Abstract: The ability to substantially reduce the cost of planetary missions lies not only in the cost reductions to be found in spacecraft design but also in choice of launch vehicle. smaller launch vehicles are cheaper but are also less capable at lofting...
Abstract: A novel method of spacecraft injection to interplanetary trajectories is described that can increase the net spacecraft mass by 50 to 100 percent or more in high-C3 missions. This launch mode employs an unconventional staging sequence, separating the...
Abstract: Many programs presented at prior USU meetings have been exceptionally successful at reducing the cost of space missions. Typically this is done by a variety of mechanisms that change fundamental characteristics of how business is done in space. (The missions...
Abstract: This paper describes the operation of the Microcosm Autonomous Navigation System (MANS) which was launched as an Air Force Phillips Laboratory Technology for Autonomous Operational Survivability -(TAOS) experimental payload on March 13, 1994. MANS determines...
