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Software Tech Briefs is a special supplement to NASA Tech Briefs. Download the digital version (PDF) at right to learn about 59 new software programs outlined in the table of contents below.
Table of Contents
DESIGN & ANALYSIS SOFTWARE
4 Assessing the Friction Stir Welding Process With Mathematical Modeling
6 Solving Fluid-Structure-Acoustic Interactions With Multiphysics Modeling
6 Designing Rolling-Element Bearings
7 Interface for Physics Simulation Engines
7 Solving Equations of Multibody Dynamics
8 Analysis of Complex Valve and Feed Systems
ELECTRONICS/COMPUTERS
8 Programs for Testing an SSME-Monitoring System
9 Displaying and Analyzing Antenna Radiation Patterns
9 Payload Operations Support Team Tools
10 Analyzing Radio-Frequency Coverage for the ISS
10 Soft Real-Time PID Control on a VME Computer
11 Space-Shuttle Emulator Software
MECHANICS/MACHINERY
11 Robust, Flexible Motion Control for the Mars Explorer Rovers
12 Improved Path Planning Onboard the Mars Exploration Rovers
12 Inertial Measurements for Aero-assisted Navigation (IMAN)
13 Solar Sail Spaceflight Simulation
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
13 Deep Space Network Antenna Logic Controller
14 Modeling Magnetic Properties in EZTB
14 Modeling Carbon and Hydrocarbon Molecular Structures in EZTB
14 BigView Image Viewing on Tiled Displays
14 Rapid Analysis of Mass Distribution of Radiation Shielding
15 Software Compensates Electronic-Nose Readings for Humidity
15 Imaging Sensor Flight and Test Equipment Software
15 Space Propulsion Design and Analysis
18 Processing AIRS Scientific Data Through Level 2
18 PREDICTS
18 Analyzing Responses of Chemical Sensor Arrays
19 Triaxial Probe Magnetic Data Analysis
19 Parallelization of the Coupled Earthquake Model
20 Modeling of Radiative Transfer in Protostellar Disks
20 KML Super Overlay to WMS Translator
20 High-Performance Tiled WMS and KML Web Server
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
15 Simulating Responses of Gravitational-Wave Instrumentation
18 SOFTC: A Software Correlator for VLBI
18 Progress in Computational Simulation of Earthquakes
19 Program for Analyzing Flows in a Complex Network
19 Computing Spacecraft Solar-Cell Damage by Charged Particles
19 Automated Camera Calibration
20 Tracking the Martian CO2 Polar Ice Caps in Infrared Images
20 Program Predicts Performance of Optical Parametric Oscillators
20 Database of Properties of Meteors
21 SmaggIce Version 1.8
21 Processing TES Level-1B Data
21 Processing TES Level-2 Data
INFORMATION SCIENCES
21 Displaying Properties of PDFs
21 Flyby Geometry Optimization Tool
22 WMAP C&DH Software
22 Automated Diagnosis and Control of Complex Systems
22 Modular Filter and Source-Management Upgrade
of RADAC
23 CASPER Version 2.0
23 ISPATOM: A Generic Real-Time Data Processing Tool Without Programming
24 Program Management Tool
24 Generating Scenarios When Data Are Missing
25 Automatic Command Sequence Generation
25 Mission Simulation Toolkit
26 Model Checker for Java Programs
26 Parallel-Processing Software for Correlating Stereo Images
26 Web-Based Environment for Maintaining Legacy Software
27 Mapped Landmark Algorithm for Precision Landing
27 Grid Task Execution
27 Knowledge Base Editor (SharpKBE)
28 Simulating Operations at a Spaceport
29 Web-Based Real-Time Emergency Monitoring
29 Parallel Computing With Satellite Orbit Analysis Program
30 Periodic, On-Demand, and User-Specified Information Reconciliation
30 Information Metacatalog for a Grid
30 Automated Sequence Generation Process and Software
31 Master Metadata Repository and Metadata-Management System
31 Real-Time Data Display
32 Collaborative Resource Allocation
Overview
This September 2007 supplement to NASA Tech Briefs showcases a diverse collection of innovative software programs developed primarily by NASA centers and affiliated organizations, aimed at advancing design, analysis, and operational capabilities across aerospace and related fields.
Key highlights include multiphysics simulation tools, such as COMSOL Multiphysics, which enable sophisticated modeling of coupled physical phenomena like structural, fluid, thermal, acoustic, electromagnetic, and chemical interactions. These tools facilitate virtual prototyping and rapid concept screening, substantially reducing costs and speeding product development.
Several software packages support aerospace vehicle operations and mission planning. For example, the Space Shuttle Emulator Software from Johnson Space Center simulates shuttle avionics on affordable workstations, eliminating the need for flight hardware during testing. The Mars Explorer Rovers’ Mobility Flight Software provides robust autonomous and commanded motion control, enabling navigation over challenging terrain. Additionally, the Flyby Geometry Optimization Tool from Langley Research Center employs genetic algorithms to optimize spacecraft trajectories for maximizing data collection in Mars atmospheric relay missions.
Operations and infrastructure simulation tools include SPACESIM from Kennedy Space Center, a discrete-event simulation program modeling spaceport activities to enhance efficiency, security, and resource management akin to airports and seaports. Similarly, real-time emergency monitoring software from Stennis Space Center integrates multi-source data for crisis management, supporting rapid and informed decision-making during natural disasters.
Advanced computational methods are applied in the Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s parallelized Satellite Orbit Analysis Program (SOAP), enabling rapid trade studies and mission design analyses across millions of parameter sets by leveraging high-performance computing clusters.
Complementing technical tools, the document lists NASA centers' points of contact for technology transfer and collaboration, emphasizing access to technical support packages and commercial licensing opportunities. Centers like Ames, Glenn, Goddard, and JPL highlight their technological strengths ranging from biotechnology and nanotechnology to space communications and robotics.
Overall, the supplement underlines NASA’s commitment to developing and disseminating software innovations that enhance aerospace engineering, mission design, data analysis, and emergency response capabilities. By providing accessible tools and fostering partnerships, NASA facilitates technology transfer to industry and promotes effective use of advanced computational resources in space-related applications and beyond.
