Engineering Commons^™

Comparison Of Co-Located Mid-Latitude Sporadic E And Simone Wind Observations, Ivana Molina, Kenneth Obenberger, Jorge Chau, Matthias Clahsen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Sporadic E are localized layers of enhanced metallic ionization that form in the E region of the ionosphere (Mathews, 1998). They are usually observed between 95 and 120 km altitude with a thickness in altitude ranging from ~100 m to a few kilometers. Studying these layers is important, as their characteristics and variability impact the propagation of HF radio waves. At mid-latitudes, the generation of sporadic E is most often explained by the wind shear theory, where these layers form due to the convergence of ions generated by vertical shears in the horizontal components of the neutral wind. The primary …

Atms And Cris Geolocation, Mark Esplin, Kris Robinson, Ben Esplin, Nephi Grant, Deron Scott, Likun Wang

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Contents

• Summary of Suomi NPP sensors CrIS, ATMS, and VIIRS 
• Geolocation methods 
• Software optimization
• CrIS geolocation results
• ATMS geolocation results
• Conclusions

Cryogenic Gas Cell For Infrared Space Instrumentation, Trent Newswander, Scott Bailey, Mark Hervig, Phillip Scott, Ryan Luder, Mike Watson, Mike Oksness, Cody Secrist, Zack Hatfield

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• NASA’s Dynamical Neutral Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (DYNAMIC) mission aims to characterize the energy transfer between the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere

– Identified as a high priority solar terrestrial probe mission in two decadal surveys

– Led by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• The Doppler Wind and Temperature Sounder (DWTS) is being developed for flight on the DYNAMIC satellite

– Will provide the first comprehensive global dataset of winds and temperature in the mesosphere and thermosphere (40–250 km altitude)

– Designed and built by Space Dynamics Lab (SDL)

• DWTS observes the Doppler shift of atmospheric NO and ^{13 …}

Calibration And Systems Engineering Collaboration, John Wilson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Systems engineering and calibration engineering are critical to the efficient development, production, and operation of complex systems. Systems engineering provides the framework for the system lifecycle, ensuring stakeholder needs are met through integrated solutions. Calibration engineering ensures the accuracy, reliability, traceability of measurement, and compliance with standards. Coordination between system engineering and calibration ensures that instrumentation, control systems, and system performance are enabled. As the lifecycle coordinator, systems engineering relies on calibration engineers to reduce risks, optimize development, and ensure operational success.

However, the relationship between these disciplines is often poorly coordinated, as noted in tabletop discussions at CalCon 2024. …

The Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe), Ludger Scherliess, Yucheng Zhao, Pierre-Dominique Pautet

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Modern theory and modeling indicate vertically propagating Gravity Waves (GWs), waves generated primarily by severe weather disturbances, have profound effects on the variability and mean state of the Ionosphere-Thermosphere-Mesosphere (ITM) system, and can significantly impact space-based communications, navigation, and tracking.

100 Days, Phil Hale

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Organizational Overview

Total Employees: 1367

Software, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Agenda

• Workflow
• Version Control
• Reviews
• Testing
• Constraints
• Concepts
• Assurance

Test And Integration Facilities And Equipment Eat, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Agenda

• Hardware Protection

• Why, When and How

• Hardware protection breakdown

• ESD

• Cleanrooms

• Procedures

• Training

• Hardware Handling

• School Equipment Guidance

• Training References

Electrical Power System (Eps) Overview, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

UNP Presentation on Electrical Power Systems

Advanced Doppler Wind And Temperature Sounder, Trent Newswander, Scott Bailey, Mark Hervig, Phillip Scott, Zack Hatfield

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Introduction

• An advanced Doppler Wind and Temperature Sounder (DWTS) is being developed for flight on NASA’s Dynamical Neutral Atmosphere-Ionosphere Coupling (DYNAMIC) satellite

– Will provide the first comprehensive global dataset of winds and temperature in the mesosphere and thermosphere (40–250 km altitude)

– Designed and built by Space Dynamics Lab (SDL)

• The DYNAMIC mission aims to characterize the energy transfer between the ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere

– Led by Scott Bailey from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and Sate University

– See his HELIOTECH DYNAMIC poster for more details

• DWTS observes the Doppler shift of atmospheric NO and ^{13 …}

Assembly, Integration And Test, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

What is “AI&T”

• A continuous, iterative process of turning low level components into the system of hardware, software and ground tools that meet YOUR mission

• Teaching the engineering team to UNDERSTAND the system they’ve built

• It does exactly what it was designed to do, now figure out what that was…

• Verifying mechanical, electrical, data and software interfaces

• Does it fit?
• Does it talk?
• Is it on?

Defense In Depth Exercise (Didex) 25: Technology Quad Chart, Kori Moore, Troy Johnson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL poster for DiDEX 25

F-Layer Parameters Derived By Airglow Emissions At Pituffik Sb, Greenland, Jessica Norrell, Ivana Molina, Michael Negale, Jeffrey Holmes

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Atomic oxygen airglow has long been used as tracer for the peak height and electron density of the F-layer (e.g. Sahai et al., 1981). Tinsley and Bittencourt (1975) described a method by which OI airglow is used to determine F-layer parameters. They found that the square root of the column emission rate of an optically thin layer created by radiative recombination emission was proportional to the peak electron density of the F-layer.

An all-sky imager (ASI) was recently installed at Pituffik, Greenland (76.51˚N, 68.74˚W), with four filters relevant to this study: 5725, 6300, 7715 and 7774 Å. We have used …

Work Experience At Space Dynamics Laboratory Summer 2025, North Logan, Erik Johnson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) is owned by Utah State University and is a non-profit organization. Their headquarters are in North Logan and have over 1,200 employees. SDL is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC), that delivers custom engineering solutions in the military, space, and science industries.

Ai Simulation Creation, John P. Wilson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Introduction - AI Simulation Creation

• Exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the form of a Large Language Model (LLM) to produce a simulation of a factory production facility with given parameters and calculated performance.
• Use Grok (Grok 4 Expert) and Claude (Sonnet 4.5) LLMs 
• Ask the LLMs to solve the problem analytically and then create a Python simulation to calculate the results.
• Answer the questions: 
• Can an AI do this?
• How do the results compare?

Delivering Mission Success, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on Delivering Mission Success

Time-To-Digital Conversion In The Lattice Certuspro Fpga For The Cape Instrument, Zakk B. Rhodes, James Cook, Cameron Weston, Daniel J. Gershman

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

A time-to-digital conversion (TDC) algorithm is implemented in a Lattice CertusPro FPGA to measure time differences between two incident pulses for science data acquisition in the CAPE instrument on NASA’s GDC mission. CertusPro provides sub-100 picosecond resolution with nearly linear results which is discussed with its other unique characteristics. Performance measurements and variation in timing due to parameters such as core voltage and temperature are presented.

Command & Data Handling, Firmware & Software, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

UNP Presentation on Command & Data Handling, Firmware & Software

Autonomy For Dark Swarms In Degraded Environments, Thomas J. Walls, Brad Petersen, Matt Didericksen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

A system that manages electromagnetic emissions and signature by design to avoid detection

Principles Of Modular Open Architectures For Enabling Future Capabilities, Jacob Christensen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

What is Modular Open Architecture?

Vision

• Modular Open Architectures enable affordable and evolutionary capabilities

Principles

• Employ Modular Design
• Designate Key Interfaces
• Select Open Standards

Benefits

• Reduce schedule
• Reduce cost
• Faster upgrades
• Enhanced interoperability
• Increased competition
• Increased innovation

High-Performance Small Satellites For Demanding Missions, Lance Fife

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on High Performance Small Satellites

Using Distributive Networks Of Single-Frequency Hf Transmitters And Receivers To Measure Spatial And Temporal Ionospheric Perturbations, Riley Troyer, Kenneth Obenberger, Ivana Molina, Eugene Dao, Zsolt Balint, Eric Burnside, Kris Robinson, Jeffrey Holmes, Pavel Inchin, Jonathan Snively

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

We can track ionospheric disturbances using networks of single-frequency HF receivers. How can we best utilize these systems and networks?

Qualification Of Titanium 3d-Printed Volume-Optimized Propulsion Tanks For Small Satellites, Robert M. Fowler

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL presentation on Titanium 3D-Printed Volume-Optimized Propulsion Tanks for Small Satellites

Thermal Infrared Earth Resource Monitoring Instrument (Thermi) Swap Reduction, Trent Newswander, Scott Hansen, Jed Hancock, Darrel Williams

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on THERMI SWaP reduction

Demonstration Of Coherent Optical Phase-Shift Keying With A Tapered-Diode Laser Amplifier For Free-Space Optical Communication, Charlotte K. Duda, Aaron Cross, Chadwick Lindstrom, Julie Smith

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL presentation on Coherent Optical Phase-Shift Keying

Arctic Over-The-Horizon-Radar Ontic (Arothron): A Model Definition For The Support Of Radio Frequency Radars, J. Vincent Eccles, John Retterer, Jeffrey M. Holmes

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The high-latitude and subauroral ionosphere regions are organized and disorganized by a number of competing processes of ionization, convective transport, and plasma instabilities. The complexity makes it difficult for physics-based models or data-assimilation methodologies to specify the ionosphere with sufficient resolution and accuracy to adequately support radio signal technologies during space weather disturbance events. External drivers of ionospheric ionization include solar EUV and X-ray irradiance, medium and energetic particle precipitation, and solar proton events. External drivers of plasma transport include convective electric fields for high density plasma at mid-latitudes (e.g., storm enhanced densities or SEDs) and parallel plasma motion driven …

Optical Coating Characterization System (Occs), Scott Hansen, Kendall Johnson, Dean Wada, Alan Thurgood

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on OCCS

Acoustic-Gravity Wave Evolutions And Layered Observables In The Mlt, Jonathan B. Snively

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

ERAU Presentation on the Model for Acoustic & Gravity Wave Interactions and Coupling (MAGIC)

Calibration And Systems Engineering Collaboration, John Wilson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Introduction – Why Am I Here?

• I am a systems engineer with nearly 40 years experience in the DoD world.

• Opinions offered during tabletop discussions at CalCon 2024 showed a lack of coordination between calibration engineering and system engineering.

•Sorry, where this happens systems engineers are to blame.

• Calibration: “Calibration is configuring and verifying a measuring instrument's accuracy to ensure its readings match a known standard.” (What Is Calibration?, n.d.)

•Is this really what y’all do? I am here to learn!

• Systems Engineering: “SE is an integrative approach to help teams collaborate to understand and manage …

Preventing Mission-Ending Failure: Lessons From And Changes To The Iris Radio, Tom Russell, Dana Sorensen, Tim Nielsen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Iris Radio (v2)

– Full-duplex, X-band deep space radio

– Build for the harsh environments of deep space

• High radiation tolerance
• Cislunar/solar/Martian orbits
• Planetary surface assets

– Highly configurable

• Communications
• Ranging
• Timing
• Encryption
• Upgradeable

– Almost every delivered radio has included custom features