Award Data

Automation improvements are needed to reduce the dependency on human reflexes and unreliable data links. Modern autopilots are capable of detecting loss-of-GPS and loss-of-communications. There is no mechanism for the aircraft to autonomously return to a safe landing zone under these conditions. Furthermore, experience has shown that existing controllers are not good at detecting bad position data ...

For spacecraft design and development teams concerned with cost and schedule, the Quick Spacecraft Thermal Analysis Tool (QuickSTAT) is an innovative software suite that will significantly reduce labor costs and effort associated with the design, analysis, and optimization of spacecraft. Unlike traditional analysis where highly-trained engineers spend days to months developing, running, and evalua ...

Solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) imaging is needed in the fields of astronomy, national defense, and bio-chemistry. United Silicon Carbide, Inc. proposes to develop a monolithic, solar-blind UV image sensor with 320 x 256 pixels on a 25 micron pitch with a frame rate of 50 frames per second and pixel fill factor over 80%. A silicon carbide (SiC) integrated circuit technology that is compatible with pr ...

NASA has a critical need for improved bi-directional data transmission rates from a variety of spacecraft to Earth. NASA estimates that the current Mars to Earth transfer rate of 6 Mbps might be increased to 600Mbps using a Laser Communication (LC) system. Beam jitter caused by spacecraft-based motion must be reduced to sub-microradian levels to enable beaconless optical beam pointing. ATA will ...

Significant energy is required to operate and maintain the extensive U.S. military mission around the world. This equates to significant costs to the country. Smart power microgrids have proven to significantly increase efficiency, as well as enable the u

Development of the CESI focal plane and optics technology will lead to miniaturized hyperspectral and SWIR-band spectral imaging instrumentation compatible with CubeSat and other nanosat platforms. The project will implement the technology by developing a CubeSat-compatible SEMM instrument for global mapping of atmospheric methane concentrations. Specific Phase I technical objectives include: - ...

The Assimilation Dynamic Network (ADN) is a dynamic inter-processor communication network that spans heterogeneous processor architectures, unifying components, significantly improving flexibility, efficiency, and overall usability. ADN has the following main features: - A uniform programming model for intra-platform communication among heterogeneous processing resources that creates a homogene ...

This program will develop an ultra-high performance infrared detector manufacturing technology with improved performance and cost effectiveness, and reduced cooling requirements when compared to the best commercially available HgCdTe and InGaAs detectors. This will be accomplished using a two-pronged approach addressing both device design and materials. First, the conventional pn photodiode device ...

The innovative methodologies proposed in this STTR Phase 2 project will enhance Loci-STREAM which is a high performance, high fidelity simulation tool already being used at NASA/MSFC for a variety of CFD applications. This project will address critical needs in order to enable fast and accurate simulations of liquid space propulsion systems of relevance to NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) program ...

Thermal Transfer is a critical part of power electronics application in both terrestrial and space environments. Due to longer lifetime expectancies and harsh operational conditions, space vehicles require unique materials to deal with the increasing electrical and thermal loads placed upon the structure. Increasing use of power electronics including high current carrying semiconductor devices s ...