Space Technologies

Mission

The mission of the Space Technologies Area is to make key contributions to the nation’s space technologies development. Specific examples include: solar energy utilization for lunar materials processing; solar plant lighting for space-based plant growing; and solar/electric propulsion for satellite maneuver. In addition, we have developed cross-enterprise programs with Japanese government agencies for terrestrial remote sensing and space environment monitor.

Solar Energy Utlization for Lunar Materials Processing

Core Competencies

Core competencies include gas dynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, space propulsion and power generation, applied optics, applied physics, electromagnetism, mechanical engineering, and aeronautical engineering.

Solar Plant Lighting system Installed at NASA/KSC	Solar Thermal Propulsion	Pulsed Electric Thruster

  Current Research Thrusts Include:

• Solar Plant Lighting System
  - Sponsor: NASA KSC
  
  - Objectives: Develop solar plant lighting system for advanced life support systems (ALS).
  
   
• Solar Thermal Power System
  - Sponsor: NASA JSC and GRC
  
  - Objectives: Develop thermal power system for in-situ resource utilization (ISRU).
  
   
• Space Propulsion and Power
  - Sponsor: AFRL
  
  - Objectives: Develop solar thermal propulsion systems and advanced electric propulsion systems for space applications.
  
  
  - Sponsor: NASA GRC
  
  - Objectives: Develop a new pulsed electric thruster for satellite applications.
  
   
• Satellite Component Technologies
  - Sponsor: Japanese Space Agencies
  
  - Objectives: Develop space environmental monitor instruments for satellites and International Space Station (ISS)..
  
   

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