Digital Commons Network^™

Radiation-Resilient Ai For Small Satellites: A Universal Multi-Bit Edac Architecture For Protecting On-Board Neural Network Models In Memory And Storage, Yin Sun, Nauman Wazir, Joseph Chang, Kwen-Siong Chong, Wei Shu, Hocklai They

Small Satellite Conference

The deployment of onboard artificial intelligence (AI) on small satellites enables real-time Earth-observation triage, object detection, and event-driven tasking with reduced dependence on downlink. These capabilities rely on the integrity of neural network parameters (weights and biases) stored across both volatile memory and non-volatile storage (e.g., DRAM/SRAM and SSD/SD/UFS/eMMC). In low-Earth orbit (LEO), radiation-induced upsets can flip bits in commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) memory and storage, corrupting model parameters and degrading inference accuracy. Such degradation can manifest as persistent misclassification or missed detections. Existing mitigation options are often difficult to scale within small-satellite constraints: Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) incurs substantial mass and …

Intelligence Where Data Is Born: Vision Transformer-Based On-Orbit Change Detection For Earth Sensing, Matthew Morabito, Faries Tadros, Catherine Ordun, Michael S. Sellers, Daniel Wald

Small Satellite Conference

This paper introduces a model framework for autonomous hyperspectral segmentation that couples a foundation model with a supervised segmentation head to enable compact, high performance on-orbit scene understanding. This approach is designed to deliver end-to-end onboard processing, inference, confidence scoring, and prioritization so the spacecraft performs interpretation at or near image collection time and minimizes downlink usage by transmitting only high-value or high-interest outputs rather than full image streams. A key design element is adaptive intelligence over mission lifetime: low-size, over-the-air partial models updates as small as kb-scale enable post-launch retuning and mission-specific refinement without GB-scale data transfer. By reusing …

The Quantum Cubesat: A Perspective For Quantum Technology In Orbit, Natalie Pearson, Andrew Kelly, Curtis Talbot, Colin Aitken, Kevin Quillen, Sandy Provan

Small Satellite Conference

Motivation

The ability to measure, control and exploit quantum effects has shown significant potential to outperform classical devices across a variety of applications in computing, sensing and communication. However, quantum devices today typically depend equipment that is large, heavy, expensive and delicate. Bringing quantum capability to space requires a relentless focus on miniaturisation, ruggedisation and applicability. Focusing engineering efforts on the most promising technologies to realise their benefits in orbit is a crucial step in this process.

Systems Progress Overview Of Rosisat: The Radiation Orbital Shielding Investigation Satellite, Chase Patterson, Jacob Blanton, Jayden Mcdonald, Kylie Nager, Colson Walker, Francisco Crespo Cutillas

Small Satellite Conference

Exposure to space weather in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) space weather environment poses significant challenges to both the integrity and longevity of orbital hardware, as well as the health of astronauts, driving the necessity for improved means of radiation shielding for future manned and unmanned missions. With a 1U CubeSat formfactor, ROSISat is a planned LEO mission that aims to characterize the radiation shielding capabilities of seven candidate materials. By comparing the shielding performance of each composite and constituent material, ROSISat will place a specific focus on correlating how molecular structure influences radiation shielding. Further, current simulations lack the …

Experimental Investigation Of "Structured Radio Wave" Propagation Using A Deployable Parabolic Reflector With A Uniform Circular Array, Makoto Ito, Tsukasa Funane, Yosuke Tanabe, Miki Yonehara, Hisatoshi Kimura, Keigo Nakamura, Yasuyuki Miyazaki, Satoshi Ikari, Shinichi Nakasuka, Ayako Torisaka, Koichi Watanabe

Small Satellite Conference

Poster presented at the 2026 Small Satellite Conference

Lego®-Based Cubesats For Space Outreach, Stefan Brandle, Joshua Brown, Evan Smith, Drew Nye, Sydney Reddy, Twidy Kwae, Kaiya Grzesiak, Matthew Roderer, John Hetz

Small Satellite Conference

Taylor University Computer Science and Engineering is building a satellite having a LEGO®-robotics-based payload.

Mission Goals

• Have university students build a novel ELEO satellite
• Demonstrate viability of LEGO robotics electronics in space for short-term low-altitude missions
• Enhance space awareness by capturing the public's imagination through integral use of LEGO in an actual satellite
• Identify partners willing to provide advice and promote this project
• Create additional pathways for K-12 and university student participation in building satellites and satellite-related projects
• Support other space-education organizations through a high-visibility satellite project
• Continue space outreach efforts in the spirit of the ThinSat project
• ThinSat was …

Reacquiring Satellites After Unknown Maneuvers In Sensor Blind Spots: A Physics-Informed Behavioral Framework For Closed-Loop Custody Recovery, Naushad Rahman, Niha Agarwalla, Hardik Patel

Small Satellite Conference

Operational problem

After a maneuver during a sensor blind spot, a pre­-gap catalog state may no longer be operationally sufficient. A null look at GS2 must become evidence for where the object could be­ – and where to task next – before access expires.

Validation Of Steering Law For A 4-Variable-Speed Single-Gimbal Control Moment Gyroscope Pyramid Cluster Via Spherical Air-Bearing Testbed, Kai Kuo Liao, Chih Ta Wu, Jen Hao Cheng, Po Hsun Yen, Shang Jung Lee

Small Satellite Conference

• VSCMG: wheel speed is commanded with gimbal rate — the extra DOF lets the cluster slide past singularities.
• HIL: a Helmholtz cage replays the on-orbit field and a solar simulator sets the Sun line.
• This work: HIL validation of a weighted-pseudoinverse steering law, 4-unit pyramid.

Leveraging Persistent L-Band Leo-To-Geo Relays For The Orchestration Of High-Bandwidth Optical Inter-Satellite Links, Jonathan Maier, Skylar A. Cox

Small Satellite Conference

As the already tremendous demand for data transfer in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) grows, Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication has emerged as a critical capability due to high data rates and inherent resilience attributes. However, the operational complexity of FSO, specifically the Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) process, requires significant operational planning. The narrow beamwidth of optical terminals requires precise spatial coordination, resulting in latency during link establishment, heavy reliance on scheduled ground-based commanding, and an impediment to agile, responsive, and ad hoc operations.

This paper presents a novel orchestration architecture utilizing Viasat’s L-band space relay network as a persistent, always-on …

Evaluating Performance Of Hardware-Accelerated Vessel Detection Algorithms, Michael Tietz, John Warner, Quinton Davidson, Douglas Carssow

Small Satellite Conference

Earth observing satellites contribute to the monitoring of maritime activity by enabling large-scale coverage of open water. For example, spacecraft data can be used to monitor and combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing that occurs in coastal and international waters across the globe. However, information latencies limit the utility of space-based sensors for operational users who need real-time situational awareness. These limitations are especially pronounced for small spacecraft with limited power generation and downlink capabilities. In recent years, the devices and tools that enable edge computing and near real-time downlink from small spacecraft have improved substantially. Equipped with these …

Metadata-Conditioned Dark-Frame Modelling And Hsdr-Scanfusion Denoising: A Physics-Informed Independent Tool For Low-Cost Hyperspectral Small-Satellite Calibration, Nooh Adnan, Kyaw Thiha, Raffael Gil Dela Cruz, Li Cheng Zheng, Faijul Amin, Areeba Khan, Sameha Tasnim, Sung Jegal, Yunhan Bao, Iliya Shofman

Small Satellite Conference

Hyperspectral imaging in the shortwave-infrared spectrum is valuable for orbital Earth observation, but its use on low-cost, resource-constrained small satellites is limited by thermally dependent dark current, fixed-pattern noise, and intermittent access to matched calibration frames. Traditional mitigation through active cooling, shutters, or frequent dark-frame acquisition can be difficult to accommodate within small-satellite mass, power, volume, and operations budgets. This paper presents a physics-informed independent calibration tool that reconstructs condition-matched dark response from acquisition metadata rather than relying on hardware-heavy calibration at every operating point. The framework combines a stochastic dark-noise simulator, a metadata-conditioned neural dark operator that predicts spectral-spatial …

Development Of Wavelength-Division-Multiplexed All-Optical Relays For Low-Earth Orbit Free-Space Optical Communication Networks, Travis Jones, Justin Cook, Chris Krush, Doruk Engin, Keith G. Petrillo

Small Satellite Conference

In this work, we designed, built, and tested an all-optical relay amplifier to enable a space-based all-optical backbone for laser communications networks. The design sought to optimize links for LEO-based networks incorporating appropriate span lengths and optical terminal specifications. We incorporate an add-drop multiplexer for rerouting signals and designed the system to be flexible over span lengths with a nominal range of 1,800 km. We performed several tests of the nominally 60 dB gain amplifier to assess link dynamics unique to free space optical communications (FSOC) including the impact of pointing jitter, nonlinearities, gain flattening, and wide-band filters on an …

Event-Driven Spacecraft Operations Demonstrated On Mms, Miles Bengtson, Alexander Barrie, Joseph Patton, Liam Greenlee, Paul Wood, Marcus Piquette, Russell Bjella, Matthew Chang, Joshua Paul

Small Satellite Conference

Operations engineers face the challenging task of capturing high-value science data while maintaining spacecraft health and functionality and responding to a dynamic space environment using limited information. This task is becoming increasingly complex as missions involve increasingly large numbers of spacecraft, target more elusive science signatures, and operate under growing budget and staffing constraints. Conventional pre-programmed time-sequence commands become increasingly burdensome for multi-spacecraft missions and are fundamentally incapable of reacting to rare, transient science events in real time.

To address this challenge, we have developed MEDOS: the Module for Event-Driven Operations of Spacecraft. Unlike machine learning and neural-network approaches, MEDOS …

Demonstration Of Bidirectional Tracking And Data Transfer With The Cubeisl Optical Communication Terminal, Jan Hildebrand, Hannes Zeihsel, René Rüddenklau, Jorge Rosano Nonay, Lukas Rodeck, Olman Quiros Jimenez

Small Satellite Conference

This paper presents the experimental results of a free-space optical link validating the capabilities of two integrated CubeISL terminals. The campaign serves as a verification of the tracking, pointing and acquisition of the terminals before launch of the CubeISL mission. The link was conducted over a distance of 6600 m between the rooftop of the DLR Institute of Communication and Navigation in Oberpfaffenhofen and a 80 m high radio tower in Schöngeising. To ensure robust link establishment, the system employed a Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking scheme utilizing both a 10 kHz modulated beacon for initial acquisition and a Continuous Wave …

Recovery Of Grus-1e From Magnetic Torquer Loss Using Data-Driven Open-Loop Attitude Steering, Nader Ganaba, Takanori Iwata, Minoru Kurata

Small Satellite Conference

In typical low Earth orbit (LEO) operations, the inability to remove excess angular momentum often leads to the decommissioning of a satellite. This paper presents the on-orbit recovery of GRUS-1E, a hundred kg class Earth observation satellite in Axelspace Corporation’s GRUS-1 constellation. The recovery followed the permanent loss of magnetic torquer commanding capability, which in turn disabled the satellite’s nominal reaction wheel momentum unloading. In addition, the satellite experienced persistent disturbance torques that significantly exceeded the combined contributions predicted by standard models, including gravity gradient, solar radiation pressure, aerodynamic drag, and the estimated residual magnetic dipole moment. The magnitude of …

The Landolt Mission Payload: An Artificial Star For Precision Astronomy, Peter Pachowicz, Peter Plavchan, Gabrielle Belle, Jay Deorukhkar, Philip Cunio, Eliad Peretz, John Mather, Peter Kurczynski, Angelle Tanner, Susana Deustua, Brian Alberding, Joseph Rice, Thomas Michaud-Baeyens, Jean-Thomomas Landry, Marc-Andre Boucher, David Ciardi, Mike Lund, Justin Albert, Greg Alderling, Brian Stalder, Daniel Stevens, Jamie Tayar, Daniel Kuesters, Tabetha Boyajian

Small Satellite Conference

The Landolt Mission represents a significant advancement in space-based instrumentation, serving as NASA’s first hybrid space mission. Central to the mission is a smallsat deployed in Geostationary Orbit (GEO), carrying the SI Traceable Absolute Radiometer [STAR] comprised of two Laser Instruments (LI) and an Element Wheel technology demonstrator. The LI utilizes six specialized Laser Trays to project SI-calibrated light beams at various wavelengths into ground telescopes. By creating a stable, SI-traceable calibration source, the Landolt mission aims to provide an unprecedented level of precision in astronomical observations. These advancements are expected to facilitate transformative discoveries in exoplanet host stars, supernova …

Noaa Nesdis Commercial Data Program Using Small Satellites For Space-Based Environmental Monitoring Data, Marc Gasbarro, Natalie Laudier, Harshesh Patel, Gerald Peltzer, Chunhui Pan

Small Satellite Conference

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS) Commercial Data Program (CDP) successfully engages with the private sector to acquire commercial space-based environmental observation data to diversify, streamline, and improve NOAA's observations and to meet NOAA’s mission objectives. The NESDIS CDP manages two lines of effort, the Commercial Data Pilot projects to demonstrate the quality and impact of commercial data on NOAA applications and the Commercial Data Purchases to support operational weather and space weather applications. NESDIS CDP leverages commercial companies’ use of innovative Small Satellite (SmallSat) collection platforms. NESDIS CDP procures data …

Monitoring Spoken Language In Infants And Toddlers Who Are Deaf Or Hard Of Hearing Using The Lena Developmental Snapshot, Monika-Maria Oster, Kimberly A. Peters

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Purpose: This retrospective analysis evaluates the Developmental Snapshot as a language monitoring tool for infants and toddlers with bilateral hearing loss who use listening and spoken language.

Method: Data were obtained from the educational and clinical records of 147 children with bilateral hearing loss. For each child, the LENA (Language ENvironment Analysis) Developmental Snapshot, a standardized online language assessment that relies on parent report, had been completed at least once. When available, scores from other standardized language assessments (PLS-5, CDI, and DAYC-2) were also obtained.

Results: LENA Developmental Snapshot standard scores were characterized by high variability and mean scores in …

A Survey Study On Physiological Hearing Assessment Practice In The Usa, Malina Mangrum, Hasan Saleh, Sangamanatha Ankmnal Ankmnal Veeranna, Kimberly Ward, Charles G. Marx

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Background: In the United States, limited information exists regarding the physiological measures and testing parameters used in infant hearing assessments. To address this gap, we conducted a nationwide survey to identify the types of physiological tests and procedures currently employed by audiologists.

Method: A structured survey was distributed to audiologists across the country to gather information about the auditory tests and recording parameters used in infant hearing evaluations.

Results: Most respondents reported using Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) to estimate infant hearing thresholds, primarily relying on traditional stimuli rather than chirp stimuli. The Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) was not widely used …

Measuring Family Involvement In Early Intervention Services For Children Who Are Dhh: A Scoping Review, Marie Martinez, Blair Richlin, Kristina Blaiser

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Background: Family involvement after a child has been identified as deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) is often recommended as “best practice” for Family Centered Early Intervention (FCEI; Szarkowski et al., 2024) and a catalyst for improved outcomes. Defining actions of a family will inform high-quality family support programs. This scoping review aims to explore and document family involvement as well as the current systems of measurement used in early intervention DHH family-centered services.

Purpose: The specific aim of this scoping review was to identify the operational definitions of family involvement and metrics used with families of children who are …

Exploring Speech-Language Pathologists’ Development Of Hearing Loss Health Literacy, Ellie Cooper, Krystal L. Werfel

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

Purpose. This qualitative study examined how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) develop hearing loss health literacy through academic training and on-the-job experience. Specifically, it explored SLPs’ perspectives on how graduate coursework and clinical exposure contributed to their readiness to work with children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH).

Method. Participants included 48 SLPs with a range of specialty academic coursework and on-the-job experience working with children who are DHH. SLPs were categorized into four groups: with/without specialty academic training in aural (re)habilitation and more/fewer than three years of experience with at least ten children who are DHH. Semi-structured interviews were …

Early Childhood Access To Language Acquisition Services In Arizona, Kendra Benedict, Wendy Steuerwald, Najwa Ghattas, Cheryl Johnson

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

This investigation reviewed existing services and gaps for young children who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH) in Arizona and explored community-based approaches to improve access to language development resources. The study was conducted in two phases, each focusing on different approaches for language acquisition based on surveys of parents and providers. Phase I, completed in 2024, addressed listening and spoken language (LSL) as a methodology for language acquisition while Phase II, completed in 2025, focused on the use of American Sign Language (ASL). Findings from Phase I surveys found that 63% of parents reported using LSL as the …

Journal Of Early Hearing Detection And Intervention: Volume 11 Issue 1, Pages 1-80

Journal of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention

No abstract provided.

Odin: Optomechanical Distributed Instrument For Inertial Sensing And Navigation, Mohanad Warrayat, Jackson Dahn, Ramses Miranda, Andrea Nelson, Jeremiah Stoddart, Miguel Dovale, Jose Sanjuan, Felipe Guzman, Daniel Selva

Small Satellite Conference

ODIN (Optomechanical Distributed Instrument for Inertial sensing and Navigation) is a gyroscope-free inertial measurement unit based on a cube of six monolithic fused silica wafers which complete a twelve-axis sensing capability, i.e., three linear, three angular, and six centripetal acceleration measurements. ODIN will fly as a secondary payload on the GRATTIS (Gravitational Reference Advanced Technology Test in Space) mission, slated for launch in February of 2027, led by the University of Florida and funded by the NASA InVEST program. By the end of the GRATTIS mission, it is expected that ODIN will reach an exit TRL-7.

The primary objective of …

The Pandora Smallsat: Overview Of The First Six Months In Orbit, Jessie Dotson, Elisa Quintana, Knicole Colón, Thomas Barclay, Christina Hedges, Ben Hord, Trevor Foote, Jordan Karburn, Pete Supsinkas, Lance Simms, Joe Renaud, Julie Moquin

Small Satellite Conference

The Pandora SmallSat was selected as an inaugural NASA Astrophysics Pioneers mission. The Astrophysics Pioneers program is tasked with performing compelling astrophysics science at lower cost while simultaneously providing space mission experience to early career researchers and engineers. The science goal of Pandora is to study transiting exoplanets and their host stars by collecting long duration, simultaneous visible photometry and near-infrared spectroscopy. This unique dataset will enable Pandora to disentangle the contributions from stellar activity which contaminate the exoplanet spectrum so we can search for water in exoplanet atmospheres.

The Pandora SmallSat successfully launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base on …

Esa Scout Hydrognss Early Mission Results, Martin Unwin, Alex Da Silva Curiel, Ben Stern, Jean-Pascal Lejault, Nazzareno Pierdicca

Small Satellite Conference

The ESA Scout HydroGNSS mission demonstrates a new generation of GNSS reflectometry (GNSS R) capabilities for hydrological climate monitoring from small satellites. HydroGNSS measures soil moisture, freeze–thaw state, inundation, wetlands and above ground biomass by exploiting both traditional incoherent Delay Doppler Maps (DDMs) and several innovative signal types not previously available from spaceborne GNSS R missions. Early in orbit results confirm successful acquisition of signals from Galileo, dual polarisation measurements, coherent complex channel data and reflections at the second GNSS frequency (L5/E5a). These enhanced measurements exhibit stronger than predicted performance and are expected to significantly improve retrievals of climate relevant …

Wildfires And Adolescent Mental Health: A Call To Action, Troy Allan

All Current Publications

Although wildfires affect people across the lifespan, adolescents warrant focused attention because wildfires can disrupt several systems that are especially important during this developmental period, including family relationships, peer networks, schools, routines, housing stability, and a developing sense of safety and identity. This fact sheet provides an overview of current research and a practical response pathway for professionals and families.

New Frontiers In Diagnosing Equine Lameness, Hyrum Hoopes, Karl Hoopes

All Current Publications

Lameness is one of the most common and expensive health problems seen in horses. Modern technology allows veterinarians to look beneath the surface. Tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital radiography (X-rays), nuclear scintigraphy, ultrasound, and positron emission tomography (PET) give clearer, more detailed pictures of what’s happening inside the horse’s leg. Each technology offers different advantages, from identifying uneven movement to revealing hidden damage within bones, joints, or soft tissues. When combined with veterinary visual evaluation, they help pinpoint the cause of lameness faster and more accurately than ever before.

Comparison Of Cubesat And Pocketqube Mission Timelines And Costs, Benjamin Skinner, Brian Damitz, Nathan Ford, Brian Iverson, David Long

Small Satellite Conference

PocketQube missions promise to reduce costs, speed up development timelines, and increase pedagogical value. We compared this mission format to CubeSat mission to compare relative strengths and weaknesses.

Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda August 24, 2026, Utah State University

Faculty Senate & Faculty Senate Executive Committee

3:00 Call to Order

Approval of Minutes - April 13, 2026

3:05 University Business

3:20 Faculty Senate Business

3:35 Reports

EPC Annual Report

Empowering Teaching Excellence

Center for Instructional Design and Innovation

4:00 Additional Business

Adjourn: 4:30 pm