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| NASA Glenn Research Center | |
| Contributions to Exploration Systems | |
| Introduction | |
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Since 1941, Glenn pioneers and innovators have expanded horizons and opened frontiers for exploration in space and air. Glenn develops critical capabilities that address national priorities through research, technology development, and systems development for safe and reliable aeronautics, aerospace, and space applications. As a primary research and development center for NASA, Glenn has made significant contributions human space programs such as Apollo, the Space Shuttle, and the International Space Station. As NASA moves forward to fulfill The Vision for Space Exploration, Glenn is focusing efforts related to Space Exploration Systems in the following areas:
Glenn's renowned workforce is comprised of 1,942 individuals, with 57 percent being Scientist and Engineers. Numerous NASA and external awards have recognized Glenn's many contributions and innovations throughout its storied history. | |
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| Space Flight Experience | |
| Glenn successfully develops, manages and supports flight systems in each of our major capabilities of power, propulsion, communications and microgravity science. The Center successfully managed, developed, and supported launch operations for Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELVs), including most of NASA's planetary missions (e.g., Voyager, Pioneer, Viking, Cassini) for a total of 119 launches over 35 years. Glenn also provided significant contributions to the Mars Pathfinder and Mar Excursion Rovers missions. | 
Launch of CRRES on Atlas rocket |
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| Glenn pioneered the use of liquid hydrogen for rocket and aircraft propulsion, allowing the United States to win the race to the Moon. The Center also led development of the highly successful RL-10 upper stage engine, and invented and perfected the co-axial injection element for rocket engines, which is now the most common injector design used for Boost and Upper Stage Engines. Glenn successfully completed development and risk mitigation testing within budget and ahead of schedule for the Boeing Delta III cryogenic upper stage, developing an optimum RL10B-2 engine chill-down approach, and mapping the ignition "start-box" through extensive space simulated ignition testing. Glenn continued successful rocket engine efforts by developing, technically managing, qualifying, and procuring the Centaur D-1A and D-1T stages, P&W RL-10 engine, Teledyne Centaur flight computer, Honeywell Centaur guidance system, Shuttle and Centaur G and G prime stages, and Rocketdyne Atlas MA-5 upgrades. | 
Historic Rocket Engine Test Facility |
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| In Electric Propulsion, Glenn invented the first Hall and Ion Thrusters in the late 1950's and flew the first Electric Propulsion (EP) spacecraft demonstrations in the 1960's. The Center developed, managed and operated the Space Electric Rocket Test (SERT) 1 and 2 spacecraft. In-house, Glenn designed, built, qualified and delivered the Deep Space 1 (DS1) ion engine. This was the first ion engine to be used for primary propulsion in an interplanetary application. Glenn designed, built, qualified, and delivered, and operated a pulsed plasma thruster to demonstrate satellite station-keeping for EO-1 mission. | 
Deep Space 1 illustration |
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| Glenn designed the largest power system ever deployed in space for Space Station Freedom, which was transferred and built for the International Space Station (ISS). The Center led a team which investigated and resolved a negative margin on the ISS solar array mast due to unanticipated STS gas impingement loads during rendezvous and docking. The development of a new complex control/structure interaction method saved $24.5M in redesign. | 
International Space Station |
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Glenn worked with the Russian Space Agency and international partners to develop, manufacture, test and deliver the flight of the MIR Cooperative Solar Array (MCSA) for launch in a record time of 18 months. MCSA was delivered on schedule and $1 million under budget. Glenn designed, built, qualified and delivered DS1 solar arrays, which were the first successful use of photovoltaic concentrators (SCARLET) in space. |
Russia's Mir with Cooperative Solar Array |
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| Glenn also developed the Communications Technology Satellite (CTS) in the 1980's, the first communications satellite in the Ka-band, and developed the Ka-band Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier (TWTA) to be flown on the CTS, which is used by the Direct Broadcast Services (DBS) industry today. The Center's development of the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) began the revolution in space-based, broad-band communications. ACTS proved that Ka-band transmission is feasible and offers many advantages over other frequency bands. ACTS enabled growth in capacity and utilization of the limited frequency spectrum and offered the first demonstration of high-quality voice communication (with echo cancellation) from a geosynchronous satellite. Over 150 organizations conducted more than 100 experiments in 31 states and 6 foreign countries using ACTS. | 
ACTS in orbit |
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| The Center has a greater than 97 percent success rate in designing, developing, managing, and supporting over 130 diverse microgravity experiments, which have flow on Spacelab, Spacehab, MIR, and ISS. For example Glenn developed Combustion Module (CM) 1 & 2, the largest payloads flown on Spacelab and Spacehab. The innovative combination of Glenn-led hardware analysis and rack-level tests were used to qualify the CM-2 hardware, saving the program a costly and mission threatening re-qualification process. Also, the Center developed two unique facility-class payloads for the ISS capable of supporting multiple combustion science and fluid physics investigations, the Combustion Integrated Rack (CIR) and the Fluids Integrated Rack (FIR), which is scheduled for deployment in Fiscal Year 2005. | 
CM-2 experiment racks |
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| Systems Synthesis and Analysis Capabilities | |
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Glenn successfully performs space flight systems synthesis and analysis for a wide range of flight systems. Glenn's successful systems analysis capability began when Glenn developed the first mission analysis capability for NASA. It continued by developing the first high fidelity computer decks in the 1950's to solve low thrust trajectories for Mars missions. Glenn also developed the first calculus of variations code in the 1960's to optimize Earth-to-Orbit trajectories. Recently, the Center developed OTISv3 trajectory analysis tool. OTIS is a government and industry standard and has been distributed to more than 70 organizations. Glenn has many trajectory, power, propulsion and communication models that provide the foundation to perform designs, trades, and analysis. Glenn designed Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket and Solar Electric Power / Chemical / Aerobrake Concept Options for Human Mars Exploration. The Center led the development of space communications and navigation architecture for human exploration of the Moon as part of the Beacon studies. In 2003, Glenn led one of the four Next Generation Launch Technology (NGLT) architecture definition teams and led the performance discipline team for the NGLT systems analysis project. Currently, Glenn is performing trajectory design, mission analysis, technology assessment, cost assessment and requirements trades for Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter (JIMO). |
 Jupiter Icy Moons Orbiter concept |
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| Technology Competencies: | |
| Space Power | |
| Glenn is the only NASA Center performing all elements of space power system development to enable space exploration, from low Technology Readiness Level to flight. | |
| Power Generation |
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| The Center develops power generation technologies which enable space exploration, including static (photovoltaic and thermo-photovoltaic) and dynamic (Brayton and Stirling) power systems. Glenn successfully operated a 15 kWe Closed Brayton Cycle (CBC) for 38,000 hours and demonstrated the world's first test of an integrated solar dynamic 2 kWe CBC power system in a relevant space environment. Additionally, a free-piston Stirling power source with a Hall-effect electric thruster was successfully demonstrated. Glenn performed the world's first test of a closed Brayton cycle power system with electric propulsion (Ion) engine, and developed and tested the world's highest power free-piston Stirling engine (25 kWe). Currently, the Center is performing component development and testing to support transition to flight for Stirling power convertors in a radioisotope power system. | 
Solar Array Test |
| In photovoltaic power generation, Glenn led efforts to analyze on-orbit EMI effects of Plasma Arcing to the solar arrays, leading to the implementation of the ISS plasma Contactor. The Center designed and developed Solar Array Module Plasma Interaction Experiment (SAMPIE), which was flown in the Shuttle payload bay to determine arcing hazards on solar arrays and surrounding structural materials. A Floating Potential Probe on ISS was developed and implemented to guarantee an arc-free environment for astronaut EVAs. GRC authored GEO and LEO Spacecraft Design Guidelines for Assessing and Controlling Spacecraft Charging Effects and is presently writing Paschen breakdown guidelines for missions to the Moon and Mars. | 
Plasma contactor that protects the structure of the Space Station |
| Energy Storage |
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| Glenn conducts research in energy storage technology including fuel cells, regenerative fuel cells, batteries and flywheels. The Center conducted technology advancement programs on the Gemini Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell and the Apollo alkaline fuel cell. It was responsible for advancing and qualifying primary fuel cell power technology for the Space Shuttle onboard power system. It also developed the technology and supported advanced development activities for the alkaline fuel cells for the Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle. The Center leads development of modular PEM fuel cell stack technology for use in Launch Vehicles. This technology provides increased peak-to-nominal power capability and improved reliability. Glenn is also leading the effort to evaluate and develop fuel cell and regenerative fuel cell energy storage systems for missions with long eclipse periods, such as Lunar/Mars bases, UAVs, and high altitude balloons. Totally passive components are the focus of this effort to minimize weight, improve energy density, and maximize reliability. | 
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell |
| Glenn leads the NASA Aerospace Flight Battery System Program, an Agency-wide effort aimed at ensuring the quality, safety, reliability, and performance of flight battery systems for NASA missions. Glenn evaluated flight battery technologies for ISS and the Electric Auxiliary Power Unit (EAPU) replacement for the Space Shuttle. Glenn developed and validated designs for nickel hydrogen (Ni-H2) cells that have been adopted for NASA missions and employed by cell manufacturers and satellite companies. The Center developed lightweight nickel electrodes, demonstrated the feasibility of bipolar nickel hydrogen battery designs, initiated advances including the use of 26 percent KOH and the use of catalyzed wall-wicks, and developed standard test procedures for evaluating separator materials for alkaline cells. Currently, Glenn is focusing on lithium-ion battery technology as a replacement for nickel-hydrogen. Because of the nominal 100 percent improvements in specific energy and energy density over nickel-hydrogen, the lithium-ion cell development program is poised to enable many NASA missions. A joint DoD and NASA program was established to develop lithium-ion batteries with the capabilities required by future NASA and DoD missions. The collaborative effort between JPL, AFRL, and GRC resulted in the development of Li-Ion technology implemented in the batteries for the MER rovers. | 
Nickel-Hydrogen (Ni-H2) battery cells |
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Glenn is pioneering the development of the next generation of space-qualified lithium-based technology, a lithium-based polymer electrolyte secondary battery. This concept replaces the liquid electrolyte of the Li-ion system with an ultra-safe polymer electrolyte that cannot leak or emit toxic fumes. The Polymer Energy Rechargeable System Program addresses this "next generation" technology through a combination of contracted and in-house efforts focusing on the development and evaluation of the various polymer electrolytes as well as cathodes, anodes, and related components. Glenn developed a new design and life prediction method for flywheels that offer long-term energy storage and attitude control capabilities. Flywheel technology provides increased payload mass fraction and extended mission life when used in combined energy storage and altitude control applications. |
Lithium Battery |
| Power Management and Distribution |
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| Optimized Power Management and Distribution (PMAD) greatly improves system efficiency while reducing system size and mass. All aspects of PMAD system development are performed at Glenn. This includes system studies, technology development, flight hardware development, and end-to-end test bed development. The Center developed several power technologies such as modular Power Energy Building Blocks (PEBB), advanced modular digital control as part of an ongoing effort to meet NASA needs for advanced electronic components and sub-systems to permit power system operation in harsh, high-temperature and high-radiation environments. The Center led the development of high voltage (270+ Volts) and power technologies. In addition, Glenn developed special purpose avionics, such as the circuit interrupt device utilized by astronauts to assemble the ISS; the electrical power control unit for the Microgravity Fluids and Combustion Facility (FCF); and the advanced power processors for Electric Propulsion applications, including Deep Space 1, and NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster (NEXT). Glenn pioneered the development and flight of power electronics for electric propulsion. These electronic designs have been the basis for the majority of flight power electronics. | 
Photo of ISS dc/dc Converter Unit |
| Currently, the Center is developing an end-to-end PMAD testbed for the JIMO system, which will incorporate both Brayton and Thermoelectrics. In addition to these activities, PMAD system studies have been conducted that supported Venture Star for Lockheed Martin, Space Station Redesign for JSC, Integrated Solar Upper Stage for the USAF, and High Altitude Airship for the Missile Defense Agency. Finally, as part of the NASA Glenn ISS Electric Power System Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) role, NASA Glenn developed the first end-to-end (source to load) hardware testbed that emulated the ISS power system. This electric power systems testbed is used to identify and resolve fault control, stability and other hardware, software, and integration issues for many programs. |
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| Propulsion | |
| Electric Propulsion |
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| NASA Glenn is a Government leader for all electric propulsion development, with a long, active history of research in this field, beginning with the invention of the electron bombardment ion engine in 1958. Electrostatic, Electrothermal, and Electromagnetic Propulsion systems have been developed at Glenn. The Center invented gridded ion engines which are currently being used on Boeing commercial spacecraft. In addition, Glenn researched and developed Arc Jet technology that flies on commercial and military spacecraft. Glenn developed DS1 ion engine logged more than 16,265 hours of in-space operation, and the spare DS1 ion engine logged more than 28,000 hours of operation at JPL in 2003. In 2002, Glenn was chosen to lead development of the 5-kW class ion engine, NEXT. Russian-developed Hall effect thruster technology was evaluated at Glenn from 1991 to 2003. The Center was responsible for the first flight of the Hall thruster on Western spacecraft. Glenn pioneered high Isp and high power Hall thrusters. The Glenn designed 100-kW Hall thruster was demonstrated in 2003. Resistojets were developed for station keeping, attitude control and Manned Orbital Research Laboratory (MORL) propulsion. Glenn first demonstrated high Isp Magneto Plasma Dynamic (MPD) thrusters and the facility pressure effects on performance. In 1993, steady-sate hydrogen MPD thruster tested at an Isp of 3700s and a thrust efficiency of 20 percent. The Center is currently developing a 25 kW class ion engine under the High Power Electric Propulsion (HiPEP) Program. This system is capable of providing 6000-9000s Isp, which is applicable to Nuclear Missions. | 
Deep Space 1 Integrated Propulsion System Test |
| Nuclear Propulsion |
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| Historically, Glenn was involved in Nuclear Propulsion design and development from the 1960's. The Center was the Agency leader during the Rover / Nuclear Engine for Rocket Vehicle Application (NERVA) programs (1961 - 1972), Special Assessment Agent for nuclear propulsion and power systems during Exploration Studies (1988-89) and SEI (1990-93), and the lead NASA Center for Nuclear Propulsion Office (1991-1994). | 
Nuclear Thermal Rocket |
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The Center is currently the Agency lead for nuclear propulsion, including Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP), Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) and variants. Glenn developed state-of-the-art nuclear rocket engine concepts to reduce launch mass, shorten trip time, allow power generation and bipropellant operations and support artificial gravity operations. Glenn designs include the hybrid Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (BNTR) which also generates electric power, and the LOX-augmented NTR (LANTR) with an oxygen "afterburner nozzle." The Center also developed the concept and determined the benefits of hybrid Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Electric Propulsion (BNTEP) which has short, high thrust and long, low thrust operation. Glenn also demonstrated with Aerojet the feasibility of an oxygen "afterburner" nozzle to increase Nuclear Thermal Propulsion engine thrust via supersonic combustion in nozzle. Demonstrating greater than 50 percent thrust increase in non-nuclear experimental tests with fuel rich H/O engine and thrust augmentation values of ~400 percent predicted, at higher O/H mixture ratios. The Center was responsible for the development of 3 of the 4 architectures for Human Mars Exploration, including NTR / BNTR, Solar Electric Propulsion (SEP) with Chemical Aerobrake, and NEP. |
Bimodal Nuclear Thermal Rocket Concept |
| Chemical Propulsion |
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The Glenn Research Center played the defining role in the use of liquid hydrogen fuel for rocket and aircraft propulsion, the enabling technology that took us to the Moon. Glenn developed the most comprehensive experimental performance and stability characteristics database of H2/O2 rocket combustors in the world. Recently, the Center developed state-of-the-art combustion stability analysis tools ROCCID and HICCIP and lead the revision of the Chemical Propulsion Information Agency (CPIA) standard for stability testing. This is in line with its historic involvement in combustion instability with the Apollo F-1 engine and many of the storable engines used in the space program. Glenn conducted the first laser ignition tests in a rocket environment, LOX/ethanol igniter testing for the shuttle upgrade, and the first demonstration of the liquid hydrocarbon Combustion Wave Ignition (CWI) system. Glenn was the Agency lead for ignition technology and tested the breadboard X-33 CWI system. |
Combustion Wave Ignition (CWI) system test |
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The Center is also a leader in development and demonstration of alternative propellants such as oxygen/RP-1/aluminum metallized gelled fuels, oxygen/carbon monoxide Mars in-situ propellant, and oxygen/aluminum lunar in-situ propellant. Glenn is one of the leaders in studying combustion chamber cooling technologies such as LOX cooling, high aspect ratio channel cooling, propellant coking and material comaptibility in cooling channels, and materials technologies for cooled combustion chambers. Glenn is a world leader in 3-D transient combustion modeling, including SSME bladed hub baffle simulation and annular Constant Volume Combustion Cycle Engine (CVCCE) combustor simulation, and specializes in state-of-the-art CFD for flow-field characterization and testing of high-performance, high-area-ratio nozzles for space-based engines. Glenn's Numerical Propulsion System Simulation (NPSS) enables rapid affordable computation of performance, stability, cost, life and certification requirements. Glenn is a pioneer in the modeling and testing of high performance, high area ratio nozzles for space-based engines. The Center was the first to test 1,000:1 area ratio nozzle at altitude conditions, providing data to calibrate JANNAF prediction procedures. Glenn also developed the iridium-coated rhenium rocket chamber technology for satellite propulsion, allowing an increase in satellite life from 12 to 15 years, gaining $30M to $60M in added revenue per satellite. |
Test of metallized gelled fuels |
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| Communications | |
| Glenn is engaged in the development of architecture technologies, communication system technologies, and subsystem and component technologies to enable NASA's future missions in science and human exploration. Glenn develops space communication architectures both within NASA and outside NASA via commercial ventures and international forums, and is a major supporter of extending the Internet into space. Architecture technologies are being developed to support intelligent, autonomous communications architectures which enable anytime/anywhere operations and provide end-to-end information delivery from space directly to users. | 
Satellite dish farm concept |
| Through coordinated studies with other NASA Centers, government agencies, industry, and academia, Glenn is designing feasible communication network architectures which enable storage, transmission, and dynamic routing of large amounts of data at high rates among space assets and between space and ground assets. The Center developed automatic fade compensation, bandwidth on demand, and full-mesh (point-to-point) TDMA networking. Glenn demonstrated satellite/terrestrial interoperability (making ACTS the first satellite on the Internet) and tested and analyzed inflatable space structures. Glenn analyzed the RADOME structure for Raytheon (now in production), and was consulted regarding communications for Space Shuttle inspection EVAs. Glenn is the only Center capable of supporting satellite lubrication failure investigations. The Center demonstrated digital techniques, including onboard digital processing; software-defined radio, reconfigurable transceivers; and very high speed modems. Glenn led the Nation in solid-state microwave devices, including monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC), wide-band gap semiconductor and SIGe power amplifiers, and MEMS-based RF phase-shifters. In communication component technologies, Glenn is the international leader in space-qualified, high-power, high-efficiency amplifiers for enabling high-data-rate Ka-band communication. Glenn is also a leader in hopping spot beam antenna technology. The Center is developing new concepts for lightweight, cost-effective antennas such as large deployable antennas, ferroelectric steerable phased arrays, antennas integrated with solar cells for power, MEMS-based reconfigurable antennas, space-fed lens antennas, and cryogenic receivers for the Deep Space Network. | 
Space-fed lens antenna |
| With support from the USAF, for navigation aspects, GRC led the development of space communications and navigation architecture for human exploration of the Moon. The developed architectures provide the foundation upon which many of the communication and navigation architectures are being defined for the present lunar exploration vision. |
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| Microgravity Science | |
| Conducting research in microgravity gives researchers an opportunity to study the true nature of materials and processes without the influence of Earth's gravity. NASA Glenn microgravity research in fluids and combustion is recognized worldwide for inspiring and enabling a growing array of high-value scientific and technological advancements. Glenn is also a leader in bioscience and engineering research and applications. Glenn conducts ground-based and space-based scientific and technology studies that will enable the Nation to achieve The Vision for Space Exploration. | 
Combustion Integrated Rack |
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| Essential Technologies: | |
| Glenn develops innovative technologies required to explore the solar system. In space power, propulsion, and communications, Glenn links technology development with requirements, analyses, and test facilities to provide novel solutions in the design and development of space flight systems. | |
| Propellant Management and Characterization | |
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| In-Situ Resource Utilization | |
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| High Temperature Materials | |
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| Mechanisms and Mechanical Systems | |
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| Structures | |
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| Instrumentation and Control | |
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| Strategies and Partnerships | |
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Glenn created innovative procurement mechanisms that have been modeled throughout the Agency, pioneering the first Commercial Launch Services procurement for the United States Government, and establishing 100 percent mission success record with less that 3 percent cost growth. Glenn developed innovative procurement mechanism for technology development, such as Revolutionary AeroSpace Engine Research (RASER) Contract, which enabled multiple contracts for multiple technologies across space and aeronautic programs.
The Center built many successful international partnerships based on our technical and programmatic expertise. Critical solutions have been provided even when confronted with crises. For example, Glenn was a significant member of the MIR Oxygen Generator failure investigation. Glenn's strategy provided critical power that enable continued operation of MIR after the near-disastrous attempt at docking Progress with MIR in 1997. Glenn represented NASA during power quality testing and analysis of the Japanese Experiments Module flight model at Tsukuba Space Center in Japan. The Center developed and built the Cooperative Solar Array for the Russian space station MIR in a record time of 18 months and $1million under budget. In addition, joint microgravity experiments with ESA, NASDA, CSA, CNES and Russia Space Agency were successfully flown on Spacelab, MIR and ISS. Glenn established the first science institute for microgravity science, the National Center for Microgravity Research on Fluids and Combustion (NCMR), through a cooperative agreement with USRA and Case Western Reserve University in 1997. Glenn recently established the John Glenn Biomedical Engineering Consortium through a Space Act Agreement in 2001 with the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, and the National Center for Microgravity Research. The Center established Interagency Agreements with NIH/NEI in 2001 and FDA in 2003 for laser light scattering ocular probe diagnostics and applications. The Center established an interagency agreement with the Army Medical Research Institute for collaborative study on probabilistic and micromechanics structural analysis and modeling. | |
| Unique Facilities | |
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Glenn Research Center encompasses research facilities built on two sites. Lewis Field, the main campus, includes 150 buildings on 350 acres, which support component testing in power, propulsion, communications, fluids and combustion, materials, structures, mechanical components, instrumentation and controls. Very large and hazardous tests are run at Plum Brook Field Station, a 6,400-acre complex in Sandusky, Ohio. The current replacement value of the facilities at Lewis Field and Plum Brook Field Stations is $2 to $3 billion dollars.
Glenn Research Center developed a facility operations paradigm that provides optimal utilization of more than 450 research and test facilities while minimizing operational costs. The facilities are managed through a central testing division that works collaboratively with program offices and external customers. Major facilities at Plum Brook have been operating under a full-cost paradigm for nearly two decades. Marketing Plum Brook facilities to NASA and industry customers, nationally and internationally, have significantly reduced NASA's costs for maintaining the four unique facilities at Plum Brook. |
 Aerial view of NASA Glenn |
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The Research Facilities portal features Glenn's major facilities. |
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