Digital Commons Network^™

Proto-Flight Testing Of A Green Monopropellant Integrated Propulsion System, Joe Cardin, Joshua Hsu, Jigar Sorathia

Small Satellite Conference

The Integrated Propulsion System (IPS) is a bolt-on green monopropellant propulsion system specifically designed for ESPA-class Small Satellites. The purpose of this paper is to document Proto-flight testing of three Integrated Propulsion Systems.

The objective of Proto-flight testing is to certify systems for flight while preserving their ability to be subsequently flown and fulfill their mission requirements. This approach is widely used in the Small Sat community where program lead times are short and budgets tight.

Proto-flight testing of the Integrated Propulsion Systems combined both acceptance testing that screen for workmanship and qualification testing that verifies the design. As with …

A Comparison Of The Technological Maturation Of Smallsat Propulsion Systems From 2018 To 2020, Bruce D. Yost, Sasha V. Weston, Craig D. Burkhard, Julianna L. Fishman

Small Satellite Conference

The maturity in small spacecraft technology is indicated by the continued growth in the number of missions, mission complexity, and the expansion of smallsat subsystem capability. Identified development paths include the consideration of systems and components with flight heritage on larger spacecraft to meet the needs of smaller platforms, the conception of novel technologies specifically designed for small spacecraft, and the incremental improvements every 1-2 years in components where the underlying technology remains unchanged. Progress of overall smallsat technology development is captured in the most recent 2020 State-of-the-Art Small Spacecraft Technology (SoA) report, the objective of which is to assess …

Ground Demonstration Of New Robotic Technologies For On Orbit Servicing To Enable Maneuver Without Regret For Small Sat Missions Beyond Geo, Atif M. Qureshi, Andy Mcevoy, Kodie Artner

Small Satellite Conference

In this paper we will discuss the demonstration of on-orbit servicing capabilities by a new robotic manipulator, designed from the bottom up to fit within the Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints and budget expectations of smallsat missions. There is a recognized need for extreme mobility to meet the space domain awareness goals of the U.S. government in cis-lunar space, and on orbit servicing is the key to establishing this capability. In addition, a small spacecraft profile is critical, with transportation costs particularly high beyond earth orbit. In the past, robotic systems capable of on-orbit servicing have resulted from years …

On-The-Fly Hardware-Accelerated Image Processing System For Target Recognition, Eugenio Scarpa, Emilio Fazzoletto

Small Satellite Conference

Upcoming robotic exploration missions are characterized by constantly increasing spacecraft autonomy requirements. This approach includes the necessity to face new challenging tasks, such as autonomous navigation capabilities, adaptive activity scheduling and on-the-edge data processing. When these scenarios meet small satellite platforms, coming with a plethora of resource constraints, an optimized implementation of computing intensive functionalities is necessary to achieve usable performance. Argotec, an Italian aerospace company, designs and develops its own avionics systems to enable challenging inter-planetary small satellite missions. Within this context, Argotec developed a proprietary implementation of a high-throughput image processing pipeline to support vision-based autonomous navigation and …

Optimal Control Approach For Dedicated On-Board Computer In Active Debris Removal Mission, Michaël Juillard, Jean-Paul Kneib

Small Satellite Conference

This paper describes the third iteration in the development of a simulation tool that provides trade-offs of avionic architectures for future Active Debris Removal (ADR) space missions.

The principle of ADR mission is to target an object in space and move it somewhere else, preferably by deorbiting it. The initial task of the satellite (chaser) is to detect and track the targeted debris or object, then perform some proximity operations before capturing it. Associated with each phase, there is a couple of unique challenging mainly linked to the uncooperativeness of the target. To handle these problems, the chaser must embark …

Advanced Concepts For Small Satellite Thermal Control, Jennifer Young

Small Satellite Conference

The Thermal Control System (TCS) for small satellites is notoriously challenging because traditional thermal design practices, hardware, and testing, when compressed, may not produce the same performance outcome. Emerging technologies for thermal software and hardware are already available in the small satellite sector and more are quickly being developed. This paper will discuss the inherent challenges in designing thermal systems for small satellites, the advancements being made in thermal modeling, recent advances in thermal hardware, and emerging thermal control innovations. Technologies include specific small satellite applications for: thermal interface materials, thermal isolators, heat straps, heat pipes, wedge locks, graphite cores, …

Model-Based Framework For On-Board-Software, Frank Flederer, Sergio Montenegro

Small Satellite Conference

Satellites carry different payloads, but the basic design in hard- and software is generally similar for small satellites. For example, they all receive telecommands, distribute them and generate telemetry packets. Reusing existing components is desirable, especially with limited time and financial budgets. This is where the Corfu comes in, which we present in this work.

Corfu is a software framework for safety-critical on-board software. It follows a model-based approach. Developers formally define the structure of the software. The software design is app-centric, i.e. on-board software in Corfu is a composition of apps. Apps define a clear communication interface using a …

Nasa Spacecube Edge Tpu Smallsat Card For Autonomous Operations And Onboard Science-Data Analysis, Justin Goodwill, Gary Crum, James Mackinnon, Cody Brewer, Michael Monaghan, Travis Wise, Christopher Wilson

Small Satellite Conference

Using state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI)frameworks onboard spacecraft is challenging because common spacecraft processors cannot provide comparable performance to data centers with server-grade CPUs and GPUs available for terrestrial applications and advanced deep-learning networks. This limitation makes small, low-power AI microchip architectures, such as the Google Coral Edge Tensor Processing Unit (TPU), attractive for space missions where the application-specific design enables both high-performance and power-efficient computing for AI applications. To address these challenging considerations for space deployment, this research introduces the design and capabilities of a CubeSat-sized Edge TPU-based co-processor card, known as the SpaceCube Low-power Edge Artificial Intelligence Resilient Node …

In-Orbit Demonstration Of Reaction Control System For Orbital Altitude Change Of Micro-Satellite Ale-2, Yuji Sato, Shinya Fujita, Yoshihiko Shibuya, Toshinori Kuwahara, Koh Kamachi

Small Satellite Conference

This research presents the results of an in-orbit test of the orbital altitude control for a micro-satellite equipped with the first space-demonstrated high-density small cold gas jet thruster. In the field of micro-satellites, the application of thrusters to practical missions has not yet progressed due to their high cost, mechanical and electrical incompatibility with the satellite bus system, and increased operational risks. By contrast, the demand for orbit control functions has been increasing in recent years with the expansion of micro-satellite applications. The76kg satellite "ALE-2", which was jointly developed by Tohoku University and ALE Co., Ltd., has the world's first …

The Cubesat Assessment And Test (Cat) Program - Missions Operations Evolution, Warren Chen, Kristin Fretz, Annette Mirantes, Ralf Perez, Tim Krueger

Small Satellite Conference

On January 31, 2019, the CubeSat Assessment and Test (CAT) mission deployed from the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objective of the CAT mission is to use two COTS 3U spacecraft to support a communications experiment. CAT completed its primary mission success objectives in two months and continues to collect mission data two years post-launch. After meeting the mission objectives, the focus shifted to increasing data return from the payloads on the two spacecraft with the CAT team working to evolve the mission to continue to maximize its payload data return.

During its initial conception and design, the team …

Demonstration Of A Hybrid Space Architecture During Rimpac 2020, Charlene Jacka, Sennen Peña, Richard C. Ordonez, David Lingard, David Neudegg, Victor Stamatescu, Michele Wilson, Pierre Lamontagne, Sacha Nandlall, Jeff Secker, Ted Parkinson, Jean-Pierre Ardouin, Robert Boucher, Vivian Issa, Daniel Lavigne, Josée Lévesque, Caroline Turcotte, Frank Schaefer, Tobias R. Carman, Avyaya Kolhatkar, Sean Murphy, Chiara Toglia, J. Martin Van De Pol, Mark Van Persie, William Coldicutt, Øyvind Kinden Lensjø

Small Satellite Conference

The Micro-Satellite Military Utility (MSMU) Project Arrangement (PA) is an agreement under the Responsive Space Capabilities (RSC) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that involves the Departments and Ministries of Defence of Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, United Kingdom and United States. MSMU’s charter is to inform a space enterprise that provides military users with reliable access to a broad spectrum of information in an opportunistic environment.

Research and Development teams from MSMU partner nations supported Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020 which took place 17 to 31 August 2020 in the Hawaiian region. RIMPAC 2020 provided …

Flight Operations Of Two Rapidly Assembled Cubesats With Commercial Infrared Cameras: The Rogue-Alpha,Beta Program, Dee W. Pack, Brian S. Hardy, John R. Santiago, David Pietrowski, Jon C. Mauerhan, Paul F. Zittel, Darren W. Rowen, Cameron R. Purcell, Pradeep Thiyanaratnam, Lynette J. Gelinas, Paul K. Su, Joel Gussy, Joseph M. Santiago

Small Satellite Conference

The Aerospace Corporation’s Rogue-alpha, betaprogram, co-funded by the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Development Corps, is a rapid prototyping effort that built and launched two 3-Unit CubeSats equipped with modified commercial IR camera payloads, laser communications and precision pointing capabilities in 18-months. Launched on 2 November 2019, the two spacecraft were released from the ISS Cygnus NG-12 robotic resupply spacecraft on 31 January 2020 into a circular 460-km, 52° inclined orbit. The two Rogue spacecraft are serving as testbeds for studying wide-field-of-view fast-framing imaging, on-orbit stellar calibration techniques for small IR payloads, and associated spacecraft flight operations. Precision pointing is …

Earth Through The Eyes Of Napa-1: Commissioning Results And The Next Steps In Cubesat Earth Observation, H. S. B. Brouwer, H. Y. Oei, G. T. Aalbers, L. Garcia, M. Verdugo, D. Cavalli, L. Strobino, T. Cronje

Small Satellite Conference

Disruptive CubeSat technology has brought scientific missions within reach that were previously only achievable through larger spacecraft. Satellite Earth Observation is now the new frontier for governments, private industry, and academia. With the recent launch of the Napa-1 satellite the Royal Thai Airforce (RTAF) has joined the ranks by having its first ever Earth Observation CubeSat in space. Its design, launch, early operations (LEOPS), and commissioning have been carried out by ISISpace, supporting the market’s need for imagery from space.

Napa-1, meaning firmament in Thai, is a 6U CubeSat with the Gecko Imager from SCS Space as its primary payload, …

Skysat Block 3 Launch Campaign, Lisa Mcgill, Vincent Beukelaers, Addison Faler, Brian Lewis, Joel Mueting, Vishwa Shah

Small Satellite Conference

Planet currently manages the largest commercial fleet in the world with multiple constellations and more than two hundred satellites in active operation. The SkySats are high resolution imaging spacecraft operating in a Low Earth Orbit; their mission is to image the Earth. After the recent launch of six satellites, the SkySat Constellation is complete with a total of twenty one satellites. This ‘block’ of spacecraft launched on two separate launches; it was the most ambitious and challenging set of SkySat launches and commissioning campaigns Planet has executed. The satellites launched into an inclined and extremely low altitude and required a …

Flight Results Of The Attitude Determination And Control System For The Nemo-Hd Earth Observation Microsatellite, Niels Roth, Bryan Johnston-Lemke, Nicolaas Handojo, Simon Grocott, Robert E. Zee, Tomaž Rodič, Ana Urbas, Matevž Bošnak

Small Satellite Conference

NEMO-HD is an Earth observation microsatellite designed and built at the Space Flight Laboratory at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies (SFL) in collaboration with the Slovenian Centre of Excellence for Space Sciences and Technologies (SPACE-SI) who owns and operates the spacecraft. The mission was launched successfully into a circular Sun-synchronous orbit with 10:30 LTDN at an altitude of 535 km, aboard the VEGA VV16 mission from French Guiana on September 2, 2020. The primary payload is an optical imager, providing still imagery on its panchromatic (PAN) channel with 2.8 m ground sample distance (GSD), 5.6 m GSD …

Night-Time Color Imaging With High Resolution From A 35 Kg Microsatellite, Shinji Matsuzawa, Takuma Shibata, Tomoya Inakawa, Yoshito Niwa, Nobutada Sako

Small Satellite Conference

Canon Electronics Inc. developed its third microsatellite to demonstrate optical systems and in-house developed components in orbit. The 35 kg microsatellite CE-SAT-IIB can capture night-time color images of moon lit earth surface as well as city lights with a newly-designed camera using an ultra-high sensitivity image sensor developed by Canon. CE-SAT-IIB was launched in October 2020 as a payload on the Rocket LabsElectron15and has been performing experiments to validate optical systems and the bus using in-house components.

CE-SAT-IIB has three types of cameras. The first camera is a 20 cm Cassegrain telescope with the ultra-high sensitivity detector previously described. Exposure …

Space Development Agency - Delivering Capabilities, Derek Tournear

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Thirty-Five Years Of Small Satellites, Siegfried Janson

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Nasa Science Mission Directorate Smallsat Coordination Group: State Of Nasa Science With Smallsats, Florence Tan, Natalie Khalil

Small Satellite Conference

NASA recognizes the value and impact of SmallSats, from CubeSats to ESPA-class satellites, for high-value science missions to support exploration through innovative technologies. With SmallSats, we are able to, more nimbly, perform targeted science, prove out new technologies and innovation, and educate and train our engineers and scientists for the workforce of tomorrow. Across six divisions of the Science Mission Directorate (SMD), over 11 years, SMD has funded 73 CubeSat / SmallSat Missions and 56 Studies to date. Currently, SMD has 44 small spacecraft science missions (67 spacecraft) in implementation or formulation. The goal of this paper is to provide …

Esa Technology Cubesats: Pushing The Mission Autonomy Envelope, Roger Walker

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, J. Bob Balaram

Small Satellite Conference

No abstract provided.

Review Of Ghosts Of Archive, Genevieve Preston

Journal of Western Archives

Review of Verne Harris' Ghosts of Archive.

Comparison Of Bovine Mammary Involution And Intramammary Infections Following Intramammary Treatment With Casein Hydrolysate And Other Conventional Treatments At Dry-Off, Justine E. Britten, Kerry A. Rood, David J. Wilson

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science Student Research

Alternatives to routine antibiotic treatment of dairy cattle during the dry period before their next calving are of interest. This was a preliminary study of whether intramammary infusion of casein hydrolysate, administered alone or combined with standard dry treatment, accelerated the rate of mammary involution early in the dry period. Four treatments were studied in a split udder design. One udder half was assigned a treatment, and the contralateral half was administered dry cow treatment + internal teat sealant as a control. Treatments were casein hydrolysate, casein hydrolysate + dry cow treatment, casein hydrolysate + teat sealant and casein hydrolysate …

Moderate Plant–Soil Feedbacks Have Small Effects On The Biodiversity–Productivity Relationship: A Field Experiment, Josephine Grenzer, Andrew Kulmatiski, Leslie Forero, Anne Ebeling, Nico Eisenhauer, Jeanette Norton

Wildland Resources Student Research

Plant–soil feedback (PSF) has gained attention as a mechanism promoting plant growth and coexistence. However, most PSF research has measured monoculture growth in greenhouse conditions. Translating PSFs into effects on plant growth in field communities remains an important frontier for PSF research. Using a 4-year, factorial field experiment in Jena, Germany, we measured the growth of nine grassland species on soils conditioned by each of the target species (i.e., 72 PSFs). Plant community models were parameterized with or without these PSF effects, and model predictions were compared to plant biomass production in diversity–productivity experiments. Plants created soils that changed subsequent …

Nickel Catalyzed Electrochemical C-C Cross-Coupling Reactions, T. Leo Liu

Funded Research Records

No abstract provided.

Life Paths To Leading Systems-Level Change: Higher Education’S Pitfalls And Potential, Roslynn Brain Mccann, Kaitlyn Spangler, Andrew Millison

Environment and Society Faculty Publications

Global protests calling for accelerated climate change action, social justice, and racial equity have been shifting long- standing conversations and policies from local to national scales. Yet many activists can become psychologically drained by the frustration and loss of hope in fighting against structural oppression. This study was comprised of semi-structured qualitative interviews spanning across the United States with 25 leaders and practitioners in permaculture design, a solutions-based ecological design framework to enact positive, systems-level environmental and social change. The objective was to better understand their life paths toward such work. The research showed that higher education is not adequately …

Mejore Su Salud, Celina Wille, Laura Licon, Laura Paola Johnson, Anny Galvin

All Current Publications

Create Better Health/Mejore su salud es una versión cultural adaptada de Create Better Health evaluada por expertos y escrita en español, Create Better Health es un currículo del programa Create Better Health Utah SNAP-Ed originalmente adaptado de Creates: Essentials in Creating Family Meals por Debra Christofferson, M.D.A., R.D., C.D. Los miembros del equipo de publicación de la versión en inglés son: Casey Coombs, M.S., R.D., C.D., subdirectora de Create Better Health Utah; Jaqueline Neid-Avila, M.D.A., R.D., C.D .; y editores / colaboradores Heidi LeBlanc, M.S., directora de Create Better Health Utah.

Creaciones En La Cocina Curriculum, Celina Wille

All Current Publications

Este currículo es una interpretación al español y adaptación cultural basado en su mayoría en la publicación titulada CREATE FAMILY MEALS* de Food Sense del Programa de Extensión de la Universidad Estatal de Utah (USU).

Technical Challenges For Small Sar Satellites With High Performance, Hirobumi Saito, Kosei Ishimura, Jiro Hirokawa, Takashi Tomura, Koichi Ijichi, Koji Tanaka

Small Satellite Conference

We have developed a small SAR sensor, Micro X-SAR, compatible with 130 kg small satellite. It is capable of 3-meter resolution SAR image acquisition in strip-map mode and 1-meter resolution SAR image acquisition in sliding spotlight mode. This small SAR sensor was successfully demonstrated in orbit by a private company in 2021, Feb. This paper describes the next technical challenge of small SAR satellite with higher performance. We discuss on several types of SAR mission such as high resolution missions, wide swath missions, and constellation missions. Then we describe the present status of technical challenges to wideband, high power, and …

The Pandora Smallsat: Multiwavelength Characterization Of Exoplanets And Their Host Stars, Elisa V. Quintana, Knicole D. Colón, Greg Mosby, Joshua E. Schlieder, Pete Supsinskas, Jordan Karburn, Jessie L. Dotson, Thomas P. Greene, Christina Hedges, Dániel Apai, Thomas Barclay, Jessie L. Christiansen, Néctor Espinoza, Susan E. Mullally, Emily A. Gilbert, Kelsey Hoffman, Veselin B. Kostov, Nikole K. Lewis, Trevor O. Foote, James Mason, Allison Youngblood, Brett Morris, Elizabeth R. Newton, Joshua Pepper, Benjamin V. Rackham, Jason F. Rowe, Kevin Stevenson

Small Satellite Conference

Pandora is a SmallSat mission concept, selected as part of NASA’s Astrophysics Pioneers Program, designed to study the atmospheres of exoplanets using transmission spectroscopy. Transmission spectroscopy of transiting exoplanets provides our best opportunity to identify the makeup of planetary atmospheres in the coming decade. Stellar brightness variations due to star spots, however, can seep into these measurements and contaminate the observed spectra. Pandora is designed to disentangle star and planet signals in transmission spectra and reliably characterize the planetary atmospheres. Pandora will collect long-duration photometric observations with a visible-light channel, and simultaneous spectra with a near-IR channel, where water is …