NASA

Our COPV team evaluates new emerging technologies for custom applications.Credits: NASA WSTF Through collaboration with other government agencies, U.S. national consensus organizations, and international governments, our engineers have developed nondestructive evaluation (NDE) standards for composites through ASTM International. Along with being lead supporters of NDE standards development through the NASA NDE Development Program, our team has pioneered many pressure vessel testing methods accepted by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) as standard practice and we continue to work closely with AIAA to maintain several standards of COPV design, testing, and certification. In addition to our facilities’ contribution to standards development, our engineers have extensive experience with applicable NASA and ISO standards that apply to COPVs. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Space Systems—Metallic Pressure Vessels, Pressurized Structures, and Pressure Components (ANSI/AIAA S-080A-2018) This standard lays the foundational requirements for design, analysis, fabrication, and operation of various pressurized components. Additionally, the standard outlines requirements for maintaining several types of pressure vessels and pressurized structures and components (AIAA 2018)…Learn more Space Systems—Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (ANSI/AIAA S-081B-2018) This standard covers foundational requirements for composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) fabricated with metal liners and carbon fiber/polymer overwrap. The standard includes requirements for COPV design, analysis, fabrication, test, inspection, operation, and maintenance (AIAA 2018)…Learn more Space Systems—Non-Metallic Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (In-Development) ASTM International Standard Practice for Shearography of Polymer Matrix Composites, Sandwich Core Materials and Filament-Wound Pressure Vessels in Aerospace Applications (ASTM E2581) This ASTM standard (E2581) provides practices for shearography, which is used to measure strain, shearing, Poisson, bending, and torsional strains. Shearography proves useful during process design and optimization, and process control. Additionally, it can be used after manufacture and in-service inspections (ASTM 2019)…Learn more. Acoustic Emissions Standard Standard Practice for Examination of Gas-Filled Filament-Wound Composite Pressure Vessels Using Acoustic Emission (ASTM E2191) With safety in mind, guidelines have been composed by Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and others to focus on inspections for natural gas vehicle (NGV) fuel containers. Acoustic Emission (AE) testing of Gas-Filled Filament-Wound Composite Pressure Vessels is an alternative method to the three-year visual examination which requires removal of the container from the vehicle (ASTM 2016)… Learn more. Standard Practice for Acoustic Emission Examination of Plate-like and Flat Panel Composite Structures Used in Aerospace Applications (ASTM E2661) Acoustic Emission (AE) examination of plate-like and flat panel composite structures proves useful in detecting micro-damage generation, new or existing flaws, and accumulation. Furthermore, AE examination assists in locating damage such as matrix cracking, fiber splitting, fiber breakage, fiber pull-out, debonding, and delamination (ASTM 2020)… Learn more. Standard Practice for Acousto-Ultrasonic Assessment of Filament-Wound Pressure Vessels (ASTM E1736) The Acousto-Ultrasonic (AU) method should be carefully considered for vessels that show no major defects and weaknesses. It is key to use other methods like immersion pulse-echo ultrasonics (Practice E1001) and AE (Practice E1067) to determine the existence of major flaws before starting with AU (ASTM 2015)… Learn more. Eddy Current Standard Standard Guide for Eddy Current Testing of Electrically Conducting Materials Using Conformable Sensor Arrays (ASTM E2884) Using eddy current techniques are a nondestructive way to find and identify discontinuities in magnetic or nonmagnetic electrically conducting materials. Planar and non-planar material examination is possible with conformable eddy current sensor arrays, but requires appropriate fixtures like a sturdy support frame and foam to hold the sensor array close to the surface of the material being examined (ASTM 2017)… Learn more. Strand Testing Standard Standard Terminology for Composite Materials (ASTM D3878) The standard defines general composite terminology appearing in other standards about composites, containing high‑modulus fibers (greater than 20 GPa (3 × 10 6 psi)) (ASTM 2020a)… Learn more. Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Glass Fiber Strands, Yarns, and Rovings Used in Reinforced Plastics (ASTM D2343) This test method not only aids in providing research and developmental data, but also provides value for determining tensile properties while providing a means for identifying and delineating materials for control and specification. The intended use of this method is to test resin-compatible sized glass fiber materials designed especially for use with plastics in general (ASTM 2017)…learn more. NASA Standards Structural Design and Test Factors of Safety for Space Flight Hardware (NASA-STD-5001) This NASA Technical Standard establishes factors for structural design and test and service life factors used for spaceflight hardware development and verification. These factors help to ensure safe and quality structural designs and aid to reduce project costs and schedules by improving shared flight project design. These standards are considered minimum acceptable values (NASA 2014)…Learn more (NASA and contractor personnel only). ISO Standards Space Systems — Fracture and Damage Control (ISO 21347) A fracture control policy is being implemented on space systems to prevent premature structural failure as a result of crack or crack-like flaws for civil and military space vehicles, launch systems, and ground support equipment. Most procurement organizations consider fracture control a requisite safety-related requirement regarding human space flight systems. NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) require fracture control for all payloads using the NASA Space Shuttle and all instruments and equipment used on the International Space Station (ISS) (ISO 2005)…Learn more. Last Updated: Jan 13, 2021 Editor: Judy Corbett National Aeronautics and Space Administration View the full article

Next Generation Science Standards Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer (MS-PS4) Grades 5-8. Students strengthen their understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically lasers and their applications, through a series of math, writing, and graphing challenges. This series of activities can be completed together or in parts. Download Laser Activity Board Oct 15, 2023 PDF (2.90 MB) View the full article

Common Core State Standards Ratios & Proportional Relations and Data Grades 7-8. Students review their knowledge of mathematics and unit conversion by occupying the role of a NASA resource analyst. Download Money Mass-ematics Oct 15, 2023 PDF (642.50 KB) Answer Key Oct 15, 2023 PDF (407.91 KB) View the full article

Next Generation Science Standards Waves and their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer (MS-PS4) Grades 5-8. Students strengthen their understanding of the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically lasers and their applications, through a series of math, writing, and graphing challenges. This series of activities can be completed together or in parts. Download Lazer Maze Activity Oct 15, 2023 PDF (2.67 MB) View the full article

Failure analysis determines what, why and how things went wrong when a component, system, or structure fails and is a valuable tool in the development of new products and the improvement of existing ones. Our multi-disciplined team has the expertise and in-house capabilities to determine the root cause of failures on a wide range of materials including paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants, composites, rubbers, plastics, elastomers, and metals. We routinely apply our expert knowledge of oxygen systems, composite pressure systems, propellants and aerospace fluids, and propulsion systems to root cause analysis and offer expert recommendations for improvements and corrective action. WSTF StaffView the full article

To assure items function as designed, piece parts are verified to manufacturer’s tolerance.Credits: NASA WSTF Holding the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) Certificate of Authorization and “VR” Symbol Stamp for the repair of pressure relief valves, our Valve Repair Facility ensures pressure relief valves are operating within the manufacturer’s specifications and to the customer’s expectations. Using gaseous nitrogen, we are capable of verifying flow capabilities of pressure relief valves up to 1000 scfm, and pressures up to 2800 psig. We also ensures replacement parts operate per the original manufacturer’s specifications and maintain traceability for parts and testing on code and non-code applications. Assembly and testing of the components is performed in a ISO Class 5 (Federal Standard Class 100) clean room making us the only known clean flow test facility for relief valves in North America. All inspection measurement and test equipment used to support our Valve Repair Facility is calibrated in-house and is traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or other internationally agreeable intrinsic standards. Last Updated: Aug 6, 2017 Editor: Judy Corbett View the full article

Repair, Refurbishment, and Modification WSTF Staff Components can be refurbished as a cost effective alternative to the cost of new equipment. Credits: NASA WSTF Our engineers refurbish, repair, and redesign fluid components such as check valves, relief valves, solenoid valves, and manual valves ensuring relief valves and other components are operating within manufacturer’s specifications and comply with the requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/NB 23, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code, Section VIII, Div. 1, and the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC). Facilities and Certifications Component Services is an approved “VR” certified facility holding the National Board Inspection Code (NBIC) Certificate of Authorization and “VR” Symbol Stamp for the repair of pressure relief valves. Our team is also certified to manufacture flight hardware by NASA and the International Space Station (ISS) Program. Repair and Refurbishment Repair and refurbishment is a cost effective alternative to replacement and our highly skilled team disassembles, inspects, and precision cleans each item received. We ensure the parts being used for repair and replacement are from the original manufacturer, or from a vendor approved by the National Board verifying replacement parts meet original manufacturer specifications. Spares and replacements can be manufactured by our in-house NASA certified Machining and Fabrication workforce to replace parts that are no longer commercially available. Modification Equipment can be modified to work safely in your pressure system or in specific media such as oxidizer, oxygen service, fuels, and propellants. Guided by the knowledge gained from 40 years or research and testing by our Oxygen System and Propellants and Aerospace Fluids engineers, our team can modify equipment with recommended parts to operated safely and avoid costly mistakes created by using the wrong components. Last Updated: Aug 6, 2017 Editor: Judy Corbett View the full article

Heliophysics Big Year (Official NASA Trailer)

We take an active role in limiting our impacts on the environment and being responsible for the environmental quality of our community. Management support and grassroots efforts have helped to educate employees about environmental concerns, encourage our site’s involvement in sustainability activities, and embrace and implement employee ideas. This support has led to a facility-wide culture of environmental awareness and sustainability that reaches across our site. Waste minimization projects, innovative technologies, sustainable acquisition, recycling activities, and other “green” initiatives have become routine site procedures. View the full article

Since the first rocket engine test in 1964, our facility has performed development and certification testing of space propulsion systems for manned and unmanned spacecraft. Along with our half century of propulsion system testing and analysis, our ISO 9001 certified processes provide rigorous but flexible testing ensuring quality data for our customer. Our site also houses on-site propulsion related expertise in composite pressure systems, oxygen systems, and propellants and aerospace fluids for further testing support. In addition to this expertise, we work closely with our Environmental Management and Safety and Mission Assurance teams to provide all environmental permitting, and ensure the safety of our personnel, environment, and site. View the full article

Specializing in the study of oxygen compatibility in space, aircraft, medical, and industrial applications, we investigate the effects of increased oxygen concentration on the ignition and burning of materials and components to help ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. In systems or environments with higher oxygen content and/or pressure, materials that normally do not burn have a lower ignition temperature, are more vigorously combustible, and have a higher flame temperature if they do burn. In response to the reactivity of oxygen, vigorous testing and requirements for the selection, combination, and cleanliness of material and components used in oxygen service have been developed with our world renowned experts often leading the way. View the full article

WSTF Staff White Sands Test Facility’s Machining and Fabrication craftsmen specialize in the prototype and production of parts used on the International Space Station, ground support equipment, and facility and test hardware. We combine high-end Computer Numerical Control (CNC) precision machining and welding with experienced personnel and advanced inspection techniques and equipment to deliver the highest quality components to aerospace, defense and other commercial industries. Our fabrication team is skilled in working with many ferrous and non-ferrous metals including stainless steel, aluminum, and brass. We have expertise working with exotic metals like Monel®, Inconel®, Kovar®, titanium, carbon, and alloy steels. View the full article

Our calibration team supports mission critical testing for the International Space Station and other NASA space exploration efforts, and helps to safeguard the lives and equipment used in these high risk endeavors. Calibration is a critical step for all instrumentation used in our testing and ensures that the data received from calibrated instruments is converted into meaningful and accurate measurements. To minimize measurement uncertainty, our calibration processes are performed in an environmentally-controlled laboratory with regulated temperature and humidity when needed and our standards are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. View the full article

WSTF Staff Our Materials flight acceptance workforce performs NASA Technical Standard “Flammability, Offgassing, and Compatibility Requirements and Test Procedures”, NASA-STD-6001 and related customized testing designed to verify space flight materials and system performance with a focus on ensuring safety during manned space flights. We always work with our customers to identify their root concern, making sure they get the data they want and the tests they need. View the full article

Since the inception of the technology in the 1970s, White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) has been at the forefront of NASA’s testing and evaluation of composite pressure components, building on unique strengths in Oxygen Systems, Propellants and Aerospace Fluids, Hypervelocity Impact Testing, and Materials Flight Acceptance testing. Our team of experts continues to lead the way by studying damage tolerance and stress rupture while developing life extension protocols for NASA, industry partners, the Air Force, and government agencies. WSTF technical advancements in composites are shared through dozens of test standards distributed by ANSI/AIAA, ASTM International, and research reports published for the NASA Engineering and Safety Center and NASA NDE Development Program. View the full article

What We Found in Some Historic Asteroid Samples on This Week @NASA – October 13, 2023

The safety and performance of hazardous propellant systems is a main focus at White Sands Test Facility. Our workforce conducts laboratory micro-analysis to full-scale field explosion tests. With the expertise we have developed, we provide training to the aerospace industry in the safe handling of various propellants. We also provide analysis of systems and operational safety, propellant spec analysis, personal protective equipment assessment, and detection technologies for both industrial and flight applications for our propulsion testing team and end users in aerospace and industry. View the full article

All four RS-25 engines have been installed onto the SLS (Space Launch System) core stage for NASA’s Artemis II mission. The installation of the engines signals the core stage is nearly finished with assembly and will soon be ready for shipment to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During launch, the rocket’s engines provide more than two million pounds of combined thrust.Credits: NASA By Megan Carter NASA and its partners have fully secured the four RS-25 engines onto the core stage of the agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the Artemis II flight test. The core stage, and its engines, is the backbone of the SLS mega rocket that will power the flight test, the first crewed mission to the Moon under Artemis. Engineers have begun final integration testing at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, in preparation for acceptance ahead of shipment of the stage to Kennedy Space Center in Florida in the coming months. “NASA integrated many lessons learned from the first-time build and assembly of the SLS core stage for Artemis I to increase efficiencies during manufacturing and cross-team collaboration with our partners for Artemis II. NASA teams in New Orleans remain focused on assembling and preparing the SLS rocket’s liquid-fueled stage to support the flight.” Julie Bassler Manager of the Stages Office for the SLS Program “NASA integrated many lessons learned from the first-time build and assembly of the SLS core stage for Artemis I to increase efficiencies during manufacturing and cross-team collaboration with our partners for Artemis II,” said Julie Bassler, manager of the Stages Office for the SLS Program at the agency’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, where the program is managed. “NASA teams in New Orleans remain focused on assembling and preparing the SLS rocket’s liquid-fueled stage to support the flight.” The 212-foot-tall core stage includes two massive liquid propellant tanks and four RS-25 engines at its base. For Artemis II, the core stage and its engines act as the powerhouse of the rocket, providing more than two million pounds of thrust for the first eight minutes of flight to send the crew of four astronauts inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft on an approximately 10-day mission around the Moon. NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne, an L3Harris Technologies company and the RS-25 engines lead contractor, along with Boeing, the core stage lead contractor, secured the engines to the maze of propulsion and avionics systems within the core stage Oct. 6. In the coming weeks, engineers will perform testing on the entire stage and its avionics and electrical systems, which act as the “brains” of the rocket to help control it during flight. Once testing of the stage is complete and the hardware passes its acceptance review, the core stage will be readied for shipping to Kennedy via the agency’s Pegasus barge, based at Michoud. The Artemis II RS-25 engines installed on the core stage at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Each engine is the size of a compact car and, together, will create more than two million pounds of thrust during launch. The RS-25 engines create immense pressure that controls the flow of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen from the two propellant tanks into each engine’s combustion chamber.Credits: NASA The Artemis II RS-25 engines installed on the core stage at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Each engine is the size of a compact car and, together, will create more than two million pounds of thrust during launch. The RS-25 engines create immense pressure that controls the flow of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen from the two propellant tanks into each engine’s combustion chamber.Credits: NASA As teams prepare the core stage for Artemis II, rocket hardware is also under construction on our factory floor for Artemis III, IV, and V that will help send the future Artemis astronauts to the lunar South Pole. The engines were first soft mated one by one onto the stage beginning in early September. The last RS-25 engine was structurally installed onto the stage Sept. 20. Installing the four engines is a multi-step, collaborative process for NASA, Boeing, and Aerojet Rocketdyne. Following the initial structural connections of the individual engines, securing and outfitting all four engines to the stage is the lengthiest part of the engine assembly process and includes securing the thrust vector control actuators, ancillary interfaces, and remaining bolts before multiple tests and checkouts. All major hardware elements for the SLS rocket that will launch Artemis II are either complete or in progress. The major components for the rocket’s two solid rocket boosters are at Kennedy. The rocket’s two adapters, produced at Marshall, along with the rocket’s upper stage, currently at lead contractor United Launch Alliance’s facility in Florida near Kennedy, will be prepared for shipment in the spring. NASA is working to land the first woman and first person of color on the Moon under Artemis. SLS is part of NASA’s backbone for deep space exploration, along with Orion and the Gateway in orbit around the Moon, and commercial human landing systems. SLS is the only rocket that can send Orion, astronauts, and supplies to the Moon in a single mission. Corinne Beckinger Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256.544.0034 corinne.m.beckinger@nasa.gov View the full article

jsc2022e017100_alt (March 22, 2023) — Official portrait of ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford NASAView the full article

jsc2022e017107_alt (March 22, 2023) — Official portrait of ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Bill StaffordNASAView the full article

jsc2022e017115_alt (March 22, 2023) — Official portrait of ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Bill Stafford NASAView the full article

jsc2022e068687_alt (Sept. 6, 2023) — Official portrait of NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz NASAView the full article

jsc2022e068688_alt (Sept. 6, 2023) — Official portrait of NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Robert MarkowitzNASAView the full article

jsc2022e068715_alt (Sept. 8, 2023) — Official portrait of NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Robert MarkowitzNASAView the full article

jsc2022e068730_alt (Sept. 8, 2023) — Portrait of NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli in a spacesuit. Credit: NASA/Robert MarkowitzNASAView the full article