Award Data

HJ Science & Technology (HJS&T) and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) propose a highly integrated, programmable, and miniaturized microfluidic automation platform capable of running rapid and complex synthetic biology and bioengineering processes for engineering life supporting microbes in space exploration missions. Our approach combines the microfluidic automation technology of HJS&T ...

We propose to develop and demonstrate a new sensor platform for isotope and trace-gas analysis that is appropriate for future planetary missions. Among other applications, the technology can enable the collection of isotope ratio data in support of the search for evidence of life within the solar system. Current limitations to in-situ isotope measurements will be overcome by utilizing a capillar ...

In aircraft design, reducing structural weight is often a prime objective, while various constraints in multiple disciplines, such as structure, aerodynamics and aeroelasticity should be imposed on the aircraft. Therefore, engineers need optimization tools to incorporate the multidisciplinary constraints using appropriate fidelity during the early stages of concept design. Classic structural desi ...

ATA Engineering, Inc. proposes an STTR program to develop innovative tools and methods that will significantly improve the accuracy of random vibration response predictions for aerospace structures under critical inhomogeneous aeroacoustic loads. This will allow more accurate predictions of structural responses to be made, potentially reducing vehicle weight and cost and improving the reliability ...

As the carry and protective gear of the modern war fighter increases, the burden on the human body will necessarily increase. In our present TALOS MkIII project, we are developing lower body augmentation to preserve speed and agility while bearing this weight. Yet we cannot ignore the impact of this weight on the upper body: in this project we propose to develop an upper body exoskeleton with p ...

AdTech Photonics, in collaboration with the Center for Advanced Studies in Photonics Research (CASPR) at UMBC, is pleased to submit this Phase II proposal entitled “High-Performance, Radiation-Hard, 2-D, Near-Infrared, Avalanche Photodiode Arrays” in response to NASA STTR 2004 program solicitation topics: T4.01 Earth Science Sensors and Instruments and T4.02 Space Science Sensors and Instruments ...

Space exploration is a unique challenge with many difficulties in its implementation. With a goal of the return of man to the moon and travel to Mars, the stage has been set for the expansion of human knowledge beyond comprehension. Traveling to the moon and Mars, however, will require new and innovative technologies. Key to this will be system health management (SHM). For any given system of the ...

NextGen and Virginia Tech are developing a self-healing material for wire insulation using a class of ionomeric polymers. These ionomers exhibit self-healing properties as a function of the ionic content of the material. Previous work has focused on self-healing of puncture damage caused by projectiles, has shown that an airtight seal can be formed in real time seconds after the puncture has oc ...

Space Micro will extend our Phase I R&D to develop a family of miniature, active space radiation dosimeters/particle counters, with a focus on biological/manned dose levels. A single board design will support both manned level and space electronics level dosimetry needs. This is enabled by the density and features of commercial high density silicon semiconductor memory devices, coupled with innova ...

Recent success of an annular aerospike flight test by NASA Dryden has prompted keen interest in providing thrust vector capability to the annular aerospike nozzle (AAN). The AAN with a moveable spike for thrust vectoring and throttling could provide a more efficient alternative to traditional bell nozzles. Cal Poly, which has a thrust vector research facility, has teamed with Rolling Hills Resea ...