Celebrating its 85th anniversary, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley has once again showcased its expertise in science, engineering, and innovation. Here’s a recap of the center’s most notable achievements from 2024:

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Starling Swarm Proves Autonomous Space Operations

After ten months in orbit, the Starling CubeSat swarm successfully achieved its primary mission objectives. This project demonstrated how autonomous spacecraft can share information and make decisions collaboratively, marking a significant leap forward in multi-satellite configurations for Earth observation and deep-space exploration.

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Hyperwall Upgrade: A New Era for Big Data Visualization

The upgraded hyperwall system at Ames now offers four times the resolution of its predecessor. This massive 300-square-foot visualization tool enables researchers to analyze complex datasets from NASA’s supercomputers with unprecedented clarity, enhancing studies in climate science, astrophysics, and more.

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Solving Mysteries of Mars’ Moons and Tiny Asteroids

Using cutting-edge supercomputer simulations, Ames scientists proposed a new theory on the formation of Mars’ moons, suggesting they may have originated from a destroyed asteroid. Additionally, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope enabled the discovery of the smallest asteroids in the main asteroid belt, providing new insights into the solar system’s evolution.

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Solving Heat Shield Challenges for Artemis I Orion Spacecraft

Ames’ advanced arc jet facilities played a critical role in investigating the unexpected char loss on the heat shield of the Artemis I Orion spacecraft. By replicating the spacecraft’s reentry environment and testing Avcoat materials with both permeable and non-permeable sections, researchers identified the root cause of the issue. These findings are instrumental in improving heat shield designs for future missions to the Moon and beyond.

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Pioneering Artificial Intelligence for NASA’s Future

In a landmark year for artificial intelligence at NASA, Ames contributed significantly to the agency’s efforts, including the appointment of David Salvagnini as its first Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer. Ames supported the inaugural AI Town Hall and advanced research into autonomous systems and machine learning, underlining the transformative potential of AI across NASA’s missions.

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BioNutrients: Sustaining Astronauts on Long Missions

NASA’s BioNutrients project reached a major milestone this year. By synchronizing nutrient production tests on Earth and aboard the International Space Station, researchers demonstrated the feasibility of long-term, on-demand nutrient generation for astronauts. This breakthrough supports NASA’s ambitions for crewed missions to Mars and beyond.

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Protecting Coral Reefs and Studying Ocean Ecosystems

Ames researchers engaged in diverse efforts to protect Earth’s ecosystems. From supporting NASA’s PACE mission to aiding coral reef conservation in Puerto Rico, the team combined satellite measurements with on-ground ecological studies. These projects advance our understanding of ocean health and its role in global biodiversity.

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Supporting Commercial Space Innovation

Ames-developed C-PICA (Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator) material was crucial in safely returning Varda Space Industries’ autonomous spacecraft to Earth. This mission marked a significant milestone in in-space manufacturing and demonstrated the reliability of NASA’s thermal protection technologies for commercial applications.

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Solar Sailing: A Breakthrough in Propulsion

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System, launched from New Zealand in April, successfully deployed its sail by August. This innovative satellite uses sunlight as propulsion, showcasing a lightweight and sustainable alternative to traditional engines. The mission highlights the potential of solar sailing for future interplanetary exploration.

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Enhancing Planetary Science Research

The upgraded hyperwall also facilitated groundbreaking planetary research. By visualizing intricate details of planetary surfaces and atmospheres, Ames researchers contributed to upcoming Mars missions and studies of potential habitability zones on other worlds.