Award Data

HyPerComp Engineering, Inc. (HEI) proposes to develop well characterized, reliable filament wound composite pressure vessels for cryogenic and other low temperature applications. The proposed effort also explores the potential for a significant improvement in filament wound composite pressure vessels performance (end results: lighter weights) through cryogenic process treatment. Both the aerospac ...

Low cost, reliable atmospheric entry technology is needed to support NASA cargo recovery from the ISS, earth return of small payloads, planetary aerocapture, and planetary probe missions. Fixed aeroshields and winged structures are well proven, but are not appropriate for many missions due to envelope, weight, and cost constraints. Inflatable ballute technology offers a low weight, cost effectiv ...

This Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of providing panoramic stereoscopic images for remote-controlled robotic space operations using three fixed-position cameras. Remote-controlled robot operations are an important element in orbital and planetary space missions. Advanced display systems can greatly enhance the effectiveness of these operations. In the system proposed here, hum ...

The Next Generation MK III Lightweight HUT/Hatch Assembly will maximize the Hard Upper Torso - Hatch assembly weight reduction through the combination of innovative material selection and cross sectional redesign. The intent is to research, identify and down select robust lightweight materials that are best suited for space & planetary, (or lunar) exploration. This Next Generation MK III Lightwei ...

Proposed is the development the extended depth of field (EDF) or confocal like imaging capabilities of a breakthrough multispectral high resolution imaging flow cytometer. This platform shall have unparalleled cellular analysis capabilities intended to further biological space research (fundamental, micro-gravity and radiation biology) and the potential capability of monitoring astronaut health. ...

There is significant need for arrays of miniature sensors that are completely wireless. Ideally these sensors would be built as an integrated device, including sensing elements, computation/signal conditioning, communication, and an on-board power supply. However, they have not been developed due to the difficulty with integrating sensing ele-ments, and the absence of miniature power supplies. ...

Reliable energy systems with high energy density capable of operating at high temperatures, pressures and radiation levels are needed for certain NASA missions. Batteries based on solid-state ceramic oxide composite electrolytes provide the benefit of operation at temperatures up to 550o C. The current high-temperature Li battery technologies use carbonate, chloride and other molten compounds bas ...

A propulsion system is proposed that is based on acceleration of ions emitted from a thin, solid-state electrochemical ceramic membrane. This technology would provide a versatile propulsion system that would be suitable for long-term, low-thrust missions throughout the deep-space to near-Earth range. The specially formulated and fabricated membrane in combination with an applied bias voltage wil ...

We offer a novel liquefier that has the potential to simultaneously increase thermodynamic efficiency and significantly reduce complexity. The ?active gas regenerative liquefier? (AGRL) uses an array of discrete micro compressor-expander units in a periodic heat exchanger to accomplish extremely efficient liquefaction of hydrogen and other cryogenic fluids. When an array of these units are comb ...

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)/ gas turbine hybrid power systems (HPSs) have been recognized by federal agencies and other entities as having the potential to operate at unprecedented levels of performance for terrestrial applications (e.g., 70% power generation efficiencies with significantly mitigated criteria pollutant and noise emissions). An innovative approach is proposed for leveraging compet ...