2018 NASA International Internship Project List
1
Project Title
Small Satellite Swarm Interactions
Mentor Name
Matthew Sorgenfrei
Project Description
Very smal spacecraft (also known as CubeSats or Nanosatel ites) have not yet
realized their ful potential regarding swarm operations in low Earth orbit or beyond.
The relatively low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is due in part to a lack of
sufficient testbeds with which to test the enabling technologies. The Generalized
Nanosatel ite Avionics Testbed (G-NAT) lab at NASA Ames seeks an intern to research
foundational technologies associated with CubeSat swarm operations. Over the
course of the internship period the intern wil investigate the use of commercial y
available sensors and actuators for sensing the state of individual members of a
satel ite swarm and sharing that state information to enable distributed science
operations.
The successful candidate should possess strong MATLAB/Simulink programming skil s,
and also be proficient in C and Python. Familiarity with Linux operating systems and
embedded systems/single board computers is also desired. The intern wil be given
access to two separate CubeSat-scale hardware testbeds, each of which utilize
commercial y available sensors and actuators to enable attitude determination and
control. Desired outcomes of the research period include:
• Develop real-time MATLAB (or other) visualizations of spacecraft attitude state for
both CubeSat testbeds during air bearing operations
• Study the efficacy of demonstrating swarm communications by way of Xbee
wireless transponders
• Study/develop operational modes that are relevant to possible swarm science
operations, such as GPS Radio Occulation
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
2
Project Title
Unmanned Aircraft System
Mentor Name
Marcus Johnson
Project Description
Many applications of smal Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) have been envisioned.
These include surveil ance of key assets such as pipelines, rail, or electric wires,
deliveries, search and rescue, traffic monitoring, videography, and precision
agriculture. These operations are likely to occur in the same airspace in the presence
of many static and dynamic constraints such as airports, and high wind areas.
Therefore, operations of small UAS need to be managed to ensure safety and
operation efficiency is maintained. NASA has advanced a concept for UAS Traffic
Management (UTM) and has initiated a research effort to refine that concept and
develop operational and system requirements. A UTM research platform is in
development and flight test activities to evaluate core functions and key assumptions
focusing exclusively on UAS operations in different environments are underway. This
internship will help support the development, planning, support and data analysis for
UAS field test activities by:
- Preparing documentation and conducting analysis to gain approval to fly;
- Planning flight test activities, including developing testing methodologies for
determining the effectiveness of detect and avoid systems and other separation
mechanisms.
- Working flight test logistics such as support, transportation, storage, and
procurement of equipment needed at the test site;
- Providing on-site support during flight test activities;
- Providing post-flight analysis of data col ected from the experiment.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
3
Project Title
NASA Ames SPHERES/Astrobee Facility
Mentor Name
Jose Benavides
Project Description
NASA Ames SPHERES/Astrobee Facility Brief description of duties: The successful
applicant would be involved with software development and general support of the
NASA Ames SPHERES/Astrobee Facility. (www.nasa.gov/spheres) Specifically, the
successful applicant would initial y be validating and developing C software for a
SPHERES. Additional work may include ISS flight quality hardware and maintaining
SPHERES Facility labs. The applicant should be familiar with Python and C software
development and good coding practices. In general, we are looking for someone who
is motivated, a self-starter, and capable of working independently on tasks. Other
beneficial experience may include; - MATLAB, C/C++, Java, Python, Android Apps, and
Linux scripting, Computer Networking - Spacecraft, Small Satellites, CubeSat's -
Avionics, Embedded Hardware & Software - Software testing - experience building
space flight hardware - Good writing and communications skil s, along with the ability
to work wel both individual y and within a multidisciplinary team.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
4
Project Title
CubeSat Mission Team
Mentor Name
Belcagem Jaroux
Project Description
The interns wil be joining a CubeSat mission team working on the last phases of
development of the mission.
The mission spacecraft is a three-unit (3U) CubeSat that wil synchronize an on-board
atomic clock with one on the ground to an accuracy of 200 ps by exchanging short
laser pulses between the two.
The internship technical activities wil include:
• Completion of spacecraft communications and operations software and
preparation of hardware and software test plans and procedures
• Functional testing of the FlatSat configuration of the satel ite (Bus + Payload) in
the lab, including spacecraft software Verification and Validation.
• Documentation of test results in a report, to support the Flight Readiness Review.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
5
Project Title
Robotic Sample Transfer Automation
Mentor Name
Brian Glass
Project Description
The Atacama Rover Astrobiology Dril ing Studies (ARADS) project is a Science Mission
Directorate-sponsored project led at NASA-Ames. ARADS proposes a Mars rover
analog mission as a field test of an integrated rover-dril system with prototype life-
detection instruments that are flight mission candidates. The essential elements to
ARADS are: 1) use of integrated dril and rover at sites in the Atacama Desert in Chile
in unprepared "regolith"; 2) field use of instruments with the rover/drill that are flight
prototypes comparable to those planned for ExoMars and Icebreaker; 3) acquire
dril ed cuttings and transfer to instruments onboard the rover; 4) on-board autonomy
and monitoring to support dril ing; mission and demonstrate science support
(operations and control) for the rover/dril /instrument operations.
This intern project wil address the third element above: automated sample transfer
between a dril (on one side of the KREX2 rover) and instrument intakes (on the other
side of the rover). The ARADS sample transfer arm is mounted on a KREX2 rocker,
which rotates relative to the central platform on which both the dril and instruments
are mounted. Hence, as the rover moves, the trajectory between the dril and
instruments will rotate relative to the sample arm’s origin point.
The arm is powered by servo motors which respond to pulse width modulation
signals from the arm interface – two extra servo control channels support the testing
of end effectors with up to two actuators.
The intern wil assist an existing ARADS staff member in developing a dynamic
transformation for arm trajectories that wil automatical y compensate for rocker
rotation and for vertical dril movements. This wil be coded and tested with the
actual arm, dril and rover mechanisms.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
6
Project Title
Microbial Factories for Solar System Exploration
Mentor Name
John Hogan
Project Description
Long duration missions to distant bodies within our solar system wil require
significant resources to support astronauts. Microbial factories could help produce
mission relevant products during such missions using in situ resources such as carbon
dioxide and water. In terrestrial systems, microbial factories are already being used to
produce a wide variety of materials, fuels, nutrients, and medicines. Typical y, these
microbial systems use high-energy carbon substrates such as sugars. In the extremes
of space, however, obtaining sugar-like compounds will prove to be problematic, thus
alternative low-energy carbon compounds may need to be employed. The main
objective of this project is to evaluate the potential combination of substrates,
microorganisms, and products in understanding how a microbial production system
wil function in the constraints of relevant space missions. The work entails
performing microbiological studies and conducting an analysis to determine effective
solutions for in-space microbial production systems.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
7
Project Title
Orbit Analysis for LEO CubeSats and Low Lunar Orbits
Mentor Name
Marcus Murbach
Project Description
The intern wil fulfil assignments as a member of the orbital dynamics team in the
Mission Design Division at NASA Ames Research Center.
The Mission Design Division conducts early-stage concept development and
technology maturation supporting the Center's space and aircraft mission proposals.
Personnel have experience in mission planning, small spacecraft design, and
engineering analysis.
The Mission Design Division, or MDD, supports the ful mission life cycle in the areas
of:
• Early Concept Development
• Mission Design
• Rapid Prototyping
• Mission Implementation
The candidate wil work closely with flight dynamics engineers to expand existing
innovative approaches to low altitude orbit design. This work includes the effects of
differential drag in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), as well as, the effects of mascon
perturbations in low lunar orbits. Smal Sat and CubeSat missions are a specialty of
Ames Research Center and current research addresses practical issues with smal
spacecraft missions in a LEO and an interplanetary environment. Another orbital
mechanics specialty of ARC is low, equatorial lunar orbits and design tools for
addressing lunar gravitational perturbations.
For lunar orbits, we plan to expand the research on equatorial frozen orbits and the
visualization displays for characterizing gravitational perturbations. For LEO, the
characterization of the effects of drag in relative satel ite disposition is in the scope of
this position.
The goals of this assignment include documentation and display tools that wil reside
as part of the Mission Design Division’s computational capability. Additional
assignments as needed may involve CubeSat low thrust trajectory design, multiple
CubeSat swarms, and CubeSat reentry calculations.
Candidate’s Computer and/or special skil s: GMAT or STK/Astrogator, Matlab or
Visual Basic. Strong writing skil s are expected, both for internal documentation of
work accomplished and for publications resulting from this work.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
8
Project Title
Evaluation of Biomedical Devices for Exploration Missions
Mentor Name
Tianna Shaw
Project Description
The primary responsibility for this intern position is to support the development and
testing of biosensor monitoring systems in support of the Human Research Program
(HRP) Exploration Medical Capability (ExMC) Element. The Ames Research Center
(ARC) team focuses on the integration of biomedical devices into a prototype medical
data architecture (MDA), that wil receive, store and display a wide variety of
physiological parameters which include; electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, blood
pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory rate, and body temperature. The intern wil
work under the guidance of an ExMC project engineer and wil also work with ExMC
project system engineer. The intern wil support human in the loop laboratory testing
of biomedical devices and development of the medical data architecture system. The
intern will also participate in data collection, processing and analysis of biosensor
data and assist in report writing. He/She will support MDA operations in collaboration
with CSA prototype wearable biosensor system and other systems.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
9
Project Title
Evaluation of a Variable Density Approach to Modeling Cryogenic Jets
Mentor Name
Cetin Kiris
Project Description
The intern wil assist ARC researchers in extending user defined equation of state
routines to include Real Gas effects and analyze the difference between mass
fraction and volume fraction formulations for modeling variable density flows. The
intern will evaluate the models on existing cryogenic jets and compare with existing
experimental and numerical data.
Outline for 6 months:
- Discuss and analyze differences between mass fraction and volume fraction
formulations of the variable density formulation
- Begin interaction with the ARC researchers using the user-based source routines
which can be linked into the existing libraries
- Apply the implemented user routines to existing cryogenic jet problems
- Compare current results with existing experimental and numerical results in the
literature
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
10
Project Title
Synthetic Biomaterials: A Multi-Scale Approach
Mentor Name
Diana Gentry
Project Description
A smal group of interns with backgrounds in bioscience, materials chemistry and
science, and bioengineering wil , with the guidance of senior researchers, design and
fabricate a proof-of-concept hybrid biomaterial using the interactions between living
and non-living components to control the material structure. The material proof-of-
concept wil use existing genetic parts, such as binding domains, and established
synthetic biology techniques, such as fusion protein design. The fabrication wil be
done using current techniques such as 3D CAD modeling, microscale gel deposition,
and stereolithography. The exact implementation wil be chosen jointly by the
interns and mentors after a literature survey.
The interns wil learn about the history and current state of biomaterials, materials
science, and synthetic biology, how to perform basic bioengineering techniques, and
how to perform basic biomaterials analyses. They wil gain real-world experience
with literature searches, proposing and defending research implementations, hands-
on bioengineering lab work (including synthetic biology, rapid prototyping, and
fluidics), preparing documentation of research work, and statistics and data analysis.
Interns will have a chance to present their research at a poster symposium and/or
workshop. Depending on the breadth of work covered by the interns, participation in
writing a published research paper is a possibility.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
11
Project Title
Control Internship Position
Mentor Name
Nhan Nguyen
Project Description
Advances in material technologies have led to a new class of ultra-efficient transport
aircraft that incorporate advanced high-aspect ratio flexible wing designs with novel
control effectors. The NASA Performance Adaptive Aeroelastic Wing (PAAW) research
element under the NASA Advanced Air Transport Technology (AATT) project seeks to
develop control technologies and analysis capabilities to enable the implementation
of these advanced future wing designs. Development of control systems for highly
flexible wings is a critical component of this relevant and chal enging field. This
internship opportunity will support the NASA research team in developing
disturbance estimation techniques for use in both adaptive and non-adaptive control
designs for gust load al eviation. The intern wil also help formulate design
requirements for future hardware that facilitate successful estimation and control.
Specific applications for the techniques developed include flight control, wing
shaping, and load al eviation of flexible wing aircraft.
Final deliverables for this internship include any research results such as report,
presentation, or conference publication as wel as simulations demonstrating
operation of the disturbance observer in use with the control system.
The intern should have theoretical and practical knowledge of control and estimation
including adaptive control, as well as extensive experience simulating dynamic
models within MATLAB/Simulink.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
12
Project Title
Biosensor Development
Mentor Name
Jessica Koehne
Project Description
Development of biosensors is an active field due to a wide range of applications in
lab-on-a-chip, diagnostics of infectious diseases, cancer diagnostics, environment
monitoring, biodetection and others. One of the strategies used for selective
identification of a target is to /preselect/ a probe that has a unique affinity for the
target or can uniquely interact or hybridize with the target: sort of a "lock and key"
approach. In this approach, one then needs a platform to support the probe and a
recognizing element that can recognize the said interaction between the probe and
the target. The interaction result can manifest optical y (by using dyes, quantum dots
for example) or electrical y. The platform design and configuration may vary
depending on whether optical or electrical readout is used and what environment the
sensor wil be utilized. Recently, printed biosensors on paper substrates have gained
much attention for their low cost of manufacture. Within NASA, such printed devices
are being investigated because of our potential ability to manufacture in an in-space
environment. Such a biosensor would be a print-on-demand device. The current
project involves fabricating and validating a printed, electrical biosensor for cardiac
health monitoring from a whole blood sample. The intended NASA application is
point of care diagnostics for astronaut health monitoring.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
13
Project Title
Astrobee Software Intern
Mentor Name
Marion Smith
Project Description
Astrobee is a robot under development which wil launch to the International Space
Station at the end of 2017. Astrobee wil localize and navigate ful y autonomously to
assist station crew and ground control ers, and wil serve as a platform for
researchers to conduct experiments in microgravity. The successful candidate wil
work closely with Astrobee's Flight Software Team in developing software for
Astrobee. The actual project wil depend on both the project's needs and the intern's
interests. Past internship projects have included localization under changing lighting
conditions, path planning, and replanning in response to failures.
Specific Requirements
Experience with C++ and software development in Linux are required.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
14
Project Title
Experimental Aero-Physics Engineering Intern
Mentor Name
Kurtis Long
Project Description
The intern wil help with a variety of experimental projects which investigate the fluid
mechanic, aerodynamic, and/or aeroacoustic characteristics of manned and
unmanned spacecraft, aircraft, rotorcraft, ground vehicles, ships, structures, sports
bal s, and other objects. The experimental projects wil be conducted in conjunction
with on-site research mentors, using NASA Ames wind tunnel, water channel, lab,
and/or computer facilities. The intern will assist with many different phases of one or
more test programs; these phases may include prior data review and test planning,
test logistics, experimental design and setup, model construction and instal ation,
instrumentation calibration, installation, and operation, test video/photo
documentation, post-test data plotting and analysis, and report development. The
intern may also assist with the development and execution of various computer
programs used to analyze or simulate the results of experimental test programs.
The main outcome of this internship wil be experience with a variety of disciplines
related to fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and/or aeroacoustics
Specific Requirements
Physics, Science, Math, Engineering backgrounds preferred
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
15
Project Title
Advanced Life Support
Mentor Name
Michael Flynn
Project Description
Advanced life support systems include al systems and technologies required to keep
astronauts alive in space: water recycling, air recycling and waste treatment. This
Internship is primarily focused on water recycling but is cognizant that an optimized
system wil include integration with air and waste systems. Our research areas
include:
• Systems that can recover energy from waste.
• In situ resource utilization in spacecraft and on planetary surfaces
• Application of space flight systems technologies to sustainable terrestrial
development.
Specific Requirements
Innovation a required skill. Our group focuses on training the next generation of
NASA scientists on how to innovate and to develop the next generation of water
recycling space flight systems that wil enable the human exploration and
colonization of the Solar System.
The ideal candidate is an undergraduate or graduate student in the fields of:
Engineering (Chemical, Environmental, Electrical, Industrial, Civil, Computer),
Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Environmental Science and must have
at least completed their freshman year of col ege and a GPA of 3.00 (out of 4).
Professional Working Proficiency (ILR level 3) of the English language is the minimum
level required. The participant must be a team player and comfortable working with
professionals of different cultural and scientific background. At the end of the
internship the participant will be required to submit a white paper.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
16
Project Title
Worldwind Application Development
Mentor Name
Patrick Hogan
Project Description
Interns will build an open source app that serves beneficial interests of society, using
the EAR99 certified NASA World Wind Open Source technology, virtual globe
technology and applications in Java, C++, iOS and Android using NASA World Wind
technology.
Typical project examples from last year NASA Interns:
The wikis that describe these NASA apps (with a video!):
https://github.com/NASAWorldWindResearch/SpaceBirds/wiki
https://github.com/NASAWorldWindResearch/WorldWeather/wiki
https://github.com/NASAWorldWindResearch/Quake-Hunter/wiki
The web apps:
http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/spacebirds/ (Satel ite Data)
http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/worldweather/ (Weather & Climate Data)
http://worldwind.arc.nasa.gov/quakehunter/ (Seismic Data)
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
17
Project Title
CubeSat Cluster Test-Bed
Mentor Name
Belcagem Jaroux
Project Description
Team members wil use available off-the-shelf or spare laboratory hardware to
develop laboratory test bed of at least two "Cubesats" and one ground station that
wil be used for on-going software and communications architecture development.
The "Cubesats" may be complete units with all subsystems, flat-sats, or development
units consisting of just a processor and RF subsystem. The team will develop ground
software as necessary to demonstrate operation of the units including simulated
intersatellite communications and simulated downlink.
Specific Requirements
Intern should have an Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or
Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or other related
engineering major.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
18
Project Title
Data Mining and Analysis for Sustainability Base
Mentor Name
Rodney Martin
Project Description
The Intel igent Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center wil be integrating
advanced technologies into a new "Green" building known as "Sustainability Base" at
the Ames campus. Sustainability Base is high-performance, LEED Platinum certified
building that wil incorporate NASA innovations and technologies to improve energy
efficiency, reduce carbon footprint, and lower operating and maintenance expenses
compared to traditional buildings. It wil function as a living experimental platform,
integrating the latest technologies as they evolve.
This internship opportunity wil assist in defining and implementing demonstrations
of NASA technology in Sustainability Base. In particular, the intern wil employ
advanced data mining algorithms on data acquired from Sustainability Base to learn
how the building operates and then monitor how it is performing over time. This
could include measurements of energy use, mechanical system performance,
environmental parameters, and other key performance indicators. For example,
correlations between environmental control system settings and temperature ranges
in workspaces can be established and then monitored to give early indication of
performance degradation or unexpected changes to the building configuration.
However, basic data analysis and gaining an intuitive understanding of data from
various building systems (BACnet data, lighting, shade, photovoltaic sensor data, etc.)
wil also be an important precursor to any application of the advanced data mining
algorithms. In addition to global building performance, the algorithms can also be
used to detect changes in individual energy use as wel . In either case, the algorithms
wil provide early indications of off-nominal performance to building operators or
occupants, enabling corrective actions to maximize building performance and
efficiency.
Additional information on Sustainability Base can be found at
http://www.nasa.gov/sustainability-base/.
Additional information on data mining algorithms can be found at
http://ti.arc.nasa.gov/tech/dash/intel igent-data-understanding/.
Specific Requirements
The focus of this effort may relate more to automated tracking and consolidation of
energy data and plug load management and analysis, so the ideal candidate wil have
experience in scripting or application development to extract real-time data from
APIs and websites for logging into a PostgreSQL database. Experience with MATLAB;
Familiarity with Linux OS is preferred; Strong analytical and organizational skil s;
Interest in sustainability; Interest in data mining algorithms for health management.
Senior undergraduate at junior/senior level or higher preferred.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
19
Project Title
Explore Impact of Network Delays on Distributed Spacecraft Testing
Mentor Name
Belcagem Jaroux
Project Description
Team members wil use available off-the-shelf or spare laboratory hardware to
explore the possibility of using standard network systems and protocols to run
mission simulation and closed-loop hardware-in-the-loop tests remotely where
significant parts of the system are connected over the internet. For example, a
spacecraft bus could be at one location, a payload at a second location and a
dynamic simulation environment could be at a third location, al connected over the
internet. The team would identify the problems associated with such an arrangement
(e.g. latency) and suggest approaches to mitigate them.
Specific Requirements
Intern should have an Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or
Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering or other related
engineering major.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
20
Project Title
Lunar Topographic Products from Orbital Images
Mentor Name
Terrence Fong
Project Description
Digital terrain models are essential for cartography, science analysis, mission planning
and operations. The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) has developed
software to automatical y generate high-quality topographic and albedo models from
satel ite images. Our software, the Ames Stereo Pipeline (ASP), uses stereo vision and
photoclinometric techniques to produce 3D models of the Earth, Moon, and Mars
with very high accuracy and resolution. The intern wil assist IRG to improve the
quality of topographic products from lunar orbital images. In particular, the intern wil
help develop multi-stage stereogrammetric methods to exploit the ful potential of
multiple, overlapping views of a planetary surface. The intern wil work closely with
NASA researchers and engineers throughout the internship. Very strong emphasis is
placed on incorporating and integrating the intern's research into IRG's on-going
projects. Research results may be published in one (or more) technical forums: as a
NASA technical report, a conference paper, or journal article.
Specific Requirements
The intern must have a background in Computer Science or Mathematics. Practical
experience with computer programming, Linux-based software development and
open-source tools (gcc, git, etc) is required. Experience with C++ is strongly
encouraged.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
21
Project Title
Metabolic Control for Adaptation to Spaceflight Environment
Mentor Name
Yuri Griko
Project Description
With the growing interest in long haul flights and the colonization of the solar system,
it is becoming important to develop organism self-regulatory control systems which
would be able to meet the requirements of extraterrestrial environments rather than
requiring an Earthly environment in space. A better mechanistic understanding of
metabolism offers a means for sustaining astronauts in long-duration missions
beyond the low Earth orbit. Recent data obtained from several research reports have
shown that metabolic suppression could protect biological organisms from damaging
effects of space radiation and microgravity. The ability to drastically reduce and
suspend metabolism appears to be closely tied to the unique survival of bacteria and
some invertebrates (e.g., tardigrades) after a prolonged exposure to cosmic vacuum
and radiation. It is possible that there is a monophyletic origin for this adaptation at
the molecular level among a variety of different organisms. Our ultimate goals are to
demonstrate proof-of-principle for metabolic suppression as means to reduce the
negative effects of spaceflight environmental issues such as radiation and
microgravity.
In order to demonstrate the potential application of the metabolic control technology
the PI's laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center has engineered a hypo-metabolic
chamber with a range of life-monitoring equipment for high-throughput testing of
hypo-metabolic parameters and conditions that enable reversible induction of a state
of suspended animation in non-hibernating animals.
This internship opportunity wil assist in defining and implementing demonstrations
of the metabolic control technology using different animal models.
Objectives of this research are:
1 To characterize the hypometabolic state
2 To develop methodology for real time monitoring of respiratory and other
physiological parameters and conditions associated with the hypometabolic stasis.
In the proposed experiments, the intern wil work in collaboration with molecular
biologists and engineers to (1) reproduce induction of the reversible suspended
animation-like state in selected animal models, and to (2) establish a comprehensive
life support system for monitoring physiological parameters of the hypometabolic
state.
Specific Requirements
Intern should be willing to work with animals. He/she should have basic knowledge of
life support systems (respiratory parameters, ventilation, and core body temperature
control), have basic laboratory skil s and technical knowledge for monitoring physical
parameter from telemetric devises, and have software management skil s. Strong
analytical and organizational skil s; interest in biology; interest in data analysis. Senior
undergraduate at junior/senior level or higher preferred.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
22
Project Title
Monitoring Changes in ASRS Reports using Python and Text Mining
Mentor Name
Hamed Valizadegan
Project Description
We aim to develop tools that can be used to monitor the changes in the aviations
safety reports submitted to NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) program.
ASRS collects and analysis the voluntarily submitted aviation safety incidents reports
in order to reduce the likelihood of aviation accidents. We need tools that can help
ASRS to monitor changes in the narratives of the reports over time and can
summarize these reports.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
23
Project Title
Nanotechnology in electronics and sensor development
Mentor Name
Meyya Meyyappan
Project Description
Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and a variety of inorganic
nanowires offer tremendous potential for future nanoelectronics, nanosensors and
related devices. We have active ongoing programs in these areas. Several examples
are given below. Chemical sensors to detect trace amounts of gases and vapors are
needed in planetary exploration, crew cabin air quality monitoring and leak detection;
there are numerous societal applications as wel . We have been working on CNT
based sensors amenable for various platforms including smartphones.
Flexible electronics on substrates such as textile and paper is of great deal of interest
to us. We have fabricated gas/vapor sensors on cotton textile as wel as cel ulose
paper. Other interests in paper electronics and flexible substrates include memory
devices, energy storage devices, displays and detectors. Final y, we have also been
revisiting vacuum tubes although in the nanoscale, using entirely silicon based
technology. These radiation resistant devices offer exceptional y high frequency
performance. Our interest here extends to exploring the nano vacuum tubes for THz
electronics applications.
In all the areas, the projects include material growth, characterization, device
fabrication, device testing and evaluation, reliability and lifetime assessment.
Specific Requirements For device related aspects, majoring in electrical engineering or physics is preferred.
For the remaining aspects of the project, majors in material science, chemistry and
other engineering disciplines are welcome. PhD candidates and talented
undergraduates wil get preference.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
24
Project Title
Studies of the Aqueous History of Mars
Mentor Name
Eldar Noe
Project Description
Intern will analyze data from a variety of spacecraft to understand the geologic
history of sites of interest, in order to better understand the role of water in the
history of Mars. This opportunity may include computer modeling, data analysis, and
laboratory work. If times al ows, preparation of a manuscript. Potential y, the sites
wil be proposed as landing sites for the 2020 Mars Rover. Intern wil also develop
software for the analysis of CRISM data.
Specific Requirements
Experience in Unix or equivalent fluency in IDL preferred.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
25
Project Title
The Influence of Mechanical Unloading on Biological Function
Mentor Name
Elizabeth Blaber
Project Description
The spaceflight environment, including microgravity and space radiation, is known to
negatively impact mammalian physiology, including somatic stem cel -based tissue
regeneration. The degenerative effects of spaceflight that we understand best
include rapid microgravity-adaptive bone and muscle loss, loss of cardiovascular
capacity, defects in wound and bone fracture healing and impaired immune function.
These implications pose a significant risk for long-term human space exploration. Our
work focuses on the influence of mechanical unloading on stem cell proliferation,
differentiation and regeneration and how alterations in stem cel function may be
the cause of widespread tissue degeneration in space. In this opportunity, the
selected candidate wil work with research scientists to analyze the response of
mouse bone and bone marrow stem cel s to mechanical unloading using both
spaceflight samples and mouse hindlimb unloading experiments. The intern wil
investigate stem cell responses to microgravity and mechanical unloading using gene
expression and protein analysis and furthermore, wil investigate the influence of
stem cel function on whole bone tissue properties - including structural and
molecular analysis. Furthermore, the intern wil also work with scientists on
optimizing conditions for an upcoming spaceflight experiment where we aim to
identify key molecular mechanisms that cause degenerative effects in bone tissue
through impaired differentiation of mesenchymal stem cel s. The intern wil conduct
cell culture and gene expression/protein assays to characterize wildtype stem cells
compared to the transgenic model. The intern wil then work with research scientists
to determine the optimal cel culture parameters to conduct the experiment in
spaceflight hardware.
Specific Requirements
Laboratory experience is preferred
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
26
Project Title
Upgrading a Space Debris Simulation Software for Planetary Defense Assessments
Mentor Name
Chad Frost
Project Description
NASA Ames Research Center has developed a simulation software that models the
space debris environment in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The goal of the current software is
to assess the efficiency of a concept for col ision avoidance between debris and active
satellites. The investigated system would use photon pressure from ground based
lasers to slightly change orbits to avoid collisions on warning.
For the internship, the main task wil be to upgrade the simulation software to include
the near earth object (NEO) environment (asteroids) and enable the assessment of
cubesat based asteroid detection systems. You wil change the main body of the
previous simulation from the sun to the earth, introduce a population of asteroids into
the model and investigate the utility of cubesats to detect those asteroids as they
come close to Earth. In addition, you also wil help to maintain the original software
for space debris modeling.
Specific Requirements The intern should have a background in the sciences or engineering, and ideally
Aerospace Engineering or Physics. The project requires programming skil s in C and
Matlab and an understanding of orbital dynamics.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
27
Project Title
Rotorcraft Aeromechanics
Mentor Name
Wil iam Warmbrodt
Project Description
The Aeromechanics Branch is responsible for aeromechanics research activities that
directly support the civil competitiveness of the U.S. helicopter industry and the
Department of Defense. Branch programs address al aspects of the rotorcraft which
directly influence the vehicle's performance, structural, and dynamic response,
external acoustics, vibration, and aeroelastic stability. The span of research also
includes unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms, including quadcopters and other
advanced, small remotely piloted vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The
programs are both theoretical and experimental in nature. Advanced computational
methodology research using computational fluid dynamics and multidisciplinary
comprehensive analyses seeks to understand the complete rotorcraft's operating
environment and to develop analytical models to predict rotorcraft aerodynamic,
aeroacoustic, and dynamic behavior. Experimental research seeks to obtain accurate
data to validate these analyses, investigate phenomena currently beyond predictive
capability, and to achieve rapid solutions to flight vehicle problems. Databases from
the flight and wind tunnel experimental programs are validated, documented and
maintained for the benefit of the U.S. rotorcraft technology base.
Specific Requirements
Broad background in science and math classes typical of an upper division
undergraduate in mechanical, aeronautical or aerospace engineering. Knowledge of
MatLab, Simulink, CREO ProE/SolidWorks/AutoCad,, VSP, Rhino, C++, python, or
other programming/software languages is desired, but not mandatory.
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
28
Project Title
Tensegrity Robotics Project
Mentor Name
Terrence Fong
Project Description
The participant wil conduct basic research in robotics in the Intel igent Robotics
Group (IRG) at the NASA Ames Research Center. Research wil involve development
of advanced mobile robots, including conception, design, prototyping, and testing of
novel mechatronic systems. Developing advanced mobile robotic systems is critical
to improving the performance and productivity of future NASA exploration missions.
In particular, methods that enable mobile robots to function robustly under a wide
range of environmental and operational conditions wil enable robots to be used for
a broader set of missions than is currently possible. Al robots built during this
project wil be terrestrial research prototypes and are not designed for use in space.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
29
Project Title
Intelligence for Choosing Icy Landing and Exploration Sites (ICICLES)
Mentor Name
Terrence Fong
Project Description
Landers for icy moons wil want to land at regions that are both safe and scientifical y
interesting. Communications restrictions that result from these remote operations
mean that humans cannot be involved in updating landing site selection during
descent, just when the most reliable data becomes available. The objective of ICICLES
is to automatically select candidate landing sites from orbit and to contiunally update
the EDL plan while descending.
The intern wil assist the Intel igent Robotics Group (IRG) in designing orbits which
observe scientifical y interesting candidate landing sites, as wel as attempting to
inform the geometry of the surface at those sites. In particular, the intern will help
develop optimal control methods to design orbit trajectories that provide optimal
views of the surface. Very strong emphasis wil be placed on incorporating and
integrating the intern's research into IRG's on-going projects.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
30
Project Title
MADCAT Project
Mentor Name
Kenneth Cheung
Project Description
The Coded Structures Laboratory conducts research across material science,
robotics, and algorithms, for application to aeronautics and space systems. The lab's
primary current project incorporates a building-block based approach to ultralight
lattice-based structures for shape morphing aircraft. Expected activities for this
position wil be both theoretical and experimental in nature, in support of advanced
research using multidisciplinary analyses to understand the mechanics of new
structural strategies and to develop predictive analytical models for the design of
systems with novel behavior. Experimental work is aimed at testing these analyses
with mechanical load testing and a wind tunnel experiment.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
31
Project Title
Closed-Loop Life Support
Mentor Name
Jonathan Trent
Project Description
The project is related to closed-loop life-support and is focused on
building a nexus between water, food, and energy.
More specifical y, in the laboratory there are two projects: 1)
developing a monitoring system for microalgae cultivation and 2)
testing a combined forward/reverse osmosis system for purifying
wastewater to potable standards. Both of these systems have
automation/monitoring issues. Samples are non-toxic and utilize standard scientific
equipment.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
32
Project Title
Design a Pump Control System with Flow Feedback for the Cel Science Project
Mentor Name
Terry Lusby
Project Description
1. Re-design a charge pre-amplifier to custom fit a Far West proportional counter (a
gas-based sensor).
2. Assist with the build-up of an engineering design unit (EDU) for the Cel Science
Project. This is a cell growth module that wil be flown to the ISS.
Specific Requirements
NASA Center
Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California
