Award Data

Image processing methods have been studied and implemented for the vehicle classification over the past decades. The most dominant approach is the use of vehicle dimension, which requires complex processes of sensor calibration as the vehicle dimensions shown in the imagery are heavily dependent on the camera’s field of view. In general, video systems have physical disadvantages related to the ...

Transit Agency Information required for managing Service centers on resources and assets that need to be available to operate the transit service as designed. An opportunity exists to design an Integrated Framework providing Service delivery and Maintenance Management Information to quantify the reliability and availability of the assets. This framework will incorporate modeling of the asset inven ...

The Phase I program demonstrated the efficacy of real-time of ultrasonic recession measurements on low density TPS materials. Measurements on internal echoes established the feasibility of non-intrusive temperature measurements. In the Phase II program we will continue to improve, optimize, and extend the technology. Sensors with better elevated temperature performance will be developed and con ...

Proposed is a dual-mode sensor for use aboard unmanned aircraft for safe operation in the NAS that:1. Incorporates high resolution Millimeter Wave radar with high resolution Electro-Optical sensor.2. Achieves complete real time, full time spherical coverage around the UAS platform by employing two hemispherical dual mode sensors, one directed forward and one directed to the rear.[which exceeds the ...

NASA is leading a large-scale effort to conduct research, develop standards, and integrate technologies to facilitate the insertion of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). One area of development to support this effort is the adaptation of existing weather technologies for manned cockpits for use in UAS ground control stations (GCSs). However, the lack of a defi ...

Energid Technologies proposes a software tool to predict robotic mission performance and support supervision of robotic missions even when environments and situations are profoundly unknown. It transcends common Monte Carlo simulations by supporting input parameters for which probability distributions are not available. Stochastic optimization is combined with randomized simulation to bound statis ...

This program addresses the need for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) methods for quality assessment and defect evaluation of thermal protection systems (TPS), including permanently installed sensors for TPS condition, stress and temperature monitoring. Novel linear drive eddy current methods are proposed for NDE of carbon-based TPS materials, such as three dimensional woven fiber composites and f ...

Current NASA programs, such as Adaptable, Deployable Entry and Placement Technology (ADEPT) and Woven Thermal Protection Systems (WTPS) are looking to fill a gap in ablative TPS for future missions to Venus and Saturn, human missions beyond Lunar, and Mars Sample Return Missions. Both of these programs rely on the use of 3D woven carbon fiber preforms. Therefore, there is a need to be able to pr ...

Renewed interest in missions to explore other planets has created a need for higher performance thermal protection systems (TPS) capable of shielding spacecraft from the severe heating encountered during hypersonic flight through planetary atmospheres. Additional advances in the robustness, reliability, and survivability of single and dual heating exposures are desired while maintaining mass and ...

Based on the recent success of the Mars Exploration Program and the Mars Science Laboratory mission, NASA has a desire to expand on the technology developed under each effort in order to increase future mission capabilities, namely an increase in payload capacity for entry to Mars, Venus and other Outer-Planets. Such a goal requires an innovative solution to the vehicle's entry, decent and la ...