1. Pioneering Space, Preserving Earth
To reveal the full breadth of links between
space exploration and Earth within the
science and technology endeavors at
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center
(MSFC).
Objective
Rationale
Until recently, the space
exploration community differed
from the community that focused
on the study of Earth.
Advancements in propulsion, spacecraft, life
support systems, and earth observation
technology have enabled these
communities to work together, deepening
our understanding of our home planet and
protecting life on Earth.
In order to identify these links, I conducted
data collection and research interviews at
MSFC and the National Space Science
Technology Center to create a technical
write paper.
Methodology
Propulsion & Space
Transportation
Getting There
Life Support Systems
Living In Space
Earth & Space Science
Looking Out,
Looking Back
Results
Conclusion
Results identified more than twelve
endeavors at MSFC that bridge
gaps between space exploration,
earth science, environmental
preservation, and the protection of
life on Earth.
I detailed relevant projects and their
environmental connections in a technical
white paper and PowerPoint presentation.
Efforts to transport humans into space and
keep us there improve our understanding of
Earth and help to protect life.
Highlighting these connections provides an
opportunity to impart stakeholders, partners,
NASA employees and the general public a
powerful and coherent NASA story.
Appreciation
I would like to express my heartfelt
gratitude to Marianne Higgins and George
Fletcher, as well as to the entire OSAC team
for their outstanding mentorship and
commitment to NASA’s internship program
at MSFC.
Heliophysics
data from the Active Cavity
Radiometer Irradiance Monitor
(ACRIM) provides solar irradiance
information to better understand
our changing climate.
Space Weather
studies at the Heliosphere and
Planetary Office further
understanding impacts of solar
storms on satellite communications
and power grids on Earth.
Planetary Defense
promotes preparedness for
near‐earth orbiting asteroids
with the Space Launch System
(SLS) to protect life on Earth.
The Oxygen
Generation System
(OGS) aboard the ISS reduces
CO2 emissions on Earth with coal
stack scrubbers and cement
manufacturing innovation.
Additive Manufacturing
(AM) advances waste reduction
and energy efficiency by 3D
printing with recycled plastic
feedstock.
In-situ Resource
Utilization
(ISRU) promotes regenerative
energy solutions , mining
regolith and building structures
on‐site for our journey to Mars
and exploration of deep space.
SERVIR
means “to serve” in Spanish and
helps international partners create
environmental management and
disaster response decision support
systems.
The Short-Term
Prediction Research &
Transition Center (SPoRT)
creates data and models that are
utilized by the National Weather
Service and worldwide
investigators.
The Lightning
Imaging System (LIS)
strengthens our
understanding of lightning,
contributing to weather, air
quality and forest fire studies.
Solar Sails
enable continuous monitoring of
Earth’s polar ice caps by utilizing the
momentum of solar particles for
propulsion.
The Water Reclamation
System
(WRS) aboard the ISS advances water
purification systems in developing
countries via iodine membrane and zeolite
filter systems through closed‐loop
activities.
Green Propellant
provides a cleaner and safer
propulsion alternative to hydrazine
for spacecraft and earth‐based
aircraft.
Bridging the Gap Between Space Exploration and Our Earth
at Marshall Space Flight Center
By Rachel Rotz
NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville Alabama