1773 research outputs found
Sort by
Reference mosaic for topographic maps of Triton
No full textReference mosaic for topographic maps of Triton. Description in and citation when using data: Schenk et al., (2021) Triton: Topography and Geology of a Probable Ocean World with Comparison to Pluto and Charon, Remote Sensing, 13, 3476-3490
Tectonism and enhanced cryovolcanic potential around a loaded Sputnik Planitia basin, Pluto
No full textThe bright Sputnik Planitia region on Pluto is a vast plain consisting of a deposit of frozen nitrogen that fills a broad depressed area. The depression is probably the result of a large object colliding with Pluto; such a depression is called an impact basin. The basin displays a broad, raised rim and is surrounded by numerous cracks that reach outward like spokes on a bicycle wheel. The frozen nitrogen pushes down the outer shell of Pluto, which consists of frozen water (ice). The pushing creates stress in the shell that can fracture it. We use computer models to test for the conditions that would create the configuration of cracks seen around Sputnik Planitia. We show that the models strongly favor a particular range for the shell thickness, 40–75 km. Also, for the most successful models the starting shape of the depression resembled that of a frying pan, and was around 3 km in depth. The stresses created in the ice shell actually assist the rising of liquid water through it, an unusual form of volcanism that may be occurring at several sites in the region surrounding Sputnik Planitia.P. J. McGovern, O. L. White, and P. M. Schen
Global 3-color mosaic of Triton - ogb
No full textmosaic is global map cylindrical projection from -180 to 180 E longitude and -90 to 90 latitudeGlobal 3-color mosaic of Triton, using color filters orange, green and blu
Model Archive for Paper: "Tectonism and Enhanced Cryovolcanic Potential Around a Loaded Sputnik Planitia Basin, Pluto"
No full textThis archive contains files used to create and plot results from the spherical shell loading models presented in the paper McGovern, P. J., O. L. White and P. M. Schenk (2021), Tectonism and Enhanced Cryovolcanic Potential Around a Loaded Sputnik Planitia Basin, Pluto, J. Geophys. Res., 126, e2021JE006964. https://doi.org/10.1029/2021JE006964
The first group of files (with suffix .mph") contains "cleared" versions of COMSOL Multiphysics (hereinafter "CM") model files. By "cleared", we mean that the "Clear All Meshes" and "Clear All Solutions" tabs in the "Edit" menu of CM have been executed, removing all model results and finite element meshes from the files, which allows compact storage. The results can be recovered by executing the "compute" command within CM.
pluto_2Dshell_nominal_cleared.mph produces the model of Figure 5 of the paper (uncompensated basin model).
pluto_2Dshell_vt_cleared.mph produces the model of Fig. S9 of the paper (compensated basin model).
Second group of files are matlab scripts (with the suffix .m) to carry out the iteration process.
The third group of files comprise a Generic Mapping Tools script (with suffix .gmt6) for plotting model results and a color palette file (with suffix .cpt) for plotting the A_psi parameter of Simpson.
The last file is a Word document, Guide_to_COMSOL_McGovern_etal_2021_v3.docx, describing how to carry out the iterative load-determining process used to generate the models in the manuscript.NASA New Frontiers Data Analysis Progra
Definition and use of functional analogues in planetary exploration
Full text linkThe practical limitations inherent to human and robotic planetary exploration necessitate the development of specific protocols and methods. This non-standard approach requires testing and validation phases in order to optimise instrumental setups and improve data interpretation; this can occur prior to, during, or even after a mission. Flight instruments, and/or their spare models, may be evaluated using relevant terrestrial materials and/or locations. These materials are called analogues: "analogue sites" for large-scale locations, and "analogue samples" for smaller-scale materials. Depending on the scientific domain, the word "analogue" may carry different meanings but is invariably used to denote objects having compositions and/or physical properties similar to specific extraterrestrial objects. However, due to the variability in composition and properties of natural materials, there are always – inevitably – some differences between the analogue and the object(s) to which it refers. In analogue studies, it is, thus, important to focus on the specific properties that need to be imitated and to consider analogue properties rather than analogue sites or samples alone. Here, we introduce the concept of "functional analogues". We first make an overview of the different types of analogues and sort them according to their utility. We then describe how different types of functional analogues can be used throughout the timeline of space missions, from the evaluation of different methods in the definition of a mission to understanding the results acquired by probes exploring extraterrestrial bodies. Finally, logical pathways are outlined that facilitate the selection of the best-suited functional analogue(s) according to their intended use and taking into account practical limitations.F. Foucher, K. Hickman-Lewis, A. Hutzler, K.H. Joy, L. Folco, J.C. Bridges, P. Wozniakiewicz, J. Martínez-Frías, V. Debaille, M. Zolensky, H. Yano, N. Bost, L. Ferrier, M. Lee J. Michalski H. Schroeven-Deceuninck, G. Kminek, M. Viso, S. Russell, C. Smith, J. Zipfel, F. Westal
Topographic map of Triton combining both stereo and shape-from-shading information
No full textTopographic map of Triton combining both stereo and shape-from-shading information. Description in and citation when using data: Schenk et al., (2021) Triton: Topography and Geology of a Probable Ocean World with Comparison to Pluto and Charon, Remote Sensing, 13, 3476-3490. JPEG image version
Lunar Dust 2020
No full textCovers: Lunar Dust: Nature and Characteristics; The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Health; The Impact of Lunar Dust on Human Surface Systems and Surface Operations.Institutional support NASA Engineering and Safety Center, Lunar and Planetary Institute, Universities Space Research Association, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, The College of William and Mary.Conveners Joel S. Levine, The College of William and Mary and NASA Engineering and Safety Center ; Science Organizing Committee Dr. Joel S. Levine, The College of William and Mary and NASA Engineering and Safety Center, Dr. Daniel Winterhalter, NASA Engineering and Safety Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Dr. Russell L. Kerschmann, NASA Ames Research Center (retired), NASA Engineering and Safety CenterPARTIAL CONTENTS: Lunar Surface Anthropogenic Modification and Contamination Over Time / D. C. Barker -- Ascent Module Lunar Dust Impacts and Gateway External Contamination / D. C. Barker and J. W. Alred -- Analog Network with Technology for Dust Quantification, Characterization, and Mitigation / E. Beltran, J. Brisset, C. Calle, J. Schuler, C. Davis, P. De Leon, O. Doule, S. Bhattacharyya, R. Addante, E. Melchiorre, H. Smith, and A. Royce -- Portable and Wearable Particulate Matter (PM) Sensors for Characterization of Aerosols and Control of PM Using Photoionization Enhanced Corona Systems / P. Biswas -- Setting the Stage for Rapid Assessment of Celestial Dust Toxicity / E. C. Breen, G. K. Prisk, and C. Darquenne -- Current State of the Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Mitigation / C. R. Buhler, M. Johansen, M. Dupuis, M. Hogue, J. Phillips, J. Malissa, J. Wang, and C. I. Calle -- Measurement of the Angle of Repose of Apollo 14 Lunar Sample 14163 / C. I. Calle and C. R. Buhler -- Use of Electrostatic System Techniques to Alleviate Severity of Problems Caused due to Lunar Dust / R. A. Chandrachud -- Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Genotoxicity Provoked by Exposure of Human Lung Cells to Lunar Dust Simulants / J. H. M. Chang, K. Chen, D. Hendrix, T. Catalano, J. A. Hurowitz, H. Nekvasil, and B. Demple -- 40 Forty Feet Down, 2-1/2, Kickin Up Some Dust / J. F. Connolly -- Towards the Development of an Automated Instrument for Determining Oxidative Reactivity of Lunar Dust During Moon Exploration Activities / I. Corazzari, E. M. Tranfield, D. J. Loftus, U. Staufer, G. K. Prisk, and F. Turci -- What Matters More for Particulate Matter Inhalation in Reduced Gravity: Total Lung Dose or Regional Deposition Pattern? / C. Darquenne and G. K. Prisk -- Evaluation of the Toxicity of Lunar Dust Exposed to Simulated Space Radiation: Perspective from an ESA Topical Team / M. Durante, B. Fubini, P. Gerde, L. Karlsson, D. Linnarsson, D. J. Loftus, L. Palmberg, G. K. Prisk, U. Staufer, E. M. Tranfield, F. Turci, and W. van Westrenen -- Lunar Dust-to-Suit Electrostatic Interactions: Insulating vs. Conductive Space Suits / W. M. Farrell, J. L. McLain, M. I. Zimmerman, C. M. Hartzell, and Z. T. Fester
The Chronology Problem in the Outer Solar System: Constraining the "WHEN" of Major Dynamical and Geological Events
No full textIn this white paper, we summarize the current state of surface age determination in the OSS and make recommendations and advocate for research into the Chronology of the OSS as a high priority for NASA over the next decade
Near-Earth Object Characterization Using Ground-Based Radar Systems
No full textIn the next decade, in addition to continuing as a state-of-the-art astrometric tool for planetary defense, we expect ground-based radar observations to expand our knowledge of the physical characteristics of the near-Earth asteroid population in terms of their shape, binarity, and near-surface structure. We recommend that facilities with ground-based radar systems, planetary radar programs, and research and analysis of radar observations receive full support from NASA and NSF to ensure their availability to the planetary science community and as a resource for planetary defense initiatives through the next decade.Anne K. Virkki, Co-authors: Patrick A. Taylor, Michael W. Busch, Ellen S. Howell, Edgard G. Rivera-Valentín, Yanga Fernandez, Lance A.M. Benner, Marina Brozović, Tracy M. Becker, Sean E. Marshall, Dylan C. Hickson, Joseph Masiero, Alessondra Springmann, Flora Paganelli, Flaviane C.F. Venditti, Luisa F. Zambrano Marín, Andy Lopez Oquendo, Maria Womack, Melissa J. Brucker, Bruce A. Campbell, Michael C. Nola
Alternative Artemis III EVA Opportunities near de Gerlache Crater
No full textThese figures illustrate a single example of an alternative to site 011 in the vicinity of de Gerlache's crater rim that would allow site 011 to remain free of mission debris, while allowing the crater rim and polar regolith to be characterized in sufficient detail to enhance preparations for the installation of long-term infrastructure needed for a sustainable exploration and development program (e.g., as described in NASA's Plan for Sustainable Lunar Exploration and Development). Other locations exist throughout the region. More detailed analyses, utilizing half-meter resolution NAC imagery, are needed for a comprehensive trade study to identify the best options available for an initial series of Artemis missions to the lunar surface.D. A. Kring, J. M. Bretzelder, I. Ganesh, N. Kumari, A. Lang, and M. A. Siegle