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Papers by Tibor Balint
The Vision for Space Exploration identified the exploration of Mars as one of the key pathways. I... more The Vision for Space Exploration identified the exploration of Mars as one of the key pathways. In response, NASAs Mars Program Office is developing a detailed mission lineup for the next decade that would lead to future explorations. Mission architectures for the next decade include both orbiters and landers. Existing power technologies, which could include solar panels, batteries, ra-dioisotope power systems, and in the future fission power, could support these missions. Second and third decade explorations could target human precursor and human in–situ missions, building on increasingly complex architectures. Some of these could use potential feed forward from earlier Constellation missions to the Moon, discussed in the ESAS study. From a potential Mars Sample Return mission to human missions the complexity of the architectures increases, and with it the delivered mass and power requirements also amplify. The delivered mass at Mars mostly depends on the launch vehicle, while the ...
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, Dec 1, 2018
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Mar 1, 2021
The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as a... more The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as an M-class mission under the Cosmic Vision Programme. Although it has not been chosen in the 2007 selection round for programmatic reasons, the EVE mission may serve as a useful reference point for future missions, so it is described here. It consists of one balloon platform floating at
epsc, Aug 1, 2007
ABSTRACT Science goals to understand the origin, history and environment of Venus have been drivi... more ABSTRACT Science goals to understand the origin, history and environment of Venus have been driving international space exploration missions for over 40 years. Today, Venus is still identified as a high priority science target in NASA's Solar System Exploration Roadmap, and clearly fits scientific objectives of ESA's Cosmic Vision Program in addition to the ongoing Venus Express mission, while JAXA is planning to launch its own Venus Climate Orbiter. Technology readiness has often been the pivotal factor in mission prioritization. Missions in all classes—small, medium or large—could be designed as orbiters with remote sensing capabilities, however, the desire for scientific advancements beyond our current knowledge point to in-situ exploration of Venus at the surface and lower atmosphere, involving probes, landers, and aerial platforms. High altitude balloons could circumnavigate Venus repeatedly; deep probes could operate for extended periods utilizing thermal protection technologies, pressure vessel designs and advancements in high temperature electronics. In situ missions lasting for over an Earth day could employ a specially designed dynamic Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) power system, that could provide both electric power and active thermal control to the spacecraft. An air mobility platform, possibly employing metallic bellows, could allow for all axis control, long traversing and surface access at multiple desired locations, thus providing an advantage over static lander or rover based architectures. Sample return missions are also featured in all planetary roadmaps. The Venus exploration plans over the next three decades are anticipated to greatly contribute to our understanding of this planet, which subsequently would advance our overall knowledge about Solar System history and habitability.
Springer eBooks, 2002
Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burk... more Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burke said that existing funds should be used carefully to lay the foundations for the future. N. Colleton stated that public attention had to be maximised for the further benefit of both science and society. D. Schmitt said that, as people no longer pay much attention to space activities such as the International Space Station (ISS) and launches of the Space Shuttle, the vision of the space industry should be to move forward on science and applications-oriented research. An example of this is the Mars Sample Return Mission for which European companies are designing in situ instruments. The survey conducted by S. Garneau’s company indicated that at present it is not feasible to plan beyond the ISS; it is too expensive to go past LEO and an economic rationale to do so does not yet exist. R. Grymes raised the point that good results can still be gained from Earth-based research; emerging fields such as astrobiology are relevant, not only to space, but to Earth as well.
56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law, Oct 17, 2005
The stability of a flexible cantilevered plate in viscous channel flow is studied as a representa... more The stability of a flexible cantilevered plate in viscous channel flow is studied as a representation of the dynamics of the human upper airway. The focus is on instability mechanisms of the soft palate (flexible plate) that cause airway blockage during sleep. We solve the Navier-Stokes equations for flow with Reynolds numbers up to 1500 fully coupled with the dynamics of the plate motion solved using finite-differences. The study is 2-D and based upon linearized plate mechanics. When both upper and lower airways are open, the plate is found to lose its stability through a flutter mechanism and a critical Reynolds number exists. When one airway is closed, the plate principally loses its stability through a divergence mechanism and a critical flow speed exists. However, below the divergence-onset flow speed, flutter can exist for low levels of structural damping in the flexible plate. Our results serve to extend understanding of flow-induced instability of cantilevered flexible plates and will ultimately improve the diagnosis and treatment of upperairway disorders.
Experimental Astronomy, May 31, 2008
The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as a... more The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as an M-class mission under the Cosmic Vision Programme. Although it has not been chosen in the 2007 selection round for programmatic reasons, the EVE mission may serve as a useful reference point for future missions, so it is described here. It consists of one balloon platform floating at
Advances in Space Research, Jul 1, 2009
DS 117: Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2022), London South Bank University in London, UK. 8th - 9th September 2022, 2022
At the time of a global pandemic, it is becoming acutely evident that design has to intensify eff... more At the time of a global pandemic, it is becoming acutely evident that design has to intensify efforts to move beyond reactive tackling of healthcare challenges as they occur, towards a proactive approach of designing-out unwanted healthcare futures before they become a reality. As healthcare design navigates towards more distant horizons, the scale and magnitude of design challenges increase. New approaches to envisioning and negotiating preferable healthcare futures across disciplines are required in order to make that shift successful. In this paper, we discuss the application of a new trans-disciplinary approach applied within burst-mode healthcare design education of professionals from multidisciplinary backgrounds. This strategic design-led innovation approach distinguishes between desirable and undesirable futures. It employs futures scoping methods, alongside the identification of technology drivers and enablers, to understand the target landscape and to design strategic pathways toward paving design interventions. Tools, such as the four futures of Jim Dator and NASA TRLs, are used alongside collaborative mood boarding to visualise possible futures and facilitate concept generation utilising moon-shot thinking and back casting.
In this PhD research by thesis, the author documents his journey that explores modes of operation... more In this PhD research by thesis, the author documents his journey that explores modes of operations beyond those predominantly applied at NASA. Specifically, he is looking at designerly and artistic modes of operation, with a research goal to show demonstrable value to enhance NASA’s capability to innovate. This exploration is built on cybernetic perspectives and goal-seeking focused on human centered design within NASA’s space exploration paradigm. The author uses a performative approach through real world examples to highlight and substantiate the benefits of novel perspectives, conversations, and boundary objects, which shows their demonstrable value to NASA. The significance of the research findings is discussed in relations to the state of practice, which is derived from interviews with practitioners across NASA’s organizational hierarchy, combined with personal experiences, and independent research on the topics. The two primary application examples examine strategic level orga...
Space Studies, 2002
Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burk... more Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burke said that existing funds should be used carefully to lay the foundations for the future. N. Colleton stated that public attention had to be maximised for the further benefit of both science and society. D. Schmitt said that, as people no longer pay much attention to space activities such as the International Space Station (ISS) and launches of the Space Shuttle, the vision of the space industry should be to move forward on science and applications-oriented research. An example of this is the Mars Sample Return Mission for which European companies are designing in situ instruments. The survey conducted by S. Garneau’s company indicated that at present it is not feasible to plan beyond the ISS; it is too expensive to go past LEO and an economic rationale to do so does not yet exist. R. Grymes raised the point that good results can still be gained from Earth-based research; emerging fields such as astrobiology are relevant, not only to space, but to Earth as well.
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, Oct 1, 2011
Bulletin of the AAS, 2021
We describe the main scientific goals that can be addressed uniquely by direct probes into the at... more We describe the main scientific goals that can be addressed uniquely by direct probes into the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune. The Galileo Jupiter descent probe demonstrated the potential for unexpected science return: measurements of key abundances, including those of helium and other noble gases, possibly only in situ. We advocate for measurements that will put the Galileo probe results into a broader context. Atmospheric entry probes targeting the 10-bar level would yield unique insight into (i) the formation history of the outer planets and that of the Solar System, and (ii) the various processes at play in planetary atmospheres. An in situ probe or probes would focus on key measurements of atmospheric composition, structure, and dynamics.
EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, Apr 1, 2018
The Vision for Space Exploration identified the exploration of Mars as one of the key pathways. I... more The Vision for Space Exploration identified the exploration of Mars as one of the key pathways. In response, NASAs Mars Program Office is developing a detailed mission lineup for the next decade that would lead to future explorations. Mission architectures for the next decade include both orbiters and landers. Existing power technologies, which could include solar panels, batteries, ra-dioisotope power systems, and in the future fission power, could support these missions. Second and third decade explorations could target human precursor and human in–situ missions, building on increasingly complex architectures. Some of these could use potential feed forward from earlier Constellation missions to the Moon, discussed in the ESAS study. From a potential Mars Sample Return mission to human missions the complexity of the architectures increases, and with it the delivered mass and power requirements also amplify. The delivered mass at Mars mostly depends on the launch vehicle, while the ...
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts, Dec 1, 2018
Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, Mar 1, 2021
The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as a... more The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as an M-class mission under the Cosmic Vision Programme. Although it has not been chosen in the 2007 selection round for programmatic reasons, the EVE mission may serve as a useful reference point for future missions, so it is described here. It consists of one balloon platform floating at
epsc, Aug 1, 2007
ABSTRACT Science goals to understand the origin, history and environment of Venus have been drivi... more ABSTRACT Science goals to understand the origin, history and environment of Venus have been driving international space exploration missions for over 40 years. Today, Venus is still identified as a high priority science target in NASA's Solar System Exploration Roadmap, and clearly fits scientific objectives of ESA's Cosmic Vision Program in addition to the ongoing Venus Express mission, while JAXA is planning to launch its own Venus Climate Orbiter. Technology readiness has often been the pivotal factor in mission prioritization. Missions in all classes—small, medium or large—could be designed as orbiters with remote sensing capabilities, however, the desire for scientific advancements beyond our current knowledge point to in-situ exploration of Venus at the surface and lower atmosphere, involving probes, landers, and aerial platforms. High altitude balloons could circumnavigate Venus repeatedly; deep probes could operate for extended periods utilizing thermal protection technologies, pressure vessel designs and advancements in high temperature electronics. In situ missions lasting for over an Earth day could employ a specially designed dynamic Stirling Radioisotope Generator (SRG) power system, that could provide both electric power and active thermal control to the spacecraft. An air mobility platform, possibly employing metallic bellows, could allow for all axis control, long traversing and surface access at multiple desired locations, thus providing an advantage over static lander or rover based architectures. Sample return missions are also featured in all planetary roadmaps. The Venus exploration plans over the next three decades are anticipated to greatly contribute to our understanding of this planet, which subsequently would advance our overall knowledge about Solar System history and habitability.
Springer eBooks, 2002
Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burk... more Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burke said that existing funds should be used carefully to lay the foundations for the future. N. Colleton stated that public attention had to be maximised for the further benefit of both science and society. D. Schmitt said that, as people no longer pay much attention to space activities such as the International Space Station (ISS) and launches of the Space Shuttle, the vision of the space industry should be to move forward on science and applications-oriented research. An example of this is the Mars Sample Return Mission for which European companies are designing in situ instruments. The survey conducted by S. Garneau’s company indicated that at present it is not feasible to plan beyond the ISS; it is too expensive to go past LEO and an economic rationale to do so does not yet exist. R. Grymes raised the point that good results can still be gained from Earth-based research; emerging fields such as astrobiology are relevant, not only to space, but to Earth as well.
56th International Astronautical Congress of the International Astronautical Federation, the International Academy of Astronautics, and the International Institute of Space Law, Oct 17, 2005
The stability of a flexible cantilevered plate in viscous channel flow is studied as a representa... more The stability of a flexible cantilevered plate in viscous channel flow is studied as a representation of the dynamics of the human upper airway. The focus is on instability mechanisms of the soft palate (flexible plate) that cause airway blockage during sleep. We solve the Navier-Stokes equations for flow with Reynolds numbers up to 1500 fully coupled with the dynamics of the plate motion solved using finite-differences. The study is 2-D and based upon linearized plate mechanics. When both upper and lower airways are open, the plate is found to lose its stability through a flutter mechanism and a critical Reynolds number exists. When one airway is closed, the plate principally loses its stability through a divergence mechanism and a critical flow speed exists. However, below the divergence-onset flow speed, flutter can exist for low levels of structural damping in the flexible plate. Our results serve to extend understanding of flow-induced instability of cantilevered flexible plates and will ultimately improve the diagnosis and treatment of upperairway disorders.
Experimental Astronomy, May 31, 2008
The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as a... more The European Venus Explorer (EVE) mission was proposed to the European Space Agency in 2007, as an M-class mission under the Cosmic Vision Programme. Although it has not been chosen in the 2007 selection round for programmatic reasons, the EVE mission may serve as a useful reference point for future missions, so it is described here. It consists of one balloon platform floating at
Advances in Space Research, Jul 1, 2009
DS 117: Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education (E&PDE 2022), London South Bank University in London, UK. 8th - 9th September 2022, 2022
At the time of a global pandemic, it is becoming acutely evident that design has to intensify eff... more At the time of a global pandemic, it is becoming acutely evident that design has to intensify efforts to move beyond reactive tackling of healthcare challenges as they occur, towards a proactive approach of designing-out unwanted healthcare futures before they become a reality. As healthcare design navigates towards more distant horizons, the scale and magnitude of design challenges increase. New approaches to envisioning and negotiating preferable healthcare futures across disciplines are required in order to make that shift successful. In this paper, we discuss the application of a new trans-disciplinary approach applied within burst-mode healthcare design education of professionals from multidisciplinary backgrounds. This strategic design-led innovation approach distinguishes between desirable and undesirable futures. It employs futures scoping methods, alongside the identification of technology drivers and enablers, to understand the target landscape and to design strategic pathways toward paving design interventions. Tools, such as the four futures of Jim Dator and NASA TRLs, are used alongside collaborative mood boarding to visualise possible futures and facilitate concept generation utilising moon-shot thinking and back casting.
In this PhD research by thesis, the author documents his journey that explores modes of operation... more In this PhD research by thesis, the author documents his journey that explores modes of operations beyond those predominantly applied at NASA. Specifically, he is looking at designerly and artistic modes of operation, with a research goal to show demonstrable value to enhance NASA’s capability to innovate. This exploration is built on cybernetic perspectives and goal-seeking focused on human centered design within NASA’s space exploration paradigm. The author uses a performative approach through real world examples to highlight and substantiate the benefits of novel perspectives, conversations, and boundary objects, which shows their demonstrable value to NASA. The significance of the research findings is discussed in relations to the state of practice, which is derived from interviews with practitioners across NASA’s organizational hierarchy, combined with personal experiences, and independent research on the topics. The two primary application examples examine strategic level orga...
Space Studies, 2002
Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burk... more Answering the Chairman’s question on the motivations for future space science programmes, J. Burke said that existing funds should be used carefully to lay the foundations for the future. N. Colleton stated that public attention had to be maximised for the further benefit of both science and society. D. Schmitt said that, as people no longer pay much attention to space activities such as the International Space Station (ISS) and launches of the Space Shuttle, the vision of the space industry should be to move forward on science and applications-oriented research. An example of this is the Mars Sample Return Mission for which European companies are designing in situ instruments. The survey conducted by S. Garneau’s company indicated that at present it is not feasible to plan beyond the ISS; it is too expensive to go past LEO and an economic rationale to do so does not yet exist. R. Grymes raised the point that good results can still be gained from Earth-based research; emerging fields such as astrobiology are relevant, not only to space, but to Earth as well.
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, Oct 1, 2011
Bulletin of the AAS, 2021
We describe the main scientific goals that can be addressed uniquely by direct probes into the at... more We describe the main scientific goals that can be addressed uniquely by direct probes into the atmospheres of Uranus and Neptune. The Galileo Jupiter descent probe demonstrated the potential for unexpected science return: measurements of key abundances, including those of helium and other noble gases, possibly only in situ. We advocate for measurements that will put the Galileo probe results into a broader context. Atmospheric entry probes targeting the 10-bar level would yield unique insight into (i) the formation history of the outer planets and that of the Solar System, and (ii) the various processes at play in planetary atmospheres. An in situ probe or probes would focus on key measurements of atmospheric composition, structure, and dynamics.
EGU General Assembly Conference Abstracts, Apr 1, 2018
Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 1... more Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 176.
With the search for extra-solar planets in full gear, it has become essential to gain a more detailed understanding of the evolution of the other earth-like planets in our own solar system. Space missions to Venus, including the Soviet Veneras, Pioneer Venus, and Magellan, provided a wealth of information about this planet' enigmatic surface and atmosphere, but left many fundamental questions about its origin and evolution unanswered.
This book discusses how the study of Venus will aid our understanding of terrestrial and extra-solar planet evolution, with particular reference to surface and interior processes, atmospheric circulation, chemistry, and aeronomy. Incorporating results from the recent European Venus Express mission, Exploring Venus as a Terrestrial Planet examines the open questions and relates them to Earth and other terrestrial planets. The goal is to stimulate thinking about those broader issues as the new Venus data arrive.
Chapter on: Technology Perspectives in the Future Exploration of Venus by James A. Cutts, Tibor S. Balint, Eric Chassefiere, and Elizabeth A. Kolawa (p.207-)
9th Annual IAA Low-Cost Planetary Missions Conference, 2011
Atmospheric entry probe missions to the giant planets are needed to help discriminate between com... more Atmospheric entry probe missions to the giant planets are needed to help discriminate between competing theories of solar system formation and the origin and evolution of the giant planets and their atmospheres, to provide for important comparative studies of the gas and ice giants, and to provide a laboratory for studying the atmospheric chemistries, dynamics, and interiors of all the planets including Earth. The giant planets also represent a valuable link to extrasolar planetary systems. Though shallow entry probes can sample only a small portion of a giant planet's upper atmosphere, it is precisely in this region that atmospheric constituents needed to elucidate theories of solar system formation and the origin and evolution of the giant planets reside. Many of these important constituents are spectrally inactive or are beneath an optically thick overburden at useful wavelengths, and therefore are not accessible by remote sensing. A small, scientifically focused shallow entry probe mission can make the critical abundance measurements of key constituents, and can measure depth profiles of atmospheric chemistry, structure, and dynamics at a significantly higher vertical resolutions than can be achieved by remote sensing techniques. Keeping the scientific mission highly focused with a minimal science payload enables an outer planet mission that may fit within existing program budget caps while still addressing unique and critical science. Fundamental measurements made from a small and scientifically focused Saturn entry probe include abundances of the noble gases He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, abundances of key isotopic ratios 4 He/ 3 He, D/H, 15 N/ 14 N, and 13 C/ 12 C, detection of disequilibrium species such as CO, PH 3 , AsH 3 , and GeH 4 to offer evidence of deeper internal processes, and dynamics of the atmosphere along the probe descent path. Abundances of the key constituents as well as carbon which does not condense at Saturn, sulfur which is expected to be well-mixed below the 4-5 bar ammonium hydrosulfide (NH 4 SH) cloud, and gradients of nitrogen below the NH 4 SH cloud and oxygen in the upper layers of the water and water-ammonia solution cloud can be measured by a shallow entry probe descending through 5 bars and carrying a simple payload comprising a Neutral Mass Spectrometer, Atmospheric Structure Instrument, and ultrastable oscillator. A Saturn probe mission with a carrier spacecraft powered by Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generators (ASRG) and an entry probe using carbon phenolic Thermal Protection System (TPS) technologies similar to those used by the Galileo probe requires no new technology developments beyond NASA's funded ASRG completion task. Key areas deserving further study include possible savings in cost, mass, and capability that can be realized by utilizing miniaturization and low power technologies, and reductions in TPS mass fraction which translates directly into increased science payload mass fraction.