Table of Contents

Canadian student participation in the NASA Academy 2010

NASA Goddard Projects

NASA Ames Projects

Project Management and Engineering Directorate, Code P

Project P1: Lunar Spacecraft Development

Principal Investigators; Butler Hine and Will Marshall, Code P

The student shall be working in the NASA-Ames Small Spacecraft Division on a lunar orbiter or lander spacecraft design and development project. The student may contribute to the design and development of one of a number of potential subsystems, including the avionics, the structure, the trajectory analysis or the propulsion. He or she may also write test plans, inventory parts, and update drawings and schematics.

The student works under the supervision of a Mentor who has discussions with the student relative to methods and procedures to be followed and provides direction on the specific duties the student will accomplish. The student's tasks are occasionally checked during progress, and are routinely reviewed upon completion.

The above activities are in the context of a project with hardware deliverables. The student will work along-side engineers who tackle many difficulties in developing the satellite.

Project S2: Lunar Dust, its Surface Properties and Potential Toxicity

Principal Investigators: Friedemann T. Freund, San Jose State University Physics Dept. and Carl Sagan Center at the SETI Institute, Code SGE

When humans will walk on the surface of the moon again, one of the major concerns is the lunar dust. It is easy to stir up and, due to the low gravity forces on the moon, will take long time to settle. Its sharp-edged micro- and nano-sized grains adhere to any surfaces. The finest fraction will pass through any filter system and enter living spaces. Mechanically corrosive and chemically reactive, lunar dust presents many challenges.

This project is about characterizing the extremely reactive, highly oxidizing surface centers that arise from the suspected presence of oxygen anions in the valence 1- in lunar surface material. They are subject to activation by mechanical stress or UV irradiation. They can be studied by means of electric and spectroscopic measurements. Results from this study are expected to also cast light on the genesis of lunar rocks some 4.5 billion years ago.

Project S4: The influence of Spaceflight Factors on Biological Function

Principal Investigator: Eduardo Almeida, Code SLR

The space environment offers a challenge to biological organisms because of high radiation levels and the mechanical unloading of tissues in microgravity. As a result, even with short periods of spaceflight many biological effects can be observed, including bone and muscle tissue atrophy, immune function abnormalities, altered morphogenesis during tissue development/regeneration, and damage to DNA and other molecules in the cell. Most of these effects have been observed in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), under the protective radiation shield of the terrestrial magnetosphere, and are likely much more severe in deep space. Currently it is not known if living organisms can exist and thrive in the deep space environment for prolonged periods, and if not, what exact shielding and artificial gravity or tissue loading measures might be used to mitigate the effects of radiation and microgravity.

Our research is aimed at elucidating the phenomenology of spaceflight effects on tissue regeneration and the cellular/molecular mechanisms involved. The specific focus of our laboratory research is two-fold: 1) On ground experiments with mice simulating the combined effects of space radiation and microgravity modeled by mechanical unloading of limbs, 2) On spaceflight experiments (Foton M2 and M3) with newts and geckos studying the processes of tissue regeneration and degeneration in space.

Successful applicants will have an opportunity to either participate on ongoing cell proliferation and regeneration analyses of spaceflight tissue samples, or to plan and conduct in-vitro cell and tissue biology experiments aimed at testing the involvement of the Integrin/PI3Kinase/MDM2/p53 signaling pathway in sensing the combined effects of space radiation and microgravity.

At the conclusion of the Academy project the participant will have gained experience in the fields of radiation and mechanical loading cell biology and gained an understanding of the problems and possible solutions involved in extending the presence of life into space.

Project S6: Mars Habitability and Life Potential Through Mission Data Analysis and Exploration of Terrestrial Analogs

Project No.1: Mars Exploration Rover (MER) data analysis
Principal Investigators: Nathalie A. Cabrol and Edmond A. Grin, Code SST

Both Principal Investigators (PIs) are directly involved in the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission as members of the science team. The overall goal of the project is to characterize the morphology and sedimentology of rocks and soils along the rover traverse at Gusev crater and establish their classification. This work will provide important clues about processes, including aqueous, volcanic, and eolian, that have shaped and modified those rocks and soils at various geological times, first when Mars was habitable for life as we know it, and later, after the end of the favorable climate conditions (between 3.7 and 3.2 Ga ago).

The student will assist the PIs in the analysis of data from the rover Spirit. The work will involve the analysis of the Pancam, Navcam, and Microscopic Imager (MI) datasets, mapping and statistical, and preparation of manuscripts for publications. More information about the MER mission and related data can be found at: http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/all/spirit.html. An introduction to mission results and methodology associated with the interpretation of data from the various rover instruments can be found in the Science Special Issues on Spirit and Opportunity: Science, August 2004, Volume 305 No. 5685, pp 737-900: Spirit at Gusev crater; and Science, December 2004, Volume 306 No. 5702, pp 1633-1844: Opportunity at Meridiani planum. Overall, the duties of an Astrobiology Academy student would involve observational, analytical, and theoretical work. The duties can involve one or several aspects of the following: analysis and interpretation of Mars mission data from MER. Training will be provided at the beginning of the project on morphology, geology, and sedimentology analysis based on remote sensing data and image interpretation. The skills required are a background in geology and/or physics (both preferred but not mandatory), interest in statistical analysis (preferred but not mandatory), and a strong interest in astrobiology, planetary surface missions, and exploration. Candidates should type well and have experience with Macintosh computers, and programs such as Word, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop. Introductory training with the NIH application will be provided if necessary. Our team has a history of long-term association with Astrobiology Academy students who after the Academy became directly involved in the MER mission as participants.

Project S7: Mars Past and Present Habitability: Detection of Caves, Cave-Bearing Geology, and Subsurface Shelters on Mars

Project No.2: Mars Data Analysis for the Search for Life Habitat
Principal Investigators: Nathalie A. Cabrol and Edmond A. Grin, Code SST

Preliminary results from terrestrial caves study have shown they are detectable in the thermal infrared. Diurnal and seasonal temperature variations have been determined. They are most detectable when the temperature contrast between the entrance and ground surface is greatest. Analysis of visual and thermal imagery reveal possible cave-like structures on Mars, some with thermal characteristics similar to terrestrial sample sites. The student will assists both PIs in the identification of cave-bearing geology on Mars, potential subsurface shelters, and possible cave entrances by analyzing visual and thermal infrared imagery from the ongoing missions orbiting Mars.

The skills required are a background in geology and/or physics (both preferred but not mandatory), and a strong interest in astrobiology, planetary surface missions, and exploration. Candidates should type well and have experience with Macintosh computers, and programs such as Word, Excel, and Adobe Photoshop. Their work will contribute to a project currently funded by NASA.

Project S8: Life on Mars: Past, Present, and Future

Principle Investigator: Chris McKay, Code SST

Our investigations start with Mars' warm wet past and its potential to have harbored life. This can be explored here on Earth though terrestrial analogs including, but not limited to, Siberian permafrost, Arctic polar deserts, or perennially ice covered lakes. Life in extreme environments such as these can give us a better idea of where life's last foothold on Mars may have been. Calculations and models of thermal decay, heat transfer and other physical parameters have been a center piece of this work. We combine theoretical modeling, spacecraft data analysis, and terrestrial field work to better understand past, present, and future conditions on Mars that may be hospitable to life.

Project S9: Charting the History of Earth's Earliest Microbial Ecosystems

Principal Investigators: Dr. Leslie Prufert-Bebout, Code SXX

Microorganisms are the primary engines of our biosphere, and so they play major roles in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and metals. The hierarchical organization of microbial ecosystems determines the rates of processes that shape Earth's environment, create the sedimentary and atmospheric signatures (biosignatures) of life, and define the stage upon which major evolutionary events occurred. To learn how microbes fulfill these roles on Earth and, potentially, other worlds, we must therefore understand the structure and function of microbial ecosystems. Photosynthetic microbial mats have been major players for billions of years. They are self-sustaining, complete ecosystems in which light energy that is absorbed over part of a diel (24 hour) cycle drives the synthesis of spatially organized, diverse biomass. Thus microbial mats offer an opportunity to study how microbial populations associate to control the biogeochemical cycles.

This project involves experiments with cyanobacterial microbial mats that are maintained in a simulated natural environment. We will explore various conditions that represent stages in the long-term (billion-year) evolution of Earth's environment. The effects of seawater composition, oxygen and dissolved inorganic carbon contents will be measured for ecosystem properties such as population sizes, elemental cycling and gas production. We will seek a better understanding of how the environment influences biosignatures such as atmospheric gases and also chemicals and minerals preserved in sedimentary rocks.

The student will participate in experiments with microbial mats as part of a team. He/she will measure rates of growth and migration, as well as the production and consumption of various key chemical compounds using microelectrodes and chromatographs. These measurements will be interpreted as components of ecosystem processes that can vary in response to changing environmental conditions. The student will thereby contribute to an improved understanding of how ancient photosynthetic ecosystems interacted with changing environments and recorded their legacy.

#1 Flow Dynamics in Microbial Ecosystems
This project will focus on looking at the dynamics of water flow on the physical integrity and structure of microbial communities (microbial mats and stromatolites). Focus will be on the effects of physical flow dynamics on sedimentation, diffusion, microbial growth and gas flux in microbial systems.

#2 Environmental Effects on Microbial Growth and Biomarker Production
This project will examine the effects of various growth conditions (irradiance, nutrients, temperature, flow conditions) on motility and biomarker production in cyanobacteria.

Coursework in chemistry and/or biology, and a working knowledge of word processing and spreadsheets, is necessary.

Project S10: Chemistry and Physics in a Dusty Disk

Co-Principal Investigators: Sanford Davis, NASA Ames and Denis Richard, San Jose State University

Before planets form, the primeval state consists of a swirling dusty disk. Our project is concerned with the evolution of chemical species in the dusty disk and the scattering of sunlight by dust particles in this disk.

We have a number of computer codes which we use to predict (1) the physical evolution of the disk itself, including the temperature and pressure at point in the disk from the location of the solar source to the radius where cold planets form far away from the center; (2) the chemical evolution of atoms and binary molecules into relatively complex prebiotic precursors and the location of these species relative to the sun; and (3) the optical scattering of solar light by particles of various shapes and composition.

This project requires an interest in applied mathematics, numerical physics, and familiarity with FORTRAN coding

Project T1: Studies in Virtual Environments Human Information Processing Research Branch

Principal Investigator: Dr. Stephen R. Ellis, Code THH

Project T2: The Automation for Operations Project: Development of advanced software prototypes for manned mission operations

Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeremy Frank, Code: TI

There are significant challenges in devising software for manned and unmanned spaceflight mission operations. Individual spacecraft operations disciplines such as thermal control, power systems management, attitude control and science planning each require software support. Furthermore, these tools must be employed both singly and collectively while missions are operating, in order to successfully manage changing operations goals, contingencies, and fresh information influencing mission plans. Finally, judicious use of automation when circumstances permit can increase mission safety in a cost-effective manner, or increase mission operations team productivity by automating well-understood functions.

The Automation for Operations project develops advanced software prototypes for manned mission operations. These prototypes include software environments for procedure development, procedure verification and validation, procedure automation technologies, automated planning systems, and software interoperability technologies. The project offers numerous opportunities for Masters and Ph.D. students in computer science to both learn about and contribute to these tools. These opportunities include automation algorithm development, software tools development, empirical algorithm analysis, and infrastructure development.

Project T3: ROBOTIC SCOUTING FOR LUNAR SURFACE SCIENCE

Principal Investigator: Terry Fong, Code TI

This goal of this project is to study how robotic rovers may be used as scouts deployed in advance of humans in order to increase lunar surface science return

NASA currently plans to return humans to the Moon around 2020 with a campaign of regularly spaced surface missions. Prior to these surface missions, spacecraft in lunar orbit will be used to map the surface. However, remote sensing data may not be of sufficient resolution, nor view angle, to fully plan lunar surface activity, such as crew traverses for field geology. Thus, it will be important to acquire supplemental and complementary data on the lunar surface. One method to do this is robotic reconnaissance, i.e., using a planetary rover to scout planned sorties prior to human activity. During recon, robot-mounted instruments can be used to examine the surface at resolutions and from viewpoints not achievable from orbit. Several research opportunities are available over the summer, depending on the interest and background of the student. These include:

(1) Studies of how robotic scouting or robotic followup would have impacted Apollo 11-17 missions, integrating historical mission data with "what-if" studies.

(2) Robotic scouting mission concept, site selection, and surface scenario development, for potential future robotic scouting missions.

(3) Development of software for the analysis and visualization of data from the NASA Ames K10 rover for use in terrestrial field work.

This project is suitable for a student interested in robotics and/or field geology. The project is hosted within the Exploration Technology directorate, but is interdisciplinary in nature and will require interaction with both scientists and technology developers.

Project T4: Intelligent Spacecraft Interface Systems (ISIS)

Principal Investigator: Rob McCann, Code TH

Intelligent Spacecraft Interface Systems (ISIS) Lab at NASA Ames Research Center proposes to employ a summer student as part of the NASA Academy at Ames for Space Exploration. One of the goals of the ISIS Lab is to record and classify operators¹ oculomotor (i.e., eye movement) characteristics while acquiring and acting on information encoded from cockpit visual displays in support of targeted spacecraft operations. These data are being used to build a human oculomotor performance (HOP) model of visual information extraction behavior that captures, simulates, and predicts inter-observer variability in information sampling behavior (fixation sequences and fixation durations). This summer, we plan to extend the HOP model to simulate the performance impacts of the substantial vibration levels that may occur during the launch of Orion, the successor spacecraft to the Space Shuttle. The student's work in support of this effort will focus on analyzing and understanding perceptual and performance data collected from astronauts and general population subjects under different levels of vibration. The data to be analyzed may include operator videotape, eye fixations, and results of HOP model simulations following targeted parameter modifications. This experience will provide the student with the opportunity to understand the challenges associated with a human-centered approach to operational concept development for next-generation spacecraft. Principal Investigator: Robert McCann, Ph.D.