Aerospace Engineering Commons^™

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

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?

High-Performance Small Satellites For Demanding Missions, Lance Fife

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on High Performance Small Satellites

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.

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?

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 …}

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

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

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

UNP Presentation on Command & Data Handling, Firmware & Software

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

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

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on OCCS

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

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

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?

A Probabilistic Kp And Hp Driven Auroral Boundary Model Using 28 Years Of Dmsp Data, Riley N. Troyer, Russell Landry, Michael David, Vincent Eccles, Adrian E. Acosta

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

This paper uses energy flux data from the DMSP F6 thru F19 satellites to construct a new equatorward auroral boundary model. This method of processing the data allows one to easily extend boundary detections to different instrument generations because it is based on a standard deviation value instead of hard thresholds. Using this method, the paper provides statistics from just under 1 million auroral boundaries between 1986 and 2014. These statistics are based on normal distribution fits for each Kp/Hp and MLT bin, which allows one to specify the boundary for an arbitrary distribution percentile. The paper compares …

Thermal Straps: Aluminum 1235 Foil Qualification Summary, Holly Mortensen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) first developed thermal strap technology in 1994 when we designed, built, and tested the SABER instrument, which is still on orbit and has performed flawlessly since 2001. Since then, we have continued to pioneer solderless flexible thermal straps and supporting technologies.

SDL’s heritage thermal straps used aluminum 1145 foil, an extremely pure alloy that contains 99.45% aluminum content. Unfortunately, it is no longer readily procurable in the market. Aluminum 1235 is a very similar alloy with similar chemical composition and physical attributes, but more readily available than 1145.

This report documents the process and results in …

Sunrise Propulsion Subsystem Leak Rate Measurement Methodology, Alex Kirkman, Brittany Woytko, Holly Walen, Bret Maughan

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

As part of the integration and testing for Sun Radio Interferometer Space Experiment (SunRISE), it was necessary to characterize the propellent leak rate of the fully assembled propulsion subsystem for each satellite to ensure compliance with performance requirements. SunRISE utilized a cold gas system for its propulsion subsystem, using R-236fa propellant inside a tank made from a monolithic 3D printed SLA material. It was not possible to accurately characterize the propellent leak rate via weight by measuring the mass loss from the tank. This is due to the SLA material having both a high absorbance rate of water in normal …

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Advanced Mesopheric Temperature Mapper (Amtm) Optomechanical Design, Fabrication, And Environmental Test, Tyrel C. Rupp, James Champagne, Greg Hopkins, Roy Esplin, Burt Lamborn, Erik Syrstad, Jordan Jacobson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The AWE AMTM is a widefield of view (WFOV) infrared imaging radiometer designed for use in measuring the P₁(2) and P₁(4) emission lines of the earth’s OH layer to determine temperature and produce images of gravity waves. The sensor was designed, built, and characterized by Utah State University (USU) Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) and has been externally mounted to the International Space Station (ISS) looking nadir to collect images for analysis for a minimum of two years. The Opto-Mechanical Assembly (OMA) consists of four identical imaging telescopes, each comprised of a fisheye lens, a field lens, …

Overcoming Contamination Obstacles In Additive Manufacturing A Monolithic Propulsion Structure For The Sunrise Mission, Holly Walen, Emma Brown, Robert Fowler

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The SunRISE propulsion system utilizes an additively manufactured monolithic structure containing a main tank, plenum, and six thrusters. The complex design geometry and novel manufacturing approach of this structure lends itself to several problems, primarily related to the consistent fabrication of the thruster channels. Standard cleaning methods for stereolithography printing were inadequate to meet program requirements for this structure, leading to the development of a rigorous cleaning approach and intermediate characterization of the thruster throughput during the manufacturing process. In this paper, we present the cleaning and characterization approach that lent to the successful manufacturing of the SunRISE propulsion structure.

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Advanced Mesopheric Temperature Mapper (Amtm) Optical System Design, Alignment, And Image Quality Verification, James Champagne, Roy Esplin, Tyrel Rupp, Greg Hopkins, Burt Lamborn, Erik Syrstad, Mike Holt, Matt Ralphs

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The AWE AMTM is a wide field-of-view (WFOV) infrared imaging radiometer designed for use in measuring the P₁(2) and P₁(4) emission lines of the earths OH layer. From these measurements, the atmospheric temperature is determined and finally images of gravity waves will be produced as the AWE field of view transverses the OH layer. Designed, built, and characterized by Utah State University (USU) and its Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), the sensor has been externally mounted to the International Space Station (ISS) looking nadir. Images will be collected and analyzed for a minimum of two years. The …

Atmospheric Waves Experiment (Awe) Thermal Control System: From Design Through On-Orbit Thermal Performance, Matthew I. Ralphs, Mike Holt

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) will provide the first global characterization of atmospheric waves that originate in Earth’s lower atmosphere and affect space weather. The instrument has been installed on the International Space Station (ISS) ExPRESS Logistics Carrier (ELC) 1 since November 2023. The main thermal control system consists of a passive, ambient temperature, bi-directional radiator to which pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS) thermal straps connect four independent detectors, whose temperatures are actively controlled by thermoelectric coolers (TECs). This paper discusses the thermal design, thermal model correlation efforts (both with test temperature data and flight temperature data), and how the predictions …

Raditation Test Report: Characterization Of Fairchild Imaging Cis2521 Cmos Focal Plane Array, Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

This report documents the results of radiation testing of Fairchild CIS2521 CMOS imaging sensor. Proton radiation measurements (both transient and total ionizing dose) were performed at the Crocker Nuclear Laboratory (CNL) of the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). Latchup characterization using Heavy Ion radiation was performed at the Texas A&M University Cyclotron Institute, Radiation Effects Facility.

Principles And Practices For Creating Inherently Resilient Smallsats Despite Constrained Resources, Lee Jasper, Tyler De Caussin

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Over the past few years, small satellites have become heavily utilized for both constellations and single vehicle missions. Many organizations have learned how to be successful with these platforms however, while small, they are not simple systems and first-time creators of these systems still suffer high rates of failure. AFRL's Small Satellite Portfolio has established guiding practices/principles for satellite design that help reduce overall mission risk based upon both community and internal lessons learned. These principles help make the design technically resilient and can also help with programmatic execution. This paper will discuss the principles with some detail (such as …

Generalized Linear Targeting For Cislunar Flight, David Geller, Brayden Barton, David Woffinden

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

An important element of Artemis and NASA’s campaign to explore the Moon is the autonomous onboard two-level targeter (TLT) used during all cislunar flight phases. The function of the TLT is to autonomously recompute the burn targets for the upcoming burn (or multiple burns) in response to navigation and vehicle dispersion providing a solution that meets all trajectory constraints. Although the TLT has been utilized previously as a ground-based planning tool, and flown onboard during the Artemis I mission, it’s complexity and iterative nature make is difficult to incorporate into and support rapid analyses such as robust optimal trajectory design …

Target Size Estimation Through Sensor Fusion, Morgan Davidson, Cory Brinck, Kori Moore, Tanner Chase

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Target size is an important quantity in both classification and multi-sensor target tracking applications, but it is often an unknown. In some imaging applications, target size is assumed based on classification results. This assumed size is sometimes used in the synthesis of range measurements from monocular imagery, based on the apparent target size that is observed. Range-from-apparent-size measurements may be the only range measurements available during times when sensors that produce range information (such as radar) are not available. This range-from-apparent-size approach is typically plagued by range bias in the resulting measurements due to several factors. In this work, we …

Orbit Determination Demonstration Using Onboard One-Way Radiometrics From The Iris Radio On The Capstone Mission, Todd A. Ely, Anthony Zara, Dana Sorensen, Zaid J. Towfic, Connor Ott, Alec Forsman, John D. Baker

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Onboard one-way radiometric tracking from an Iris Radio paired with a Chip Scale Atomic Clock (CSAC) on NASA’s CAPSTONE mission has been collected and demonstrated to be able to determine its near rectilinear halo orbit. This is a first-ever demonstration of one-way radiometric tracking originating from the DSN and being collected onboard a spacecraft. For CAPSTONE, the tracking data from the Iris/CSAC pair are shown to have sufficient accuracy to enable future autonomous radio navigation for missions with modest navigation requirements. This work will compare the space-based data with prior ground-based test results, as well as assess CAPSTONE’s orbit solution …

Time-Orbiting-Potential Chip Trap For Cold Atoms, C. A. Sackett, J. C. Stickney

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

We present a design for an atom chip trap that uses the time-orbiting-potential technique. The design offers several advantages compared with other chip-trap methods. It uses a simple crossed-wire pattern on the chip, along with a rotating bias field. The trap is naturally close to spherically symmetric, and it can be modified to be exactly symmetric in quadratic order of the coordinates. Loading from a magneto-optical trap is facilitated because the trap can be positioned an arbitrary distance from the chip. The fields can be modified to provide a gradient for support against gravity, and the three-dimensional trap can be …

Sensitivity Of Optimal Midcourse Correction Scheduling For Robust Cislunar Trajectory Design, David Geller, David Woffinden, Stefan Bieniawski

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

A new approach to optimal trajectory design is the determination of optimal trajectories that are robust to initial trajectory dispersions, navigation errors, maneuver execution errors, and environment modeling errors. This paper investigates the sensitivity of cislunar robust optimal trajectory design to launch date, duration of navigation measurement passes, and navigation measurement frequency. For a given cislunar trajectory from translunar injection (TLI) to lunar orbit insertion (LOI), the optimal locations of midcourse corrections, also known as trajectory correction maneuvers (TCM) are determined by minimizing the final 3-σ ∆v subject to a final 3-σ position dispersion constraint for a …

Advances In Thermal Technologies Using Pyrolytic Graphite Sheet, Matt Ralphs, Matt Sinfield, Holly Mortensen, Matt Felt

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Pyrolytic Graphite Sheets (PGS) have increased the achievable mass specific conductance of many critical, passive thermal technologies over the last several years. From thermal straps and cryocooler brackets to PGS-embedded conductor bars and honeycomb radiators, PGS is the answer to dissipating the ever-increasing heat loads in today’s cutting-edge spacecraft. This work outlines the advances in PGS thermal straps, PGS-embedded cryocooler brackets, PGS-embedded conductor bars, and PGS-embedded radiators (both machined and honeycomb) at Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL). The capabilities of each PGS technology are compared to traditional thermal solutions (e.g., metallic thermal straps, conductor bars, and cryocooler brackets and heat pipe …

Pace Oci Short-Wave Infrared Detection Assembly Frequency-Dependent Linearity Characterization And Uncertainty Analysis, Kenneth J. Squire, Jacob Hedelius, David K. Moser, James Q. Peterson, Eric T. Gorman, Emily Kan, D. Brent Mott, Ulrik B. Gliese, Gerhard Meister

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The Ocean Color Instrument (OCI), the primary payload of the Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) observatory, will collect data to monitor the health of Earth’s oceans and atmosphere. The Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) Detection Assembly (SDA) was built and characterized by the Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL) and is a subsystem of OCI. The SDA measures seven bands centered at 940, 1038, 1250, 1378, 1615, 2130, and 2260 nm, with standard- and high-gain varieties for the 1250 and 1615 nm bands, resulting in nine total detection configurations in the SWIR. The delivery of high-quality science data is critically …