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Full-Text Articles in Engineering
An Argument Against Satellite Resiliency: Simplicity In The Face Of Modern Satellite Design, Dax Linville [*], Robert A. Bettinger
An Argument Against Satellite Resiliency: Simplicity In The Face Of Modern Satellite Design, Dax Linville [*], Robert A. Bettinger
Faculty Publications
The US Air Force and the wider US government rely heavily on space-based capabilities in various orbital regimes to project national security and sovereignty. However, these capabilities are enabled by the design, launch, and operation of satellites produced with a design methodology that favors large, monolithic, and technologically exquisite space systems. Despite the ability for these satellites to provide enduring and resilient capabilities, they suffer from a woefully long acquisition process that debilitates any prospect of rapid satellite reconstitution in the event of a space war.
Using Nanotechnology To Detect Nerve Agents, Mark N. Goltz, Dong-Shik Kim, Leeann Racz
Using Nanotechnology To Detect Nerve Agents, Mark N. Goltz, Dong-Shik Kim, Leeann Racz
Faculty Publications
Nanotechnology has opened a wide range of opportunities having potential impacts in areas as diverse as medicine and consumer products. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Toledo UT, Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT scientists are exploring the possibility of using a nanoscale organic matrix to detect organophosphate OP nerve agents. Current techniques for detecting OP compounds are expensive and time consuming. Developing a nanoscale organic matrix sensor would allow for direct, real-time sensing under field conditions. This article describes the science behind such a sensor and its possible applications. High-performance sensors are needed to protect Soldiers and …
Aerospike Rockets For Increased Space Launch Capability, Carl R. Hartsfield, Richard D. Branam, Joshua N. Hall, Joseph R. Simmons Iii
Aerospike Rockets For Increased Space Launch Capability, Carl R. Hartsfield, Richard D. Branam, Joshua N. Hall, Joseph R. Simmons Iii
Faculty Publications
No abstract provided.
X-Hale: Designing The Atmospheric Surveillance Platforms Of The Future, Christopher M. Shearer
X-Hale: Designing The Atmospheric Surveillance Platforms Of The Future, Christopher M. Shearer
Faculty Publications
Imagine the benefits that battlefield commanders or intelligence analysts could derive from an airborne surveillance platform that would carry a 500-pound payload, operate above the range of small arms fire, remain on station for weeks or even years, cost much less than a satellite, and relocate around the globe to a new region of interest within a couple of weeks. Realizing this concept, known as a high-altitude, long-endurance HALE aircraft, is a 10-to-15-year goal of researchers at the Air Force Institute of Technology AFIT. In order to reach this goal, those researchers are following a developmental path similar to the …