Award Data

In this project, the development of a novel panoramic, stereoscopic video system was proposed. The proposed system, which contains no moving parts, uses three-fixed position cameras equipped with NASA's Panoramic Refracting Optic (PRO) to generate stereoscopic images over a hemispherical work area. This system will provide an immersive remote environment for robot operation during space missions ...

A prototype Next Generation MK III Lightweight HUT/Hatch Assembly will be fabricated and delivered during Phase II. Maximum weight reduction for the Hard Upper Torso - Hatch assembly will be acheived via the innovative material selection and cross sectional redesign investigation Air-Lock conducted during Phase I. The intent is to fabricate a lightweight HUT/Hatch Assembly best suited for space & ...

ALTAIR Center in cooperation with the NanoTech Institute at the University of Texas at Dallas proposes to develop a new class of terahertz (THz) lasers generating about 1 mW in the frequency range 0.3-10 THz at room temperature. The proposed concept is based on employing the semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots). The nanocrystal emitters are optically pumped by commercially available powerful ...

NRC's Committee on Government Data Centers made a set of technology recommendations for data centers meet user needs and develop the long-term record of environmental change. ArC is a low cost scalable Archive Storage Management System that will help NASA respond to the NRC recommendations. The ArC architecture is innovative in the replacement of current tape-based archival systems with a highly ...

The overarching challenge of tele-presence is to provide an environment to the human operator that is sufficiently familiar that the interface itself does not become burdensome and distract from the goals of the mission. The ultimate achievement would be to embed the operator into a scene in such a way as to convince him or her that they are actually on site. We propose a technology that can poten ...

Baker Engineering Inc. proposes opposed-piston engine power density improvements and testing for the SBIR Phase II, DoD Topic #A03-227, contract #W56HZV-04-C-0151. Design improvements, and extensive testing, will be conducted on a 5.8 L demonstrator opposed-piston “Giesel” engine. The 3-cylinder, 2-cycle engine has a target of 600 hp, and weighs less than 1500 lbs. Planned improvements inclu ...

We propose to design, build, and test a major new instrument capable of both measuring and polishing the surface of aspheric mirrors up to 1.2 meters in diameter, and up to f-0.5 in speed, either concave or convex. In the successful Phase I proposal, we laid out the instrument to the component level, and laid out and analyzed every critical subsystem. We also investigated and experimented with t ...

The desired outcome of this STTR project is the development of compact, stand-alone, economical, and rugged pulse shaper units that can be used to control chemical reactions, and have a wide range of applications based on molecular control for detection of chemical and biological threats, explosive, and toxic chemicals. In addition, these units will enable a broad range of fundamental studies. Dur ...

Existing DoD and municipal water supply systems typically lack considerations for counter-terrorism. The motives behind terrorist attacks on utility plants may be denial of service or human casualties. In this study, we focus on the latter, specifically on chemical and biological (CB) agent attacks on potable water systems. Due to the dilution effect, the areas upstream of the utility plant are ...

We propose to develop Legged Robot Mule, a new kind of robot that helps dismounted soldiers by carrying part of their load. Legged Robot Mule will travel on operationally relevant terrain, such as narrow mountain trails and densely wooded jungles. It will use dynamic balance to support its payload while maintaining a narrow base, enhancing its mobility. It will use computer vision to follow a hum ...