Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

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)

Personnel & Team Management, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Agenda

• Team Design
• What is a PM?
• Role "Definition
• Training
• Communication
• Expectation management
• Performance management & feedback
• Tools
• Meetings & tasking
• Gantt charts
• Dashboard
• Risk management

Passive Thermal Control Technologies: Short Course, Holly Mortensen, Matt Ralphs

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• Introduction to Space Dynamics Laboratory
• Overview - Thermal Control Technologies
• Conductor Bars
• Thermal Straps
• Break
• Radiators
• Thermal Switches

Phase Change Cells, T. Shane Topham, Gail Bingham, Harry Latvakoski, Mike Watson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Outline

• Phase Change Cell Introduction
• Summary of ISS Phase Change Cell Experiments
• Ground Cell Design Improvements and Test Results

Space Dynamics Laboratory, Brent Carlsen, Doug Jewell

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• Space Dynamics Laboratory
• SDL is a UARC
• RE-SET (Re-Engineering, System Engineering & Test)
• System Test Development

Deriving Nonlinearity Coefficients From Changing Background, Mark Esplin, Deron Scott, Bryce Walker, Ben Esplin

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Contents

• Quadric Nonlinearity
• Nonlinearity Model and Sensitivity Studies
• Application to CrIS Sensor
• Check Method with Stepped Blackbody Data
• Conclusions

Guidelines For Radiometric Calibration Of Electro-Optical Instruments For Remote Sensing, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on Radiometric Calibration of Electro-Optical Instruments for Remote Sensing

Phase Change Cells And Verification Of Gallium As Thermal Calibration Reference In Space, Harri Latvakoski, T. Shane Topham, Gail Bingham, Mike Watson, Igor Podolski

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• Phase change cell introduction

• Design and ground testing of on-orbit phase cells

• ISS phase cell flight experiment

Radiometric Sensor Level Calibration For Remote Sensing (Planning, Testing, And Operation), Joe Tansock

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Contents

• What is Calibration and Why is it Important (example) 
• Remote Sensor Calibration Approaches
• Typical Space-based Sensor Lifecycle and Calibration Efforts at SDL
• EO Calibration Applications (example) 
• Example Calibrations at SDL
• Calibration Testing at SDL and example Calibration Equipment
• Calibration is Multi-Path
• Student Employment/Projects to Support SDL Calibration

Calibration For Small Satellite Payloads, Jason Knudsen, Christian Conkle, Alex Allgrunn, Deron Scott

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on Calibration for Small Satellite Payloads

Rbi Ground Calibration, Harri Latvakoski, Greg Cantwell, James Peterson, Joel Cardon

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

• RBI overview

• Ground calibration objectives

• Calibration configurations & chamber setup

• Calibration tests & equipment

Small Satellite Payload Calibration, Deron Scott, Cole Miller, Eli Salay, Shane Canfield, Scott Hansen, Matt Berghout, Jan Kunzler, Duane Miles

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SmallSat missions have cost, time, and scale limitations. Calibration methods can be optimized to enable mission success at a low cost by providing customers the best “bang for their buck.”

Multi-Layered Security Approaches For A Modular Open Network Architecture-Based Satellite, Brandon Shirley, Quinn Young, Peter Wegner, Jacob Christensen, Jeffrey Janicik

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Overview

• Introduction
• Open System Architecture (OSA) and Modular Open Network Architecture (MONA) background
• Security Challenges
• Security Principles
• Solutions

Generalized Reference Targeting For Spacecraft, David Geller, David Woffinden, Collin York

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

For spaceflight programs to achieve some of the aggressive exploration initiatives such as visiting and landing on other celestial bodies, rendezvousing with other orbiting vehicles, and ultimately returning crew safely to Earth, an assortment of targeting algorithms to compute the necessary burns to strategically maneuver a spacecraft to a variety of destinations are required. Numerous examples exist, but rather than creating and implementing multiple targeting solutions, is it possible to have a general targeting model that can accommodate a variety of applications? Originally motivated for mission design and analysis purposes, this paper outlines a generalized reference targeting algorithm for spaceflight …