New Technology Innovations with Potential for Space Applications

Paper number

IAC-07-C2.I.18

Author

Dr. Kumar Krishen, Johnson Space Center, United States

Year

2007

Abstract

Human exploration and development of space is one of the key strategic enterprises being pursued by space faring nations for opening the space frontier by exploring, using and enabling the development of space, and expanding the human experience into the far reaches of space.  The goals outlined in these programs include, increasing human knowledge of nature’s processes using the space environment; exploring and settling the solar system; achieving routine space travel; and enriching life on Earth through living and working in space.  

A crucial aspect of future space missions is envisioned as the development of infrastructure to optimize the safety, productivity, and costs.  A major component of the mission execution is operations management.  NASA’s International Space Station is providing extensive experience in both infrastructure and operations.   

Operations include planning; scheduling; training; real time monitoring of data and systems; command and control; communications; and post mission data analysis.  In view of this enormous scope, a vigorously organized approach is needed to implement successful space, planet, and ground-based research and operations.  This entails wise and efficient use of both technical and human resources. This has lead to the use of automated and intelligent systems in the past to accomplish both manned and unmanned missions.  

However, many revolutionary technologies currently being pursued by research and technology (R\&T) communities may find an important role in making space missions safe, reliable, cost-effective, and productive in terms of research and space development.  These technologies include ionic polymer-metal composite technology; solid-state lasers; time-domain sensors and communication systems; high temperature superconductivity; nano-technology; variable specific impulse magneto plasma rocket; fuzzy logic; wavelet technology; and neural networks. An overview of these technologies will be presented, along with their application to space missions.

Abstract document

IAC-07-C2.I.18.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-C2.I.18.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.