Space Administration National Aeronautics and Aeronautics National REPORT 2017 219958 NASA/TM—2018— Marshall Space Center Flight RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY NASA/TM–2018–219958 Marshall Space Flight Center RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY REPORT 2017 all Space Flight Center Flight Space all National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space and Aeronautics National George C. Marsh 35812 AL Huntsville, www.nasa.gov/marshall www.nasa.gov NASA/TM — 2018–219958 Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2017 A.S. Keys and H.C. Morris, Compilers Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The points of contact and coordinator at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) for this Technical Memorandum (TM) are Andrew Keys (256-544-8038) and Heather Morris. The MSFC Office of Center Chief Technologist recognizes Janice Robinson, NiCarla Friend, and Kathy Jobczynski of the MSFC Scientific and Technical Information Group for assisting in the development of this report. The Former Center Chief Technologist Andrew Keys and Technologist Heather Morris provided the support, knowledge, insight, and decisions needed for the compilation of this TM. TRADEMARKS Trade names and trademarks are used in this report for identification only. This usage does not constitute an official endorsement, either expressed or implied, by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. For additional copies of this report contact: NASA STI Information Desk Mail Stop 148 NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA 23681–2199, USA 757–864–9658 This report is available in electronic form at <http://www.sti.nasa.gov> ii FOREWORD Marshall Space Flight Center is essential to human space exploration and our work is a catalyst for ongoing technological development. As we address the challenges facing human deep space exploration, we advance new technologies and applications here on Earth, expand scientific knowledge and discov- ery, create new economic opportunities, and con- tinue to lead global space exploration. Our investments in technology not only support NASA’s current missions, but also enable new mis- sions and scientific pursuits. Some of these projects will lead to a sustainable in-space architecture for human space exploration, such as developing and testing cutting-edge propulsion solutions for space- craft and landers for the journey to Mars. Others are working on technologies that could support deep space habitats, which will enable humans to safely live and work in deep space and on the surface of Mars and other destinations across the solar system. Still others are developing new scientific instruments capable of providing an unprecedented glimpse into the early universe. Our work is driven by the greater purpose of scien- tific progress and discovery. While each project in this report seeks to advance new technology and challenge orthodoxies, it is important to recognize the diversity of activities supporting our mission. This report underscores the Center’s capabilities and highlights the prog- ress achieved over this past year. These scientists, researchers and innovators are why NASA will con- tinue to be a world leader in innovation, exploration, and discovery for years to come. I hope you enjoy reviewing this report. It has been an exciting year and has set the stage for even more progress in 2018. Todd A. May Director Marshall Space Flight Center iii INTRODUCTION I am pleased to present to you this copy of the Mar- shall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2017. Each year, the annual Research and Technology report is published with the purpose of highlighting the most novel and innovative work being accomplished by the scientists, engineers and technologists of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. This report features over 60 technology develop- ment and scientific research efforts that collec- tively aim to enable new capabilities in spaceflight, expand the reach of human exploration, and reveal new knowledge about the universe in which we live. These efforts include a wide array of strategic developments: launch propulsion technologies that facilitate more reliable, routine, and cost effective access to space; in-space propulsion developments that provide new solutions to space transportation requirements; autonomous systems designed to increase our utilization of robotics to accomplish critical missions; life support technologies that target our ability to implement closed-loop environ- mental resource utilization; science instruments that enable terrestrial, solar, planetary and deep space observations and discovery; and manufacturing technologies that will change the way we fabricate everything from rocket engines to in situ generated fuel and consumables. I trust that you will enjoy reviewing these research and technology accomplishments of 2017. May this report serve as inspiration for further innovations into 2018 and beyond. Andrew S. Keys, Ph.D. Chief, Optics and Imaging Branch iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Propulsion Systems ............................................................................................ 1 Integrated Oxygen-Rich Test Article (IOTA) ................................................................. 2 Advanced Booster: Hydroxyl-Terminated Polyether (HTPE) Propellant Liner Insulation (PLI) System Development ................................................. 4 Development of Floating Slosh Dampers for Propellant Tanks ..................................... 6 Near Earth Asteroid Scout ............................................................................................. 8 Deep Space Engine ........................................................................................................10 Technology Development of the Mars Ascent Vehicle Hybrid Fuel Grain ....................12 Fabrication and Characterization of a Grooved-Ring Fuel Element for a Nuclear Thermal Rocket .......................................................................................14 Pulsed Fission-Fusion (PuFF) Target Design and Containment System .......................16 Multiscale Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) Nuclear Fuel Material Simulation ......18 Electric Sail Tether Deployment System ........................................................................20 Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Expansion Cycle: A Dual Cooled-Expander Cycle Engine Using Hydrogen and Oxygen .............................................................................22 Low-Cost Plasma Micropropulsion Using 3D Printing and Off-the-Shelf Components ..................................................................................................................24 Multimode Micropropulsion for Small Spacecraft ........................................................26 Dual-Mode Green Propulsion Proof of Concept: Providing Both Innovative Green Propulsion and Micropropulsion for Small Spacecraft .......................................28 Autonomous Systems ......................................................................................... 31 Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-Based Navigation of RINGS Onboard the International Space Station ........................................................ 32 Habitat Ground-Based Demonstrator: Auto-Operator for the Autonomous Fluid Transfer System (AFTS) .................................................................34 Communication and Navigation ............................................................................ 37 Programmable Ultra Lightweight System Adaptable Radio (PULSAR) .......................38 Mars Ascent Navigation ................................................................................................40 Life Support and Environmental Monitoring ............................................................ 43 Ionic Liquids (ILs) Enabling Revolutionary Closed-Loop Life Support ....................... 44 Series-Bosch Oxygen Recovery Mix and Match Evaluations ........................................46 v In Situ Resource Utilization ................................................................................. 49 In Situ Production of Cementitious Material from Martian Resources.........................50 Purification of Lunar Cold-Trapped Volatiles ...............................................................52 Ionic Liquid (IL) Metals and Oxygen Extraction in Microgravity: A Prelude to Asteroid Mining .......................................................................................54 Additive Construction With Mobile Emplacement (ACME) .........................................56 Science Instruments .......................................................................................... 59 Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR) ............................................60 CLASP2: The Chromospheric Layer Spectropolarimeter .............................................62 Fly’s Eye Geostationary Lightning Mapper Simulator (FEGS).................................... 64 Fermi Gamma-Ray Burst Monitor (GBM) ...................................................................66 Hinode ..........................................................................................................................68 Hurricane Imaging Radiometer (HIRAD) ....................................................................70 Lightning Imaging Sensor (LIS) ....................................................................................72 Lynx X-Ray Observatory Concept Study ......................................................................74