Morehead State University
Ohio University
Data-Driven Learning Algorithms To Predict Spacecraft Trajectories In The Dro Family,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Model-Based Systems Engineering Test Case Development And Traceability For Cubesats,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
N31 Multi-Sensor Data Fusion For Enhanced Cislunar Space Domain Awareness Using Radar And Optical Observations,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Heuristic Trafficability Assessment For Autonomous Lunar Surface Operations Using Orbital Data Products,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Advancements In Spacecraft Trajectory Generation Through Matrix Decomposition Techniques,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Evatoolpad (Eva Passive Attachment Device),
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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. …
Eliminating Range Constraints For Optical Tracking Of Sub-10 Cm Orbital Debris,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Policy Brief: Satellite Resiliency Against Nuclear Detonation In Space,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Sun-Synchronous Low Earth Orbit Missions For Imaging Applications,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (Satlass),
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (Satlass), Anthony Todisco, Jaden Caradine, Justin Della, Essence Howard, Andrew Hawks, Alexander Kushto, Colin Mccaughey, Javier Narvaez, Frányerson R. López Ochoa, Diana Tormo
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The Satellite Autonomous Launch Assembly (SATLASS) is a Cube Satellite deployer whose development falls under the Embry-Riddle Orbital Research Association (ERORA), an organization focusing on CubeSat technology development. Project SATLASS provides hands-on experience in spacecraft subsystem development, including propulsion design, instrumentation, applied structural analysis, and experimental testing. The current objectives of this research are to map pressure changes throughout a high-pressure feed system, evaluate the pressure and velocity response of nitrogen gas after solenoid valve actuation, and determine the most effective nozzle geometry through direct thrust measurements. A static propulsion test stand was designed and fabricated to house a high-pressure …
Orbital Servicing Calibration And Repair (O.S.C.A.R.),
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Orbital Servicing Calibration And Repair (O.S.C.A.R.), Samantha Rogers, Chloe Arnold, Ava Laudadio
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites operate in an environment that exposes them to cumulative radiation effects, micrometeoroids, and orbital debris, and limited opportunities for post-launch intervention. These factors can degrade satellite performance over time, leading to anomalies that may cause data corruption, mission failure, or require human intervention for repair. While previous on-orbit servicing efforts have demonstrated repair and life-extension capabilities, most have focused on Geosynchronous satellites or controlled test environments, leaving a gap in servicing concepts tailored specifically to LEO satellites.The O.S.C.A.R. (Orbital Servicing, Calibration, and Repair) project investigates the design of a robotic servicing system for inspecting, calibrating, …
Evaluation Of Orbit And Mission Design Parameters Considered In Real Space Missions,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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 …
Applications Of A Swarm-Behavior Model On Existing Satellite Constellations,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Applications Of A Swarm-Behavior Model On Existing Satellite Constellations, Naomi Lee
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The scope of this work explores biological swarm behavior and its application to low- and medium-sized Earth orbit satellite constellation systems. Existing constellation structures have predetermined orbits, meaning there is little adaptivity in the spacing and interactions between satellites. This allows for formation disruption by atmospheric perturbations in lower Earth orbit trajectories but can be countered with interactive controls that help with structure stability. This adaptive spacing and control can also be applied in MEO constellations in coverage and positioning optimization. In ‘mimicking’ this swarm behavior in starling murmurations, the separation, alignment, and cohesion flocking behavior of satellite groupings will …
Microgravity Operations: Passive Capture Tool Dock Development,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Microgravity Operations: Passive Capture Tool Dock Development, Tyler Mastroianni, Alexander Choinski, David Smith, Matthew Perkins, Kelsey Hunsicker, Jeanelle Ferdinand
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
The 2026 NASA Micro-g NExT Challenge 2 requests a device that simplifies the stowage of tools during EVAs. EVAs are crucial during missions, but their effectiveness is hindered because of challenging tool management. Our device, Latch Point, is designed to streamline tool stowage, allowing astronauts to secure tools more efficiently and with less physical strain. This will reduce the duration of EVAs, improving mission productivity. This is important because EVAs are expensive due to the complexity of the suits and the training and preparation required of astronauts before they can undergo these types of missions. This new device would reduce …
String-Of-Pearls Measurements Of Supersonic Plasma Jets Using Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
String-Of-Pearls Measurements Of Supersonic Plasma Jets Using Magnetospheric Multiscale Satellites, Amelia Koth
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
High-energy supersonic plasma jets form when the solar wind, which is a flow of charged particles from the Sun, slows down as it encounters Earth’s magnetic shield. Occasionally, the solar wind remains at supersonic speeds as it enters this region. This forms plasma jets that propagate toward Earth; these jets can carry strong magnetic fields, drive magnetic reconnection, and potentially initiate substorms that lead to auroral activity. Previously studied plasma jets occurred when the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) points southward. In contrast, this study focuses on northward IMF conditions, which are less understood, yet still capable of producing supersonic jets. …
Terramechanics-Based Comparison Of Dem And Crm For Lunar Surface Applications,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Terramechanics-Based Comparison Of Dem And Crm For Lunar Surface Applications, Nicolas Bonasoro
Discovery Day - Daytona Beach
Understanding how lunar regolith interacts with robotic systems is important for safe surface operations because uncertain terrain conditions can affect rover traversability and lunar lander stability. This work applies terramechanics to two space robotics applications: in-situ cone penetration testing (CPT) for terrain assessment and lunar lander touchdown analysis for evaluating sinkage, force response, and stability. The study compares the Discrete Element Method (DEM), which resolves particle-scale interactions and captures detailed regolith behavior, with the Continuum Representation Method (CRM), which models soil response more efficiently and supports rigid CAD components such as lander footpads, legs, and body geometries. Current CPT results …
