Award Data

Distributed Spacecraft Missions (DSMs) such as constellations, formation-flying missions, and fractionated missions provide unique scientific and programmatic benefits. Distributed mission architectures allow for multipoint in-situ measurements, multi-angle viewpoints, and considerably improved understanding of the connections between separately measured phenomena and their time variations. DSMs a ...

TSRCo and CU are developing a framework to quantify and predict crew performance in various spacecraft designs in the context of the design process. The framework utilizes an elemental resource breakdown approach to relate the crew, the spacecraft design, and operations. The elements identified in the breakdown correspond to existing measures currently used in the physiological, cognitive, and ps ...

In this Phase I STTR project, pursuant to the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) and Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) interests, the proposed collaborative effort between WSU and Advratech will represent the first AM optimization framework of its kind, constructed entirely from experimental sensor data collected in-situ. Rather than using in-process data to inform limited "phy ...

In this Phase II STTR project, the proposed collaborative effort between UTC, AFIT, and ULRF represents a crucial step forward for AM. UTC’s unique AM optimization and process control framework, constructed entirely from experimental sensor data collected in-situ, will finally transfer technology from our SLM test bed system to state-of-the-art and commercial-grade systems, including a Concept ...

The proposed innovation utilizes carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coated with pseudo-capacitive MnO2 material as nano-composite electrode and ionic electrolyte for the construction of ultracapacitors. This novel approach of using nano-structured CNTs architectures provides high surface area of attachment of MnO2 nano-particles to maximize the charge efficiency and power capacity and to reduce series resist ...

Luna is addressing NASA?s need to develop new multifunctional textiles for improved Environmental Protection Garments (EPG). Previous protective suits such as the Apollo era EPG or currently used Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) provide thermal and micrometeoroid protection, but are intended only for short duration use. NASA plans for a future manned Mars mission will potentially require exten ...

The process of aircraft design requires the integration of data from individual analysis of aerodynamic, structural, thermal, and behavioral properties of a flight vehicle. At present, there is no simple way to integrate the results of the analyses early in the design process. Aurora Flight Sciences and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Aerospace Computational Design Laboratory propose to ...

The ability to restore large amounts of vented gaseous helium (GHe) at rocket test sites preserves the GHe and reduces operating cost. The used GHe is vented into the atmosphere, is non-recoverable, and costs NASA millions dollars per year. Helium, which is non-renewable and irreplaceable once released into the atmosphere, is continuously consumed by rocket test facilities at NASA centers such a ...

Luna will team with Dr. John Bowers of UCSB to develop an Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (OFDR) system-on-chip using heterogeneous silicon photonics to enable a minimal weight structural health monitoring system. This system-on-chip will be the building block for distributed sensing interrogation systems that are the size of a deck of playing cards. This lightweight, rugged, and miniature ...

The Phase I STTR project will develop an ignition system for a high density hybrid rocket motor using non-toxic, storable, ionic liquid oxidizers and high density polymer fuels. The program will also research fuel additives to boost ISP and fuel regression rate of the high density, high regression ate fuel.. This high density propulsion system resolves one of the chief drawbacks of hybrid rock ...