New Technologies at Heart of Aerospace, NASA Ames Memorandum of Understanding

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (2/14/05) -- The Aerospace Corporation and NASA Ames Research Center have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of new small, lightweight, low-cost reentry systems and related nano and pico spacecraft technologies, including miniature sensor systems.

Dr. Bill Ballhaus, president and chief executive officer of The Aerospace Corporation, and Scott Hubbard, center director for NASA Ames, formalized the agreement by signing an MOU on Feb. 14.

“The initial focus of the collaboration will be on development of small reentry probes,” said Dr. Bill Ailor, director of The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies and lead for the effort.

“Aerospace would use these devices to gather data during the reentry and breakup of space hardware to validate and calibrate models, and NASA Ames would use them to test new heatshield materials,” Ailor said, adding that the technology might also lead to the development of survivable “black box” data recorders for entry systems.

“Similar technologies could be used on an Ames concept called scout probes for exploration,” said Dr. Dan Rasky, a senior scientist in NASA Ames' Space Technology Division and the Ames lead for this collaboration. This concept makes use of small entry probes to gather information and reconnaissance on atmospheric conditions, surface conditions and hazards. These probes could also serve as landing beacons for following manned or robotic vehicles. “Scout probes for exploration could be a critical new capability for reducing risks encountered with remote exploration landings,” Rasky said.

The basis for this new effort is the Reentry Breakup Recorder (REBR), a one-foot in diameter, one-kilogram device that includes a heatshield, batteries, data recorder, sensors, and a transmitter. REBR is designed to collect data as a launch vehicle or satellite reenters and breaks apart due to aerodynamic heating and loads. It has been under development at Aerospace for the past several years with Ames responsible for the entry system. After the high-speed portion of the reentry is over, REBR would “phone home” its data via the Iridium satellite system prior to impact.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to work with NASA Ames on developing and applying leading-edge technologies to gather data significant to both NASA and Air Force missions,” Ailor said. “Our first task," Rasky said, “is to secure funding to develop a prototype and identify a test flight launch opportunity, hopefully by the summer of 2006. We’ll be working closely with Aerospace as we move forward.”