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Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is seeking innovative solutions to improve ground systems operations. This topic highlights three areas that KSC has a vested interest. These include: improved performance of materials for cryogenic insulation, fireproofing, energy absorption, and other aerospace applications; methodologies for verification and validation of software that simulates ground effects of laun ...

The exhaust plume from a launch vehicle rocket engine generates severe acoustic waves, which cause acoustic loading on the ground structures and vehicle payload. Prediction and reduction of the acoustic levels in the near field of launch vehicle lift-off is an important factor that should be taken into consideration early in the design process of the space launch complex.

Autonomous and robotic systems are a critical capability in all of NASA's mission areas including Aeronautics, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Human Spaceflight and will be more pervasive in the future. Current systems are primarily automated, able to respond to a predicted set of conditions and require human interaction and control.

Current NASA research/development and mission capabilities are primarily focused on single, automated robotic systems. For example, exploration of remote planetary surfaces has used single automated Telerobotic vehicles, dependent on human control, which limits the area covered, scope of mission and risk of a single point mission failure.

Increasing levels of automation capabilities in the aviation arena, provides unique opportunities and challenges for civil aviation, and the aerial transport communities. Flight will be transformed as these capabilities mature and evolve in to integrated systems. In particular, autonomous and robotic, manned and unmanned civil aircraft systems will lead to a plethora of new markets, vehicle, and missions. These new systems with broad range of capabilities, and a huge diversity of shapes and sizes, must safely utilize the future National Airspace System.

Current NASA research/development and mission capabilities for exploration of remote planetary surfaces are primarily focused on automated telerobotic systems dependent on human control. More fully autonomous systems will be required for future missions, particularly where communications with Earth may be limited, unavailable for extended periods of time and have significant delays.

Achieving NASA's exploration goals will hinge on continued development of improved capabilities in propulsion system design and manufacturing techniques. NASA is interested in innovative design and manufacturing technologies that enable sustained and affordable human and robotic exploration of the solar system. The development of and operation of these propulsion systems will benefit greatly from improvements in design and analysis tools and from improvements in manufacturing capabilities

This subtopic solicits partnerships between academic institutions and small businesses in the following specific areas of interest: Innovative design and analysis techniques, manufacturing, materials, and processes relevant to propulsion systems launch vehicles, crew exploration vehicles, orbiters, and landers. Improvements are sought for increasing safety and reliability and reducing cost and weight of systems and components.

NASA's Stennis Space Center (SSC) seeks advanced technologies to support its testing of rocket engines including innovative approaches for component technologies, advanced rocket facility environment and health monitoring, new materials for rocket plume deflection and technologies for propellant conservation. Technologies are also sought to improve the Center's energy conservation and sustainability.

Innovative Component Technologies