303 research outputs found
Tactical Satellite (TacSat) feasibility study a scenario driven approach
The objective of this project was to examine the feasibility of developing a tactically controlled, operationally responsive satellite system. A specific mission scenario, the Philippine Sea Scenario, was chosen to guide and bound the analysis. Within the bounds of this scenario, this high level space systems engineering exercise provided insights into operations and military utility as well as enough granularity to estimate costs for such a system. The operational approach and high level design concept is based on the Space Mission Analysis and Design (SMAD) process authored by Wiley J. Larson and Kames R. Wertz. The study shows that there are tactical scenarios in which space capabilities provide military utility and cost effectiveness above what is provided by traditional tactical assets such as UAVs. This is particularly true when large operational areas are involved and long periods of service are required.http://archive.org/details/tacticalsatellit109456927N
Reference Model for Interoperability of Autonomous Systems
This thesis proposes a reference model to describe the components of an Un-manned Air, Ground, Surface, or Underwater System (UxS), and the use of a single Interoperability Building Block to command, control, and get feedback from such vehicles. The importance and advantages of such a reference model, with a standard nomenclature and taxonomy, is shown. We overview the concepts of interoperability and some efforts to achieve common refer-ence models in other areas. We then present an overview of existing un-manned systems, their history, characteristics, classification, and missions. The concept of Interoperability Building Blocks (IBB) is introduced to describe standards, protocols, data models, and frameworks, and a large set of these are analyzed. A new and powerful reference model for UxS, named RAMP, is proposed, that describes the various components that a UxS may have. It is a hierarchical model with four levels, that describes the vehicle components, the datalink, and the ground segment. The reference model is validated by showing how it can be applied in various projects the author worked on. An example is given on how a single standard was capable of controlling a set of heterogeneous UAVs, USVs, and UGVs
Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2015
The investments in technology development we made in 2015 not only support the Agency's current missions, but they will also enable new missions. Some of these projects will allow us to develop an in-space architecture for human space exploration; Marshall employees are developing and testing cutting-edge propulsion solutions that will propel humans in-space and land them on Mars. Others are working on technologies that could support a deep space habitat, which will be critical to enable humans to live and work in deep space and on other worlds. Still others are maturing technologies that will help new scientific instruments study the outer edge of the universe-instruments that will provide valuable information as we seek to explore the outer planets and search for life
Design of a swarm of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for the exploration of Mars
Mars has been a main target for exploration over the last decades, due to its closeness and similarity to Earth. Exploration landers and rovers have laid the foundation for the understanding of the planet, however, they exhibit some limitations that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) would overcome. Thus, this report consists of the design of a swarm of UAVs for the exploration of the red planet, which coordinates with a swarm of rovers and a constellation of orbiters that are briefly described. Firstly, the mission is preliminarily designed to define its location, architecture, objectives, and requirements. Secondly, the single UAV overview is presented, illustrating a preliminary design of all the subsystems involved in order to perform successfully. Thirdly, the swarm of UAVs is defined, introducing pre-flight check procedures. Then, two flight formation algorithms for the swarm of UAVs are suggested, although only one of them is implemented. Fourthly, there is a brief introduction to the multiplatform architecture, focused on communication and connectivity. Finally, conclusions are drawn and and the foundation for future work related to the different chapters of this thesis is included
Aerospace safety advisory panel
The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) monitored NASA's activities and provided feedback to the NASA Administrator, other NASA officials and Congress throughout the year. Particular attention was paid to the Space Shuttle, its launch processing and planned and potential safety improvements. The Panel monitored Space Shuttle processing at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and will continue to follow it as personnel reductions are implemented. There is particular concern that upgrades in hardware, software, and operations with the potential for significant risk reduction not be overlooked due to the extraordinary budget pressures facing the agency. The authorization of all of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Block II components portends future Space Shuttle operations at lower risk levels and with greater margins for handling unplanned ascent events. Throughout the year, the Panel attempted to monitor the safety activities related to the Russian involvement in both space and aeronautics programs. This proved difficult as the working relationships between NASA and the Russians were still being defined as the year unfolded. NASA's concern for the unique safety problems inherent in a multi-national endeavor appears appropriate. Actions are underway or contemplated which should be capable of identifying and rectifying problem areas. The balance of this report presents 'Findings and Recommendations' (Section 2), 'Information in Support of Findings and Recommendations' (Section 3) and Appendices describing Panel membership, the NASA response to the March 1994 ASAP report, and a chronology of the panel's activities during the reporting period (Section 4)
Air Force Institute of Technology Research Report 2009
This report summarizes the research activities of the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering and Management. It describes research interests and faculty expertise; lists student theses/dissertations; identifies research sponsors and contributions; and outlines the procedures for contacting the school. Included in the report are: faculty publications, conference presentations, consultations, and funded research projects. Research was conducted in the areas of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Electro-Optics, Computer Engineering and Computer Science, Systems and Engineering Management, Operational Sciences, Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering Physics
COUNTER-UXS ENERGY AND OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS
At present, there exists a prioritization of identifying novel and innovative approaches to managing the small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) threat. The near-future sUAS threat to U.S. forces and infrastructure indicates that current Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) need to evolve to pace the threat. An alternative approach utilizes a networked squadron of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for sUAS threat interdiction. This approach leverages high performance and Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) conformance to create less expensive, but more capable, C-UAS devices to augment existing capabilities.
This capstone report documents efforts to develop C-UAS technologies to reduce energy consumption and collaterally disruptive signal footprint while maintaining operational effectiveness. This project utilized Model Based System Engineering (MBSE) techniques to explore and assess these technologies within a mission context. A Concept of Operations was developed to provide the C-UAS Operational Concept. Operational analysis led to development of operational scenarios to define the System of Systems (SoS) concept, operating conditions, and required system capabilities. Resource architecture was developed to define the functional behaviors and system performance characteristics for C-UAS technologies. Lastly, a modeling and simulation (M&S) tool was developed to evaluate mission scenarios for C-UAS.Outstanding ThesisCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyCivilian, Department of the NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited
2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy
This document is an update (new photos used) of the PDF version of the 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy that will be available to download on the OCT Public Website. The updated 2020 NASA Technology Taxonomy, or "technology dictionary", uses a technology discipline based approach that realigns like-technologies independent of their application within the NASA mission portfolio. This tool is meant to serve as a common technology discipline-based communication tool across the agency and with its partners in other government agencies, academia, industry, and across the world
12th EASN International Conference on "Innovation in Aviation & Space for opening New Horizons"
Epoxy resins show a combination of thermal stability, good mechanical performance, and durability, which make these materials suitable for many applications in the Aerospace industry. Different types of curing agents can be utilized for curing epoxy systems. The use of aliphatic amines as curing agent is preferable over the toxic aromatic ones, though their incorporation increases the flammability of the resin. Recently, we have developed different hybrid strategies, where the sol-gel technique has been exploited in combination with two DOPO-based flame retardants and other synergists or the use of humic acid and ammonium polyphosphate to achieve non-dripping V-0 classification in UL 94 vertical flame spread tests, with low phosphorous loadings (e.g., 1-2 wt%). These strategies improved the flame retardancy of the epoxy matrix, without any detrimental impact on the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. Finally, the formation of a hybrid silica-epoxy network accounted for the establishment of tailored interphases, due to a better dispersion of more polar additives in the hydrophobic resin
Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2017
This report features over 60 technology development and scientific research efforts that collectively aim to enable new capabilities in spaceflight, expand the reach of human exploration, and reveal new knowledge about the universe in which we live. These efforts include a wide array of strategic developments: launch propulsion technologies that facilitate more reliable, routine, and cost effective access to space; in-space propulsion developments that provide new solutions to space transportation requirements; autonomous systems designed to increase our utilization of robotics to accomplish critical missions; life support technologies that target our ability to implement closed-loop environmental resource utilization; science instruments that enable terrestrial, solar, planetary and deep space observations and discovery; and manufacturing technologies that will change the way we fabricate everything from rocket engines to in situ generated fuel and consumables
- …