2018 TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS JET PROPULSION LABORATORY OFFICE OF THE JPL DIRECTOR

JPL serves the nation by exploring space and uncovered even more earth-like autonomously maintain a prescribed in the pursuit of discoveries that benefit planets in our own Milky Way galaxy. formation even while orbiting another humanity, and we remain proud of All of these exciting discoveries have world and reconfigure themselves our mission as NASA’s leading center been enabled by the creative talent as needed to optimize scientific return. for robotic exploration. Our spacecraft of JPLers, and their ability to conceive, Others are exploring how the latest have a rich history of helping humankind develop, and operate innovative and techniques in additive manufacturing expand its frontiers of knowledge, and we challenging missions. can be used to fabricate multifunctional continue to work passionately to broaden This creativity dates to our structures and novel graded and those successes. During this past year first mission in 1958, when Explorer 1 microstructure alloys to revolutionize alone we have renewed investigations of became the first satellite to be the way we design and build spacecraft. how mass is redistributed among Earth’s successfully launched by the United In an interesting mix of the old and the atmosphere, oceans, land and ice sheets; States. Since that milestone event, new, other JPLers envision building probed the rings and atmosphere of we have continued to develop and origami-folded structures that precisely Saturn with Cassini’s spectacular finale; use technology to pursue our mission unfurl as finely structured starshades in innovative ways, ranging from using that exquisitely block the light from superconducting THz detectors to distant stars in the search for dim probe the early universe, and ultra-low exoplanets circling them. Still others temperature rechargeable lithium ion investigate networks of smart sensors batteries to power rovers on the surface to measure our earth’s physical, chemical, of Mars, to using long-lived ion thrusters and biological processes, generating to explore the previously unreachable massive amounts of data from which worlds of Vesta and Ceres. The advance- our computer scientists can then glean ment of technologies for space remains meaningful information to help us a key part of JPL culture today. better understand our home planet. In the pages that follow, you Welcome to this new edition of will find descriptions of technologies JPL Technology Highlights. I invite you that are changing the way we envision to explore the breakthrough concepts future space exploration. For example, described here, and encourage you some JPLers are considering swarms of to join us as we envision the future miniaturized robotic explorers that can of space exploration in new ways.

About the cover: A candidate design for the Mars2020 parachute is shown in the process of inflating during a subsonic test at the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex at NASA Ames. The parachute shown would survive MIKE WATKINS an inflation load of nearly 91,000 lbf in this subsonic test. The design would JPL Director later be tested as part of the ASPIRE risk-reduction effort and survive an inflation at Mach 2 and a peak load of 56,000 lbf, the highest load ever survived by a supersonic parachute. See page 48.

2018 Technology Highlights 1 OFFICE OF THE CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST

We live in an age of accelerating Exciting progress continues to be made 10-m Keck Observatory on Mauna technological progress often driven in the area of Additive Manufacturing, Kea, utilizes a novel spectrograph that by expanding markets for consumer where a non-spherical, variable density simultaneously records data at multiple products like smartphones, 3-D virtual Luneburg lens — a product that could wavelengths to probe the universe’s reality simulations, and self-driving cars. not be manufactured by traditional dimmest objects. To better understand The focus of advanced technology in our subtractive means — can now be 3-D the workings of our home planet, JPL JPL community is on creating capabilities printed to fabricate a lightweight scanning earth scientists have collaborated with that enable exciting new robotic space antenna. In another novel development, NOAA to create a system for the near missions. In some cases, commercially recent advancements in Complementary real-time delivery, visualization, and developed technologies can be utilized Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) analysis of satellite data to enhance directly. Our challenge is to discern system-on-a-chip technology enable our knowledge of hurricane processes. the capabilities offered by emerging extreme miniaturization of digital These examples represent just technologies, to adapt or extend those spectrometers: a single CMOS chip a small sample of the innovative that are applicable, and to develop those can now incorporate the high-speed technology work we do at JPL. With that are not available to meet the unique analog-to-digital converter, high speed this 2018 edition of JPL Technology challenges of space exploration. spectral processor, and an integrated Highlights, I invite you to explore The following pages show that the frequency synthesizer to provide 4000 its pages further, joining us technological opportunities at JPL have channels with over 3 GHz bandwidth. in our journey of discovery never been greater. For example, the Advances in nanotechnology have that embraces the innovations in the autonomous systems extended the frontiers of miniaturization opportunities that After two decades in space, NASA’s and returned images and measure- technologies seek to advance the science even further. A molecular-sized Single the future offers. Cassini spacecraft ended its remarkable ments that vastly enhanced our of autonomy by fusing technological Photon Detector is now the highest journey of exploration with a fiery plunge knowledge and understanding of advances in methodologies and performing detector spanning the into Saturn’s atmosphere. In April 2017, Saturn, while revealing new mysteries computation with robotics. We can now ultraviolet to mid-infrared range of the Cassini was placed on an impact course to be investigated by future missions. envision space-based robotic swarms electromagnetic spectrum, where some that unfolded over five months of daring Scientific and technological that autonomously transform their shape of the most compelling science resides. dives—a series of 22 orbits that each innovation is fundamental to the and function to accomplish a wide variety At the other end of the scale, the Keck FRED HADAEGH passed between the planet and its rings. success of missions such as Cassini. of engineering and scientific tasks. Cosmic Web Imager, installed in the JPL Chief Technologist Called the Grand Finale, this final phase The Office of the Chief Technologist of the mission brought unparalleled provides for the development of observations of the planet and its rings innovative and strategic technologies from closer than ever before. Cassini at JPL that are essential for the represented a staggering achievement success of future missions of of human and technical complexity, exploration.

2 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 3 This JPL 2018 Technology Highlights presents a diverse TECHNOLOGY HIGHLIGHTS set of technology developments — selected by the Chief Technologist out of many similar efforts at JPL — TH:01 Printing Better Radar that are essential for JPL’s continuing contribution to TH:02 Shields Up! NASA’s future success. These technology snapshots TH:03 Tiny Rockets For Tiny Spacecraft represent the work of individuals whose talents bridge TH:04 PIXL Dust science, technology, engineering, and management, TH:05 Portal To Distant Worlds and illustrate the broad spectrum of knowledge and TH:06 Glassy Gears technical skills at JPL. While this document identifies TH:07 Happy Landings important areas of technology development in 2017 and TH:08 Eyes On The Storm 2018, many other technologies remain equally important TH:09 Unraveling The Cosmic Web to JPL’s ability to successfully contribute to NASA’s space TH:10 Configurable Computing exploration missions, including mature technologies TH: 11 Looking For Life that are commercially available and technologies TH: 12 Ice Pioneers whose leadership is firmly established elsewhere. TH: 13 Radiation Relief TH: 14 Mars Has MOXIE TH: 15 Surviving Europa TH: 16 Astro-Data Tools Aid Cancer Research TH: 17 Sleuthing For Life TH: 18 Big Power In A Small Package TH: 19 Breathe Easy TH: 20 Two For The Price Of One TH: 21 Can You Hear Me Now? TH: 22 Supersonic Chute TH: 23 Tiny Tech, Huge Impact TH: 24 Flying Swarms TH: 25 CAST-ing For Success TH: 26 Channeling Light TH: 27 A Sideways Glance At Earth TH: 28 Rappelling Other Worlds TH: 29 Glimpses Of The Unseen TH: 30 Dusty Skies TH: 31 Bright Sourcing

jpl.nasa.gov scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov

4 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 5 Technologists are prototyping an innovative new bees search for pollen by working in parallel. TH/01 approach to radar antennas created by additive This technique has resulted in unique new manufacturing of complex non-spherical microwave lens designs that provide robust beam “lenses.” New 3-D printing techniques can provide scanning and are thinner and lighter than novel design options that are not possible via traditional a traditional Luneburg Lens. A NOVEL APPLICATION OF manufacturing. For example, a Luneburg lens permits Engineers printed lenses out of a space- the power from a ring array of electronic transmit/ qualified polymer called Ultem. To further ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING receive modules to be focused and directed, creating reduce mass, they developed the capability RESULTS IN NEXT- an electronically scanned beam. The resulting antennas to 3-D print materials with infused metallic are inexpensive to make and can provide rapid beam masses that create an artificial dielectric GENERATION, COMPLEX scanning with no moving parts, which results in lower based on a 3-D printed lattice structure with MICROWAVE LENS mass, higher reliability and a longer lifespan when variable-sized metal rings. The result is a compared to traditional rotating scatterometers. design with lower mass than any previous ANTENNAS THAT CAN A traditional Luneburg Lens has large bandwidth lens antenna with comparable capabilities. and excellent beam scanning capability. However, In the future, it may be possible to print a PROVIDE BEAM SCANNING these lenses have not been previously utilized due to multi-plane collapsible antenna that can WITHOUT MOVING PARTS the fact that it is extremely challenging to fabricate a lens launch flattened, then deploy to an oper- that is denser in the middle using traditional methods. ational configuration once in orbit. Additive manufacturing via 3-D printing provides, for the first time, a practical and low cost method to fabricate a low-mass evolution of the Luneburg Lens. JPL partnered with researchers at UCLA to develop a new lens design algorithm that uses a special ray tracing technique in conjunction with a novel synthesis method known as Particle Swarm Optimization, which searches for low mass solutions the way a swarm of

New Earth-observing radar satellites will require multi-band, electronically scanned antennas to replace mechanically steered beams that are prone to wear and have limited lifespan. New 3-D printed radar antennas offer a robust, low-mass replacement.

6 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 7 RADIATION IN SPACE IS A Spacecraft traveling beyond Low Earth Orbit experience some SERIOUS THREAT TO BOTH TH/02 of the harshest conditions known, including long exposure to the ROBOTIC AND CREWED severe radiation experienced in deep space. New, multifunctional SPACECRAFT. NEW SHIELDING shielding designs may help to mediate this threat. DESIGNS ENABLE THE Once a spacecraft has left the protective from GCRs, which consist primarily of NECESSARY PROTECTION embrace of the Earth’s magnetosphere, high-energy ionized protons, against hard radiation can wreak havoc with which hydrogen is an effective shield. OF EQUIPMENT AND both electronics and human tissue over However, the real beauty of this time. There is not only solar radiation project is the multifunctional aspect HUMAN PASSENGERS to contend with, but micrometeorites, of these panels — because these orbital debris and Galactic Cosmic Rays, structures are 3-D printed, other useful or GCRs, that are particularly difficult to mission functionalities can be engi- mediate. While many materials and tech- neered into them. These include tubing niques have been studied, the accepted that provides space for wires in power practice has been to use aluminum hulls, distribution, sensors, antennas and even and some specialized shielding around fluid transfer pipes for heat exchangers. delicate electronics. But what if a shield This ability to utilize shielding mass could be designed that not only protected as a functional part of the spacecraft delicate electronics and humans from could be a game-changer in spacecraft the ravages of radiation, but also design. The panels are also stronger contributed to spacecraft functionality? than trusses of similar mass, offering This was the genesis of a project structural advantages as well. to design more efficient radiation shields. Micrometeorite impact simulation Engineers have developed and tested tests using high-velocity projectiles panels made from two thin carbon have shown good stopping power fiber composite sheets that sandwich within the panel, and the structures 3-D-printed hollow metal coated being investigated are easily deployed These nickel-plated panel trusses were structures. The resulting sheets have and interlocked in orbit. Next steps in printed using 3-D stereolithography. They open space inside, which is filled with development would include in-flight can be designed to contain hydrogen-rich a powder such as lithium hydride. This deployment for both radiation mitigation materials for radiation shielding or as tubes hydrogen-rich powder provides protection testing and multifunctional effectiveness. for heat exchangers or for sensor cabling.

8 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 9 Traditionally, rocket designers have had Acrylic fuel with gaseous oxygen is a choice between liquid propellants or currently being tested for use as fuel in a solid fuels. Liquid-fueled rockets are small hybrid rocket motor. This combination complex, and the fuels can be difficult to is desirable because the diffusion-limited store long term. Solid rockets are reliable heat transfer in the motor limits the thrust and provide massive thrust for their size, level that can be achieved — important for but once ignited, burn furiously until controllability of small, low mass spacecraft. their fuel is depleted, and cannot be The gaseous oxidizer, while less dense than reignited—they are generally a one-use liquid oxidizers, simplifies the feed system system. While electronics have led the and provides high performance. Such way in miniaturization, re-usable rocket hybrid motors can be started, stopped, and engines are largely mechanical devices, re-fired multiple times without fuel storage Above: Ashley Karp (center) with Elizabeth Jens and are much harder to shrink to fit into issues. The available propellants allow them and Jason Rabinovitch monitor a successful test small packages. Researchers have to be tolerant of much broader ranges of from control room. Below: unburned and burned developed a hybrid propulsion system— temperatures than most liquid bipropellant PMMA fuel grain rods. incorporating the benefits of both rockets, and thus more broadly applicable designs — to propel small spacecraft to space missions. This hybrid rocket motor in the future. should prove ideal for a number of scenari- TH/03 A hybrid rocket motor typically uses os, including CubeSats and small interplan- solid fuel and liquid or gaseous oxidizer. etary spacecraft that require compact, high In this design, combustion can only performance propulsion systems. occur when the oxidizer is introduced into the rocket motor, which makes the combustion more controllable and the HYBRID ROCKET PROPULSION motor safer. Additionally, many available hybrid propellants are non-toxic, further SYSTEMS ARE LESS COMPLEX THAN enhancing their safety, and require only TRADITIONAL LIQUID-BIPROPELLANT about half of the plumbing of a liquid-fu- One of the challenges for ever-smaller spacecraft has been the eled engine. The challenge has been to ROCKETS, WHILE ENJOYING SIMILAR means to maneuver them. New technologies are showing great miniaturize these motors for compatibility PERFORMANCE, INCREASED SAFETY, with small spacecraft. promise for smaller high-performance hybrid rocket motors to AND THE ABILITY TO SURVIVE A propel small spacecraft. WIDER RANGE OF TEMPERATURES

10 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 11 TH/04 X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and optical microscopy have both proved to be invaluable tools for exploring the surface of Mars. PIXL combines these two techniques into one compact package that provides visual context for the X-ray composition measurements.

To assess past habitability and the imaged by PIXL’s microscopic camera. potential for biosignature preservation, PIXL will be capable of producing and seek evidence of past life, it is vital powerful science data from rapid line to measure geochemical variations scans or spot analyses of the key rock among grain-sized geologic features on components in seconds to minutes, the Martian surface. This type of science to detailed hyperspectral elemental will provide key insights to conditions and maps and highly sensitive trace-element processes across Mars’ geologic history measurements of individual grains, time and reveal chemical clues at scales layers, cements, and coatings of soil critical for astrobiological investigations. grains. The detailed elemental maps The Planetary Instrument for X-ray obtained can contain up to thousands Lithochemistry (PIXL) is a microfocus of 150-micron diameter points, and is PIXL Instrument engineering model in test X-ray fluorescence instrument that will capable of distinguishing differences be carried aboard the Mars 2020 rover. between the compositions of a grain It measures the amounts and distributions or vein from the surrounding rock. of elements in tiny geological samples Correlated with the optical images, SEEKING CLUES OF PAST by focusing X-rays on a target and this will yield clear, comprehensive LIFE ON MARS IS AN ENORMOUS analyzing the fluorescence. Moving the information without the ambiguities beam across the sample reveals chemical of bulk sample analysis that averages UNDERTAKING. A NEW INSTRUMENT, variations in relation to visible features composition over a large sample. PIXL, SCHEDULED TO BE FLOWN ON THE MARS 2020 MISSION, WILL EXAMINE SAND-GRAIN SIZE SAMPLES FOR SIGNS OF LIFE, PAST OR PRESENT

12 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 13 TH/05 Solar System Treks are like an extension of Google Earth into the solar system. Rocky worlds have been mapped and imaged NEW INTERACTIVE MAPS by spacecraft since the 1960s, but these data sets have never before been combined into an interactive virtual environment. INCLUDING FULL SETS OF ANALYTICAL TOOLS, ARE NOW JPL’s Solar System Treks feature machine-learning-based boulder and high-resolution, global representations crater detection, and slope analysis. AVAILABLE FOR SCIENTIFIC of the moon, Mars, Vesta and Ceres Users also have the ability to select RESEARCH AND FOR created from extensive imaging and any surface feature or region of interest, measurements. This new portal offers then download an STL or OBJ file for THE PUBLIC TO VIRTUALLY a truly global view, with the ability to 3-D printers, allowing them to create do ground-level analyses and data- scale planetary surface models in EXPLORE THE SOLAR SYSTEM layer comparisons on any mapped body. three dimensions. Such data visualization plays a vital Powerful software design on the role in mission planning, planetary server side minimizes requirements science, education and public outreach. on the user side with no need for These user-friendly, online portals additional client software. Solar System integrate a suite of interactive tools Treks provides an excellent platform that feature thousands of georeferenced for sharing researchers’ modeling data sets that can be stacked, blended, and simulation algorithms, which then and combined in ways that reveal become widely accessible online analysis information beyond what is seen in tools for the research community. It also individual layers. Users can perform provides an engaging interactive expe- a wide range of detailed engineering rience for the public at large to explore and scientific analyses, and data can these worlds. Solar System Treks are be viewed as two-dimensional maps being used by NASA and international or on three-dimensional spinnable, partners to support current and future zoomable globes. Visualizations are missions, both robotic and human. enhanced by sophisticated analytic Upcoming portals featuring Phobos, tools including distance and elevation Ceres, Titan, and several of Saturn’s icy An elevation tool measures a cross section of profiles, ray-traced surface lighting, moons are currently under development. Mars Valles Marineris in Solar System Treks Interactive portal.

14 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 15 Bulk Metallic Glass (BMG) components commercial machines, allowing for return. BMGs offer greater wear and do not require wet lubricants, are tougher incredible complexity and low-cost in corrosion resistance, and are less than ceramics, twice as strong as steel, cast parts. expensive to fabricate than their tradi- TH/06 and offer better elastic properties than A range of activities including rover tional metal counterparts. either material. They do not become mobility, the pointing of antennas, and Engineers have developed a brittle in extreme cold, and will be ideal the drilling and acquisition of 3-stage planetary gearbox assembled for exploring icy moons. samples utilize gearboxes. In environ- from injection-molded components Metals generally have an organized, ments where the temperature drops made from BMG alloy. These gearboxes crystalline arrangement. But if you below about ­— 60 degrees Fahrenheit are being life and performance tested, heat them up they melt to form a liquid, (-50°C), current gearboxes require unheated, at temperatures as low as and the atoms become randomized. heating to keep the lubricants fluid — minus 323 degrees Fahrenheit (–200°C), Cool them rapidly enough, about 1,832 the Curiosity rover, for example, must and are ideal for use in cold environments degrees Fahrenheit (1,000 degrees heat lubricants in moving parts before such as Europa, Enceladus and other Celsius) per second, and their non- activities are initiated. Electric heaters icy moons. crystalline, “liquid” form can be captured that are used to do this drain power in the solid form. The random arrange- resources — power that could other- ment of atoms in this form is said to have wise be used for powering instruments NEW MATERIALS CALLED BULK METALLIC an amorphous or non-crystalline micro- for productive science investigations. structure. This gives these materials their These new materials eliminate GLASS (BMG) ALLOY ARE TOUGHER common names of “amorphous metals,” the need for heaters, reduce system THAN CERAMICS, TWICE AS STRONG AS or “metallic glasses.” BMGs can be complexity, and preserve power for injection-molded like plastic using instrumentation to increase science STEEL, AND ARE IDEAL FOR MOVABLE Spacecraft that use gearboxes STRUCTURES ON SPACECRAFT BECAUSE to facilitate instrument function THEY REQUIRE NO WET LUBRICANTS must heat the lubricants to keep them fluid, robbing the spacecraft of power. Gear trains using Bulk Metallic Glass alloys do not require lubrication and are ideal for future missions to cold, icy worlds.

16 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 17 FROM ATMOSPHERIC ENTRY When a lander reaches Mars, it has only minutes to maneuver TO TOUCHDOWN, MARS and land. New guidance systems should enable safer landings 2020 WILL HAVE ONLY on Mars, and permit access to scientifically compelling regions ABOUT SEVEN MINUTES TO that were previously considered too rugged for safe landing. DETERMINE A SAFE LANDING Since 1976, only seven spacecraft ward-facing camera is compared to have successfully landed on Mars. an onboard map of the Martian surface. SPOT. NEW SYSTEMS WILL In each case, the landing zone, called Matched terrain features are then ENABLE A SAFER LANDING a landing ellipse, has gotten smaller used to determine position in a map. and the landing more accurate. Once the lander is low enough IN EXCITING TERRAIN Spacecraft arrive there like a rifle to begin rocket-powered descent, bullet, plunging directly into the a safe target selection algorithm uses atmosphere, and have about seven this accurate position to select a nearby minutes to pinpoint their touchdown safe location in the ellipse to target. zone. This is done with a combination With active correction of the trajectory of inertial guidance, based on bearings during flight, landers can now be sent taken shortly before the lander enters to more precisely targeted locations the atmosphere, and augmented by on Mars. Due to this ability to actively real-time radar readings of the surface. avoid hazards, landers can be guided But the string of successful landings to sites once deemed inaccessible. has been limited to flat terrain. To get Previous missions were sent to relatively close to specific targets in complex safe areas with large, flat expanses terrain requires more accuracy and that allowed for a moderate amount TH/07 onboard navigation ability. of navigational error. With TRN, landing The application of Terrain Relative ellipses can include steep slopes, Navigation reduces the uncertainty craters, boulders, scarps and other in position from miles down to a few terrain that, while potentially hazardous, tens of yards. This new capability will promise great scientific rewards. guide future spacecraft during the While TRN has been successfully Entry, Descent and Landing (EDL) implemented in drones and military phase using visual cues to determine cruise missiles on Earth, Mars 2020 Lander Vision its location relative to the desired will be the first fully autonomous use System Camera landing zone. Visual data from a down- of TRN in spaceflight. Engineering Model

18 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 19 To understand the evolution of hurricanes, it is critical to leverage a diverse set of measurements and sources. A new interactive portal is addressing this need with enhanced merging of available data for improved analysis, modeling and prediction of these destructive tropical storms. Microwave Rain TH/08 Signature 85H GHz

Hurricanes have a vast societal and much more. This portal provides economic impact, with costs in the fully interactive visualization and billions. Many lives are lost, so better online analysis tools to collectively

AIRS GOES-East Infrared prediction is critical to forewarn utilize all available data to investigate endangered populations. However, and predict how tropical storms despite the enormous amount of form, intensify and propagate. predictive data available from satellites The data integration provided and other sources, the integration by the NAHW portal is a significant A NEW INTERACTIVE PORTAL OFFERS of this information is incomplete, step forward in revealing the complex Wind Trajectory leading to lost opportunities in more processes that lead to hurricane GLOBAL ACCESS TO MULTIPLE INTEGRATED precise prediction and avoidance of genesis and evolution. Another unique DATABASES AND TOOLSETS WHICH WILL the most severe outcomes. feature of this portal is its integration JPL has worked in coordination with software simulators that can REVOLUTIONIZE THE UNDERSTANDING with NOAA to create a web-based translate model output into the AND PREDICTION OF HURRICANE AIRS GOES-East VIS portal called the North Atlantic parameters observed by the satellites, Hurricane Watch, or NAHW, for near allowing for direct comparison of DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION real-time delivery, visualization and models to observations to evaluate analysis of satellite data and model and improve them. forecasts that enhance our under- The NAHW portal was designed standing of hurricane processes. to facilitate interactive collaboration 2015’s Hurricane Joaquin well ahead This system covers the North Atlantic between engaged institutions and of other modeling methods. and, more recently, the East Pacific NOAA’s observation and research NAHW provides a multi-agency, region. The evolution of tropical storms database for an improved under- interactive and widely-available method depends on a variety of meteorological standing of large-scale weather of interrogating previously separate conditions including wind speed and processes. Its utility was recently models and observations, combining direction, moisture content profiles, demonstrated by successfully a variety of data, all available within a air and water temperatures, and predicting the intensification of common analysis system.

Opposite page: example of multiple layers of correlated data accessible through the NAHW interactive portal.

20 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 21 TH/09 High atop a rocky, volcanic peak on the island of Hawaii, astronomers are probing the previously unexamined spectra of incredibly distant, difficult to observe objects. This new instrument, developed by JPL and Caltech, is called the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) and is Collimator and relay optics installed at the Keck Observatory in Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

Classical spectrographs utilize a single and sky background. This improves Future red slit to select light from the telescope image contrast for measurements channel focal plane and require many stepped in which the background intensity observations to measure an extended is comparable to the brightness of object. This is a time-consuming process. the target. The KCWI utilizes a novel optical system Early results in the shorter Integral field unit with selectable called image slicer technology. In a single wavelengths indicate a sensitivity over slicer format observation, it simultaneously records twenty times that of its predecessors, an image of the object at multiple wave- and efforts at longer wavelengths are Gratings lengths, allowing the creation of both under way. The KCWI was designed and camera images and spectra. and is operated in partnership with Light enters In addition, the spectral resolution the University of California at Santa is adjustable, enabling the instrument Cruz and the W. M. Keck Observatory. to be customized for a wide range of observations, including the study of extraordinarily dim extended objects. Targets include black holes within star clusters and observation of the cosmic A NEW INSTRUMENT DESIGNED TO IMAGE THE VAST web — the diffuse streams of gas between WEB OF GAS THAT CONNECTS GALAXIES ALLOWS galaxies that are millions of light years Ray traced optical path through components distant. The instrument can also detect ASTRONOMERS TO PEER INTO THE MOST REMOTE of the Keck Cosmic the rotational velocities and relative Web Imager. motions within dim, distant objects. REACHES OF SPACE, PROVIDING A NEW LOOK AT A unique capability is the near SOME OF THE DIMMEST OBJECTS IN THE UNIVERSE simultaneous sampling of the target

Opposite page: Hector Rodriguez, senior mechanical technician, works on the Keck Cosmic Web Imager in a clean room at Caltech. Credit: Caltech 22 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 23 The current generation of radiation-hardened processor chips are inadequate for future deep space missions, especially when autonomy is required. New “chiplet” designs represent a two orders-of-magnitude advance over processors currently in use.

TH/10 JPL is partnering with Boeing and the can be customized for specific functions. U.S. Air Force to develop a radically new Not only can they be optimized for overall concept that uses “chiplets” as the basis mission objectives before launch, but can for a flexible computing architecture that also be further reconfigured during flight as will meet the needs of NASA missions mission needs dictate. Chiplets utilize state- through 2030 and beyond. This results of-the-art processor circuitry — essentially in one hundred times the computational the same type that is in your smartphone. capability of current spacecraft processors Just as in your smartphone, power is while using the same amount of power. optimized on an instruction-by-instruction In addition, by dynamically setting its basis, and just as in your phone, unused FUTURE DEEP-SPACE fault tolerance operating point, it provides elements of a chiplet can be put to sleep MISSIONS WILL REQUIRE an unprecedented ability to continually or powered off completely. Unlike your optimize performance to meet evolving phone, however, the standard commercial A NEW GENERATION mission needs. circuits are replaced with custom radiation- OF RADIATION AND Many of NASA’s current and hardened, high reliability versions that can near future robotic spacecraft fly with withstand not only extreme radiation, but TEMPERATURE TOLERANT microprocessors that are as much as also extreme temperatures. two decades behind those available This new processor architecture delivers COMPUTERS. FASTER commercially. This is because many the increased capacity and reliability that MICROPROCESSORS WILL electronic components used in spacecraft future missions will require along with a must be hardened against radiation and continuously variable operational flexibility MEAN GREATLY ENHANCED the harsh conditions of space. In the past, never before available in a flight-rated CAPABILITIES FOR THE such chips were developed primarily for computing system. The operation can be military applications, are quite expensive, dynamically changed to meet the needs of NEXT GENERATION OF and are at least 20 years behind current specific mission phases or the situation of ROBOTIC EXPLORERS commercial microprocessor performance. the moment. This is critical to autonomous Chiplets can be arranged in an almost functioning in the complex, unpredictable endless variety of configurations that space environments of future missions.

Opposite page: digital Kyocera image of the planned HPSC Chiplet packaging. Credit: courtesy of Boeing and Kyocera

24 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 25 New microorganism detector systems to differentiate between mineral grains and Right: A compact have been developed for destinations organic materials. The holographic images can version of the including Europa, Enceladus, Titan, be captured at video frame rates, allowing the DHM instrument with inset image Ganymede, and Mars. The Digital observation of sample dynamics. Researchers of a single Euglena Holographic Microscope, or DHM, analyzing reconstructed data will be able captured from provides unique capabilities for imaging to differentiate between inert objects and life multiple video extremely small organisms via the forms almost instantaneously. The instrument frames. The color use of holographic techniques. also requires minimal sample preparation, reconstruction enables visualization TH/11 Using a compact laser and optics, and has no moving parts, both important for of various features DHM records a 3-D interferometric mechanical simplicity and reliability. (eyespot, nucleus, image of a tiny fluid sample that encodes The DHM is, to date, the only compact etc.) over time as both the phase and amplitude of the device capable of imaging very low concen- the organism rotates light. This information can be used trations of microbes comparable in size to during swimming. to compute the image information at Earth bacteria. Planned enhancements include any position along the light path. In fluorescent imaging ability, which will provide effect, this images the sample in three additional information about the possible dimensions, allowing researchers on presence of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids Earth to reconstruct the entire volume in a sample — all possible indicators of life. of the sample in depth, rather than a A fully functional DHM has been tested on single plane like a conventional micro- Earth in environments ranging from Death Valley scope. In essence, the DHM sends a 3-D to Greenland with promising results. This work representation of a tiny aquarium and was accomplished in collaboration with Portland the possible life-forms within. This data State University, with additional support from is compressed as a two-dimensional the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. hologram, resulting in lower data rates When the first robotic landers make their way and reliable image reconstruction. to the icy moons orbiting the planets of the outer There are additional benefits to this type of imaging. Because the technique SEARCHING FOR LIFE IN THE OUTER REACHES solar system, microscopic imagers that can detect also records the index of refraction of OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM WILL BE ONE OF THE microorganisms at very low concentrations will the object rather than just the absorption, be critical for the detection of life. transparent objects — such as many types MOST IMPORTANT UNDERTAKINGS OF THIS of microbes — can be imaged without CENTURY. A NEWLY DESIGNED 3-D HOLOGRAPHIC the need to stain them with dyes. The technique also allows researchers MICROSCOPE MAY PROVIDE OUR FIRST LOOK AT LIFE ON OTHER WORLDS

26 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 27 Using off-the-shelf components and custom 3-D printed parts, engineers are developing and testing inexpensive autonomous submersible robots to simulate the future navigation of sub-surface tunnels on icy moons.

Roboticists are exploring moulins on it twists and turns through the mass of the Earth, tunnels formed when sun-warmed glacier. Video imagery captured by onboard surface water melts through hundreds cameras during the probe’s descent allows of feet of ice to form a channel through the tunnel’s visual features to be correlated a glacier. Researchers hope to learn with the LIDAR-generated models. how to navigate and map these twisting, A JPL research team recently returned complex and challenging channels to to Alaska to continue experiments with better understand how to do so on icy these inexpensive prototypes in Earthly moons in the outer solar system. glaciers, and their experience navigating The best way to explore them is with these analogs of Jupiter and Saturn’s moons robotic submersibles. These robots are will assist the designers of submersible built with both off-the-shelf commercially probes in the future. available components and custom 3-D 3-D rendering of a mapped ice tunnel. printed parts, allowing for rapid-proto- typing and quick revisions as experience is gained. They are then lowered into the RESEARCHERS ARE frigid channels and either allowed to sink via controllable buoyancy or maneuvered CONSTRUCTING SUBMERSIBLES by small thrusters. The probes are teth- ered to a surface control unit from which THAT AUTONOMOUSLY PROBE they are manually navigated, and record UNDERWATER ICE CAVES detailed data as they traverse the ice tunnels. The goal is to develop new ways ON EARTH WITH SCANNING of navigating these complex passage- LIDAR AND VISUAL IMAGERY ways while mapping them with a compact LIDAR unit, which continually scans the TO PREPARE FOR THE TH/12 surroundings. The data ultimately allows EXPLORATION OF ICY the researchers to construct a full-length, three-dimensional map of the moulin as MOONS SUCH AS EUROPA Probe being deployed in Alaskan glacier.

Opposite page: Laboratory testing of a prototype autonomous robotic submersible.

28 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 29 MOSFET The outer solar system is a cold, radiation-bathed environment Heater / sensor where spacecraft electronics are challenged to their limits. Insulating die attach New technology can both protect electronics from cold and TH/13 aid in recovery from radiation damage. Traditional designs for probes that targeting only radiation-damaged traverse such environments has involved components and regenerating PCB encasing electronics in a thick metal their performance. vault, and heating the entire enclosure — Experiments with this technology Diagrammatic cross-section a power-hungry approach. Spacecraft have shown about 96 percent recovery of self healing electronics. operating beyond low Earth orbit are in electronics within 15 minutes, also exposed to much higher levels of with minimal power consumption. radiation, which can damage electronic This means that not only can “healing” minimize electronic noise emitted components. Semiconductor devices take place in short order when needed, by larger heating assemblies. can recover from radiation damage but with the heating elements localized This technology shows promise by controlled thermal annealing. and the consequent reduction in wasted for not just cold environments like Localized heating at the component heat, the power consumption will be Europa and Enceladus, but anywhere level can efficiently solve both challenges. far lower than in traditional spacecraft beyond the Earth’s magnetosphere Engineers have developed a way to designs. This technology also allows where spacecraft must function in use a network of tiny heaters and different components to be operated radioactive environments. Further- temperature sensors to reduce energy at ideal temperatures for their optimal more, this technology can greatly consumption by heating only specific function, which may vary from one prolong the lifespan of devices in components. Secondly, these heaters part to another. This would not only these environments by regenerating act like an electromechanical “antibiotic,” maximize performance, but would radiation damaged devices.

SPACECRAFT OPERATING IN COLD, HIGH-RADIATION ENVIRONMENTS REQUIRE HEATING TO ACHIEVE MISSION GOALS. A NETWORK OF TINY HEATERS AND SENSORS COULD EFFICIENTLY PROVIDE THE NEEDED HEATING, AND ALSO “HEAL” RADIATION DAMAGE

30 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 31 For humans to make the long trek to Mars and back, a critical challenge is the utilization of resources found on the planet. An experiment to generate oxygen from Martian carbon dioxide MARS LACKS BREATH- will travel aboard the Mars 2020 rover, and it’s called MOXIE. ABLE OXYGEN, WHICH TH/14 MOXIE stands for Mars OXygen In-situ The CO2 molecules pumped into WILL BE CRITICAL FOR resource utilization Experiment, and the system are dissociated into carbon its sole purpose is to demonstrate the monoxide and oxygen atoms by the THE EXPLORATION OF ability to generate pure oxygen electro- catalyst on the cathode. Simultaneously, MARS. A NEW TECHNOLOGY chemically from the Martian atmosphere. the oxygen atoms are reduced electro- Mars has an abundance of carbon chemically to oxide ions (O=) which are EXPERIMENT WILL SOON dioxide (CO2) in its atmosphere, about transported across a thin zirconia membrane LAND ON THE RED 96 percent, from which oxygen can be to another catalyst at the anode. In this created. Oxygen is obviously valuable electrode the oxide is electrochemically PLANET TO PAVE THE for human survival on the Red Planet, oxidized back to oxygen atoms which, as well as for supplying oxidant for in combination with other oxygen atoms WAY FOR PRODUCING propellant to return robotic spacecraft forms molecular oxygen (O2), the end goal. IT FROM MARTIAN such as a sample return vehicle. An elec- MOXIE is tasked to create about 8 trochemical reduction is all that is needed grams of oxygen per hour — just a tiny ATMOSPHERE to generate oxygen from Martian air. amount, but sufficient to validate the The 33-pound MOXIE will be technology. This is a subscale experiment, mounted underneath the front right side and its success could be followed by a of the Mars 2020 rover. The process it larger device capable of producing and uses is called solid oxide electrolysis, storing oxygen for future use by a Mars and is based on the fact that when heated, Ascent Vehicle for potential soil sample certain ceramic oxides become ion return, and to later prepare for human conductors. A series of ten membrane- spaceflight needs. electrode combinations, each consisting MOXIE represents the first time of a thin ceramic oxide membrane sand- such a complete system has been designed wiched between two electrically charged to operate autonomously, and to withstand porous electrodes, are compressed and the rigors and stresses of launch, inter- packaged into a thermally insulated and planetary transit, and landing on Mars — no heated box. This box, coupled to a Mars small task. This forward-looking approach atmosphere pump, and the operational to planetary exploration is a critical step electronics are inside the MOXIE housing. toward future missions to the Red Planet.

Opposite page: detail of heated solid oxide electrolyzer. Right: MOXIE’s membrane-electrode combinations between porous electrodes in a sandwich-like structure. 32 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 33 LANDING ON EUROPA WILL BE A CHALLENGING MISSION EVENT, BUT OPERATING THERE WILL BE EQUALLY AS DIFFICULT. ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS MUST BE DESIGNED TO SURVIVE AND OPERATE IN UNIMAGINABLY COLD TEMPERATURES

TH/15

Research is underway to develop The energy required to keep the a controller for a robotic arm that electronics warm could be reduced can operate in the harsh Europa by allowing the electronics to be stored environment. This is part of a more at the ambient environment and only general move towards a distributed heated prior to operation. This means architecture that can result in a that there would be more of both mass mass and power savings of as much and power for science instruments. as two-thirds over current designs. The primary breakthrough is in However, distributing electronics out the electronics packaging technology, to the actuators requires them to which results in a factor-of-ten reduction New modules survive Europa’s cold, high-radiation in the size of the controller electronics above are 10 times environment without the protection compared to its predecessors, while smaller in volume over conventional of a centralized, shielded hotbox. tolerating 15 times more radiation than module packaging. Radiation in the Jovian system the Curiosity Mars rover. Both components Europa is a cold environment, with high is far more punishing than even in Elements of this system have shown above at temperatures of minus 260 degrees F (-162 C) interplanetary space. These electronics been successfully tested over 100 relative size. at the equator. And that’s at local “high noon.” must therefore be hardened against cycles at temperatures down to minus In addition, any spacecraft sent to Jupiter the effects of high-energy electrons 310 degrees F (190 C). An end-to-end in the mega-electron-volt range and system should be ready for testing as a and its moons would also be bathed in high radiation doses of up to 300 kilorads — complete unit by 2020, and is baselined radiation, so operating a robotic lander there enough to cook traditional electronic in the Europa Lander mission concept. requires some exotic electronics. components in short order — and This technology is being developed able to survive Europa’s bitter cold. in partnership with i3 Technologies. .

Opposite page: High Density Interconnection System in Package. The resolver module is designed to measure position of actuators. 34 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 35 Few disciplines experience the variety of data challenges faced by planetary science. Sifting through vast quantities of incoming data, and detecting meaningful patterns, is an immense and complex undertaking.

Such data-handling challenges have long been an area of expertise for JPL, and the benefits of this ongoing NEW SOFTWARE ENABLING SOPHISTICATED MERGING AND analytical development are now being MINING OF IMMENSE VOLUMES OF DATA DEVELOPED FOR adopted to advance cancer research. Traditionally, research centers PLANETARY SCIENCE CAN BE APPLIED TO CANCER RESEARCH have independently developed unique TH/16 analysis systems for the identification of cancer biomarkers based on their similar to how astronomical phenomena and accuracy in cancer research. own research needs. Typically, these are detected and analyzed. The net result has been to automate systems are incompatible and do not NASA’s Planetary Data System analysis in cancer research, and provide scale well to multiple data sets. (PDS) is a distributed data network that a variety of research centers with access The overwhelming amount and types of archives data collected by planetary to better tools. This dual-use system data now available defy analysis using missions, and has been highly effective allows cancer researchers to pool their such systems. Researchers have success- at allowing researchers distributed research into one large, searchable net- fully applied software developed for across the world to access decades work that promotes collective research planetary data analysis to the problem. of data collected from a multitude of that will lead to early diagnosis of cancer Both research areas face similar missions. Working with a consortium and cancer risk. This work recently led challenges due to the overwhelming of biomedical investigators who share to new FDA approved biomarkers that amounts of data. One example of how anonymized data on cancer biomarkers have been used in more than a million the application of planetary data han- and chemical or genetic signatures patient diagnostic tests worldwide. dling can enhance cancer research is related to specific cancers, PDS JPL partnered with the Dartmouth the identification of certain features in software has applied planetary data Medical School on this effort, which pathology images, across multiple data reduction techniques, including AI and was funded by the National Cancer sets, that can enable detection. This is machine learning, to improve speed Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention.

36 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 37 TH/17 THE SHERLOC On the 100th anniversary of C.V. Raman’s pioneering investigation INSTRUMENT, SCHEDULED of light scattering by molecules, JPL’s Raman spectrometer TO FLY ON THE MARS 2020 will utilize this technique using a deep UV laser to create maps ROVER, WILL IDENTIFY of the distribution of organics on the Martian surface. SURFACE ORGANICS AS The Mars 2020 rover will undertake state- the surface in order to identify shifts PART OF THE SEARCH FOR of-the-art science to help us further in the photon energy resulting from understand the nature and history of either fluorescence-induced emission SIGNS OF LIFE ON MARS Mars. In the past, Mars appears to have or Raman scattering. The backscattered had all the conditions needed for life, light is collected and passed through including liquid water, energy sources, a miniature spectrometer. The Raman and organic molecules. measurement can identify minerals and Scanning Habitable Environments chemicals such as carbonate, sulfates, with Raman and Luminescence for perchlorates, and aliphatic organic mol- Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC), ecules such as amino acids, lipids and is an instrument designed to find proteins. Other organic molecules that and characterize organic molecules. have carbon rings, known as aromatics, SHERLOC is an arm-mounted, deep- will be identified via fluorescence. ultraviolet resonance Raman and native Creating molecular maps that can fluorescence spectrometer combined be correlated with surface texture allows with microscopic imaging capabilities. for analysis of the provenance of organic SHERLOC will be capable of identifying molecules. These correlated chemical organic material and mapping the and molecular maps allow researchers distribution of organics with respect to combine them with data from the PIXL to visible images created by the and SuperCam instruments in a truly Wide Angle Topographic Sensor for collaborative way. Operations and eNgineering (WATSON) SHERLOC will enable the Mars 2020 Above: image taken by the SHERLOC instrument of a test target showing the camera, which is similar to the MAHLI rover to identify the most promising variation of composition across the sample. camera that flew on the Curiosity rover. surface samples to cache. Then, within Once the Mars 2020 robotic arm a decade, promising samples of the is positioned near a target of interest, Martian surface could potentially be SHERLOC will utilize a mirror that brought back to our planet to continue moves a 100-micron laser spot over the search for life on the Red Planet.

Opposite page: engineering model of the SHERLOC instrument undergoing tests in the laboratory.

38 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 39 One of the major challenges of deploying long life. These batteries can function spacecraft into the outer solar system down to about minus 58 F (-50 C), is the limited thermal operating range which effectively eliminates system of conventional energy storage tech- complexity to provide battery heating Prototype Li-ion hybrid battery that nologies. Temperatures encountered in in many mission environments. Along combines high bursts of power with enhanced low-temperature capability. TH/18 these environments are much colder than with capability of providing extremely near Earth, causing a loss of efficiency high bursts of power, the hybrid energy in conventional spacecraft batteries. storage system is a major advance for Additional spacecraft heaters are often electricity-hungry spacecraft operations needed to keep the batteries warm, in the outer solar system and beyond. further increasing power demand. This Prototypes of these hybrid batteries ultimately increases the mass and volume were recently flight demonstrated on an of the power system. In addition to these experimental CubeSat called CSUNSat1 demands, technologies such as advanced developed by California State University, transponders, radars, thrusters, lasers, Northridge. Battery performance at low and other payloads also require bursts of temperatures and during high-current even higher power. These intense power bursts were successfully demonstrated. demands at low temperatures not only This hybrid battery design shows deplete the available energy of the bat- great promise for big power in a small tery more rapidly, but also increases the package, to allow exciting new science. degradation rate of conventional battery chemistries such as lithium-ion (Li-ion). Battery storage degradation shortens mission life and can jeopardize success. New hybrid battery designs com- Conventional batteries are challenged by the low temperatures bine both the benefits of high power density from super-capacitors, and high TO ENABLE FUTURE MISSIONS TO OUR OUTER SOLAR SYSTEM, encountered in the outer solar system. New hybrid energy storage energy density from Li-ion batteries. systems that are capable of operating in colder environments and To further enhance performance at lower A NEW HYBRID BATTERY TECHNOLOGY CAPABLE OF OPERATING can provide bursts of high power on demand may be the perfect temperatures, Li-ion cell technologies AT COLDER TEMPERATURES AND AT HIGHER POWER DENSITIES solution for this problem. have been modified with novel electrolyte formulations to provide high energy and HAS BEEN DEVELOPED AND DEMONSTRATED IN SPACE

40 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 41 TH/19 This compact and scalable system can extract oxygen from the Martian atmosphere at lower temperatures using smaller packaging and less energy than other available technologies.

Caltech and JPL researchers are devel- oping a new approach to produce oxygen from the Martian atmosphere for both life support and propulsion. This technol- ogy involves a process utilizing catalysts to convert Martian carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen at Mars ambient tempera- ture — a less power-hungry technique than previous approaches that required high temperatures. A NOVEL NEW TECHNOLOGY CAN GENERATE UNLIMITED Oxygen generation is accomplished in two separate steps using active SUPPLIES OF OXYGEN FROM THE MARTIAN ATMOSPHERE catalysts. First, the atmospheric CO2 is TO SUPPORT FUTURE MISSIONS TO THE RED PLANET reduced to water using electrochemical methods and a molecular metallic catalyst in an acid solution. The catalyst are shaped at the nano-scale to create oxygen that requires no gas separation attaches to and activates CO2 molecules features that, at high oxidation states, and purification. A three cubic-foot back- to generate water using protons and bind water molecules and catalyze the pack could potentially produce up to 300 energy — no noticeable byproducts or release of oxygen with low energy input. grams of oxygen per hour, adequate for unwanted side reactions are created in This technology was demonstrated human needs. In addition to being an the process. The water is then oxidized on a small scale in early 2018. This new essential component of life support, the electrochemically to produce oxygen design uses up to 85 percent less energy oxygen produced could be used as an by using a nickel-iron or iridium nano- than state-of-the-art methods that require oxidizer in rocket propulsion for trips back structured catalyst. These materials high-temperatures. It produces pure to Earth by human or robotic spacecraft.

Opposite page and above: laboratory test of reaction using a catalyst to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at ambient temperature.

42 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 43 TH/20 Improved designs for compact antennas suitable for small spacecraft has been an area of intensive development for decades, but true breakthroughs are rare. Reflectarray, a mosaicked antenna design, represents just such an advancement.

Most modern spacecraft requiring high- oped unique new co-cured multi-layer data-rate communications use high-gain composite circuit boards that are both TWO FOR antennas that are parabolic reflectors, thin and stiff. Such designs enable and are difficult and costly to develop and antennas to be integrated back-to-back deploy. Even in the stowed configuration, with a solar panel, thereby creating these assemblies can be bulky. a combined high-gain antenna and Engineers have developed low- high-efficiency solar array in a single cost, lightweight, high-gain spacecraft deployable system. antennas that stow in a small volume. Reflectarray was first proven in THE PRICE The resulting technology is called a March 2018 on the Integrated Solar Reflectarray, and is based on a new Array and Reflectarray Antenna (ISARA) approach using an array of printed CubeSat mission. The solar cells on the circuit board patches of varying sizes. back side of the antenna generate about Reflectarray is a flat-panel X-band 24 Watts of spacecraft power. The flat antenna engineered to direct radio waves design allowed the antenna to be stowed the way a parabolic dish antenna does. in the “dead space” between the satellite A REVOLUTIONARY NEW OF ONE The reflecting surfaces employed in launch rails that would have otherwise HIGH-GAIN ANTENNA these antennas are characterized by a been left empty. The Mars Cube One surface impedance that can be synthe- (MarCO) mission, launched with the CALLED REFLECTARRAY sized to produce a variety of radiation InSight mission in May 2018 and the patterns. Reflectarrays are exceptionally first CubeSat flown to Mars, also adopted COMBINES THE SIMPLICITY versatile and can be easily tailored to Reflectarray technology. The MarCO OF A REFLECTIVE ANTENNA meet unique mission requirements, antenna consumes only about four including complicated mission tasks percent of the spacecraft volume and WITH THE PERFORMANCE such as scanning interferometry. weighs less than two pounds (1 kg). The design enables a flat antenna Reflectarray technology is trans- VERSATILITY OF AN Deployed Reflectarray architecture that folds into a thin, easily forming how small spacecraft are able ARRAYED ANTENNA on the Mars Cube One stowed package. To achieve the flatness to communicate with, and observe, the (MarCO) CubeSat showing the mosaicked array of required for an antenna, designers devel- Earth and beyond. printed circuit board patches.

44 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 45 TH/21 Achieving high-resolution radar in Earth’s orbit and deep space will require equipping them with large, high gain antennas that can fit in compact volumes for launch. New antenna designs have achieved high-resolution radar and high-bandwidth communication in a small form factor.

A team from JPL, UCLA and TENDEG still achieve excellent surface accuracy, has designed a deployable Ka-band and has the benefit of imparting no antenna called KaTENna that fits within angular momentum to the spacecraft a CubeSat-sized space for launch, during deployment. Another advantage then fans out like an umbrella when of KaTENna is that it uses an offset- deployed. KaTENna will work for radar fed reflector. This feature eliminates missions, as well as Earth orbital and blockage and dramatically simplifies NEW DESIGNS FOR DEPLOYABLE ANTENNAS deep space communication. This is the problem of locating the feed true multi-mission technology. close to the transmitter/receiver on SHOW HIGH RELIABILITY AND INCREASED The ingenious antenna design the spacecraft. BANDWIDTH IN A SMALL, EFFICIENT PACKAGE is based on the tensegrity (tensional This antenna is compatible with integrity) concept, in which the parabolic NASA’s Deep Space Network at highly FOR USE IN DEEP SPACE MISSIONS surface is created by tensioning mirror- useful Ka-band frequencies. The current imaged nets. KaTENna improves on 3-foot (1m) diameter antenna folds down earlier designs by replacing the perimeter to a 4-by-4-by-12 inch (10x10x30cm) truss with a unique tensioned-cord package compatible with a 3U CubeSat wheel and spoke system. A set of steel form factor. This stowable antenna has carpenter tapes deploy from the central demonstrated an efficiency of 60 percent, hub to form spokes, which support a which is close to the performance of rigid reflector ranging from three to fifteen non-deployable antennas in Ka-band. feet (1-5 meters) in diameter. This A larger six-foot (2m) diameter version system can be stowed compactly and of KaTENna is being developed.

Above: detail of KaTENna mesh. Below: two stages of KaTENna deployment.

46 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 47 TH/22 Mars landers must deploy parachutes at Mars-bound landers rely on parachutes Computer modeling offers some that must be extremely large, yet very insight, but parachute behaviors are HIGH-ALTITUDE TESTS supersonic speeds. The behaviors of these strong, to do their job in the thin Martian notoriously difficult to predict and they HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED enormous canopies is incredibly difficult to atmosphere. It is, however, very difficult must be tested in something close to model, but engineers have bridged the gap to test large parachutes on Earth at actual flight conditions. The ASPIRE team IN EARTH’S UPPER between computer analysis and Martian landings the required supersonic speeds. Wind tested a 71-foot parachute by flying it tunnels are not powerful enough, and into Earth’s thin upper atmosphere on ATMOSPHERE TO with test flights high into Earth’s atmosphere. Earth’s lower atmosphere is too dense to a rocket, then opening it at an altitude BUILD CONFIDENCE stand-in for the thin Martian atmosphere. of 26 miles, where the air is about the Engineers have long sought a way to same density as is found on Mars, about IN SUPERSONIC simulate Martian conditions to assure 1/100th that of Earth’s at sea level. PARACHUTES FOR successful mission performance. Mars 2020 will enter the Martian ASPIRE, which stands for the atmosphere at a speed of about 12,000 LANDING MARS 2020 Advanced Supersonic Parachute mph (19,300 kph). After the heat shield Inflation Research Experiment, is testing is jettisoned, the supersonic parachute the parachute design for the upcoming will slow the spacecraft from a speed Mars 2020 rover, a one-ton mobile of over 1800 mph (2900 kph) to a more laboratory. The parachute on the Mars leisurely 170 mph (273 kph), when the Science Rover Curiosity worked well in Sky Crane system will complete the 2012, but for Mars 2020 mission design- touchdown. Successful high-altitude ers wanted to gain more confidence testing of the parachute for Mars 2020 in how these large parachutes behave has validated the performance of the under the shocks and stresses caused parachute design, which is key to the by supersonic deployment above the success of this unprecedented mission Red Planet. of astrobiology and discovery.

Right: a NASA sounding rocket launch carried ASPIRE to a maximum altitude of 32 miles (51 kilometers). The parachute unfurled shortly thereafter, while ASPIRE was traveling significantly faster than the speed of sound. 48 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 49 The miniaturization of individual com- Laser Communication Demonstration TH/23 ponents as well as the pursuit of larger mission in 2013, and will be used on system-level strategies to create min- the ground terminal of the Deep Space iaturized systems will enable ever more Optical Communication project being exciting missions. Many of NASA’s future planned for 2022. goals will become achievable with the Nanotech is also a critical part of benefits of nanotechnology. creating extreme environment electronics Large array In sensor technology, nanotech for lander mission concepts for Venus, of defect-free has pushed the state of the possible. Titan, or Europa. It has enabled the nickel inverse Superconducting Nanowire Single development of low-voltage field- opal emitter tips Photon Detectors or SNSPDs are now the emission electron sources that can be with tip radii highest performing detectors spanning integrated with patterned electrodes to of less than 10 nm, used for the ultraviolet to mid-infrared range of the produce chip-scale vacuum electronic to their intrinsic self-lubricating qualities. field emission electromagnetic spectrum, where some devices. The performance of these Both will help to enable the exploration devices. of the most compelling science resides. devices is approaching that of their of complex, rugged terrain on other They have led the way in detection solid state counterparts, and they have planets and icy moons. efficiency, time resolution, active area, the added advantage of functioning Successes have also been achieved and dark counts. These detectors are an in hostile environments. with nanotechnology in areas such as attractive technology for ultra-low-noise On the materials side, examples cryogenic thermal radiators, miniature mid-infrared focal plane arrays for future of useful nanotech include biomimetic X-ray sources, high-power and low-tem- space telescopes. This technology can adhesives made from carbon nanotubes perature energy storage, and qubit pro- also be used as telecommunications sen- that mimic the feet of gecko lizards for cessors for quantum computing. All these sors, and arrays were flown on the Lunar robots that can climb steep and even devices are fabricated at the nanometer Nanotechnology involves manipulation inverse surfaces. Also, bulk metallic scale, and allow for much smaller and of matter at the atomic or molecular level glass structures are useful for robotic more robust machines that will greatly to fabricate materials and structures with applications in cold environments due expand our space exploration horizons. at least two dimensions having nano- scale patterning. These materials have FROM ULTRA-SENSITIVE DETECTORS TO STICKY-FOOTED unique qualities that can significantly enhance space exploration. ROBOTS TO ELECTRONICS THAT CAN OPERATE IN INCREDIBLY HOT OR COLD ENVIRONMENTS, NANOTECHNOLOGY IS ADDING NEW CAPABILITIES FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE UNIVERSE

Optical image showing a carbon nanotube array adhered to polyimide film.

50 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 51 JPL is developing swarming technologies that can revolutionize space exploration. Teams of spacecraft can cooperate to form virtual structures such as synthetic apertures, and can perform distributed measurements not possible with a single spacecraft.

Spacecraft swarms can deliver a comparable or greater capability than a monolithic system with the benefit of greater flexibility and robustness. A group of small spacecraft armed with various sensors can adapt to new mission requirements. The system is more fault ten spacecraft, as well as to very large tolerant and easier to maintain since formations, that can reach into the Above: 35,000 femtosats in formation to create spares can be included in the mission, thousands. While for smaller size swarms, a large telescope mirror. The open patch to left TH/24 allowing a faulty spacecraft to be quickly deterministic guidance path planning of center shows the swarm self-reconfiguring following an encounter with orbital debris. replaced. Swarms of spacecraft can and collision avoidance algorithms have therefore take higher risks while exploring been demonstrated to achieve a desired more challenging science, since no single configuration. For larger formations, spacecraft is critical to mission success. stochastic guidance algorithms taking LARGE NUMBERS OF TINY A collaboration between JPL advantage of the law of large numbers and Caltech’s Center for Autonomous has been shown to be the effective SPACECRAFT WORKING TOGETHER Systems Technology (CAST), has devel- methodology and with much less compu- FOR THE EXPLORATION OF THE oped and demonstrated distributed, tational requirements. These algorithms collaborative architectures and algo- can be applied to swarms of boats on UNIVERSE CAN BE A GAME CHANGER rithms for onboard guidance, navigation, the ocean, drones in the air, as well as IN REDUCING COSTS AND FOR and control enabling autonomous multiple underwater vehicles. In space, reconfigurations, proximity operations, teams of formation flying spacecraft can ALLOWING MISSIONS THAT CAN and autonomous station-keeping of form a virtual telescope, act as a syn- BE IMPOSSIBLE TO DO WITH A swarm systems. These algorithms are thetic aperture for radar remote sensing, applicable to small swarms of two-to- or as collective reflectors. SINGLE, MONOLITHIC SPACECRAFT

Opposite page: illustration of femtosats in string-of-pearls formation.

52 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 53 The goal of this partnership is to assembly, space telescopes, communication and THE BEST RESEARCH OCCURS advance the science of autonomy science observations, and for use on planetary through the fusion of technological surfaces for the deployment, construction and the THROUGH COLLABORATION, advances in computation and algorithms assembly of complex structures. Transporters joined with robotics. Members of JPL’s concentrates on all-weather aerial platforms that AND A NEW PARTNERSHIP leadership and technical organizations can operate in turbulent atmospheric conditions, BETWEEN JPL AND CALTECH serve on the steering and scientific which could augment the abilities of flying ambulances advisory committees. or medical delivery drones as well as planetary RESEARCHERS BRINGS TOGETHER TH/25 CAST has initiated a series of science missions. Finally, the Partner moonshot will TWO CENTERS OF INNOVATION five “moonshot” programs: Explorers, develop autonomous robots that will assist the sick Guardians, Transformers, Transporters and elderly, act as physician surgical assistants IN TECHNOLOGY TO SOLVE and Partners. Each represents an area and in other applications that will improve function, ripe for significant innovation and tech- mobility and quality of life for people worldwide. COMPLEX AUTONOMY PROBLEMS nological advancement in autonomy. This facility utilizes state-of-the-art instrumen- ON EARTH AND IN SPACE Explorers focuses on robotic mobility tation and vehicles for testing and validating new for surviving, navigating, and operating concepts in autonomy. It is equipped with a robotics in unknown and complex environments assembly laboratory with advanced mobility capa- with applications in planetary explora- bilities and an aerospace robotics and control lab to tion and terrestrial surface, underwater simulate mobility for single spacecraft and for multiple and aerial exploration. Guardians is spacecraft operating in formation. CAST also main- focused on monitoring and responding tains an aerodrome facility that includes a large array to dynamic events such as earthquakes of controllable electric fans that can generate realistic and tsunamis by surveying, gathering and wind patterns for investigating aerial mobility in all- distributing critical information that would weather conditions. serve as a multiplier of the effective- Other space-related work includes the ness of human responders by providing development and validation of autonomy algorithms a better picture of the environments in and architecture for navigating to, approaching, and which they are working. Transformers mapping small bodies such as asteroids, comets and investigates swarms of robots that could moons. These algorithms will also be useful for space- autonomously transform their shape and craft flying in formation, which must remain aware function to meet specific needs in orbital of each other for safe and productive operation. The Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies, or CAST, has been formed to explore autonomous systems capable of undertaking complex missions without human involvement.

Opposite page: researchers at CAST’s state-of-the-art facility prepare for a simulation of autonomous systems operating in formation. Right: an autonomous ambulance is flight tested at the CAST aerodrome. 54 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 55 TH/26 Much of NASA’s scientific inquiry demands increasingly sensitive and accurate detectors, especially in the infrared part of the spectrum, which is critical to Earth observation, planetary science and astrophysics.

To achieve high sensitivity in the mid- on arrays of spherical micro lenses have to long-wavelength infrared, detector proven challenging to fabricate resulting arrays are typically cooled to cryogenic in unreliable performance. temperatures to reduce thermally induced A promising replacement technology “dark currents” that compete with the involves a new class of lenses that signal. Cooling to such low temperatures are fabricated directly on the detector requires the use of vacuum-insulated substrate using electron beam lithography vessels containing finite consumables, and dry etching, essentially sculpting at such as helium, or power-hungry the nanoscale. These are not traditional mechanical cryo-coolers. Infrared refractive lenses, but rather a series of instruments that retain their performance rods at subwavelength diameters that Illustrated cross section of light passing through the nanonstructured flat lenses. at higher temperatures, where compact, modulate and focus the light. The result single-stage thermoelectric coolers are is a lens of less than 1/1000th of an inch effective, would offer significant benefits in diameter, or about the size of a small for space missions. Construction would speck of pollen, that can be fabricated over A NEW TECHNOLOGY be simpler, size, weight and power would every pixel of the detector. Until recently, be lower, and operation more long-lived these were impossible to manufacture UTILIZING NANOSTRUCTURED and reliable. effectively, but the challenges have been FLAT LENSES HAS THE Dark currents scale with the overcome through a collaboration between detector area, and an alternate approach JPL and Harvard. POTENTIAL TO IMPROVE to enhance the sensitivity is to reduce Infrared imagers utilizing these INFRARED SENSOR the area of the detector elements and use nanostructured flat lenses offer great an array of micro lenses to concentrate benefit to outer planet missions, as well PERFORMANCE the light onto the smaller active area as to small satellites conducting Earth of each pixel. As a result less cooling is observations, by reducing the size and required to achieve the desired sensitivity. complexity of the instruments. However, optical concentrators based

Opposite page: a microscopic image of a portion of an infrared detector array bonded to a readout integrated circuit. The enlarged inset shows a single nanostructured flat lens fabricated on the detector surface. 56 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 57 When studying changes in the Earth’s atmosphere, some of the most valuable data comes from measurements of its upper regions. However, these layers in our atmospheric blanket can also be the most difficult to observe.

Most earth observing satellites look CAMLS makes unique and essential observations downward and offer only a view of atmos- of composition, humidity, temperature and clouds pheric layers that are stacked atop in Earth’s troposphere and stratosphere, and builds each other. But looking along the limb on earlier external and JPL efforts with heritage from of the Earth, or sideways, allows atmos- the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) instruments on pheric layers to be viewed separately. NASA’s UARS and Aura missions. The Compact Adaptable Micro- The implementation of digital spectrometers wave Limb Sounder (CAMLS) is a brings the advantage of high stability, critically microwave spectrometer that utilizes important for long-term Earth observations. CAMLS A NEW INSTRUMENT recent advancements in industrial also incorporates new, ultra-sensitive microwave Complementary Metal Oxide Semi- receivers that make these essential observations TO OBSERVE EARTH’S conductor (CMOS) system-on-a-chip using only a single receiver. The limb-sounding ATMOSPHERIC LAYERS technology, capable of integrating a approach can provide near-global coverage with high multitude of functions onto a single chip. vertical resolution, and at these frequencies the obser- MAKES USE OF CMOS A single CMOS chip can incorporate the vations are unaffected by fine aerosols (such as those TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE high-speed analog-to-digital converter resulting from volcanic eruptions) and most clouds. necessary for digitization, the high speed CAMLS also offers dramatic reductions in OUR UNDERSTANDING OF TH/27 spectral processor, and an integrated instrument complexity, mass, power requirements frequency synthesizer, and provide 4000 and size compared to previous microwave limb- RAPID CLIMATE CHANGE channels with over 3 GHz bandwidth. viewing instruments. For example, while previous MLS WITH A SIGNIFICANT The system-on-a-chip design approach instruments weighed almost 800 pounds (350 kg) and enables extreme miniaturization of consumed 380 Watts, the CAMLS instrument package REDUCTION IN MASS digital spectrometers. Additionally, the weighs just 44 pounds (20 kg) and draws a scanty AND POWER USE receiver front end consists of new indium 80 Watts — less than many incandescent lightbulbs. phosphide low-noise amplifiers and CAMLS is scheduled to fly this year on a NASA mixers that span the 320 to 360 GHz aircraft for further testing and refinement, prior to A SIDEWAYS GLANCE AT EARTH spectral region. possible deployment in orbit. Opposite page: a 48 Kelvin cold box contains the CAMLS receiver front end subsystem.

58 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 59 Tethered robots offer new options for Axel rover can reposition its instruments navigating rugged terrain on other worlds. and cameras while hanging from the EXPLORING OTHER PLANETS These machines can explore landscape tether on steep terrains, and can even AND MOONS OFTEN REQUIRES features forbidden to traditional rovers. operate while inverted. They can rappel down cliffs to investigate The “mothership” could be a lander NAVIGATING EXTREME crater walls, escarpments and skylights, or a rover. In one rover configuration, AND DANGEROUS TERRAIN. which could be entrances to lava tubes called DuAxel, two Axels work in tandem on the moon and Mars. Strata in Martian to drive further than the range of a single, NOVEL AND ROBUST ROVER escarpments may reveal frozen water tethered unit; up to several miles. This DESIGNS ARE REVOLUTIONIZING deposits. Recurring Slope Linea, or RSLs, will allow the investigation of craters, have been observed on crater walls and canyons and pits well beyond the range HOW WE COULD EXPLORE other steep terrains. These dark seasonal of a single tethered Axel. The DuAxel streaks, which may involve water, appear platform carries a module between THE HARSH SURFACES OF then fade and reappear. All these features the two Axels and can be placed on DISTANT WORLDS TH/28 are of key interest in planetary explora- the ground as an anchor, allowing the tion, and could be accessed with combined unit to move its steep-climb- Some of the most intriguing targets a new rover called Axel. ing abilities to distant locations before on planetary surfaces lie in hard- JPL and Caltech have been devel- deploying. This module sports a pan/tilt to-reach destinations. JPL has oping modular Axel rappelling rovers to imaging mast to aid in DuAxel navigation access coveted, hard-to-reach science and science observations along the way. long led in the surface exploration targets. These machines feature a two- Axel technology enables access of planetary bodies, and innovative wheeled, tail-dragging rover that unwinds to and sampling of extreme terrains rover designs will open new vistas its own umbilical tether as it traverses that could help unravel long-standing on numerous moons and planets. away from its “mothership.” In addition questions in planetary formation. DuAxel to providing support for steep terrain is intended for Mars exploration, with a rappelling, the tether also provides power potential focus on RSLs. The single Axel and communication to the rover. The rover design might be used for a proposed contains two instrument bays that host lunar mission, called Moon Diver, that three to four science instruments each, would investigate the sites of enormous, and features turret-mounted configura- ancient lunar volcanic eruptions to tions that do not require a robotic arm to understand their impact on the formation deploy and acquire measurements. The of planetary surfaces and atmospheres.

Opposite page: protoype Axel rover preparing to descend a cliffside. Right: a DuAxel rover.

60 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 61 Most of the radiation of the universe is emitted at submillimeter wavelengths, which are the most valuable wavelengths for understanding the complete stellar formation cycle as well as EXPLORING THE BIRTH TH/29 tracing the trail of water from interstellar clouds to solar system OF NEW STARS IS ONE objects. New technology is enabling enhanced high-spectral OF ASTRONOMY’S MOST resolution maps at these wavelengths. COMPELLING QUESTS. Understanding how stars form and a number of different important gas searching for water in the Solar System species, a task that previously required TERAHERTZ COMPONENTS are best addressed by observations in multiple receivers to accomplish. This is CAN NOW MAP STAR the terahertz (THz) regime. Unfortunately, a tremendous breakthrough for future this spectral region between visible and terahertz instruments. FORMING REGIONS AT microwave wavelengths is extremely This new array technology and UNPRECEDENTED SPEEDS challenging to observe. However, new JPL increased sensitivity can dramatically technology is enabling enhanced array improve astrophysical observations. receivers able to provide high-spectral For example, a 16-pixel 1.9 THz array resolution maps at these wavelengths. has been demonstrated for carbon and Heterodyne receivers consist of a source oxygen observations that enables the (local oscillator) and coherent detector mapping of a molecular cloud to be (mixer). Efficient observations at these accomplished in hours instead of days. frequencies requires very powerful local Another version is being developed for oscillator arrays that generate a strong investigating water and other key species signal close to the frequency of the in comets and ocean worlds. Such a astronomical source. system will provide high-resolution JPL is at the forefront in the maps within minutes, critical for studying development of very high-resolution rapidly rotating comets. array cameras at these frequencies. The These components have been tested newest generation of terahertz sources aboard NASA’s Stratospheric Terahertz are much more efficient and offer more Observatory. A 64-pixel terahertz camera than ten-times increase in power while could soon be ready for deployment still operating at room temperature. into balloon-borne, airborne and space This enables multi-pixel cameras while astrophysical observatories to open new dramatically reducing the instrument vistas in scientific inquiry. This technology mass and power consumption by an is also baselined for the first-ever 183 order of magnitude. In addition, the GHz high-power cloud humidity radar tuning bandwidth of these local that will fly on a NASA aircraft in 2019. An ultra-compact 16-pixel 1.9-2.06 THz Local oscillators has been increased from This technology is also key for ultra-high Oscillator source able to produce more than roughly 10 to 50 percent. A single data rate THz communications. 30 µW output power per pixel. receiver channel can now measure

62 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 63 TH/30 A next generation imaging spectrometer based on unique JPL technology will measure the interaction of light with airborne mineral molecules to answer key questions about the role of mineral dust in Earth’s atmosphere.

A key unknown for climatologists minerals based on their specific is how airborne mineral dust affects spectral signatures. the temperature of the atmosphere. The EMIT Concept incorporates a Different minerals have different physical, number of new technologies. E-beam chemical, and optical properties that fabricated blaze concave gratings dictate their impact on weather and enable the more compact Dyson imaging evolving climate. spectrometer design. An ultra-precise A new experiment called the entrance slit is etched through a thin Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source nitride membrane and integrated with Investigation (EMIT) has been selected state-of-the-art etched black silicon MINERAL DUST IMPACTS THE ATMOSPHERE, by NASA to fly aboard the International surfaces with its high light-trapping Space Station that would make new, capability, to eliminate stray light in the OCEANS, TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS, high accuracy measurements of the instrument. In addition, the EMIT design Earth’s mineral dust source regions. includes a cryogenic detector array mount CRYOSPHERE, AND INHABITED LANDS. These regions supply mineral dust with six degrees of freedom, adjustable NEW ADVANCES IN IMAGING SPECTROMETERS aerosols to the atmosphere that influence to sub-micron tolerances. The result is energy balance, chemistry, and cloud a Dyson spectrometer with optimum WILL PROVIDE INSIGHT INTO THE SOURCES formation. When dust settles, it fertilizes performance in terms of throughput AND TRANSPORT OF AIRBORNE DUST ocean and land ecosystems, melts and uniformity, and with a three-octave snow, and can be a hazard on several range covering from the visible to short- levels. The details of these mineral dust wavelength IR in 307 spectral channels interactions within the Earth system The EMIT imaging spectrometer are uncertain and the EMIT measure- approach is evolved from NASA’s Moon ments would be used to advance Mineralogy Mapper that discovered our understanding and predict future water and hydroxyl compounds on the changes. EMIT can recognize different surface of the Moon in 2009.

Opposite page: EMIT prototype high throughout three octave (380 to 2510 nm) imaging spectrometer. Top right: precision slit integrated with light-trapping black silicon. Lower right: E-beam fabricated blaze concave grating.

64 Jet Propulsion Laboratory The information presented about EMIT is pre-decisional and is provided for planning and discussion purposes only. 2018 Technology Highlights 65 TH/31 Innovative ideas and new technologies are often left on JPL IS REACHING OUT hard drives or in the minds of the inventor for lack of time TO BRIGHT YOUNG MINDS or support to investigate them. JPL’s new crowdsourcing program seeks to bring these ideas into practical use. ACROSS THE NATION TO ENCOURAGE AND Some of the nation’s best young the space exploration community minds are searching for real-world a source of innovative solutions SUPPORT NEW AND problems to solve as part of their to existing problems, but helps to curriculum, senior projects, or cap- develop and encourage the young INNOVATIVE THINKING stones. JPL University Crowdsourcing minds so critical to the next decade — kickstarts innovation by harnessing not just in spaceflight, but across the energy and creativity of university the technological spectrum. students through crowdsourcing. These crowdsourcing initiatives Previous programs focused on local are focused on specific problems, and regional interactions, but this new with clearly defined goals. This is program allows institutions across an outcomes-based project, which the country to participate with a broader offers freedom to innovate. diversity of students than ever before. JPL-sponsored pilot programs The result is an exponentially more have explored a number of areas powerful range of engagements and of technological development. challenges explored. Working with Northeastern University, University students seek real- the program supported the design, world challenges to solve as part manufacture and testing of a proto- of their education. Through these type CubeSat self-inspection camera crowdsourcing efforts they are exposed system designed to view the to such challenges, are coached by operation of deployable systems. JPL engineers, are exposed to subject Ongoing projects include the matter experts, and have opportunities design and testing of heat-rejection to expand their horizons. systems for CubeSats, self-folding These innovative developments spacecraft, and complex algorithms cover the full spectrum of space for additive manufacturing. Concepts Students from Northeastern University set up exploration, from new technologies, for Europa sample return missions a thermal vacuum chamber to test a prototype to IT solutions, and entire mission are also being pursued. CubeSat Self-Inspect Camera system. architectures. This not only provides

66 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 67 FRED Y. HADAEGH GREGORY L. DAVIS ASHLEY KARP (P. 10) DOUGLAS HOFMANN (P. 6, 16,) EMILY LAW (P. 14) GARY BOLOTIN (P. 34) JPL Chief Technologist JPL Associate Chief Technologist Principal Investigator, Hybrid Rockets for CubeSat Co-Investigator, Additive Manufacturing Lens, BMG Principal Investigator, Solar System Treks Project Principal Investigator, Compact Low Power (SSTP) Avionics for the Europa Lander Concept Dr. Hadaegh received his PhD in Electrical Dr. Davis holds a PhD from Rice University Dr. Karp earned a PhD in Aeronautics and Dr. Hofmann received his PhD in Materials Science Engineering from the University of Southern and an EMBA from Claremont Graduate University. Astronautics from Stanford University. She is and Engineering from Caltech and his BS and MS in In addition to managing SSTP, Ms. Law also Mr. Bolotin received a M.S. in Engineering from California, and joined JPL in 1984. His research Prior to his role as JPL Associate Chief Technologist, the propulsion lead for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Mechanical Engineering from UC San Diego. He is serves as the Data Systems and Technology University of Illinois at Urban Champaign in 1985 interests include optimal estimation and control as Dr. Davis worked as Division 35 Chief Technologist study at JPL. Her research focuses on hybrid the Principal Investigator of NASA’s FAMIS Program Deputy Program Manager and the Planetary Data and a B.S. in Engineering from Illinois Institute of applied to distributed spacecraft. He has been a where he championed research and development propulsion systems for challenging environmental (an ISS materials experiment) and leads research in System Operations Manager. For over 20 years, Technology in 1984. He has been with JPL for CONTRIBUTOR key contributor to G&C technologies for spacecraft across a broad spectrum of technologies, conditions (e.g. Mars) and SmallSat applications. bulk metallic glasses and metal 3D printing. He was she has provided leadership in the architecture, more than 32 years. He is currently the lead of formation flying and autonomous control systems for including advanced manufacturing, miniaturized the recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award development, technology and operations of highly the Europa Lander Motor Controller. He has also PROFILES NASA missions and DoD programs. Dr. Hadaegh is electronics, and advanced modeling and for Scientists and Engineers from President Obama distributed data intensive systems for planetary managed engineering teams as both team leads a JPL Fellow, a Senior Research Scientist, Fellow of simulation of complex systems. in 2012. and earth science. and line manager at the section and group level. the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE), and Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

CHAOYIN ZHOU (P. 42) CHRISTIAN ALBERT LINDENSMITH (P. 26) DAN CRICHTON (P. 36) HARISH MANOHARA (P. 50) MICHAEL HECHT (P. 32) IAN CLARK (P. 48) Principal Investigator, In Situ Oxygen Generation Principal Investigator, Digital Holographic Microscope Principal Investigator and Program Manager, Technology Lead, Nanotechnology Principal Investigator Mars Oxygen Principal Investigator, ASPIRE Data Science ISRU Experiment (MOXIE) Dr. Zhou received a PhD in Chemistry from Dr. Lindensmith earned a B.S. in Physics from the Dr. Manohara received a PhD in Engineering Dr. Clark is a Systems Engineer in the EDL Harvard specializing in molecular design and University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in Physics at the Daniel Crichton is a program manager, principal Science from LSU. He led the Nano and Micro Dr. Hecht’s research is focused on Mars, with and Advanced Technologies Group and currently chemical synthesis, and has developed enabling University of Minnesota, studying superfluid helium. investigator, and principal computer scientist. technology activities at JPL for more than ten years. emphasis on polar processes, soil physics and serves as the PI for the ASPIRE test activity. materials for extreme environments. He is a He has worked on a variety of missions and instruments, He is the leader of the Center for Data Science His research interests include carbon nanotubes, chemistry, and the hydrological cycle. He was His primary activities are in the area of Entry Descent materials and processes engineer and leads including the Planck cosmic microwave background and Technology, a joint center formed with vacuum microelectronics, extreme environment Principal Investigator of the MECA instrument and Landing (EDL) and he has previously served as technology development for oxygen generation mission, ChemCam (on MSL), the ground based Caltech, focusing on the research, development micro-sensors, and miniature instruments. He has suite on the Phoenix Lander in 2008, which notably the PI of the Low-Density Supersonic Decelerators from CO2 under benign conditions. Thirty Meter Telescope, and the James Webb Space and implementation of data intensive systems developed miniature stereo camera, digital vacuum discovered that perchlorate is the dominant form Project. Telescope. He has been involved in mission and for science and missions. He leads the Data electronics, and field emission technologies. of chlorine in the Martian soil. Dr. Hecht is currently instrument development for the search for extra- Science Program Office and serves as a principal the Associate Director for Research Management terrestrial life both inside and outside the solar system. investigator for multiple data science projects at the MIT Haystack Observatory. in planetary, earth science, and biomedicine.

68 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 69 JAMES SMITH (P. 66) ERIC JONG-OOK SUH (P. 30) JOSE V. SILES (P. 62) PATRICK MORRISSEY (P. 22) SVETLA HRISTOVA-VELEVA (P. 20) RICHARD DOYLE (P. 24) Principal Investigator, JPL University Principal Investigator, Post-Irradiation Recovery Principal Investigator, Multi-Pixel Terahertz Principal Investigator, KCWI Principal Investigator, North Atlantic Principal Investigator, High Performance Crowdsourcing Initiative Solution for Electronic Parts LO Sources Hurricane Watch Portal Space Computer Dr. Morrissey was Principal Research Scientist Mr. Smith is a Supervisor and the DHFR Antenna Dr. Suh is a technologist in the Electronic Packaging Dr. Siles led the LO system of NASA’s Stratospheric at Caltech and co-investigator for the GALEX UV Dr. Hristova-Veleva’s recent work has been the Dr. Doyle is the Program Manager for Information Mechanical Systems Engineer. Known for people Technology Development group. He received a THz Observatory (flown in 2016/2017). His research Explorer mission, which surveyed the sky from 2003- development of retrieval algorithms for estimation of and Data Science at JPL. His activities and interests leadership and capability development, he PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from interests include the development of submillimeter- 2013. He was KCWI Project Scientist and optical a variety of geophysical parameters using the passive span data science, autonomous systems, computing authored NASA’s first Programmatic Environmental University of California, Los Angeles. He has wave array local oscillator and receivers. He is PI designer, and is now the lead for the photon counting microwave observations of the AMSR instrument on systems, software engineering, space asset CONTRIBUTOR Assessment, was instrumental in capturing multiple researched behavior of electronic packaging of several NASA funded programs to develop high- cameras of the WFIRST coronagraph. the ADEOS-II spacecraft. She worked on modeling protection, and related topics that apply computer missions, most recently SMAP and CAL; is a co- materials at extreme environments and additive power Terahertz LO sources and array receivers for of precipitation systems and their remotely-sensed and data science principles and capabilities to PROFILES inventor on multiple technologies, and originated manufacturing of gradient alloys. high-spectral resolution mapping of star-forming characteristics in support of studies related to the space missions. (continued) the JPL Innovation Jam. regions, comets and water in ocean worlds. design of future scatterometers.

ANDREW JOHNSON (P. 18) SABAH BUX (P. 8) MORY GHARIB (P. 54) RICHARD HODGES (P. 6, 44, 46) ROBERT O. GREEN (P. 64) ROBERT PETER DILLON (P. 16) Principal Investigator, Terrain Relative Navigation — Principal Investigator, Advanced Radiation Shielding Caltech Director, CAST Principal Investigator, Additive Manufacturing Principal Investigator, Earth Venture EMIT Principal Investigator, Bulk Metallic Glass Gears M2020 Lens and ISARA Mission, MarCO Antenna. Dr. Bux received her PhD in inorganic chemistry Professor Gharib is the Director of the Graduate Dr. Green is a science co-investigator on the Dr. Dillon is a technologist in the Materials Co-Investigator, KaTENna Mesh Reflector Dr. Johnson received a PhD in Robotics from from UCLA. She is a technologist in the thermal Aerospace Laboratories at Caltech and the Center CRISM imaging spectrometer for Mars, Instrument Development and Manufacturing Technology Group Carnegie Mellon University before joining JPL energy research and advancement group (3464) for Autonomous Systems and Technologies. His Dr. Hodges received the PhD in Electrical Scientist for the M3 imaging spectrometer on at JPL. He received a PhD in materials science and where he and his team are developing real-time where she is a lead researcher. Her main research research interests in conventional fluid dynamics Engineering from University of California, Los Chandrayaan-1, MISE imaging spectrometer for engineering from UC Irvine. His research interests autonomous navigation and mapping technologies focus is the investigation of new materials using include vortex dynamics, active and passive flow Angeles. He is a JPL Principal Engineer, Senior Europa and Experiment Scientist for the NASA include additive manufacturing of metal alloys and for Entry Descent and Landing. Their current project novel techniques/processes. control, micro fluid dynamics, as well as advanced Member of the IEEE and Technical Group Supervisor AVIRIS airborne imaging spectrometer. His research gradients and materials and processes for extreme is the Lander Vision System, a terrain relative flow-imaging diagnostics. of the Spacecraft Antennas Group, which develops interests include imaging spectroscopy with a environment capable spacecraft electronics and navigation sensor for the Mars 2020 mission. spacecraft telecom and instrument antennas for focus on advanced instrumentation, model-based mechanisms. JPL missions. His current research focus is on spectroscopic inversions, and measurement antenna technology for spacecraft applications. calibration and validation.

70 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 71 NATHANIEL LIVESEY (P. 58) SOON-JO CHUNG (P. 54) YAHYA RAHMAT-SAMII (P. 46, 6) LUTHER BEEGLE (P. 38) AMIR RAHMANI (P. 52) Principal Investigator, CAMLS Caltech Lead investigator, JPL-CAST Autonomy Principal Investigator, KaTENna Mesh Reflector. Principal Investigator, SHERLOC Principal Investigator, Swarm Autonomy Co-investigator, Additive Manufacturing Lens Dr. Livesey is the Principal Investigator for the Dr. Chung is an Associate Professor of Aerospace Dr. Beegle received a PhD in Physics from the Dr. Rahmani has a Ph.D. from University of Microwave Limb Sounder instrument on NASA's Aura and Bren Scholar and JPL Research Scientist. Prof. Rahmat-Samii obtained his PhD from University University of Alabama at Birmingham. His research Washington and was an assistant professor Earth atmospheric science mission. His research He received a PhD in estimation and control from of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He is a member of the interests include the in situ search for evidence at the University of Miami prior to joining JPL. interests include the development and application MIT. Prof. Chung's research focuses on distributed US National Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of life on planetary bodies in the solar system and He has over a decade research experience of microwave remote sounding instruments, and spacecraft systems, space autonomous systems, of five societies including IEEE and URSI. He is a the potential for sample acquisition, handling & in distributed space systems, formation flying, CONTRIBUTOR the data processing algorithms associated with and aerospace robotics, and in particular, on co-author of five books and over 1000 journal and processing hardware to alter scientific results on as well as swarm robotics. He is the NASA converting remote radiance measurements into the theory and application of complex nonlinear conference papers. He is the recipient of numerous robotic missions. He is a Surface Sampling System STTR subtopic manager on coordination PROFILES geophysical profiles. dynamics, control, estimation, guidance, and awards including the IEEE Electromagnetics Field Scientist on Mars Science Laboratory supporting and control of swarm of space vehicles. (continued) navigation of autonomous space and air vehicles. Medal. His research interests cover wide spectrum of drilling and arm activities on Mars. antenna designs from medical to space applications and the nature based optimization techniques.

KEITH CHIN (P. 40) ABIGAIL ALLWOOD (P. 12) ALEX SOIBEL (P. 56) ISSA NESNAS (P. 60) ANDREW KLESH (P. 28) Principal Investigator, High Power Energy Storage Principal Investigator, PIXL or Planetary Instrument Principal Investigator, Mid-Wave IR Detectors Principal Investigator, Axel Rover System Principal Investigator, Glacial Moulin Mapping for Deep Space Smallsat Applications for X-ray Lithochemistry with Optical Concentrators Using Robotic Submersible Dr. Nesnas is a principal technologist and supervisor Dr. Chin holds BS, MS and PhD degrees in chemical Dr. Allwood is a field geologist and an astrobiologist Dr. A. Soibel, is Senior Member of Engineering of the Robotic Mobility group at JPL. He leads Dr. Klesh received a PhD in Aerospace engineering. As a technologist, his primary goal is to with a strong interest in the early Earth, microbial Staff in JPL, NASA/Caltech where he works on research in robotics to explore extreme planetary Engineering from the University of Michigan. develop innovative electrochemical technologies to sediments, evaporites and the oldest record of the development of detectors and mid-IR lasers. terrains and microgravity bodies and supports flight He is chief engineer for the MarCO CubeSat enable new and challenging autonomous spacecraft life on Earth. Abby is the first female principal He has extensive experience in design, fabrication projects including the development of autonomous mission to Mars, and technical lead for the missions. His research focuses on energy storage, investigator on a Mars mission and earned her Ph.D. and testing of III-V semiconductor detectors and rover navigation and visual target tracking for Buoyant Rover for Under Ice Exploration. energy generation, and in-situ electrochemical in Earth Science, Macquarie University, Sydney, lasers. He has co-authored more than 50 refereed Curiosity and future Mars 2020 rovers. He holds His research interests span under-ice instrumentation. He supported numerous flight Australia (2006) and her B. App. Sc., Queensland articles, four book chapter and 8 patents. a B.E. degree in Electrical Engineering from environments to deep space exploration. projects as a battery, power subsystem engineer, University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia (2002). Manhattan College and a M.S. and Ph.D. in software developer and/or systems engineer. Mechanical Engineering with a specialization in robotics from the University of Notre Dame.. Credit: Andrew Hara and Keck Observatory

72 Jet Propulsion Laboratory 2018 Technology Highlights 73 JPL, a world leader in planetary exploration, Earth science, and space- based astronomy, leverages investments in innovative technology development The Office of the Chief Technologist that support the next generation of NASA would like to thank the following people for their contributions to this missions, solving technical and scientific publication: Keith & Co. Design: Keith Knueven — Principal, Emily problems of national significance. King — Senior Art Director. Spencer Lowell—Photographer, Eye Forward. Writer: Rod Pyle — freelance author, historian and journalist. JPL: Chuck jpl.nasa.gov Manning — content lead editor, Barbara Wilson — technical editor. Siamak Forouhar, Tim O’Donnell, Carol Lewis. Dutch Slager, Ryan Lannom, Kevin Lane, and David Hinkle. scienceandtechnology.jpl.nasa.gov

© 2018 California Institute of Technology. Government sponsorship acknowledged.

Acknowledgment: All work described in this report was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

About this page: A close up image of a 3-D printed Luneburg lens. See page 7.

74 Jet Propulsion Laboratory National Aeronautics and Space Administration Jet Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology Pasadena, California www.jpl.nasa.gov

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