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Aerospace Engineering Commons

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Articles 1 - 7 of 7

Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering

Timing Of Increasing Electron Counts From Geosynchronous Orbit To Low Earth Orbit, Kirk M. Olson Mar 2005

Timing Of Increasing Electron Counts From Geosynchronous Orbit To Low Earth Orbit, Kirk M. Olson

Theses and Dissertations

Under certain conditions, high energy electron fluxes can increase over short periods of time in the outer radiation belt and diffuse to low altitudes. Sudden increases of high energy electron densities at low altitudes can drastically damage unsuspecting low-earth-orbit satellites. The progression of electron flux increases from a geosynchronous orbit to low-earth orbit during an electron event is somewhat unknown. If the beginning of electron flux increases at low-earth-orbits could be anticipated, warnings could be issued to space system operators allowing time to take proper measures to protect and minimize satellite damage extending satellite lifetimes and space mission operations. The …


Performance Study Of Staging Variable On Two-Stage-To-Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicles, James K. Nilsen Mar 2005

Performance Study Of Staging Variable On Two-Stage-To-Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicles, James K. Nilsen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of staging variables on Two-Stage-To-Orbit reusable launch vehicles, specifically, the question of what measurable factors play important roles in staging performance. Three different configurations (Rocket-Rocket, Turbojet-Rocket and Turbine Based Combined Cycle-Rocket) were considered. The software, Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST), was used to analyze these configurations. Vehicle coasting time, staging dynamic pressure and staging Mach number were all varied to determine their influence on the final payload.


Attitude Model Of A Reaction Wheel/Fixed Thruster Based Satellite Using Telemetry Data, Jason E. Smith Mar 2005

Attitude Model Of A Reaction Wheel/Fixed Thruster Based Satellite Using Telemetry Data, Jason E. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Attitude determination of satellites is normally the job of inertial instruments, such as gyroscopes, or through sensing instruments, such as star trackers or Global Positioning Satellites (GPS). Satellite health monitoring systems watch and determine if the satellite deviates from its normal operating attitude orientation. Knowing the orientation of a satellite is essential in being able to control it in order to complete the satellite's designated mission. While there are a multitude of ways to determine a satellite's orientation, very little research has been done on determining if the attitude of a satellite can be determined directly from telemetry data of …


Weight Analysis Of Two-Stage-To-Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicles For Military Applications, Richard A. Caldwell Mar 2005

Weight Analysis Of Two-Stage-To-Orbit Reusable Launch Vehicles For Military Applications, Richard A. Caldwell

Theses and Dissertations

In response to Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for responsive and low-cost space access, this design study provides an objective empty weight analysis of potential reusable launch vehicle (RLV) configurations. Each two-stage-to-orbit (TSTO) RLV has a fixed payload requirement of 20,000 lbf to low Earth orbit. The propulsion systems considered in this study include pure rocket, pure turbine, rocket-based-combined-cycle (RBCC), and turbine-based-combined-cycle (TBCC). The hydrocarbon dual-mode scramjet (DMSJ) engines used in the RBCC and TBCC propulsion systems represent possible applications of the current research being performed in the U.S. Air Force HyTech program. Two sensitivity analyses were then performed on …


A Numerical Analysis For Passive Attitude Stabilization Using A Tethered Balloon On A Gravity Gradient Satellite, Ernest Matias Maramba Mar 2005

A Numerical Analysis For Passive Attitude Stabilization Using A Tethered Balloon On A Gravity Gradient Satellite, Ernest Matias Maramba

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort analyzes the fundamental dynamics governing a satellite with a gravity gradient boom and a tethered balloon. Satellites that use gravity gradient booms for passive attitude control are characterized by undamped pitch oscillations and no roll control. The tethered balloon acts as a high drag device that accounts for the most drag on the satellite system. By attaching a drag device, the system resists rolling movements while also damping oscillations. This could potentially be a cost effective method for increasing satellite stabilization. The goal of this research is to model the dynamics and determine the feasibility of a …


Investigation Of Aerobraking To Return The Space Maneuver Vehicle To Low Earth Orbit From Geotransfer Orbit, Benjamin M. Berlin Mar 2005

Investigation Of Aerobraking To Return The Space Maneuver Vehicle To Low Earth Orbit From Geotransfer Orbit, Benjamin M. Berlin

Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the use of ballistic and Double-Dip'' aerobraking reentry to return the Space Maneuver Vehicle (SMV) from geotransfer orbit in no more than two atmosphere passes. Lift and drag accelerations were applied to the two-body problem when either of their magnitudes exceeded 1/1000 g. Lift and drag coefficients, along with the SMV model, were taken from Investigation of Atmospheric Reentry for the Space Maneuver Vehicle by Captain McNabb, AFIT/GA/ENY/04-M03. Target perigees were formulated using the two-body problem. The orbit from each target perigee was numerically integrated around a planar earth model using a fourth order Runge-Kutta method. Ballistic …


Technical Feasibility Of Loitering Lighter-Than-Air-Near-Space Maneuvering Vehicles, Eric R. Moomey Mar 2005

Technical Feasibility Of Loitering Lighter-Than-Air-Near-Space Maneuvering Vehicles, Eric R. Moomey

Theses and Dissertations

The near-space region of earth's atmosphere above 20 kilometers altitude is greatly underutilized. Lighter-than-air maneuvering vehicles, or airships, using the principle of buoyancy can take advantage of this region to become potential platforms for precision navigation, environmental monitoring, communication relays, missile warning, surveillance, and weapon delivery. These vehicles purportedly provide persistent coverage over large areas of the earth's surface at substantially lower costs than orbiting satellites. This study investigated the technical requirements to loiter an operational payload within this high altitude region using a lighter-than-air maneuvering platform. A parametric analysis was conducted to identify the critical technologies needed to achieve …