In-Space Propulsion Assessment Processes and Criteria for Affordable Systems

In a world of high launch costs to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), and of costs nearly twice as high to Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO), it is clear that processes and criteria are required which will surface the path to greater affordability. Further, with propulsion systems making up a major part of the systems placed into multiple orbits, or beyond, it is clear that addressing propulsion systems for in-space propulsion (ISP) is a key part to breaking the barriers to affordable systems. While multitudes of Earth to Orbit transportation system efforts focus on reduced costs, the often neglected costs and related interactions of the in-space system equally require improvements that will enable broad end-to end customer affordability

Evaluation of a cheap ultrasonic stage for light source coherence function measurement, optical coherence tomography and dynamic focusing

We evaluate the performance of a cheap ultrasonic stage in setups related to optical coherence tomography. The stage was used in several configurations: (1) optical delay line in an optical coherence tomography (OCT) setup; (2) as a delay line measuring coherence function of a low coherence source (e. g. superluminescent diode) and (3) in a dynamic focusing arrangement. The results are as follows: the stage is suitable for coherence function measurement (coherence length up to 70 mu m) of the light source and dynamic focusing. We found it unsuitable for OCT due to an unstable velocity profile. Despite this, the velocity profile has a repeatable shape (4% over 1000 A-scans) and slight modifications to the stage promise wider applications

Review of the Joint Capability Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and the National Security Space Acquisition Process (NSSAP)

Space systems are a critical enabler of the net-centric operation warfare (NCOW) needed to achieve victory in the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The effective acquisition of affordable systems is vital to our National Security Strategy. Space systems play an important role throughout a wide spectrum of military and civil operations. Several challenging factors unique to space systems development are the high level of technological complexity, a broad joint user base, and the reliance on seamless interoperable systems to achieve superior capabilities for US warfighters. This research examines the interaction between the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) and the National Security Space Acquisition Process (NSSAP) through a qualitative case study and identifies ways to improve this interaction by answering investigative questions and providing recommendations to be tested in future research

An affordable surround-screen virtual reality display

Building a projection-based virtual reality display is a time, cost, and resource intensive enterprise andmany details contribute to the final display quality. This is especially true for surround-screen displays wheremost of them are one-of-a-kind systems or custom-made installations with specialized projectors, framing, andprojection screens. In general, the costs of acquiring these types of systems have been in the hundreds and evenmillions of dollars, specifically for those supporting synchronized stereoscopic projection across multiple screens.Furthermore, the maintenance of such systems adds an additional recurrent cost, which makes them hard to affordfor a general introduction in a wider range of industry, academic, and research communities.We present a low-cost, easy to maintain surround-screen design based on off-the-shelf affordable componentsfor the projection screens, framing, and display system. The resulting system quality is comparable to significantlymore expensive commercially available solutions. Additionally, users with average knowledge can implement ourdesign and it has the added advantage that single components can be individually upgraded based on necessity aswell as available funds

Harvesting dew to supplement drinking water supply in arid coastal villages of Gujarat

Shortage of drinking water is chronic, sever and widespread in Kutch - a hot and very arid region. It is specially acute in coastal villages where surface sources dry up rapidly and groundwater is not potable. Many of these are listed as “no source” villages and are supplied water on tanker-trucks daily from long distances. The conventional efforts to conserve and augment water resources are all in place. But one potential resource - dew - had remained unnoticed. The possibility that it may also be a supplementary resource was first noticed in the summer of 2001 when it was observed that dew condensed frequently on a plastic- clad greenhouse in Kothara, a village 15 km from the coast. That led us first, to carry out systematic measurement, and then to develop practical ways to harvest dew for human use. Measurement at Kothara was followed by measurements at two other locations along the coast - Panandhro and Mithapur. Data showed that dew occurred over an eight-month season (October- May) spanning the entire dry part of the year. Quantity was more in summer months than in winter. Dew water was found potable and safe. In the next three years development of dew harvest systems was carried out, prototypes were made and tested. After successful field trial three models were launched. The key component of the systems is the condenser, made of thin plastic film which can harvest 15 – 20 mm of dew water in the season. Condenser cools itself by radiative exchange with sky, without the use of any external energy. Working installations have been made on large roofs and on open ground. While the devices are specifically engineered to condense dew, these routinely harvest rain as well. These are being promoted as “dewrain” harvest systems that deliver useful but varying amount of water through all the months of the year.

An analysis of electromyography as an input method for resilient and affordable systems: human-computer interfacing using the body’s electrical activity

This article was published in the Spring 2014 issue of the Journal of Undergraduate Researc

Integration of virtual reality within the built environment curriculum

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is still perceived by many as being inaccessible and cost prohibitive with VR applications considered expensive to develop as well as challenging to operate. This paper reflects on current developments in VR technologies and describes an approach adopted for its phased integration into the academic curriculum of built environment students. The process and end results of implementing the integration are discussed and the paper illustrates the challenges of introducing VR, including the acceptance of the technology by academic staff and students, interest from industry, and issues pertaining to model development. It sets out to show that fairly sophisticated VR models can now be created by non-VR specialists using commercially available software and advocates that the implementation of VR will increase alongside industryis adoption of these tools and the emergence of a new generation of students with VR skills. The study shows that current VR technologies, if integrated appropriately within built environment academic programmes, demonstrate clear promise to provide a foundation for more widespread collaborative working environments

Space activities in Glasgow; advanced microspacecraft from Scotland

The City of Glasgow is renowned for its engineering and technological innovation; famous Glaswegian inventors and academics include James Watt (Steam Engine) and John Logie Baird (television), amongst many others. Contemporary Glasgow continues to pioneer and invent in a multitude of areas of science and technology and has become a centre of excellence in many fields of engineering; including spacecraft engineering. This paper will discuss how Clyde Space Ltd and the space groups at both Glasgow and Strathclyde Universities are combining their knowledge and expertise to develop an advanced microspacecraft platform that will enable a step change in the utility value of miniature spacecraft. The paper will also explore how the relationship between the academic and industrial partners works in practice and the steps that have been taken to harness resulting innovation to create space industry jobs within a city that was, until recently, void of any commercial space activity