NASA Potential Projects (Top: List, Bottom: Details)
Mars Related Projects for the NASA
A list of 76 potential research projects related to different tracks is shown in the Tables below.
NASA JSC | Track: Communication |
Interest level | Capacity building: Development of communication system |
| Research Project 1: Develop low latency communication system on Mars environment. Investigate current systems such as 4/5/6G and other options (such as Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, etc.) |
| Research Project 2: Develop low power sensor network and data collection system for Mars environment |
| Research Project 3: Explore machine learning integrated sensor networks for localized data processing for low-power systems. |
| Research Project 4: Explore the Internet of Things on Mars (IoTM) systems. |
| Research Project 5: Develop AI AI-integrated connected network system |
| Research Project 6: Explore connected devices on Mars using AI. |
| Research Project 7: Explore optical communication technologies for obtaining higher data rates. |
| Research Project 8: Explore some advanced communications systems such as quantum communication, which could enhance the security and efficiency of communications. |
NASA JSC | Track: Oxygen | |||
Interest level | Capacity building: Establishing the facility and development of expertise in natural (photosynthetic microorganisms) and chemical-based oxygen generation. | |||
| Research Project 1: Utilizing photosynthetic microorganisms to convert CO2 to O2 and generate breathable air from Mars’ atmosphere. “Algal breathable air generation for Mars settlement (ABAGMS)” | |||
| Research Project 2: Evaluation of various algal species (e.g., green algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria) to test their O2 productivity under high CO2 (>50%) and low O2 (<10%) conditions under low pressure (<1 psi) to evaluate the feasibility of low-pressure algae cultivation and O2 production. | |||
| Research Project 3: An oxygen generation device design, construction, and testing: Design and construct of an Oxygen generating device (similar to the size of MOXIE) that can take a continuous flow of simulated Mars air (i.e., 0.095 psi with 95% CO2) to generate oxygen-rich air. | |||
| Research Project 4: Technical and financial assessment of mass-energy-materials balance analysis operational cost estimation, and lifecycle cost analysis for an early Mars settlement (100 people). | |||
| Research Project 5: Perform mass-energy-materials balance analysis to estimate the running cost and material requirements/productions of a settlement-scale device. | |||
| Research Project 6: Technical and financial feasibility studies to explore producing oxygen from converting Mars soil and atmosphere (e.g., pyroxenes (XYSi2O6) and olivine (Mg, Fe)2 SiO4) to Oxygen and other usable minerals. | |||
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NASA JSC | Track: Spacesuit and Vehicles |
Interest level | Capacity building: Establishing the testing facility and acquiring manufacturing processes to facilitate a wide range of experiments and tests |
| Research Project 1: Assessing/redesigning/enhancing mechanical components and systems (materials and geometry) of the vehicles to operate in extreme cold and airborne electrostatic dust on Mars |
| Research Project 2: Assessing/redesigning/enhancing electronics and sensor components of the vehicles to operate in extreme cold and airborne electrostatic dust on Mars |
| Research Project 3: Protection (e.g., sealing, coating, de-dusting, de-icing, self-cleaning, and filtration) of the mechanical systems to prevent early failure of the vehicles to operate in extreme cold and airborne electrostatic dust on Mars |
| Research Project 4: Protection (e.g., sealing, coating, de-dusting, de-icing, self-cleaning, and filtration) of the electronic systems to prevent early failure of the vehicles to operate in extreme cold and airborne electrostatic dust on Mars |
| Research Project 5: Equipping spacesuits to combine wearable electronics and sensors with emergency warning, signal, and backup support. |
| Research Project 6: Digital scans of representative astronauts to develop a list of parametric dimensions to optimize space suit designs for a variety of body types and genders. |
| Research Project 7: Customizing a new generation of smart suits with wearable sensors and actuators for a variety of applications on Mars |
| Research Project 8: Human Body Motion Assessment by Augmented and Virtual Reality |
| Research Project 9: Prediction of sensorimotor disorders by Augmented and Virtual Reality |
| Research Project 10: Monitoring system for strength training and aerobic exercises by Augmented and Virtual Reality |
| Research Project 11: Modular Configurations for Unstructured Terrains for Modular Multirobot Strategies for Cooperative Tasks |
| Research Project 12: Multi-robot coordination strategies with limited communications for Modular Multirobot Strategies for Cooperative Tasks |
| Research Project 13: Distributed Locomotion Strategies for Modular Multirobot Strategies for Cooperative Tasks |
| Research Project 14: Modular systems for space habitats for Modular Multirobot Strategies for Cooperative Tasks |
| Research Project 15: Development of Mobile Industrial Manipulator in a Harsh Environment |
| Research Project 16: Development of Flexible Robot Hand |
| Research Project 17: Development of Humanoid Robot in a Harsh Environment |
| Research Project 18: Robotic Shelter Building Using Prefabricated Construction Materials and Blocks |
| Research Project 19: The study on the effect of shelter geometry on high-risk areas for pressure loss and leak |
| Research Project 20: Optimize the multilayer Martian materials (soil, rock, dry ice) to prevent sun radiation into the shelters |
| Research Project 21: Develop and optimize spacesuits to prevent short and long-term damage to residents outside the shelter (leak, temperature, radiation) while keeping high maneuverability. |
| Research Project 22: Develop new materials, fabrics, and systems to prevent toxic airborne dust from attachment to spacesuits, systems, panels, and resident’s bodies. |
NASA JSC | Track: Shelter | |||
Interest level | Capacity building: acquiring equipment for the automated construction of shelters, robots, material testing, software for modeling, and hands-on knowledge for a variety of applications | |||
| Research Project 1: Feasibility analysis, material evaluation, preliminary simulations, modeling, and experiments based on Martian soil and Regolith. Cost-effective production of a Martian soil replica in laboratory settings. | |||
| Research Project 2: The integration of automation, additive manufacturing, and robotics systems and develop proper algorithms for multi-agent robots into the habitat construction process by the consideration of important factors such as enhancing efficiency, minimizing human reliance, and optimizing power consumption. | |||
| Research Project 3: Integrating additive and subtractive manufacturing in building shelter in the form of blocks (cutting Martian rock) and joining components using chemical reactions, freezing, or sintering. | |||
| Research Project 4: Development of photovoltaic multi-agent builder robots for in-situ construction of future NASA Mars exploration with the capability of self-maintenance and recovery. | |||
| Research Project 5: Development of a multi-layer shield to secure shelter from pressure leaks, dust entrance, radiation, and underground chemical penetration. | |||
| Research Project 6: Advancing the durability, resilience, and longevity of space-based infrastructure assets through the integration of cutting-edge self-healing, radiation shielding, and thermal management materials, aimed at effectively mitigating challenges associated with microstructural damage, wear, and environmental stressors. | |||
| Research Project 7: Assessing the Durability of Adaptive and Self-Healing Construction Materials under Extreme Space Weather Conditions | |||
| Research Project 8: Advancing Robotic Construction in Space: Integrating Digital Twins and Additive Manufacturing for Space-Based Structures | |||
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NASA JSC | Track: Water |
Interest level | Capacity building: Development of a proof-of-concept pilot water and wastewater collection, storage, treatment, and purification system that recovers and recycles >95% of water under simulated Mars settlement conditions. |
| Research Project 1 (Year 1): Comprehensive assessment of membrane-based desalination processes (e.g., reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and membrane distillation), biological treatment, photochemical oxidation (e.g., UV/H2O2, photocatalysis), and atmospheric water generation processes (e.g., passive vs. active) and evaluate their applicability and limitations under low gravity conditions of Mars settlements (i.e., 0.38 G). |
| Research Project 2: Simulation model development and conceptual CWSMS design and analysis. Develop a series of computer models for promising wastewater treatment and water generation processes to predict their performance in a low-gravity environment. Develop and analyze of hydraulic model to simulate a urine/wastewater collection (i.e., plumbing) system under low gravity conditions as well. |
| Research Project 3: Pilot CWSMS system design, fabrication, and testing: Design, fabricate, and test a pilot-scale CWSMS system (e.g., 1/25 scale: approximately for 4 people, 400 gallons/day). |
| Research Project 4: Development of a miniaturized CWSMS system or part of it that can be tested at a gravity offload system [e.g., Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) at JSC] and during parabolic flight experiments in a follow-up NASA-funded project. |
| Research Project 5: Development of a new passive and active Peltier-based Atmospheric Water Generation system by utilizing a cold environment outside of the shelter to cool the heatsinks of the Peltier devices. |
| Research Project 6: Developing Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) models and optimizing the new passive and active Peltier-based Atmospheric Water Generation system by utilizing a cold environment outside of the shelter to cool the heatsinks of the Peltier devices. |
| Research Project 7: Development of a new Psychrometrics chart based on the Mars ambient and identifying optimized range to operate. |
| Research Project 8: Development of methods for extracting and delivering water from potential underground ice layers on Mars |
| Research Project 9: Development of methods for extracting long-distance water from potential ice layer on Mars's poles |
| Research Project 10: Fluid dynamics under microgravity conditions: liquid droplets and solid interactions |
NASA JSC | Track: Power |
Interest level | Capacity building: Acquiring and Development Systems and Knowledge for Power generating systems in the Martian environment |
| Research Project 1: Comprehensive assessment of the performance of the current PV panel for the sun radiation on Mars |
| Research Project 2: Developing a new generation of PV panels to operate best for the sun radiation on Mars |
| Research Project 3: Exploring Lightweight Composites and Phase Change Materials for Space-based Solar Farms |
| Research Project 4: Advancing Dust-Repellent Materials for Enhanced Solar Panel Performance in Space. |
| Research Project 5: Exploring approaches to investigate geothermal potentials of the Mars |
| Research Project 6: Designing Wind Energy Harvesting Tools on Mars for Infrastructure Development with Enhanced Power Reliability through a Hybrid Power Approach Strategy. |
| Research Project 7: Exploring approaches to investigate low-enthalpy and high-enthalpy geothermal potentials of the Mars |
| Research Project 8: Investigate hydrogen production from surface wastewater to power orbital infrastructure |
| Research Project 9: Exploring wind turbine options (thin air and limited wind) horizontal and vertical wind turbines |
| Research Project 10: Exploring energy storage options using new battery technology where durability and lifespan are important. Develop microwatt and nanowatt energy storage systems for sensors. |
| Research Project 11: Exploring energy storage options using electrostatic charge on Mars surface (capacitive, etc.) |
| Research Project 12: Exploring hydrogen-based regenerative Fuel cells. |
| Research Project 13: Exploring hybrid-connected to provide a more reliable and consistent energy supply. |
| Research Project 14: PV systems for full DC, DC-DC converters for Mars environment |
| Research Project 15: Technical and financial assessment of the delivery of modular nuclear power plants to Mars |
| Research Project 16: Study of installing and utilizing satellite solar panels outside of Mars’s atmosphere to relay energy using microwaves and other radiations to point of use on Mars. |
NASA JSC | Track: Food |
Interest level | Capacity building: Acquiring and Development Systems and Knowledge for fresh food production and processing on Mars |
| Research Project 1: Investigation of the differences in the Vertical farming methods (hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaponics) on Earth and Mars |
| Research Project 2: Investigation of methods for detoxification and enriching of the Mars soil by utilizing organic and inorganic methods |
| Research Project 3: Investigation of fish farming on Mars and the most resilient and adaptive types for the Mars environment |
| Research Project 4: Investigation of cattle farming on Mars and the most resilient and adaptive types for the Mars environment |
| Research Project 5: Investigation of soil-based farming on Mars and the most resilient and adaptive types for the Mars environment |
| Research Project 6: Investigation of Lab-grown meat production on Mars |
More Details for Higher Priority Projects in NASA-MIRO
Track: Shelter | Martian Center Track Lead: Amir Zamanian | NASA partner: TBD | |
Research subcategories | 2: In-Situ Construction | ||
Habitat: Designing habitats suitable by considering different factors such as temperature variations, radiation protection, low pressure, dust cleaning, and sustainable disposal systems. | Capacity building: Development of a proof-of-concept for in-situ constructing structures using local resources, such as regolith or Martian soil to create building materials. | ||
Research Project 1 (Years 1 and 2): | |||
Research project 2 (Years 3 and 4):
By leveraging automation and robotics, our objective is to streamline construction procedures, augmenting precision and speed. The hands-on involvement of our NASA partner ensures that these technologies align seamlessly with the unique challenges posed by space habitats. This collaborative effort not only advances construction methodologies but also establishes a foundation for sustainable and technologically advanced habitats beyond Earth. | |||
Research project 3 (Years 4 and 5): The next critical step comprises integrating automation and robotics systems into the habitat construction process at the technology-ready level. This transition from conceptualization to the technological implementation phase aims to elevate efficiency levels and diminish reliance on human involvement. The Johnson Space Center (JSC) will serve as the hub for this transformative endeavor, closely supervised by our esteemed NASA partner.
This phase signifies a pivotal shift, where theoretical frameworks and methodologies evolve into tangible technologies. The incorporation of automation and robotics not only facilitates the construction process but also introduces a new era of adaptability to the challenges presented by extraterrestrial environments. The collaborative efforts at the JSC ensure that these technological advancements align with NASA's rigorous standards, setting the stage for the future of habitat construction beyond our planet | |||
Future research project: Development of photovoltaic multi-agent builder robots for in-situ construction of future NASA Mars exploration with the capability of self-maintenance and recovery. | |||
Track: Oxygen | Martian Center Track Lead: Keisuke Ikehata | NASA partner: TBA from JSC/ JPL | |
Research subcategories | 2: Natural | ||
Utilizing photosynthetic microorganisms to convert CO2 to O2 and generate breathable air from Mars’ atmosphere. “Algal breathable air generation for Mars settlements (ABAGMS)” | Capacity building: Development of a proof-of-concept small oxygen generation device based on photosynthetic microorganisms and simulated Mars atmosphere and light. | ||
Task 1 (Years 1 and 2): Literature review and preliminary algae screening: Perform comprehensive literature review on algal photosynthesis at low pressure, low light, and high CO2 atmospheric conditions. Perform a series of preliminary experiments to evaluate various algal species (e.g., green algae, diatoms, and cyanobacteria, fresh water/brackish/marine) to test their O2 productivity under high CO2 (>50%) and low O2 (<10%) conditions by creating a modified air in a glovebox. A series of batch experiments will also be done under a low pressure (<1 psi) in a small vacuum chamber to evaluate the feasibility of low-pressure algae cultivation and O2 production. | |||
Task 2 (Years 3 and 4): An oxygen generation device design, construction, and testing: Design and construct a small device (similar to the size of MOXIE) that can be take a continuous flow of simulated Mars air (i.e., <0.1 psi with 95% CO2) as an input and oxygen-rich (>20%) air as an output at a rate of >10 g of oxygen an hour. Operate the device to collect data and improve the device design and operability. Explore the use of algal biomass for beneficial uses. Some of the demonstration experiments will be done at the JPL under supervision of our NASA partner. | |||
Task 3 (Years 4 and 5): Detailed capital cost estimation, mass-energy-materials balance analysis and operational cost estimation, lifecycle cost analysis: Perform detailed cost estimation for building oxygen generation devices for an early Mars settlement (approximately 100 people). Perform a mass-energy-materials balance analysis to estimate the running cost and material requirements/productions of a settlement-scale device. Perform a lifecycle cost analysis to explore the overall process feasibility. Collaborate with other track leads to explore the resource exchange potentials (e.g., energy, water, and food). | |||
Future research project: Development of a deployable oxygen generation device that can be tested during a future NASA Mars missions. | |||
Table II: Track 2: Water Cycling Research at Martian Center
Track: Water | Martian Center Track Lead: Keisuke Ikehata | NASA partner: TBA from JSC | |
Research subcategories | 2: Chemical and Physical | ||
Utilizing membrane-based desalination processes, biological treatment, photo/chemical oxidation, and atmospheric water generators that are suitable for use in a Mars settlement. “Circular Water System for Mars Settlements (CWSMS)” | Capacity building: Development of a proof-of-concept pilot water and wastewater collection, storage, treatment, and purification system that recovers and recycles >95% of water under a simulated Mars settlement conditions. | ||
Task 1 (Year 1): Literature review: Perform comprehensive literature review on membrane-based desalination processes (e.g., reverse osmosis, electrodialysis, and membrane distillation), biological treatment, photochemical oxidation (e.g., UV/H2O2, photocatalysis), and atmospheric water generation processes (e.g., passive vs. active) and evaluate their applicability and limitations under low gravity conditions of Mars settlements (i.e., 0.38 G). | |||
Task 2 (Years 2 and 3): Simulation model development and conceptual CWSMS design and analysis: Develop a series of computer models for promising wastewater treatment and water generation processes to predict their performance in a low gravity environment. Develop another hydraulic model to simulate a urine/wastewater collection (i.e., plumbing) system under low gravity conditions as well. Design and analyze a conceptual CWSMS system suitable for a Mars settlement based on the model predictions. The conceptual system design will be performed at the JSC in collaboration with our NASA partner. Perform a preliminary mass-energy-materials balance analysis for a CWSMS system. | |||
Task 3 (Years 4 and 5): Pilot CWSMS system design, fabrication, and testing: Design, fabricate, and test a pilot-scale CWSMS system (e.g., 1/25 scale: approximately for 4 people, 400 gallons/day), including an atmospheric water generator, a urine/wastewater collection and storage system, and a wastewater treatment and purification system. (Note: This is analogous to a water recycling system for a household, which can be used in remote locations, disaster responses/recovery, and other Earthling applications.) Perform a detailed mass-energy-materials balance analysis to estimate the running cost and material requirements/productions of a settlement-scale system. Perform a lifecycle cost analysis to explore the overall process feasibility. Collaborate with other track leads to explore the resource exchange potentials (e.g., oxygen, energy, and food). | |||
Future research project: Development of a miniaturized CWSMS system or part of it that can be tested at a gravity offload system [e.g., Active Response Gravity Offload System (ARGOS) at JSC] and/or during parabolic flight experiments in a follow-up NASA-funded project. | |||
Track: Water & Power | Martian Center Track Lead: Salah A. Faroughi | NASA partner: TBD | |
Research subcategories | 2: Natural | ||
Develop wastewater-driven energy-efficient electrolysis systems tailored for Mars conditions by conducting a comprehensive study on fluid dynamics in microgravity environments. | Capacity building: Development of a proof-of-concept for a hydrogen generation device based on surface wastewater to power Mars orbital infrastructure. | ||
Task 1 (Years 1 and 2):
Task 2 (Years 3 and 4): Enhance the efficiency of the electrolysis systems by investigating the interactions between fluids and solid surfaces within the electrolysis system under microgravity conditions. Understand how reduced gravity affects fluid flow, bubble formation, and the transport of reactants and products within the system. Experiment with various electrolysis parameters, including voltage, current, and electrode materials, to optimize hydrogen production efficiency. Use simulation tools and laboratory experiments to fine-tune the system for maximum output.
Task 3 (Year 5): Devise a strategy for storing and distributing the extracted hydrogen as a viable energy source for Mars orbital infrastructure. Explore technologies for safe storage and transportation of hydrogen, considering the unique challenges posed by the Martian environment. | |||
Future research project: Development of a deployable hydrogen generation device that can be tested during a future NASA Mars missions. | |||
Track: Communication, Lead: Semih Aslan |
Capacity building: Development of communication system |
Research Project 1: Develop low latency communication system on Mars environment. Investigate current systems such as 4/5/6G and other options (such as Wi-Fi, LoRaWAN, etc.) |
Research Project 2: Develop low power sensor network and data collection system for Mars environment |
Research Project 3: Explore machine learning integrated sensor networks for localized data processing for low-power systems. |
Track: Spacesuit and Vehicles | Martian Center Track Lead: Fred Chen | NASA partner: TBD | |
Research subcategories | 2: Natural | ||
Robotics and Automation | Capacity building: Establishing the testing facility and acquiring manufacturing processes to facilitate a wide range of experiments and tests | ||
Research project 1 (Years 1 and 2): Development of Mobile Industrial Manipulator (MIM) in a Harsh Environment: 1. review the materials, batteries and motors etc. that can be used to develop MIM in the harsh environment; 2. Design and fabricate a battery powered industrial arm. Test the robot arm in the simulated hard environment; 3. Design and fabricate a mobile platform; the platform can be used in general purpose such as inspection and monitoring the environment and material delivery etc. 4. Integrating the mobile platform with the industrial arm; 5. Test MIM in the simulated harsh environment to perform different tasks such as 3D printing and pre-fabricated panel assembly. | |||
Research project 2 (Years 3 and 4): Robotic Shelter Building Using Prefabricated Construction Materials and Blocks; 1. Investigate the technologies to fabricate construction materials which can be easily assembled using one mobile industrial arm; 2. Design a robot hand which can handle prefabricated construction materials; 3. Study machine learning method to improve the assembly process; 4. Test the assembly process in a simulated harsh environment. | |||
Research project 3 (Years 4 and 5): Development of Humanoid Robot in Harsh Environment: 1. Investigate light-weight materials, batteries and motors to build humanoid robot; 2. Design and fabricate the humanoid robot; 3. Design and fabricate a flexible robot hand; 4. Test the humanoid robot in the simulated harsh environment; 4. Perform different tasks such as handling materials, planting and fruit harvesting etc. | |||
Future research project: Development of General Purpose Robot for Space Exploration. | |||
Martian Center Track Lead: Togay Ozbakkaloglu |
Track: Shelter |
Advancing the durability, resilience, and longevity of space-based infrastructure assets through the integration of cutting-edge self-healing, radiation shielding, and thermal management materials, aimed at effectively mitigating challenges associated with microstructural damage, wear, and environmental stressors.
Developing digital twins for space-based structures and harnessing cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies to bolster robotic construction in space. |
Research project 1: Assessing the Durability of Adaptive and Self-Healing Construction Materials under Extreme Space Weather Conditions |
Research project 2: Advancing Robotic Construction in Space: Integrating Digital Twins and Additive Manufacturing for Space-Based Structures |
Capacity building:
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Track: Shelter and Spacesuit | Martian Center Track Lead: Bahram Asiabanpour | NASA partner: TBD | |
Robotics and Automation, and Materials | Capacity building: Establishing the testing facility and acquiring manufacturing processes to facilitate a wide range of experiments and tests | ||
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Research Project 1: The study on the effect of shelter geometry on high-risk areas for pressure loss and leak | |||
Research Project 2: Optimize the multilayer Martian materials (soil, rock, dry ice) to prevent sun radiation into the shelters | |||
Research Project 3: Develop and optimize spacesuits to prevent short and long-term damage to residents outside the shelter (leak, temperature, radiation) while keeping high maneuverability. | |||
Research Project 4: Protection (e.g., sealing, coating, de-dusting, de-icing, self-cleaning, and filtration) of the electronic systems to prevent early failure of the vehicles to operate in extreme cold and airborne electrostatic dust on Mars | |||