ARC1-01-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

HUMAN-ROBOT SITE SURVEY: This objective of this project is to develop an effective system for performing surface surveys of lunar sites. In particular, we will develop: (1) techniques for multi-robot teams to perform site survey using methods similar to ones used by civil engineers on Earth and (2) human-robot interaction to improve survey performance and effectiveness. Tests will be performed in the NASA Ames “Marscape” outdoor test site as well as in analog field environments such as Meteor Crater (Arizona), Mauna Kea (Hawaii) and Haughton Crater (Canadian Arctic).  This project involves software development in C/C++ (embedded, robot navigation, and interactive 3D graphics).

ARC1-02-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

SITE OPERATIONS SUPPORT: The focus of this project is to develop “utility” mobile robots and procedures to automate lunar site operations. Site operations support focuses on: (1) tedious, highly repetitive, long-duration tasks that can be off-loaded from astronauts and (2) rapid response for addressing emergency, time-critical situations. Example tasks include: mobile camera platform, inspection, emergency response, site preparation, instrument deployment. This project involves software development in C/C++ (embedded, robot navigation, and interactive 3D graphics).

ARC1-03-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

3D SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION FROM ORBITAL IMAGERY: Since 1998, the NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) has been developing stereo vision software to automatically build high-quality 3D surface models from orbital images in a matter of hours (with minimal or no human intervention). The goal of this project is to adapt this software for use with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, historic Apollo camera images, and cameras planned for the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. This project involves software development in C/C++, focused on applied computer vision and 3D modeling.

ARC1-04-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

NON-PREHENSILE MOBILE MANIPULATION: The goal of this project is to design non-prehensile robot manipulation devices for lunar surface operations, such as digging/trenching, loading, cable running, conveying, or dumping. A variety of approaches are possible including pushing, tapping, or rolling a part. Non-prehensile systems should take advantage of different strategies for manipulation, such as picking up a part by pushing it against a fixed obstacle. This project involves electrical and mechanical engineering and some embedded system (e.g., microcontroller) programming.

ARC1-05-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

REAL-TIME STEREO VISION FOR ROBOT NAVIGATION: Computer vision systems are used extensively within the NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) to perform a myriad of robotics functions. The goal of this project is to take advantage of hardware-based stereo vision (GPU and FPGA acceleration) to enable very fast obstacle avoidance, navigation, and terrain modeling. This project involves computer vision theory, cross-platform software development (Linux and C++), and mobile robot testing.

ARC1-06-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

ENHANCED AUTONOMOUS VISUAL SAMPLING: The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics  Group (IRG) uses computer vision to autonomously position scientific instruments (e.g., a microscopic imager on a robot arm). This project will improve this process in one (or more) ways: autonomously detect scientifically interesting microstructure and prioritize data, 3D modeling using depth from focus, build 2D/3D image mosaics, and use visual surveying to control robot arm movement. This project involves computer vision theory, software development, and robot experiments.

ARC1-07-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

COMPONENT BASED ARCHITECTURE FOR PLANETARY ROVERS: The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) operates mobile robots using a rich library of robot software. IRG is currently developing a new component-based architecture to speed the development of new high-level robot controllers and make it easier to integrate new components (such as a new sensor). This project involves developing new robot software systems and requires strong knowledge/experience in C/C++ and distributed systems.

ARC2-08-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME, EE, CS

USER INTERFACES FOR CONTROLLING MULTIPLE COOPERATING ROBOTS: VizExplorer is an interactive 3D user interface developed by the NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) as a tool for immersive visualization of remote environments. It allows mission operations teams to study data collected by robot explorers and to assemble robot command sequences. Some possible ideas for improving VizExplorer include: adding command sequencing tools for multiple robots, incorporating speech and dialogue, adding predictive graphics (for time-delayed teleoperation). This project involves software development of multi-threaded Java applications, user interface design, and an understanding of 3D graphics.

ARC5-09-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Aerospace Engineering

High-fidelity aerospace modeling and simulation, including aerodynamics, erothermodynamics, aeroelasticity, combustion, missions, risk analysis, etc.  Internship: Perform established modeling and simulation (M&S) task or study one advanced M&S approach;

ARC5-10-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science

Advanced gridding techniques for aerospace modeling and simulation, including multi-zone grid tools, automated gridding, automated mesh refinement, multi-body gridding techniques, etc.  SDC: Compare M&S approaches or prototype new M&S functionality

ARC5-11-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Computer Science

Supercomputer application development programming paradigms and tools that significantly reduce the effort and technical challenge of converting a mathematical model or serial application code into a correct and efficient supercomputer app code. Internship: Study one advanced app dev programming paradigm by implementing it in a known benchmark (such as one of the NAS Parallel Benchmarks), or conduct a user study/survey to identify useful functionalities for parallel programming tools  SDC: Compare app dev programming paradigms or develop new functionality or implementation techniques for a programming paradigm or tool

ARC5-12-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Computer Science

Supercomputer system benchmarking, performance analysis, and comparative analysis. "Internship: Characterize the performance of an application on two or more computer architectures and explain how architectural differences impact performance, or develop a website to store,  access, and understand performance results;  SDC: Compare benchmarking approaches or prototype new benchmarking functionality"

ARC5-13-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Computer Science

Advanced data analysis and visualization techniques for large-scale simulation data, hyper-dimensional data, real-time simulation data streams, and hyperwall environments.  SDC: Compare benchmarking approaches or prototype new benchmarking functionality

ARC5-14-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Computer Science, Service Science

Supercomputer user environments with more intuitive, intelligent, and integrated interfaces to supercomputing resources, services, and simulation data.  "Internship: Perform established user environment task or study one advanced user environment approach;  SDC: Compare user environment approaches or prototype new user environment functionality"

ARC5-15-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Advanced supercomputing architecture R&D, for improved price-performance and/or programmability for NASA applications.  "Internship: Study one advanced architecture;  SDC: Compare supercomputer architectures or prototype new architecture evaluation functionality"

ARC5-16-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Advanced networking software tools, techniques, and technologies, for improved bandwidth, latency, reliability, and administration of supercomputing interconnects, LANs, and WANs.  "Internship: Perform established networking task or study one advanced networking approach;  SDC: Compare networking approaches or prototype new networking functionality"

ARC5-17-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Advanced software tools, techniques, and technologies for managing the physical plant of a large supercomputing facility, including significant changes to equipment, floorspace, electrical power, and air/water cooling. "Internship: Perform established facilities task or study one advanced facility management approach; SDC: Compare facility management approaches or prototype new facility management functionality"

ARC1-18-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

computer science, software engineering, and human-computer interaction

Activity Planning Software Tools: Design, development and evaluation of activity planning software tools for human and robotic space and ground operations. These efforts are currently being applied on robotic Mars surface missions as well as in studies to assess the effects of micro-gravity countermeasures on astronauts. Skills required to support this work include computer science, software engineering, and human-computer interaction

ARC2-19-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

computer science, software engineering, and human-computer interaction

Risk and Knowledge Management Software Systems:  Design, development and evaluation of risk and knowledge management software systems to support safety and quality efforts at NASA, especially for the new Constellation Program which will be replacing the Space Shuttle Program over the next decade. Skills required to support this work include computer science, software engineering, and human-computer interaction.

ARC1-20-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

computer science, biomedical engineering, psychology, physiology

Overall Research Goal: To develop and validate countermeasures to mitigate risks to neurobehavioral functions and enhance health, performance and safety of crews during extended duration spaceflight.

Objectives:
1. To study how individuals adapt in space analog environments (e.g., isolation, confinement, and sustained operations), and to identify individual characteristics that best predict team performance;
2. To compare the effectiveness of selected countermeasures for mitigating performance impairments of individuals exposed to high-stress, high workload situations;
3. To develop non-intrusive, portable methods for self-detection and correction of adverse changes in physiological states, mood states, and cognitive, perceptual, and neuromotor function;
4. To develop a real-time physiological model that will predict or classify individual and team performance.

Skills: (preferred)
1. Some programming experience with Visual Basic, C/C++, Matlab.
2. Some familiarity with digital signal processing techniques, in particular human biomedical data (e.g., ECG, EEG).
3. Some experience with neural network based models

ARC4-21-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mechanical/Electrical/
Computer Engineering

CEV cockpit controls & displays/HSIG (Human System Integration Group) controls & displays:  Engineering internship to work on programming, modeling, analysis, and calibration for computer controlled haptic interfaces.

ARC4-22-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mechanical/Electrical/
Computer Engineering

CEV cockpit controls & displays/HSIG (Human System Integration Group) controls & displays: Engineering internship to work on programming, modeling, analysis, and calibration for computer controlled seat vibration simulator.

ARC1-23-08-SU

ARC

Summer

psychology (team performance, team communication, social-personality), cognitive neuroscience, computer science

Exploration missions will involve distributed team collaboration and decision making, including space crews on the ISS or lunar surface and support personnel on earth.  Neurocognitive and psychological methods for assessing personnel readiness to perform will need to be developed and evaluated in laboratory and analogue environments.   Internship will focus on pilot testing of tools.

ARC1-24-08-AY

ARC

Spring, Fall

psychology (team performance, team communication, social-personality), cognitive neuroscience, computer science

Exploration missions will involve distributed team collaboration and decision making, including space crews on the ISS or lunar surface and support personnel on earth.  Neurocognitive and psychological methods for assessing personnel readiness to perform will need to be developed and evaluated in laboratory and analogue environments.   Internship will focus on predictive validity study of RTP tools in laboratory environment, test ability to predict stress and fatigue.

ARC1-25-08-AN

ARC

Spring, Summer, Fall

psychology (team performance, team communication, social-personality), cognitive neuroscience, computer science

Exploration missions will involve distributed team collaboration and decision making, including space crews on the ISS or lunar surface and support personnel on earth.  Neurocognitive and psychological methods for assessing personnel readiness to perform will need to be developed and evaluated in laboratory and analogue environments.   Internship will focus on analysis of data from predictive study.

GRC1-01-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE, Civ E

GRC AW1: Excavation, Traction, and Material Flowability Measurements: Establish preparation recipes for lunar-equivalent soil using triaxial shear tests, penetration tests, and shear vane test. Use available wheel constructions to determine traction on lunar-equivalent soils under a matrix of operating conditions. Acquire excavator blades and measure the horizontal and vertical forces to dig in lunar-equivalent soil. Test validity/accuracy of traditional granular flow equations on lunar-equivalent soil seeking to identify the physics-based parameters that may be key to flow.  All to develop test bins and validation tools for engineering design of surface systems.

GRC1-02-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE, Civ E

GRC AW2: Finite Element, Mesh Free, and Discrete Element Modeling Calculation to reproduce simple measurements above (GRC AW1): Execute in a high performance computing environment at GRC. From this determine what particle parameters are needed to get responses equivalent to lunar soil.  This is a building block for future more complicated simulations.  All intended to develop modeling capacity that reduces lunar surface field testing during surface system design and build work in the future.

GRC1-03-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE, Chem E

In space exploration, In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) is a concept of utilizing resources available on an exploring planet such as Moon and/or Mars. Student internship opportunities exist for a research of extracting oxygen, water and other substances essential for human life support from lunar regolith through a vibrofluidization reactor.

GRC4-04-08-SU

GRC

Summer

ME/AE, Mfg. E, Ind. E, EE

Currently, in-space repair of electrical hardware aboard the International Space Station consists of replacing a failed unit with a spare.  These units are called Orbital Replaceable Units (ORU).  The failed ORU is then returned to Earth, typically aboard the Space Shuttle, for repair and ultimately returned to space as a new spare ORU.  Often, the failure of the ORU can be traced to a single or small subset of components which can be orders of magnitude smaller than the ORU itself. Although the ORU approach is easy to be performed from the maintenance point of view, it is difficult to assure availability of such replaceable modules in a timely and cost effective manner to where they are needed. The Component-Level Electrical Assembly Repair (CLEAR) is investigating new approaches of repairing electrical components at the component level rather than the module level.  Student internship opportunities exist for assisting in the development of repair techniques of components such as soldering electrical components under micro or low gravity environment, designing diagnostic systems for troubleshooting, and developing inspection methods of repaired components, etc.

GRC1-05-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE, Chem E

A catalytic combustion reactor is a device which converts a gas mixture (CO2, CO, N2, H2, H2O, etc.) into more useful products for space exploration missions. Such useful products include oxygen which is used for human life support and fuels such as methane. Students under this internship are expected to work for various lab assignments such as performing experiments under NASA mentors’ supervision to optimize the performance of the reactor and analyzing experimental data. Internship opportunities also exist for developing a numerical model of the reactor.

GRC4-06-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE, Chem E

Fire hazard is one of major safety concerns for manned space crafts and lunar habitats. Student internship opportunities exist under GRC’s extensive research and development projects for spacecraft fire safety. In the fire prevention area, flammability of materials is examined with various test methods which simulate a low gravity environment. In the fire detection area, GRC is working to develop various new detection systems for space crafts such as new fire detection systems that sense both particles and the signature of gas composition. In the fire suppression area, a focus is on establishing unique fire extinguisher system for each different space craft such as the new Orion space craft under the Constellation project.

GRC1-07-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mat.Sci, Chem, ME/AE

Description of General Research Work To Be Performed: Lunar dust is a major issue for materials and equipment used on the moon.  Developing an understanding of the effect of dust on various materials used in space suits which will be exposed to lunar dust is necessary for up-coming missions.  Baseline studies of space suit samples exposed to dust in the Apollo program using microscopy and other chemical analysis will be carried out based on availability.  A selection of fabrics and other materials proposed to be used in advanced surface suits for up-coming missions will be exposed to lunar dust simulants, analyzed and compared to previous results.

GRC1-08-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mat.Sci, Chem, ME/AE

Silica aerogels are attractive candidates for many unique thermal, optical, catalytic, and chemical applications because of their low density and high mesoporosity.  However, their inherent fragility has restricted their use to applications where they are not subject to any load.  Crosslinking silica aerogels with polymer significantly increases the strength of the aerogel with only a small effect on density or porosity.  In addition, at very low densities, the aerogels crosslinked with a di-isocyanate are somewhat flexible.  To enhance this property and make the monoliths more robust, synthesis of different formulations using more flexible linkages in the polymer backbone is proposed.  Characterization and mechanical testing will be done on the monoliths produced and the properties will be optimized.

GRC1-09-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE

At GRC, a wide range of mechanical systems for the next generation lunar rover are developed and tested through the test vehicle called Modular Mobility Test Demonstration (MMTD) vehicle. The Simulated Lunar OPEration (SLOPE) facility provides the MMTD a test environment of a simulated lunar surface terrain with up to 45 degrees of inclination. Some of important mechanical issues include terramechanics (the study of interactions between vehicle wheels and various terrains specifically the simulated lunar surface), drive train, and suspension. Student internship opportunities are available for designing and fabricating mechanical components, conducting various experiments to validate the performance of the MMTD vehicle, etc.

GRC4-10-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE

Development of Human Body Models for Orion Crew Injury Prediction and Prevention:
The design of Orion requires that NASA develop a high fidelity understanding of the human body’s ability to withstand the landing forces generated by the vehicle during landing. Prediction of crew injuries during landing is critical to mission success and is a major design driver for the program. Currently the Brinkley model is used as the standard for crew injury predictions.  This model is based primarily on empirical data and represents the human body analytically as a simple single degree-of-freedom oscillator in the spinal, side-to-side and chest in and out directions. The shortcoming of the Brinkley model is it is specifically designed for ejection seat injury predictions using a very specific seat arrangement and restraint system.  The model is unable to assess the effects resulting from alternate seat designs, constraint systems, crew suits or helmets. Furthermore, the Brinkley model is based on limited test data and does not utilize the latest technology that is available from the automotive, aerospace or biomedical communities. More recently these industries have employed finite element technology to develop human body models to simulate human behavior during events such as automobile crashes. These models are able to predict full three dimensional human responses during an event such as a crash and airbag deployment are able to reliably predict the loading and deformations that occur within the human body. The Exploration System Mission Directorate (ESMD) is employing this technology for Orion and crew member injury predictions using the following approach; 1) leverage existing human body finite element modeling technology that has been developed for the automotive, aerospace and biomedical communities and further develop this modeling technology for application to Orion. 2) Collect and develop injury criteria applicable to Orion. 3) Enhance models to accommodate candidate seat designs, constraint systems, crew suits and helmets. 4) Integrate human body models into Orion landing scenarios and generate human body response. 5) Assess the human body model and generated response to accepted injury criteria as well as compare new human body model to currently used Brinkley model. Final products will be validated human body finite element models and associated injury criteria capable of modeling the crew members, crew seats, harness, crew suit and helmet and a validated set of injury criteria for Orion crew member injury predictions.

GRC1-11-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Chem E, ME/AE, EE

The Space-Rated Lithium-ion Battery Task of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Power Subsystem of the EVA Project is responsible for developing and evaluating next generation lithium-ion cells and batteries. The student will perform work in support of this task. The student’s duties will entail characterizing, testing and evaluating state-of-the-art battery cells for their ability to meet the anticipated mission requirements for many Exploration missions. The intern will learn about batteries and other energy storage devices, how to characterize battery cells, how to perform battery cell testing, and how to assess cell performance.  A Chemical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer or Electrical Engineer would best fit this position. Mostly lab work will be performed, and analysis of data generated in the lab using spreadsheets will be required. Skills required include basic laboratory skills, good analytical skills for understanding of data and performing data analysis, and proficiency with spreadsheets for data manipulation and plotting.  The ability to utilize various laboratory instrumentation, write simple algorithms and learn simple programming techniques for the test equipment may be needed, but these skills can be taught on the job.  We are willing to work with the student to determine whether a full time or part time position will fit the needs of both the student and the organization.

GRC3-12-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE

Research Combustion Laboratory at GRC is an extensive facility to test small to medium size rocket engines. Currently many tests with non-toxic cryogenic propellants which will be used for CEV and LSAM are underway. Internship opportunities are available for many lab related assignments under this project.

GRC1-13-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Mat.Sci, Chem, ME/AE

The Space Environmental Durability Branch (RPY) of the Power and In-Space Propulsion Division at GRC studies the effects of space and lunar environments on materials and components used on the external surfaces of spacecraft and satellites. Examples of such environmental factors include atomic oxygen present in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), ultraviolet radiation in space, thermal environments, and lunar dust on the moon’s surface. RPY also develops methods for predicting and mitigating such environmental effects. Student internship opportunities are available for various types of experimental and analytical work under this area of research and development.

GRC1-14-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

ME/AE, Chem E

Regolith & Environment Science and Oxygen & Lunar Volatile Extraction (RESOLVE) is a project contributed by 5 NASA centers (JSC, KSC, JPL, GRC, and MSFC), universities and industries to develop an entire ISRU system of extracting oxygen and other volatiles from lunar soil. The focus of this engineering project is to build such a system; which is cost effective, high production rate, reliable, and safe considering the entire lifecycle of excavating lunar soil up to disposing waste from the production. Student internship opportunities may be available for experiments designing/testing components, and other miscellaneous duties for developing the Engineering Breadboard Unit which is a small scale prototype unit to validate the RESOLVE concept through the use of simulated lunar soil.

GRC4-15-08-SU

GRC

Summer

Chem E, EE

The student will be involved in the characterization of fuel/gas leak sensors and environmental chemical sensors, processing of data associated with these sensors, and other activities associated with the Chemical Sensors Team for CLV, CEV and ISRU. The student will be involved in measurement of the response of a variety of different types of gas sensors in range of temperatures and environments. These sensor types include diodes, electrochemical cells, and resistors. This work will include operation of a gas sensor testing system, compiling the resulting data, and some computer programming. The gas sensor testing system is computer controlled with the ability to flow several gases over a wide flow range. The student will operate this gas sensor testing system and use it to characterize samples. Other duties in support of the chemical sensor program will be performed as assigned. An Electrical Engineering major is preferred with programming knowledge.

GRC4-16-08-SU

GRC

Summer

EE, ME/AE

Working with NASA experts, the incumbent will research a range of inputs to describe the Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle solar array design and operational characteristics, such as solar cell properties.  Using these inputs, the incumbent with conduct performance analyses using codes to explore the solar array electrical and thermal operational envelops in Earth orbit and lunar orbit.  The incumbent may also explore the solar array response to induced environments such as thruster plumes.  Based on this research, the incumbent will recommend optimum design and operational strategies for the Orion solar array within the context of overall vehicle electrical power system performance.   At the conclusion of the period of performance, the incumbent is expected to prepare a presentation and/or written report and deliver an oral report on work accomplished and conclusions drawn.

GRC1-17-08-SU

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Navigation for Spacecraft and Lunar and Planetary Surface Systems:  The student will develop performance analysis of lunar navigation systems in support of orbit determination, geo-locating for robotic and manned rovers as well as EVA. Using and extending existing software tools that are part of the Space Navigation Computational Laboratory (SNCL) the student will employ Dilution-of-Precision (DoP), generalized DoP and full covariance-based techniques to analyze systems employing inertial, Earth-based and in-situ orbiting navigation resources. Currently contemplated studies include those focused on Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) as well as an analysis of beacon assets, deployed on the moon’s surface.

GRC4-18-08-AN

GRC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Electrical Engineering and/or Computer Engineering

Space Power Systems:  NASA GRC has a lead role in the definition and development of electric power system specifications for all Constellation vehicles (CLV, CEV, LSAM, etc.). As such, GRC is currently developing a Power System Test Facility to develop and validate interface specifications, verification plans, and refine system-level models for the Constellation program. The hardware to be developed includes: solar array regulators, primary and secondary distribution switch units, battery charge controllers, load simulators, and system controllers.

GRC3-19-08-SP

GRC

Spring

Assist lead cryogenic storage analyst in thermal modeling of lunar ascent vehicle, descent vehicle, and launch vehicle cryogenic propellant storage designs.  Work to optimize configurations for these applications.  Efforts will include investigation of insulation, refrigeration, shielding, shading, and fluid transfer.  Spreadsheet based modeling as well as basic language experience preferred.  Undergraduate Thermodynamics or Heat transfer collegiate course completion preferred.

JSC1-01-08-AN

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Chem E, Chemistry/
Electrochemistry, EE

A student researcher is required to assist in the design and development of battery modules with polymer lithium-ion cells.  The battery modules will be tested in ambient as well as vacuum environments for performance as well as safety.  Lunar and planetary surface systems will require that they be exposed to extreme temperatures and testing will be performed at worst case hot and cold temperatures. 

JSC1-02-08-AN

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Graduate EE/ECE

Write VHDL code for a Reed Solomon codec with Space to Space Communication System(SSCS) compatibility for the Software Defined Radio (SDR). Include both RS open standards as well as L64710.

JSC1-03-08-AN

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Graduate EE/ECE

Write VHDL code for a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) codec for the Software Defined Radio (SDR).

JSC1-04-08-AN

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

Graduate EE/ECE

Design a QFDM (or QAM) module that is WiMax compatible for the Software Defined Radio (SDR).

JSC1-05-08-AN

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

PhD student EE/ECE

Develop a radiation hardened local wireless network for NASA's lunar base. Current systems are not likely to perform well enough in the radiation environment of deep space. This is an incremental development of an existing open source or government owned protocol such as WiMax 802.16e. This project is a multi-year project which would be worked at the university and on-site at JSC.

JSC1-06-08-AN

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

PhD student EE/ECE

Develop a re-programmable logic platform suitable for implementing a radiation hardened local wireless network. A multi-party collaborative R&D effort is envisioned in which different parties develop various versions of the functional elements (or Arithmetic Logic Units), the routing architectures, VHDL or netlist conversion and translation tools, and embedded microcontrollers. This project is a multi-year project which would be worked at the university and on-site at JSC.

JSC1-07-08-AY

JSC

Spring/Fall

senior undergraduate or graduate student geological sciences (See Description)

Evaluation of combined visible/ thermal infrared handheld camera data for potential use in astronaut sortie characterization of lunar and Martian landing site geological materials and surface properties (particle size and composition).  Characterization will be performed using terrestrial material analogs in the JSC/Houston region. Intern will assist in collection of diurnal field data as well as integration, analysis, and geological interpretation of visible and thermal infrared data.  Senior undergraduate or graduate student geological sciences (mineralogy/ petrology coursework would be helpful), physical geography (geomorphology/soils coursework would be helpful), and/or remote sensing are preferred.

JSC1-08-08-4M

JSC

Spring, Summer, Fall

environmental microbiology, biogeochemistry, air revitalization, and electron microscopy