Arizona Space Grant Consortium

Designers of future space vehicles envision simplifying the Atmosphere Revitalization (AR) system by combining the functions of trace contaminant (TC) control and carbon dioxide removal into one swing-bed system. Flow rates and bed sizes of the TC and CO2 systems have historically been very different. There is uncertainty about the ability of trace contaminant sorbents to adsorb adequately in high-flow or short bed length configurations, and to desorb adequately during short vacuum exposures. There is also concern about ambient ammonia levels in the absence of a condensing heat exchanger. In addition, new materials and formulations have become commercially available, formulations never evaluated by NASA for purposes of trace contaminant control. The optimal air revitalization system for future missions may incorporate a swing-bed system for carbon dioxide (CO2) and partial trace contaminant control, with a reduced-size, low-power, targeted trace contaminant system supplying the remaining contaminant removal capability. This paper describes the results of a comparative experimental investigation into materials for trace contaminant control that might be part of such a system. Ammonia sorbents and low temperature carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation catalysts are the foci. The data will be useful to designers of AR systems for future flexible path missions. This is a continuation of work presented in a prior year, with extended test results.

We summarize the use of radiocarbon produced by spallation in meteorites in space to determine their terrestrial age or residence time. This “age” gives us important information as it can be compared to the rates of weathering and infall of meteorites. The processes that affect the collection of meteorites in a given area can be related to the rates of infall of new meteorites, and the rate of removal by chemical weathering and physical erosion.

The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS) is a NASA-funded 6U-CubeSat mission designed to monitor ultraviolet (UV) radiation from low-mass stars. These stars’ relatively high-frequency and high-energy UV flares significantly affect the atmospheres of orbiting exoplanets, driving atmospheric loss and altering the conditions for habitability. SPARCS aims to capture time-resolved photometric data in the far-UV and near-UV simultaneously to better characterize the flares and detect the strongest and rarest among them. In addition, SPARCS is testing innovative technology, such as delta-doped detectors with near 100% internal quantum efficiency and detector-integrated metal-dielectric UV bandpass filters. This mission will increase the technology readiness level of these critical components, positioning them for inclusion in future flagship missions such as the Habitable Worlds Observatory. We outline SPARCS’ mission goals and provide an update as the spacecraft is completed and awaits its planned late-2025 launch to a sun-synchronous low-Earth orbit. We also highlight the critical role of small missions in providing training and leadership development opportunities for students and researchers, advancing technology for larger observatories, and share lessons learned from collaborations among academic, government, and industry partners.