Digital Commons Network^™

Development And Implementation Of Automated Planning In Cubesats, Liam Riley, Vedika Ghildyal, Cameron Bonesteel, Deepak Mishra

Small Satellite Conference

The University of Georgia’s (UGA) Small Satellite Research Laboratory (SSRL) is developing two CubeSat missions, each with ambitious operational goals that require accounting for a large number of variables. Given the inherent difficulty of fulfilling these requirements without complex onboard autonomous decision-making software, an automated ground-based solution is desirable. To meet this demand, SSRL is implementing an operational pipeline to effectively integrate the newly authored Multi-aspect Automated Satellite Scheduler (MASS) into both missions. MASS is administered and tested by SSRL’s Mission Operations and Flight Software teams. MASS implements a complex decisional tree informed by CubeSat operational requirements, and determines operational …

Communication, Localization And Synchronization Of Spacecraft For Swarm Missions, Yoan Grégoire, Hervé Guillon, Clément Dudal, David Valat, Bernard Pontet

Small Satellite Conference

Swarm missions are based on the use of several spacecraft working together to pursue a specific task for a specific mission. To allow these elements to work together, it is necessary for them to be able to communicate with each other and to synchronize themselves within the swarm. Moreover, the mission may likely require knowing the relative or absolute positions of the spacecraft in the swarm.

In order to collect simultaneous measurements allowing computing localization and synchronization in the swarm, a full duplex CDMA communication method is studied by CNES. An Inter Satellite Link (ISL) transmitter prototype is currently under …

Technology Challenges Of Surround: A Constellation Of Small Satellites Around The Sun For Tracking Solar Radio Bursts, Nicholas H. Crisp, Alejandro Macario Rojas, Ciara N. Mcgrath, Shane Maloney, L. Alberto Cañizares, Dale M. Weigt, Sophie Murray, Eoin Carley, Peter Gallagher

Small Satellite Conference

The SURROUND mission proposes the operational monitoring and forecasting of space weather events using a constellation of five small satellites in orbit around the Sun. This unique mission concept would enable the localisation and tracking of solar events with unprecedented accuracy. The small payload combined with high launch requirements makes this an ideal candidate mission for a distributed constellation of small spacecraft and provides an opportunity for technical development in the areas of deep space communication, propulsion, and survivability. The baseline configuration for SURROUND proposes the deployment of spacecraft to Earth-Sun Lagrange points L1, L4, and L5, and two additional …

Sar-Disksat For Mega-Constellation, Hirobumi Saito, Mitsuteru Kaneoka, Richard P. Welle, Anastasia Muszynski

Small Satellite Conference

We have developed and demonstrated in 2021 small SAR satellites of 1-m ground resolution with novel deployable slot array antennas. This paper newly proposes a novel concept of quasi-two-dimensional SAR satellites, SAR-DiskSats with this deployable passive slot array antenna. The deployable slot array antennas can be compactly folded in the quasi-two-dimensional satellite body. Also, it is possible to install flexible solar cell sheets on the back side of the antenna because the antennas do not dissipate heat. This quasi-two-dimensional satellite configuration is suitable to for stacking in a rocket faring for mega-constellation launching. Another advantage of the SAR-DiskSat is the …

Developing Intelligent Space Systems: A Survey And Rubric For Future Missions, Mary Dahl, Christine Page, Kerri Cahoy, Evana Gizzi

Small Satellite Conference

Space exploration continues to inspire the development of advanced technologies to explore the universe. From moon landings and the Mars rovers to the recent successful deployment of the James Webb Telescope, space exploration continues to push the limits of what is possible in both science and technology and to pave new ways for the discovery of our galaxy. While we have seen great advancements and barriers broken, we remain limited in our ability to optimize science discovery without onboard intelligent capabilities to enable complex system missions. In this paper, we focus on AI technologies and cross-disciplinary directions for sparking research …

Comparison Of Tracking-By-Detection Algorithms For Real-Time Satellite Component Tracking, M. Nehru J. Attzs, Trupti Mahendrakar, Mackenzie J. Meni, Ryan T. White, Isaac Silver

Small Satellite Conference

With space becoming more and more crowded, there is a growing demand for increasing satellite lifetimes and performing on-orbit servicing (OOS) at a scale that calls for autonomous missions. Many such missions would require chaser satellites to autonomously execute safe and effective flightpath to dock with a non-cooperative target satellite on orbit. Performing this autonomously requires the chaser to be aware of hazards to route around and safe capture points through time, i.e., by first identifying and tracking key components of the target satellite. State-of-the-art object detection algorithms are effective at detecting such objects on a frame-by-frame basis. However, implementing …

Developing An Affordable, Mechanically Similar Martian Regolith Simulant, Sijun Zhao, Philip Ferguson

Small Satellite Conference

One of the main challenges planetary rovers face today is their ability to traverse various terrains. Driving a test rover over mechanically similar terrains on Earth is one of the best ways to test the rover’s performance before it is sent on its mission. However, through background research, I found that most Martian regolith simulants are not mechanically similar to Martian regolith. This paper aims to find an affordable and accessible Martian regolith simulant that is suitable for rover mobility research. The two most notable parameters that characterize the regolith-wheel interactions are the regolith cohesive strength (c) and internal friction …

Concepts And Considerations For Small Satellite Constellation Deployment Via Momentum Exchange Tethers, Ben Campbell

Small Satellite Conference

For the small satellite community, establishing new satellite constellations using traditional practices can be costly, require a long time to perform, and be logistically difficult to accomplish. Most existing satellite constellations have been established using methods involving either multiple independent launches of member satellites, the inclusion of propulsion systems aboard ride-sharing satellites capable of providing significant ΔV to increase spread, or a combination of the two involving space tugs. One approach that can potentially enable the small satellite community to more easily execute missions involving their own constellations is to implement a rotating momentum exchange tether deployment system launched using …

Characterization And Modeling Of Rectifying Antennas For Space-To-Space Power Transmission, Leilani Baker, Zack Daniels, Samantha Korfe, Will Hamel, Chad Rathbun, Ricardo Quintana, Dante Orona Yang, Hailey Holder, Joseph Likar, Steve Lindsley, Rachel Delaney, Constance Moyer, Christopher Rodenbeck, Brian Tierney

Small Satellite Conference

Wireless electrical power transmission, also known as power beaming, is an old idea with renewed interest that has the potential to create a new solar power infrastructure. COSMIAC, a research center of The University of New Mexico School of Engineering, in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Operational Energy – Innovation (OE-I) fund is developing a ground-based experiment aimed at supporting space-based wireless power transmission called Wolf. In parallel, AFRL is developing Arachne to demonstrate space-based power transmission to various receivers. The Wolf project is evaluating design concepts for potential rectenna-powered CubeSats by demonstrating ground-based power beaming …

Hot & Cold: The Finch Thermal Simulator, Dana Murdoch, Dinushka Orrin Dahanaggamaarachchi, Benjamin Nero, Carrie Ann Po, David Maranto, Rosalind Liang, Cameron Rodriguez, Khang Nguyen

Small Satellite Conference

Thermal modelling is an integral part of thesatellite design process. However, detailed simulations require high-fidelity models and resources that are not readily available in the preliminary design stage. To gain insight into the on-orbit temperature ranges and heatloads that FINCH, a 3U hyperspectral imaging CubeSat, will experience, a six-node numerical model was developed in MATLAB. This model was developed as an alternative to industry modelling software during preliminary design stages. The model:

• Allows teams to conduct rapid iteration of thermal design with reduced barrier to entry.
• Provides a platform to make informed decisions early in the design cycle.
• Encourages a …

The Design, Analysis And Testing Of Low Cost Dual Deployable Solar Panels For Small Satellite Missions, Celvi Lisy, Linda Hu, Lillian Shoemaker, Scott Palo, Whitney Lohmeyer

Small Satellite Conference

The National Science Foundation (NSF) funded university small satellite mission, Space Weather Atmospheric Reconfigurable Multiscale Experiment (SWARM-EX) is designed to address outstanding aeronomy and space weather questions while demonstrating swarm behavior in constellations of six to twelve 3U CubeSats. SWARM-EX is limited in power, which requires the use of dual-deployable solar panels in order to maximize the number of solar cells powering the small satellite. Commercial off the shelf (COTS) dual-deployable solar panel options tend to be expensive, necessitating the creation of custom-built, dual-deployable solar panels. The design of the dual-deployable solar panels is constrained in volume, manufacturability, and survivability …

Thermal Operation For The 6u Deep Space Cubesat Equuleus In The Initial Critical Phase, Kazuki Toma, Toshihiro Shibukawa, Shunhei Matsushita, Shingo Nishimoto, Hokuto Sekine, Aoma Fujimori, Isamu Moriai, Ryu Funase

Small Satellite Conference

EQUULEUS (EQUilibriUm Lunar-Earth point 6U Spacecraft) was launched to deep space by NASA's SLS (Space Launch System) on November 16, 2022. It has an engineering mission to demonstrate low-energy orbit maneuvering to EML2, a libration orbit around the second Earth-Moon Lagrange Point using the water propulsion system “AQUARIUS” (AQUA ResIstojet propUlsion System). The initial critical phase in EQUULEUS refers to a series of operational procedures associated with the first delta-V(DV1), which generated the largest thrust throughout the entire mission, taking place about 38 hours after separation for entering the transfer orbit to EML2. Thisorbit control was followed …

Predicting Tether Performance Under Different Space Weather Conditions: A Guide For Mission Planning And Design Decisions, Shagun Aggarwal, Andrew Dempster, Jason Held

Small Satellite Conference

Electrodynamic tethers have demonstrated to be effective for fuel-free de-orbiting or station-keeping for spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit. However, the effect of solar activity on the plasma environment around the tether is still an underestimated factor that can have a significant impact on the efficiency and viability of such systems. This study aims to enhance the understanding of tether system design by investigating the influence of solar conditions and space weather on critical parameters such as tether length and power requirements across different spacecraft sizes. The performance of tethers in space is significantly influenced by various environmental factors, including space …

Control Of Small Spacecraft By Optimal Output Regulation: A Reinforcement Learning Approach, Joao Leonardo Silva Cotta, Omar Qasem, Paula Do Vale Pereira, Hector Gutierrez

Small Satellite Conference

The growing number of noncooperative flying objects has prompted interest in sample-return and space debris removal missions. Current solutions are both costly and largely dependent on specific object identification and capture methods. In this paper, a low-cost modular approach for control of a swarm flight of small satellites in rendezvous and capture missions is proposed by solving the optimal output regulation problem. By integrating the theories of tracking control, adaptive optimal control, and output regulation, the optimal control policy is designed as a feedback-feedforward controller to guarantee the asymptotic tracking of a class of reference input generated by the leader. …

Data Sharing In Satellite Systems: Review Of The Past And Opportunities In The Age Of Large Leo Constellations, Anargyros Kriezis, Nicolas Lee, Sigrid Elschot, Kaitlyn Fleming, Zayn Patel, Neel Dhulipala, Whitney Lohmeyer

Small Satellite Conference

Since 1957, more than 14,000 satellites have been launched into space; 2022 marks a record year with the launch of 2,163 satellites [1]. The increased number of satellites in combination with technological advancements in satellite communications has enabled operators to collect vast amounts of science data and satellite telemetry. These large data sets can be utilized to ensure coexistence between the ever-increasing number of satellite systems, potentially reducing both the risk of harmful interference and in-orbit collisions. Additionally, they can act as decentralized information sources, improving our understanding of the space environment and increasing the reliability of satellites. Modern data …

Design And Fabrication Of A 3d Printed Compliant System For The Orientation Of Payloads, Morgane Domerg, Benjamin Ostre, Yoann Joliff, Yves-Henri Grunevald

Small Satellite Conference

CES WORKS is developing a 2-axis joint for small satellite applications. With a range of ration of ±45°, this joint could be used for orienting payloads. This bio-inspired joint is a compliant mechanism, meaning that it is a monolithic system that produces complex movements through the elastic deformation of its structure. Compliant mechanisms do not have backlash or wear which lead to precise motions and absence of lubrication. These qualities are particularly relevant for space applications. A first demonstrator has been 3D printed in Polylactic(Acid) (PLA). The next demonstrator will be made of 3D printed Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) to determine its …

Linear Model Predictive Control Of A Cubesat Servicer For On-Orbit Servicing, Mitchell Kurnell, Inna Sharf

Small Satellite Conference

On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) is a field of orbital operations concerned with the maintenance, repair, and refuelling of space assets. It is one of many proposed solutions to aid with the mitigation of the growing space debris population. In this work, we propose the use of a CubeSat servicer equipped with a 1 Degree of Freedom (DoF) robotic arm for performing Orbital Replacement Unit (ORU) installations to demonstrate its capabilities for OOS. The servicer is controlled using Model Predictive Control (MPC) which computes control inputs using a linearized form of the system dynamics while considering the strict force and torque constraints …

Scintillation And Ionosphere Extended (Scion-X): A 12u Cubesat For Ionospheric And Atmospheric Science, Yu-Shun Wang, Binson S. Lee, Ruo-Yu Wang, Glenn Franco Gacal, Hsin-I Tu, Kai-Jye Hou, Wei-Yi Lin, Loren C. Chang

Small Satellite Conference

SCION-X (SCintillation and IONosphere eXtended) is a 12U CubeSat that is being designed and developed by Upper Air Dynamics Laboratory, National Central University (NCU). SCION-X is the second funded CubeSat project being developed by NCU and is the largest self-developed spacecraft to date.

This mission will help to further understand the variation of ionospheric irregularities, remote sensing methods for PM2.5 pollution distribution, and thermospheric photochemistry while serving as a relay station for amateur radio. Furthermore, it will help increase the communication and cooperation between universities in developing spaceflight capacity.

Development And Characterization Of A Vectored Electrospray Thruster, Ivan Savytskyy, Manish Jugroot

Small Satellite Conference

Next-generation nanosatellite missions will require precise linear impulse and torque bits for optimized attitude and trajectory control. To address this requirement, a Vectored Electrospray Thruster (VET) that provides high-resolution multi-axis attitude actuation via thrust vector control was investigated at the Royal Military College of Canada Advanced Propulsion and Plasma Exploration Laboratory (RAPPEL). The VET employs arrays of linear porous wedge emitters and uses pulse-width modulation to produce stepped emission differentials across the nanosatellite propulsion plane. A two-emitter prototype offering single-axis attitude actuation was developed to validate the thruster concept, and a custom power processing unit and complementary diagnostics suite were …

Information And Communication Technology (Ict) Competencies And Job Performance Of Librarians In Some Selected University Libraries In North Central Of Nigeria, Asibi Joy Idachaba, Yemisi B. Ojokuku, Udoh Isaac Unwana

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the era of ICT competencies and job performance of librarians in some selected university libraries in North Central of Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consists of 171 professional and para professional librarians from Francis Sarwuan Tarka University library and Benue State University library. A total of 171 questionnaires were distributed only 133 were retrieved. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics mean and percentage mean score of 2.5 and above and percentage score of 50% were considered. The study revealed that ICT competencies possessed by Librarians …

Design Of Deployable Optical Space Arrays Based On A Thickened Origami Flasher Pattern, Jared Hunter, Clark Roubicek, Mark Stephen, Spencer Magleby, Larry Howell

Small Satellite Conference

Performance of space-based optics could be greatly enhanced by using deployable origami-based arrays, which can offer a large aperture size relative to their stowed volume when compared to traditional technology, thus improving imaging quality.

In this work, we select, develop, and adapt the origami flasher pattern to serve as the foundation for a deployable array that shows promise for meeting stringent optical requirements. We apply a novel thickness accommodation technique, improve stability by adjusting geometric characteristics of the pattern, and create an array of frames for housing optical elements in a co-planar configuration. By following the guidelines in this work, …

A Summary Of Neural Radiance Fields For Shadow Removal And Relighting Of Satellite Imagery, Caleb Adams, Ignacio Lopez-Francos, Ellemieke Van Kints, Aiden Hammond

Small Satellite Conference

Multi-view stereo photogrammetric techniques are conventionally utilized to generate Global Digital Elevation Models (GDEM) of planetary and lunar surfaces. However, these methods, relying on conventional feature detectors, are often subject to inaccuracies caused by changes in lighting conditions, including diffuse reflection and harsh shading. This has limited the ability of these methods to accurately reconstruct shadowed regions in orbital imagery, such as highly shaded urban areas and the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) located on the lunar surface, which are critical targets for NASA’s Artemis program. Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) offer a novel solution to these limitations by breaking away from …

Automating Spacecraft Analysis: The Era Of Ontological Modeling & Simulation, Michael Halvorson, Noah Moyers, Carlos Domani, Johny Corona, Matthew Gillis, Sean Price, Aiden Raley, Andrew Crudup, Andrew Walter, Coleman Deschepper, Grant Gravitt, Jacob Wilkins, Nik Dreicer, Seth Porter, Tyler Babinec, Tyler Johnson, Nicolas Tsolas, L. Dale Thomas

Small Satellite Conference

Verification by analysis is a predicted compliance of a design to imposed requirements. The levels of performance specified by performance requirements can be related to Technical Performance Measures (TPM) in a Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) environment, but engineers performing verification by analysis are not commonly versed in professional Systems Engineering (SE) techniques or modeling languages such as SysML. As the formal application of Systems Engineering (SE) results in a diminution of time, effort, and money for large-scale projects, enabling technical engineers performing verification by analysis to contribute to MBSE improvements in the course of their daily work is financially incentivized. …

The Kihm-9: A Novel Self-Deploying Picosat Antenna Design For Reflectarray Antennas, Nathan Coleman, Mitchel Skinner, Collin Ynchausti, Spencer Magleby, Larry Howell, Akash Biswas

Small Satellite Conference

Reflectarray antennas are popular on satellites for their ability to achieve similar performance to parabolic antennas in a more compact volume. This project shows how integrating novel technologies achieves the benefits of larger antennas while maintaining the advantages of small satellites. The objective of this research is to create a reflectarray antenna for a holographic metasurface that utilizes the volume surrounding a CubeSat when stowed, incorporates a novel pin-less hinge, includes a self-deploying and stabilizing joint, and is manufactured out of space-grade materials. By using hinges embedded with membranes and magnets, issues with lubrication and outgassing may be avoided, and …

Commencement Convocation Program, Usf, August 8, 2023, University Of South Florida

USF Graduation and Convocation Programs

King O'Neal Scholars - Emma Grace Atherton, Alisa Bakieva, Ginelle Renae Lauryn Brown, Tatyana Soribel Butler, Carter E. Casko, Carli Lilibeth Cohoon, Sarah Lou Shalom Dasent Shuler, Carlos Manuel Figueroa Palomino, Lanette Gonzalez-Lewis, Grace Angelique Heeke, Daniel Thomas Kortenhaus, Emily Margaret Logan, Makayla Long, Abigail Clariece McCurter, Elijah Callaway Mceuen, Sofia Elizabeth Mejia-Naccarato, Rachel Yvonne Stanton, Edward B. Williams, and Parisa Yazdankhah Kenary; Global Citizens Award - Sarah Bagnasco, Sydney Black, Carly Burton, Gladys D. Cantu, Sara Chaj, Lauren Flannery, Emily Hernandez, Anagha Hesaraghatta, Faith Pinamang, Katie Sarnelli, Natalie Spanhake, Kenya A. Sanchez Torres, and Neha Vemuri

Analyzing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa With Bacteriophage Tags Using Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry, Jennifer C. Schinke

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The number of daily bacterial infections is climbing and the CDC explains that this is due to the antibiotic-resistant threat in the United States. Finding a faster way of bacterial identification is necessary as it currently takes 1-4 days for a medical lab to culture and identify bacteria. Photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC) can be used as an alternative method resulting in swift identification within an hour (Edgar, 2019). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cell line PA01, will be coated in up to a few hundred red dyed phages making it detectible by the photoacoustic flow cytometry system. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that …

Glycerophosphocholine Is Used For Lipid And Phosphate Metabolism By Candida Albicans, Will King

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The metabolism of phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major eukaryotic membrane lipid, has been shown to be an important aspect of pathogenesis in Candida albicans. Of note, PC turnover product, glycerophosphocholine (GPC), is abundant renal metabolite available within the host. GPC is readily imported by C. albicans, and deletion of the major GPC transporter, Git3, leads to decreased virulence in a bloodstream infection model. Here I have characterized two potential metabolic fates of internalized GPC. The first metabolic fate explored is internalized GPC can be hydrolyzed to release P_i. To determine if GPC import and subsequent metabolism impact phosphate …

Investigating The Impact On Private Water Supply Of Hydraulic Fracturing Communication With An Abandoned Conventional Gas Well In New Freeport, Pa, Kiley Miller

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In June of 2022 a “frac out” occurred in New Freeport, PA when an unconventional gas well under development by hydraulic fracturing, communicated with an abandoned gas well to the surface. An initial “zone of impact” encompassed much of the town’s main thoroughfare. Water samples were obtained from 17 private water wells, 5 springs and 1 pond (31 total samples) and analyzed for cations, anions, and light hydrocarbons. Methane was found in 18 of the samples, both located within and outside of the “zone of impact”. Mass ratio analyses indicated contamination from both unconventional and conventional wells. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture …

“One University’S Covid-19 Pandemic Mitigation Response And Anxiety Construct: A Summative Program Evaluation”, Ann Hodgin

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Manuscripts

Abstract

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to ripple through everyday life. In December 2019, an outbreak occurred in China. Subsequently, the World Health Organization identified SARS-CoV-2 as a new type of coronavirus that quickly spread around the globe (Nazario, 2022). As of May 31, 2023, there were 6,938,353 confirmed deaths worldwide from COVID-19 (WHO, 2023).

A needs assessment completed by the University identified that a program evaluation of the university’s COVID-19 response was warranted. Therefore, this program evaluation was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the policies and protocols implemented at a Catholic University in Southwestern Pennsylvania to …

Examining School Nurses' Knowledge And Confidence Related To Their Intention To Screen For And Report Child Sexual Abuse: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study, Suzanne Ackers

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) in a preventable national public health problem that results in adverse health consequences. Research suggests many victims are currently attending school. Screening for early detection of health issues is integral to school nurse (SN) practice but there is little evidence that screening for CSA is occurring in schools despite recommendations that it should be. Lack of confidence and knowledge related to screening for suspected CSA contribute to a SN’s missed opportunity for early intervention.

Purpose: To describe SNs knowledge and self-efficacy associated with screening for and reporting CSA in school settings.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional …