Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics (12)
- Astrodynamics (10)
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (10)
- Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering (9)
- Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics (7)
-
- Propulsion and Power (5)
- Computer Sciences (4)
- Operational Research (4)
- Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (4)
- Other Operations Research, Systems Engineering and Industrial Engineering (3)
- Physics (3)
- Structures and Materials (3)
- Aeronautical Vehicles (2)
- Electrical and Electronics (2)
- Engineering Science and Materials (2)
- Mechanical Engineering (2)
- Nuclear Engineering (2)
- Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (2)
- Signal Processing (2)
- Systems Engineering (2)
- Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics (1)
- Applied Mathematics (1)
- Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (1)
- Astrophysics and Astronomy (1)
- Atmospheric Sciences (1)
- Controls and Control Theory (1)
- Cybersecurity (1)
- Keyword
-
- #csra (30)
- Artificial satellites (13)
- Artificial satellites--Control systems (7)
- Flexible structures (7)
- #afrl-rv (6)
-
- #antcenter (6)
- Launch vehicles (Astronautics) (6)
- Reusable space vehicles (6)
- Artificial satellites--Attitude control systems (5)
- Artificial satellites--Tracking (5)
- Air-supported structures (4)
- CubeSat (4)
- Expandable space structures (4)
- Space vehicles (4)
- Space vehicles--Electric propulsion systems (4)
- Artificial satellites--Orbits--Mathematical models (3)
- Large space structures (Astronautics) (3)
- Space vehicles--Attitude control systems (3)
- Spacecraft (3)
- Tethered satellites (3)
- Adaptive control systems (2)
- Additive manufacturing (2)
- Aerospace telemetry (2)
- Antennas (2)
- Artificial satellites--Control systems--Computer simulation (2)
- Artificial satellites--Optical observations (2)
- Artificial satellites--Orbits--Computer simulation (2)
- Astronautics (2)
- Computational fluid dynamics (2)
- Cubesats (2)
- Publication Year
- Publication Type
Articles 61 - 90 of 159
Full-Text Articles in Space Vehicles
Operationally Responsive Spacecraft Using Electric Propulsion, Thomas C. Co
Operationally Responsive Spacecraft Using Electric Propulsion, Thomas C. Co
Theses and Dissertations
A desirable space asset is responsive and flexible to mission requirements, low-cost, and easy to acquire. Highly-efficient electric thrusters have been considered a viable technology to provide these characteristics; however, it has been plagued by limitations and challenges such that operational implementation has been severely limited. The technology is constantly improving, but even with current electric propulsion, a spacecraft is capable of maneuvering consistently and repeatedly in low-Earth orbit to provide a responsive and flexible system. This research develops the necessary algorithm and tools to demonstrate that EP systems can maneuver significantly in a timely fashion to overfly any target …
Methane Dual Expander Aerospike Nozzle Rocket Engine, Michael D. Moen
Methane Dual Expander Aerospike Nozzle Rocket Engine, Michael D. Moen
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), working to meet requirements set by the Air Force Research Laboratory's Next Generation Engine (NGE) initiative, is developing upper stage rocket models. The current path of investigation focuses on combining a dual expander cycle with an aerospike nozzle, or the Dual Expander Aerospike Nozzle (DEAN) using methane fuel. The design process will rely heavily on AFIT's previous work, which focused on the development of tools for and the optimization of a hydrogen/oxygen DEAN engine. The work outlined in this paper expands the existing research by substituting methane for hydrogen. The targets derived from …
Development Of A Star Tracker-Based Reference System For Accurate Attitude Determination Of A Simulated Spacecraft, Jorge G. Padro
Development Of A Star Tracker-Based Reference System For Accurate Attitude Determination Of A Simulated Spacecraft, Jorge G. Padro
Theses and Dissertations
The goal of this research effort is to investigate the analysis, design, integration, testing, and validation of a complete star tracker and star field simulator system concept for AFIT's satellite simulator, SimSat. Previous research has shown that while laboratory-based satellite simulators benefit from star trackers, the approach of designing the star field can contribute significant error if the star field is generated on a flat surface. To facilitate a star pattern that better represents a celestial sky, a partially hemispherical dome surface is suspended above SimSat and populated with a system of light emitting diodes of various intensities and angles …
Empirical Characterization Of Unconstrained Tape Spring Deployment Dynamics, Daniel M. Williams
Empirical Characterization Of Unconstrained Tape Spring Deployment Dynamics, Daniel M. Williams
Theses and Dissertations
Satellite cost and mission capability are very sensitive to mass requirements. Mass or volume savings in one component will either lower total spacecraft mass, or provide greater margin for design error in other components. Solar arrays and antennas in particular are often driven by launch vehicle volume constraints instead of mission needs. Deployable structures provide more on-orbit area for both solar arrays and antennas, while occupying less space during launch. These structures therefore, help address these constraints and have been proven as efficient solutions for many years. Tape springs are one example in this category of structures which offer greater …
A Taskable Space Vehicle: Realizing Cost Savings By Combining Orbital And Suborbital Flight, Thomas Co, Jonathan T. Black
A Taskable Space Vehicle: Realizing Cost Savings By Combining Orbital And Suborbital Flight, Thomas Co, Jonathan T. Black
Faculty Publications
The use of space gives the United States distinct advantages in any battlefield environment, but the high cost of space operations increasingly jeopardizes those advantages. Although the United States pioneered much of the current space technology, declining budgets for space research, development, and operations leave our legacy systems vulnerable to adversaries around the world. Other nations formerly incapable of space exploitation are quickly learning to counter US space technologies at surprisingly low costs. In order to reduce the expense of deploying and maintaining a robust space capability, the Department of Defense (DOD) must change the status quo in space operations …
Using A Gatling-Gun Configured Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster As A Means To Control Micro Satellites With Extreme Precision, Lee I. Watson
Using A Gatling-Gun Configured Micro Pulsed Plasma Thruster As A Means To Control Micro Satellites With Extreme Precision, Lee I. Watson
Theses and Dissertations
Micro-Pulsed Plasma Thrusters (µPPT) are becoming increasingly attractive for their low power consumption and moderately high specific impulse in the range of 800-1200s. The Gatling Gun micro-Pulsed Plasma Thruster (GG-µPPT) is a new device offering reduced mass and higher thrust than single µPPTs and solid application in precise pointing and orbit maintenance applications. The performance of µPPTs depends on frequency and applied voltage/power levels. Variation of these input parameters and effects on operation and performance of this thruster system were the focus of this research. Contamination aspects were also considered and discussed, since the buildup of carbon results in decreased …
Orbital Tori Construction Using Trajectory Following Spectral Methods, Ralph E. Bordner Iii
Orbital Tori Construction Using Trajectory Following Spectral Methods, Ralph E. Bordner Iii
Theses and Dissertations
By assuming the motion of a satellite about the earth’s geopotential mimics the known Kolmogorov-Arnold-Moser (KAM) solution of a lightly perturbed integrable Hamiltonian system, this research focused on applying trajectory following spectral methods to estimate orbital tori from sampled orbital data. From an estimated basis frequency set, orbital data was decomposed into multi-periodic Fourier series, essentially compressing ephemerides for long-term use. Real-world Global Positioning System (GPS) orbital tracks were decomposed and reconstructed with error from as low as few kilometers per coordinate axis over a 10-week span to tens of kilometers per coordinate axis over the same time period, depending …
A Photogrammetry-Based Hybrid System For Dynamic Tracking And Measurement, Daniel P. Magree
A Photogrammetry-Based Hybrid System For Dynamic Tracking And Measurement, Daniel P. Magree
Theses and Dissertations
Noncontact measurements of lightweight flexible aerospace structures present several challenges. Objects are usually mounted on a test stand because current noncontact measurement techniques require that the net motion of the object be zero. However, it is often desirable to take measurements of the object under operational conditions, and in the case of miniature aerial vehicles (MAVs) and deploying space structures, the test article will undergo significant translational motion. This thesis describes a hybrid noncontact measurement system which will enable measurement of structural kinematics of an object freely moving about a volume. By using a real-time videogrammetry system, a set of …
Velocity Plume Profiles For Hall Thrusters Using Laser Diagnostic, Daniel B. Lee
Velocity Plume Profiles For Hall Thrusters Using Laser Diagnostic, Daniel B. Lee
Theses and Dissertations
This research built a non-intrusive laser diagnostic tool using Laser Induced Fluorescence (LIF) and absorption techniques to measure the velocity and density plume profiles of low powered Hall thrusters. This tool was then applied to a Busek 200W Hall thruster to validate the performance against previous research on the same thruster. A laser frequency sweep through 834.72 nm produced LIF signals for ionized xenon –collected at 541.9 nm – in the thruster plume and absorption data outside the plume at a neutral transition at 834.68 nm. The absorption data provided a baseline reference to calculate the axial and radially velocity …
Thrust And Performance Study Of Micro Pulsed Plasma, Jeremy J. Selstrom
Thrust And Performance Study Of Micro Pulsed Plasma, Jeremy J. Selstrom
Theses and Dissertations
This research is focused on several areas of the μPPT performance. An important idea studied is the effect of lifetime use on the performance. The thruster is fired for a simulated lifetime of use to see if there is an impact on the thrust of the thruster later in life. Also vital is the efficiency of the thruster. A μPPT performing at max efficiency will ionize all ablated material; however, we know that not to be the case. In this research the effort is made to collect these non-ionized particles in order to measure their mass post-test. With this collected …
Relative Orbit Elements For Satellites In Elliptical Orbits, Kirk W. Johnson
Relative Orbit Elements For Satellites In Elliptical Orbits, Kirk W. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to describe the unperturbed relative motion of Earth satellites in elliptical orbits using a simple dynamics model whose parameters allow significant geometrical insight and operational efficacy. The goal was to retain the advantages of the Relative Orbit Elements (ROE) realization of the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire (HCW) equations, a linearized dynamics model for circular reference orbits. Specifically, this thesis analyzed the geometry of satellite rendezvous and proximity operations using the ROE parameters to characterize the model’s utility. Next, through a comprehensive literature review, this thesis sought possible approaches for developing a similarly useful parameterization for chief orbits …
Accurate Dynamic Response Predictions Of Pnpsat I, Michael D. Trottier
Accurate Dynamic Response Predictions Of Pnpsat I, Michael D. Trottier
Theses and Dissertations
Researchers at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and the Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) Office have conducted extensive vibration testing and structural modeling on the first ORS Plug-and-Play Satellite (PnPSAT I). The intent of this research effort is to evaluate the premise that current post-integration spacecraft environmental test requirements can be reduced or modified using accurately tuned finite element (FE) models. As part of this research, modal testing was conducted on the PnPSAT I structural panels at AFIT. The modal testing was part of a much larger series of experimental trials on various configurations of PnPSAT I at the …
Orbit Maneuver For Responsive Coverage Using Electric Propulsion, Timothy S. Hall
Orbit Maneuver For Responsive Coverage Using Electric Propulsion, Timothy S. Hall
Theses and Dissertations
The use of continuous electric propulsion to manipulate a satellite’s orbit offers significant potential for enhancing coverage of a target in ways not previously considered. Elliptical orbits utilizing a very low perigee can facilitate access to the surface and atmosphere of the Earth at sub-ionosphere altitudes while counteracting atmospheric drag forces using continuous electric propulsion. Additionally, in-plane and out-of-plane manipulation of both circular and elliptical orbits can allow for passage of a satellite over a target at a given time. Sustained low perigee orbit was modeled with an initial perigee altitude of 100 km and various apogee altitudes to derive …
Assembly, Integration, And Test Methods For Operationally Responsive Space Satellites, Lisa A. Baghal
Assembly, Integration, And Test Methods For Operationally Responsive Space Satellites, Lisa A. Baghal
Theses and Dissertations
Current government and industry standards in spacecraft testing result in an Assembly, Integration, and Test (AIT) timeline greater than six months. These standards will not support the vision of Operationally Responsive Space (ORS) to deploy a satellite within six days to fill an urgent need. Using the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Plug-and-Play Satellite (PnPSat), multiple Rapid AIT trials were conducted. By exercising the AIT process with various spacecraft configurations and personnel, methods for reducing or modifying traditional testing regimen were investigated.
Verification Of Kam Theory On Earth Orbiting Satellites, Christian L. Bisher
Verification Of Kam Theory On Earth Orbiting Satellites, Christian L. Bisher
Theses and Dissertations
This paper uses KAM torus theory and Simplified General Perturbations 4 (SGP4) orbit prediction techniques compiled by Dr. William Wiesel and compares it to Analytical Graphics ® Incorporated (AGI) Satellite Toolkit ® (STK) orbit data. The goal of this paper is to verify KAM torus theory can be used to describe and propagate an Earth satellite orbit with similar accuracy to existing general perturbation techniques. Using SGP4 code including only truncated geopotential effects, KAM torus generating code, and other utilities were used to describe a particular satellite orbit as a torus and then propagate the satellite using traditional and KAM …
Exfit Flight Design And Structural Modeling For Falconlaunch Viii Sounding Rocket, Michael J. Vinacco
Exfit Flight Design And Structural Modeling For Falconlaunch Viii Sounding Rocket, Michael J. Vinacco
Theses and Dissertations
This research effort furthers the Air Force’s study of reusable launch vehicles and hypersonic airfoils by conducting a hypersonic flight test using the US Air Force Academy’s FalconLAUNCH VIII sounding rocket. In this study, two experimental fin tips were designed and attached to the sounding rocket in place of two stabilizer fins in order to collect data throughout the rocket’s hypersonic flight profile. The desire to research, study, and test experimental fin tips was driven by the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Future responsive Access to Space Technologies (FAST) program and their desire to include vertical stabilizers on the wing tips …
Cfd Analysis Of Experimental Wing And Winglet For Falconlaunch 8 And The Exfit Program, Benjamin P. Switzer
Cfd Analysis Of Experimental Wing And Winglet For Falconlaunch 8 And The Exfit Program, Benjamin P. Switzer
Theses and Dissertations
Reusable launch vehicles have many benefits over their expendable counterparts. These benefits range from cost reductions to increased functionality of the vehicles. Further research is required in the development of the technology necessary for reusable launch vehicles to come to fruition. The Air Force Institute of Technology’s future involvement in the ExFIT program will entail designing and testing of a new wing tip mounted vertical stabilizer in the hypersonic regime. One proposed venue for experimentation is to utilize the United States Air Force Academy’s FalconLAUNCH Program which annually designs, builds, and launches a sounding rocket capable of reaching hypersonic speeds. …
Estimating Characteristics Of A Maneuvering Reentry Vehicle Observed By Multiple Sensors, Evan M. Brooks
Estimating Characteristics Of A Maneuvering Reentry Vehicle Observed By Multiple Sensors, Evan M. Brooks
Theses and Dissertations
Post flight analysis of ballistic missile reentry vehicles is an area of focus for the U.S. Government, especially for those involved in ballistic missile defense. Typically, this analysis incorporates either a model-driven least squares filter or a data-following Kalman filter. The research performed here developed a filter that attempts to integrate the strengths of both filters. A least squares filter operates on observation data collected during exoatmospheric free flight and a Kalman filter is used to analyze data collected lower in the atmosphere, where potential maneuvers could be performed. Additionally, the filter was written to incorporate data from multiple sensors. …
Development Of A Remotely Operated Autonomous Satellite Tracking System, Michael E. Graff
Development Of A Remotely Operated Autonomous Satellite Tracking System, Michael E. Graff
Theses and Dissertations
AFIT is currently developing a capability to remotely and autonomously track LEO satellites using commercial telescopes. Currently, the system is capable of open-loop tracking based on Two-Line Element sets (TLEs) downloaded from NORAD’s space object catalog. The ability to actively track using a closed-loop control system would allow tracking of satellites which deviated from the published TLEs along with providing some information about the object’s new orbital elements. To accomplish closed-loop tracking, the object is imaged by a digital camera connected to a wide field-of-view (WFOV) spotting scope. Software was developed to provide azimuth and elevation inputs in order to …
Analysis Of Slewing And Attitude Determination Requirements For Ctex, William J. Starr Jr.
Analysis Of Slewing And Attitude Determination Requirements For Ctex, William J. Starr Jr.
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the slewing and attitude determination requirements for the Chromotomographic Experiment (CTEX), a chromotomographic-based hyperspectral imager, to be mounted on-board the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) External Facility (EF). The in-track slewing requirement is driven by the facts that CTEx has a very small field of view (FOV) and is required to collect 10 seconds of data for any given collection window. The need to slew in the cross-track direction is a product of the small FOV and target/calibration site access. CTEx incorporates a two-axis slow-steering dwell mirror with a range of ± 8 degrees and an accuracy of …
Minimizing Losses In A Space Laser Power Beaming System, Charlie T. Bellows
Minimizing Losses In A Space Laser Power Beaming System, Charlie T. Bellows
Theses and Dissertations
A mathematical model is developed to track the amount of power delivered in a wireless laser power beaming system. In a wireless system the power proceeds through several different stages before being delivered to a payload for use. Each of these stages results in power losses that are thoroughly examined and modeled, allowing for the calculation of the likely amount of power delivered. Adjusting variable factors within the model allows for the optimization of the system for a specific task. The model shows that an optimized wireless power transfer system can deliver enough power to meet the space experiment objectives. …
Reusable Launch Vehicle Design Implications For Regeneration Time, Carlos Alberto Molina
Reusable Launch Vehicle Design Implications For Regeneration Time, Carlos Alberto Molina
Theses and Dissertations
In last few years, the Air Force Research Laboratory sponsored several research projects on a Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV) whose design, operation, and logistics requirements are intended to be much simpler than for the Space Shuttle. As a part of these efforts, previous researchers developed a model that simulated the post-landing, ground maintenance and prelaunch operations of a RLV in order to evaluate how its design parameters affect the logistics operations. The next logical step is to investigate the effects and interactions of all factors used in the existing simulation model in a single experiment that considers the huge number …
An Engineering Trade Space Analysis For A Space-Based Hyperspectral Chromotomographic Scanner, Phillip Sheirich
An Engineering Trade Space Analysis For A Space-Based Hyperspectral Chromotomographic Scanner, Phillip Sheirich
Theses and Dissertations
Hyperspectroscopy for fast transient events such as battlefield explosions is an undeveloped area of spectral imaging. This thesis is a discussion of issues involved with taking a laboratory design for a rotating prism hyperspectral chromotomographic (CT) instrument and producing a first approximation satellite payload design, operating scheme and trade space analysis to support demonstration of this technology in low-earth orbit. This instrument promises the capability of adding a time dimension to the normal spatial and spectral data produced by most hyperspectral imagers. The ultimate goal is to conduct experiments demonstrating the ultimate viability of spectral definition of transient combustion events …
Near Real-Time Closed-Loop Optimal Control Feedback For Spacecraft Attitude Maneuvers, C. Douglas Mcfarland
Near Real-Time Closed-Loop Optimal Control Feedback For Spacecraft Attitude Maneuvers, C. Douglas Mcfarland
Theses and Dissertations
Optimization of spacecraft attitude maneuvers can significantly reduce attitude control system size and mass, and extend satellite end-of-life. Optimal control theory has been applied to solve a variety of open-loop optimal control problems for terrestrial, air, and space applications. However, general application of real-time optimal controllers on spacecraft for large slew maneuvers has been limited because open-loop control systems are inherently vulnerable to error and the computation necessary to solve for an optimized control solution is resource intensive. This research effort is focused on developing a near real-time optimal control (RTOC) system for spacecraft attitude maneuvers on the Air Force …
Finite Element Model Optimization Of The Falconsat-5 Structural Engineering Model, Cole C. Doupe
Finite Element Model Optimization Of The Falconsat-5 Structural Engineering Model, Cole C. Doupe
Theses and Dissertations
Space launch vehicles produce tremendously harsh environments for their payloads. One of the worst contributors to this harsh environment is vibration. Launch vehicle contractors require accurate dynamic models in order to perform coupled loads analyses with each payload to mitigate risks. Accurate predictions of the dynamic response of the payload are not achieved easily. The Finite Element (FE) method has proven to be the best approach in creating accurate dynamic models of complex structures. To improve the agreement between an FE model and the structure it represents, a common practice is to `tune' or adjust parameters of the FE model …
Characterizing The Exhaust Plume Of The Three-Electrode Micro Pulsed Plasma Thrusters, Myeongkyo Seo
Characterizing The Exhaust Plume Of The Three-Electrode Micro Pulsed Plasma Thrusters, Myeongkyo Seo
Theses and Dissertations
Three-electrode micro-PPTs are a new version of two electrode micro-PPTs devices. Performance predictions and contamination expectations are essential characteristics needed by satellite designers. In order to focus on thruster specific impulse, thrust and efficiency, measuring the exhaust velocity or impulse bit and propellant consumption rate is essential. While this is not always possible to measure directly, focusing on the ejected mass from the PPT provides significant information allowing determination of these performance statistics. Specifically, focusing on exhaust angle distribution and velocity of the exhaust particles is the emphasis of this work. The results show that the three-electrode micro-PPT is more …
A Constraint Based Approach For Building Operationally Responsive Satellites, Mesut O. Kahraman
A Constraint Based Approach For Building Operationally Responsive Satellites, Mesut O. Kahraman
Theses and Dissertations
The Operational Responsive Space (ORS) program requires flexible and responsive satellites to meet user’s needs. Traditional satellite design methods are typically iterative processes that optimize individual components, subsystems, and ultimately the entire satellite. This study focuses on developing a new approach for creating Responsive Satellites (RS) from Plug-and-Play (PnP) components. The aim is to create an approach that quickly evaluates a wide variety of possible satellite configurations and identify the best configurations that meet the user’s needs and constraints. Satellite configurations are created by matching locations on the satellite structure with PnP components. Various constraints are derived from the user’s …
Evaluation Of Nanocomposites As Lightweight Electronic Enclosures For Satellites' Applications, Benjamin T. Harder
Evaluation Of Nanocomposites As Lightweight Electronic Enclosures For Satellites' Applications, Benjamin T. Harder
Theses and Dissertations
The United States military is exploring the use of nanocomposite materials for satellite structural applications. Current composite spacecraft structures are nonconductive and must have expensive shielding materials applied in order to protect the spacecraft from catastrophic damage that can be caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) and/or electrostatic discharge (ESD) which are characteristics of the space environment. Conductive nanocomposites are being developed for spacecraft structures that will provide ESD and EMI shielding protection without the need for expensive secondary shielding materials. This thesis studied one such material consisting of M55J/RS-3 composite combined with nickel nanostrands™. Four different configurations were tested for …
Space Based Satellite Tracking And Characterization Utilizing Non-Imaging Passive Sensors, Bradley R. Townsend
Space Based Satellite Tracking And Characterization Utilizing Non-Imaging Passive Sensors, Bradley R. Townsend
Theses and Dissertations
A technique is developed to determine the orbit of a sunlight illuminated satellite passing through the field-of-view of a sensor platform in a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) and Geosynchronous orbit (GEO). The technique develops two different methods of initial orbit determination. The first relies on the Gauss initial orbit determination method to develop an estimate of the state from angular data. The second method relies on positional data of the target relative to the Earth’s background to determine an estimate of the state. These estimates are then refined in a non-linear least squares routine. This estimate of the state is …
Final Development, Testing, And Flight Preparation Of The Rigidizable Get-Away-Special Experiment (Rigex), Zachary R. Miller
Final Development, Testing, And Flight Preparation Of The Rigidizable Get-Away-Special Experiment (Rigex), Zachary R. Miller
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to support the final development of the Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX). The RIGEX program is an experimental initial step in developing large-scale rigidizable inflatable structures, which can be utilized in space applications. The primary intent of RIGEX is to verify and validate ground testing of inflation and rigidization methods for inflatable space structures against a zero-gravity space environment. This is performed by designing a Canister for All Payload Ejections (CAPE) experiment to collect data on space rigidized structures for validation of ground testing methods. The results presented in this thesis provide documentation needed …