Award Data

Viscosity and low temperature lubricant characteristics determine turbine engine starting capability, and lubricant motion with respect to the contact surfaces at low ambient temperature. Such low ambient temperatures influence the oil viscosity and also the variation of its curve shape versus the temperature. According to the aforementioned research method, the requirements for accuracy and rel ...

Ascent Solar Technologies (AST) proposes to take the next step in spacecraft solar array development, building upon previous development to make the definitive thin-film photovoltaic (TFPV) device for high-efficiency (> 20%) and high-specific power (greater than 2000 W/kg) when combined with lightweight and flexible substrates. AST will develop wide-bandgap cadmium selenide (CdSe) as a high-effic ...

We propose real time, compact hardware implementation and integration of sensors, algorithms, and processing hardware for extracting 3-D imagery and absolute range from visible and/or infrared (IR) images collected from small UAVs or situational awareness sensors. The proposed approach can be used for 3D structure reconstruction, scene interpretation, and 3D visualization. Sensor/ system will use ...

This proposal describes the development and fabrication of a step and stare mid-wave infrared (MWIR) imaging system. The system employs ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) optical shutters and a 3x3 array of lenses for imaging one of nine different look directions onto a focal plane array. Each image tile represents approximately a 6 degree by 6 degree field of view. By virtue of its architectur ...

ABSTRACT: A non-mechanical technique for steering the field of view of lidar sensors is being proposed. This coarse steering technique allows the field of view of active sensors to be moved in precise discrete steps. The ability to scan over ±20° in one dimension has been demonstrated. For Phase II, this capability will be extended to two dimensions and implemented as a compact package. Th ...

Design_Net Engineering is developing a modular, configurable network-resident data storage module called the Intelligent Data Store (IDS). The IDS was developed to serve as a stock component in an Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) depot, where it can be rapidly pulled from the shelf and placed on satellites conforming to the Space Plug and Play Avionics (SPA) standards. The IDS design incorpora ...

Developing a more efficient and capable decision support system for defensive counterspace can be accomplished in part by adopting autonomous operations approaches to the management of individual satellites platforms and allowing tactical satellites in a constellation to employ “cooperative autonomy” to collectively achieve expressed objectives. Threat detection, identification, and response i ...

This research work will culminate in an innovative Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) system design, operational software, a Plug and Play (PnP) Li Ion battery, and the radiation hardened components that support the new Space PnP Avionics (SPA) methodology for responsive spacecraft. The system will support a significant range of power requirements for satellites (100s of watts to over 10kW) ...

Information Dominance is the key metric in today’s battlefield. Reliance on data and management of data and the accuracy and integrity of that data are paramount to mission success. Metadata enables solutions to many problems of integrity of data. As the data becomes more distributed, virtual, and ubiquitous, current methods of centralized metadata and version control are not responsive to mi ...

This proposal is for the development of an ultrahigh energy density rechargeable lithium battery chemistry. A novel cathode material is chosen that when fully developed is expected to provide packaged batteries with specific energies of 400-500 Wh/kg. The new battery will have applications in soldier power, aircraft, high power weapons, and other military and commercial products The proposal ident ...