5,326 research outputs found
Space life sciences strategic plan
Over the last three decades the Life Sciences Program has significantly contributed to NASA's manned and unmanned exploration of space, while acquiring new knowledge in the fields of space biology and medicine. The national and international events which have led to the development and revision of NASA strategy will significantly affect the future of life sciences programs both in scope and pace. This document serves as the basis for synthesizing the options to be pursued during the next decade, based on the decisions, evolution, and guiding principles of the National Space Policy. The strategies detailed in this document are fully supportive of the Life Sciences Advisory Subcommittee's 'A Rationale for the Life Sciences,' and the recent Aerospace Medicine Advisory Committee report entitled 'Strategic Considerations for Support of Humans in Space and Moon/Mars Exploration Missions.' Information contained within this document is intended for internal NASA planning and is subject to policy decisions and direction, and to budgets allocated to NASA's Life Sciences Program
Space-based Aperture Array For Ultra-Long Wavelength Radio Astronomy
The past decade has seen the rise of various radio astronomy arrays,
particularly for low-frequency observations below 100MHz. These developments
have been primarily driven by interesting and fundamental scientific questions,
such as studying the dark ages and epoch of re-ionization, by detecting the
highly red-shifted 21cm line emission. However, Earth-based radio astronomy
below frequencies of 30MHz is severely restricted due to man-made interference,
ionospheric distortion and almost complete non-transparency of the ionosphere
below 10MHz. Therefore, this narrow spectral band remains possibly the last
unexplored frequency range in radio astronomy. A straightforward solution to
study the universe at these frequencies is to deploy a space-based antenna
array far away from Earths' ionosphere. Various studies in the past were
principally limited by technology and computing resources, however current
processing and communication trends indicate otherwise. We briefly present the
achievable science cases, and discuss the system design for selected scenarios,
such as extra-galactic surveys. An extensive discussion is presented on various
sub-systems of the potential satellite array, such as radio astronomical
antenna design, the on-board signal processing, communication architectures and
joint space-time estimation of the satellite network. In light of a scalable
array and to avert single point of failure, we propose both centralized and
distributed solutions for the ULW space-based array. We highlight the benefits
of various deployment locations and summarize the technological challenges for
future space-based radio arrays.Comment: Submitte
DISCUS - The Deep Interior Scanning CubeSat mission to a rubble pile near-Earth asteroid
We have performed an initial stage conceptual design study for the Deep
Interior Scanning CubeSat (DISCUS), a tandem 6U CubeSat carrying a bistatic
radar as main payload. DISCUS will be operated either as an independent mission
or accompanying a larger one. It is designed to determine the internal
macroporosity of a 260-600 m diameter Near Earth Asteroid (NEA) from a few
kilometers distance. The main goal will be to achieve a global penetration with
a low-frequency signal as well as to analyze the scattering strength for
various different penetration depths and measurement positions. Moreover, the
measurements will be inverted through a computed radar tomography (CRT)
approach. The scientific data provided by DISCUS would bring more knowledge of
the internal configuration of rubble pile asteroids and their collisional
evolution in the Solar System. It would also advance the design of future
asteroid deflection concepts. We aim at a single-unit (1U) radar design
equipped with a half-wavelength dipole antenna. The radar will utilize a
stepped-frequency modulation technique the baseline of which was developed for
ESA's technology projects GINGER and PIRA. The radar measurements will be used
for CRT and shape reconstruction. The CubeSat will also be equipped with an
optical camera system and laser altimeter to sup- port navigation and shape
reconstruction. We provide the details of the measurement methods to be applied
along with the requirements derived of the known characteristics of rubble pile
asteroids.Comment: Submitted to Advances in Space Researc
Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2019
Today, our calling to explore is greater than ever before, and here at Marshall Space Flight Centerwe make human deep space exploration possible. A key goal for Artemis is demonstrating and perfecting capabilities on the Moon for technologies needed for humans to get to Mars. This years report features 10 of the Agencys 16 Technology Areas, and I am proud of Marshalls role in creating solutions for so many of these daunting technical challenges. Many of these projects will lead to sustainable in-space architecture for human space exploration that will allow us to travel to the Moon, on to Mars, and beyond. Others are developing new scientific instruments capable of providing an unprecedented glimpse into our universe. NASA has led the charge in space exploration for more than six decades, and through the Artemis program we will help build on our work in low Earth orbit and pave the way to the Moon and Mars. At Marshall, we leverage the skills and interest of the international community to conduct scientific research, develop and demonstrate technology, and train international crews to operate further from Earth for longer periods of time than ever before first at the lunar surface, then on to our next giant leap, human exploration of Mars. While each project in this report seeks to advance new technology and challenge conventions, it is important to recognize the diversity of activities and people supporting our mission. This report not only showcases the Centers capabilities and our partnerships, it also highlights the progress our people have achieved in the past year. These scientists, researchers and innovators are why Marshall and NASA will continue to be a leader in innovation, exploration, and discovery for years to come
Future Astronomical Observatories on the Moon
Papers at a workshop which consider the topic astronomical observations from a lunar base are presented. In part 1, the rationale for performing astronomy on the Moon is established and economic factors are considered. Part 2 includes concepts for individual lunar based telescopes at the shortest X-ray and gamma ray wavelengths, for high energy cosmic rays, and at optical and infrared wavelengths. Lunar radio frequency telescopes are considered in part 3, and engineering considerations for lunar base observatories are discussed in part 4. Throughout, advantages and disadvantages of lunar basing compared to terrestrial and orbital basing of observatories are weighted. The participants concluded that the Moon is very possibly the best location within the inner solar system from which to perform front-line astronomical research
Space Station Freedom Utilization Conference: Executive summary
From August 3-6, 1992, Space Station Freedom Program (SSFP) representatives and prospective Space Station Freedom researchers gathered at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama, for NASA's first annual Space Station Freedom (SSF) Utilization Conference. The sessions presented are: (1) overview and research capabilities; (2) research plans and opportunities; (3) life sciences research; (4) technology research; (4) microgravity research and biotechnology; and (5) closing plenary
Space resources. Volume 4: Social concerns
Space resources must be used to support life on the Moon and exploration of Mars. This volume, Social Concerns, covers some of the most important issues which must be addressed in any major program for the human exploration of space. The volume begins with a consideration of the economics and management of large scale space activities. Then the legal aspects of these activities are discussed, particularly the interpretation of treaty law with respect to the Moon and asteroids. The social and cultural issues of moving people into space are considered in detail, and the eventual emergence of a space culture different from the existing culture is envisioned. The environmental issues raised by the development of space settlements are faced. Some innovative approaches are proposed to space communities and habitats and self-sufficiency is considered along with human safety at a lunar base or outpost
Aeronautics and space report of the President, 1980 activities
The year's achievements in the areas of communication, Earth resources, environment, space sciences, transportation, and space energy are summarized and current and planned activities in these areas at the various departments and agencies of the Federal Government are summarized. Tables show U.S. and world spacecraft records, spacecraft launchings for 1980, and scientific payload anf probes launched 1975-1980. Budget data are included
Twenty-first semiannual report to Congress, 1 January - 30 June 1969
Manned space flights, satellite observations, space sciences, and air traffic control - NASA report to Congress for 1 Jan. to 30 June 196
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