Asteroid Retrieval Feasibility Study, John Brophy, Fred Culick, Louis Friedman, Pedro Llanos, Et Al.

Publications

This report describes the results of a study sponsored by the Keck Institute for Space Studies (KISS) to investigate the feasibility of identifying, robotically capturing, and returning an entire Near-Earth Asteroid (NEA) to the vicinity of the Earth by the middle of the next decade. The KISS study was performed by people from Ames Research Center, Glenn Research Center, Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Johnson Space Center, Langley Research Center, the California Institute of Technology, Carnegie Mellon, Harvard University, the Naval Postgraduate School, University of California at Los Angeles, University of California at Santa Cruz, University of Southern …

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

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

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 …

Space Science Research And Stem Activities At Morehead State University, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "Space Science Research and STEM Activities at Morehead State University" from March 7, 2012.

Arliss: A Rocket Launch For International Student Satellites - Launch Report For 2011, David Raimondi

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A report written by David Raimondi titled "ARLISS A Rocket Launch for International Student Satellites Launch Report for 2011" from March 7, 2012.

Debris Propagation Due To A Space Vehicle Breakup At High Altitudes, Juan A. Alvarado

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Recently, there has been a surge of interest in the estimation of the extent of the airspace containing falling debris due to a space vehicle breakup. A precise computation of propagation of debris to the ground is not practical for many reasons. There is insufficient knowledge of the initial state vector, ambient wind conditions and the key parameters including the ballistic coecients. In addition, propagation of all debris pieces to the ground would require extensive computer time. In this thesis, a covariance propagation method is introduced for the estimation of debris propagation due to a space vehicle breakup. The falling …

Pico-Satellite Integrated System Level Test Program, Marcus A. Ruddy

Master's Theses

Testing is an integral part of a satellite’s development, requirements verification and risk mitigation efforts. A robust test program serves to verify construction, integration and assembly workmanship, ensures component, subsystem and system level functionality and reduces risk of mission or capability loss on orbit.

The objective of this thesis was to develop a detailed test program for pico-satellites with a focus on the Cal Poly CubeSat architecture. The test program established a testing baseline from which other programs or users could tailor to meet their needs. Inclusive of the test program was a detailed decomposition of discrete and derived test …

Ua94/6/8 Student / Alumni Personal Papers Wku Terry Wilcutt, Wku Archives

WKU Archives Collection Inventories

Records created by and about Terry Wilcutt and manned space flights.

Vision-Based Testbeds For Control System Applicaitons, Robert Sivilli

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the field of control systems, testbeds are a pivotal step in the validation and improvement of new algorithms for different applications. They provide a safe, controlled environment typically having a significantly lower cost of failure than the final application. Vision systems provide nonintrusive methods of measurement that can be easily implemented for various setups and applications. This work presents methods for modeling, removing distortion, calibrating, and rectifying single and two camera systems, as well as, two very different applications of vision-based control system testbeds: deflection control of shape memory polymers and trajectory planning for mobile robots. First, a testbed …

Thrust Vector Control Of An Upper-Stage Rocket With Multiple Propellant Slosh Modes, Mahmut Reyhanoglu, Jaime Rubio Hervas

Physical Sciences - Daytona Beach

“The thrust vector control problem for an upper-stage rocket with propellant slosh dynamics is considered. The control inputs are defined by the gimbal deflection angle of a main engine and a pitching moment about the center of mass of the spacecraft. The rocket acceleration due to the main engine thrust is assumed to be large enough so that surface tension forces do not significantly affect the propellant motion during main engine burns. A multi-mass-spring model of the sloshing fuel is introduced to represent the prominent sloshing modes. A nonlinear feedback controller is designed to control the translational velocity vector and …

Protection Of Humanity’S Cultural And Historic Heritage In Space, Justin St. P. Walsh

Art Faculty Articles and Research

While the international community has acted forcefully since World War II to protect sites and objects of cultural or historic significance on Earth, little attention has been paid to the same kinds of sites and objects in space. There are important ethical and scholarly reasons for wanting to preserve sites and in situ objects in off-Earth contexts from destruction or commercial exploitation. Innovative space research equipment, such as spacecraft, satellites, and space stations, and the locations of historic missions, such as Tranquility Base, therefore deserve formal international recognition and protection. Appropriate models for developing a comprehensive protective scheme can be …

Cubesat Constellation Analysis For Data Relaying, Bradley Ryan Smalarz

Master's Theses

Current CubeSat communication technology limits the amount of time, and number of accesses with ground stations. It has been proposed to use a constellation of CubeSats to improve relay performance and increase the number of accesses between a CubeSat and ground stations. By using the spatial and temporal analysis features of STK, coupled with the STK/Matlab interface a robust tool was created to analyze the performance of CubeSat constellations based on a store-and-forward communications model which is not currently supported by the STK Engine. Utilizing the Connect messaging format through a socket connection on the local machine, a Matlab graphical …

Analysis Of Leo Radiation Environment And Its Effects On Spacecraft's Critical Electronic Devices, Luz Maria Martines Sierra

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Spacecraft, space stations, satellites and astronauts are exposed to an increased level of radiation when in space, and it is important to evaluate the risks associated with extended radiation exposures in missions and space travel in general. The thesis focuses on the LEO radiation environment and how the particles in it interact with materials. Using existing empirical models, the exposed dosage due to the LEO space environment radiation sources, as a function of orbital altitude, orbital inclination and duration is studied. The physical processes that can result in failures and long term degradations of electronic devices due to solar radiation, …

A Look At Near-Term Nuclear Fission And Fusion Rockets For Human Mars Missions, Douglass W. Casey

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Pulsed And Steady-State Reactor Operation For A Fusion Rocket, Althea Wilson

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Hüpla Vlf Lightning Detector: Hopes, Dreams, & Duct Tape, K Coates, D Everding, N Kaifler, P Kühl, R Puestow

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Libra The Airborne Launch-Pad, Lucas Schoukroun, Amandine Delahaye

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

The Case For An L1 Space Station For Stellar Missions, Wade Harlow

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Student Launch Initiative: Boosted Dart Rocket, Charger Rocket Works

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

No abstract provided.

Performance Analysis Of A Variable Conductance Heat Pipe, Herron Arreola

Aerospace Engineering

This report examines the analysis of a donated Boeing variable conductance heat pipe with unknown performance characteristics. These characteristics were found through experimental means by utilizing 14 thermocouples attached to various locations on the heat pipe, the heaters and to the insulation. Although the maximum axial heat transport capability could not be determined due to the limited number of strip heaters available, the maximum radial heat flux capability of the heat pipe was found to be 2.46 W/in². The experiment also revealed that increasing the input power decreased the burn out inclination angle and that using a coolant …

Mars Carbon Dioxide Propulsion, Christopher Cushman Perry

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An experimental investigation was conducted to characterize the performance of a small-scale supersonic propulsion system using supercritical CO₂ as a propellant intended for Mars surface applications. This research has focused on estimating the specific impulse behavior of high-pressure carbon dioxide propellant that can be produced by condensing dry ice out of Mars's atmosphere and heating it at constant volume to temperatures above its 31.1 ° C critical temperature. Since supercritical fluid was created by heating different dry ice-vapor mixtures to moderate temperatures, the nominal initial density and thermodynamic state within the pressure vessel could be controlled. The instrumented test …

Radiation Effects Basics For 7750, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs on "Radiation Effects Basics for 7750" on September 25, 2011.

Space Environment-Iii Lecture - Powerpoint Presentation, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

Professor Bob Twiggs' lecture on Space Environment-III PowerPoint presentation delivered on September 2, 2011.

Space Environment - A Review, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs on "Space Environment" on September 2, 2011.

Designing Propulsion Systems For Future Aerospace Applications, Nihad E. Daidzic

Aviation Department Publications

No abstract provided.

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 …

Thermal Analysis Of The Cubesat Cp3 Satellite, Jonas Friedel, Sean Mckibbon

Aerospace Engineering

Due to inconsistencies found in the on-orbit thermal data from the CubeSat CP3 satellite between 2007 and 2011, further analysis is performed on a larger number of data from August 2010 through April 2011, aiming to find an explanation for the overall increasing measured temperatures and shortening peak periods. Therefore, the satellite power data as well as orbital anomalies are analyzed leading to the conclusion that the satellite was temporarily (January – March 2011) orbiting with significantly increased sun exposure causing the higher temperatures. The shortened temperature peak periods are explained by alternating albedo values as the main influence in …

Design, Manufacturing And Testing Of An Environmentally-Green Bipropellant Thruster, Alex Bendoyro, Gabriel Sanchez, Erin Stearns, Phillip Takahashi

Aerospace Engineering

This project reviews the design, manufacturing and experimentation process of a green bi-propellant thruster designed to output 5 lbf. The goals were to successfully design, manufacture and test a thruster, while discovering the complications that arise through out the complete design process of a green thruster. The thruster was successfully designed using ideal rocket equations and the design was successfully confirmed using CFD and FEA. Manufacturing of the thruster was fully planned and revealed mild flaws in thruster design. For example some features were not manufacturable to the exact measurements desired. Testing of the engine gave results inconsistent with expected …

Numerical Modeling Of The Cn Spectral Emission Of The Stardust Re-Entry Vehicle, Alexandre Martin, Erin D. Farbar, Iain D. Boyd

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Re-entry vehicles designed for space exploration are usually equipped with thermal protection systems made of ablative material. In order to properly model and predict the aerothermal environment of the vehicle, it is imperative to account for the gases produced by ablation processes. In the case of charring ablators, where an inner resin is pyrolyzed at a relatively low temperature, the composition of the gas expelled into the boundary layer is complex and may lead to thermal chemical reactions that cannot be captured with simple ow chemistry models. In order to obtain better predictions, an appropriate gas ow chemistry model needs …