Abstract: Maturation of small, micro-, and nano-satellite technologies is leading to many innovative new space mission applications. A primary obstacle to successful operational transition of these systems is the lack of affordable small launch capability. Due to the...
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...
Abstract: Microcosm, under Air Force Research Laboratory (Space Vehicles Directorate) and internal funding, developed and recently flew the first fully autonomous, on-board orbit determination and intrack and cross-track control system. Results show the technology...
Abstract: Scorpius® is a Microcosm program, under two Phase III Small Business Innovation Research contracts at the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate. The Scorpius® program is to develop an entirely new launch vehicle family with the objective...
Abstract: In-flight demonstration of close-range formation flying modes is discussed with emphasis on low cost, based on spacecraft design simplicity and minimum size, and hence minimum launch cost. Piggy-back launch of three identical demonstration spacecraft is the...
