Abstract: Download Taylor, C., A. Shao, N. Sarzi-Amade, R. Van Allen, and J. Wertz. Microcosm Inc. ISSC 2013, Pasadena, CA, June 20–21, 2013.
Abstract: This paper will present the Hummingbird concept and its strengths that enable versatile interplanetary mission architectures. Interplanetary missions and system architectures for small satellites require a new type of thinking. Specifically, taking...
Abstract: Long-term orbital debris is a continually growing problem that has proven challenging to overcome. A straightforward solution to the problem is to put the majority of future LEO spacecraft into Moderately Elliptical Very Low Orbits (MEVLOs) with perigees...
Abstract: The methods, processes, and technologies currently in use for major space programs are based on 50 years of lessons learned in the exploration of space. They draw on a large number of both successes and failures in space and represent our collective wisdom...
Abstract: The present work is divided in two parts. The first part analyzes the basic constraints of interplanetary round trip travel, and calculates an interplanetary train schedule (ITS) of missions to Mars in the general case of orbits with non-zero eccentricity...
Abstract: NanoEye is a near-term space system capable of providing better than 0.5 m resolution at nadir for a total recurring mission cost of less than $5 million — including payload, spacecraft, launch, and 3 years of mission operations. NanoEye is based on a...
Abstract: SmallSats appear to have the potential of significantly decreasing the cost and increasing responsiveness of both military and civil space missions. However, there are 3 major barriers facing the large-scale development and deployment of large numbers of...
Abstract: A configuration is presented for a low-cost Micro-Satellite Launch Vehicle (MSLV), the Mini-Sprite. This 3-stage configuration exploits Scorpius® technology that is largely developed: all-composite cryogenic tanks; pressure-fed, ablative, LOX/kerosene...
Abstract: The term XNAV (X-ray navigation) is used to describe a variety of means of using celestial X-ray source observations for spacecraft attitude, position, velocity, and time determination. Several classes of source observations can be utilized for different...
Abstract: In this paper, a methodology for dramatically reducing the time required to build a complex system based on the self-organization of self-describing components is presented. In this “plug-and-play” approach, component services are exposed for use through...
