Glenn Research Center Archives

Here’s a breakdown of the key data from the provided text,organized for clarity:

Main Topic: NASA is developing and testing portable X-ray systems for use on future long-duration space missions (specifically to the Moon and Mars).

Why is this important?

Enhanced Medical Care: Long space missions require astronauts to be largely self-sufficient in medical care.
Diagnosis & treatment: Portable X-rays allow for immediate diagnosis of injuries (broken bones, dental issues) and identification of equipment problems.
Astronaut Safety: Improved medical capabilities will make future missions safer.

Current progress & Testing:

System Review: NASA reviewed over 200 commercial systems, narrowing it down to three for testing: MinXray, Remedi, and Fujifilm.
Testing Focus: Tests evaluate size, weight, image quality, ease-of-use, cost, and safety.
Clinical & Non-Clinical Use: The X-rays could diagnose medical conditions in astronauts and identify issues with equipment (like tears in spacesuits). Collaboration: NASA Glenn is working with:
Johnson Space Center (Houston)
Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA)
University Hospitals (Cleveland)
Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland) – providing anatomical models and expertise.
Real-World Testing: University Hospitals is conducting a study comparing the portable systems to hospital-grade equipment.
Usability is Key: Systems must be easy to use for astronauts who may not be radiography experts.
Space-Based testing: SpaceX launched an X-ray system on the Fram2 mission in April, capturing the first human X-ray images in space.

Timeline:

Device selection: NASA plans to select a device near the end of 2025.
ISS Testing: The chosen system will be tested on the International Space Station in 2026 or early 2027.

Inspiration from Earth-Based Use:

Portable X-ray systems have already been successfully used in remote and challenging environments on Earth (Nepal, South Africa). This suggests potential durability for space missions.

Funding:

The work is funded by the Mars Campaign Office at NASA headquarters and the Human Research Program at NASA Johnson.

in essence, NASA is taking a methodical approach to integrating advanced medical technology into space exploration, prioritizing astronaut health and mission success.

Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, organized for clarity:

What is being developed?

An Americium-Radioisotope Stirling Generator.

What is the purpose of this generator?

To provide a long-lived, compact, and efficient power source for space missions, especially those in deep space or on celestial bodies where sunlight is scarce.
It’s intended for robotic spacecraft,future crewed missions,and lunar surface operations.

What is the key fuel source?

Americium-241.

Why Americium-241?

Long half-life (432 years): This means it can provide power for decades.
More accessible production routes: Compared to plutonium-238,it’s easier and less expensive to produce at scale.

How does it work?

It uses a Stirling convertor.
Stirling convertor design:
Features floating pistons with no crankshaft or rotating bearings.
This design allows for continuous operation for decades with minimal wear.
Mimicking thermal output: Electrically heated devices are used to safely simulate the heat generated by americium decay for testing.

Key Features and Benefits Demonstrated:

Robustness and reliability: The system can withstand the failure of one Stirling convertor without a loss of electrical power. This is crucial for missions where power loss is unacceptable.
Long-term operation: Capable of operating for many decades.
Efficiency targets met: The current prototype has met its performance and efficiency goals.

Advancement Status and Future Plans:

Prototype level achieved: The concept has been developed from a design to a prototype close to a flight version.
Successful testbed presentation: Researchers have successfully demonstrated the generator’s ability to continue producing power even with a convertor failure.
Next-generation testbed: NASA plans to develop a new testbed with:
Lower mass
Higher fidelity
Readiness for environmental testing (vibration, thermal cycling, vacuum).

Collaboration:

A synergy between NASA and the University of Leicester teams was instrumental in the project’s quick and inexpensive development.

Potential Applications:

Powering science instruments, landers, or small surface habitats on:
The Moon (especially in permanently shadowed craters).
The icy moons of Jupiter and saturn.
Other regions of the outer solar system and beyond.

Comparison to Plutonium-238:

Americium-241 is presented as a compelling alternative to plutonium-238 due to its longer half-life and more accessible production.

In essence, NASA is developing a new type of radioisotope power system using americium-241 and Stirling convertors, aiming for a highly reliable and long-lasting power source for future deep space exploration.

Glenn Research Center

Mini-X-Ray Technology for Astronaut Health in Space Exploration

Here’s a breakdown of the key data from the provided text,organized for clarity:

Americium-241: NASA’s Next Generation Space Power