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Research Opportunities Supporting the Vision for Space Exploration from the Transformation of the Former Microgravity Materials Science ProgramThe Microgravity Materials Science Program established a strong research capability through partnerships between NASA and the scientific research community. With the announcement of the vision for space exploration, additional emphasis in strategic materials science areas was necessary. The President's Commission recognized that achieving its exploration objectives would require significant technical innovation, research, and development in focal areas defined as "enabling technologies." Among the 17 enabling technologies identified for initial focus were: advanced structures, advanced power and propulsion; closed-loop life support and habitability; extravehicular activity systems; autonomous systems and robotics; scientific data collection and analysis, biomedical risk mitigation; and planetary in situ resource utilization. Mission success may depend upon use of local resources to fabricate a replacement part to repair a critical system. Future propulsion systems will require materials with a wide range of mechanical, thermophysical, and thermochemical properties, many of them well beyond capabilities of today's materials systems. Materials challenges have also been identified by experts working to develop advanced life support systems. In responding to the vision for space exploration, the Microgravity Materials Science Program aggressively transformed its research portfolio and focused materials science areas of emphasis to include space radiation shielding; in situ fabrication and repair for life support systems; in situ resource utilization for life support consumables; and advanced materials for exploration, including materials science for space propulsion systems and for life support systems. The purpose of this paper is to inform the scientific community of these new research directions and opportunities to utilize their materials science expertise and capabilities to support the vision for space exploration.
Document ID
20050110180
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Clinton, R. G., Jr.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Szofran, Frank
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Bassler, Julie A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Schlagheck, Ronald A.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Cook, Mary Beth
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 22, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2005
Subject Category
Chemistry And Materials (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Exploration Conference
Location: Orlando, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: January 30, 2005
End Date: February 1, 2005
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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