Archivo de la etiqueta: Astronomy

Looking Back, Moving Forward 

Interview with NESC Director, Tim Wilson 

Upon reaching its 20^th year of operations at NASA in 2023, the NESC is busier than it has ever been. With a portfolio of more than 160 in-progress requests from Agency programs, NESC Director Tim Wilson spends much of his day prioritizing, allocating funds from the organization’s fixed budget to NASA’s most pressing issues. Of late, the NESC has focused on priority-one requests—projects in the flight phase—such as the Artemis missions and those of NASA’s commercial partners, while lower priority requests like discipline-advancing activities have been placed on hold until the next fiscal year. For Mr. Wilson, each day is a new shuffle of requests, funding, and resources.      

When he joined the newly formed NESC in 2003, Mr. Wilson could not have predicted the impact the organization would have on Agency operations. “To be honest, I didn’t really think we’d still be here,” he said. “The NESC was an experiment.” Initiated by the results of the Columbia accident investigation, the idea behind it was that NASA programs would benefit from expert, unbiased perspectives on its tough engineering problems. The vision for the organization was straightforward, but the execution was far more challenging than Mr. Wilson expected.   

“When we started those first assessments with the CALIPSO satellite and Shuttle, we had to elbow our way to the table to be accepted. We were new, and no one knew who we were or what we were doing. Back then, programs were worried that we might slow them down or cause problems.” Though Agency leadership had given them the green light, it was up to Mr. Wilson and the NESC’s early members to prove they deserved a seat at those tables. “You have to produce some results before folks respect you,” he said. It was hard won, but with each assessment, the NESC gained that respect by bringing ideas and solutions programs could use.    

Two decades in, Mr. Wilson is happy to say the NESC is now invited to the table. “That’s part of why demand has grown as much as it has. Our team is respected, and we’re asked to participate. We’ve gone from being an unknown to an organization they reach out to as a trusted partner: someone who can help them be successful, bring expertise or resources they don’t have, or sometimes just bring another perspective to break a logjam and help them get things done. That’s the shift I have seen over the years. It’s been really encouraging to see it.”    

The NESC portfolio of work also has shifted from the early, hectic pace of Shuttle assessments where quick, real-time solutions were needed. In the years following the Shuttle’s retirement, the NESC had the luxury of time to invest in longer-term projects like the design and construction of a composite crew module that would be leveraged in the development of Orion and commercial spacecraft. Today, the pace has ramped up again as Artemis, Dragon, and Starliner head to the Moon and ISS.     

“These are real-time activities where you have to engage immediately and be able to add value out of the chute. You don’t have time to come up to speed on the system,” Mr. Wilson said. “We learned with Shuttle that it was important to move quickly and be pre-positioned to help.” Over the years the NESC has cultivated good relationships with programs—keeping people plugged in to their day-to-day activities so that when problems arose, they could engage right away.    

“The lesson we learned is you need people doing routine work for those programs all along so that they understand the subsystems and hardware and they’re ready to engage when there’s a real-time problem.” It’s been a balancing act to keep close ties yet remain independent, but Mr. Wilson said the NESC has found an equilibrium. Independent yet parallel modeling and simulation (M&S) is a good example of finding that balance, he said. “We build our own M&S tools in parallel with the programs’ tools to give them a second set of eyes to a problem.” Since 2012, for example, NESC-built M&S trajectory tools have help mitigate risks for Artemis missions’ ascent to orbit, and entry, descent, and landing simulations for CCP provider vehicles.  

With capped budgets, the NESC must adjust its scope continually to keep up with the increasing tempo of space exploration. For now, that means focusing on what is most critical and has the highest payback. “We’ll continue to focus on the heavy hitters, the programs that are flying and have a critical immediate need. There are a lot of those, and the pace is ramping up.”  

As for the future, Mr. Wilson said, “I have not seen very many Agency initiatives persist the way the NESC has, so I’m thrilled that we have met the needs that we were placed here to meet and that we continue to deliver value, because I think that’s what has kept us rolling and growing over all of this time.”    

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Meagan Chappell

NESC Publications – Based on NESC Assessments 

NASA Technical Memorandums (TM), NASA Technical Publications (TP), and NASA Contractor Reports (CR) 

1. NASA/TP-20220015152 Optimization Approach for Wind Tunnel Fan Blade Strain Gage Correlation with Test Fixture Unknowns. 

2. NASA/TM-20220015363 Technology Maturation Report for Dam- age Arresting Composites under the Environmentally Responsible Aviation Project. 

3. NASA/TM-20220017053 Unique Science from the Moon in the Artemis Era 

4. NASA/TM-20220018183 Recommendations on Use of Commercial- Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Guidance for all Mission Risk Classifications – Phase II 

5. NASA/CR-20230002635 Assessment of Coated Particle Fuels for Space Nuclear Power and Propulsion Systems; A Report for the NESC Nuclear Power & Propulsion Technical Discipline Team 

6. NASA/TM-20230004147 Ceramic Capacitor Grain Size Analysis Using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) 

7. NASA/TM-20230004154 Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) Crew Module (CM) Side Hatch Dynamic Analysis 

8. NASA/TP-20230005922 Best Practices for the Design, Development, and Operation of Robust and Reliable Space Vehicle Guidance, Navigation, and Control Systems 

9. NASA/TM-20230006220 Metallurgical Factors that Govern ST Properties in Commercial 2219-T87 Thick Plate 

10. NASA/TP-20230006226 Evaluation of Through-thickness Microtextural Characteristics in 2219-T87 Thick Plate 

11. NASA/TM-20230006507 Flight Mechanics Analysis Tools Interoperability and Component Sharing 

12. NASA/TM-20230006648 Verification of Testing Standard for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Partial Pressure in Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Suits 

13. NASA/TM-20230007658 ISS Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) Optical Sensor: Phase 1-Feasibility 

14. NASA/CR-20230010099 NASCAP Surface Charging Tool Development; Nascap-2k Additional Examples 

15. NASA/TM-20230010624 Self Reacting-Friction Stir Weld (SR-FSW) Anomalies 

16. NASA/TM-20230010640 Space-Shielding Radiation Dosage Code Evaluation; Phase 1: SHIELDOSE-2 Radiation-Assessment Code 

17. NASA/TM-20230010680 Shock Prediction Advancement: Transient Finite Energy (TFE) Shock Predictor 

18. NASA/TM-20230011306 NASA Exploration Systems Maintainability Standards for Artemis and Beyond 

19. NASA/CR-20230012105 A Compilation of Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel Research (2015–2021) 

20. NASA/TP-20230012154 Software Error Incident Categorizations in Aerospace 

21. NASA/TM-20230013348 Unconservatism of Linear-Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM)Analysis Post Autofrettage 

22. NASA/TM-20230013386 Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) Data Processing Algorithm Development and Analysis Assessment 

Technical Papers, Conference Proceedings, and Technical Presentations

Avionics  

1. Chen, Y.: Statistical Interpretation of Life Test – Comparison between MIL and JEDEC requirements. NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program’s Electronic Technology Workshop, June 12-15, 2023. 

2. Franconi, N., Cook, T., Wilson, C., and George, A.: Comparison of Multi-Phase Power Converters and Power Delivery Networks for Next- Generation Space Architectures. 2023 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT. pp. 1-15, DOI: 10.1109/AERO55745.2023.10115579. 

3. Green, C.; Haghani, N.; Hernandez-Pellerano, A.; Gheen, B.; Lanham, A.; Fraction, J.: MUSTANG: A Workhorse for NASA Spaceflight Avionics. IEEE Space Mission Challenges for Information Technology – IEEE Space Computing Conference Caltech (SMC-IT/SCC), Pasadena, CA. 

4. Hodson, R., Chen, Y., and Douglas, S.: NESC Recommendations on Use of COTS Parts for NASA Missions (Phase II) & The ILPM Pathfinder. NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging Program’s Electronic Technology Workshop, June 12-15, 2023. 

5. Hodson, R., Chen, Y., and Douglas, S.: Recommendations on Use of COTS Parts for NASA Missions. 2023 Space Computing Conference (SCC) Closed Session, El Segundo, CA, July 21, 2023. 

6. Powell, W.: SpaceVPX Interoperability Study Briefing. SOSA Architecture Meeting, November 1, 2022. 

7. Powell, W. and Hodson, R.: Advancing SpaceVPX Interoperability – Embedded Tech Trends, Chandler, AZ, January 23, 2023. 

8. Powell, W.: NASA’s Vision for Spaceflight Avionics. 2023 Space Computing Conference (SCC) Closed Session, El Segundo, CA, July 21, 2023. 

9. Rutishauser, D.; Prothro, J.; and Fail, J.: A System to Provide Deterministic Flight Software Operation and Maximize Multicore Processing Performance: The Safe and Precise Landing – Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) Datapath. IEEE Space Mission Challenges for Information Technology – IEEE Space Computing Conference, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, July 18-21, 2023. 

10. Some, R.; Collier, P.; Hodson, R.; and Powell W.: SpaceVPX Interoperability. IEEE Space Computing Conference, Caltech, Pasadena, CA, USA – 18-21 July 2023. 

Flight Mechanics

1. Restrepo, R. L.: Trajectory Reverse Engineering: A General Strategy for Transferring Trajectories Between Flight Mechanics Tools, AAS 23-312. 33rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Austin, TX, January 15-19, 2023. 

Loads and Dynamics

1. Allgood, J. and Decker, A.: Space Launch System Day of Launch Loads for Artemis I. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle (SCLV) Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
2. Bell, J.; Armand, S.; and Samareh, J.: Structural Evaluation and Optimization of Aeroshell Design Properties for Launch and Reentry Load Cases for Future AI-Informed Design Leveraging Large Datasets. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
3. Blelloch, P.: Efficient Calculation of Random Stress Results. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
4. Gardner, B.; Parrinello, A.; and Musser, C.: An Isogrid Panel Model for SEA. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
5. Griggs, L.; Allgood, J.; Swatzell, S.; Moseley, J.; Oliver, N.; and Decker, A.: Space Launch System Artemis 1 Ascent Loads Reconstruction. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle (SCLV) Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
6. Hahn, S.; Lunetta, N.; Weathers, J.; Zuo, K.; and Decker, A.: Space Launch System Artemis 1 Rollout Loads Monitoring and Reconstruction. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle (SCLV) Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
7. Kennedy, M. and Blough, J.: Shocksat Testing and Analysis Results. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
8. Kolaini, A.; Kinney, T.; and Johnson, D.: Guidance on Shock Qualification and Acceptance Test Requirements. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 
9. Patel, H. and Parsons, D.: Pressure Transducer Shock Testing. Spacecraft and Launch Vehicle Dynamic Environments Workshop, El Segundo, CA, June 27-29, 2023. 

Software

1. Prokop, L.: A Study of Historical Flight Software Error Incidents to Influence Fault-Tolerant Design. 2023 Flight Software Workshop, March 20-23, 2023, Pasadena, CA.  

Space Environments

1. Barrie, J.; Gouzman, I.; Hoffman, R.; Tighe, A.; Tagawa, M.; Miller, S.K.R.; de Groh, K.K.; Minow, J.I.; and Lao, Y.Y.: In-Situ Sensors for Monitoring the Space Environment and Its Effect Upon Satellite Materials [White paper]. Space Materials Workshop, July 24-28, 2023, virtual. 
2. Davis, V.A.; and Mandell, M.J.: NASCAP Surface Charging Tool Development, Nascap-2k Additional Examples. NASA CR-20230010099, Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA, July 2023. 
3. Dawkins, E.C.M.; Stober, G.; Janches, D.; Carrillo-Sánchez, J.D.; Lieberman, R.S.; Jacobi, C.; Moffat-Griffin, T.; Mitchell, N.J.; Cobbett, N.; Batista, P.P.; Andrioli, V.F.; Buriti, R.A.; Murphy, D.J.; Kero, J.; Gulbrandsen, N.; Tsutsumi, M.; Kozlovsky, A.; Kim, J.H.; Lee, C.; and Lester, M.: Solar Cycle and Long-term Trends in the Observed Peak of the Meteor Altitude Distributions by Meteor Radars. Geophysical Research Letters, 50, e2022GL101953. https://doi. org/10.1029/2022GL101953, 2023. 
4. Debchoudhury, S.; Lin, D.; Coffey, V.N.; Barjatya, A.; Minow, J.I.; and Parker, L.N.: Plasma Irregularities Observed by ISS FPMU: Multi- instrument Case-study and Modeling Results. Abstract SA52A-24, AGU Fall Meeting 2022, December 12-16, 2022, Chicago, IL. 
5. Debchoudhury, S.; Karan, D.; Barjatya, A.; Coffey, V.N.; and Minow, J.I.: Multi-layer Observations of Plasma Blobs and Bubbles using ICON, GOLD, and ISS FPMU. 2023 Coupling, Energetics, and Dynamics of Atmospheric Regions (CEDAR) Workshop, June 25-30, 2023, San Diego, CA. 
6. de Groh, K.; Stanton, J.S.; Minow, J.I.; Kimoto, Y.; Lord, E.M.; and Lao, Y.Y.: Space Materials Center [White paper]. Space Materials Workshop, July 24-28, 2023, virtual. 
7. Janches, D.; Bruzonne, J.S.; Weryk, R.J.; Hormaechea, J.L.; and Brunini, C.: Radar Observations of the Arid Meteor Shower Outburst from Comet 15P/Finlay. Planetary Science Journal, 4, 165, 2023, https://dx.doi.org/10.3847/PSJ/ace82a. 
8. Levine, J.S.: The Impact of Lunar Dust and Mars Dust on Human Exploration: Summary of the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) Workshop. Lunar Science Innovation Consortium Dust Mitigation Focus Group Meeting, January 19, 2023, virtual. 
9. Mertens, C.J.; Gronoff, G.; Zheng, Y.; Buhler, J.; Willis, E.M.; Petrenko, M.; Phoenix, D.; Jun, I.; and Minow, J.I.: NAIRAS Model Updates and Improvements to the Prediction of the Ionizing Radiation Environment from the Earth’s Surface to Geospace. Abstract SM35C-1769, AGU Fall Meeting 2022, December 12-16, 2022, Chicago, IL. 
10. Mertens, C.J.; Gronoff, G.; Phoenix, D.; Paul, S.N.; Mehta, P.M.; Zheng, Y.; and Nunez, M.: NAIRAS Model Nowcasting and Forecasting of the Aviation Radiation Environment. 20th Conference on Space Weather, American Meteorological Society, 103rd Annual Meeting, January 8-12, 2023, Denver, CO. 
11. Mertens, C.J.; Gronoff, G.; Zheng, Y.; Buhler, J.; Willis, E.M.; Petrenko, M.; Phoenix, D.; Jun, I.; and Minow, J.: NAIRAS Model Updates and Improvements to the Prediction of Ionizing Radiation from Earth’s Surface to Cislunar Environment. NOAA Space Weather Workshop, April 17-21, 2023, Boulder, CO. 
12. Mertens, C.J.; Gronoff, G.P.; Phoenix, D.; Zheng, Y.; Petrenko, M.; Buhler, J.; Jun, I.; Minow, J.I.; and Willis E.: NAIRAS Ionizing Radiation Model: Extension from Atmosphere to Space. NASA/TP- 20230006306, May 2023. 
13. Mertens, C.J.; Gronoff, G.; Zheng, Y.; Buhler, J.; Willis, E.M.; Petrenko, M.; Phoenix, D.; Jun, I.; and Minow, J.I.: NAIRAS Atmospheric and Space Radiation Environment Model. IEEE Nuclear and Space Radiation Effects Conference, July 24-28, 2023, Kansas City, MO. 
14. Mertens, C.J.; Gronoff, G.P.; Zheng, Y.; Petrenko, M.; Buhler, J.; Phoenix, D.; Willis, E.; Jun, I.; and Minow, J.: NAIRAS model run- on-request service at CCMC. Space Weather, 21, e2023SW003473. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023SW003473, 2023. 
15. Minow, J.I.; Meloy, R.; Parker, L.N.; and Collado-Vega, Y.: JWST Space Environments Launch Constraints. Fall 2022 Natural Environments Day- of-Launch Working Group, December 7, 2022, virtual. 
16. Minow, J.I.: Impacts of the Space Environment on Lunar Exploration. AIAA-2023-2467, AIAA SciTech Forum and Exposition, January 23-27, 2023, National Harbor, MD (invited). 
17. Minow, J.I.: Spacecraft Anomalies and Failures Workshop 2023: NASA Introductory Comments. Spacecraft Anomalies and Failures 2023 Workshop, March 29, 2023, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD, and March 30, 2023, NRO HQ Westfields (invited). 
18. Minow, J.I.: SCAF Workshop 2023: Day 1 Final Comments and Wrap- up. Spacecraft Anomalies and Failures 2023 Workshop, March 29, 2023, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD and March 30, 2023, NRO HQ Westfields (invited). 
19. Minow, J.I.: Low Energy Ionizing Radiation and Plasma Contributions to Radiation Dose in Materials at Sun-Earth Lagrange Points. 2023 Materials Research Society Spring Meeting and Exhibit, Symposium SF02: Materials in Space—Design and Testing, April 10-14, 2023, San Francisco, CA (invited). 
20. Minow, J.I.; Debchoudhury, S.; Barjatya, A.; Coffey, V.; and Parker, L.N.: Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) Data Processing Algorithm and Analysis Assessment. NASA/TM-20230013386, NESC- RP-19-01434, September 2023. 
21. Minow, J.I.: Surface Charging to High Voltages in the Space Environment. High Voltage Aerospace Systems Workshop, Energy & Mobility Technology, Systems, and Value Chain Conference and Expo, September 12-15, 2023, Cleveland, OH (invited). 
22. Minow, J.I.; Diekmann, A.M.; Willis, E.M.; and Coffey, V.N.: L2-Charged Particle Environment (L2-CPE) Low Energy Radiation Fluence Model. Radiation and its Effects on Components and Systems Conference (RADECS) 2023, September 25-29, 2023, Toulouse, France. 
23. Newheart, A.M.; Sazykin, S.; Coffey, V.N.; Chandler, M.O.; Coster, A. J.; Fejer, B.G.; Minow, J.I.; and Swenson, C.M.: Observations of Night-Time Equatorial Ionosphere Structure with the FPMU on board the International Space Station. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, 127, e2022JA030373. https://doi. org/10.1029/2022JA030373 2022. 
24. Parker, L.N.; Jun, I.; and Minow, J.I.: Introduction to the Virtual Collection on the Applied Space Environments Conference 2021. Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 60, No. 2, pp. 374-374, doi/ abs/10.2514/1.A35728, 2023. 
25. Schonberg, W. and Squire, M: Predicting High-speed Particle Impact Damage in Spacecraft Thermal Protection Systems. Journal of Space Safety Engineering. Accepted for publication. 
26. Schonberg, W. and Squire, M.: Toward a More Generalized Ballistic Limit Equation for Multi-Shock Shield. Acta Astronautica. Accepted for publication. 
27. Stober, G.; Weryk, R.; Janches, D.; Dawkins, E.C.M.; Günzkofer, F.; Hormaechea, J.L.; and Pokhotelov, D.: Polarization Dependency of Transverse Scattering and Collisional Coupling to the Ambient Atmosphere from Meteor Trails – Theory and Observations. Planetary and Space Science, 105768, ISSN 0032-0633, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.pss.2023.105768, 2023. 
28. Thomsen, D.L.; Jordan, T.M.; Milic, L.; and Girard, W.: Decreasing Proton Single Event Effects in CubeSats with Shielding. 2023 Single Event Effects (SEE) Symposium and Military and Aerospace Programmable Logic Devices (MAPLD) Workshop, May 15-19, 2023, La Jolla, CA. 
29. Valinia, A.; and Minow, J.: Required Space Weather Reconnaissance in the Artemis Era. 54th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, March 13-17, 2023, The Woodlands, TX. 
30. Zheng, Y.; Jun, I.; Tu, W.; Sprits, Y.; Kim, W.; Miyoshi, Y.; Meier, M.; and Minow, J.: Overview, Progress and Next Steps for Our Understanding of the Near-Earth Space Radiation and Plasma Environment: Science and Applications. 28th International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) General Assembly, July 8-18, 2023, Berlin, Germany. 

Structures

1. Arndt, C. and TerMaath, S.: Characterization of the Damage Tolerance of Composite Overlays through Subspace Evaluation. ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, June 6-9, 2023. 
2. Babuska, P.; Tai, W.; Goyal, V.; and Rodriguez, A.: Novel Test and Analysis Methodology for the Assessment of Joint under Re-entry Environment. AIAA Scitech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 23-27, 2023. 
3. Bo, D.; Hwangbo, H.; Sharma, V.; Arndt, C.; and TerMaath, S.: A Randomized Subspace-based Approach for Dimensionality Reduction and Important Variable Selection. Journal of Machine Learning Research, 24: 1-3010.48550/arxiv.2106.01584, 2023. 
4. Bo, D.; Hwangbo, H.; and TerMaath, S.: Subspace Selection for High- Dimensional Experiments of Material Development Process. Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) Annual Conference and Expo, New Orleans, LA, May 20-23, 2023. 
5. Brust, F. W.; Punch, E.; Twombly, E.; and Wallace, J: Estimation Scheme for Weld Residual Stress Effect on Crack Opening Displacements. ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, Paper PVP2023-107396, Atlanta, GA, July 2023. 
6. Cardona, A.; Jegley, D.; and Lovejoy, A.: Manufacturing Trials of Integrally Stiffened Panels for Flight Applications. AIAA-2023-0781, SciTech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 2023. 
7. Cline, J.; Dorsey, J.; Kang, D.; Doggett, W.; and Allen, D.: Ideas For Infusing In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing Concepts into Nuclear Electric Propulsion Architectures. Joint Army-Navy-NASA- Air Force (JANNAF) 12th Spacecraft Propulsion Joint Subcommittee Meeting, Huntsville, AL, December 2022. 
8. Doggett, W.; Heppler, J.; Mahlin, M.; Pappa, R.; Teter, J.; Song, K.; White, B.; Wong, I.; and Mikulas, M.: Towers: Critical Initial Infrastructure for the Moon. AIAA-2023-0383, SciTech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 2023. 
9. Fleishel, R.; Ferrell, W.; and TerMaath, S.: Fatigue-Damage Initiation at Process Introduced Internal Defects in Electron-Beam-Melted Ti- 6Al-4V. 2023. Metals 13:2, 350. Special Issue: Deformation, Fracture and Microstructure of Metallic Materials, https://doi.org/10.3390/ met13020350. 
10. Fleishel, R. and TerMaath, S.: Modeling fatigue overload behavior in microstructurally short cracks: connecting initiation and long crack behavior. ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, June 6-9, 2023. 
11. Goyal, V.; Tuck-Lee, J.; Babuska, P.; and Zeitunian, E.: Lessons Learned in the Buckling Assessments of Space Structures. AIAA Scitech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 23-27, 2023. 
12. Goyal, V.; Sagrillo, C.; Fannon, J.; Forth, S.; and Kezirian, M.: Space Systems Technical Guide for Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels. AIAA Scitech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 23-27, 2023. 
13. Hart, D.; Balsara, Martinez, and TerMaath, S.: Multi-Scale Multi- Physics Bondline Strength Prediction Research. NATO Science & Technology Organization, Applied Vehicle Technology Panel (AVT-361) Research Workshop on Certification of Bonded Repair on Composite Aircraft Structures, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Oct 18-20, 2022. 
14. Kaleel, I., Ricks, T.M., Gustafson, P.A., Pineda, E.J., Bednarcyk, B.A., and Arnold, S.M. (2023) “Massively Multiscale Modeling using NASA Multiscale Analysis Tool through Partitioned Task-Parallel Approach” 2023 AIAA SciTech Forum, 23-27 January 2023, National Harbor, MD. 
15. Lin, L.: Correlation Study of SWOT Payload Acoustic Prediction and Test. AIAA SciTech, January 2023. 
16. Ma, X. and TerMaath, S.: Microstructural Analysis of Intergranular Stress Corrosion Cracking in 5xxx Series Aluminum Reinforced with a Composite Patch. 2023. Advances in the Analysis and Design of Marine Structures. Ringsberg & Guedes Soares (Eds), CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-032-50636-4. 
17. Pak, C.: Linear and Geometrically Nonlinear Structural Shape Sensing from Strain Data. AIAA Journal, Vol. 61, No. 2, 2023, pp. 907-922. 
18. Pak, C.: Finite Element Model Tuning Using Analytical Sensitivity Values. Journal of Aircraft, Articles in Advance (Vol. 60, No. 2 or 3), 2023. 
19. Panda, J.; Nguyen, M.P.; Keil. D.R.; and Hamm, K.R.: A Microphone Phased Array for Launch Acoustics Application. AIAA SciTech Conference, National Harbor, MD, (2023), AIAA Paper 2023-0790. 
20. Qu, X.; Shimizu, L.; Rome J.; Nordendale, N.; and Goyal, V.: Reliability- based Damage Tolerance Analysis for Additive Manufacturing Part. NAFEMS World Congress 2023, Tampa, FL, May 2023. 
21. Ricks, T. M.; Pineda, E. J.; Bednarcyk, B. A.; McCorkle, L. S.; Miller, S. G.; Murthy, P. L.; and Segal, K. N.: Multiscale Progressive Failure Analysis of 3D Woven Composites. 2022, Polymers, 14(20), 4340. 
22. Rome, J. and Goyal, V.: Moving Towards a Print Then Use Framework for Additive Manufacturing. ASME SSDM 2023, June 2023, SSDM2023-111806, Accepted. 
23. Rudd, M.T.; Eberlein, D.J.; Waters, W.A.; Gardner, N.W.; Schultz, M.R.; and Bisagni, C.: Analysis and Validation of a Scaled, Launch- Vehicle-Like Composite Cylinder under Axial Compression. Composite Structures, Volume 304, Part 1, January 2023. 
24. Rudd, M.T.; Schultz, M.R.; Gardner, N.W.; and Bisagni, C.: Test and Analysis of a Composite Conical-Cylindrical Shell. AIAA SciTech 2023 Forum, AIAA paper no. AIAA 2023-1525, National Harbor, MD, January 2023. 
25. Soltz, B.; Goyal, V.; Rome, J.; and Qu, X.: Structural Requirements, Process Simulation, and Residual Stress Characterization for Additively Manufactured Spaceflight Parts. AIAA 2023-2078, https:// doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-2078, AIAA Scitech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 23-27, 2023. 
26. Soltz, B.; Sivess, A.; Hickman, M.; Ghazari, A. and Shimizu, L.: Static Load Testing and Analysis Recommendations For Space Vehicles. OTR 2023-00653, 33rd Aerospace Testing Seminar, The Aerospace Corporation, May 16, 2023. 
27. Song, K.; Mikulas, M.; Mahlin, M.; and Cassady, J.: Sizing and Design Tool for Tall Lunar Tower. AIAA-2023-0382, SciTech 2023, National Harbor, MD, January 2023. 
28. Hammel, J.: Utilizing 3D-DIC on the Mars 2020 Rover Wheel Assembly: Test-Analysis Correlation. IEEE, March 2023. 
29. Song, K.; Stark, A.; Amundsen, R.; Mikulas, M.; Mahlin, M.; and Cassady, J.: Sizing, Buckling, and Thermal-Structural Analysis of Tall Lunar Tower. 2023 AIAA ASCEND, Las Vegas, NV, October 2023. 
30. TerMaath, S.: Multi-scale Computational Structural Mechanics. Turing- Oden Workshop on Data Science and Machine Learning. Alan Turing Institute, London, January 25-27, 2023. 
31. TerMaath, S.; Crusenberry, C.; and Arndt, C.: Reduced Order Modeling of Progressive Failure in Composite/Metal Structure. 6th International Conference on Protective Structures, Auburn University, May 14-17, 2023. 
32. TerMaath, S.: Probabilistic multi-scale characterization and prediction of bimaterial bondline structural reliability. Canadian National Research Council, Ottawa, June 1, 2023. 
33. TerMaath, S.; Ingling, B.; Noland, J.; and Hart, D.: Evaluation of low-velocity impact damage in metal/composite layered structure. 8th International Symposium on Life-Cycle Civil Engineering (IALCCE). Milano, Italy, July 2-6, 2023. 
34. Twombly, E.; Hill, L.; Wilkowski, G.; Brust, B.; Lin, B.; and Tregoning, R.: Evaluation of the Inherent LBB Behavior of Small-Diameter Class 1 and 2 Nuclear Piping Systems. ASME Pressure Vessels and Piping Conference, Paper PVP2023-107685, Atlanta, GA, July 2023. 
35. Ytuarte, E.; Ragheb, H.; Sobey, A.; and TerMaath, S.: Peridynamics with stochastic bond strengths for determination of final failure in composite laminates. ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA, June 6-9, 2023.2022, Park City, UT.

Systems Engineering

1. Driscoll, A. and Vining, G.: Debunking Stress Rupture Theories Using Weibull Regression Plots. Fall Technical Conference, October 12-14, 2022, Park City, UT 
2. Driscoll, A.: Advances in Stress Rupture Modeling: A Case Study for Predicting COPV Reliability. Joint Statistical Meetings, August 5-10, 2023, Toronto, Canada. 
3. Huang, Z. C.: Toward Closed Form Formulas for System Reliability and Confidence Quantification. 2023 Annual Reliability and Maintainability Symposium (RAMS), January 23-26, 2023, DOI: 10.1109/RAMS51473.2023.10088214. 
4. Parker, P. and Wilson, S.: Motivating Statistical Research for NASA Applications. Joint Statistical Meetings, August 5-10, 2023, Toronto, Canada. 

Thermal Control and Protection 

1. Rickman, S.: Re-Architecting the NASA Wire Derating Approach, Phase II, Wire and Wire Bundle Ampacity Testing and Analysis. Aerospace Electrical Interconnect Symposium, October 2022, Houston, TX. 
2. Rickman, S.: Space Mission Thermal Control and Protection Challenges – Past, Present, and Future. The Intersociety Conference on Thermal and Thermomechanical Phenomena in Electronic Systems (ITherm), June 2023, Orlando, FL. 
3. Rickman, S.: Introduction to Orbits. Rice/Envision Aerospace and Aviation Academy, June 2023, Houston, TX. 
4. Rickman, S.: Development and Application of a Novel Calorimetry Technique for the Study of Lithium-Ion Cell Thermal Runaway., International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES), July 2023, Calgary, Canada. 
5. Rickman, S.: Introduction to On-Orbit Thermal Environments. Thermal and Fluids Analysis Workshop (TFAWS), August 2023, College Park, MD. 
6. Shafirovich, E. and Rickman, S.: A Warm Garage for a Lunar Rover, Commercial Lunar Payload Services. Survive the Night Technology Workshop, December 2022, Cleveland, OH. 

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Meagan Chappell

NESC Honor Awards

NESC Honor Awards are given each year to NASA employees, industry representatives, and other stakeholders for their efforts and achievements in engineering, leadership, teamwork, and communication. These awards formally recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the NESC mission, demonstrate engineering and technical excellence, and foster an open environment. 

NESC Director’s Award 
Honors individuals for defending a technical position that conflicts with a program or organization’s initial or prevailing engineering perspectives and for taking personal initiative to foster clear and open communication and resolve controversial issues. 

DANIEL L. DIETRICH – In recognition of the development and advocacy of the technical rationale to assess the safety and effectiveness of breathing systems for pilots of tactical aircraft. 

NESC Leadership Award 
Honors individuals for sustained leadership excellence demonstrated by establishing a vision, developing and managing a plan, and building consensus to proactively resolve conflicts and achieve results. 

YUAN CHEN – In recognition of outstanding leadership in  the electrical, electronic, electromechanical parts’ community and the development of recommendations on the use of commercial parts in NASA missions. 

NIKOLAUS GRAVENSTEIN – In recognition of outstanding technical leadership in support of Verification of Testing Standard for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Partial Pressure in Extravehicular Activity Suits. 

ELSPETH M. PETERSEN – In recognition of outstanding leadership to the Spacesuit Water Membrane Evaporator Assessment Team in negotiating creative solutions and facility challenges. 

PATRICK A. SIMPKINS – In recognition of outstanding technical leadership in support of numerous NESC assessments to reduce risk to NASA’s most critical human and robotic spaceflight programs. 

NESC Engineering Excellence Award 
Honors individuals for making significant engineering contributions, developing innovative approaches, and ensuring appropriate levels of engineering rigor are applied to the resolution of technical issues in support of the NESC mission. 

KEVIN W. DICKENS – In recognition of engineering excellence and sustained commitment to the NESC Propulsion Technical Discipline Team and NASA missions. 

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Meagan Chappell

Most Impactful NESC Assessments 

After reflecting on the more than 1,200 assessments completed by the NESC over the last 20 years, Director Tim Wilson selected these assessments as his top three. They were selected because they would likely have the greatest and most lasting impact on human life and the furtherance of the NESC mission. He shared why their effects were so far-reaching.

2013-2019 
Assessing Risks of Frangible Joint Designs 

At the request of the Commercial Crew Program, the NESC took on an empirical test program of frangible joints to provide confidence in their use for human spaceflight. “Many programs use these joints, so understanding the margins and what drives their designs has helped us keep flight crews safe and make missions successful,” said Mr. Wilson. 

The joints provide a debris-free separation of launch vehicle stages and payload fairings. To determine the effects various design parameters and environmental factors have on jointseparation capability, the NESC conducted more than 140 tests on a variety of designs and generated more than 100 million lines of data that were used to anchor models, develop design sensitivities, and make reliability estimates. Their comprehensive work was foundational to later assessments for the Space Launch System, Orion, and Launch Services Programs. The NESC also started the FJ Working Group, which serves as the Agency’s technical community of practice. It ensures programs understand the risks associated with their use and is proactive in ensuring NASA is implementing safe and reliable FJ technologies.

2018-2021
Pilot Breathing Assessment

When the U.S. Navy was experiencing an increase in pilot physiological episodes across their F/A-18 fleet that was leading to mission aborts, “No one really understood what was going on or why,” said Mr. Wilson. “It was a difficult problem, and our NESC team was able to come up with compelling answers.”

Over the NESC’s three-year study, its Pilot Breathing Assessment (PBA) team designed novel instrumentation to measure pilot physiological states and interactions with aircraft life support systems. NASA test pilots flew instrumented NASA F/A-18 and F-15 aircraft through pre-specified flight profiles while wearing specialized breathing equipment augmented with an advanced sensor system. Aligned data streams identified pilot/aircraft interactions with the potential for negative cognitive and physiological impact. After more than 100 scripted flights and 250 million data points, the PBA team determined that breathing pressures and airflows were often mismatched, increasing a pilot’s efforts to maintain sufficient ventilation. The PBA team’s work has benefited the field of aviation and the advancement of human system integration in modern aircraft and has direct application for NASA vehicles such as the T-38, F-15, X-59, and the ISS.

2020-2023
Unconservatism of LEFM Analysis Post Autofrettage

The NESC has invested significant time and resources to understanding the complex behavior of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV), which are used extensively in space-flight. Most recently, an NESC team found there was a lack of conservatism in the damage tolerance analyses conducted on COPV liners using linear-elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM), particularly in understanding the influence of autofrettage (AF).

During AF, a COPV is subjected to high pressures to compress the inner surfaces, making them less susceptible to operational stresses later. In verifying damage tolerance life, the team found that separating the AF cycle from subsequent elastic cycles in LEFM analysis led to unconservative life predictions. Cracks remained open during compressive cycles after AF and allowed for a larger stress range to contribute to crack growth in each subsequent elastic cycle. The team provided corrections to NASGRO (programs that analyze fracture and fatigue crack growth) to make predictions less unconservative. “I’m convinced that someday crew will fly, come home, disembark, and never know that it was the improvements to those analytical tools made by this NESC team that kept them safe. I think it’s going to have wide-ranging impact.”

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Meagan Chappell

NASA Awards Environmental, Safety, Health, Mission Assurance Contract

NASA has selected Bastion Technologies Inc. of Houston to provide support services in four broad technical areas including environmental, institutional operational safety, occupational health, aeronautics and space systems, and ground support equipment mission assurance.

The Environmental, Safety, Health, and Mission Assurance contract is cost-plus-fixed-fee with indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity task orders with a maximum value of approximately $125.4 million. The performance period is from May 1, 2024, to April 30, 2029.

Services will be provided at NASA’s Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field in Cleveland and Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. Services also will be provided at the agency’s Headquarters in Washington and may be required at other NASA facilities, once approved, and placed on the contract.

Major subcontractors for Bastion Technologies Inc. include Leidos Inc. of Reston, Virginia, and Herndon Solutions Group of Henderson, Nevada.

For information about NASA and other agency programs, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov

-end-

Rob Margetta
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-0918
robert.j.margetta@nasa.gov

Brian Newbacher
Glenn Research Center, Cleveland
216-433-5644
brian.t.newbacher@nasa.gov

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Lauren E. Low