Award Data

To address the need for thermal protection systems with reduced cost and reduced complexity, with continuity over large areas, thermoset resin nanocomposite materials that are compatible with additive-manufacturing process will be optimized for thermal shielding applications. Additive manufacturing offers significant possibilities for developing and fabricating a thermal protection system (TPS); a ...

For long duration space missions beyond LEO there is a wealth of COTS hardware that could potentially be implemented for non-critical tasks within heavily shielded spacecraft cabins. To employ COTS systems for such missions, we propose to use a simulation/experimental/statistical approach for risk acceptance Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) suitable for Cis-Lunar and Cis-Mars missions. The simul ...

We propose to take advantage of the tunable, isotropic properties of Liquid Crystals (LCs) to design two different models for a tunable, LC-based metamaterial (LCM) device. This device will be designed with optimal materials and structures to operate within the visible-to-near-IR spectrum with (a) the capability to tune to multiple wavelengths, (b) the ability to respond to and function with diffe ...

In-space cryogenic propellant transfer is a key enabling technology for future long duration space exploration missions. However, successfully refueling tankage with cryogenic propellants in space presents significant challenges related to the chilldown of nbsp;the receiving tank. There is a limited supply of propellant in space depots and the cold propellant itself has to be used for chilldown pu ...

Soar Technology, Inc. (SoarTech) and Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) will research and develop a digital assistant (quot;Adaquot;) that can help NASA experts search for and effectively use scientific and technical information (STI) in their work. Ada can provide cognitive support in high-effort search tasks, like examining details of more sources, and use tasks, like applying search results ...

Research in Flight and Auburn University are proposing to develop a robust tool and methodology to allow the simulation and modeling of acoustic signatures for Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP) air vehicle concepts in the conceptual design phase. These new tools will enable the study of aeroacoustics in much greater detail and with greater fidelity than heretofore deemed practical in the early ...

CTEN Global Strategies, LLC, with a wealth of experience in aviation and business, focuses on investing in technology, and then looking for ways to implement that technology in the market place to bring solutions to truly challenging problems.nbsp;nbsp;A clear problem exists when teams of engineers are working to develop components of a complex system, from engine mounts, to an entire electrical g ...

Autonomy and machine learning pose challenges for traditional, widely accepted techniques for engineering safety and reliability. However, industry and NASA depend on autonomy for mission-critical functions with a high degree of assurance. While Ramp;D has demonstrated that autonomous robotics can accomplish amazing feats in practice, high levels of autonomous capability cannot be fully utilized i ...

Until now,much of theresearch usingfunctional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has focused on tailoringasystem to detect onlyafew cognitivestatesand theapplication of theseapproaches outsidethe laboratory is not well tested. This solution provides severely limited coverage of thespacethat this technology could beapplied to,and is notarealistic path for developing neuroimagingasan operational ass ...

Cooperative robots can explore the surface of planets with higher efficiency and lower mission risk, perform novel and precise resource and science surveys, and gather and share resources and information with other assets to bring planetary exploration. In order to work together more efficiently and effectively, robots must understand their location relative to their peers, which is challenged in ...