proposal is the use of Time Modulated Ultra-Wideband (TM-UWB) technology to develop a low cost radio system that allows both voice communication and tracking positions of fire fighters inside buildings. This radio has several characteristics which make it ideal for tracking multiple individuals without line-of-sight. During Phase I we have performed many tests, incl ...

The key innovation of this proposal is implementation of a Time Modulated Ultra-wideband (TM-UWB) radio to implement a bi-directional astronaut to spacecraft wireless link. Our innovation will also provide a real-time reading of the position of the astronaut, and with two small conformal antennas on the astronaut, it will provide the astronaut orientation and position in real-time. Within the last ...

In this proposal, Intelligent Automation, Incorporated (IAI) proposes an Automated Non-intrusive Health Monitoring tool for simultaneous component or structure degradation monitoring (trend analysis), fault detection, and diagnostics in ground systems. This prognostic technique, or health monitoring (HM) tool, can be combined with IAI's internetworking software to provide remote monitoring capabil ...

SiC based mirrors offer great potential for space-borne structures. Current support technology is limited due to poor fracture toughness of RBSiC. This proposal offers a novel, composite technology to produce near zero CTE structure exhibiting only 4 kg/m2 aerial density.

Ultra-light materials are enabling for producing space based optical components and support structures. Heretofore, innovative design using existing materials has been the approach to produce lightweight optical systems. Graphite fiber, because of its lightweight, reinforced composites have been a material of frequent choice to produce space based optical components. A novel and unique new approac ...