Digital Commons Network^™

Satnogs-Comms: Turnkey Nanosatellite Communications, Manolis Surligas, Agis Zisimatos, Ilias Daradimos, Aris Nikas, Dimitris Moustroufis Pierros Papadeas, Manthos Papamathaiou, Alfredos-Panagiotis Damkalis, Vasillis Tsiligiannis, Victoria Malyshkina

Small Satellite Conference

The SatNOGS-COMMS is a dual-band software configurable radio transceiver specifically designed for Telemetry and Telecommand (TMTC) in the UHF and S-band. It is designed to match best with nanosatellites and CubeSats missions operating in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) up to 800 km. The radio module supports full in-flight reconfiguration of the carrier and intermediate frequencies, bitrate, modulation options, and channel-filter bandwidth. SatNOGS-COMMS is fully compatible with SatNOGS Network for all TMTC functionality. The software and hardware are released as open source projects, which can be tailored to user needs.

Horizontal Link Demonstration Over 143 Km With Cubeisl: The World's Smallest Commercial Optical Communication Payload For Inter-Satellite Links, Jorge Rosano Nonay, René Rüddenklau, Benjamin Rödiger, Christopher Schmidt, Andreas Sinn, Georg Schitter

Small Satellite Conference

New developments in the field of free-space optical (FSO) communications are enabling a breakthrough in satellite miniaturization and data rates. The CubeISL laser communication terminal (LCT), developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), shall demonstrate in-orbit inter-satellite links (ISLs) at 100 Mbps and downlinks at 1 Gbps. When it launches in 2025, it aims to become the state-of-the-art technology for efficient CubeSat communications at high data rates and the world's smallest optical inter-satellite link terminal.

The performance of the CubeISL terminal was tested in a 143 km horizontal link between the islands of La Palma and Tenerife. In this setup, …

Adversarial Assessment Of The F Prime Flight Software Framework: Findings And Recommendations, Michael Boehm, Steven Doran, Arun Viswanathan

Small Satellite Conference

F Prime (F’) is a multi-platform, open-source flight software (FSW) framework developed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). F’ provides a highly capable, component-driven framework tailored towards, but not limited to, small-scale systems like CubeSats, SmallSats, and instruments. We conducted an adversarial assessment of F’ aimed at evaluating its security vulnerabilities. This preliminary assessment of F’ entailed a multi-stage simulation of a malicious actor’s activities, including open-source reconnaissance, passive and active reconnaissance, and exploitation. In this paper, we present our methodology and discuss the preliminary findings of this assessment, which highlighted several areas where F’ could be enhanced. These areas …

Microgravity Experiment To Measure The Speed Of Sound Inside Simulated Asteroid Regolith In The Iss Environment, Sebastian J. Medina Maysonet, Amilcar Rincon-Charris

Small Satellite Conference

In impact threat assessments of planetary defense options, the aim is to understand how seismic waves travel through the debris, either modifying its shape or its surface. Seismic disturbances can destabilize loose material resting on the slope, causing downward flows. With the Microgravity Experiment for Asteroid Regolith Sound Velocity (MESSAR), it is proposed to measure the sound velocity within the simulated asteroid regolith in the microgravity environment of the International Space Station (ISS). The payload contains several granular samples of simulated asteroid regolith that will be used to measure the influence of grain size and confining pressure on the wave …

Advancing Autonomy In Distributed Space Systems: Results From The Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy Experiment On Starling 1.0, Caleb Adams, Michael Iatauro, Brian Kempa, Richard Levinson, Jeremy Frank, Sergei Gridnev, Caroline Lassiter

Small Satellite Conference

The Distributed Spacecraft Autonomy (DSA) team at NASA’s Ames Research Center presents results of the DSA experiment onboard the Starling 1.0 mission. The DSA system showcases collaborative resource allocation for multi-point science data collection with four small spacecraft, highlighting autonomy in decision-making as a crucial factor for multi-spacecraft missions. Central to DSA’s operations is an autonomous GPS channel selection process used to optimize channel selection across the spacecraft swarm; the goal is to demonstrate fast, autonomous reactions to relevant scientific data. This is showcased by demonstrating the ability to capture ionospheric phenomena such as the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly and Polar …

Binar Space Program: Mission 2 Update, Kyle Mcmullan, Fergus Downey, Jacob Cook, Nic Rogers, Chelsea Tay, Hans Benz, Tristan Ward, Daniel Turner, Stuart Buchan, Daniel Busan, Benjamin Hartig, Martin Towner, Robert Howie, Phil Bland, Jonathan Paxman

Small Satellite Conference

The Binar Space Program's (BSP) second mission consists of three 1U CubeSats scheduled for launch in August of 2024. Following the partial success of the BSP's first mission, Binar-1, many technological improvements have been made to the Binar 1U platform. These improvements enable Binar 2, 3, and 4 to carry 0.5U of payload, which is being used by the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO) to test two new radiation shielding materials developed in Australia. In addition to the primary payload, each CubeSat will fly three different communication systems, new deployable solar arrays and carry operating software that …

Preliminary Design Of A 3d Printing System For Creating Infinitely Large Structures In Space, Stephen Timperley, Grant Stec, Daniel Miller

Small Satellite Conference

As interest in the space environment grows, the demand for larger and more capable space systems will follow. A possible solution to fill this demand is additive manufacturing in the form of 3D printing. This paper showcases a working preliminary system to 3D print large structures in space from a small satellite. This is achieved by replacing the normal Z axis control of a conventional CoreXY fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer with a system to move along an infinitely extendable printed track. Having the ability to print and then move along this track creates a cycle of printing and …

The Theoretical Simulation Analysis Of Vibrations In Small Satellites: A Material Study, Emilia Reber, Brian Williams, Mason Richter, Jackson Bradford, Sydney Whilden, Deepak R. Mishra

Small Satellite Conference

Accounting for vibrations is a critical component in the design of a small satellite frame. This research aims to determine the most effective material for a small satellite. This will be accomplished through finite element analysis, simulated vibration fatigue testing, and material samples of the same physical design and proportion.

Four materials have been determined for testing, the first two of which are 6061 Aluminum and 4130 Stainless Steel, due to their ductility and industry prominence. 2024 Aluminum was selected due to its high ductility which is higher than that of 6061 Aluminum. Finally, while Cast Iron is not as …

In Pursuit Of Eye Tracking For Visual Landscape Assessments, David Evans, Brent Chamberlain

Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning Faculty Publications

Visual quality and impact assessments have historically relied on experts to formally evaluate the visual properties of a landscape. In contrast, environmental psychologists have studied subjective landscape preferences using ratings and surveys. These two approaches represent, respectively, the “objectivist” and “subjectivist” paradigms within visual landscape research. A gap, however, exists between these approaches: actual observation behaviors. In this paper, we argue for the inclusion of eye-tracking research in visual landscape assessments as a critical bridge between objective landscape qualities and subjective visual experiences. We describe the basics of eye-tracking methods and data types to introduce the role of eye movements …

Cutting Propagation Of 'Coy' Alder-Leaf Mountain Mahogany, Asmita Paudel, Youping Sun, Atanda Samuel Oladejo

Plants, Soils, and Climate Faculty Publications

‘Coy’ alder-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) is a new cultivar developed from a species native to the western United States with potential for use in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and water-efficient landscaping. However, efficient propagation methods are not well developed for it. In this study, cutting propagation of ‘Coy’ alder-leaf mountain mahogany was investigated over 3 years to evaluate the effects of wounding method, rooting hormone, type of cuttings collected, and time for cutting collection on rooting. In May, Jul, and Sep 2020, 2021, and 2022, nondormant hardwood subterminal cuttings and/or semihardwood terminal cuttings were collected for wounding studies. …

Tremblings, August 2024, Western Aspen Alliance

Tremblings

Function over form: the benefits of aspen for Greater Sage-grouse

Michel T. Kohl, Associate Professor of Wildlife Management and Wildlife Extension Specialist, University of Georgia

David Dahlgren, Associate Professor and Rangeland Wildlife Extension Specialist, Utah State University

Sage-grouse, and their elaborate springtime breeding displays, are an icon of Western landscapes. Yet, sage-grouse (a sagebrush obligate species) have been facing decades-long declines due to the loss of habitat. Historically, the species ranged across 13 western states and two Canadian provinces. Today, they occur across < 50% of that range, and abundance has declined 80% since 1965 and almost 40% since 2002. Despite this, it was determined in 2015 that the sage-grouse did not warrant Endangered Species protection due to the strength of wide-spread collaborative conservation actions.

A Theory Of Conditional Party Opposition, Samuel Nelson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This paper takes a critical look at executive power in the United States. Recent years have shown an increase of executive power that many people including: scholars, media, and the public have become skeptical of. The new norm has been for the executive to bypass Congress in order to accomplish policy goals. Traditionally the separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches has been the remedy to executive power. This thesis, however, argues that scholarship has largely ignored the role of political parties in government. Due to this, scholarship has misunderstood the role parties play in the separation …

Online Multiplayer Video Game Play And College Adjustment, Salina M. Ochoa

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

There are an increasing number of individuals who participate in multiplayer video games and an increase in screen time overall. Due to the increase in online video game play, this study aimed to find possible positive impacts that online multiplayer video games had on freshmen who are adjusting to college, as this is a pivotal point in life. The data were collected at the beginning of the second semester and 99 freshman, 18 years or older, who regularly engaged in online multiplayer video games participated in the study. The study showed four important findings: First, students who receive support from …

On The Varieties Of Religious Experience In Latter-Day Saint Temples, 1836–1940, Jared Gage Bennett

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

From 1836 to the present, the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have constructed and undertaken rituals in buildings called temples. In the first temple in Kirtland, Ohio, its 1836 dedication was the scene of visions and speaking in tongues, much like those the apostles had at Pentecost in Acts 2. The second temple in Nauvoo, however, had none of these, and the third set of temples built in Utah, with the first completed in 1877, again saw a number of religious experiences but of a radically different form: mainly the appearance of the spirits of …

An Online Scientific Twitter World: Social Network Analysis Of #Sciencetwitter, #Scicomm, And #Academictwitter, Man Zhang

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Understanding who makes up online social worlds as well as how information flows within those communities is important as more people access news, research topics, collaborate with others, and entertain themselves. This study identified and classified the people discussing scientific topics on Twitter, determined the type of social network, and described the member composition of this online world. Scientists, the public, and educators formed this online world. They built connections by initiating activities and interacting with others, which created the Community Clusters social network structure. All three categories of people are in positions of influence in this network leading and …

Desire As A Framework For Adaptation: Examining Aku No Hana As An Unconventional Adaptation Of Les Fleurs Du Mal, Zoe Dalley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In this project, I began by arguing that the 2009 to 2014 manga series Aku No Hana by author and artist Shūzō Oshimi should be considered an unconventional adaptation of the 19th century collection of poems Les Fleurs Du Mal by French poet Charles Baudelaire. I then turned my analysis to the practice of adaptation more broadly, using desire, a central theme to both of my chosen primary texts, as my lens through which I examined some of the central complexities and paradoxes inherent to adaptation, such as the simultaneous expectation of textual faith and a new authorial vision. I …

Evaluation And Improvement Of The Design 4 Every Drop Course, Kenzy Fogle

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Utah and the greater Intermountain West are experiencing a water crisis. Many factors are contributing to this situation, including an arid climate exacerbated by climate change, rapid population growth, and a high-water-demanding landscape typology. Landscapes currently consume an estimated 60-80% of Utah’s potable water, representing a significant opportunity for water savings. However, changing the traditional water-dependent landscape typology requires educating the public regarding water-wise landscape design processes, best practices, and implementation approaches. Utah State University is the land grant university for Utah and home to one of the oldest Landscape Architecture departments in the Intermountain West. Utah State University’s community …

Analyzing Market Dynamics: Effects On Quality Grade Premiums And Discounts For Alfalfa Hay, Colby Wilkins

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

This paper looks at how market strength affects the price premiums and discounts associated with alfalfa hay quality grades. Previous research has mainly focused on how attributes of alfalfa hay influence the price received. In this study, we use ordinary least squares linear regression and visual data representations to examine the effects of market strength on price received in conjunction with hay quality. The results demonstrate that during periods of relatively high average prices of alfalfa hay there is no significant impact on the average premiums and discounts associated with hay quality. However, during periods of relatively low average prices, …

Sustainable Waste-To-Bioproducts Engineering Center Laboratory Safety Project, Claudine Mock

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Laboratory accidents are common in teaching and research labs; these accidents can be injurious or even fatal. The consequences of each type of laboratory accident are different based on the activities performed and the hazardous materials used in each facility. However, the most common issue related to laboratory accidents is the lack of proper safety measures (e.g., poor handling of hazardous materials, not reporting incidents immediately, etc.). This project aimed to establish and strengthen best practices and procedures to ensure laboratory safety at the Utah State University Sustainable Waste-to-Bioproducts Engineering Center. To achieve this goal, different practices and measures were …

Legend Trips And Vernacular Film Theory: Spooky Encounters In Tiktok Mediated Legend Trips, Drew Holley

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

In this thesis I looked at how legend tripping is mediated through the affordances of new social technologies and apps, specifically TikTok. Short video formats allowed for folk cinematography to spread legend narratives and at the same time create more visual online landscapes for people to interact with. I defined folk cinematography as the way in which people make videos based on a vernacular level. This has been based on people having more access to video making tools and learning from informal patterns such as trends on sites like TikTok. Because of this, I explored how audiences participate in a …

Evaluating The Cost Of Gain And Financial Returns Of Cattle Fed Hydroponically Produced Barley Fodder, Lex Peterson

All Graduate Reports and Creative Projects, Fall 2023 to Present

Hydroponically produced fodder continues to garner attention as a feed source within livestock production. This attention in part is due to a belief that hydroponically produced fodder is more efficient in its use of inputs such as water when compared to conventional feeds. Water efficiency is especially appealing in areas like the Intermountain West region of the U.S where water availability is often constrained. This analysis looks to understand how using hydroponically produced barley fodder to finish steers compares economically to finishing steers on a nutritionally equivalent conventional finishing ration. To do so, a stochastic simulation model is constructed to …

Teachers' Descriptions Of Their Professional Learning Networks And Spaces, Nathan Justis

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The purpose of this study is to understand teacher professional learning through the eyes of teachers to assist them in improving their teaching and better support student learning. Teachers learn to improve their practice in many different ways and from many different sources. Researchers have studied teachers' descriptions of learning resources they value and have labeled this personal collection of resources a teacher's professional learning network (PLN). This study explored teachers' descriptions of their PLNs and closely examined what teachers do in professional learning spaces of their choosing. This study also provided teachers with an opportunity to voice what they …

Addressing The Great Salt Lake Desiccation: Exploring Support For Alternative Frameworks On Rights Of Nature And Multispecies Justice, Sadie Braddock

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Currently, there is a lack of social science research on the Great Salt Lake – a shrinking lake that faces potential ecological collapse as more water is taken upstream for human uses before it can get to the lake. The drying lake has received national attention, as it will lead to a loss of wildlife habitat, contribute to public health concerns, and impact Utah’s economy. In response to this issue, environmental scientists and activists have pressured policymakers to prioritize actions to conserve water for the lake. However, while polices have been implemented, water saved from these efforts are not guaranteed …

The Credit Card Behaviors And Financial Satisfaction Among Emerging Adults During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jessica Ralphs

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Using data from the 2021 National Financial Capability Study (NFCS), this study focused on poor credit card behaviors and financial satisfaction of emerging adults ages between 18 and 29 (N=1,944). The descriptive results show that 45.8% reported carrying over a balance in the past 12 months and 51.3% reported paying the minimum payment some months. It was also found that 28.3% reported being charged a late fee for late payment some months in the past 12 months, whereas 21.7% reported being charged an over the limit fee for exceeding their credit limit some months.

The multivariate results indicated …

Predicting Individual Hiking Trail Intensity Using Statistical Learning, Kelci Hannan

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Hiking is an increasingly popular choice for people wanting to engage in recreation and physical activity. It not only offers the many benefits of exercise but also the opportunity to explore nature and to socialize. To ensure that new hikers are prepared to hike and remain safe while on the trail, knowledge of a hiking trail's difficulty is important. Trail difficulty information is sometimes available at the trailhead if the trail is well-trafficked and maintained but is nearly always available online or through a hiking-specific mobile application, such as AllTrails. Both trailhead and online sources provide only one difficulty rating …

Identifying Sociodemographic Group Changes In A Blended Family Relationship Education Program, Takoma R. Lindsay

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study evaluated if levels of change in mental health, conflict resolution, support, and companionship differed between sociodemographic groups who participated in a blended family relationship education program. Regarding individual mental health, females who were students improved more than non-students and those who had a bachelor’s or advanced degree improved more than those with a high school education or less. Male mental health across sociodemographic groups tended to be worse at posttest than baseline. Among couples, conflict improved more for those who were married and the female partner had a bachelor’s or advanced degree, were low income and female partners …

Effect Of Nutrient And Temperature Conditions On The Production Of Microcystins From Cyanobacteria In Pineview Reservoir, Brent G. Jacobson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cyanobacteria, sometimes known as harmful algae, are an aquatic bacteria capable of producing toxic compounds. Cyanobacteria are found worldwide in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Depending on the environment, toxic cyanobacteria species can outcompete other aquatic species, grow in large numbers, and produce these toxic compounds. Further understanding of what environmental conditions promote the production of these harmful bacteria and toxins is needed to protect and inform the public.

In order to understand why cyanobacteria produce toxins in certain environments, samples containing cyanobacteria were taken from a Pineview Reservoir, Utah, and cultured at the Utah State Water Research Laboratory. Cyanobacteria …

The Influence Of Business Development Areas On Leadership Positions Within Landscape Architecture Professional Practice, Catherine E. Frost

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Landscape architecture is a discipline that connects natural, physical, and human sciences, and which operates as a professional design practice. While technical skills and design proficiency have historically been the focus of landscape architecture programs, the literature indicates a recognition of the indispensable role of entrepreneurial skills alongside design expertise (Marsh, 1928; Pray, 1911; Rice, 2017; Shepphard et al., 2018). However, there remains a scarcity of research specifically investigating business development skills within landscape architecture practice (Evans & Leccese, 1991; Gobster et al., 2010; Granet, 2021; Littlefield, 2015; Powers & Walker, 2009).

To bridge this gap, this study engaged in …

Advancing Thermal Property Measurements And Water Management For Controlled Environment Agriculture On Earth And Beyond, Chihiro Dixon

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Space exploration stands as one of humanity's most profound endeavors, and plant growth in space is essential for sustaining astronauts during long-duration missions. However, operating plant growth systems under reduced gravity conditions presents challenges, particularly in ensuring uniform water distribution in the root zone. Non-uniform water distribution such as excess water and/or insufficient water in the root zone can significantly impact plant yield, necessitating the need to accurately estimate water status in the root zone and understand the dynamics of water flow in plant growth media under reduced gravity conditions. The objectives of this research were to enhance the accuracy …

Birds, Bees, And The Babies: Study Of The Influence Of Self-Efficacy On Parent-Child Sex Communication, Cassandra M. Craig

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Previous studies show that parents tend to be uncomfortable discussing sexual topics with their children, such as menstruation, masturbation, and/or condom use. This study offers a look at the part confidence plays in a parent's intentions to talk to their kids about such topics. The results indicated that the confidence parents feel about discussing sexual topics is not related to how much their own parents talked with them about sex. However, the confidence they feel that could be coming from other models, like social media or peers, is related to how much parents intend to talk with their own children …