Wertz. J. January 2002
Abstract: The field of on-orbit servicing of space systems has been studied extensively, and techniques for performing satellite resupply and repair functions have been developed in detail. They are covered extensively in the literature. Based on this background,...
Abstract: Microcosm, under Air Force Research Laboratory (Space Vehicles Directorate) and internal funding, developed and flew the first fully autonomous, on-board orbit determination and in-track and cross-track control system. Results show the technology maintaining...
Abstract: A solar-electric propulsion mission profile with Earth gravity assist is considered which differs from more conventional mission designs by letting the thrust phase preceding the Earth swingby be inclined with respect to the ecliptic. The thrust acceleration...
Abstract: Fully autonomous, on-board orbit control was flight demonstrated on UoSAT-12. This technology was developed to reduce operations cost. It does this using less propellant than traditional orbit maintenance, but also opens a new array of potential mission...
Abstract: It is generally assumed by the community that reusable launch vehicles will dramatically reduce launch costs because you don’t “throw away the vehicle” every time it is used. However, this is usually taken as an element of faith, without any substantive...
