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Articles 211 - 240 of 605
Full-Text Articles in Aerospace Engineering
Model-Based Systems Engineering Test Case Development And Traceability For Cubesats, Spoorti Nanjamma, Abigail Butcher
Model-Based Systems Engineering Test Case Development And Traceability For Cubesats, Spoorti Nanjamma, Abigail Butcher
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) using CATIA Magic Systems of Systems Architect (formerly known as CAMEO) is applied to develop a structured and traceable approach to test case modeling for CubeSat missions. The effort focuses on supporting unit-, subsystem-, and system-level testing by explicitly linking system requirements to corresponding test cases within the model, ensuring clear traceability across all verification levels. Each test case is organized within a dedicated package that includes a Block Definition Diagram (BDD) and Internal Block Diagram (IBD) to represent the complete test configuration, capturing all relevant components, subsystem boundaries, and interface connections involved in the test …
Atmospheric Gas Dynamics Of Mars: A Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing Approach For Fine Vertical, Global, And Event-Driven Analysis, Frányerson R. López Ochoa
Atmospheric Gas Dynamics Of Mars: A Multi-Sensor Remote Sensing Approach For Fine Vertical, Global, And Event-Driven Analysis, Frányerson R. López Ochoa
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
To provide precise vertical resolution and worldwide coverage across all seasons and altitudes, this study integrated nadir, limb, occultation, and general circulation model (GCM) measurements in a thorough remote sensing examination of the Martian atmosphere. The study examined the density and temperature structures of major atmospheric gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂), molecular nitrogen (N₂), and argon (Ar), using mission datasets from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO), Mars Express (MEX), and the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO). It also assessed retrieval uncertainties resulting from dust, ice clouds, and sensor limitations. The study concluded that, though valuable, single-geometry observation techniques are unable …
Optimization Of Co₂ Removal In Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (Cdra) Using Nonlinear Equilibrium Modeling And Zeolite-Based Adsorption Simulation, Frányerson R. López Ochoa
Optimization Of Co₂ Removal In Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (Cdra) Using Nonlinear Equilibrium Modeling And Zeolite-Based Adsorption Simulation, Frányerson R. López Ochoa
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This study follows a quantitative, non-experimental, existing-data design to examine the optimization of carbon dioxide removal in spacecraft’s Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) through the integration of nonlinear isotherm modeling and process-level cycle simulation. Existing carbon dioxide adsorption equilibrium data from multiple zeolite sorbents, including Grace Davison Grade (544 13X, 522 5A, and 514 4A), Honeywell UOP (APG-III, LiLSX VSA-10), and BASF 13X, is analyzed to determine which adsorption models best represent carbon dioxide loading behavior and how these models can be used to reduce energy consumption in spacecraft regeneration processes. The study fitted eight nonlinear isotherm models – Langmuir, …
Enhancing Fibre–Matrix Interface Properties In Cfrps Using Cohesive Zone Modelling, Arjun Myadam, Alexander Skoppe
Enhancing Fibre–Matrix Interface Properties In Cfrps Using Cohesive Zone Modelling, Arjun Myadam, Alexander Skoppe
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) are extensively used in aerospace, automotive, and structural applications owing to their high specific strength, stiffness, and design flexibility. The mechanical performance of these composites is critically governed by the fibre–matrix interface, which controls stress transfer and directly influences damage initiation, crack propagation, and fracture behaviour. The interface strength is quantified through the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and fracture energy, both serving as key indicators of composite integrity. Nanoscale fibre surface modifications are widely employed to enhance interfacial bonding and can also impart multifunctionality, such as capacitive properties, magnetic behaviour, and piezoelectricity. For instance, nanoscale …
N31 Multi-Sensor Data Fusion For Enhanced Cislunar Space Domain Awareness Using Radar And Optical Observations, Lucas Bottero
N31 Multi-Sensor Data Fusion For Enhanced Cislunar Space Domain Awareness Using Radar And Optical Observations, Lucas Bottero
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
MULTI-SENSOR DATA FUSION FOR ENHANCED CISLUNAR SPACE DOMAIN AWARENESS USING RADAR AND OPTICAL OBSERVATIONS As operations extend into cislunar space, maintaining Space Domain Awareness (SDA) becomes increasingly challenging due to the vast distances, sparse infrastructure, and complex gravitational dynamics between Earth and the Moon. Radar and optical sensors are the primary modalities used for space surveillance, each with its strengths and limitations. Radar offers continuous observation capabilities regardless of lighting conditions but is limited by power and range at cislunar distances. Optical sensors provide high angular precision but depend on favorable illumination and line-of-sight geometry. However, there has been limited …
Modeling A Spaceborne Passive Radar Architecture For Tracking Resident Space Objects Using Ground-Based Signals Of Opportunity, Chinmay Gaikwad
Modeling A Spaceborne Passive Radar Architecture For Tracking Resident Space Objects Using Ground-Based Signals Of Opportunity, Chinmay Gaikwad
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Modeling a Spaceborne Passive Radar Architecture for Tracking Resident Space Objects Using Ground-Based Signals of Opportunity Due to an increase in manned and unmanned space activities, there is an increase in demand for resilient space operations. This project investigates passive-radar architecture for space domain awareness in which satellites in a low-Earth-orbit mega-constellation are adapted as distributed sensing platforms for tracking debris and other non-cooperative resident space objects. The motivation is to overcome the coverage, cost, and scalability limits of conventional active or ground-based systems by using lightweight passive receivers that exploit ground-based illuminators of opportunity. In this concept, the receivers …
Using Sysml Models To Verify System Design And Identify Discrepancies In A Satellite System, Noah Fulton
Using Sysml Models To Verify System Design And Identify Discrepancies In A Satellite System, Noah Fulton
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This study investigates the use of Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to verify subsystem design consistency and identify integration discrepancies in a multidisciplinary satellite program. Project COMET, an Embry-Riddle effort under the University Nanosatellite Program (UNP), consists of six subsystems but lacks a centralized system model. This leads to inconsistencies between subsystem inputs, outputs, and interface definitions. Typically, SysML models are created early in the system design cycle; However, this study will evaluate how creating system models post preliminary design review (PDR) can assist a project by verifying subsystem integration or by identifying discrepancies between independently developed subsystems. This study will …
High-Level Trajectory Learning For Non-Prehensile Object Manipulation With Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning, Gulsum Tuba Cibuk Girgin
High-Level Trajectory Learning For Non-Prehensile Object Manipulation With Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning, Gulsum Tuba Cibuk Girgin
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Site exploration requires in-situ resource utilization when the physical properties of resources are unknown. Therefore, a generalizable object manipulation method is crucial for extraterrestrial environments. Existing studies develop reinforcement learning policies that enable interaction with objects, in which quadruped robots learn to reach commanded goals with one foot while balancing with the remaining legs. However, in these studies, goal-oriented task execution relies on high-level trajectories provided by human experts, which limits autonomous robotic operations. In this study, we propose a hierarchical DRL in which a high-level pedipulation policy outputs commands for a low-level reach policy, enabling autonomous, smooth and affordable …
Heuristic Trafficability Assessment For Autonomous Lunar Surface Operations Using Orbital Data Products, Leia Spaniak
Heuristic Trafficability Assessment For Autonomous Lunar Surface Operations Using Orbital Data Products, Leia Spaniak
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This study seeks to map the surface of the Moon by developing a new orbital dataset composed of layers that inform trafficability. The project supports the objectives of the Artemis Program by focusing operations on the Lunar South Pole, where terrain conditions remain difficult to assess over broad areas. With future validation anticipated through cone penetrometer testing, the study examines what orbital data layers can reveal about bearing capacity through estimated internal friction angle, density, and cohesion. The research evaluates the feasibility of this methodology by comparing the mapping strategy to data obtained during the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 …
Assured Learning For Intelligent Dynamic Systems: A Metacognitive Framework, Rocio Jado Puente, Michael Budihartono, Eduar Cabrera Gaspar
Assured Learning For Intelligent Dynamic Systems: A Metacognitive Framework, Rocio Jado Puente, Michael Budihartono, Eduar Cabrera Gaspar
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Assured Learning for Intelligent Dynamic Systems: A Metacognitive Framework Advanced Air Mobility systems, including electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and autonomous drone platforms, require increasingly high levels of autonomy and safety. Meeting these demands calls for intelligent systems that can adapt in real time to uncertainty and changing environmental conditions. However, traditional certification methods are not well suited to rigorously measure or quantitatively verify the performance of online learning components because of their non-deterministic behavior. This work introduces a novel runtime safety assurance method based on a metacognitive architecture (MCA) that supervises and regulates learning-enabled components. The approach …
The Regeneratively Cooled Engine Development (R.E.D.) Project, Joseph Traverso, Sharjeel Malik, Ford Catlin
The Regeneratively Cooled Engine Development (R.E.D.) Project, Joseph Traverso, Sharjeel Malik, Ford Catlin
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Experimental Rocket Propulsion Lab (ERPL) is a student-run organization dedicated to designing, building, and testing experimental rocket engines. With ERPL transitioning toward flight vehicles, developing engines with longer burn times is critical to future club success. One limitation to burn time is an engine’s ability to withstand extreme combustion temperatures, typically in excess of 5000 F. ERPL engines have found success with passive cooling techniques such as ablative, heatsink, and film cooling, but these techniques aren’t suitable for extended burn times. Therefore, ERPL has created the Regeneratively cooled Engine Development (R.E.D) project, with the objective to design, analyze, and …
Vibration And Thermal-Vacuum Feasibility For Micro Carbon Fiber Filled Nylon Filament Lunar Applications, Andrew Murphy, Shannon O'Sullivan, Daniel Lopez
Vibration And Thermal-Vacuum Feasibility For Micro Carbon Fiber Filled Nylon Filament Lunar Applications, Andrew Murphy, Shannon O'Sullivan, Daniel Lopez
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The proposed work seeks to improve the fundamental understanding of the properties concerning 3-D printing filaments that have potential to be used for lunar applications. The associated properties in focus for the proposed study, vibration and thermal-vacuum-resistance, are fundamental aspects of spaceflight and are critical to mission success for objectives associated with the environmental factors in space. The successful outcome of the proposed work will answer questions relating to the feasibility of micro carbon fiber filled nylon 3-D printing filaments such as Markforged’s Onyx® for application for projects in the Space Technologies Laboratory, including for the development of structures relating …
Advancements In Spacecraft Trajectory Generation Through Matrix Decomposition Techniques, David Stoev, Oshani Jayawardane, Kaitlyn Cavanaugh, Kristiyan Stefanov, Andrew Murphy
Advancements In Spacecraft Trajectory Generation Through Matrix Decomposition Techniques, David Stoev, Oshani Jayawardane, Kaitlyn Cavanaugh, Kristiyan Stefanov, Andrew Murphy
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP) is renowned for its intricate and chaotic dynamics, leaving it without a closed-form solution. In this poster, we introduce an innovative approach to determine spacecraft trajectories within the CR3BP framework using matrix factorization techniques. We formulate a matrix equation where the right-hand side vector is constructed from the spacecraft's position and velocity data, while the coefficient matrix is derived from the spacecraft's temporal data. Subsequently, we apply several matrix decomposition techniques, including modified Gram-Schmidt, the Householder technique, and Givens Rotation, to analyze the coefficient matrix and derive the spacecraft trajectories. Finally, we evaluate the …
Hydroquad - A Drone Quadruped Hybrid, Haitish Gandhi, Dheer Chhabria
Hydroquad - A Drone Quadruped Hybrid, Haitish Gandhi, Dheer Chhabria
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The HyDroQuad is a hybrid robotic system designed to navigate environments where traditional robots face limitations. By combining a quadrupedal walking mechanism with an aerial drone, the platform is able to walk efficiently on stable terrain and transition to flight when encountering obstacles such as rocks, gaps, or steep slopes. This adaptability makes it a strong candidate for future planetary exploration, where terrain is often uneven and unpredictable. This work focuses on developing and evaluating a functional prototype of the system. A fully integrated platform, HDQ-MK1, was designed and constructed by combining a lightweight multirotor drone with a compact quadruped …
Catalyst: A Unified Framework For Orbital Debris Risk, Conjunction Analysis, And Space Policy, Tyler Barr
Catalyst: A Unified Framework For Orbital Debris Risk, Conjunction Analysis, And Space Policy, Tyler Barr
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Catalyst is an analyst grade mission console and offline simulation service that operationalizes the Embry Riddle MIT Orbital Capacity Assessment Toolbox Monte Carlo (E-MOCAT-MC) for Space Situational Awareness (SSA) aligned assessment, connecting scenario assumptions to time tagged events, quantitative stability indicators, and evidence preserving exports. E-MOCAT-MC serves as the authoritative generator of seeded scenario runs under explicit configuration control, ingesting locally served Two Line Element sets (TLEs) and persisting each run as a structured record containing configuration data, stochastic seeds, event logs, derived metrics, and replayable artifacts for deterministic analysis. Unlike systems that primarily visualize TLEs and object tracks, Catalyst …
Lightweight Uav-To-Uav Detection And Tracking For Advanced Air Mobility Applications, Taylor Hostetter
Lightweight Uav-To-Uav Detection And Tracking For Advanced Air Mobility Applications, Taylor Hostetter
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Lightweight UAV-to-UAV Detection and Tracking for Advanced Air Mobility Applications addresses the significant challenge of reliable UAV-to-UAV detection on resource-constrained platforms, particularly within Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) environments where dense, low-altitude airspace requires robust detect-and-avoid capabilities. This work presents the development and experimental evaluation of a lightweight detection and tracking framework for autonomous detect-and-avoid applications. The approach is designed to support real-time onboard operation in multi-vehicle environments characteristic of emerging AAM systems. The proposed framework integrates optical and LiDAR sensing with a low-complexity machine learning decision-support layer that reduces false detections without replacing the underlying control-oriented detection pipeline. This design …
Multimodal Interpretation Of Pilot–Controller Communications For Runway Safety Assurance And Enhanced Atc Situational Awareness., Chaebin Song, Juin Park
Multimodal Interpretation Of Pilot–Controller Communications For Runway Safety Assurance And Enhanced Atc Situational Awareness., Chaebin Song, Juin Park
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Recent runway safety events have highlighted the importance of accurate and timely interpretation of pilot–controller communications, especially in complex airport environments where aircraft and ground vehicles interact on or near active movement areas. In light of the recent LaGuardia Airport collision, which has drawn attention to communication, coordination, and surface safety challenges, this project investigates how multimodal data can support air traffic controllers’ situational awareness and safety assurance. This study develops an in-progress framework that combines Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) of pilot–controller radio communications with ADS-B trajectory data to improve interpretation of operational intent and cross-check communications against observed aircraft …
Experimental Cyber-Physical Platform For Aircraft Dynamic Response Across Subsonic To Hypersonic Regimes, Michael Poinsett, Gabriel Martinez
Experimental Cyber-Physical Platform For Aircraft Dynamic Response Across Subsonic To Hypersonic Regimes, Michael Poinsett, Gabriel Martinez
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Understanding how aircraft behavior changes across different flight regimes is essential for modern aerospace design, yet it is often limited to theoretical or purely computational analysis. This project aims to provide an experimental approach to visualize and study these dynamic changes in a more intuitive and practical way. The primary objective is to develop an experimental cyber-physical platform capable of representing aircraft dynamic response across a wide range of flight conditions, from subsonic to hypersonic regimes. The system is designed to (1) analyze how key dynamic parameters vary with changing conditions and (2) provide a physical representation of these effects …
Improving Multi-Agent Swarm Collision Avoidance Using Reciprocal Velocity Obstacles, Nick Wilson
Improving Multi-Agent Swarm Collision Avoidance Using Reciprocal Velocity Obstacles, Nick Wilson
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
As multi-agent systems grow increasingly complex, physical robotic swarms are essential to bridge the gap between limited software simulations and real-world application. The BID4R STARS swarm provides a physical platform for testing diverse algorithms, yet its success relies heavily on fundamental agent capabilities—most notably, obstacle avoidance. Preventing intra-swarm collisions is critical to avoid hardware damage and experimental disruption. To address this challenge, this project implements the Reciprocal Velocity Obstacles (RVO) algorithm onto the STARS swarm. While standard collision avoidance algorithms often overcorrect and induce oscillatory agent movement, RVO factors in the velocity and anticipated responses of all agents involved in …
Simplified Flight Controls For Urban Air Mobility (Uam), Sierra Martinez, Frank Cunningham Iv, Nicole Giordano, Olivia Honan, Katie Stubits, Heather Bond, Paul Seal, Brandon Ibarra
Simplified Flight Controls For Urban Air Mobility (Uam), Sierra Martinez, Frank Cunningham Iv, Nicole Giordano, Olivia Honan, Katie Stubits, Heather Bond, Paul Seal, Brandon Ibarra
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Air taxis are meant to perform short-distance, lower-altitude flights in challenging terrain- whether it be maneuvering around skyscrapers in urban areas, or for emergency responders in remote, difficult to access areas. It is paramount that the control system is intuitive and user friendly, since air taxi pilots will likely receive less training than commercial airline pilots. The Human Factors Department is working to advance Urban Air Mobility (UAM) initiatives by evaluating alternative inceptors (ie. control systems) that might be used in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) air taxi designs. The controller itself needs to have specific and distinct enough operations …
Honeybee-Inspired Swarm Intelligence For Autonomous Adaptability Of Martian Infrastructure, Morgan Kendall
Honeybee-Inspired Swarm Intelligence For Autonomous Adaptability Of Martian Infrastructure, Morgan Kendall
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Current research in autonomous space systems primarily relies on centralized control or swarm methods designed for fixed mission scenarios. These approaches lack the flexibility needed for long-duration Mars operations, where infrastructure must adapt to changing conditions, evolving mission goals, and limited human oversight. This creates a critical gap in developing autonomous systems capable of continuous self-organization. This gap is being addressed by developing a biologically inspired, adaptive Martian infrastructure using swarm intelligence. The scope includes key system domains such as power distribution, communication networks, and surface logistics. Agent-based modeling software will simulate infrastructure components as autonomous agents that evaluate local …
Nano Aircraft Using Underactuated Technology (Naut), Giol Vinyals I Roca
Nano Aircraft Using Underactuated Technology (Naut), Giol Vinyals I Roca
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Nano Aircraft using Underactuated Technology (NAUT) project presents a novel swashplateless rotor system that achieves cyclic pitch control using a single actuator, eliminating the need for conventional multi-servo swashplate assemblies. This approach is specifically tailored for nano unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating within Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) environments, where size, weight, and power constraints demand highly efficient and simplified control architectures. A functional prototype has been developed and experimentally validated, demonstrating measurable cyclic pitch variation and effective control authority. Multiple mechanism variants are currently being investigated to evaluate performance trade-offs in responsiveness, mechanical efficiency, and aerodynamic effectiveness. These configurations …
Nasa Micro-G Next Adjustable Tool Cart Handle, Lauren Manges, Montgomery Tompkins, Mira Giunta, Lucas Pulliam, Aaron Vera-Rodriguez, Abbigail Dipalma, Justin Campos
Nasa Micro-G Next Adjustable Tool Cart Handle, Lauren Manges, Montgomery Tompkins, Mira Giunta, Lucas Pulliam, Aaron Vera-Rodriguez, Abbigail Dipalma, Justin Campos
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Effectiveness, reliability, and dust resistance are essential for astronaut tools operating on the lunar surface, where vacuum exposure, temperature extremes, and abrasive regolith present severe design challenges. The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT ATCH Challenge calls for a height-adjustable handle that accommodates the full anthropometric range of suited astronauts while maintaining mechanical durability in dusty conditions. Team Lunarticks presents L.A.T.C.H. (Locking Adjustable Telescoping Cart Handle)—a lightweight, ergonomic, and regolith-resistant device engineered for use during Artemis III surface operations. The handle adjusts between 35–47 inches, enabling astronauts from the 1st to 99th percentile to maneuver the tool cart comfortably and efficiently. A …
Evatoolpad (Eva Passive Attachment Device), Parth Thakar, Olivia Tamer, Amaris Paranjattu, Vaidehi Saini, Sebastian Guerrero, Nicolai Diaz, Abirami Srenivasan
Evatoolpad (Eva Passive Attachment Device), Parth Thakar, Olivia Tamer, Amaris Paranjattu, Vaidehi Saini, Sebastian Guerrero, Nicolai Diaz, Abirami Srenivasan
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Micro-Nauts, developed under NASA’s Micro-G NExT challenge, strive to positively impact lunar and deep space missions through extravehicular activities (EVA). As Aerospace Engineering students, they have the common passion of addressing real, current space exploration needs and gaining relevant engineering experience. The passive capture tool dock provides the durability, reliability, and ease that are necessary for all EVAs that will take place in NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions. When a human is in a non-traditional environment performing highly important tasks, the last thing they want to do is struggle with a simple component that keeps their tools attached to them. …
Flightless Eagles And The Redbull Flugtag Experience: How We Built A Manned Low-Speed Glider Out Of Foam And Cardboard, Peter Ulrich, Vansh Varak, Tanay Agarwal, Stanlie Cerda-Cruz, Madison Warner, Rohan Patel
Flightless Eagles And The Redbull Flugtag Experience: How We Built A Manned Low-Speed Glider Out Of Foam And Cardboard, Peter Ulrich, Vansh Varak, Tanay Agarwal, Stanlie Cerda-Cruz, Madison Warner, Rohan Patel
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project documents the iterative engineering, design, and construction efforts behind 2 20-foot human-carrying gliders developed by a team of Embry-Riddle students for the Red Bull Flugtag competition. The challenge required balancing aerodynamic performance, structural efficiency, and themed creativity while adhering to strict dimensional and weight limits. Over two consecutive years, the team used both conceptual and computational methods, ranging from initial sketches and precedent research to software-based aerodynamic modeling, subscale testing, and full-scale fabrication, to optimize glide performance in a low-speed, low Reynolds number flight regime. The work emphasized the value of interdisciplinary collaboration, communication, and hands-on engineering judgment …
Tardigrade Bio-Exploration Reproduction Research Payload, Natalie Brattain, Chloe Nissen, Kylie Nager, Peter Ulrich, Enoch Tonkine
Tardigrade Bio-Exploration Reproduction Research Payload, Natalie Brattain, Chloe Nissen, Kylie Nager, Peter Ulrich, Enoch Tonkine
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Tardigrade Bio-ExplorAtion Reproduction Research Payload (tBEARR) is an external International Space Station (ISS) standardized laboratory payload module mission under development by the Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association (ERORA), an undergraduate research organization at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, Florida. As a club-driven mission, tBEARR provides undergraduate students with hands-on experience across all phases of space research, including payload design, biological experimentation, systems integration, and mission operations. The mission is supported by a biology research team focused on stress-response biology, experimental design, and biological validation throughout ground testing, high-altitude balloon flights, and orbital operations. The primary objective of tBEARR …
Project 337, Kaushal Meda, Tuhin Misra, Pranav Rathi, Vraj Patel, Diivyaang Desa, Sameera Patki, Vaidehi Saini, Roy Su
Project 337, Kaushal Meda, Tuhin Misra, Pranav Rathi, Vraj Patel, Diivyaang Desa, Sameera Patki, Vaidehi Saini, Roy Su
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Access to critical medical infrastructure and supplies can be limited in rural and remote communities, where long travel distances and limited transportation networks can delay emergency response/care. In fact, according to the National Library of Medicine, in the United States alone, “about 20% of the US population—more than 50 million people—live in rural areas, but only 9% of the nation's physicians practice in rural communities”, highlighting the challenges many communities face in accessing timely medical resources. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), however, offer a potential solution by providing fast and flexible delivery of critical life support medical payloads. Project 337, developed …
Eliminating Range Constraints For Optical Tracking Of Sub-10 Cm Orbital Debris, James Kirk
Eliminating Range Constraints For Optical Tracking Of Sub-10 Cm Orbital Debris, James Kirk
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The growing population of orbital debris, including a significant amount of debris ranging from 1 to 10 cm, has substantially increased the risk to satellites. Due to the sheer number and high velocities, debris ranging from 1 to 10 cm still has the ability to cause mission-ending damage while remaining undetectable by ground-based detection facilities. This study utilizes the NASA Standard Satellite Breakup Model (NASA SSBM), combined with MATLAB, to propagate debris clouds over extended durations, enabling the identification of high-detection zones and debris rings. Using the modeled spacecraft environment, a satellite was positioned below the debris ring altitudes. Lowering …
Starlink-Based Navigation System For Fixed-Wing Uav, Aidan Panter, Ayse Okatan, Spencer Richter, Carson Frankovic, Faheem Khan, Eldon Crossett, Oleg Sugatov, Dylan Hardt
Starlink-Based Navigation System For Fixed-Wing Uav, Aidan Panter, Ayse Okatan, Spencer Richter, Carson Frankovic, Faheem Khan, Eldon Crossett, Oleg Sugatov, Dylan Hardt
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Conventional UAV navigation and control systems rely on short-range RF communication, imposing significant limitations on operational range, real-time control capabilities, and autonomous mission execution beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). While existing research addresses regulatory frameworks, communication relay strategies, and positioning optimization for extended-range operations, a comprehensive and cost-effective solution integrating satellite-based Internet connectivity with web-accessible control remains absent from the literature. This project develops a Starlink-based navigation and control system for fixed-wing UAVs that overcomes traditional range constraints through low-earth orbit satellite and cell network connectivity. The system integrates a Starlink terminal with an onboard flight computer running custom …
Policy Brief: Satellite Resiliency Against Nuclear Detonation In Space, Brianna Johnshon, Samantha Harper, Tyler Thompson
Policy Brief: Satellite Resiliency Against Nuclear Detonation In Space, Brianna Johnshon, Samantha Harper, Tyler Thompson
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The deployment of nuclear weapons in space poses an arms challenge that is both critically important and inherently ambiguous. Although Article IV of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST) explicitly prohibits placing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit (UNOOSA, 1966), recent developments suggest that this prohibition is not absolute. In 2024, the U.S. and Japan brought concerns regarding WMD in space to the UN Security Council, calling on states to work to prevent an arms race in space and agree not to place nuclear weapons and WMD in orbit (United Nations Security Council, 2024). However, this …