Award Data

NASA's successful development of next generation space vehicles, habitats, and robotic systems will rely on effective Fault Management Engineering. Our proposed innovation aims at developing a method and associated tool suite to support Model-Based Fault Management Engineering (MBFME) for these upcoming projects. Our goal is to leverage Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) concepts, and adapt th ...

This Phase II SBIR proposes to further develop high performance (low dark current, high quantum efficiency, and low NEdT) infrared epitaxy materials based on Type II Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) for large format space-based sensor applications. The epi materials will be grown with Sb-capable multi-wafer production Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) reactor at IntelliEPI-IR. The initial goal include ...

This Phase I SBIR proposes to further develop high performance (low dark current, high quantum efficiency, and low NEdT) infrared epitaxy materials based on Type II Strained Layer Superlattice (SLS) for large format space-based sensor applications. The epi materials will be grown with Sb-capable multi-wafer production Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) reactor at IntelliEPI IR. The initial goal includes ...

In space exploration missions where photovoltaic power generation is inadequate due to a lack of sunlight, and for missions with moderate power draw and increased mobility requirements, thermal-to-electric power generator systems using radioisotopes as heat sources provides NASA with a viable solution. Nanohmics Inc. proposes to develop a novel high efficiency thermionic thermal-to-electric conve ...

NASA has identified a need for a tool that will give a non-expert the ability to quickly create animation of a mission scenario. This type of depiction can be important during a mission's development phase. Animation can show things that are not possible to see in the physical world and can help explain difficult concepts. Animation allows visualization of the mission without having to understan ...

NASA emphasizes the need to implement energy harvesting in its future mission activities, as well as to conserve on energy and to enhance the sustainability of NASA's facilities. By harvesting energy from the ambient surroundings, there is less dependence on a primary power supply (e.g., combustion engines, fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, etc., and even AC electricity for ground applications), ...

Gaseous helium reclamation is critical in reducing operating costs at rocket engine test facilities. Increases in cost and potential shortages of helium will dramatically impact testing of rocket engines for launch vehicles and space propulsion systems as the global supply of this non-renewable element diminishes. Sierra Lobo (SLI) has developed an advanced electrochemical Helium Recovery System ...

The innovation is a new Stretched Lens Array (SLA) with a thinner, lighter, more robust Fresnel lens (with thin glass or polymer superstrate or embedded aluminum mesh). The new lens enables a blanket-level specific power > 1,000 W/kg, including lenses, PV cell circuit (including cells, encapsulation, high-voltage insulation, and heavy radiation shielding), and waste heat rejection radiator. The ne ...

The innovation proposed here is a high-performance, high-fidelity simulation capability for simulating liquid rocket spray combustion based on a novel spray-flamelet methodology which will be integrated into Loci-STREAM which is a CFD solver developed by the proposing personnel under funding from NASA over the last several years. A new spray-flamelet formulation will be incorporated into Loci-STRE ...

NASA IS CONTINUALLY DEVELOPING NEW SYSTEMS RANGING FROM COMPUTER SOFTWARE TO TEST FACILITIES TO LARGE SPACECRAFT. EACH SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT IS INITIATED AND CONTROLLED THROUGH THE USE OF REQUIREMENTS SPECIFICATIONS. THE PROPOSED STUDY WILL DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING AN AUTOMATED TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION SYSTEM FOR A DESK TOP COMPUTER. THE SYSTEM WILL BE PROTOTYPED TO DEVELOP AND TEST CON ...