NASA is looking at two new institutes to develop technology that is critical to engineering and climate research. Over a five-year period, two research institutes will receive $15 million each. One institute will focus on the enhancement of quantum sensing technology to support climate science, while the other will work to improve understanding and facilitate prompt certification for metal parts made using advanced manufacturing methods.
Jim Reuter, NASA's associate administrator for the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, stated that their work will allow next-generation science to study our planet and expand the use of 3D-printed metal parts for spaceflight using state-of-the-art modeling. Here's what NASA has in mind:
The University of Texas at Austin will lead efforts to advance quantum sensing technology for next-generation Earth science applications. The institute will promote new knowledge about our planet and the implications of climate change by using quantum sensors. These sensors use quantum physics principles to gather more precise data and facilitate unprecedented scientific measurements. These sensors are especially useful for satellites orbiting Earth, as they can record data on mass changes. This type of measurement provides insight into the movements of ice, oceans, and land water.
The Institute for Model-Based Qualification & Certification of Additive Manufacturing will be led by Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. It will also work with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. This institute aims to improve computer models of 3D-printed metal parts, also known as additively made, in order to expand their use in spaceflight applications.
Powdered metals can be melted and molded into functional parts to make 3D-printed parts. These parts could be used in rocket engines. They allow for greater flexibility in creating new parts as designs change. However, accurate forecasts of the properties of these parts are essential for their certification and use.
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