PRESS RELEASE
Date: 1/31/2006
N-Science Corporation announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Broad-Reach Engineering for joint development of the N-Science Low-g Mass Gauging System otherwise known as MAGA. As part of this effort, BRE has agreed to support the N-Sci fabrication and testing of the MAGA proof-of-principle hardware via a fixed price contract to N-Sci. BRE has offices in Golden CO and Tempe AZ. Broad Reach Engineering is provider of Avionics, Software, and Space Systems Engineering to a wide range of aerospace customers.
The N-Sci mass gauging system (MAGA) can be used in a zero-g space environment to determine the quantity of a residual fluid or sublimating solid in its containment vessel. The method is applicable to cryogenic and ambient temperature fluids, and the principle of operation, also applies to a non-zero-g environments allowing laboratory demonstration, and opens the door to terrestrial applications. Zero-g mass gauging is an enabling technology needed in space applications for periodic monitoring of long-term fluid storage depots, transport vehicle tanks, and orbiting propellant tanks without resort to thruster-induced fluid settling. This capability will favorably impact NASA’s exploration program.
The N-Sci engineering team will design, build, and test the MAGA proof-of-principle hardware. Some testing may be carried out at NIST facility in Boulder CO. Deliverables from the contract will consist of a Study Report to include comparative data (Model-vs-Hardware), as well as tested algorithms and sampling techniques, in order to be able to turn the design concept into a flight specification for later development and build by the N-Science/BRE Team.
It is expected that this MAGA effort will result in a sensor that has tremendous potential applications for both the Federal government and the private sector. Accurate knowledge of residual mass quantities in space applications impacts mission scheduling, human safety, and the logistics of space exploration itself.
The Concepts & Missions Development Group at N-Science is responsible for the MAGA project.
Contacts:
Dr. Dan Ladner
N-Science Corp
6155 West 54th Ave
Arvada, CO 80002
drladner@nscicorp.com
www.nscicorp.com
Dan Scheld
N-Science Corp
6155 West 54th Ave
Arvada, CO 80002
dlscheld@nscicorp.com
www.nscicorp.com
Cell: 303-718-9502