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- Artificial satellites--Orbits (9)
- Artificial satellites--Orbits--Mathematical models (8)
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- Artificial satellites (3)
- Artificial satellites--Attitude control systems (3)
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- Artificial satellites--Orbits--Computer simulation (2)
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- Earth orbits (2)
- Global Positioning System (2)
- Orbital transfer (Space flight) (2)
- Orbits (2)
- Relative satellite motion (2)
- Rendezvous and proximity operations (2)
- Space surveillance (2)
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- 3-body problem (1)
- Aerial observation (Military science) (1)
- Artificial satellites--Atmospheric entry--Computer simulation (1)
- Artificial satellites--Attitude control systems--Computer simulation (1)
- Artificial satellites--Dynamics (1)
- Artificial satellites--Orbits--Effect of radiation pressure on (1)
- Artificial satellites--Testing (1)
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Articles 31 - 60 of 76
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Trajectory Control And Optimization For Responsive Spacecraft, Costantinos Zagaris
Trajectory Control And Optimization For Responsive Spacecraft, Costantinos Zagaris
Theses and Dissertations
The concept of responsive space has been gaining interest, and growing to include systems that can be re-tasked to complete multiple missions within their lifetime. The purpose of this study is to develop an algorithm that produces a maneuver trajectory that will cause a spacecraft to arrive at a particular location within its orbit earlier than expected. The time difference, delta t, is used as a metric to quantify the effects of the maneuver. Two separate algorithms are developed. The first algorithm is an optimal control method and is developed through Optimal Control Theory. The second algorithm is a feedback …
Relative Orbit Elements For Satellites In Elliptical Orbits, Kirk W. Johnson
Relative Orbit Elements For Satellites In Elliptical Orbits, Kirk W. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to describe the unperturbed relative motion of Earth satellites in elliptical orbits using a simple dynamics model whose parameters allow significant geometrical insight and operational efficacy. The goal was to retain the advantages of the Relative Orbit Elements (ROE) realization of the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire (HCW) equations, a linearized dynamics model for circular reference orbits. Specifically, this thesis analyzed the geometry of satellite rendezvous and proximity operations using the ROE parameters to characterize the model’s utility. Next, through a comprehensive literature review, this thesis sought possible approaches for developing a similarly useful parameterization for chief orbits …
Mission Analysis And Design For Space Based Inter-Satellite Laser Power Beaming, Nicholas M. Keller
Mission Analysis And Design For Space Based Inter-Satellite Laser Power Beaming, Nicholas M. Keller
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort develops an interdisciplinary design tool to optimize an orbit for the purpose of wirelessly beaming power from the International Space Stations (ISS) Japanese Experimental Module Exposed Facility (JEM/EF) to a target satellite. For the purpose of this initiative, the target satellite will be referred to as FalconSAT6, a reference to the proposed follow-on satellite to the U.S. Air Force Academy’s (USAFA) FalconSAT5 program. The USAFA FalconSAT program provides cadets an opportunity to design, analyze, build, test and operate small satellites to conduct Department of Defense (DoD) space missions. The tool developed for this research is designed to …
Attitude Control Of A Satellite Simulator Using Reaction Wheels And A Pid Controller, Ryan E. Snider
Attitude Control Of A Satellite Simulator Using Reaction Wheels And A Pid Controller, Ryan E. Snider
Theses and Dissertations
Attitude requirements of a satellite are determined by its mission: telecommunications, optical imagery, and meteorology to name a few. A satellite's ability to orient its mission critical hardware (solar arrays, attitude sensors, etc.), as well as its mission specific payload, is incumbent upon the performance of the satellite's attitude control system (ACS). For a highly accurate ACS and for moderately fast maneuverability, reaction wheels are preferred because they allow continuous and smooth control while inducing the smallest possible disturbance torques. The objective of this research is to design, build, test, and evaluate the performance of a reaction wheel ACS on-board …
Design Analysis Of A Sapce Based Chromotomographic Hyperspectral Imaging Experiment, Todd A. Book
Design Analysis Of A Sapce Based Chromotomographic Hyperspectral Imaging Experiment, Todd A. Book
Theses and Dissertations
This research develops the design of several components and/or systems for an experimental space-based chromotomographic hyperspectral imager that is being built by the Air Force Institute of Technology. The design work includes three separate topics. The first topic was the development of a structure utilizing finite element analysis and eigenanalysis for the ground-based version of the chromotomographic experiment (CTEx). The ground-based experiment was performed as a risk mitigation measure for the space-based experiment. The second topic includes a design review of a contractor's proposed off-axis Mersenne telescope for the space-based chromotomographic hyperspectral imager. The work included the creation of preliminary …
Preliminary Electrical Designs For Ctex And Afit Satellite Ground Station, Arthur L. Morse
Preliminary Electrical Designs For Ctex And Afit Satellite Ground Station, Arthur L. Morse
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis outlines the design of the electrical components for the space-based ChromoTomography Experiment (CTEx). CTEx is the next step in the development of high-speed chromotomography at the Air Force Institute of Technology. The electrical design of the system is challenging due to the large amount of data that is acquired by the imager and the limited resources that is inherent with space-based systems. Additional complication to the design is the need to know the angle of a spinning prism that is in the field of view very precisely for each image. Without this precise measurement any scene that is …
Prototype Development And Dynamic Characterization Of Deployable Cubesat Booms, Grant M. Thomas
Prototype Development And Dynamic Characterization Of Deployable Cubesat Booms, Grant M. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
The current barrier to CubeSat proliferation is their lack of utility depth. These small satellites are exceptionally well suited for specific space missions such as space weather observation and other scientific data gathering exploits; however, they are not suited for every mission. The 10cm-cube form factor that gives the CubeSat its unique advantage is also its greatest hindrance. A potential bridge over this gap is the successful integration of deployable booms onto the CubeSat structure. With this research, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) explored the parameters of deployable tapespring booms using the triangular retractable and collapsible (TRAC) cross- …
Accurate Dynamic Response Predictions Of Pnpsat I, Michael D. Trottier
Accurate Dynamic Response Predictions Of Pnpsat I, Michael D. Trottier
Theses and Dissertations
Researchers at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office have conducted extensive vibration testing and structural modeling on the first ORS Plug-and-Play Satellite (PnPSAT I). The intent of this research effort is to evaluate the premise that current post-integration spacecraft environmental test requirements can be reduced or modified using accurately tuned finite element (FE) models. As part of this research, modal testing was conducted on the PnPSAT I structural panels at AFIT. The modal testing was part of a much larger series of experimental trials on various configurations of PnPSAT I at the …
Mission Analysis For Multiple Rendezvous Of Near-Earth Asteroids Using Earth Gravity Assist, Uriah J. Tobey
Mission Analysis For Multiple Rendezvous Of Near-Earth Asteroids Using Earth Gravity Assist, Uriah J. Tobey
Theses and Dissertations
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) catalog of near-Earth objects (NEOs) such as asteroids and comets contains over 6600 asteroids and 150 comets as of February of 2010. This includes over 1000 potentially hazardous asteroids, or objects with orbits that pass close enough to Earth to pose a potential impact threat. The asteroid community believes there are a significant number of objects still undiscovered, which makes finding, tracking, and calculating missions to study these objects an active area of research. This study was based on finding orbit solutions using Earth gravity assist to visit one near-Earth object (NEO) a year for …
Formation Flight Of Earth Satellites On Kam Tori, Christopher T. Craft
Formation Flight Of Earth Satellites On Kam Tori, Christopher T. Craft
Theses and Dissertations
Kolmogorov, Arnold and Moser (KAM) theory provides that orbits of satellites whose dynamics are representable by an integrable Hamiltonian plus a small, real perturbation lie on tori in phase space and remain on the KAM tori for all time, unless acted upon by a non-conservative force. A refined technique for constructing KAM tori for Earth-orbiting satellites is developed and implemented using numerically integrated orbital data for hypothetical satellites and involving methods of Fourier analysis and spectral decomposition. Definition of satellite formations on the KAM tori is performed and analyses conducted to investigate both constellations with large separations and clusters with …
Satellite Reentry Control Via Surface Area Amplification, Salvador Alemán
Satellite Reentry Control Via Surface Area Amplification, Salvador Alemán
Theses and Dissertations
This project endeavors to find whether it is feasible to use an increase in surface area as a way of increasing the drag on an orbiting object, thus decreasing its orbital lifetime. The surface area increase can be achieved by an apparatus that deploys a balloon. The balloon will act as a parachute that will decrease the potential energy of the object through atmospheric drag. This is most effective by objects that reach the Low Earth altitudes of less than 500 kilometers, where an object is encountering a firmer atmospheric density. The project is carried out through propagating three different …
Application Of Kam Theorem To Earth Orbiting Satellites, Bryan D. Little
Application Of Kam Theorem To Earth Orbiting Satellites, Bryan D. Little
Theses and Dissertations
An orbit that lies on a Kolmogorov, Arnold, and Moser (KAM) Torus will remain on that torus until and unless it experiences a force that causes it to leave the torus. Earth satellites that are subject only to the Earth's gravity field may lie on such KAM tori. Analyzing on orbit satellite position data should allow for the identification of the fundamental frequencies needed to define the KAM tori for modeling Earth satellite orbits. KAM Tori are created for the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experience (GRACE) and Jason-1 satellites to model their orbital motion. Precise position data for the satellites …
Mission Planning For Close-Proximity Satellites, Barry R. Witt
Mission Planning For Close-Proximity Satellites, Barry R. Witt
Theses and Dissertations
Given an initial orbit and a set of other orbits of interest, the lowest change in velocity "path" between them is of high value. Software was developed to visualize the change in velocity required from a user defined window of burn to a user defined window of intercept. The time between burn and intercept is unrestricted. Multiple intercepts require searching an n! solution space, research then is focused on ways to pick optimal choices without fully calculating out the cost of doing all possible combinations. Some code was translated from BASIC and the rest was newly developed in MATLAB. The …
Modeling Gps Satellite Orbits Using Kam Tori, Rachel M. Derbis
Modeling Gps Satellite Orbits Using Kam Tori, Rachel M. Derbis
Theses and Dissertations
Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite orbits are modeled using Kolmogorov, Arnold, Moser (KAM) tori. Precise Global Positioning System satellite locations are analyzed using Fourier transforms to identify the three basis frequencies in an Earth Centered, Earth Fixed (ECEF) rotating reference frame. The three fundamental frequencies are 1) the anomalistic frequency, 2) a combination of earth’s rotational frequency and the nodal regression rate, and 3) the apsidial regression rate. A KAM tori model fit to the satellite data could be used to predict future satellite locations. This model would allow rapid determination with fewer computational requirements than the typical method of …
Minimizing Secular J2 Perturbation Effects On Satellite Formations, Jonathan W. Wright
Minimizing Secular J2 Perturbation Effects On Satellite Formations, Jonathan W. Wright
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis is to examine the secular effects of the J2 oblateness perturbation on close proximity satellites. The main objective is to analyze the deputy’s position and velocity with respect to the chief and adjust the initial conditions of the deputy in an attempt to minimize the secular effects of J2 perturbations. Previous work has provided a method of obtaining a closed form solution for J2 invariance with co-planar orbits. Therefore, this work will primarily consider deputy orbits that experience motion outside of the chief’s orbital plane. Upon determining the required initial conditions, the …
Crew Exploration Vehicle (Cev) Skip Entry Trajectory, Emre Kaya
Crew Exploration Vehicle (Cev) Skip Entry Trajectory, Emre Kaya
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort develops a program using MATLAB® to solve the equations of motion for the atmospheric reentry of the Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) which is assumed to be in the phase of a lunar return trajectory that could be initiated any time during the mission. The essential reason for this research is to find a solution for the problem of an unplanned lunar return in addition to the normal procedures. Unlike Apollo type missions, the CEV would still be able to land on any preplanned available landing sites without any additional delay. In Apollo type missions, the return phase …
Initial Determination Of Low Earth Orbits Using Commercial Telescopes, Matthew M. Schmunk
Initial Determination Of Low Earth Orbits Using Commercial Telescopes, Matthew M. Schmunk
Theses and Dissertations
Within the last decade, many new technologies have significantly changed the face of private astronomy. Developments such as inexpensive but high-quality sensors, rapid personal computing, and easy networking inspire a reexamination of an old problem: how practical is it to develop initial orbit estimates for Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellites using optical tracking? This paper documents the design and implementation of a commercial telescope system used to answer precisely that question. This analysis deter- mined there are some challenging barriers to successful single-site orbit determination, but it is possible given the right conditions. Considering the low cost and small sup- …
Satellite Attitude Control Using Atmopheric Drag, David B. Guettler
Satellite Attitude Control Using Atmopheric Drag, David B. Guettler
Theses and Dissertations
Attitude control is a requirement for most satellites. Many schemes have been devised over the years including control moment gyros, reaction wheels, spin stabilization and gravity gradient stabilization. For low Earth orbits, the Earth's atmosphere can have an affect on a satellite's orbit and attitude. This research effort examines the feasibility of using the atmosphere to actively control a spacecraft's attitude using drag panels. Using the atmosphere to control spacecraft attitude has been researched in the past however very little research has been done using an active feedback control system to maintain spacecraft attitude. A linear computer model was created …
Spacecraft Proximity Operations Used To Estimate The Dynamical & Physical Properties Of A Resident Space Object, Abraham F. Brunner
Spacecraft Proximity Operations Used To Estimate The Dynamical & Physical Properties Of A Resident Space Object, Abraham F. Brunner
Theses and Dissertations
When conducting a space proximity operation, developing high-fidelity estimates of the dynamical and physical properties of a Resident Space Object (RSO) based on post-rendezvous observational data acquired, is imperative for the understanding of the RSO itself and the operating environment. This research investigates the estimation of relative motion dynamics, rotational dynamics, and the feasibility of estimating the moments of inertia of a RSO. Using the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations, rigid-body dynamics, and estimation theory, a nonlinear least squares estimation algorithm is implemented in the processing of range data from tracked observation points on the RSO body. Through simulation, it was determined that …
Optimal Orbital Coverage Of Theater Operations And Targets, Kimberly A. Sugrue
Optimal Orbital Coverage Of Theater Operations And Targets, Kimberly A. Sugrue
Theses and Dissertations
The use of satellites as a tactical asset to support theater operations is a desired capability for future space operations. Unlike traditional satellite systems designed to provide coverage over the entire globe or large regions, tactical satellites would provide coverage over a small region which can be modeled as a single ground point defined by a latitude and longitude. In order to provide sufficient utility as a theater asset, a satellite should be placed in an orbit that provides a maximum amount of coverage of the target ground point. This study examined the optimization of orbit parameters to maximize the …
Maneuver Estimation Model For Geostationary Orbit Determination, Brian J. Hirsch
Maneuver Estimation Model For Geostationary Orbit Determination, Brian J. Hirsch
Theses and Dissertations
As an increasing number of geostationary satellites fill a limited number of orbital slots, collocation of satellites leads to a risk of close approach or misidentification. The ability to detect maneuvers made by these satellites using optical observations can help to prevent these problems. Such a model has already been created and tested using data from the Air Force Maui Optical and Supercomputing site. The goal of this research was to create a more robust model which would reduce the amount of data needed to make accurate maneuver estimations. The Clohessy-Wiltshire equations were used to model the relative motion of …
The Effects Of Using Solar Radiation Pressure To Alleviate Fuel Requirements For Orbit Changing And Maintenance Of The Dscs Ii F-13 Satellite, Jody A. Paris
Theses and Dissertations
Orbit disposal and maintenance of aging satellites has become a significant concern over the past few years, as the increasing number of orbiting objects threatens to limit the launching of future satellites. Many of the satellites currently in orbit, however, were not built with disposal considerations. The DSCS II series was launched into orbit beginning in the 1970s, and many satellites are now without the fuel required to conventionally transition to a sanctioned disposal orbit. In GEO orbit the largest non-gravitational perturbation is solar radiation pressure. By adjusting the attitude of a satellite with a controller to maximize the perturbing …
Optimal Coverage Of Theater Targets With Small Satellite Constellations, Axel Rendon
Optimal Coverage Of Theater Targets With Small Satellite Constellations, Axel Rendon
Theses and Dissertations
The daylight passes of a low-Earth orbit satellite over a targeted latitude and longitude are optimized by varying the inclination and eccentricity of an orbit at different altitudes. This investigation extends the work by Emery et al, in which the optimal Right Ascension of the Ascending Node was determined for a circular, matched inclination orbit. The optimal values were determined by a numerical research method based on Emery et al's Matlab program. Results indicate that small increases in inclination raise the number of daylight passes up to 33%. These optimal inclinations depend on the satellite semi-major axis. Eccentricity increases also …
Characterizing And Controlling The Effects Of Differential Drag On Satellite Formations, James T. Wedekind
Characterizing And Controlling The Effects Of Differential Drag On Satellite Formations, James T. Wedekind
Theses and Dissertations
The ability to fly satellites in close formations represents a capability that could revolutionize the way satellite missions are designed in the future. This study examines three of the primary formation flying designs and characterizes the effects that an anomalous satellite with a slightly different cross-sectional area would have on the stability of the formation. Following the characterization of these effects, a controller is implemented to mitigate the cross-sectional area differences between the satellites. The results show that, with the addition of a straightforward controller, small cross-sectional area differences can be mitigated and corrected such that the satellites will remain …
Covariance Estimation And Autocorrelation Of Norad Two-Line Element Sets, Victor P. Osweiler
Covariance Estimation And Autocorrelation Of Norad Two-Line Element Sets, Victor P. Osweiler
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis investigates NORAD two-line element sets (TLE) containing satellite mean orbital elements for the purpose of estimating a covariance matrix and formulating an autocorrelation relationship. Orbit propagation is performed using Simplified General Perturbations Number 4 (SGP4) analytical model as implemented within Satellite Took Kit. For a given satellite, TLEs from a span of two weeks are used to calculate position and velocity differences of estimated state vectors in order to characterize their variance behavior and compute a covariance matrix for the most recent TLE. Six satellites and eight time spans are investigated, with all state vector differences evaluated in …
Maneuver Estimation Model For Relative Orbit Determination, Tara R. Storch
Maneuver Estimation Model For Relative Orbit Determination, Tara R. Storch
Theses and Dissertations
While the use of relative orbit determination has reduced the difficulties inherent in tracking geosynchronous satellites that are in close proximity, the problem is often compounded by stationkeeping operations or unexpected maneuvers. If a maneuver occurs, observations will no longer fit predicted data, increasing the risk of misidentification and cross-tagging. The goal of this research was to develop a model that will estimate the magnitude, direction, and time of a suspected maneuver performed by a collocated satellite in geosynchronous orbit. Relative motion was modelled using Hill's equations, and least squares estimation was employed to create both a linear non-maneuver model …
Orbit Estimation Algorithms For A Microsatellite Rendezvous With A Non-Cooperative Target, John P. Heslin
Orbit Estimation Algorithms For A Microsatellite Rendezvous With A Non-Cooperative Target, John P. Heslin
Theses and Dissertations
This study investigated the minimum requirements to establish a satellite tracking system architecture for a microsatellite to rendezvous with a non-cooperative target satellite. A prototype optical tracking system was reviewed with emphasis on a proposed tactical employment that could be used by technologically unsophisticated state or non-state adversaries. With the tracking system architecture selected, simulated tracking data was processed with a Non-Linear Least Squares batch orbit estimation algorithm and a Bayes sequential orbit determination filter to update the target satellite's state vector.
Optimal Constellation Design For Orbital Munitions Delivery System, Jason Anderson
Optimal Constellation Design For Orbital Munitions Delivery System, Jason Anderson
Theses and Dissertations
Rather than delivering conventional munitions through the airspace of uncooperative nations, a constellation of space-stored weapons could potentially target any point on the Earth and arrive within the time it takes to de-orbit and re-enter through the atmosphere. The research involves applying the dynamics of atmospheric re-entry to a Common Aero Vehicle (CAV) and defining a footprint of attainable touchdown points. The footprint is moved forward to create a swath representing all the possible touchdown points in a 90 minute window. A nominal constellation of CAVs is established using a streets of coverage technique, and both analytic studies and numeric …
Maneuver Design For Fast Satellite Circumnavigation, Stanley D. Straight
Maneuver Design For Fast Satellite Circumnavigation, Stanley D. Straight
Theses and Dissertations
The feasibility of satellite operations in close proximity to a reference satellite is of interest for both civilian and military applications. One such operation is circular circumnavigation in a time period less than the orbital period of the reference satellite. This thesis investigates a guidance scheme for such maneuvers involving impulsive burns at specific points within a specified toroidal region centered on the circular-orbiting reference satellite. Two analytical methods for determining the magnitude and direction of the impulses are demonstrated. These methods are then used as initial estimates in an optimization scheme to produce the minimum total required impulse.
Hybrid Control Strategies For Rapid, Large Angle Satellite Slew Maneuvers, David B. French
Hybrid Control Strategies For Rapid, Large Angle Satellite Slew Maneuvers, David B. French
Theses and Dissertations
This research investigated hybrid control strategies for rapid satellite pointing. First, a detailed computer simulation model of AFIT's SIMSAT satellite simulator was constructed. Control strategies were developed to enable the system to perform large-angle, 3-axis slewing maneuvers using a combination of both thrusters and reaction wheels. To handle the non-linear model, a State Dependent Riccati Equation controller was programmed and successfully controlled the computer-modeled satellite for any given slewing maneuver. A simpler PD controller was then programmed and demonstrated on the computer simulation of SIMSAT, using a combination of thruster and reaction wheel control inputs for large-angle single axis maneuvers …