Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for bonding dissimilar materials using an elastic adhesive to permit the bond to withstand variations in temperature and pressure. The use of elastic adhesive accommodates previous problems associated with large differences in thermal expansion coefficient between dissimilar materials, and provides a thermally and chemically stable materials combination that withstands large thermal shock loads, such as may be experienced in a space environment. Also disclosed herein is a method for attaching a coating to a structure. In particular applications, the coating may be (1) specular (greater than 98% specularity); or (2) RF reflective for use in applications including but not limited to high frequency satellite communications.

Abstract: A three-dimensional range imager includes a light source for providing a modulated light signal, a multiplexer, an optical fiber connecting the light source to the multiplexer, a plurality of optical fibers connected at first ends to the multiplexer and at second ends to a first fiber array, and a transmitter optic disposed adjacent the first fiber array for projecting a pixel pattern of the array onto a target.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube magnetometer including a system and method of making the same that includes a single-walled carbon nanotube network formed on a substrate. Electrodes are deposited on opposite ends of the network and a magnetic needle is deposited on the network between the electrodes. A trench is formed under the network in the substrate to facilitate movement of the needle.

Abstract: A method of aligning an array of mirrors and computer program product therefor. The method may be used to align mirrors in a sparse aperture telescope system, e.g., a spaced based imaging interferometer. An image projected onto mirrors in an array of mirrors is reflected onto a sensor, where a point spread function (PSF) is collected from a pair of mirrors. A spatial image is extracted from PSF sidebands and a difference (e.g., piston difference) is determined for the pair of mirrors from the spatial image. Tip and tilt are determined for the pair of mirrors from spatial image characteristics.

Abstract: A valve includes a generally elongate pintle; a spacer having a rounded surface that bears against the pintle; a bulbous tip fixed to the spacer; and a hollow, generally cylindrical collar fixed to the pintle, the collar enclosing the spacer and the tip and including an opening through which a portion of the tip extends, the opening in the collar and interior of the collar being of a size such that the tip floats therein.

Abstract: A method of making nanowires includes providing a silicon substrate having a silicon dioxide insulation on the surface thereof. The silicon dioxide is etched to form one or more pillars, each having a plurality of sidewalls. A thin film of gold is deposited on a sidewall and is subjected to an annealing process. The annealing process causes the gold film to form a globular catalyst particle. The structure is placed in an LPCVD furnace into which is introduced silane gas. Silicon from the gas migrates through the catalyst particle and grows a nanowire from the sidewall of the pillar to a desired length. Electrical contacts are provided at each end of the nanowire to create an active component useable in an electronic circuit.

Abstract: A microsphere fiber laser system includes a laser beam conducting fiber coated with doped microspheres. One end of the fiber is pumped with a pumping laser. The other end of the fiber is an output. Microspheres with different dopants may be used to obtain outputs of different wavelengths. The microspheres may be attached to an outer surface of a solid fiber or to the internal wall of a hollow fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which in some embodiments for controlling intermolecular forces between a contact surface and a fabricated microstructure having a base and at least one or more nano-structures. The contact surface and the fabricated microstructure are joined by the interplay of electrostatic and van der Waals forces. The contact surface can be planetary dust with surfaces involved in planetary exploration, as well as synthetic gecko hairs that would allow small robots to climb walls and traverse ceilings. The system and method allow intense electrostatic forces to be applied at variable levels in order to modulate the effectiveness of van der Waals forces as well as external electrostatic forces. This device enables advanced small robot mobility, planetary dust control at all possible ambient pressures, as well as dust sample collection for exploration analysis.

Abstract: A system and related methods are provided that notify affected persons of an alert message in a timely manner. In one embodiment, an authorized individual may first create an alert that is received by a central server. Next, the system may perform authentication to verify that the person creating the alert message has the authority to do so. If authorization is successful, the alert message may be stored in a database. The system may match the details of the alert message to user subscriptions. After determining who should be notified of the alert message, the system may determine the best way to notify the affected people. The notification mediums may be determined based on user information as well as the details of the alert message. The affected people may be notified via a secure transmission.

Abstract: This invention is a method and supporting apparatus for autonomously capturing, servicing and de-orbiting a free-flying spacecraft, such as a satellite, using robotics. The capture of the spacecraft includes the steps of optically seeking and ranging the satellite using LIDAR, and matching tumble rates, rendezvousing and berthing with the satellite. Servicing of the spacecraft may be done using supervised autonomy, which is allowing a robot to execute a sequence of instructions without intervention from a remote human-occupied location. These instructions may be packaged at the remote station in a script and uplinked to the robot for execution upon remote command giving authority to proceed. Alternately, the instructions may be generated by Artificial Intelligence (AI) logic onboard the robot. In either case, the remote operator maintains the ability to abort an instruction or script at any time as well as the ability to intervene using manual override to teleoperate the robot.

Abstract: A radial face seal arrangement is disclosed comprising a stationary seal g that is spring loaded against a seal seat affixed to a rotating shaft. The radial face seal arrangement further comprises an arrangement that not only allows for preloading of the stationary seal ring relative to the seal seat, but also provides for dampening yielding a dynamic sealing response for the radial face seal arrangement. The overall seal system, especially regarding the selection of the material for the stationary seal ring, is designed to operate over a wide temperature range from below ambient up to 900.degree. C.