Supporting Revolutionary Ideas Today, And Advanced Concepts For Tomorrow
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts
Annual 2005 Report 2006 Performance Period July 12, 2005 - July 11, 2006
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts 75 5th Street NW, Suite 318 Atlanta, GA 30308 404-347-9633 - www.niac.usra.edu
USRA is a non-profit corporation under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences, with an institutional membership of 97. For more information about USRA, see its website at www.usra.edu.
ANSER is a not-for-profit public service research corporation, serving the national interest since 1958.To learn more about ANSER, see its website at www.ANSER.org.
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts
8th ANNUAL REPORT Performance Period July 12, 2005 - July 11, 2006
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts 4
NIA C seeks ad vanced conce pt pr oposals based on sound scientif ic principles tha t ar e a ttaina b le within a 10 to 40-y ear time fr ame and str etc h the ima gina tion of the human mind.
NIAC SUPPORTS THE NASA VISION NIAC inspires and investigates options for future missions that may reveal technologies and approaches which could impact near term missions.
Message From The Director Inspiring Grand Visions for Space Exploration and Aeronautics
Over the last eight contract years, the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) has inspired and nurtured a number of revolutionary advanced concepts that someday may have a significant impact on future directions in aeronautics and space. NIAC provides a pathway for revolutionary discoveries by innovators with the ability for non-linear creativity to explore new possibilities for near and far term aerospace endeavors. The cornerstone of the NIAC process for inspiring new and revolutionary thinking is the continuous examination and articulation of “grand visions� which encourage the technical community to set their sights beyond current programs and explore new systems, architectures and supporting technologies that could revolutionize long term plans as well as near term missions. In this eighth year of operation by the Universities Space Research Association, NIAC concepts have set new standards for performance in spacebased observatories, advanced EVA systems, radiation protection, in-space propulsion systems, planetary exploration and support of humans on plane-
tary surfaces. Several NIAC concepts have triggered a reexamination of optional plans for space missions as evidenced by the flow of additional funding by NASA and other agencies into NIAC concepts. NIAC actively seeks credible, technical controversy supported by an atmosphere of open dialogue with the technical community that encourages an examination of key technical issues. Interest in NIAC concepts by the technical community continues to abound with numerous citations in the literature of science publications, presentations (including some invited) in technical society meetings and acceptance of papers in refereed technical journals. Please join the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) and NIAC in this exciting endeavor to help revolutionize the future of aeronautics and space.
Robert A. Cassanova, Ph.D. Director, NIAC
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
6
5
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
8
NIAC STAFF
9
NIAC EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
10
GRAND VISIONS
10
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
10 11 11 13 13 15 16 19 22 24 25 27 27 30 30 30 32 32 32
Summary Call for Proposals CP 03-01 (Phase II) Call for Proposals CP 05-01 (Phase I) Call for Proposals CP 05-02 (Phase II) Call for Proposals CP 06-01 (Phase I) Call for Proposals CP 06-02 (Phase II) Survey of Technologies to Enable NIAC Concepts Coordination with NASA Infusion of Advanced Concepts into NASA Inspiration and Outreach Release and Publicity of Calls for Proposals Recruitment of Technically Diverse Peer Reviewers NIAC Seventh Annual Meeting NIAC Fellows Meeting NIAC Science Council Meetings NIAC Student Fellows Prize NIAC Student Fellows Publications and Presentations John McLucas Astronaut Safety Research Prize Financial Performance
33
DESCRIPTION OF THE NIAC
33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 40 41 41
NIAC Mission Organization Facilities Virtual Institute The NIAC Process Solicitation Proposals Peer Review NASA Concurrence Awards Management of Awards
TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
42
PLANS FOR THE NINTH CONTRACT YEAR
43 44 44 45
Communication With The Technical Community And Articulation Of Grand Visions Solicit And Select Concepts For Revolutionary Advanced Concepts Continued Development Of Advanced Concepts Oversight by USRA
LIST OF TABLES 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 23 31 31 35 42
Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table Table
1. Phase I and II Awards Performance Periods 2. CP 03-01 Phase II Award Winners 3. CP 05-01 Phase I Award Winners 4. CP 05-02 Phase II Award Winners 5. Summary of CP 06-01 Responding Organizations 6. CP 06-01 Phase I Award Winners 7. Summary of CP 06-02 Responding Organizations 8. CP 06-02 Phase I Award Winners 9. CP 02-01 Critical Enabling Technologies 10. CP 03-01 Critical Enabling Technologies 11. CP 05-02 Critical Enabling Technologies 12. NASA - NIAC Support Team 13. Visits and Contacts within NASA 14. Advanced Concepts Infused Into NASA This Contract Year 15. 2005-2006 NIAC Student Fellows Prize Winners 16. 2006-2007 NIAC Student Fellows Prize Winners 17. Current Membership of the NIAC Science Council 18. Key Activities Planned for the Ninth Contract Year
APPENDICES 46 61 64 70 74 78 91
A. Descriptions of Enabling Technologies from NIAC B. CP 05-02 Awardees C. CP 06-01 Awardees D. CP 06-02 Awardees E. Inspiration and Outreach Contacts F. NIAC Publicity G. 2005-2006 NIAC Fellows Publication Listing
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R ober t Cassano va, Ph.D. Dir ector
Diana Jennings , Ph.D. Associa te Dir ector
R onald Tur ner, Ph.D. Senior Science Ad visor
Dale Little Oper a tions Mana g er
R ober t Mitc hell Networ k Engineer
K a therine R eill y Pub lica tion Specialist
8
NIAC 8th Annual Report
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts
The NIAC Staf f
Executive Summary The NIAC is a unique organization where creativity and imagination, inspired by curiosity and the eternal quest for knowledge, are necessities, not luxuries. NIAC provides a process and a pathway for innovators with the ability for non-linear creativity to: (1) define grand visions for a future world of aeronautics and space, (2) explore the possibility of redefining realities of the future and (3) offer revolutionary solutions to the grand challenges of future aerospace endeavors. By operating as a virtual institute with succinct proposal requirements and efficient peer review, NIAC's mode of operation emphasizes a flexible and open development of creative concepts with a minimum of technical direction. However, appropriate oversight and nurturing is provided by NIAC's contractual management and technical leadership plus timely collaboration with NASA's technical staff. During this eighth contract year, NIAC announced the selection of 5 Phase II contracts totaling $2 million (with options), and 11 Phase I grants totaling $.8 million. Since the beginning of the first NIAC contract, Feb. 1998, NIAC has received a total of 1,196 proposals and has awarded 115 Phase I grants and 37 Phase II contracts for a total value of $24.5 million. The awards spanned all categories of businesses with 35% to universities, 52% to small businesses, 7% to small and disadvantaged business, 1% to historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions, 1% to national laboratories and 4% to large businesses. During this eighth year of operation, NIAC continued to meet the contract performance goals and, as in previous years, received an "excellent" rating from NASA in all categories of performance. NIAC's method of open review of its advanced concepts continued this year with a combination of open access to reports and briefings on the NIAC website, the NIAC Annual Meeting and the NIAC Phase I Fellows Meeting. Recipients of NIAC awards are designated as "NIAC Fellows". NIAC hosted the 7th NIAC Annual Meeting on October 10th and 11th 2005 in Broomfield, Colorado. The purpose of the meeting was to offer an opportunity for the currently funded Phase II Fellows and NIAC Student Fellows to present the results of their concept development efforts and to encourage the on-going dialogue between all
attendees. In addition, invited keynote speakers gave thought-provoking presentations on space policy, cosmology, and advanced concepts in aeronautics and alternative-technology transportation. In addition to these community-building meetings, NIAC hosted a one-day workshop as part of its ongoing evolution of grand visions for aeronautics, space science, and space exploration. The output of this workshop and other Grand Visions activities was included in the CP 06-01 Call for Proposals released in November 2005. NIAC's technical leadership continued its vigorous activities for education, outreach and inspiration with presentations at universities, private industry and technical society meetings. NIAC and NIAC sponsored advanced concepts received widespread recognition in the popular and technical press. NIAC Fellows were highly visible in technical society meetings with numerous presentations and publication of technical papers. Additionally, the NIAC Director and three of the NIAC's best-known fellows participated in a special broadcast on Space Exploration through Georgia Public Television for the MIT Forum. In addition to inspiring proposals from the established technical community, NIAC began a special program to encourage undergraduate students who have the potential for extraordinary creativity and the ability to stretch well beyond typical undergraduate course work. The NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP), sponsored by Universities Space Research Association and managed by NIAC, was initiated in 2005 to attract these students and facilitate their advanced aerospace concepts. Five students were selected in May 2005 to receive a $9,000 one year grant and carried out their efforts during the 2005-2006 academic year. Five more were selected in May 2006 for the same monetary award and length of research. Highlights for the ninth contract year include the beginning of the development of new Phase I and Phase II concepts, release of new Phase I and Phase II Calls for Proposals, peer review and selection of new Phase I and Phase II awards, hosting the Annual Meeting in October 2006 and the Fellows Meeting in March 2007, and selection of the next group of NIAC Student Fellows.
NIAC 8th Annual Report
9
G R A N D
V I S I O N S
During the eighth contract year of operation, NIAC placed renewed emphasis on its effort to identify and state "Grand Visions" that are drivers for revolutionary advances in aerospace, aeronautics and space sciences. Grand Visions inspire giant leaps forward by setting a context for creativity, imagination and innovation. Grand Visions provide a target for Phase I Calls and set a high standard for future Fellows and stakeholders inside and outside of the NIAC organization. A set of activities structured to encourage visions of future possibilities resulted in an exciting collection of visionary goals. The NIAC has a long-standing practice of formally soliciting inputs from NASA Directorates, and the present statement of Grand Visions builds on that foundation. In October 2005, participants in the NIAC Annual Meeting (p. 27) enjoyed a special session on the agenda which was structured to encourage unfettered and creative discussion of vision stretching possibilities for aerospace endeavors. This session created input which became part of a oneday, by invitation only, workshop for key NASA technical leaders and innovators (see Communication with the Technical Community and Articulation of Grand Visions p. 43). The NIAC leadership integrated the products of these visioning activities into a new statement of Grand Visions included in the CP 06-01 Call for Proposals and provided a new centerpiece for communication about NIAC to various constituencies.
A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S Summary In the context of Grand Visions, NIAC continued in the eight contract year to inspire, solicit, review, select, fund, nurture, and infuse revolutionary advanced concepts into NASA. The heart of the NIAC process is its two Calls for Proposals and the subsequent awards. The performance periods for all completed and currently planned awards are summarized in Table 1. The following sections describe the Calls that were awarded or initiated during the past year. TABLE 1. Phase I and II Award Performance Periods 2002 Jan-Dec
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
Jan-Dec
CP 01-01 Phase II Contracts
0101
Completed
CP 01-02 Phase I Grants
0102 Completed
CP 02-01 Phase II Contracts
0201
CP 02-02 Phase I Grants
0202 Completed
CP 03-01 Phase II Contracts
0301
CP 04-01 Phase I Grants
0401 Completed
CP 05-01 Phase I Grants
0501 Completed
CP 05-02 Phase II Contracts
0502
CP 06-01 Phase I Grants
0601
CP 06-02 Phase II Contracts
0602
CP 07-01 Phase I Grants
0701
CP 07-02 Phase II Contracts
0702
First USRA Contract Ends February 11
10
Second USRA Contract Ends July 17
Call for Proposals CP 03-01 (Phase II) CP 03-01, a NIAC Phase II solicitation, was released on December 10, 2003. It was released to Phase I winners who had not previously been awarded a Phase II contract and had not submitted a Phase II proposal for the same concept more than once. Five awards were made at the conclusion of Peer Review and the Concurrence Briefing (June 25, 2004). The contract start date for these awards was August 1, 2004, and these contracts will be completed in the summer of 2006. The proposals that were selected for award under CP 0301 are summarized in Table 2 and descriptions of these concepts are available on the NIAC Web site (http://www.niac.usra.edu).
Principal Investigator & Organization
CP 03-01 Concept Proposal Title
NARAYANAN KOMERATH Georgia Institute of Technology
Tailored Force Fields for Space-Based Construction
CONSTANTINOS MAVROIDIS Northeastern University
Bio-Nano-Machines for Space Applications
ALEXEY PANKINE Global Aerospace Corporation
Sailing the Planets: Science from Directed Aerial Robot Explorers
JOHN SLOUGH University of Washington
The Plasma Magnet
PAUL TODD Space Hardware Optimization Technology
Robotic Lunar Ecopoiesis Test Bed
TABLE 2. CP 03-01 Phase II Award Winners
Call for Proposals CP 05-01 (Phase I) November 12, 2004 was the release date for Phase I CP 05-01. The corresponding due date was February 14, 2005 at which time NIAC received 158 proposals and the peer review process began. A Concurrence Briefing was given to NASA on May 12, 2005 followed by the award of 12 grants to begin on September 1, 2005 (see Table 3).
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Principal Investigator & Organization YOUNG K. BAE
CP 05-01 Concept Proposal Title A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flight Method Based On Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers
Bae Institute
JAMES BICKFORD
Extraction of Anitparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields
Draper Laboratory
ERIC BONABEAU
Customizable, Reprogrammable, Food Preparation, Production and Invention System
Icosystem Corporation
BRIAN GILCHRIST
Scalable Flat-Panel Nano-Particle MEMS/NEMS Propulsion Technology for Space Exploration
University of Michigan
GERALD P. JACKSON Hbar Technologies, LLC
GEORGE MAISE Plus Ultra Technologies, Inc.
PAMELA A. MENGES Aerospace Research Systems
MASON PECK Cornell University College of Engineering
JAMES POWELL
Antimatter Harvesting in Space Multi-Mice: A Network of Interactive Nuclear Cryoprobes to Explore Ice Sheets on Mars and Europa Artificial Neural Membrane Flapping Wing
Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Without a Tether
Magnetically Inflated Cable (MIC) System for Space Applications
Plus Ultra Technologies
HERBERT SCHNOPPER Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
Ultra-High Resolution Fourier Transform X-Ray Interferometer
GERALD A. SMITH Positronics Research LLC
Positron Propelled and Powered Space Transport Vehicle for Planetary Missions
NESTOR VORONKA Tethers Unlimited
Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion
TABLE 3. CP 05-01 Phase I Award Winners
12
Call for Proposals CP 05-02 (Phase II) Phase II CP 05-02 was released on November 10, 2004 with a proposal due date of May 2, 2005. On this date, 15 proposals were received. Abstracts of concepts selected for an award are available in Appendix B and the NIAC website (htttp://www.niac.usra.edu). Phase II contracts began on September 1, 2005 (see Table 4).
Principal Investigator & Organization
CP 05-02 Concept Proposal Title
WENDY BOSS North Carolina State University
Redesigning Living Organisms for Mars
WEBSTER CASH University of Colorado, Boulder
New Worlds Imager
STEVEN DUBOWSKY Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration
ELIZABETH McCORMACK Bryn Mawr College
Investigation of the Feasibility of Laser Trapped Mirrors
SIMON WORDEN Steward Observatory, University of Arizona
A Deep Field Infrared Observatory near the Lunar Pole
TABLE 4. CP 05-02 Phase II Award Winners
Call for Proposals CP 06-01 (Phase I) Phase I CP 06-01 was released on November 30, 2005 with a proposal due date of February 13, 2006. On this date, 166 proposals were received. The applicable statistics pertaining to type of submitting organization and award recipients are summarized in Table 5. Abstracts of concepts selected for an award are available in Appendix C and on the NIAC website (htttp://www.niac.usra.edu). Table 5 lists CP 06-01 Phase I awards. Grants will begin on September 1, 2006. Business Category
Proposals Received
Awarded
Universities
45
4
Small Disadvantaged Businesses
15
1
Small Businesses
97
6
Historically Black Colleges & Universities
2
0
Large Businesses
7
0
166
11
Total Proposals Received for CP 06-01
TABLE 5. Summary of CP 06-01 Responding Organizations
13
Principal Investigator & Organization DAVID AKIN
Development of a Single-Fluid Consumable Infrastructure for Life Support, Power, Propulsion, and Thermal Control
University of Maryland Space Systems Laboratory
ROGER ANGEL
Practicality of a Solar Shield in Space to Counter Global Warming
University of Arizona Steward Observatory
DEVON CROWE
Self-Deployed Space or Planetary Habitats and Extremely Large Structures
Physical Sciences, Inc.
TOM DITTO DeWitt Brothers Tool Company
ROBERT HOYT Tethers Unlimited, Inc.
MASON PECK Cornell University College of Engineering
CP 06-01 Concept Proposal Title
Primary Objective Grating Astronomical Telescope
Reduction of Trapped Energetic Particle Fluxes in Earth and Jovian Radiation Belts
In-Orbit Assembly of Modular Space Systems with NonContacting, Flux-Pinned Interfaces
JOE RITTER University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy
MATTHEW SILVER Intact Labs, LLC
JOHN SLOUGH University of Washington
GUILLERMO TROTTI Trotti & Associates, Inc.
GEORGE WILLIAMS Ohio Aerospace Institute
Large Ultra-Lightweight Photonic Muscle Telescope
Bio-Electric Space Exploration
Plasma Magnetic Shield for Crew Protection
Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP-Arch): Mobile, Adaptable Systems for Space and Earth Exploration
Spacecraft Propulsion Utilizing Ponderomotive Forces
TABLE 6. CP 06-01 Phase I Award Winners
14
Call for Proposals CP 06-02 (Phase II) Phase II CP 06-02 was released on December 1, 2005 with a proposal due date of May 3, 2006. On this date, 14 proposals were received. The applicable statistics pertaining to type of submitting organization and award recipients are summarized in Table 7. Abstracts of the selected concepts (Table 8) are available in Appendix D and on the NIAC website (htttp://www.niac.usra.edu). Phase II contracts will begin September 1, 2006. Business Category
Proposals Received
Awarded
Universities
4
2
Small Disadvantaged Businesses
1
1
Small Businesses
8
1
Historically Black Colleges & Universities
0
0
Large Businesses
1
1
14
5
Total Proposals Received for CP 06-02
TABLE 7. Summary of CP 06-02 Responding Organizations
Principal Investigator & Organization
YOUNG K. BAE Bae Institute
JIM BICKFORD Draper Laboratory, Inc.
BRIAN GILCHRIST University of Michigan
MASON PECK Cornell University
NESTOR VORONKA Tethers Unlimited
CP 06-02 Concept Proposal Title
A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flight Method Based on Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers: Photon Tether Formation Flight
Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields
Scalable Flat-Panel Nanoparticle MEMS/NEMS Propulsion Technology for Space Exploration in the 21st Century
Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Without a Tether
An Architecture of Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion (ISEP)
TABLE 8. CP 06-02 Phase I Award Winners
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Survey of Technologies to Enable NIAC Concepts
16
NEWMAN SEDWICK SOROUSHIAN
Two sets of Phase II contracts were actively funded during this contract year. Six CP 02-01 studies were in their second year (performance period from September 2003 through August 2005), and five CP 03-01 advanced concepts were in their first year (performance period from October 2004 through September 2006). Each of these Phase II Fellows was asked to respond to the following questions related to critical technologies to enable their concept: (1) What are the three most critical technologies to enable the further development of your NIAC concept? Please give a brief explanation, two or three sentences, describing the critical relationship of each technology to your concept. (2) What are the other technologies that are important for the further development of your concept? Please briefly describe their relationship to your concept.
MANOBIANCO
HOWE
COLOZZA
Beginning with the fifth Annual Report July 2003, NIAC has surveyed the critical enabling technologies for the NIAC Phase II concepts. The purpose of this survey is to provide NASA with inputs to their investment strategy for advanced technologies that would enable further development of the NIAC concept and provide additional justification for general categories of advanced technologies that may enable a broad range of future missions.
that covered the contract performance period ending in Table 9. CP 02-01 Critical Enabling Technologies
Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) Thin film photovoltaic array Flexible batteries or capacitors Flapping wing aerodynamics IPMC control scheme / EM field generation Production/formation of antihydrogen Formation & storage of nano-flakes of solid antihydrogen Tuned photovoltaic conversion of fission energy into electricity Production and accumulation of antiprotons Integration and miniaturization of electronics Advanced distributed communications Lightweight high strength materials (e.g. carbon nanotube based polymers) Advanced thin-film solar cell technology Thin-film batteries or thin-film capacitors Three-dimensional textile deposition, to enable the formation of anisotropic material with specific mechanical properties Shape-changing polymers that provide human-scale force Information technology, wearable computing, energy, and human power harvesting integration across the entire EVA system High current density, high temperature super conducting wire Higher efficiency cryo-coolers Distributed control algorithms High density, high strength, non-conducting materials from which reaction wheels can be manufactured Development of nanostructured piezoelectric materials Advances in development of solid electrolytes for energy storage Developments in ion-conducting nanocomposites
The eleven responses are completely reported in Appendix A along with short explanations of the relationship of each technology to the advanced system or architecture (Tables 9, 10 and 11).
Table 10. CP 03-01 Critical Enabling Technologies
KOMERATH
Large-scale direct conversion of solar energy to tunable radio and microwave frequencies Robotic sintering of lunar regolith and NEO material Large tuned conversion devices based on "vacuum" tube technology, where the vacuum of space is used in lieu of a tube Direct Conversion of sunlight to microwave and/or laser power Power beaming with high efficiency at the sender and the receiver
MAVROIDIS
Biology-inspired-nano-robotics Network based space sensing for planetary environments Radiation responsive molecular assembly Bio-nano-components such as, actuators, joints, sensors etc. Distributive intelligence, programming and control Signaling and information flow Simulation of dynamics of bio-nano-structures
PANKINE
Advanced balloon envelope materials Lightweight balloon guidance and autonomous navigation Reliable and robust entry desent and inflation (EDI) systems Advanced power generation and energy storage
SLOUGH
Compact science sensors and lightweight dropsondes Advanced power processing unit Solar wind detection system Advanced guidance systems Pioneer organisms
TODD
Laboratory ecopoiesis test bed Efficient and safe miniaturized simulated planetary environments Access to extraterrestrial venues Novel laboratory information networks Microbial health assessment
17
CASH
BOSS
ANGEL
Table 11. CP 05-02 Critical Enabling Technologies
Cryogenic liquid of very low vapor pressure able to accept and hold a mirror-like evaporated surface Friction-free superconducting bearing and drive system Mechanical and control elements with 50 year lifetime A first rank science program enabled by the lunar environment Lunar infrastructure support Site-test lunar precursor lander Plants that can withstand the environments that will be sustained in extraterrestrial greenhouses Earth-based robotic lunar/Martian test-chambers that accurately simulate the environmental conditions on extraterrestrial sites such as the moon and Mars Access to extraterrestrial greenhouses Biosensors to monitor the greenhouse conditions and plants redesigned to survive under extreme conditions Easily relocatable spacecraft Advanced station-keeping Large, shaped deployables Low scatter surfaces and edges Advanced precision formation flying
DUBOWSKY
Micro fuel cells (mm scale) Low weight high capacity hydrogen and oxygen storage element High performance very light weight actuators. micro-sensors for planetary exploration. Advanced guidance systems Sensors that are very small, low power and robust Algorithms for group behaviors for teams of planetary robotics systems
McCORMACK
New non-line of sight communication technology
18
Nanotechnology suitable to producing the ~ 1018 particles required for an orbiting laser trapped mirror Extremely stable, long-lived, high-power lasers suitable for continuous use on orbit for periods of 3 to 5 years. Improved sunshield technology Technology for neutralizing accumulated charge on the delicate grid of particles comprising the trapped mirror surface. Advanced orbital energy management, communication, station-keeping, etc. infrastructure
Coordination with NASA Since NIAC's inception, Sharon Garrison (see photo at left) has served as the NASA Coordinator for NIAC and as such is the primary point-of-contact between NIAC and NASA. Ms. Garrison is in the Advanced Concepts and Technology Office (ACTO) of the Flight Program and Projects Directorate at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). Ms. Garrison actively communicates throughout NASA to a review team comprised of representatives from the Mission Directorates and Centers. Table 12 is a listing of these representatives. Throughout the process of managing NIAC, these representatives are kept informed by Ms. Garrison of the status of the Institute and are appropriately involved in decisions and feedback. NIAC provides monthly contract status reports and an annual report to the NASA Coordinator who forwards these reports to the support team and others within NASA. Throughout the contract the NIAC leadership has briefed associate administrators and other senior technical staff at NASA Headquarters as well as directors of NASA Centers. The purpose of these briefings is to facilitate the eventual transition of NIAC advanced concepts into NASA long range plans, to inform them about the plans for NIAC, and to seek their active support and feedback. Yearly, NASA is requested to provide visionary, grand challenges for use in future NIAC Calls for Proposals. This year the NIAC placed particular emphasis on this requirement with its Visioning activities. In addition, NASA technical staff presents overviews of related NASA advanced concept activities to the NIAC Director. NIAC also participates in student programs sponsored through the NASA Centers. Table 13 describes NIAC’s coordination with NASA during this contract year.
NASA COTR
NASA Headquarters
NASA Mission Directorates
NASA Centers
Aeronautics: Murray Hirschbein Exploration Systems: Jitendra Joshi Chris Moore Sharon Garrison
Chris Moore
Science: Gordon Johnston Lou Schuster Space Operations: Stanley Fishkind
ARC: Larry Lasher DFRC: Greg Noffz GRC: Daniel Glover GSFC: Peter Hughes ...JPL: Neville Marzwell JSC: John Saiz ...KSC: Robert Youngquist LaRC: Dennis Bushnell ...MSFC: John Cole SSC: Bill St. Cyr
TABLE 12. The NASA-NIAC Support Team
19
NASA ACADEMY
EDUCATIONAL SERIES
GRAND VISIONS WORKSHOP
GSFC TECHNOLOGY PANEL
MEETING WITH ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR FOR PROGRAM ANALYSIS & EVALUATION
July 2005
NIAC Director, Bob Cassanova and Associate Director Diana Jennings visited with 20 NASA Academy Students. Bob Cassanova presented an invited seminar and distributed NIAC Brochures and lapel pins.
August 2005
The Kids Science News Network, run by NASA, contacted Sharon Garrison regarding a series of educational shows for children. The series, 21st Century Explorer, was completed in September 2005 and resulted in multiple NIAC projects being featured in the series.
9 November 2005
NIAC and ANSER hosted an invitation-only workshop aimed at brainstorming grand visions for aeronautics and space extending well beyond NASA's long range plans. The seventeen participants included NASA technical leaders and innovators. Keynote presentations by Geoff Landis (GRC/JPL/MIT) and Jim Garvin (GSFC) provided special inspiration to the ensuing discussions. The workshop was part of an ongoing NIAC effort to identify grand visions to be used as underpinnings to future Phase I proposals. The output from the workshop formed the basis for the "Grand Visions" for the CP 06-01 NIAC Phase I Call for Proposals.
11 January 2006
Sharon Garrison provided a NIAC overview to the GSFC Technology Panel. She distributed NIAC brochures, the upcoming Fellows Meeting Agenda, and copies of the Student Call for Proposals. One result of the meeting is that the Goddard Technology Management Office now links to NIAC. See http://gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov/.
30 March 2006
Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings, Ron Turner and Sharon Garrison met with Associate Administrator for Program Analysis and Evaluation, Dr. Scott Pace as well as Dr. Jim Falker and Mr. William Claybaugh of PA&E. Dr. Falker is the representative to NIAC from PA&E. Dr. Pace and his staff were briefed on recent progress in NIAC activities and given copies of the NIAC Brochure, CDs of the Annual Report, and a DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum program.
TABLE 13. Visits and Contacts within NASA (continues on next page)
20
MEETING WITH ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR
31 March 2006
Bob Cassanova met with Shana Dale, Associate Administrator, to brief her on recent NIAC activities and to present her with copies of the NIAC Brochure, a CD of the NIAC Annual Report and a DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum program. This meeting offered an opportunity to continue to spread the word about NIAC activities, including the NIAC Student Fellows Prize.
NASA HQ: PHASE I CONCURRENCE MEETING
11 May 2006
Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings, and Ron Turner met with fourteen NASA representatives at the Phase I Concurrence meeting at NASA Headquarters. As a result of that meeting, 11 projects were selected for the CP 06-01 competition.
NASA Phase II Concurrence Meeting
21 June 2006
Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings and Ron Turner met with NASA representatives at the Phase II Concurrence meeting at NASA Headquarters. As a result of that meeting, 5 projects were selected for the CP 06-02 competition.
TABLE 13. Visits and Contacts within NASA (continued from previous page)
21
Infusion of Advanced Concepts into NASA One of the contract performance metrics that is included in the USRA contract with NASA is that 5 - 10% of the selected concepts are infused into NASA's long range plans. After a concept has been developed and nurtured through the NIAC process, it is NASA's intent that the most promising concepts will be transitioned into its program for additional study and follow-on funding. NIAC has taken a proactive approach to this infusion process. In addition to the routine activities to maintain public awareness and visibility for all its funded advanced concepts, NIAC orchestrates the following activities: - Conducts status and visibility briefings with NASA researchers and managers; - Provides names of key NASA contacts to NIAC Phase I and Phase II Fellows; - From the beginning of the Phase II Call for Proposals, NIAC connects Fellows with NASA to provide synergy and optimal program consideration for future follow-on funding by NASA; - Invites NASA leaders to Phase II site visits to participate in status and planning discussions; - Encourages NIAC Fellows to publish their work in technical society meetings and technical journals; - Supports NIAC Fellows to gain NASA testing/evaluation with NASA facilities key to advanced concept verification; - Presents technical briefings to other government agencies such as the Department of Defense and the National Reconnaissance Office to generate awareness of NIAC concepts applicable to their missions; - Extends invitations to key technical leaders in non-NASA agencies and private industry to get keynote addresses at NIAC meetings which create opportunities for NIAC Fellows to interact with these organizations. As a natural consequence of NIAC's open, semi-annual meetings and the posting of advanced concept final reports on the NIAC website, other U.S. government agencies have actively pursued contact with selected NIAC Fellows. Some of these contacts have resulted in these non-NASA agencies providing funding directly to the NIAC Fellow to continue the development of the concept. As a result, NASA benefits by leveraging the technical and financial resources of other aerospace-related government agencies.
22
NASA also has a proactive approach to considering NIAC concepts for further study. The NIAC Director and the NASA COTR, Sharon Garrison, collaborate to generate periodic reports on the status of infusion with a particular emphasis on concepts that have a high probability of successful development and should be actively considered by NASA.
CONCEPT
P.I.
STATUS
Astronaut Bio-Suit for Exploration Class Missions
Dava Newman, MIT
The NIAC Phase II was completed August 31, 2005. Phase III funding in the total amount of $100,000 was allocated by NIAC and NASA HQ to continue development for an additional 12 months.
Webster Cash, University of Colorado
In February 2006, NASA/GSFC announced its intent to issue a sole-source Request for Proposal (RFP) to the Northrop Grumman Corp. and Ball Aerospace Corp. for the further development of the New Worlds Imager (NWI) concept. The NWI is an integral part of a proposal to the NASA Discovery Mission Program.
Space Tethers
Robert Hoyt, Tethers Unlimited, Inc.
In April 2006, Tethers Unlimited Inc. (TUI) entered into an agreement for the launch of its MAST experiment, which will demonstrate TUI's space-survivable Hoytether as well as low-cost nanosatellite technologies. Other TUI projects enjoy funding from DARPA and the Navy. TUI was also profiled as an SBIR Success Story in September 2005.
Electromagnetic Formation Flight (EMFF)
Ray Sedwick, MIT
Additional funding from NASA, DARPA and the NRO.
Global Environmental MEMS Sensors (GEMS)
John Manobianco, ENSCO, Inc.
The NIAC Phase II project received follow-on NASA funding for the GEMS concept through the Kennedy Space Center Technology Transfer Office Innovative Partnerships Program.
New Worlds Imager
Table 14. Advanced Concepts Infused Into NASA This Contract Year
By the end of this contract year, the concepts listed in Table 14 will have successfully begun the process of transitioning into NASA, or other government agencies, as evidenced by the receipt of additional funding from NASA or other agencies, or by being specifically noted in NASA long range plans. The infusion of other NIAC concepts is described in previous NIAC annual reports.
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Inspiration and Outreach The NIAC seeks out innovators of all ages and backgrounds to participate in the process of expanding our future possibilities. NIAC interacts with technical communities, the educational community and the public at large. Appendix E provides a listing of the inspiration and outreach activities conducted during the eighth contract year of operation. General outreach is accomplished in many ways, such as through the NIAC website and distribution of NIAC brochures and posters. In addition, NIAC Annual Meetings and Fellows Meetings are open to the general public and there is no cost for admission or registration. NIAC staff and Fellows are vocal advocates of advanced concepts within the educational audience. Some NIAC Fellows actively engage students in classwork aimed at the development of advanced concepts or participate in outreach activities within their home organizations. NIAC staff members frequently speak at schools, museums, and to student groups. NASA and other organizations turn to NIAC for content related to math, science and engineering education. For example, NIAC staff and the NASA Coordinator worked with NASA to provide input for a new educational outreach program, 21st Century Explorers. Also, the work of NIAC Fellows has been featured on the Futures Channel, a well-known developer of educational materials. The September 2005 MIT Forum featuring NIAC Fellows reached an audience of perhaps 40,000 or more with webcasts and coverage through NASA television. The accomplishments of NIAC Fellows create a near-constant demand for information. Press releases, often orchestrated through talented NASA staff, capture the attention of press outlets around the world. NIAC staff are consistently available for public comment and as resources for a broad array of publications, radio and television programming, acting too as a conduit for the media to directly interface with NIAC Fellows. During the eighth year of contract operation, the work of the NIAC was featured in numerous highly visible publications, including Discover Magazine, The Washington Post, Scientific American, Wired, and The Christian Science Monitor. The World Wide Web also carried numerous stories for NIAC fellows on popular sites such as Space.com and CNN.com. NIAC maintains an open line of communication with leaders in the global technical community through the NIAC web site and participation in national and international technical society meetings through the presentation of technical papers. The NIAC leadership also provides advocacy by orchestrating vigorous dialogue about revolutionary concepts through active participation in appropriate technical societies (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the International Astronautical Federation and the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology) and in technical committees affiliated with these societies. NIAC actively pursues exposure with aerospace industry associations through presentations, often as an invited participant, to these organizations. The NIAC leadership and NIAC Fellows also present invited seminars at universities, non-NASA research agencies and non-aerospace industry associations and nonaerospace industries. The NIAC annual meeting, the annual NIAC Phase I Fellows meeting and focused NIAC workshops provide opportunities for open analysis and advocacy of currently funded advanced concepts as well as an unbiased and open-minded examination of revolutionary concepts and enabling technologies.
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The leadership of NIAC, including the Director, Associate Director and Senior Science Advisor, promote revolutionary, advanced concepts through participation, primarily by invitation, on steering and oversight committees organized by NASA and other civilian agencies, Department of Defense, National Academy of Sciences, and National Research Council committees. This key activity continues to provide open examination and expansion of the NIAC process for advocacy, analysis and definition of advanced concepts. NIAC regularly interfaces with other U.S. research agencies to (1) stay informed about technology breakthroughs developed by these agencies; (2) encourage feedback to NIAC Fellows from a diverse constituency of research organizations; (3) explore the potential for supplemental funding for NIAC advanced concepts; and (4) establish links with the community of researchers funded by these agencies.
Release and Publicity of Calls for Proposals There are various methods used to release and publicize the NIAC Phase I Calls for Proposals. Some of the ways that NIAC solicits Calls to the community are as follows: Notices are sent to the NIAC email distribution list, generated from responses Many National and International Publications Feature Articles about NIAC. by individuals who signed up on the NIAC web site to receive the Call; Announcements on professional society web sites or newsletters (American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics, American Astronautical Society, the American Astronomical Society and the American Society of Gravitational & Space Biology); Announcements on the USRA and NIAC web sites; Web links from NASA Mission Directorate’s Web pages; Web link from the NASA Coordinator’s Web page; Announcements to a distribution list for Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU), minority institutions (MI) and small disadvantaged businesses (SDB) provided by NASA; Distribution of announcements to an Earth Sciences list provided by NASA GSFC; Announcements distributed at technical society meetings, Distribution of the NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP) Announcement through the Space Grant College Directors and the USRA Council of Institutions.
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The NIAC poster (above) has become a useful tool for soliciting and increasing NIAC's visibility. It is distributed by the NIAC staff at numerous meetings, workshops, seminars and conferences.
An updated NIAC poster (above) will also become a useful tool for soliciting and increasing NIAC's visibility. It will also be distributed by the NIAC staff.
The NIAC brochure (above) has been widely distributed within NASA, other government agencies, technical societies, universities and the science-oriented public.
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Recruitment of Technically Diverse Peer Reviewers The NIAC leadership has developed an efficient and proven method for identifying and selecting the most qualified and appropriate external review panel members to evaluate proposals submitted to the Institute. NIAC has continuously recruited experts across a broad cross-section of technical expertise and a total of 295 individuals have been used, thus far, for peer review. In order to ensure a continuous refreshment of the available expertise representing newly emerging technologies within the scientific community, the NIAC leadership continually recruits additional reviewers for each new peer review cycle. NIAC peer reviewers recruited by USRA include senior research executives in private industry, senior research faculty in universities, specialized researchers in both industry and universities, and aerospace consultants. One significant resource that the Institute has employed successfully and will continue to exploit is the personal knowledge of the NIAC Director, Associate Director, and Senior Science Advisor of many qualified experts in a wide variety of fields related to NIAC. Some of these experts have a prior association with NIAC, some served previously as NIAC reviewers, and some participated in one of the Grand Challenges workshops. Others may have been suggested by NIAC Science Council members. An additional resource of qualified peer reviewers can be found in the authors of publications cited in the proposals to be reviewed. These researchers often represent the forefront of knowledge in a specific, emerging technology directly relevant to the proposed study.
NIAC Seventh Annual Meeting The 7th Annual Meeting of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts was held on October 10-11, 2005 at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, Colorado. The meeting was attended by approximately 106 people including NIAC Phase I and Phase II Fellows, NASA representatives, USRA management, news media, members of the NIAC Science Council, members of the technical community and the NIAC/ANSER leadership team.
NIAC Director, Robert Cassanova (far left) presents NIAC cups to NIAC Fellows (from left to right) Nestor Voronka, Gerald Smith, James Powell, Herbert Schnopper, Gerald Jackson, Mason Peck, Jim Bickford, Pamela Menges, George Maise, Young Bae, and Brian Gilchrist.
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There were three keynote speakers: Courtney Stadd, from Bigelow Aerospace spoke on “Beyond , LEO: Political Issues and Challenges Facing NASA”, Paul MacCready from AeroVironment spoke on “Far Out Aeronautics and Motions” and Prof. Fred Adams from the University of Michigan spoke on “Cosmic Genesis and Eschatology: The Origin and Fate of the Universe”. There were 11 Phase II Fellows Talks, 12 Phase I concept posters and 5 NIAC student posters. All presentations have been posted on the NIAC website (http:www.niac.usra.edu).
NIAC Director, Robert Cassanova welcomes attendees to the 7th Annual Meeting (left). Keynote Speakers, Courtney Stadd (center), and Paul MacCready (right).
NIAC Associate Director, Diana Jennings and Student Fellow Joseph Fronczek (left photo). NIAC Fellow, Alexey Pankine of Global Aerospace Corp. gives his presentation (right photo).
NIAC Associate Director, Diana Jennings (left to right) and NIAC Student Fellows Brian Sikemma, Joseph Fronczek, Aimee Covert, Andrew Bingham and Nicholas Boechler and NIAC Publications Specialist, Katherine Reilly. 28
Courtney Stadd, Bigelow Aerospace “Beyond LEO: Political Issues and Challenges Facing NASA” Courtney Stadd graduated from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service with a focus in international relations and economics. Mr. Stadd's work has spanned government leadership and corporate executive positions. In the government, he managed several hundred million dollar R&D technology programs, as well as policy positions focused on removing barriers to market-driven opportunities in aerospace-related technology areas. In industry, he co-founded high tech start-ups, such as DigitalGlobe. From 2001-2003, Mr. Stadd was NASA's Chief of Staff and White House Liaison. Mr. Stadd is founder and President of Capitol Solutions, a management consulting services firm established in 1993 with a broad range of public and public sector clients in aerospace and high technology. Paul MacCready, AeroVironment “Far Out Aeronautics and Motions” Paul MacCready (Ph.D., Aeronautics, Caltech 1952; MS, Physics, Caltech 1948; BS, Physics, Yale 1947) is known as the "the father of human-powered flight", a status he attained in 1977 when his human powered Gossamer Condor captured the first Kremer Prize, and in 1979 when his Gossamer Albatross won the next Kremer Prize for crossing the English Channel. He is the founder and Chairman of AeroVironment, known for innovations in efficient, alternatively-fueled vehicles, including the solar powered Solar Challenger and the Sunraycer, which won the first solar car race across Australia in 1987, and (with General Motors) the battery-powered Impact car. The unique vehicles produced by MacCready and his teams have garnered numerous honors and awards and captured media attention for decades. Fred Adams, University of Michigan “Comic Genesis and Eschatology: The origin and fate of the universe” Fred Adams (Ph. D, Physics, University of California, Berkeley 1988; BS, Mathematics and Physics from Iowa State University at Ames). After a postdoctoral appointment at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, he joined the faculty in the Physics Department at the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) in 1991, where he is now a Full Professor. He is the recipient of the National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award as well as numerous other awards for his research and teaching. Professor Adams is internationally recognized for his work in the general area of theoretical astrophysics with a focus on the study of star formation and cosmology. His recent work in cosmology includes a treatise on the long term fate and evolution of the universe and its constituent astrophysical objects.
The NIAC Science Council viewed all of the student posters, discussed each student advanced concept with the author and selected the concept developed by Andrew Bingham of Clarkson College for a presentation at the following NIAC Phase I Fellows meeting in March 2005. The title of his concept is “Deployment of an Interstellar Electromagnetic Acceleration System”.
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NIAC Fellows Meeting The NIAC Phase I Fellows Meeting was held at the Technology Square Research Building in Atlanta, Georgia on March 7-8, 2006. All current Phase I Fellows presented a status briefing on their advanced concepts. All presentations, attendance list, and the agenda are accessible via the NIAC website at http://www.niac.usra.edu. Special insight was provided through the presentations of the following keynote speakers: - John Cramer, University of Washington, “The Blind Men and the Quantum” - Sharon Garrison, NASA Coordinator for NIAC, “Funding Opportunities for NIAC Fellows” Professor John Cramer, University of Washington Professor Cramer earned his B.A., M.A and Ph.D. degrees in Physics from Rice University. His research interests include ultrarelativistic heavy ion physics, the interpretation of quantum mechanics and ultra-high energy astrophysics. He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Physical Society. Professor Cramer has been a program advisor to the TRIUMF Laboratory, National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University, Cyclotron Laboratory at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory and the Clinton P.Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) of Los Alamos National Laboratory. He has published more than 150 papers in referred journals and conference proceedings. In addition to being an established and recognized teacher and research physicist, he has published two science fiction books, Einstein's Bridge and Twistor and has contributed to columns appearing in the Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact Magazine. Additional information about Professor Cramer is available at: http://faculty.washington.edu/jcramer/
NIAC Science Council Meetings The NIAC Science Council met with the NIAC leadership, USRA management and the NASA COTR immediately following the October 2005 Annual Meeting and the March 2006 Fellows Meeting. The Council meetings began with an informal dinner after the adjournment of the NIAC meetings and continued on the next day. The NIAC technical leadership (Director, Associate Director and Senior Science Advisor) presented a status report of all NIAC activities since the last Council meeting and discussed the plans for the next 12 months. The meetings concluded with the Council giving a summary of their observations and recommendations.
NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP) Following the October 2005 meeting, the NIAC leadership team in consultation with the NIAC Science Council organized a new program to identify and nurture innovative undergraduates who have shown exceptional creativity and promise for success in building visions of the future. The NIAC Student Fellows Prize (NSFP), sponsored by Universities Space Research Association and managed by NIAC, was initiated in 2005 to attract these students and
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facilitate their studies. The Prize, in the amount of $9,000 dollars, is intended to foster mentoring, networking, and creativity, and is a student's first opportunity to exercise responsibility in project management. Each of the winners is responsible for three progress reports as well as two presentations: the first, a poster presentation at NIAC's Annual meeting and the second, a briefing delivered at NIAC's Fellows meeting. The winners of the NIAC Student Fellows Prize for Academic Year 2005-2006 are:
Student & Affiliation ANDREW BINGHAM Clarkson University
NICHOLAS BOECHLER Georgia Institute of Technology
AIMEE COVERT University of Michigan
JOSEPH FRONCZEK New Mexico State University
BRIAN SIKKEMA Michigan Technological University
Concept Proposal Title Interstellar Exploration by Repeated External Acceleration Direct Conversion for Solar Space Power Advanced Concept for the Detection of Weather Hazards on Mars: Non-Thermal Microwave Emissions by Colliding Dust/Sand Particles Bio-Inspired Sensor Swarms to Detect Leaks in Pressurized Systems Wind-Driven Power Generation on Titan
TABLE 15. 2005-2006 NIAC Student Fellows Prize Winners
The call for proposals for the Prize for academic year 2006-2007 was released in January 2006 with a due date of April 17, 2006. Fourteen proposals were received and on May 5, 2006 five more students were selected (Table 16). The Winners of the NIAC Student Fellows Prize for Academic Year 2006-2007 are:
Student & Affiliation J. MICHAEL BURGESS University of Alabama, Huntsville
DANIELLA DELLA-GUISTINA University of Arizona
JONATHAN SHARMA Georgia Institute of Technology
FLORIS VAN BREUGEL Cornell University
RIGEL WOIDA University of Arizona
Concept Proposal Title Advanced Grazing Incidence Neutron Imaging System The Martian Bus Schedule: An Innovative Technique for Protecting Humans on a Journey to Mars START: Utilizing Near-Earth Asteroids with Tether Technologies Evolution of a Scalable, Hovering Flapping Robot
The Road to Mars
TABLE 16. 2006-2007 NIAC Student Fellows Prize Winners
Support for these student prize winners will begin September 1, 2006.
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NIAC Student Fellows Publications & Presentations During the 8th Contract Year there were four conference papers published by NIAC Student Fellows, as follows. Nicholas Boechler: "An Evolutionary Model for Space Solar Power", N. Komerath, S. Wanis, S. Hameer, N. Boechler. Presented at the STAIF 2006 Conference in Albuquerque, NM, February 2006. "SPACE POWER GRID: EVOLUTIONARY APPROACH TO SPACE SOLAR POWER", N. Komerath, N. Boechler, S. Wanis. 2006 ASCE Earth and Space Conference. Joseph Fronczek: "Bio-Inspired Sensor Swarms to Detect Leaks in Pressurized Systems", Presented at IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Conference SMC 2005, Hawaii, October 2005. "Locating Leaks in Pressurized Environmental Containments: Shockwave Sensing Using Dynamic Sensor Nets", Presented at the 6th International Conference on Intelligent Technologies InTech05, Phuket, Thailand, December 2005.
John McLucas Astronaut Safety Research Prize The Arthur C. Clarke Foundation, the Space Shuttle Children's Trust Fund, and other organizations and individuals have established a permanent endowment dedicated to the honor of the late Dr. John McLucas for the purpose of studying and improving Astronaut safety. The endowment was used to create the John McLucas Astronaut Safety Research Fund aimed in part at promoting research by students. The fund sponsors the annual John McLucas Research Prize administered by USRA. In 2005 and again in 2006, NIAC nominees were selected for this prize. 2005: Joseph Fronczek for his research on “"Bio-Inspired Sensor Swarms to Detect Leaks in Pressurized Systems" 2006: Della Diguistina for her research on “"The Martian Bus Schedule ; An Innovative Technique for Protecting Humans on a Journey to Mars"
Financial Performance The NIAC measures its financial performance by how well it minimizes its operational expenses in order to devote maximum funds for the development of advanced concepts. For this reporting period, 73% of the NIAC's total budget was devoted to advanced concept research and development.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NIAC The NIAC MISSION NOW
10 years
NASA PLANS & PROGRAMS MISSION DIRECTORATES Exploration Systems Space Operations Science Research Aeronautics Research TECHNOLOGY Enablers to construct the system.
20 years
30 years
40 years
NIAC MISSION: Revolutionary Advanced Concepts
ARCHITECTURES -Overall plan to accomplish a goal. -A suite of systems, their operational methods and interrelationships capable of meeting an overall mission or program objective. SYSTEMS -The physical embodiment of the architecture. -A suite of equipment, software, and operational objective.
The NIAC Mission The NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) was formed for the explicit purpose of functioning as an independent source of revolutionary aeronautical and space concepts that could dramatically impact how NASA develops and conducts its missions. The Institute provides a highly visible, recognized and agency-level entry point for outside thinkers and researchers. The ultimate goal of NIAC is to infuse the most promising NIAC-funded advanced concepts into future NASA plans and programs. The Institute continues to function as a virtual institute and utilizes Internet resources whenever productive and efficient for communication with grant and subcontract recipients, NASA, and the science and engineering communities.
NIAC FOCUS
NIAC METHOD
Revolutionary concepts for systems and architectures that can have a major impact on future missions of the NASA Enterprises, inspire the general public, and excite the nation’s youth.
Provide a pathway for innovators with the ability for non-linear creativity to explore revolutionary responses to the grand visions of future aerospace endeavors.
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Organization The NIAC staff is located at the NIAC Headquarters office in Atlanta, Georgia, the Washington, D.C. area, the greater Boston area, and the Chicago area. Since NIAC is an Institute of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA), the NIAC Director reports to the President of USRA. USRA uses many methods in its management of NIAC to ensure NASA is provided with quality service at a reasonable price. Approximately 70% of the funds provided by NASA for the operation of NIAC are used for funding advanced concepts. USRA refers to the remaining 30% of the NIAC budget as NIAC operations costs. Three general management processes and/or methods are employed to provide a comprehensive and costeffective, advanced concepts development program for NASA. First, USRA uses a proven solicitation and peer review process to solicit, evaluate, and select proposed advanced concepts. Once new concepts are selected for funding, USRA employs the second phase of its acquisition management approach, which is to award a grant or contract to the selected organizations. To accomplish this, USRA uses its government-approved purchasing system. USRA personnel working this aspect of the acquisition process are guided by the USRA Procurement Manual, which is modeled from the Federal Acquisition Regulations. After the appropriate contractual instrument has been awarded, USRA monitors overall performance against the respective proposed budget and concept development milestones through bi-monthly reports from the principal investigators covering technical, schedule, and budget status. NIAC SCIENCE COUNCIL
USRA Board of Trustees
Donna Shirley-Chair John Cramer Lynda Goff Lester Lyles Keith Raney Parker Stafford Jack Stuster Michael Yarymovych
USRA President USRA HEADQUARTERS Corporate Resources
NIAC LEADERSHIP Robert A. Cassanova Director Diana E. Jennings Associate Director Ronald E. Turner * Senior Science Advisor
TECHNICAL CONSULTANTS Peer Reviews Site Visits Keynote Speakers
NIAC HEADQUARTERS STAFF Dale K. Little Operations Manager
NIAC FELLOWS Concept Development
Robert J. Mitchell * Network Engineer Katherine M. Reilly Publications Specialist
The NIAC Organization Chart 34
(* ANSER employee)
ANSER, through a subcontract from USRA-NIAC, brings unique knowledge and expertise to the NIAC program by providing technical and programmatic support to the operation of the Institute. ANSER's participation in the operation of NIAC enables the Institute to have access to significant resources developed over decades of support to the government through the Department of Defense (DoD). ANSER provides a means to stay aware of innovative DoD and Homeland Security (HS) activities relevant to NASA and NIAC. ANSER has a long association with U.S. military aerospace activities, DoD research facilities, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). ANSER's Homeland Security Institute maintains a close working relationship with agencies and organizations involved in homeland security. This facilitates a means to introduce NIAC Fellows and concepts to the relevant DoD and HS communities. At ANSER's initiative, several NIAC Fellows have presented their research in invited talks in classified settings (e.g., through an NRO speaker's forum). These well-attended presentations get additional exposure after the taped talk and the electronic slides are posted on a DoD Web site. ANSER supports the operation of the Institute as an electronic virtual entity. As a corporate expense, the NIAC Science Council was formed to oversee the operation of NIAC on behalf of the relevant scientific and engineering communities. The Council is composed of a diverse group of thinkers, eminent in their respective fields, and representing a broad cross-section of technologies related to the NASA Charter. The Council has a rotating membership with each member serving a three-year term. The USRA Board of Trustees appoints all Council members. The current membership of the NIAC Science Council is listed in Table 17.
MEMBER
AFFILIATION
Dr. Robert A. Cassanova
NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC) [ex officio]
Dr. John Cramer
University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Lynda J. Goff
University of California-Santa Cruz
General (Ret.) Lester Lyles
The Lyles Group
Dr. R. Keith Raney
Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Donna L. Shirley - Chair
President, Managing Creativity
Mr. Parker S. Stafford
Aerospace Consultant
Dr. Jack Stuster
Anacapa Sciences, Incorporated
Dr. Michael Yarymovych
Aerospace Consultant
TABLE 17. Current Membership of the NIAC Science Council
Facilities NIAC Headquarters occupies 2,000 square feet of professional office space in Atlanta, GA. The staff is linked via a Windows 2000-based Local Area Network (LAN) consisting of four Pentium 4 PC's and three UNIX servers. Internet access is provided via a fiber-optic link through the Georgia Institute of Technology network. Other equipment includes one EMC AX-100 drive array, one Exabyte tape backup, one Dell Inspiron 7000, one IBM Thinkpad T-21, one IBM Thinkpad T-41, one Epson 765C LCD projector, one NEC MT 1030 LCD projector, one flatbed scanner, one
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Xerox Phaser 7300DN printer, one HP Color LaserJet 5 printer, one HP LaserJet 4000TN printer, one HP LaserJet 3100 facsimile machine and one Sharp AR405 copier. The servers use RedHat Linux for their operating systems, Apache for the Web server, Sendmail for the email server, Sybase SQL server for the database, and OpenSSL for Web and email security. The workstations use Windows 2000 for their operating systems, Microsoft Office XP Professional for office applications, Netscape Communicator for email access, and Adobe Acrobat for distributed documents.
Virtual Institute NIAC envisions progressive use of the Internet as a key element in its operation. The Internet is the primary vehicle to link the NIAC office with NIAC fellows, NASA points-of-contact, and other members of the science and engineering communities. The Internet is also the primary communication link for publicizing NIAC, announcing the availability of Calls for Proposals, receiving proposals, and reporting on technical status. All proposals must be submitted to NIAC in electronic format. All reports from the fellows to NIAC and from NIAC to NASA are submitted electronically. The peer review of proposals is also conducted electronically whenever the peer reviewer has the necessary Internet connectivity and application software. ANSER created and maintains the NIAC web site (http://www.niac.usra.edu) which serves as the focal point of NIAC to the outside world. The web site can be accessed to retrieve and submit NIAC information and proposals. The NIAC web site is linked from the NASA GSFC Flight Programs & Projects Directorate web site (http://ntpio.nasa .gov/niac/) and the NASA Research Opportunities web site (http://search.nasa.gov/nasasearch/search/search.jsp? nasaInclude=niac&Simple+Search.x=27&Simple+Search.y=1), the Office of Earth Science Research Opportunities at (http://www.earth.nasa.gov/nra/current/index.htm) and the Small Business Innovative Research program at (http:// sbir.nasa.gov). Numerous other links to the NIAC Web site are now established from NASA Centers and science and engineering Web sites.
The NIAC Web Site Design http://www.niac.usra.edu.
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The NIAC Process The NIAC process inspires and moves toward an ultimate goal of infusing revolutionary advanced concepts into NASA’s long range plans across the Agency. NIAC's role is to provide additional options for consideration by NASA with potentially revolutionary improvement in aerospace performance and the resulting dramatic extension of mission and programmatic goals. NIAC provides a pathway for innovators with the ability for non-linear creativity to explore revolutionary solutions to the Grand Challenges of future aerospace endeavors. The ultimate goal of the NIAC process is to infuse the most successful advanced concepts into mainstream plans and programs.
NIAC follows a process of providing a Grand Vision, Inspiration, Solicitation, Review, Selection and Nurturing leading to Infusion in its pursuit of advanced concepts. This process often provides Inspiration for enabling technologies and subsystems, scientific Discovery and an expansion of the Knowledge base. Typical NIAC activities related to "Inspiration" and "Nurturing" are described in detail in the Accomplishments section that begins on page 10 of this report and include the production and distribution of numerous publications describing NIAC and its funded concepts, active participation in technical meetings and societies, and attendance at numerous invited seminars, etc. Nurturing is further accomplished through Phase II site visits and NIAC sponsored meetings.
Throughout this process, NIAC engages in critical ongoing activities for: -
Active involvement with all constituencies of the technical community; Collaboration and communication with government, industry and academia; Connectivity with technology-oriented organizations; Inspiration, education and outreach through the educational community and the
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mainstream press; - Supportive management and nurturing of NIAC awardees; - Feedback from its customers, other agencies and constituencies of the technical community at large.
Solicitation The actual solicitation for advanced concepts is assembled and published by the NIAC staff. The technical scope of the solicitation emphasizes the desire for revolutionary advanced concepts that address all elements of the NASA mission. The scope of work is written to inspire proposals in all NASA mission areas. In general, proposed advanced concepts should be: Revolutionary, new and not duplicative of concepts previously studied by NASA, An architecture or system, Described in an aeronautics and/or space mission context, Adequately substantiated with a description of the scientific principles that form the basis for the concept, - Largely independent of existing technology or a unique combination of systems and technologies. -
These revolutionary concepts may be characterized by one or more of the following attributes: - The genius is in the generalities, and not the details, - The new idea creates a pathway that addresses a roadblock, - It inspires others to produce useful science and further elaboration of the fundamental idea, - It contributes to a shift in the world view, - It triggers a transformation of intuition.
Over the last 100 years of scientific and engineering development, there have been many notable concepts, technical accomplishments and scientific breakthroughs that have had a revolutionary impact on transportation within the Earth’s atmosphere, the exploration of our solar system and beyond, and on our understanding of the cosmos. Creative and often intuitive approaches may lead to revolutionary paradigm changes and interpretative applications or concepts. The Phase I Call for Proposals continues to express a special interest in receiving proposals for innovative and visionary concepts from disciplines that are normally focused on non-aerospace endeavors and may have the potential for innovative application in the aerospace sector. These concepts may be emerging at the interface of traditional disciplines where innovation often spring forth in non-aerospace fields. The evaluation criteria for Phase I and Phase II concepts are included in the solicitation and structured to convey what is being sought, and are summarized on the next page.
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PHASE I 6 months / $50 - $75K
PHASE II Up to 24 month / Up to $400K
1. How well have the benefits been qualified in the context of a future aeronautics and/or space mission appropriate to the NASA charter and responsibilities?
1. Does the proposal continue the development of a revolutionary architecture or system in the context of a future NASA mission? Is the proposed work likely to provide a sound basis for NASA to consider the concept for a future mission or program?
2. How well is the concept described in a system or architecture context? 3. Is the concept revolutionary rather than evolutionary? To what extent does the proposed activity suggest and explore creative and original concepts that may initiate a revolutionary paradigm change? 4. Is the concept substantiated with a description of applicable scientific and technical disciplines necessary for development? 5. How well conceived and organized is the study work plan, and does the team have appropriate key personnel and proven experience?
2. Is the concept substantiated with a description of applicable scientific and technical disciplines necessary for development? 3. Has a pathway for development of a technology roadmap been adequately described? Are all of the appropriate enabling technologies identified? 4. Are the programmatic benefits and cost versus performance of the proposed concept adequately described and understood? Does the proposal show the relationship between the concept’s complexity and its benefits, cost, and performance?
NIAC Proposal Evaluation Criteria
The NIAC Calls for Proposals are distributed in electronic form only. Under a typical schedule for NIAC operation, NIAC solicits annually for one Phase I and one Phase II. The release of these proposals generally occur in the latter half of the calendar year.
Proposals In order to be considered for award, all proposals are required to be submitted to NIAC electronically as a .pdf file. Technical proposals in response to Phase I Call for Proposals are limited to 12 pages; whereas, Phase II technical proposals are limited to 25 pages. There is no page limit for cost proposals.
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Peer Review Peer reviewers are selected from the technically appropriate reviewers in the NIAC database. Additional reviewers are recruited as needed to adequately represent the technical emphasis of each proposal. Each reviewer is required to sign a non-disclosure and a non-conflict-of-interest agreement prior to their involvement. A small monetary compensation is offered to each reviewer. The technical proposals and all required forms are transmitted to the reviewer via the Internet, by diskette or by paper copy, depending on the electronic capabilities of the reviewer. Reviewers are given approximately thirty days to review the technical proposals and return their completed evaluation forms. Each proposal receives at least three independent peer reviews. Each reviewer evaluates a proposal according to the criterion stated in the Call for Proposals. Templates/forms are created to help guide the reviewer through the process of assigning a numerical ranking and providing written comments. Only NIAC and USRA staff analyze cost proposals. Results of the peer reviews are compiled by NIAC, rank-ordered by a review panel, and prepared for presentation to NASA HQ at a concurrence briefing.
Receive Proposals Electronically and Log into NIAC Proposal Database
Review of Proposals by 3 Internal Reviewers for Competitiveness
Assign 3 (or more) External Reviewers from the Technical Community per Proposal Send Proposals to Reviewers (Electronically if possible)
Receive Proposal Peer Review Evaluations (Electronically if possible) Review Panel Prioritization by a Subset of Peer Reviewers Present Concurrence Briefing to NASA Follow-up With NASA Key Technical Contacts Concurrence by NASA
Notify Selected Award Winners Initiate Grant/Contract Negotiations Electronically Transmit Feedback
NIAC Peer Review Process
NASA Concurrence The NIAC Director presents the prioritized research selections to the representatives of NASA Associate Administrators of the NASA Mission Directorates before the final selection and announcement of awards. Technical concurrence by NASA, required before any subgrants or subcontracts are announced or awarded, is obtained to ensure consistency with NASA’s Charter
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and to ensure that the concept is not duplicating concepts previously or currently being developed by NASA.
Awards Based on the results of the NIAC peer review, technical concurrence from NASA HQ and the availability of funding, the award decision is made by the NIAC Director. All proposal authors are notified electronically of the acceptance or rejection of their proposals. The USRA contracts office then begins processing contractual instruments to each of the winning organizations. The “product� of each award is a final report. All final reports are posted on the NIAC Web site for public viewing. If requested, feedback based on the peer review evaluation comments is provided to the non-selected proposal authors.
Management of Awards NIAC will continue to require all Phase I (grant) and Phase II (contract) recipients to submit bimonthly and final reports. All Phase II contractors will be required to host a mid-term site visit and to submit an interim report before the end of the first half of their contract. Participants in the site visits will include the NIAC Director, invited experts in the technical field of the concept, and NASA representatives who may be able to facilitate the eventual transition to its long-range NASA funding. All Phase II Fellows are required to give a status briefing at the NIAC annual meeting. All Phase I Fellows are required to present a poster at the Annual Meeting and give a status briefing at the Phase I Fellows workshop held near the end of their Phase I grant.
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PLANS FOR THE 9th CONTRACT YEAR During the ninth contract year, NIAC will build on its cornerstones of creativity that have been validated during the first eight years of leadership in the community of aerospace innovators. NIAC provides a pathway for revolutionary discoveries that begins with the examination and articulation of "grand visions" that not only stretch the limits of technical feasibility but also inspire creative solutions to near-term challenges. These "visions" are continuously reexamined and expanded during the NIAC Annual and Fellows Meetings, a Grand Visions Workshop with invited NASA technical leaders and seminars given by the NIAC leadership to university and industry groups. The technical community has an opportunity to propose their own interpretation of the grand visions through the annual NIAC Call for Proposals. TABLE 18. Key Activities Planned for the Ninth Contract Year
2006
ACTIVITY (*SFP = Student Fellows Prize)
Jul
Aug Sep Oct
2007 Nov
Dec Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr May
Jun
NIAC Annual Meeting Grand Visions Phase I Fellows Meeting Science Council Meeting Phase II CP 05-02 Phase II Site Visits Phase I CP 06-01 Phase II CP 06-02 Student Fellows Prize ‘05-’06 Student Fellows Prize ‘06-’07
Phase I CP 07-01 Phase II CP 07-02 Seminars, Briefings to NASA
Events Announce Awards Call for Proposals
Review & Selection Grant & Contract Performance Period
During the ninth year of operation of NIAC, the following activities described in the following sections and summarized in Table 18 will be accomplished.
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Communication with the Technical Community and Articulation of Grand Visions Communication with the Technical Community and Articulation of Grand Visions Host the 9th Annual Meeting on October 17-18, 2006 at the Marriott Hotel in Tucson, Arizona. Keynote speakers will be Dr. Anthony Tethers (Director of DARPA), William Pomerantz (Director of Space Programs, X PRIZE Foundaton) and Dr. Sean Carroll (University of Chicago). NIAC Phase II Fellows will present a status report on the development of their advanced concept and NIAC Phase I and Student Fellows will present a poster about their advanced concept. Sharon Garrison, NASA Coordinator for NIAC, will present an overview of the SBIR/STTR program. Host a "Grand Visions" workshop with invited NASA technical leaders in November 2006. The one-day workshop will be held in the Washington, DC area and technical leaders from the NASA Mission Directorates will be invited to participate in a lively session to set their sights and capture their vision beyond currently defined NASA programs. One or more keynote speakers will be invited to set the atmosphere for creative, unfettered thinking. Host the NIAC Phase I Fellows Meeting in March 2007 at NIAC Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. The Fellows Meeting will be structured to give the recipients of CP 06-01 grants an opportunity to summarize the results of their Phase I development activity and to receive feedback from the attendees. One or more keynote speakers will be invited to provide their perspectives on an emerging technical area. Stay engaged with the technical community. Invited seminars will be conducted at universities, industries and scientific foundations. Thus far, seminars are scheduled at the NASA Academy at NASA GSFC in July 2006 and the International Space University in Strasbourg, France on July 22-29, 2006. NIAC also is preparing plans to present at the Institute for Advanced Study in the Fall of 2006. The NIAC technical leadership will chair sessions at the STAIF 2007 meeting in February 2007 and participate in AIAA technical committees and play a leadership role in the ASGSB. Maintain a healthy dialogue with the technical and scientific press. The NIAC technical leadership and the NASA Public Affairs Office will post notices about NIAC advanced concept awards and other items of special interest through the NIAC website and NASA new releases. The NIAC technical leadership and the NASA Coordinator will encourage the publication of articles in the popular science press by participating in interviews with reporters.
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Solicit and Select Concepts for Revolutionary Advanced Concepts Solicit and Select Concepts for Revolutionary Advanced Concepts Release the next Phase I and Phase II Calls for Proposals. The Phase I Call for Proposals, CP 07-01, and the Phase II Call for Proposals, CP 07-02, will be released no later than early December 2006. CP 07-01 will have a due date in early February, 2007 and CP 07-02 will have a due date in May 2007. Conduct the peer review, concurrence and selection of Phase I and Phase II Awards. After logging in the proposals to the NIAC database, proposals will be reviewed internally for competitiveness and sent to external peer reviewers. The resulting evaluations will be reviewed by a panel of experts convened at NIAC headquarters which will assist in prioritizing the proposals for an award. A concurrence briefing will be conducted at NASA headquarters and, following formal concurrence by NASA, the concepts selected for an award will be publicly announced. Release the NIAC Student Fellows Prize Call for Proposals. The next Call for Proposals will be released in January 2007 with a due date in late April 2007. Prizes will be announced in May 2007 for funding to begin in September 2007.
Continued Development of Advanced Concepts Continued Development of Advanced Concepts Conduct site visits with currently funded Phase II Fellows. Each of the Phase II Fellows is required to host a site visit near the end of the first year of their concept development. In addition to the members of the investigator's team, the attendees include the NIAC technical leadership, invited technical consultants, NASA technical and programmatic leaders and technical representatives from other government agencies. The purpose of the site visit is to review the status of the concept development, give feedback to the concept team and explore the possibility of additional funding from NASA and other funding sources. The site visits for the Phase II CP 05-02 awards will occur in August 2006. Give status briefings to the NASA leadership. Briefings on the status of NIAC advanced concepts will be presented to the NASA Associate Administrators, key technical leaders in NASA HQ, NASA Center Directors and NASA Center technical leaders at appropriate times over the next year.
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Oversight by USRA The NIAC Science Council will meet to receive an overview of the status and plans of NIAC on the day following each of the scheduled Annual Meeting and Fellows Meetings. In addition to the Council Members, the attendees include the NIAC technical leadership, NIAC administrative and information technology staff, publications staff, NASA Coordinator and other NASA representatives. The Council will issue a report to USRA management and NASA on the operation of NIAC and will offer suggestions for future activities.
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APPENDIX A Descriptions of Enabling Technologies from NIAC CP 02-01 Studies (Performance Period: September 2003 - August 2005) SOLID STATE AIRCRAFT Anthony Colozza, Ohio Aerospace Institute CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Ionic Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC). The development of the IPMC material is one of the most critical issues to the viability of the concept. Further development that will demonstrate the ability to make large sections of the material as well as the demonstration and characterization of its behavior under various operational and control conditions is critical to the concepts viability. 2. Thin Film Photovoltaic Array. The solid state aircraft (SSA) is powered by the use of a flexible thin film solar array. The development of thin film array materials can greatly enhance the capabilities of the SSA. The array characteristics that will have a significant effect on the vehicles performance are specific mass (kw/kg), overall efficiency and substrate compatibility. If the photovoltaic material can be deposited onto another component such as a thin film battery or the IPMC material itself, the integration of the SSA can be greatly enhanced. 3. Flexible Batteries or Capacitors. To store energy between wing flaps a battery or capacitor must be used. To integrate these into the aircraft they will need to be lightweight, compact and flexible. Development of a suitable energy storage medium is critical to the SSA's operation. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Flapping Wing Aerodynamics. A detailed understanding of the fluid dynamics of flapping wing flight is needed to optimize the SSA design and minimize power consumption. 2. IPMC Control Scheme / EM Field Generation. A control scheme for the IPMC material is needed to provide a viable flight vehicle. This control consists of the generation and tailoring of an EM field which in turn induces the motion of the IPMC. The development would consist of the capability to generate a field that is tailored in strength and polarity over the wing area as well as the understanding of what that distribution would need to be to achieve the correct wing motion.
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ANTIMATTER DRIVEN SAIL FOR DEEP SPACE MISSIONS Dr. Steven D. Howe, Hbar Technologies, LLC CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES The antimatter sail concept relies on the ability to use antiproton induced fission as a propulsion method. The key technologies therefore to enabling this concept are: 1) production/formation of sufficient amounts of antihydrogen, 2) formation and storage of nano-flakes of solid antihydrogen, and 3) development of the Tuned Photovoltaic Conversion (TPC) method of converting fission energy into electricity. The formation of antihydrogen molecules is the first step to making the storage of flakes feasible. The suspension of a charged nano-flake electrostatically will demonstrate the storage concept. Both of these technologies can be demonstrated in the near term using normal-matter protons. The TPC concept uses fission to induce scintillation in a medium. The wavelength of the scintillation is tuned to the acceptance of a photovoltaic cell for high efficiency conversion. The TPC could be demonstrated using radioisotopes and currently available scintillating materials. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES Another significant technology is the production and accumulation of antiprotons. The current production levels need to be greatly increased in order to make sufficient quantities for deep space missions.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL MEMS SENSORS (GEMS): A REVOLUTIONARY OBSERVING SYSTEM FOR THE 21ST CENTURY John Manobianco, ENSCO Inc. CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Electronics. The further integration and miniaturization of electronics is a critical enabler of the GEMS system. Sensing, processing, and storage must all be combined in a robust monolithic design to implement the final GEMS probe. 2. Communications. State of the art communication systems today such as ad-hoc or mesh networks will not likely support the massive number of probes envisioned for the GEMS system. Since scaling limitations exist for these networks, new protocols and hardware must be developed to overcome these difficulties or alternative systems such as low power point-to-point satellite communications or hybrid ad-hoc/satellite communications must be employed. 3. Materials. The probes must meet specific design criteria in order to maximize the dwell time in the atmosphere. The probe shell material must be capable of withstanding enor-
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mous pressures at high altitudes, but also be incredibly light. Carbon nanotube based polymers are needed to provide an ultrathin, lightweight, high tensile strength material for the shell. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Power. The current solution for power generation is thin-film solar cell technology. The two primary candidates in this arena are thin-film amorphous silicon cells and nanoparticle dye cells. Although, thin-film solar cells are an excellent material for power generation, the probe must also be capable of storing power for night-time operation. Two possible options include thin-film batteries or thin-film capacitors.
ASTRONAUT BIO-SUIT SYSTEM FOR EXPLORATION CLASS MISSIONS Dava Newman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Three-dimensional textile deposition, to enable the formation of anisotropic material with specific mechanical properties. Also, the ability to assemble a garment in three dimensions through patterning of fibers and incorporation of other materials (e.g., passive and active elements). We have determined the initial material property requirements as well as fiber orientation (March 2005, Bi-Monthly Report): tensile strength > 60 N (13 lbf) and an elastic modulus that is initially high but that approaches zero as the strain surpasses 30% and the load reaches 30 N. The target operating range for the fiber or fabric is at tensile loads of 30 N Âą5 N and strains of 50% Âą20%. We are continuing our investigation into 'electrospinlacing' technology for this application. 3D material deposition will enable a spacesuit to be exactly custom-fit to its wearer. The ability to give the textile specified mechanical properties in specific directions will enable a spacesuit to mimic the deformation of the skin. 2. Shape-changing polymers that provide human-scale force. Often these are called "artificial muscles" and they include dielectric elastomers, electrostrictive polymers, shape memory polymers, and mechano-chemical polymers and gels. These active polymers will enable a mechanical counterpressure spacesuit to apply pressure to the body surface after the suit has been donned and may be activated by body temperature. They will also allow for local control of the tension in the spacesuit fabric; our analysis shows a requirement for 30-70% local contraction or stretch around moving joints to provide constant pressure over different curvatures of the body surface. 3. Information technology, wearable computing, energy, and human power harvesting integration across the entire EVA system. Integration of the space suit with smart EVA tools via data automation; integration of the space suit and EVA tools with other components of the EVA system including robotic elements. Lightweight, portable, long-duration sources of power, or the ability to harvest the human body's waste energy to power
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BioSuit and EVA life support systems. Essentially, spacesuits for planetary exploration require advancements in battery technology. Longer duration traverses will require more energy for the astronauts' life support systems, but the additional energy cannot come by increasing the on-back mass for the astronaut. The use of electroactive fibers and materials for spacesuit shape control or for biomedical sensing will also require additional energy. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Distributed sensing for temperature, humidity, chemicals, and mechanical stress. These sensors can monitor life support functions and serve as flexible keyboards (interfaces) for garments, and they can provide shape control for fabrics. 2. Edema assessment using the Bowman Perfusion Monitor from Hemedex has been completed and reported at Aerospace Medical Association (ASMA) Annual Conference, May, 2005 (Trevi単o, L. and Carr, C.).
ELECTROMAGNETIC FORMATION FLIGHT (EMFF) Raymond Sedwick, Massachusetts Institute of Technology CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. The primary enabling technology for EMFF is high current density, high temperature super conducting wire. The current state of the art is about 13 kA/cm2, which allows it to be a competitive technology with thruster-based systems. However, the force between two identical spacecraft scales as the square of this current density, for a fixed mass and coil size, so increases in this density will greatly improve the viability of this technology at greater distances. The wire being used is a matrix of superconducting material and regular metal, to provide strength and flexibility. The superconducting material has been lab tested to an upper limit of 6,000 kA/cm2, so the improvements need only come in the manufacturing process of the wire. 2. A second technology which will allow EMFF to function in Earth orbit is higher efficiency cryo-coolers. Current thermal designs appear to require on the order of 10s of Watts per coil of thermal power removal, translating to 100s of Watts of electrical power input to cryo-coolers for each coil. This appears to be the driving power requirement for the system. 3. The third most critical technology is distributed control algorithms. Unlike thruster based systems, movements within an EMFF system must be coordinated between multiple spacecraft simultaneously. This is a very complex control problem, which must be solved to make the technology viable.
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OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. One potentially useful technology is high density, high strength, non-conducting materials, from which reaction wheels can be manufactured. Metal wheels, rotating within the magnetic field of EMFF generate eddy currents, which will act as a breaking mechanism on the wheels. Although shielding of the wheels with a high permeability material can solve this problem, it would be more efficient to add mass to the system that would be useful in other ways (i.e. angular momentum storage), rather than simply parasitic.
INHERENTLY ADAPTIVE STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS Parviz Soroushian, Technova Corporation CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Our technology relies on the piezoelectric phenomenon to convert the (otherwise destructive) concentrated mechanical energy to electrical energy in order to guide and drive (constructive) adaptive effects. The energy conversion efficiency and mechanical performance of piezoelectric materials are key to successful development of subject technology. Development of nanostructured piezoelectric materials, with a major fraction of their molecules occurring on grain surfaces, promises to yield substantially magnified piezoelectric effect and thus greatly increase the rate and extent of self-adaptation. 2. Mass transport phenomena which are responsible for adaptive phenomena in our approach occur in the context of solid electrolytes. Advances in development of solid electrolytes for energy storage devices have opened the prospects for greatly enhancing the ionic conductivity and mechanical performance of solid electrolyte through introduction of nano-scale inclusions in the system. Developments in ion-conducting nanocomposites can facilitate full development and effective implementation of inherently adaptive structural systems. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Development of functional (piezoelectric and ion-conducting) nanostructured materials would depend upon processing techniques which provide nano-scale control over distribution and interfacial interactions. Developments in nanotechnology emphasizing controlled processing of nanocomposites and nanostructured materials would thus be among enabling technologies for our concept.
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CP 03-01 Studies (Performance Period: October 2004 - September 2006) TAILORED FORCE FIELDS FOR SPACE-BASED CONSTRUCTION Narayanan M. Komerath, Georgia Institute of Technology CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES Large-scale direct conversion of solar energy to tunable radio and microwave frequencies is a critical technology. We are developing a concept to automatically build massive structures in space using extraterrestrial materials. We propose to use intense fields in long-wave radio resonators to generate the forces that move the materials into desired wall shapes. The system launch mass from Earth for the construction equipment is currently dominated by the mass of the equipment required to convert broadband solar energy to tunable radio wavelengths. Present-day options for such conversion generally go through an intermediate direct-current step. Other approaches are aimed at micro-scale applications such as cell-phones, where the mass is limited by fabrication and heat-transfer considerations. The scale-up to large power levels is not understood. Technology #1: Electromagnetic Shaping, at all size scales ranging from nano to macro. What is needed is access to large RF facilities that can generate intensive, controlled fields. Technology #2: Robotic sintering of lunar regolith and NEO (Near Earth Object) material. Technology #3: Large tuned conversion devices based on "vacuum" tube technology, where the vacuum of space is used in lieu of a tube. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES a. Direct Conversion of sunlight to microwave and/or laser power. Recent Japanese work on Nd-Cr-fiber lasers provides considerable hope that this technology will provide breakthroughs in many space power applications. This technology is directly useful for laser cutting tools to extract NEO (Near Earth Object) resources. b. Power beaming with high efficiency at the sender and the receiver.
BIO-NANO-MACHINES FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS Constantinos Mavroidis, Northeastern University CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Bio-nano-robotics. The concept of space bio-nano-robotic systems is based on revolutionary bio-nano-mechanisms formed by protein and DNA based nano-components. Here we focus on assembling these bio nano components to form complex robotic assemblies having advanced properties, such as, distributive intelligence, programming
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and control. These bio-nano robots would be based on sound design architectures, such as, modular organization and would have the ability to process information. 2. Network based space sensing for planetary environments. The proposed NIAC concept of Networked TerraXplorers (NTXp), is a network of channels containing the bionano-robots having the enhanced sensing and signaling capabilities. Using these bionano-based robots and utilizing their capabilities of programming and control, we would develop technology to sense the targeted planetary terrain on a very large scale (in order of miles). 3. Radiation responsive molecular assembly. This technology focuses on developing molecular structures which would have an ability to interact with the radiation at the molecular level; characterize its intensity based on energy deposition and relate it to the relative biological effectiveness based on the correspondence established through molecular structure and other properties. Another feature of such a technology is its integration with the current materials at the molecular scale and its widespread presence throughout the material structure. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Bio-nano-components. This technology would enable us with a library of bio-nano components having equivalence to the macro robotic components, such as, actuators, joints, sensors etc. 2. Distributive intelligence, programming and control. This technology would give an ability to bio nano-robots to take decisions at nano scale and to store and retrieve information for many useful tasks, such as, sensing another element or condition. Evolvable hardware is one of the technologies which could be benefited by this. 3. Signaling and information flow. This technology would enable development of concepts which would enable the flow of information, its storage and its connection to other bionano robotic entities. The signaling of sensed data would be carried out through molecular interfaces to the other bio-nano entities and macro-level devices. The biological signals have to be amplified and converted to electrical signals or chemical signals and have to be processed and stored and this technology would provide us with the same. 4. Dynamics of bio-nano-structures. This technology would enable understanding of key concepts involved in the dynamics of molecular structures. Quantitative and qualitative development of these concepts would help predict the motion, trajectories and other responses of bio-nano-robotic entities subjected to various environments.
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DIRECTED AERIAL ROBOTIC EXPLORERS (DARE) Alexey A. Pankine, Global Aerospace Corporation CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Advanced Balloon Envelope Materials. Advanced balloon envelope materials will be stronger and lighter than existing balloon envelope materials. In the future balloon envelopes will be made out of composite materials - combining layers of materials with desired properties. Future balloon envelopes will be strengthened by fabrics made out of nano-tubes, will be resistant to UV and chemical degradation, and have thermo-optical properties that can be varied "on the fly". These lightweight and strong materials will enable large balloon envelopes for exploration of Mars and Outer Planets, will enable long-duration balloon flights without the need to replenish buoyant gas, and will enable heavier scientific payloads required for comprehensive exploration missions. 2. Lightweight Balloon Guidance and Autonomous Navigation. Balloon guidance technology would take advantage of lightweight material technology and aerodynamic research. For example, an inflatable system made out of nano-tube fabric could be inflated with ambient air. Inflatable wings would harden when exposed to UV radiation or other environmental agents. A balloon guidance system could enable flight path control so that planetary balloons could be directed to scientific targets on the surface or in the atmosphere of a planet. Navigation sensors and advanced algorithms would determine platform location based on observations of the stars and underlying surface features. Autonomous navigation techniques would chart a course to targets or perform high-priority observations without operator commands from Earth. These technologies would enable targeted and adaptive observation strategies envisioned for exploration of the Solar System planets. 3. Reliable and Robust Entry Descent and Inflation (EDI) Systems. Vehicle entry and the initial portion of descent will be very similar to other planetary lander missions. Aerial deployment and inflation of the envelope is desired in order to mitigate the issues associated with ground inflation, i.e. envelope damage in high winds. EDI systems will be able to quickly inflate large balloon envelopes during entry into a planetary atmosphere while maintaining stability and minimizing deployment shocks experienced by the unfolding envelope. For example, EDI could employ cryogenic inflation gas storage to minimize the mass of the gas tanks. EDI systems will enable reliable deployment of aerial platforms in the atmospheres of the planets in the Solar System.
OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Advanced Power Generation and Energy Storage. Advancements in power generation and energy storage are expected to come from development of high-efficiency fuel cells and thin-film solar arrays, and lightweight photovoltaic devices incorporating Quantum Dots technology. These technologies will enable aerial exploration missions in the envi-
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ronments with weak solar power sources. They will also enable the use of power hungry instruments, such as radars, on aerial platforms. 2. Compact Science Sensors and Lightweight Dropsondes. Small and lightweight scientific sensors, such as cameras, spectrometers, in situ sensors and others will expand the exploration capabilities of the balloon platforms. Lightweight dropsondes will enable safe delivery of the science instruments to the targeted surface sites on a planet and enable in situ analysis of samples from an overflying aerial platform. THE PLASMA MAGNET John Slough, University of Washington CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES A major feature of the plasma magnetic sail is the fact that there has already been a demonstration of the primary technologies in the laboratory at power levels far greater than should be necessary in the space based application. One would however like to see the following developments for space: 1. Better power processing unit. This would include variable frequency (1 to 100 kHz) power supply capable of driving a variable antenna load impedance - one that will be quite low (less than an ohm, typically). 2. Solar wind detection system: It will be critical to be able to gauge the strength and direction of the solar wind for obvious reasons. This will likely need to be a local measurement made by a small satellite of the spacecraft that is positioned outside of the plasma magnet. 3. Guidance systems specifically designed for a thrust vector as complex as what is expected from the solar wind - plasma magnet interaction. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES It does not appear at this time that there are any significant technological developments needed, other than those that are mentioned above. The major hurtle for this concept has little to do with technological feasibility. It is convincing NASA or others to take the effort and time to understand the underlying principles, and to realize the revolutionary repercussion to space travel the plasma magnet would have if successfully developed.
ROBOTIC LUNAR ECOPOIESIS TEST BED Paul Todd, Space Hardware Optimization Technology (SHOT), Inc. CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES
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1. Pioneer organisms. Planetary ecopoiesis will require living organisms that can withstand extremes of temperature, pressure and humidity while metabolizing actively, at least part-time, as photoautotrophs or chemoautotrophs. Cyanobacteria and certain deep-living autotrophs are candidate pioneer organisms. If they function they can be joined by heterotrophic consumer pioneer organisms like certain bacilli, which can bring early metabolic balance to the pioneer ecosystem. 2. Laboratory ecopoiesis test bed. Before research on extraterrestrial bodies can proceed, research in the laboratory under simulated planetary conditions is required. This requirement is being met by a test bed designed for and dedicated to biological testing. In the case of Mars, a daytime temperature of +26 C and a nighttime temperature down to -130 C are required, along with an atmosphere of Martian composition at 10 mbar. Flexibility of parameters and automated control are important, as the effects of these extremes on pioneer organisms must be taken into account and parameter adjusted accordingly until the effects of the extremes are understood. 3. Efficient and safe miniaturized simulated planetary environments. Challenging thermal problems are associated with creating a portable Mars-like environment that can be distributed among many laboratories and classrooms. If 1,000 teachers and students each study 100 cm2 of simulated regolith under simulated planetary conditions, then 10 square meters of simulated planetary surface could be "under cultivation" at a time using a variety of organisms and approaches. The technical hurdles are heat rejection during the intensely illuminated daytime and cooling during the intensely frigid planetary (or lunar) night and meeting rigid safety requirements. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Access to extraterrestrial venues. The above technologies are considered preparatory to research at extraterrestrial venues. All planetary parameters are simulated in the terrestrial test beds except cosmic radiation and gravity. The International Space Station (using centrifuges) and the Moon (using passive thermal control and telemetry) constitute extraterrestrial venues for test-beds where the missing parameters can be included; however, fidelity of other parameters (day-length, atmosphere) would suffer. 2. Novel laboratory information networks. Data synthesis from multiple terrestrial testbeds (and any future extraterrestrial facilities that may emerge) may be required to sum over widely dispersed rare events. Some experiments may take decades. Self-prompting messages and neural networks are only examples of potential technologies that could be utilized to create knowledge from sparse data gathered over many venues. 3. Microbial health assessment. Robust remote sensor technologies that report metabolites, gas composition and other parameters indicative of living matter will ultimately be required as research progresses using terrestrial and extraterrestrial test beds.
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CP 05-02 Studies (Performance Period:September 1, 2005 - August 31, 2007) A DEEP FIELD INFRARED OBSERVATORY NEAR THE LUNAR POLE Roger Angel, University of Arizona CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES a) Development of a cryogenic liquid of very low vapor pressure and able to accept and hold a mirror-like evaporated surface. Organic ionic liquids seem to be the most promising candidates, and are known to ~ 150K. The science goal would be enhanced by lower temperature, ideally down to the 77K temperature of the superconducting bearing. b) Development of a friction-free superconducting bearing and drive system. Technology for the bearing itself seems to be reasonably well understood. The rotation speed must be controlled by a servo system to <1 part per million, and wobble to a small fraction of the diffraction limit, which is 0.1 arcsec for a 20 m telescope operating at 4 microns wavelength c) Development of mechanical and control elements with 50 year lifetime. A unique advantage of a lunar observatory is a much longer life than the ~ 10 years of free-flying spacecraft. Technology to minimize radiation damage and optical or mechanical degradation is needed to ensure this lunar potential can be exploited. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES Other key aspects are not so much technology, and prerequisites for further development. They are: d) A first rank science program enabled by the lunar environment. This is essential to ensure community support. Such a program is being developed in Phase B, and it exploits the uniquely large aperture and boresighted nature of the telescope for cosmological surveys to unique depth. e) Infrastructure support. The telescope would not be possible without the Lunar Exploration program. The specifics aspects of this program that are critical to the telescope are being worked out. f) Site-test precursor lander. Before a polar telescope mission could be finalized, an insitu site survey is required. The specific measurements of local and atmospheric dust and of soil mechanics are being worked out, to be accomplished by a small polar lander.
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LIVING ORGANISMS FOR BIOREGENERATIVE LIFE SUPPORT DURING LONGTERM SPACE EXPLORATION Amy Grunden and Wendy Boss, North Carolina State University CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1) Plants that can withstand the environments that will be sustained in extraterrestrial greenhouses. A bioregenerative life support system that can withstand the extreme environments of encountered during planetary exploration is essential for long term space exploration. Plants can provide food, purify the air and water as well as supply building materials and pharmaceuticals for human survival; however, terrestrial plants, as we know them cannot withstand the extreme environments including cosmic radiation, rapid and extreme temperature fluctuations, the lack of water and the low pressure that will be encountered in extraterrestrial greenhouses. There is a need to redesign plants to survive these environmental extremes. 2) Earth-based robotic lunar/Martian test-chambers that accurately simulate the environmental conditions on extraterrestrial sites such as the moon and Mars are needed. These test chambers should to be designed to accommodate small plant species that have been developed for extraterrestrial environments (e.g. micro-tomatoes and the model system Arabidopsis). The test chambers are essential for evaluating newly redesigned life forms on Earth prior to their deployment in space. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1) Access to extraterrestrial greenhouses: Redesigned plants need to be tested in planetary environments prior to establishing human colonies. Extraterrestrial greenhouses will need to be established to accommodate test plant species. 2) Develop biosensors to monitor the greenhouse conditions and plants redesigned to survive under extreme conditions. Biosensors will be essential to evaluate conditions and to assess plant growth and development, or lack thereof, and to understand the factors contributing to the success or failure of the mission.
THE NEW WORLDS IMAGER Webster Cash, University of Colorado CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1. Traveling Spacecraft For the starshades to work they must travel thousands of kilometers between target alignments using a great deal of fuel. High delta-v systems with low mass are needed.
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2. Station-keeping Once in position, the spacecraft must hold position to a few meters relative to the line of sight to the celestial sphere. Automated alignment sensing and position correction schemes are needed. 3. Large, Shaped Deployables The Starshades are 30 to 100 meters in diameter. To fit the size and mass constraints of launch, they must be made from large, thin sheets. Technologies for deployment to millimeter class precision in space are needed. 4. Low Scatter Surfaces and Edges Starshades must be very dark. Some part of their edges will invariably be in sunlight. Techniques for minimizing diffraction and scatter on the edges of the deployable sheets need development. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1. Precision Formation Flying Starshades can make exoplanets visible to telescopes. If the telescopes are held in an interferometric array, then actual photographs of Earth-like planets can be captured. This will involve developing precision formation flying of the telescopes over hundreds of kilometers of space. 2. Low Noise Interferometers Low noise detectors and efficient beam combiners can improve the performance of the system and lower the cost. 3. Large Deployable Telescopes Observations of exoplanets can be greatly enhanced by large, diffraction-limited telescopes operating in the visible band. Practical telescopes of 10m diameter involve deployable main mirrors. MICROBOTS FOR LARGE-SCALE PLANETARY SURFACE AND SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION Steven Dubowsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES a. The development of micro fuel cells (mm scale). Power for small robotic systems, for which solar cells are not feasible, such as in our concept, is critical. An environment with high efficiency cell technology working temperatures compatible with sensors, electronics would have a major positive impact on a wide range of systems. b. The development of low weight high capacity hydrogen and oxygen storage elements. These are essential to the fuel cell concept. 58
c. The development of high performance very light weight actuators. Again, this technology is currently a key road block to future space robotic systems. This aspect is a major focus of our work. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES a. The development of micro-sensors for planetary exploration. The development of sensors that are very small, low power and robust are essential for our microbots. b. Algorithms for group behaviors for teams of planetary robotics systems where the individual team members have limited capabilities. Our microbots would need these algorithms to optimally explore large areas with limited mobility and sensor ranges. c. New non-line of sight communication technology. This would help our subsurface communication between our microbots when they function in planetary caves. INVESTIGATION OF THE FEASIBILITY OF LASER TRAPPED MIRRORS IN SPACE Elizabeth McCormack, Bryn Mawr College CRITICAL TECHNOLOGIES 1) Nanotechnology suitable to producing the ~1018 particles required for an orbiting laser trapped mirror. Optimal particle size will be in the range 0.1 - 1.0 micron. Particles need to be highly uniform in size, shape and reflectivity. Particles may have complex shapes and different optical properties at the trapping and observing wavelengths (which, in general, will not be the same). We are also interested in nano-structures that might dissipatively damp relative motion of the trapped particles and "whiskers" to facilitate charge neutralization. 2) Extremely stable, long-lived, high-power lasers suitable for continuous use on orbit for periods of 3 to 5 years. A hypothetical ideal laser would have variable wavelength and variable bandwidth to permit our collapsing the particles to the central fringe sheet. 3) Improved sunshield technology affording both passive cooling of the mirror surface (to <30 K at L2) and a very high level of protection from both solar outflow and magnetic fields. The strength of the trapping field (directly related to our laser and electrical power requirements) will be functions of mirror temperature, the degree to which the mirror particles become charged and the magnitude and variability of magnetic fields. OTHER TECHNOLOGIES 1) Technology for neutralizing accumulated charge on the delicate grid of particles comprising the trapped mirror surface.
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2) Orbital energy management, communication, station-keeping, etc. infrastructure to give us a range of innovative orbit options. We will be seeking orbits (out-of-plane?) that minimize zodiacal heating, in order to achieve a mirror temperature as close as possible to the theoretical limit of 3 K, while still remaining close enough to the Sun to meet laser power requirements.
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APPENDIX B
CP05-02 Awardees A Deep Field Infrared Observatory Near the Lunar Pole Roger Angel, University of Arizona This proposal is to explore the feasibility and scientific potential of astronomical telescopes made with 20 – 100 m liquid primary mirrors at the South Pole of the Moon. Such telescopes, equipped with imaging and multiplexed spectroscopic instruments for a deep infrared survey, would be revolutionary in their power to study the distant universe, including the formation of the first stars and their assembly into galaxies. Already at 20 m diameter, the resolution would be 3 times higher than the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), and, by integrating for a year, objects 100 times fainter could be reached. Liquid mirror technology is ideally suited for this application, requiring only a gravitational field and uniform rotation to maintain exquisitely accurate surface figure over very large aperture. It’s far simpler that the conventional alternative, a mirror made from solid surface segments, requiring mechanical and optical alignment maintained to 30 nm tolerance. On Earth, liquid mirrors are limited to ~ 6 m size by wind and are subject to atmospheric absorption and distortion. The Moon, though, provides the required gravity field with no such limitations. At the poles, the zenithpointing mirror sees the same extragalactic field of view at all times, allowing very deep imaging and spectroscopy by integration for years on the same region. Simple radiation shielding can be used to cool the instrument for high infrared sensitivity, and solar power is available continuously. The goals of this study are to understand better the scientific potential, to explore the “tall tent poles” that must be overcome to make such a telescope practical, and to explore the value of human presence for erecting the telescope and for occasional instrument upgrades. This study will thus be of value in developing scientific exploration goals for NASA’s planned return to the Moon. Redesigning Living Organism to Survive on Mars Wendy Boss and Amy Grunden, North Carolina State University Providing life support for human exploration is a major challenge as we venture to Mars and beyond. Our hypothesis is that we can revolutionize life forms by selectively expressing in plants extremophile genes that will collectively enable functional life in inhospitable environments. For our phase I proposal, we demonstrated for the first time that an archaeal gene, superoxide reductase from Pyrococcusfuriosus, could be transcribed and translated in a model eukaryotic system to produce a functional enzyme which retained the properties of the original archaeal protein. In our phase II proposal, we will extend our studies to the whole plant and will include a suite of genes from the P. furiosus reactive oxygen species (ROS) detoxification pathway that together will confer resistance to oxidative stress. Furthermore, we will increase reduced glutathione by introducing the glutathione reductase (GR) gene from a psychrophilic extremophile Colwelliapsychrerythraeain order to address a major problem facing Earth based organisms on Mars, stabilizing
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protein structure during the rapid changes in temperature that will be encountered even in enclosed environmental chambers. We will cross plants producing the heat stable ROS and cold functional GR enzymes to generate a hybrid plant tolerant of extreme environments, including cold, drought, heat and radiation. After each T4 generation transgenic plant has been produced, the plants will be distributed to NASA-funded labs for more complete physiological testing in space environments. In addition, we will work with investigators to introduce the genes into breeding programs to revolutionize breeding programs for crops to be grown in space. Finally, our road map includes working with an honors undergraduate class to investigate the use of novel genetic approaches to generate plants resistant to radiation damage to DNA. The New Worlds Imager Webster Cash, University of Colorado at Boulder We propose a two year, Phase II study of the New Worlds Imager concept. In Phase I we showed how the concept of a starshade has the potential to make studies of planets around other stars routine, without technical heroics. The starshade is a large, deployable sheet on a separate spacecraft that is flown into position along the line of sight to a nearby star. We showed in Phase I how a starshade could be designed and built in a practical and affordable manner to fully remove starlight and leave only planet light entering a telescope. The simulations are very exciting, showing we can detect planetary system features as fine as comets, perform spectroscopy to look for water and life signs, and perform photometry to search for oceans, continents, clouds and polar caps. We also show how a true Planet Imager can be made from two starshade apertures and a fifth spacecraft carrying an interferometer. In Phase I we showed through simulation that features as fine as 100km across can be detected and mapped from 30 light years with this New Worlds Imager.We propose to continue the study of the New Worlds concept into Phase II. We will fully define the approaches to building starshades and telescopes. This will include identification of materials, deployment methods, target acquisition techniques, thrusters for holding spacecraft alignment, available launch vehicles and ideal orbits. The study will also include a laboratory demonstration of high contrast using a shaped pupil. We expect to solve all the remaining problems and publish our results. We will continue the studies into a full road map to the New Worlds Imager. Microbots for Large-Scale Planetary Surface and Subsurface Exploration Steven Dubowsky, Massachusetts Institute of Technology This proposal presents a new robotic planetary exploration concept based on the deployment of a large number of small spherical mobile robots (microbots) over vast areas of a planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface and subsurface, including structures such as caves and near surface crevasses (see Figure 1). This strategic exploration architecture can enable extremely large scale, in situ analysis of scientifically interesting properties thus enabling a new paradigm for Solar Systemwide exploration, mapping, and scientific study. This approach represents an important alternative or augmentation to current rover and lander-based planetary exploration, which is limited to studying small areas of a planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface at a small number of sites. The proposed approach is also distinct from balloon or aerial missions, because it allows in situ, direct contact measurements. Once developed, such units can be custom tailored to specific mission
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targets with minimal additional cost. In the proposed mission concept, a large number (i.e. hundreds or thousands) of 10 cmscale, subkilogram microbots would be widely distributed by orbital craft, from aerial platforms, from a lander, or even by lunar or Mars astronauts. The microbots employ hopping, bouncing, and rolling as a locomotion mode to reach scientifically interesting features in very rugged terrain. The units will be powered by high energy density polymer muscle actuators, and equipped with a suite of miniaturized instruments selected for each specific mission, e.g., imagers, spectrometers, or chemical detection sensors. Multiple microbots will share information and cooperatively analyze large portions of a planetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface or subsurface. Numerous units allow for considerable mortality without jeopardizing the mission. In this proposed Phase II study, a detailed microbot mission scenario will be developed for a planetary reference mission suite. Enabling technologies for actuation, power, sensing, and communication will be surveyed. Fundamental research on muscle actuators and microbot mobility mechanisms, and efficient coordination algorithms will be developed. A small number of prototypes will be produced and tested in field conditions in New Mexico. Work will be conducted by a multi-university team of engineers and scientists at MIT, New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology, and Stanford. Investigation of the Feasibility of Laser Trapped Mirrors in Space Elizabeth McCormack, Bryn Mawr College The Laser Trapped Mirror (LTM) was first proposed by Antoine Labeyrie [1] as an innovative way of producing large lightweight optics in space. Labeyrie suggested using laser light to structure standing wave fringe surfaces in the space between counterpropagating laser beams. With appropriate optics, these fringe surfaces might have the shape of a family of parabolic sheets and the same principles that underlie optical traps (optical tweezers, for example), could, in principle, permit trapping of atoms, molecules or larger particles along the standing-wave (fringe) maxima. Tuning the laser wavelength in single mode from red to blue in successive saw-tooth steps would permit collection of the trapped particles into a single parabolic sheet, the zero fringe. The result of this process is a reflective parabolic surface, of almost arbitrary size, which could serve as the primary of a large telescope. A 100-nm thick, 35-meter diameter mirror would require less than 100 grams of material. Development of low mass, large optics is important to many areas of space research, but it is of particular interest to astronomers, especially those concerned with detection of extra-solar terrestrial planets. Here, we propose a combined laboratory and analytical/modeling investigation of the properties of a Laser Trapped Mirror with the aim of determining whether the LTM is a practical solution to the problem of building large, low mass optical systems in space. Specifically, in this phase 2 effort our goals are to:1) demonstrate and characterize mirror behavior for the case of a small LTM, performing the trapping in liquid, 2) develop and exercise the algorithms and modeling tools required to understand LTMs, 3) combine laboratory measurements with a plausible particle design and trapping model to produce estimates of mirror stability and laser power requirements in a vacuum environment, and, 4) assure ourselves that the space particle and fields environment is not prohibitively severe.
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APPENDIX C
CP06-01 Awardees Development of a Single-Fluid Consumable Infrastructure for Life Support, Power, Propulsion, and Thermal Control David Akin, Space Systems Laboratory, University of Maryland This proposal describes the concept of a highly innovative architecture of interrelated systems including portable life support systems for EVA suits, power supplies for rovers and robots, propulsion for in-space maneuvering and local surface ballistic hops, and thermal control systems, all based on the use of a single high-density room-temperature liquid consumable: an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In this concept, the catalytic dissociation of H2O2 into water and oxygen provides electrical energy; the oxygen is used in life support systems for breathing, and the water for sublimation cooling in deep space and on the lunar surface. Due to the atmosphere and colder temperatures on Mars, the waste heat from the H2O2 dissociation can be utilized to provide selective warming of the space suit or robot components. Expansion potentials for this system are discussed, including the use of waste heat to regenerate metal oxide-based CO2 scrubbers or to heat an EVA suit in extreme conditions such as the lunar poles, external supply of H2O2 from a rover vehicle for extended EVA surface operations, and the provision of an integrated hot-gas H2O2 propulsion system for in-space activities or short ballistic transports on the surface of the moon or Mars. Due to the complex and life-critical nature of the life support function, the focus of the proposed Phase I investigation will be the detailed design and analysis of a hydrogen peroxide portable life support system (HyperPLSS) system for EVA suits, in parallel with the design of synergistic applications of the H2O2 technology in surface rovers, propulsion systems, and thermal control systems. Phase 2 will focus on the breadboard development of a single-fluid H2O2 PLSS system, and testing of the system against the analysis tools.
Practicality of a Solar Shield in Space to Counter Global Warming Roger Angel, Steward Observatory, University of Arizona A solar shield 2000 km diameter at L1 would deflect enough sunlight to counteract global warming. Such a space-based solution might become an urgent priority, worth trillions of dollars if abrupt climate failures appear otherwise inevitable. We propose to identify near-term research and space missions needed to understand whether a shield could be completed within a few decades at an affordable cost. New optical strategies and concepts for deployment as a cluster of free-flying units will be developed, to minimize mass. In this way launch from Earth may be affordable, using advanced, high-volume methods with high energy efficiency.
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Self-Deployed Space or Planetary Habitats and Extremely Large Structures Devon Crowe, Physical Sciences, Inc. We propose an approach for constructing compact payloads with low mass that can erect very large and strong structures. This technology would enable payloads small enough to launch that can become self-contained orbital habitats, large buildings on planetary surfaces, or other large structures that require significant strength. Our approach uses inflated bubble structures and suspended films which are then made rigid. The mass density of the deployed structures is far below previous technologies such as inflated balloons.
Primary Objective Grating Astronomical Telescope Tom Ditto, DeWitt Brothers Tool Company We propose a new architecture for astronomical telescopy with objective gratings. Unlike a slitless objective grating telescope, we include a slit and a spectrometer in a secondary that is configured at grazing exodus. Resulting anamorphic magnification produces a ribbon shaped aperture that can achieve kilometer scale along one axis. The telescope could disperse light from all objects within a 1° x 40° field-of-view with sub-Ångstrom resolving power and milliarcsecond spatial resolution across the wider angle. Taking advantage of the earth’s rotation, a ground-based version can make observations with no moving parts. The secondary spectrometer uses a novel data reduction algorithm that can assemble millions of spectrograms simultaneously. To defeat wind pressure, the primary can be seated flatly on ground level with the secondary sheltered below ground. Lunar observatory deployment and operation are simplified, because the flat primary is lightweight, and as a staring instrument it has no moving parts. In space deployment, the thin primary lends itself to construction from flat gossamer membranes. The science drivers are broad - spanning most astronomical observational arenas, but in terms of NASA’s road map this new telescope could be a life planet finder. In terms of NASA’s core service programs, special features of this design could be exploited to survey for millions of small objects in near earth orbit.
Reduction of Trapped Energetic Particle Fluxes in Earth and Jovian Radiation Belts Robert Hoyt, Tethers Unlimited, Inc. The energetic radiation particles trapped by the strong magnetic fields of the Earth, Jupiter, and other planets present a tremendous challenge for human and robotic exploration and development of space. These energetic particles cause biological damage in humans and constant degradation in electronics and other materials used in space-
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craft. The current methods for dealing with the orbital radiation environment are to limit longduration manned missions to low-altitude orbits below the intense regions of the Van Allen belts, to protect orbital facilities with heavy shielding materials, to minimize the duration of extravehicular activities of personnel outside the shielding of orbital facilities, and to utilize heavy, expensive, and low-performance electronics and other components in spacecraft systems. These measures, however, are insufficient to ensure the safety and performance of human and robotic components of a sustained program of exploration and development of space. The proposed effort will evaluate the feasibility of actively reducing the fluxes of energetic particles trapped by the magnetic fields of Earth and Jupiter utilizing high voltage orbiting structures. Recent analyses of scattering of energetic electrons by highvoltage structures have indicated that a technically and economically feasible system could rapidly reduce particle fluxes in man-made radiation belts. This project will investigate application of this concept to elimination of the naturallyoccurring Van Allen belts. Remediation of the Van Allen belts could dramatically reduce the risks and costs associated with long-duration manned missions in Earth and Jovian space. Additionally, by reducing the rate of degradation of solar panels and electronics in these regions, it could significantly improve the performance and economic viability of systems such as solarelectric propulsion tugs for lunar missions and solar power satellites. The proposed effort will develop system concepts for Earth and Jovian radiation belt remediation, investigate the potential environmental effects of such an effort to reduce the natural radiation belts, and develop strategies and designs for validating the concept feasibility through experimentation and simulation. In-Orbit Assembly of Modular Space Systems with Non-Contacting, Flux-Pinned Interfaces Mason Peck, Cornell University College of Engineering The familiar forces that act between objects at a distance-the Coulomb force, magnetism, and gravity--vary with the inverse square of the distance between objects (i.e. the potential energy varies with the inverse of distance). Technological applications of these forces are limited by Earnshawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theorem, which states that no combination of such forces can result in stable separation of objects in all six degrees of freedom. Active control is typically required, as in the case of magnetic bearings. One way around Earnshawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theorem is to take advantage of the surprising physics of high-temperature flux-pinning superconductors. These materials resist being moved within magnetic fields, resulting in stable relative orientation and position of some number of bodies at finite distances. Furthermore, they do so without power and with no need for active feedback control. The proposed study will evaluate the viability of assembling space structures ranging from small spacecraft to large manned space stations from components that are held in place by flux pinning. This general approach to conjoining mechanical parts without mechanical connection offers the promise of revolutionizing in-orbit construction. The proposed non-contacting interface not only solves a host of technological issues, it also opens up a new way of thinking about modular spacecraft. No longer are we required to distinguish among spacecraft subsystems, individual spacecraft, and constellations of spacecraft. Instead, the proposed concept blurs the distinction between modular spacecraft and formation flying, between spacecraft bus and payload, and to some extent between empty space and solid matter. Articulated payloads, reconfigurable space stations, and adaptable satellite architectures are possible without the mass and power typically associated with maintaining relative position and
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mechanically rebuilding structures. In 2004-2005 we demonstrated the basic principle; on internal funding, we creating some modular building blocks and showed that they can find each other without active control and remain fixed in rotational and translational degrees of freedom at distances on the order of centimeters. The proposed NIAC Phase I study will base its consideration of possible space-system architectures on this recent result and will proceed through the definition of major issues of feasibility. The primary issues include defining the basin of attraction of these modules and what can be achieved if the technology is advanced, how much mechanical stiffness is appropriate and available, and how the superconductors may be kept below their transition temperature in the space environment.
Large Ultra-Lightweight Photonic Muscle Telescope Joe Ritter, University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy Missions such as Terrestrial Planet Imager require lightweight mirrors with minimum diameters of 20 to 40 meters. Unprecedented advances in nanoengineered-materials have recently produced a laser actuated material with controllable reversible bidirectional bending. These Photonic Muscle substrates finally make precision control of giant apertures possible. Membrane mirror shape and dynamics can now be precisely controlled with low power light. This enables innovative missions for imaging the cosmos, resolving spectral and spatial details of exosolar planets and searching for life, including evidence of Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Origins, while substantially reducing mass, launch and fabrication costs. Missions like TPI will now be feasible.
Bio-Electric Space Exploration Matthew Silver, Intact Labs, LLC The need for electrical power drives almost every aspect of space exploration missions, severely impacting location, duration, and scientific return. Existing power generating technologies for exploration are based on solar, nuclear, or low-efficiency chemical sources. However, myriad biological processes on Earth generate electricity at ultra-high levels of efficiency with power-to weight ratios that would be unimaginable with current space technology. Batteries and power generation technologies based on scaled biological processes hold the potential to create a paradigm shift in human and robotic space exploration, affecting everything from space suit design to remote base design to the design of space-craft and robotic probes. For example, proteins such as Prestin in the inner ear, or Mechano-sensitive ion channels found in almost all living organisms, translate nanometer movements into milli-volts of electricity. Scaling such ultra-sensitive piezo-electric mechanisms opens the door to space suits or bases covered in electricity-generating Power Skins, charged by the Martian winds or the movement of astronauts through the Martian air. In a different direction, microorganisms such as Rhodoferax have been shown to convert Glucose or waste into electric potential, leading to the possibility for microbial fuel cells. One can imagine modifying such bacteria for integration in Electric Greenhouses that produce electricity and food
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while treating waste on space vehicles or exploration bases. Development of these ideas entails working at the intersection of synthetic biology, space systems design, space operations, and electrical engineering. For Phase I we will catalogue myriad potential bio-electrical processes and space applications, down-select promising candidates, create a customized bio-sensor using known methods to measure electric-generation potential and begin initial testing of candidate solutions. Phase II would then focus more directly on a few specific organisms and applications with highest potential, resulting in more detailed wet-laboratory work extracting, testing, and scaling such processes, as well as detailed conceptual designs and computer models of space systems architectures based on such methods.
Plasma Magnetic Shield for Crew Protection John Slough, University of Washington Exposure to the energetic particles associated with solar energetic particle events and galactic cosmic rays are known radiation hazards for human exploration. Material shielding and superconducting solutions add substantial mass to spacecraft and provide shielding over very limited areas. It is proposed here to provide the shielding by making use of ambient low density plasma ejected from the spacecraft that supports the large scale currents required to provide sufficient magnetic flux to deflect the energetic particles. Based on laboratory results, such a closed magnetic configuration can be produced by force-free currents and is referred to as the plasma magnetic shield.
Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP-Arch): Mobile, Adaptable Systems for Space and Earth Exploration Guillermo Trotti, Trotti & Associates, Inc. The Extreme eXPeditionary Architecture (EXP–Arch) proposes self-mobilized, transformable systems that interrelate in ways never before envisioned. EXP–Arch combines robotic systems, deployable lightweight structures, intelligent materials, and mathematical origami techniques to revolutionize human and machine exploration. A paradigm shift for exploration is proposed by creating an architecture, or suite of systems, based on highly mobile, quickly deployable and retractable systems. EXP–Arch is an adaptive exploration architecture for extreme environments (space and earth inaccessible locations) utilizing multifunctional, inflatable, and transforming system components. EXP–Arch attempts to better understand human-robotic synergies during exploration, and offers an educational initiative entitled, ‘Virtual EXP–Arch’, for students. Spacecraft Propulsion Utilizing Ponderomotive Forces George Williams, Ohio Aerospace Institute A new spacecraft propulsion scheme is proposed which leverages advances in high-energy particle acceleration via laser-plasma interactions. Ponderomotive forces associated with laser wakefields have demonstrated the potential to accelerate electrons to near-relativistic energies.
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Different schemes will be investigated which may generate quasi-steady fields for deep-space and manned space missions. Ponderomotive propulsion could revolutionize space travel by providing very high thrust at very high specific impulses.
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APPENDIX D
CP06-02 Awardees A Contamination-Free Ultrahigh Precision Formation Flight Method Based on Intracavity Photon Thrusters and Tethers: Photon Tether Formation Flight Young Bae, Bae Institute We proposed a revolutionary nano-meter accuracy formation flight method with photon thrusters and tethers, Photon Tether Formation Flight (PTFF), with the maximum baseline distance over 10 km for next generation NASA space missions. PTFF is inflated by trapped photons between spacecraft mirrors, and stabilized by tethers, thus it is contamination-free and highly power efficient, and provides ample mass savings. In addition, PTFF is predicted to be able to provide an unprecedented angular scanning accuracy of 0.1 micro-arcsec, and the retargeting slewing accuracy better than 1 micro-arcsec for a 1 km baseline formation. These quantum-leaping capabilities of PTFF are predicted to enable emerging revolutionary mission concepts, such as New World Imager Freeway Mission proposed by Prof. Cash, which searches for advanced civilization in exoplanets and Fourier Transform X-Ray Spectrometer proposed by Dr. Schnopper, in addition to redefining and simplifying the existing NASA mission concepts, such as SPECS and MAXIM. As the present concept is more publicized, many other exciting concepts are predicted to follow. One of such possible NASA missions would be the construction of ultralarge adaptive membrane space telescope with diameters up to several km for observing and monitoring space and earthbound activities. The conclusion of our Phase I study is that the implementation of the proposed method in the foreseeable future is well within reach of the present technologies. Therefore, we are confident that the proposed PTFF needs thorough continued study that will establish a reliable technical path to the launch of an exciting new class of NASA space mission. During this NIAC Phase II, we plan to build and demonstrate a prototype PTFF engine, address the engineering issues of key problems, and continue its full development for adapting PTFF for a wide range of NASA space missions in the near future with the help of several expert consultants.
Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields Jim Bickford, Draper Laboratory, Inc. Small quantities of antimatter have enormous potential in a variety of space, medical, and sensing applications. However, such systems have not yet been realized due to the inherent limitations associated with current antimatter production and storage techniques. The present method of extracting sub-atomic collision debris from high energy particle accelerators is prohibitively expensive and generates only minimal quantities of antiprotons. In comparison, high energy cosmic rays bombard the upper atmosphere and material in the interstellar medium to copiously produce antiparticles naturally. We propose to extend our Phase I study to address the realistic feasibility of natural antiparticle â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;miningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for space applications. As described in our
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Phase 1 report, a fraction of the naturally generated antiprotons are concentrated around planets with magnetic fields. These antiparticles can be captured and stored in a man-made minimagnetosphere surrounding a spacecraft and used to fuel an extremely high energy propulsion system, potentially enabling very fast missions to deep space (one year to Jupiter, and similarly fast trips beyond the heliopause [100+ AU] and beyond). While the initial study showed that antiparticles are a naturally occurring space phenomena in quantities sufficient to be of interest, the primary focus of our proposed two year study will be to do a detailed quantitative assessment of the mass of particles that could be collected, create comprehensive models of harvest systems, and conduct laboratory experiments to demonstrate these systems. The primary outputs of the study will include resolving the question of whether the natural supply is sufficient to justify development of mining tools, and will create a set of requirements and specifications for the design of the collection and storage device. In addition, we will develop a roadmap laying out key technology advancements that will be required to enable this capability, as well as a timeline for achieving those advancements. Scalable Flat-Panel Nanoparticle MEMS/NEMS Propulsion Technology for Space Exploration in the 21st Century Brian Gilchrist, University of Michigan We have proposed and studied in Phase I a completely new style of charged particle space propulsion technology that uses nanoparticles and micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) technology. MEMS technologies are already being explored as a possible approach to achieve scalability and system simplification. Our Phase 1 results, which include scaled particle extraction experiments and modeling, have shown that the potential benefits we suggested in proposing Phase 1 were actually conservative! Specifically, we were able to determine that we can use nanoparticle field emission (extraction and acceleration) exclusively to cover an even broader range of performance than first thought (e.g., specific impulse covering 100 to 10,000 seconds). We believe the advantages include (1) operations at high power levels at substantially lower system level specific mass (kg/kW); (2) higher efficiency; (3) an order of magnitude increase in thrust densities over present-day ion propulsion technologies; (4) substantially simpler propulsion sub-system integration requirements on a spacecraft using â&#x20AC;&#x153;flat-panelâ&#x20AC;? nanoparticle thrusters; and (5) substantial improvement in lifetime over state-of-the-art ion propulsion technology. We have also learned that (a) an operational range can be defined where particles can be extracted from a liquid surface and accelerated while avoiding the formation of efficiency-degrading Taylor cones; (b) low vapor pressure liquids can be used under high electric field conditions; and (c) there is already important research on-going with microfluidic transport of nanoparticles we can take advantage of in Phase 2. Our refined vision after Phase 1 is that in 10- 20 years, modern electric propulsion systems will be heavily leveraging nanoparticle and MEMS/NEMS technologies to address everything from the movement of propellant using micropumps, integrated microsensors for performance improvement (e.g., health monitoring), and high levels of scalability and system robustness. Lorentz-Actuated Orbits: Electrodynamic Propulsion Without a Tether Mason Peck, Cornell University The NIAC Phase II investigation proposed here evaluates the feasibility of using the Lorentz
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force as a revolutionary means of accelerating a spacecraft. This force acts on a charged particle moving in a magnetic field, as in the case of a satellite carrying a biased electrical charge and orbiting within a planetary or stellar magnetosphere. This propellantless propulsion technique may represent the last area of classical physics that has not yet been considered for spaceflight dynamics. A spacecraft mission whose architecture is based on the Lorentz-Actuated Orbit benefits from propellantless, non-Keplerian orbits: for example, • Orbit planes that precess synchronously with the planet’s rotation, but at lower altitudes than the classical geostationary solution • Earth and solar escape (elliptical to hyperbolic orbits) and planetary capture (hyperbolic to elliptical) • Swarms of spacecraft that hover in non-Keplerian orbits, such as a formation of radially positioned vehicles with constant angular velocity at different altitudes • Rendezvous along the velocity direction, with no need for orbit raising and lowering • Orbits whose lines of apsides rotate synchronously with the planet, its moon, or the sun, offering continuous lunar free-return trajectories and lunar resupply possibilities • Low-earth orbits that experience neither cumulative atmospheric drag nor J2 perturbations. We propose to build upon our successful Phase I study, which mapped out the heretofore unexplored, coupled dynamics of familiar celestial mechanics and cyclotron-style motion of a charged particle in a magnetic field and discovered a number of new system architectures for space travel. That project identified areas of technology advancement required for this system to be feasible and compared this concept to existing methods of propulsion in terms of key metrics: mass, power, cost, time of flight, and risk. The Phase II effort will focus on the feasibility issues by evaluating these low-TRL technologies to a point where Lorentz-actuated orbits can be considered for a future NASA mission. Our goals are the following: • Develop and exercise the algorithms and modeling tools required to understand spacecraft capable of experiencing a LorentzActuated Orbit, including NASCAP and other in-house developed software for evaluating the coupled behaviors of spaceborneplasma charging and orbit dynamics. • Identify the lowest-risk charge-storage subsystem (i.e. capacitor) from among the technologies identified in the Phase I effort and detail its performance in the space environment, with an emphasis on plasma interactions. • Demonstrate and characterize the self-capacitance for the case of a scaled test in a representative plasma environment. • Identify the lowest-risk charge-maintenance subsystem (i.e. charged-particle source and related components) from among the technologies identified in the Phase I effort and detail its performance in the space environment, with an emphasis on plasma interactions • Devise a promising, candidate mission architecture in an effort to identify and tie up loose ends that would otherwise represent unacceptable risk to a NASA application. An Architecture of Modular Spacecraft with Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion (ISEP) Nestor Voronka, Tethers Unlimited, Inc. NASA’s Vision for Space Exploration (VSE) relies on numerous systems of systems to support a return of robotic and human explorers to the Moon in preparation for human exploration of Mars. Establishing a sustainable and continuous manned presence on the Moon, Mars, and deep space will require a very large total mass of material to be either launched from Earth, or obtained from the moon or asteroids and delivered for use in structural, propulsion, and shielding applications. Moving this material in near-Earth and cislunar space using traditional rocketbased propulsion requires propellant masses that represent a large fraction of the total required
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launch mass, and thus cost, of the exploration architecture. The Phase I effort established the feasibility of an innovative multifunctional propulsion-andstructure system concept, called Integrated Structural Electrodynamic Propulsion (ISEP), which uses current-carrying booms deployed from a spacecraft to generate thrust with little propellant expenditure. ISEP utilizes methods conceptually similar to electrodynamic tethers with the added benefit of providing a capability for generating thrust in almost any direction as well as for providing torques for spacecraft attitude control. This modular integrated propulsion architecture will facilitate self assembly of large space systems, and enable propulsion and attitude control of an assembled system during and after such assembly. During the Phase II effort, we propose to further refine the ISEP technology, and design an ISEP system for a mission of interest to NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s VSE. As part of a development and risk mitigation program, TUI will design, build and launch a nanosatellite experiment that will demonstrate both the ISEP concept as well as propellantless current closure using field emissive array cathodes. This simple flight experiment will demonstrate the feasibility of using the ISEP architecture to reduce costs and enhance capabili-ties of NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exploration Systems, Space Operations and Science Mission directorates.
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APPENDIX E
Inspiration and Outreach Contacts 2005: Invited Seminar To The GSFC NASA Academy July 13: Bob Cassanova and Diana Jennings gave an invited seminar to the GSFC NASA Academy. The students received an overview of NIAC as well as newly-available NIAC lapel pins. Attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bio-Suit Workshop August 19: Diana Jennings attended the MIT Bio-Suit Workshop. The workshop was organized and hosted by NIAC Fellow Dava Newman. Presentation to Director of the DARPA Systems Program Office & Virtual Space Organization September 21: Ron Turner gave a presentation about NIAC to Joe Guerci, the new Director of the DARPA Systems Program Office. Joe Guerci is also a leader of the ad hoc DARPA Virtual Space Organization, which is a means to exchange space-related activities within the various DARPA organizations. Dr. Turner discussed opportunities for NIAC and DARPA to work closer together, including DARPA attendance at the upcoming annual meeting and attendance at future Phase II site visits. As a result of this meeting, Joe Guerci has requested a meeting with Bob Cassanova. Mike Obal, DARPA, has signed up to attend the NIAC annual meeting. Radio Broadcast - MIT Enterprise Forum of Georgia at Georgia Public Broadcasting September 22: "The Power Of Revolutionary Thinking: What Today's Scientists Can Teach You About Driving Innovation In Your Organization" featured talks by Bob Cassanova and NIAC Fellows Penny Boston, Dava Newman and Bradley Edwards. The program emanated from the studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta and was hosted by the MIT Enterprise Forum of Atlanta. This program was simultaneously broadcast on NASA TV and on approximately 40 websites worldwide. Questions from the national audience were handled live by the invited speakers. Additionally, ten Atlanta school students, winners of an essay contest on revolutionary thinking, were honored by the studio audience. Approximately 170 people were in the studio audience. NIAC has a link of the video files of the broadcast on its website. Meeting With DARPA Representative, Mike Obal September 28: Ron Turner met with Mike Obal, DARPA, to further describe NIAC and opportunities for cooperation. Invited Talk To The Cape Cod Technology Council October 7: Diana Jennings gave an invited talk to the Cape Cod Technology Council in Hyannis, MA. Annual Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology November 1 - 4: Diana Jennings attended the annual meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology in Reno, NV. Additionally, Paul Todd and several of his collaborators made a number of presentations of their NIAC results at this meeting.
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Seminar on Space Engineering Opportunities at University of Cincinnati November 10: NIAC Fellow Pam Menges reported that she gave an undergraduate seminar on space engineering opportunities for science majors at the University of Cincinnati. USRA Directors’ Meeting in Houston, Texas December 12-13: Bob Cassanova and Diana Jennings attended the USRA Directors' meeting in Houston, TX. 2006: Attendance at the American Astronomical Meeting in Washington, D.C. January 9 - 12: Ron Turner attended the American Astronomical Society meeting in Washington, D.C. NIAC Overview to the GSFC Technology Panel January 11: Sharon Garrison provided a NIAC overview to the GSFC Technology Panel. She distributed NIAC brochures, the upcoming Fellows Meeting Agenda, and copies of the Student Call for Proposals. One result of the meeting is that the Goddard Technology Management Office now links to NIAC. See http://gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov/. NRC Committee Workshop: “Meeting the Workforce Needs for the National Vision for Space Exploration” January 23-24: Ron Turner attended open sessions of the NRC committee workshop on "Meeting the Workforce Needs for the National Vision for Space Exploration," in Washington DC. This committee is co-chaired by David Black, President of USRA. NIAC Briefing to Cooper Union School of Engineering February 21: Sharon Garrison provided a NIAC briefing by CD to Dean Baum of the Cooper Union School of Engineering. NIAC brochures and other literature were also provided in prior correspondence. Invited Speaker to Mars Society at the Georgia Institute of Technology February 22: Bob Cassanova gave an invited talk at the Georgia Tech Mars Society. Meeting with Cape Cod Community College & Cape Cod Technology Council February 28: Diana Jennings met with President Kathleen Schatzberg of Cape Cod Community College and Teresa Martin of The Cape Cod Technology Council to discuss enhancements to science and technology education. Attended Symposium: "80 Years After Robert Goddard's First Rocket Flight: Engineers, Scientists and the Vision" March 14 -15: "80 Years After Robert Goddard's First Rocket Flight: Engineers, Scientists and the Vision", was held on March 14-15, 2006 at the Greenbelt Marriott, Greenbelt, MD. NIAC Coordinator/COTR (Sharon Garrison), NIAC Director (Bob Cassanova), NIAC Associate Director (Diana Jennings) and NIAC Senior Science Advisor (Ron Turner) attended this symposium. NIAC Brochures and copies of the Student Call were distributed. The luncheon guest speaker on March 14th was Gen. Lester Lyles, USAF (Ret), Chair of the NASA Exploration Systems Advisory Committee, Member of the NASA Advisory Council and NIAC Science Council member.
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NIAC Director Interviewed for German Documentary, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Update 2056 - the World in 150 Years" March 24: Bob Cassanova was interviewed by a Germany based production company, www.gruppe5film.de, which specializes in making history, science and natural history documentaries for the German and international public broadcast TV market. They are working on the biggest documentary about the future currently in production in Germany, entitled,"Update 2056 - the World in 150 Years" for Channel 2 (ZDF) in Germany and Discovery Channel in the US. Fraunhofer GesellschaftDaimler-Chrysler, Siemens, Los Alamos National Laboratory and IBM are already supporting the project. Physicist Michio Kaku is the overall scientific advisor of the project. Attendee at the Astrobiology Science Conference March 26 - 30: Ron Turner attended the Astrobiology Science Conference (AbSciCon) 2006 in Washington, D.C. AbSciCon is an interdisciplinary conference bringing together biologists, geologists, geophysicists, astronomers, and educators for talks, posters and discussions centered around various topics in astrobiology. Meeting with Associate Administrator for Program Analysis and Evaluation March 30: Bob Cassanova, Diana Jennings, Ron Turner and Sharon Garrison met with Associate Administrator for Program Analysis and Evaluation, Dr. Scott Pace. Also included were Dr. Jim Falk and Mr. William Claybaugh of PA&E. Dr. Falker is the representative to NIAC from PA&E. Dr. Pace and his staff were briefed on recent progress in NIAC activities and given copies of the NIAC Brochure, CDs of the Annual Report, and a DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum program. USRA Council of Institutions Dinner Meeting March 30: Bob Cassanova and Diana Jennings attended the USRA Council of Institutions Dinner Meeting at the Sheraton Columbia, Columbia, Maryland. USRA Annual Symposium March 30: Ron Turner, Diana Jennings and Sharon Garrision attended the USRA Annual Symposium, "The Future of University Space Research." The symposium included perspectives offered by Dr. David Black of USRA; Dr. Gordon Van Citters of the National Science Foundation; Dr. Scott Pace of NASA; and Mr. Jeff Bingham, Staff Director for the Subcomittee on Science and Space of the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Meeting with Associate Administrator March 31: Bob Cassanova met with Shana Dale, Associate Administrator, to brief her on recent NIAC funded activities and to present copies of the NIAC Brochure, a CD of the NIAC Annual Report and a DVD of the recent MIT Enterprise Forum program. This meeting offered an opportunity to continue to spread the word about NIAC activities, including the NIAC Student Fellows Prize. Featured Speaker at the Georgia Institute of Technology Senior Banquet April 20: Bob Cassanova was the featured speaker at the Georgia Tech Senior Banquet. The Sigma Gamma Tau-Aerospace Engineering Honor Society and the Department of Aerospace Engineering of Georgia Tech hosts this annual awards dinner and includes their faculty members
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and graduating seniors. Annual awards were presented to students and faculty for outstanding performance during this academic year. Approximately 90 people attended. 2006 NASA Space Radiation Summer School June 15: Ron Turner, NIAC Senior Science Advisor, taught a section on Space Weather and the Space Radiation Environment at the 2006 NASA Space Radiation Summer School at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Enoch Cobb Math/Science Academy June 22: Diana Jennings gave a presentation to the students of the Enoch Cobb Math/Science Academy, a program for outgoing 6th graders who are especially gifted in Math and Science. The 25 students and 5 of their teachers enjoyed an hour long presentation on life and living in space that included NIAC concepts. The Space Elevator proved to be an especially gripping topic to this audience. NASA Near-Earth Object (NEO) Detection, Characterization and Threat Mitigation Workshop June 26-29: Ron Turner represented NIAC at the invitation-only NASA workshop on Near Earth Object (NEO) Detection, Characterization and Threat Mitigation in Vail (CO) from June 26 - June 29, 2006. This workshop was held in support of NASA's Office of Program Analysis & Evaluation (PA&E) study in response to congressional direction: -Chartering NASA to detecting, tracking, cataloguing, and characterizing near-Earth objects in order to provide warning and mitigation of their potential hazard, -Authorizing NASA to plan, develop, and implement a Near-Earth Object Survey program, - And directing NASA to study possible alternatives to carry out the survey program and to divert an object on a likely collision course with Earth, and to report back to Congress with a recommended survey program. Cape Cod Junior Technology Council July 6: Diana Jennings met with fellow members of the Advisory Committee to the Cape Cod Junior Technology Council. The Committee has as its charter to provide input to enhance math and science education activities in Southeastern Massachusetts.
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APPENDIX F NIAC Publicity 2005: Space.com July 5 The NIAC-sponsored Innovative Interstellar Explorers concept led by Ralph McNutt (Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) was described on Space.com at http://space.com/businesstechnology/050706_star_voyage.html. SCIENCE.NASA.gov, Red Nova, Universe Today July 27 The work of two NIAC Fellows, Chris Phoenix of the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, and Constantinos Mavroidis of Northeastern University, is featured on NASA's science portal at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/27jul_nanotech.htm. Similar coverage by Universe Tod-ay can be found in an article entitled "Build Big by Thinking Small" at http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/nanotechnology_radical_improvements_in_space_exploration.html?2872 005 and on RedNova.com at http://www.rednova.com/news/space/194741/the_next_giant_leap _in_space_exploration/. Worldchanging.com July 28 An essay on NIAC is featured as a blog entry on worldchanging.com. "For someone who loves to see the ways that the seemingly impossible -- or, at least, highly unlikely -- might be tackled, it's easy to get lost and spend more hours than one should looking through the documents at NIAC." See this at http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/003191.html. National Public Radio (NPR), X-Star Radio July 28 New NIAC Phase I Fellow Pamela Menges (Aerospace Research Systems) was interviewed for the weekly program "Focus on Technology" with Ann Thompson, News Director of NPR affiliate WVXU and X-Star Radio Network. Planetary Society Radio, XM Satellite Radio July 28 NIAC Director Bob Cassanova was interviewed by Planetary Society Radio on the topic of the new NIAC Phase I awardees. Planetary Society is available on diverse public radio stations. It publishes a podcast listed in the Apple iTune directory and is also carried on XM Satellite Radio. NewScientist.com July 29 Gerald Jackson (HBar Technologies) reports that his newly-funded Phase I study was detailed on newscientist.com in an article entitled "'Antimatter harvester' may fuel future spacecraft". The article is available at http://www.newscientistspace.com/article.ns?id=dn7538 Space.com
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July 29 The NIAC-sponsored Innovative Interstellar Explorers concept led by Ralph McNutt (Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory) was described in great detail on Space.com (http://space.com/businesstechnology/050706_star_voyage.html). Seattle Times July 29 Bob Cassanova was interviewed by Carina Stanton, a reporter for the Seattle Times, who is writing an article about the NIAC sponsored concepts in the state of Washington. She also contacted Robert Hoyt, Bradley Edwards, Robert Winglee and John Slough to gather information and quotes about their advanced concepts. MIT Forum, Georgia Public Broadcasting July 29 A press release describing the upcoming MIT Forum "The Power of Revolutionary Thinking" is now available. The program will emanate with a live audience from Georgia Public Broadcasting studios, and be broadcast globally via satellite and webcast. Dr. Robert A. Cassanova, Director of the NASA Institute for Advanced Concepts (NIAC), will lead a panel of visionary researchers, all NIAC Fellows, in the 7pm discussion. Panelists include: Dr. Bradley Carl Edwards, President and Founder of Carbon Designs, Space Elevator development leader; Dr. Dava Newman, MIT Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics; and Dr. Penelope J. Boston, Professor and Director of Research for Complex Systems Research, Inc., Boulder, CO. The program will be moderated by Alf Nucifora, Chairman, Nucifora Consulting Group. The release is available at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_html_b1?release_id=91985 IEEE Spectrum Online July 29 Bradley C. Edwards, NIAC Fellow best known for his work on the Space Elevator, published an article entitled "A Hoist to the Heavens". It is available at IEEE Spectrum Online at http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/WEBONLY/publicfeature/aug05/0805spac.html . Daily Mining Gazette August 8 Michigan's Daily Mining Gazette features a profile of new NIAC Student Fellow Brian Sikkema at http://www.mininggazette.com/community/story/089202005_com01-c0809.asp Science.NASA.gov, The Statesman August 9 The work of two NIAC Fellows, Chris Phoenix of the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, and Constantinos Mavroidis of Northeastern University, is featured on NASA's science portal at http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2005/27jul_nanotech.htm. This story was also picked up by The Statesman - Kolkata,India at http://www.thestatesman.net/page.search.php. National Geographic News August 25 Bradley C. Edwards, NIAC Fellow best known for his work on the Space Elevator, is featured in an article entitled "Trading Rockets for Space Elevators" on National Geographic's online news service, http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/0825_050825_spaceelevator_2.html.
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Sydney, Australia Sun-Herald September 18 NIAC Scientist Ross Hoffman's work on hurricane control was profiled at the Sydney, Australia Sun-Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/how-the-microwave-could-stop-another-neworleans-disaster/2005/09/17/1126750168513.html USA Today September 19 Ron Turner was quoted in a USA Today article about NASA's space exploration plans. He discussed the need for continued science missions prior to human missions to reduce risk. Cape Cod Times, Cape Cod Technology Council September 20 Diana Jennings' upcoming talk at the Cape Cod Technology Council has been advertised in various print outlets on Cape Cod, including the Cape Cod Times and on the web at http://www2.townonline.com/barnstable/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=330573 Astrobiology Magazine, PhysOrg.com, Universe Today September 27-30 Alexey Pankine's Phase II project, Directed Arial Robotic Explorers, was profiled on multiple web outlets, including Astrobiology Magazine, PhysOrg.com, and Universe Today: http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/ballooning_mars.html?3092005 Boulder, Colorado Daily Camera September 28 Diana Jennings and NIAC Fellow Webster Cash were interviewed in a piece published in the Boulder, Colorado Daily Camera. The article can be found at http://www.dailycamera.com/bdc/science/article/0,1713,BDC_2432_4115235,00.html but registration is required. National Geographic, Astrobiology Magazine, Universe Today and PhysOrg.com September 27-October 4 Alexey Pankine's Phase II project, Directed Arial Robotic Explorers, was profiled on multiple web outlets. The links are: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/10/1004_051004_mars_balloon.html http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/ballooning_mars.html?3092005 The Denver Post October 11 The Denver Post carried an article describing the NIAC Annual Meeting extracted from a NASA Press Release by Bill Steigerwald at GSFC entitled, “NASA SELECTS ADVANCED CONCEPTS FOR STUDY”. GSFC Public Affairs, NASA Press Release October 11 Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs wrote a NASA Press Release that announces the NIAC new Phase II Awards. Sharon Garrison and Bob Cassanova are quoted in it.
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PRNewswire October 12 PRNewswire carried the announcement of Phase II winners made in August. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-122005/0004166942&EDATE= Physorg.com October 12 Physorg.com carried a feature describing Webster Cash's New Worlds Imager. http://www.physorg.com/news7177.html MSNBC.com October 13 MSNBC.com, in its Tech/Science section, described the five winning Phase II concepts. http://msnbc.msn.com/id/9678603/ Cape Cod Times and Barnstable Patriot October 14 Diana Jennings' talk to the Cape Cod Technology Council was covered in local press. "The Mail On Sunday" - London, UK October 16 "The Mail on Sunday", London press, interviewed Sharon Garrison and released an article about the currently funded NIAC Phase II study, "Redesigning Living Organism to Survive on Mars". Christian Science Monitor October 20 A thorough treatment of Dava Newman's BioSuit concept appears in the online version of the Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/1020/p13s01-stss.html Banner Herald October 23 NIAC is described and Robert Cassanova interviewed in an article that appeared in the Athens, GA Banner Herald. X-STAR Radio Network October 23 Pamela Menges' NIAC Phase I concept for Artificial Neural Membrane Flapping Wing and Aerospace Research Systems, Inc. were recently featured on the X-Star Radio Network. Her NIAC Phase I provides funding to look at new materials and new methods to create Artificial Neural Membranes (ANM). Bob Cassanova, NIAC Director, was interviewed and detailed the unique opportunities in the successful advancement of an Artificial Neural Membrane Flapping Wing as a membrane technology concept and potential demonstrator. The link for the podcast may be found below. http://198.234.121.108/cincinnatiedition/102305_SpacePlane.mp3 Air & Space Magazine October 31
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Bob Cassanova was interviewed by Michael Milstein of the Air & Space Magazine for an article that appeared in the December 2005 issue. Zentropa Real Documentary October 31 Bob Cassanova continued contact with Camilla Anderson of Zentropa Real, Denmark, who is exploring the possibility of including the NIAC in an upcoming documentary on creativity and technology. The film will be directed by Max Kestner, and will include acclaimed science-fiction author William Gibson. thespacereview.com November 7 NIAC Fellow Pete Worden's advanced ideas are discussed in an essay published online at thespacereview.com. Among other concepts, the lunar telescope being advanced in his Phase II work is described at http://www.thespacereview.com/article/490/1 Centauri Dreams November 10 The QCShow-recordings of the last two NIAC meetings are the subject of the Nov. 10th "Centauri Dreams" blog by Paul Gilster. The link is: http://www.centauri-dreams.org/. QCShow, a freely downloadable player from AICS Research in Las Cruces, NM, synchronizes slides with audio to produce a low-bandwidth way to 'attend' key conferences. wired.com November 15 "Making the Red Planet Green" features the work of Phase II Fellow Paul Todd and SHOT (Greenville, IN) and is available at http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,69502,00.html. CBC Radio Broadcast November 26 Wendy Boss and her NIAC Phase II concept was featured in a radio broadcast interview on the CBC program "Quirks & Quarks" hosted by Bob McDonald. http://radio.cbc.ca/programs/quirks/archives/05-06/nov26.html Astrobiology Magazine December 8 Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steven Dubowsky (MIT) and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.astrobio.net/news/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1798&m ode=thread&order=0&thold=0 Universe Today December 9 Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steven Dubowsky (MIT) and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/hopping_microbots.html?9122005 http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/printer_hopping_microbots.html
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Physorg.com December 12 Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steve Dubowsky (MIT) and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.physorg.com/news8957.html Ciel et Espace December 15 Jean-Francois Hait, a science journalist and feature editor with the leading astronomy and space magazine in French, Ciel et Espace, interviewed Bob Cassanova and Sharon Garrison separately by telephone. Ciel et Espace is devoted to popularizing space technology, astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology, and reporting on the latest research in those fields. PR Newswire December 16 The NIAC Phase I Call for Proposals, CP 06-01, was described in detail on the internet with press releases. Azom.com December 19 The NIAC Phase I Call for Proposals, CP 06-01, was described in detail on the internet. http://www.azom.com/details.asp?newsID=4587 MSNBC.com December 28 Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steve Dubowsky (MIT) and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://msnbc.msn.com/id/10627762/ Space.com December 28 Press was significant for the hopping microbots under investigation by Steve Dubowsky (MIT) and Penelope Boston (New Mexico Tech). http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/051228_microbots.html
2006: Guardian Unlimited, UK January 3 Guardian Unlimited, UK, discusses NIAC and some of the recent Phase II concepts: http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/story/0,3605,1677592,00.html This article, written by Alok Jha is the basis for the following articles on other websites precipitated by interviews with Bob Cassanova and Sharon Garrison. - January 4- Checkbiotech.org (press release), Switzerland http://www.checkbiotech.org/root/index.cfm?fuseaction=news&doc_id=11952 &start=1&control=163&page_start=1&page_nr=101&pg=1 - January 4- People's Daily Online, China http://english.people.com.cn/200601/05/eng20060105_233007.html
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- January 5- Fuel Cell Today http://www.fuelcelltoday.com/FuelCellToday/IndustryInformation/IndustryInformation External/NewsDisplayArticle/0,1602,7001,00.html - January 6- Contractor UK http://www.contractoruk.com/news/002453.htm - January 7- Taipei Times http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2006/01/08/2003288052 The Engineer, UK January 23 Bob Cassanova was interviewed for an article by Niall Firth a reporter from The Engineer, a British publication. Kathy Reilly provided numerous NIAC graphics to Mr. Firth as well. Radio City, El Universo January 24 The producer of Radio City, the Radio Station Associated with the BBC of London in Ecuador and with the most important newspaper of the country, El Universo contacted the NIAC Director and NIAC Coordinator for an interview as part of their show, "Buscando la Luna". Reporter Johanna Vique interviewed Robert Cassanova. Red Herring January 25 Bob Cassanova responded to an inquiry from Red Herring, an American technology weekly publication. The reporter, Seema Singh, was especially interested in Dava Newman's Bio-Suit and interviewed Dr. Newman as well. The Futures Channel February 1 The Futures Channel released a new educational video starring a NIAC Fellow, Anthony Colloza, and his NIAC-developed advanced concept, the Entomopter. The link to the video is: http://www.thefutureschannel.com/flying_on_mars.html Time Magazine February 20 The Space Elevator was mentioned in a Time Magazine article: The cover article on the expanding and impressive Google company (3-person leadership team) includes mention of their top interests in future development. On page 41, middle column, the Space Elevator is mentioned as one of the most exciting challenges they are considering. Brad Edwards, PI for the NIACdeveloped space elevator concept, is aware of this and has plans to meet with them. Outlook Radio Series February 25 The NIAC funded Biosuit was the subject of a radio interview with Bob Cassanova, NIAC Director, by Mike Lippis of the "Outlook Series". The Biosuit is being developed by Professor Dava Newman at MIT. The interview is available at the following link: http://www.officeroutlook.com/RADIO/NIAC_Bio-Suit.htm
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The Futures Channel February 25 The Futures Channel has just released an article on their website about the flight of aircraft, birds, insects and blimps that includes an interview with Anthony Colozza and a movie about his advanced concept, the Entomopter, sponsored by NIAC. The interview with Colozza was conducted at the 2004 Annual Meeting by Steve Heard of the Futures Channel. There are links to several excellent education articles about flight and to NIAC. The link to the Futures Channel article is: http://thefutureschannel.com/movie_of_the_week.html America, AIAA Magazine March 6 "Nanotubes Lift Hopes for Space Elevator" by Ben Iannotta, was published in the March 2006 America, AIAA magazine. In the article, NIAC Fellow Bradley Edwards was quoted several times. The article omitted the facts that NIAC provided initial funding through a Phase I award and a Phase II award and that NASA provided additional funding through the Institute for Scientific Research. The article is located online at: http://www.aiaa.org/aerospace/images/articleimages/pdf/AA_Mar06_IAN.pdf The Futures Channel March 6 The Futures Channel released a new installment in their Critical Thinking Series: "Second Skin Capability". The program features an interview with NIAC Fellow Dava Newman. Dr. Newman describes the Biosuit, including the inspiration for its genesis, the problems the suit hopes to address, and the process of working collaboratively and internationally to realize the concept. Available online at http://www.thefutureschannel.com/bio-suit.html. Red Herring March 6 NIAC was mentioned in an article in Red Herring entitled, "Next-generation spacesuits, advances in technology promise down-to-earth commercial applications". The article is available online at http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=15866&hed=NextGeneration+Spacesuits>http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=15866&hed=NextGeneration+Spacesuits Space.com March 8 Bob Cassanova was quoted in an article by Leonard David on Space.com. The article describes the recent STAIF 2006 meeting held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The article is available online at http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/060308_exotic_drive.html. MIT Enterprise Forum March 13 NIAC Fellow Dava Newman and the MIT Enterprise Forum program featuring NIAC were profiled in the MIT Technology Review at http://www.technologyreview.com/TR/wtr_16500,324,p1.html.
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The Discovery Channel & Channel 2 (ZDF) in Germany March 22 *Cologne-based Gruppe 5 Filmproduktion Group are creating a film for a science documentary entitled "Update 2056 - The World in 50 Years" and will feature Bradley Edwards and the Space elevator. Gruppe 5 interviewed NIAC Director. The NIAC Director, Bob Cassanova, was contacted by a German based company, (www.gruppe5film.de), which specializes in making history, science and natural history documentaries for the German and international public broadcast TV market. They are working on a large documentary about the future and it's currently in production in Germany. It's a high-gloss, 3-part one-hour, multi-million pound science documentary entitled, "Update 2056 - the World in 50 Years" for Channel 2 (ZDF) in Germany and the Discovery Channel in the US. The series will be based on current science projects at leading research institutions worldwide combined with animations and fiction plot to provide a realistic and captivating vision of the future. Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Daimler-Chrysler, Siemens, Los Alamos National Laboratory and IBM are already supporting the project. The internationally know physicist Michio Kaku is the overall scientific advisor of the project, and he will be working with a host of experts in different fields. Gruppe 5 believes that a space elevator will most likely be operating by 2056 and are featuring Bradley Edwards in their documentary. They were also interested in interviewing the NIAC Director to provide a more complete picture of the NIAC-funded Space Elevator study and the history of NIAC. NASA.gov, Universe Today, ZDNet, International Reporter April 14 A press release from GSFC (Bill Steigerwald) describing the anti-matter spaceship concept of Dr. Gerald Smith (Phase I PI) was featured on NASA.gov's home page. The original text of the release can be found at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/topstory/2006/antimatter_spaceship.html. The release was picked up by multiple web outlets, including the following. - Universe Today - Apr 19, 2006 http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/antimatter_mars.html?1942006 - ZDNet - Apr 19, 2006 http://blogs.zdnet.com/emergingtech/index.php?p=217 - International Reporter, India - Apr 20, 2006 http://internationalreporter.com/news/read.php?id=1216 The Futures Channel April 18 A video interview with Dr. Paul Spudis was released on The Futures Channel website which is based on an interview with Dr. Spudis at the NIAC Annual Meeting in October 2004. The link is: http://www.thefutureschannel.com/revisiting_the_moon.html Fast Company April 21 The May 2006 issue of Fast Company includes a long article about Homaro Cantu, executive chef of Chicago's "Moto", who "wants to use his self-taught rocket science and culinary training to change how the world thinks about food". Cantu's association with CP 05-01-winning Icosystem Corporation (Eric Bonabeau, PI) is described briefly on page 49. Cantu is an advisor to the food replicator project. The article refers to "the Institute for Advanced Concepts, the futur-
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ist arm of NASA", on page 49. Co-PI Paolo Gaudiano is quoted. The article can be found online as well at http://www.fastcompany.com/subscr/105/open_food-cantu.html National Public Radio (NPR) April 24 NIAC Fellow Roger Angel was interviewed on NPR, "All Things Considered," on Monday April 24 about his concept for a Sun Shield to reduce the effects of global warming. The interview was based on a paper he had recently presented at a meeting of the National Academy of Sciences. NIAC Fellow Appointed Director of the NASA Ames Research Center April 24 Dr. Pete Worden, NIAC Fellow and Research Professor at the University of Arizona has been named the next Director of the NASA Ames Research Center. NASA.gov April 27 The NIAC-developed antimatter engine is featured in an article by Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs and was posted on the main NASA page at: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages /exploration/mmb/antimatter_spaceship.html Physorg.com, Spaceref.com, NASAwatch.com April 29 Gerald Smith's NIAC Phase I concept is featured in an article on physorg.com this week. The article is based on a release that has also been picked up by spaceref.com and nasawatch.com. The article was written by Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs. http://www.physorg.com/news64499584.html http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=19597 Aerospace America May 6 In the AIAA publication, Aerospace America, Ron Turner comments in a letter to the journal about the NIAC's support of the Space Elevator project carried out by NIAC Fellow Bradley Edwards.The correspondence can be viewed online at http://www.aiaa.org/aerospace/images/articleimages/pdf/AA_May06_IB.pdf Techtopics May 12 The Summer 2006 issue of TECHTOPICS published by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association includes an article about NIAC Student Fellow Jarret Lafleur. The article is entitled "Aiming High, Academic All-Star has out-of-this-world goals". The article notes that Jarret received a NIAC student award in 2003-2004 to work on his concept for "Daedalon". It was noted that Jarret also was the recipient of a scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Yahoo.news, Photonics.com, PR Web, New Scientist Space UK May 15-18 A press release by the Bae Institute (with assistance by Bob Scaringe) was picked up at multiple sites. The press release describes the NIAC Phase I work being carried out by PI Young K. Bae and his colleagues. May 15: Yahoo! News press release http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb386054.htm
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May 16: Photonics.com http://www.photonics.com/content/news/2006/May/16/82743.aspx May 17: PR Web http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/5/prweb386054.htm May 18: New Scientist Space UK and NewScientist.com http://www.newscientistspace.com/article/dn9188-lasers-could-ensure-satellites-flyinperfect-format PR Newswire, Spaceref.com, Yahoo.com May 17-18 The list of NIAC Student Fellows Prize recipients was publicized extensively across the Internet, beginning with the May 15th announcement on the NIAC web site, and a NASA Press release authored by Diana Jennings and disseminated by Bill Steigerwald at NASAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GSFC resulted in the following publicity: May 17: University of Arizona press release picked up by Spaceref.com http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=19855 May 17: Announcement of awards picked up by Spaceref.com http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=19867 May 18: PRNewswire and Yahoo: http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060518/dcth044.html?.v=47 Centauri Dreams May 23 The website "Centauri Dreams" includes an article about Jim Bickford's NIAC concept for "Extraction of Antiparticles Concentrated in Planetary Magnetic Fields". The link is: http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=674 North One TV June 7 Andy Price of North One TV in England conducted a phone interview with Bob Cassanova for a documentary being assembled for Discovery in the US and Channel Five in England about the influence of James Bond movies on space travel. Wikipedia The online encyclopedia, Wikipedia, contains an excellent article describing the Earth Space Elevator and the Lunar Space Elevator. NIAC Fellows Bradley Edwards' and Jerome Pearson's research are referenced in the article and NIAC is mentioned for funding Bradley Edwards. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spac_elevator Air and Space Smithsonian July Issue The July issue of "Air and Space Smithsonian" mentions on p. 58 the Directed Aerial Robotic Explorer (DARE) concept, which was developed by Global Aerospace Corporation with funding from NIAC. The article entitled "Floaters" was authored by Joe Pappalardo and mentioned NIAC. Batesville Daily Guard June 13 Lyon College (Batesville, Arkansas) Dave Thomas professor is profiled in an article in the Batesville Daily Guard. Professor Thomas is part of the team effort by Phase II Fellow Paul Todd and colleagues at SHOT to develop a Mars environmental simulator. NIAC is mentioned. The arti-
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cle is available by subscription only. Wall Street Journal June 23 NIAC is mentioned in an article in the Wall Street Journal by Katy McLaughlin entitled “That Melon Tenderloin Looks Awfully Familiar...” available by subscription only. This article resulted from conversations between Diana Jennings and Katy McLaughlin from the Wall Street Journal about NIAC's funding of the Icosystem food replicator. NASA Press Release June 29 A press release announcing both the Phase I and Phase II selections was distributed and authored by Bill Steigerwald of Goddard PAO. Popular Science July Issue The July 2006 issue of Popular Science contains a short article about the NIAC-funded positron propulsion system being developed by Gerald Smith at Positronics Research LLC. CNN.com July 5 Webster Cash's Phase II project, The New Worlds Imager, is featured on the CNN website. The article describes the concept which has appeared in the international science journal, NATURE. http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/space/07/05/space.shield.reut/index.html NASA.gov, National Geographic.com, Popular Science Magazine, New York Times Syndicate July 2006 Since the completion of Gerald Smith’s NIAC Phase I Positron Propulsion System, much press has been received. An article on this concept is available at the NASA website: (http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/exploration/mmb/antimatter_spaceship.html), the National Geographic website: (http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/61447961.html), and was in the July 2006 Popular Science magazine. In addition, the New York Times Syndicate requested the Positron Rocket image for a syndication article. L’Espresso July 6 The Italian weekly L'Espresso has an article titled "Alimentary Particles". The first page or so talks about the NIAC-sponsored project to create a Food Replicator. The article includes a picture of the printer created by Hod Lipson (with proper credit) and also mentions Homaro Cantu. The web site of L'Espresso is at http://espresso.repubblica.it, although a subscription is needed to find the article. NASA Press Release July 6 Bill Steigerwald of GSFC Public Affairs Office prepared a NASA HQ Press Release about the new NIAC Phase I and II Awards.
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NATURE July 6 Webster Cashâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NIAC-funded concept, The New Worlds Imager (also called the Starshade), is featured on the cover of the July 6, 2006 issue of NATURE and described in an article in this issue. The link to the online magazine is: http://www.nature.com/index.html The link to the online article is: http://www.nature.com/news/2006/060703/full/060703-11.html
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APPENDIX G 2005 - 2006 NIAC Fellows Publication Listing Angel, Roger: Angel, R., Eisenstein, D., Sivanandam, S., Worden, S., Burge, J., Borra, E., Gosselin, C., Seddiki, O., Hickson, P., Ma, K., Foing, B., Josset, J-L, Thibault, S., “A Deep Field Infrared Observatory Near the Lunar Pole”, International Lunar Conference, 2005. Roger Angel, Dan Eisenstein, Suresh Sivanandam, Simon P. Worden, Jim Burge, Ermanno Borra, Clement Gosselin, Omar Seddiki, Paul Hickson, Ki Buri Ma, Bernard Foing, Jean-Luc Josset, Simon Thibault, Paul van Susante, “A Lunar Liquid Mirror Telescope (LLMT) For DeepField Infrared Observations Near the Lunar Pole”, SPIE Proc. Space Telescopes and Instrumentation I: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter, eds. J. C. Mather, H. W. MacEwen, M. W. de Graauw, 6265, Orlando, 2006. Bickford, James: J. Bickford, W. Schmitt, W. Spjeldvik, A. Gusev, G. Pugacheva, I. Martin, "Natural Sources of Antiparticles in the Solar System and the Feasibility of Extraction for High Delta-V Space Propulsion", New Trends in Astrodynamics Conference, Princeton, NJ, 16-18 August, 2006. G. Pugacheva, A. Gusev , V. Pankov , J. Bickford , W. Spjeldvik , U. Jayanthi , and I. Martin, "Antiparticle content in planetary magnetospheres and its possible use as fuel for remote heliosphere space missions", COSPAR 2006, Beijing, China, 16-23 July 2006. Boss, Wendy: Im, Y.J., M. Ji, A.M. Lee, W. F. Boss, A.M. Grunden. 2005. Production of a thermostable archaeal superoxide reductase in plant cells. FEBS Letters. 579:5521-5526. The results were presented at the following meetings: Ji ML, Im YJ, Lee AM, Boss WF, Grunden, AM. 2005. Recombinant expression of superoxide reductase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus in tobacco cell culture. 105th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, Atlanta, GA Ji ML, Im YJ, Lee AM, Boss WF, Grunden AM. 2005. Recombinant expression of superoxide reductase from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus in Tobacco cell culture. North Carolina Chapter of the American Society for Microbiology, Raleigh, NC. Cash, Webster: Webster Cash, Jeremy Kasdin, Sara Seager, Jonathon Arenberg "Direct studies of exoplanets with the New Worlds Observer", Proc. Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng., 5899, 0S1-0S12, 2005. Schindhelm, E., Cash, W., Seager, S., "Science simulations for the New Worlds Observer", Proc.
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Soc. Photo-Opt. Instr. Eng., 5905, 455-463, 2005 Cash, W., "Direct observation of exoplanets with a flower-shaped occulter", NATURE, submitted, 2006. Komerath, Narayanan: Wanis, S.S., Komerath, N.M., "Validation of TFF Concept for Use in Space Based Construction" STAIF 2006-081, Proceedings of the Space Technology Applications International Forum, Albuquerque, NM, February 2006. Wanis, S.S., Komerath, N.M., "Designs for Space-Based Construction Using Force Fields" ASCE Earth and Space 206 conference, League City, TX, March 2006. Rangedera, T., Vanmali, R., Shah, N., Zaidi, W., Komerath,N., "A Solar-Powered Near Earth Object Resource Extractor". Proceedings of the first Georgia Tech Space Space Systems Engineering Conference, Atlanta, November 2005. Vanmali, R., Li, B., Tomlinson, B., Zaidi, W., Komerath, N., "Conceptual Design of a Multipurpose Robotic Craft for Space Based Construction". AIAA2005-6733, Space 2005, Long Beach, CA August 30-Sep. 2, 2005. Vanmali, R., Tomlinson, B., Li, B., Wanis, S., Komerath, N., "Engineering a Space Based Construction Robot," 05WAC-44 SAE World Aerospace Congress, 2005. Wanis, S., Komerath, N., "Advances in Force Field Tailoring for Construction in Space". Paper IAC2005_D1.1.02, International Astronautical Federation Conference in Fukuoka, Japan, Oct. 15-21, 2005 . Abstract: B. Tomlinson, B. Li, S.Wanis, N. Komerath, Engineering a Space Based Construction Robot, SAE, World Aerospace Conference, August 2005. Abstract: B. Tomlinson , B. Li, R. Vanmali, S.Wanis , N. Komerath, Conceptual design of a Multipurpose Robotic Craft for Space Based Construction. AIAA Space 2005 Conference, September 2005. Abstract: Wanis, S., Komerath, N.M., "Advances in Force Field Tailoring for Construction in Space", IAF, Congress, Fukuoka, Japan, October 2005. Peck, Mason: M. Peck, "Prospects and Challenges for Lorentz-Augmented Orbits," Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics (submitted). Todd, Paul: P. J. Boston, P. Todd and K. R. McMillen. Robotic Lunar Ecopoiesis Test Bed: Bringing the Experimental Method to Terraforming. Space Technology and Applications International Forum STAIF 2004, Ed. M. S. El-Genk, American Institute of Physics, Washington, DC, 2004.
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D. J. Thomas, S. L. Sullivan, A. L. Price, and S. M. Zimmerman. Common freshwater cyanobacteria grow in 100% CO2. Astrobiology 5(1) 66-74, 2005. D. J. Thomas and S. K. Herbert. An Inexpensive Apparatus for Growing Photosynthetic Microorganisms in Exotic Atmospheres. Astrobiology (1), 75-82, 2005. P. Todd. Planetary biology and terraforming. Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (2), submitted 2005. P. J. Boston, P. Todd, D. J. Thomas and K. Mcmillen. Toward a concept of habitability: Applications to experimental ecopoiesis. Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (2), submitted 2005. D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, P. J. Boston, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams and P. Todd. Extremophiles for ecopoiesis: Desirable traits for and survivability of pioneer Martian organisms. Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (2), submitted 2005. D. J. Thomas, P. Todd, P. J. Boston, J. Boling, T. McSpadden and L. McWilliams. Early results of ecopiesis experiments in the SHOT Martian environment simulator. Proceedings of the Eighth International Mars Society Convention, submitted 2005. P. Todd, P. J. Boston, H. Platt and G. W. Metz. Environmental simulators for experimental ecopoiesis. Gravitational and Space Biology 18(1) Abstract #81, p. 33, 2004. N. A. Thomas, P. Todd, G. W. Metz, H. Platt, and D. J. Thomas. Performance evaluation of a laboratory test bed for planetary biology. 21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract # 77, p. 33,1-4 Nov 2005. P. Todd. Planetary biology and terraforming. 21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract # 95, p. 46, 1-4 Nov 2005. P. J. Boston, P. Todd, D. J. Thomas and K. Mcmillen. Toward a concept of habitability: Applications to experimental ecopoiesis. 21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract #97, p. 46, 1-4 Nov 2005. D. J. Thomas, J. Boling, P. J. Boston, K. A. Campbell, T. McSpadden, L. McWilliams and P. Todd. Extremophiles for ecopoiesis: Desirable traits for and survivability of pioneer Martian organisms. 21st Meeting of the American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology, Reno, NV, Gravitational and Space Biology 19 (1), Abstract #98, p. 46, 1-4 Nov 2005. An "expanded abstract" was published in Gravitational and Space Biology 14 (2) 2005, with the following content: Environmental Simulators for Experimental Ecopoiesis, P. Todd, P. J. Boston, H. Platt, G. W. Metz. SHOT, Inc., Greenville, IN, Center for Cave and Karst Studies, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM.
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Abstract- Eighth International Mars Society Convention, Boulder, CO, August 11-14, 2005. Early Results of Ecopoeisis Experiments in the SHOT Martian Environment Simulator. David J. Thomas, Paul W. Todd, Penelope J. Boston, John Boling, Tiffany McSpadden and Laura McWilliams.Lyon College, Science Division, Batesville, AR 72501, Space Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc., Greenville, IN 47124, Complex Systems Research, Inc., Boulder, CO 80301. Woolsey, Craig: M. Morrow and C. Woolsey and G. Hagerman", "Exploring Titan with autonomous, buoyancy-driven gliders", "Journal of the British Interplanetary Society", 59" (1) pp.27-34, January, 2006. MASTER'S THESIS: "M. Morrow" "A Self-Sustaining, Boundary-Layer-Adapted System for Terrain Exploration and Environmental Sampling,Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, June, 2005.
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