Award Data

One potential way to achieve N+3 goals is the introduction of ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials into turbine engines. The introduction of CMC vanes and/or blades into turbine engines lead to gains in specific fuel consumption (SFC) by allowing higher operating temperatures, reductions in required cooling, and reductions in vehicle weight. Thermal barrier and environmental barrier coatings ( ...

Significant risks result from the plume-surface interaction during propulsive landings on unprepared regolith in extra-terrestrial environments. Dust and debris particles are liberated and may strike the landing vehicle and surrounding assets and may obscure ground observation for safe landing. In addition, craters are formed on the landing surface, posing an additional challenge to vehicle stabil ...

Sources of sensor errornbsp;leave a UTMnbsp;(UAS Traffic Management)nbsp;system vulnerable.nbsp;Thenbsp;impact of anomalous sensor behavior can be devastating to a UTM system. Degraded sensor accuracy can lead to broken tracksnbsp;ornbsp;split tracks within a UTM system.nbsp;Degraded sensor sensitivity may result in a Mid-Air Collision with an aircraft not detected bynbsp;UTMnbsp;sensors.nbsp;It m ...

The goal of the proposed project is ultimately to provide a tool for commercial and government satellite operators and designers that can be used to identify the cause and monitor the real time likelihood of on-orbit satellite anomalies. More specifically, the tool will provide real time situational awareness and information for identifying whether an observed satellite anomaly is likely related t ...

As part of the Game Changing Development (GCD) Program, Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) has been identified as a critical technology needed for human missions to Mars due to its high specific impulse (Isp) as compared to traditional chemical propulsion systems.nbsp; A critical aspect of the program is to develop a robust, stable cermet based nuclear fuel.nbsp; To reduce cost and potential burdens ...

A new light weight deployable solar power array module is proposed to address the need for a retractable solar array for the initial human lunar lander and future lunar surface applications. The proposed concept leverages recent advancements in thin film solar cell array technology which enables the array to be rolled into a compact cylindrical shape for stowage. The proposed concept will utilize ...

Microelectronics Research Development Corporation (Micro-RDC) proposes to develop a low cost radiation hardened integrated circuit (IC) technology that creates new solid-state circuits at reasonable cost. The project will enable delivery of electronics that can operate in space for a prolonged time and without errors.nbsp;The enhanced technology should encourage many firms to participate in recent ...

Opterus proposes PMACs: Precision Multifunction Autonomous Connections. PMACs are a node-strut connection system designed for hybrid deployable and robotically assembled large precision optical structures. PMACs enable 10 to 30 m diameter primary mirror telescopes to be autonomously assembled on orbit. The system is multifunction and carries data, power, and fluids over the connection and is addit ...

nbsp;NASA is developing an Exploration Portable Life Support Subsystem (xPLSS) for next-generation Exploration Extra Vehicular Mobility Units (xEMU) planned to replace existing space suits. NASA has identified technology gaps in current xPLSS due to the amine swing-bed system not being design for the partial atmosphere of Mars. To solve this, NASA is requesting the development of a robust ldquo;Bo ...

Aerosol extinction measurements are crucial to understanding the effects of atmospheric particles on ozone depletion (stratosphere), radiation (stratosphere and troposphere), visibility (troposphere) and public health (boundary layer).nbsp; Despite the acute need, no existing instrument can measure direct, in situ aerosol extinction profiles from the ground to the mid-stratosphere.nbsp; Satellite- ...