Nanosatellites provide a light, efficient, and cost-effective way for research institutions to carry out experiments in low Earth orbit. These satellites frequently use the ultra-high and very high frequency bands to transfer their data to the ground stations, and oftentimes will use internet protocol and Transmission Control Protocol as a standard for communication to ensure the arrival and integrity of the data transmitted. Due to bandwidth limitations and signal noise, these connection-based...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Banuelos,Cervando II A, Naval Postgraduate School Naval Postgraduate School United...
This report describes a method for predicting proton flux in low earth orbit (LEO) during a solar proton event (SPE). In particular, integral fluxes of 5 and 30 MeV protons are required, though it can be applied equally to other energy ranges. The method depends on a geomagnetic cutoff model, proton measurements from a geosynchronous (GEO) GOES satellite, and the geomagnetic Kp index. Its limitations and statistical accuracy are also described. The recommended cutoff model is empirical. Its...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Selesnick,Richard S, Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate...
This report provides a summary of the work carried out in the second year of the SOARD project, Grant No. FA9550-15-1-0069, devoted to the investigation and improvement of the detection and tracking methods of inactive Resident Space Objects (RSOs). In the second year, a Random Finite Set (RFS) based Joint Target Detection and Tracking lter was evaluated for the space object tracking scenarios and two extensions were developed in order to increase their robustness to unknown detection...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Adams,Martin, Universidad de Chile Santiago Chile, artificial satellites, space...
This research investigates the effect of naturally induced Lorentz force perturbations on the orbital evolution of near Earthspace objects. Natural charging of all space objects occurs in the natural space plasma environment. The charging levels are dependent on the local plasma environment, the (surface) materials of the space object and its geometry (capacitance). When the charge is moving relative to the Earth magnetosphere, Lorentz forces are induced. The Lorentz forces are in turn an...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Frueh,Carolin, Purdue University West Lafayette United States, space objects, Lorentz...
This research focused on improved spacecraft relative dynamics modeling and analysis, estimation of spacecraft relative motion, and control of spacecraft relative motion, with particular emphasis on estimation (i.e. navigation) of spacecraft relative trajectories from angles-only data.
Topics: DTIC Archive, Cicci,David A, Auburn University Auburn United States, artificial satellites, space...
This work contains the definition of the initial orbit determination (IOD) method with some first results, a literature review about the Manifold, the creation of the algorithms and architecture for the ADS and the initial merging of the ADS into the IOD technique. The IOD algorithm is explained, implemented and comparisons with results from literature are also outlined. In specific it takes as input optical observations and gives as output the state of the object at the central time of...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Di Lizia,Pierluigi, POLITECNICO DI MILANO MILANO Italy, SPACE SITUATIONAL AWARENESS,...
Since the first space mission in 1957 (Sputnik 1), artificial objects of different size appeared in orbits around the Earth. Nowadays, the number of such objects is estimated to be over 2 millions. More than 300000 of them have a size greater than 10 cm although only 5% of them are catalogued. The observation and tracking of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) has become a crucial task in launch planning of new satellites, collisions-avoidance operations and in general to ensure the safety of...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Martorella,Marco, UNIVERSITY DI PISA, DEPARTMENT DI INGEGNERIA PISA Italy, space...
The circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) is a simplified dynamical model for a satellite under the gravitational influence of both the Earth and the Moon, maintaining closer fidelity to the gravitational environment experienced by a high-altitude Earth-orbiting spacecraft than modeling in the Earth-satellite two-body problem. Resonant orbit arcs are used to determine an initial guess to input into an algorithm that computes a trajectory solution with specific design requirements and...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Wilmer,Meredith M, AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH...
Particle swarm optimization is used to generate an initial guess for designing fuel-optimal trajectories in multiple dynamical environments. Trajectories designed in the vicinity of Earth use continuous or finite low-thrust burning and transfer from an inclined or equatorial circular low-Earth-orbit to a geostationary orbit. In addition, a trajectory from near-Earth to a periodic orbit about the cislunar Lagrange point with minimized impulsive burn costs is designed within a multi-body...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Zurita,Alfredo Jr G, AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH...
This research developed a methodology for determining the required accuracy of the dynamic model based on system requirements, the relative navigation accuracy and thruster accuracy. A state transition matrix was developed to propagate satellite relative motion to include non-conservative forces and the effect of higher order gravitational terms. The models developed were validated using numerical simulations.
Topics: DTIC Archive, Alfriend,Kyle T, TEXAS ENGINEERING EXPERIMENT STATION COLLEGE STATION COLLEGE STATION...
The Naval Research Laboratory developed and launched the spherical SpinSat satellite to accomplish two primary goals: 1) study the performance of a new class of micro-thrusters, and 2) provide a calibrated drag experiment to characterize Earths upper atmosphere during the current period of relatively high solar activity. The 55.9 cm diameter aluminum sphere is equipped with a set of Electrically-Controlled Solid Propellant (ESP) thrusters, oriented to allow both translational and...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Hall,Doyle, Air Force Research Laboratory Maui United States, low earth orbits,...
We report on AFOSR-sponsored research titled Investigation of Ionospheric Turbulence and Whistler Wave Interactions with Space Plasmas(FA9550-09-1-0391 for the period of June 1, 2009 August 31, 2012). It includes two parts: (1) naturally occurring and radio wave-induced large-and medium-scale ionospheric turbulence, and (2) whistler wave-generated short-scale ionospheric turbulence. Two types of large- and medium-scale ionospheric turbulence are discussed separately, viz., (a) anomalous heat...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Lee,Min-Chang, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University...
Cadet Joseph Shields argues the merits of weaponizing space.
Topics: DTIC Archive, Shields,Joseph, AIR FORCE ACADEMY COLORADO SPRINGS CO COLORADO SPRINGS United States,...
While effects-based operations and thinking have created significant debate, joint doctrine focuses on effects as an element of operational design rather than the many variations of effects-based operations theory. There is a critical relationship among desired effects, critical vulnerabilities, and military means. The Joint Force Commanders ability to create desired effects against an adversary's critical vulnerabilities (in order to attack the enemy's center of gravity) using military means...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Stevens,David L, AIR COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE, AIR UNIVERSITY Maxwell Air Force Base...
This paper examines Chinas growing military space program to assess if it is a threat to the national security interests of the United States. There are four possible space doctrines or combinations thereof that China can pursue space sanctuary, survivability, control, and/or high-ground (dominance). Chinese pursuit of either of the latter two would pose a security threat to the United States. This paper assesses which doctrine China is pursuing based on recent Chinese space activities, Chinese...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Wulff,Timothy R, Air War College Air University Maxwell AFB United States, china,...
Since the launch of Sputnik in 1957, space has been transformed from a mostly serene environment to one bustling with activity. The past five decades have witnessed a global growth in reliance on space capabilities and a corresponding increase in the number of man-made objects in orbit. The capabilities and missions performed from space have proliferated in both sophistication and complexity. In addition, threats to on-orbit assets are also on the rise. These factors all point to the need for...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Ackerman,Edward T, Air War College Air University Maxwell AFB United States, space...
Space capabilities are vital to United States national power, commerce, science, and prestige. These capabilities will grow even more vital to the United States and the global economy by 2035. What will the space technology and operating environment look like in 2035? Technology trends in two fundamental areas -- spacecraft and space transportation -- indicate space technologies, capabilities, products, and services will become far more affordable, ubiquitous, globally available, and...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Buck,Darren J, Air War College Air University Maxwell AFB United States, space...
Orbital space debris can be defined as dead satellites, discarded rocket parts, or simply flecks of paint or other small objects orbiting the earth. It is simply space junk, but junk that can be extremely dangerous to space assets. Most of the debris concerns are associated with satellites and manned space missions in Low-Earth orbit (LEO). LEO extends out to about 5,000 kilometers from the earths equator.1 There are two other bands of orbits that contain satellites. The first,...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Donahue,Jack, Air Command and Staff College Maxwell Air Force Base United States,...
Orbital altitudes congested with spacecraft and debris combined with recent collisions have all but negated the Big Sky Theory. As the sheer number of orbital objects to track grows unbounded so does interest in prediction methods that are rapid and minimally computational. Claimed as the \other solvable solution, the recently completed solution too orbital motion about the earth, based on Vinti's method and including the major effects of the equatorial bulge, opens up the prospect of much more...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Wright,Steven P, Air Force Institute of Technology Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,...
This study explores the influence of norms governing state behavior in outer space. While the US currently enjoys a preponderance of presence in outer space, and is thus the most influential state within the space medium, this lead has been eroding as more states actively participate in space. At a time of soaring national debt and shrinking military budgets, this thesis looks at ways the US can maintain its lead and protect its investment in space. While kinetic weaponization of space offers...
Topics: DTIC Archive, Long,Patrick V, Air University School of Advanced Air and Space Studies Maxwell AFB...
No abstract available
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EARTH ORBITAL ENVIRONMENTS, LOW EARTH ORBITS,...
Radiation from solar particle events (SPEs) poses a serious threat to future manned missions outside of low Earth orbit (LEO). Accurate characterization of the radiation environment in the inner heliosphere and timely monitoring the health risks to crew are essential steps to ensure the safety of future Mars missions. In this project we plan to develop an approach that can use the particle data from multiple satellites and perform near real-time simulations of radiation exposure and health...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SOLAR CORPUSCULAR RADIATION, RISK ASSESSMENT, EXPOSURE, LOW...
The Rapid Response Radiation Survey (R3S) experiment, designed as a quick turnaround mission to make radiation measurements in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), will fly as a hosted payload in partnership with NovaWurks using their Hyper-integrated Satlet (HISat) architecture. The need for the mission arises as the Nowcast of Atmospheric Ionization Radiation for Aviation Safety (NAIRAS) model moves from a research effort into an operational radiation assessment tool. Currently, airline professionals are...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ATMOSPHERIC RADIATION, DESIGN ANALYSIS, MAGNETIC SHIELDING,...
As part of an overall focus on space exploration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) continues to evaluate potential approaches for sending humans beyond low Earth orbit (LEO). In addition, various external organizations are studying options for beyond LEO exploration. Recent studies include NASA's Evolvable Mars Campaign and Design Reference Architecture (DRA) 5.0, JPL's Minimal Mars Architecture; the Inspiration Mars mission; the Mars One campaign; and the Global Exploration...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SPACE EXPLORATION, LOW EARTH ORBITS, MANNED MARS MISSIONS,...
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is currently developing options for an Evolvable Mars Campaign (EMC) that expands human presence from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) into the solar system and to the surface of Mars. The Hybrid in-space transportation architecture is one option being investigated within the EMC. The architecture enables return of the entire in-space propulsion stage and habitat to cis-lunar space after a round trip to Mars. This concept of operations opens the...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), REUSABLE SPACECRAFT, PROPULSION SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS, LOW...
NASA's Propulsion PathFinder (PPF) project will flight test a variety of CubeSat propulsion systems in a relevant space environment, thereby elevating the Technology Readiness Level (TRL), or technology maturity level, of these subsystems to TRL 7. A series of flights are planned in low Earth orbit to characterize the performance of each propulsion system and demonstrate the capability to perform orbital maneuvers.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SMALL SCIENTIFIC SATELLITES, FLIGHT TESTS, PROPULSION SYSTEM...
Recent analysis of spacecraft failures during the period of 1990-2013 demonstrated clearly that electrostatic discharges caused more than 8 percent of all registered failures and anomalies, and comprised the most costly losses (25 percent) for operating companies and agencies. The electrostatic discharges on spacecraft surfaces are the results of differential charging above some critical (threshold) voltages. The mechanisms of differential charging are well known, and various methods have been...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ARC DISCHARGES, ELECTRIC DISCHARGES, ELECTROSTATICS,...
The 2015 Advanced Environmental Health/Advanced Food Technology (AEH/AFT) Standing Review Panel (from here on referred to as the SRP) met for a site visit in Houston, TX on December 14 - 15, 2015. The SRP met with representatives from the Space Human Factors and Habitability (SHFH) Element and members of the Human Research Program (HRP) to review the updated research plans for the Risk of Adverse Health Effects Due to Host-Microorganism Interactions (MicroHost Risk) and the Risk of Performance...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AEROSPACE MEDICINE, INFECTIOUS DISEASES, HEALTH,...
A comprehensive study was conducted to evaluate the change in the location and size of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) as a function of time, primarily in relation to trapped Van Allen Belt proton populations. The study was limited to one altitude only (800 km), which is still within the Earth's atmosphere but is removed from the atmospheric cut-off level located at about 100-200 km.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), TIME DEPENDENCE, RADIATION BELTS, MAGNETIC FIELDS, LOW EARTH...
NASA's Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) represents a close collaboration between science, technology and exploration that will enable deeper understanding of the Moon and other airless bodies as we move further out of low-Earth orbit. The new Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI) will focus on the scientific aspects of exploration as they pertain to the Moon, Near Earth Asteroids (NEAs) and the moons of Mars. The Institute focuses on...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SPACE EXPLORATION, SOLAR SYSTEM EVOLUTION, LOW EARTH ORBITS,...
The Next Generation Life Support Spacecraft Oxygen Recovery (SCOR) project element is dedicated to developing technology that enables oxygen recovery from metabolically produced carbon dioxide in space habitats. The state-of-the-art system on the International Space Station uses Sabatier technology to recover (is) approximately 50% oxygen from carbon dioxide. The remaining oxygen required for crew respiration is supplied from Earth. For long duration manned missions beyond low-Earth orbit,...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS, SPACECRAFT RECOVERY, OXYGEN, OXYGEN...
Exoplanet candidates discovered by Kepler are too distant for biomarkers to be detected with foreseeable technology. Alpha Centauri has high separation from other stars and is of close proximity to Earth, which makes the binary star system 'low hanging fruit' for scientists. Alpha Centauri Exoplanet Satellite (ACESat) is a mission proposed to Small Explorer Program (SMEX) that will use a coronagraph to search for an orbiting planet around one of the stars of Alpha Centauri. The trajectory...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BIOMARKERS, CORONAGRAPHS, CENTAURUS CONSTELLATION, LOW EARTH...
A series of successful laboratory astrophysics experiments performed on International Space Station(ISS) external platforms such as EXPOSE have provided insights into the evolution of organic and biological materials in space and planetary environments. The study of the reactions, destruction, and longevity of organics in the space environment is of fundamental interest. To provide an accurate outer space environment for extended durations, exposure experiments in low Earth orbit have been...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), ORGANIC MATERIALS, SPACE PLATFORMS, AEROSPACE ENVIRONMENTS,...
This work provides an efficiency analysis of the LightForce space debris collision avoidance scheme in the current debris environment and describes a simulation approach to assess its impact on the long-term evolution of the space debris environment. LightForce aims to provide just-in-time collision avoidance by utilizing photon pressure from ground-based industrial lasers. These ground stations impart minimal accelerations to increase the miss distance for a predicted conjunction between two...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SPACE DEBRIS, COLLISION AVOIDANCE, COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION,...
NASA is currently developing cryogenic propellant storage and transfer systems for future space exploration and scientific discovery missions by addressing the need to raise the technology readiness level of cryogenic fluid management technologies. Cryogenic propellants are baselined in many propulsion systems due to their inherently high specific impulse; however, their low boiling points can cause substantial boil-off losses over time. Recent efforts such as the Reduced Boil-off Testing and...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SPACE EXPLORATION, COOLING SYSTEMS, CRYOGENIC COOLING,...
Design and Development of VHF Antennas for Space Borne Signal of Opportunity Receivers for Cubesat Platforms. Space borne microwave remote sensors at VHF/UHF frequencies are important instruments to observe reflective properties of land surfaces through thick and heavy forestation on a global scale. One of the most cost effective ways of measuring land reflectivity at VHF/UHF frequencies is to use signals transmitted by existing communication satellites (operating at VHF/UHF band) as a signal...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), VERY HIGH FREQUENCIES, ANTENNAS, SATELLITE-BORNE INSTRUMENTS,...
This presentation describes the CCP SMA approach to assuring the approved verifications of hazard controls are in place.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SAFETY FACTORS, GOVERNMENT/INDUSTRY RELATIONS, AEROSPACE...
No abstract available
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AVIATION METEOROLOGY, POLAR REGIONS, LOW EARTH ORBITS,...
The CubeSat Proximity Operations Demonstration (CPOD) project will demonstrate rendezvous, proximity operations and docking (RPOD) using two 3-unit (3U) CubeSats. Each CubeSat is a satellite with the dimensions 4 inches x 4 inches x 13 inches (10 centimeters x 10 centimeters x 33 centimeters) and weighing approximately 11 pounds (5 kilograms). This flight demonstration will validate and characterize many new miniature low-power proximity operations technologies applicable to future missions....
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), NANOSATELLITES, PROVING, FLIGHT TESTS, MICROMINIATURIZATION,...
The AIM camera is a small, lightweight, low power, low cost imaging system developed at NASA Ames. Though it has imaging capabilities similar to those of $1M plus spacecraft cameras, it does so on a fraction of the mass, power and cost budget.
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), IMAGING TECHNIQUES, CAMERAS, LOW COST, RADIATION TOLERANCE,...
Demonstrate via Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) the potential utility of flying high spatial resolution AIRS class IR sounders on future LEO and GEO missions.The study simulates and analyzes radiances for 3 sounders with AIRS spectral and radiometric properties on different orbits with different spatial resolutions: 1) Control run 13 kilometers AIRS spatial resolution at nadir on LEO in Aqua orbit; 2) 2 kilometer spatial resolution LEO sounder at nadir ARIES; 3) 5 kilometers...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), DATA RETRIEVAL, DATA PRODUCTS, ENVIRONMENT SIMULATION,...
Cryogenic propellants such as liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LO2) are a part of NASA's future space exploration due to their high specific impulse for rocket motors of upper stages suitable for transporting 10s to 100s of metric tons of payload mass to destinations outside of low earth orbit and for their return. However, the low storage temperatures of LH2 and LO2 cause substantial boil-off losses for missions with durations greater than several months. These losses can be eliminated...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), BOILING, CRYOGENIC COOLING, COOLERS, COOLING, PROPELLANT...
Recent analysis of spacecraft failures during the period of 1990-2013 demonstrated clearly that electrostatic discharges caused more than 8 of all registered failures and anomalies, and comprised the most costly losses (25) for operating companies and agencies. The electrostatic discharges on spacecraft surfaces are the results of differential charging above some critical (threshold) voltages. The mechanisms of differential charging are well known, and various methods have been developed to...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), LOW VOLTAGE, SOLAR ARRAYS, ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE, LOW EARTH...
Over the next several years, NASA plans to launch several earth science missions which are expected to achieve data throughputs of 5-40 terabits per day transmitted from low earth orbiting spacecraft to ground stations. The current S-band and X-band frequency allocations in use by NASA, however, are incapable of supporting the data rates required to meet this demand. As such, NASA is in the planning stages to upgrade its existing Near Earth Network (NEN) polar ground stations to support Ka-band...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), EARTH OBSERVATIONS (FROM SPACE), LOW EARTH ORBITS, DATA...
No abstract available
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), TENSILE PROPERTIES, OPTICAL PROPERTIES, EARTH ORBITAL...
Besides providing position, navigation, and timing (PNT) to terrestrial users, GPS is currently used to provide for precision orbit determination, precise time synchronization, real-time spacecraft navigation, and three-axis control of Earth orbiting satellites. With additional Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) coming into service (GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo), it will be possible to provide these services by using other GNSS constellations. The paper, "GPS in the Space Service...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM, GLONASS, NAVIGATION SATELLITES,...
NASA's plan to launch several spacecrafts into low Earth Orbit (LEO) to support science missions in the next ten years and beyond requires down link throughput on the order of several terabits per day. The ability to handle such a large volume of data far exceeds the capabilities of current systems. This paper proposes two solutions, first, a high data rate link between the LEO spacecraft and ground via relay satellites in geostationary orbit (GEO). Second, a high data rate direct to ground...
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SPACECRAFT COMMUNICATION, SPACECRAFT LAUNCHING, LOW EARTH...
This paper will discuss a proposed CubeSat size (3 Units / 6 Units) telemetry system concept being developed at Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in cooperation with Auburn University. The telemetry system incorporates efficient, high-bandwidth communications by developing flight-ready, low-cost, PROTOFLIGHT software defined radio (SDR) payload for use on CubeSats. The current telemetry system is slightly larger in dimension of footprint than required to fit within a 0.75 Unit CubeSat volume....
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), DATA ACQUISITION, RATES (PER TIME), SMALL SCIENTIFIC...
No abstract available
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), SPACE WEATHER, REAL TIME OPERATION, AEROSPACE ENVIRONMENTS,...
No abstract available
Topics: NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS), AEROSPACE ENVIRONMENTS, EXTRATERRESTRIAL RADIATION, CHARGED...
