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Full-Text Articles in Astrodynamics
Data-Driven Learning Algorithms To Predict Spacecraft Trajectories In The Dro Family, Sarath Murarisetty, Hansaka Aluvihare Aluvihare, Oshani Jayawardane, Annika Anderson
Data-Driven Learning Algorithms To Predict Spacecraft Trajectories In The Dro Family, Sarath Murarisetty, Hansaka Aluvihare Aluvihare, Oshani Jayawardane, Annika Anderson
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Generating precise, accurate, and efficient trajectories in the Earth-Moon circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) is crucial for long-term lunar missions, yet it remains challenging. A primary reason for this is that the CR3BP is an extremely nonlinear and chaotic system. Fortunately, neural networks present a promising approach for addressing such complex nonlinear challenges. In “Data-driven Learning Algorithms to Predict Spacecraft Trajectories in the DRO Family,” this work addresses the challenge of solving a nonlinear system within the CR3BP framework to determine the trajectories of spacecraft within the Distant Retrograde Orbit (DRO) family using neural networks (NNs). For a comprehensive comparison …
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 …
Sun-Synchronous Low Earth Orbit Missions For Imaging Applications, Isaac Rosenthal
Sun-Synchronous Low Earth Orbit Missions For Imaging Applications, Isaac Rosenthal
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Orbit and mission design are crucial elements that must be considered to achieve Earth observation data for land monitoring. This project examines the sun-synchronous low Earth orbit (LEO) implementations of missions with similar objectives: NASA’s Landsat 8 and ESA’s Sentinel-2 constellation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how differing mission designs, impact imaging and coverage capabilities. Key design trade offs between the two missions include altitude effects on atmospheric drag and station-keeping, swath width versus field-of-view choices, and a single, centralized spacecraft architecture versus a multi-satellite distributed system. This is accomplished by analyzing different orbital parameters, ground track …
Evaluation Of Orbit And Mission Design Parameters Considered In Real Space Missions, Enrique Alejandro Amaya Villegas
Evaluation Of Orbit And Mission Design Parameters Considered In Real Space Missions, Enrique Alejandro Amaya Villegas
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Orbit and mission design constitute a fundamental spacecraft subsystem, as the selected orbital regime and mission profile strongly influence power availability, communications geometry, propulsion requirements, and overall mission performance. This project investigates how key quantitative and qualitative parameters guide orbit and mission design decisions in real space missions, with particular emphasis on orbital altitude and inclination, ground coverage and revisit time, mission lifetime, launch vehicle performance constraints, and propulsion budgets. The primary objective is to develop a structured understanding of how high-level scientific or commercial objectives, together with cost, risk, and operational constraints, are translated into specific orbital architectures and …
Interplanetary Trajectory Optimization With Reinforcement Learning, Shiloh Cuffe
Interplanetary Trajectory Optimization With Reinforcement Learning, Shiloh Cuffe
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project investigates the application of reinforcement learning (RL) to optimize low-thrust interplanetary trajectory design, focusing on the Earth-Venus transfer leg of the BepiColombo mission. Traditional trajectory optimization methods, such as patched conics and genetic algorithms, often require simplifying assumptions or complex optimization schemes. This work formulates the trajectory design problem as an optimal control problem (OCP) within a Markov Decision Process (MDP) framework, enabling an RL agent to learn efficient transfer strategies under realistic spacecraft constraints. The objective is to develop an autonomous guidance approach capable of replicating or improving upon established mission designs. The spacecraft is modeled as …
Gravity Gradient Exploration Satellite, Luke Ritchie, Isaac Rosenthal, Benjamin Mason, Nathaniel O’Hara
Gravity Gradient Exploration Satellite, Luke Ritchie, Isaac Rosenthal, Benjamin Mason, Nathaniel O’Hara
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Gravity Gradient Exploration Satellite (GGEOS) is a single-unit CubeSat technology demonstration being developed by a group of four undergraduate aerospace engineering students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The mission is designed to validate a controlled, motor-driven, semi-rigid space-tether and deployment system. Space tethers offer significant potential for gravity gradient stabilization and propellant-less electrodynamic propulsion, however past missions have frequently failed due to rebound and tangling from their spring-based deployment systems and elastic tethers. GGEOS mitigates these challenges using a semi-rigid, tape-measure-like tether, deployed with a stepper-motor-driven extrusion system enabling slow, controlled deployment and reduced post-deployment problems. The spacecraft architecture utilizes …
Engineering Path Trajectories With Gravitational Fields, Eliane Dean, Aidan Hart, Isabel Noot, Nathan Browning, Valeria Villazon Fito
Engineering Path Trajectories With Gravitational Fields, Eliane Dean, Aidan Hart, Isabel Noot, Nathan Browning, Valeria Villazon Fito
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
This project explores how vector calculus concepts play a role in aerospace engineering though spacecraft trajectory design. In particular, the notion of vector fields is used to model the gravitational force, whose work done is expressed through line integrals. By taking the curl of the gravitational field and showing it is zero, the field is recognised as conservative, implying that the work done by gravity is path independent. This property is conceptually linked to gravitational potential energy and the principle of energy conservation. The results are then applied to spacecraft motion, where engineers use energy-base methods to determine efficient trajectories …