Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / NPSAT1 will be launched as a secondary payload on the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Atlas V. The Atlas V will provide a medium lift capability in the EELV class of launch vehicles. NPSAT1 will be mated to the Atlas V using the EELV Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA). The design and operations of NPSAT1 will require that the space vehicle pose no hazards to ground support equipment, personnel, the launch vehicle, or other payloads. Potential hazards include structural failure, inadvertent deployment of antennas or other mechanisms, inadvertent radio frequency emissions, and other hazards. The scope of this thesis is to assess the safety risks associated with NPSAT1 for all activities occurring at the launch site through orbit insertion. This includes ground testing at the integration site, as well as in-flight operations prior to and shortly after separation from the launch vehicle. All hazards associated with NPSAT1 are to be enumerated and assessed for criticality. Hazard mitigation is to be presented preferably through subsystem design, but may also be performed through operations. / Captain, United States Army

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / A Halo orbit about a libration point of a restricted three-body system provides additional opportunities for surveillance, communication, and exploratory missions in lieu of the classical spacecraft orbit. Historically libration point missions have focused on Halo orbits and trajectories about the Sun-Earth System. This thesis will focus on libration point orbit solutions in the Earth-Moon system using the restricted three body equations of motion with three low-thrust control functions. These classical dynamics are used to design and optimize orbital trajectories about stable and unstable libration points of the Earth-Moon system using DIDO, a dynamic optimization software. The solutions for the optimized performance are based on a quadratic cost function. Specific constraints and bounds were placed on the potential solution set in order to ensure correct target trajectories. This approach revealed locally optimal solutions for orbits about a stable and unstable libration point. / Lieutenant, United States Navy

400m), and overestimates their corresponding trapping layer depth by ~20%. For deeper boundary layer cases the duct strength was well represented, however, the trapping layer depth was over estimated by ~ 33%.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / Thermo mechanical modeling and simulation of a satellite and intercontinental ballistic missile assumes importance due to the increased interest in assessing the potential of such attacks. Effective and innovative methods are sought in assessing the structural integrity of such structural components. In this study, we present modeling and simulation aspects of two generic models loaded by high energy laser beam. We present an application of MSC software in modeling thermo-mechanical behavior, both steady state and transient behavior of satellite and missile structures. Thermal energies used for simulation correspond to high energy laser flux available at low earth orbits as reported in literature. A brief review of the concepts involved is outlined. The analysis is performed under several scenarios that include thermal failures due to steady state as well as transient thermal exposures. The thermal exposure times and locations are varied to assess typical failure modes of the structure. Analysis is done in order to define suitable material thicknesses that will make a satellite or a ballistic missile hardened enough to withstand these specific amounts of energy. Other parameters of interest pertaining to this study are the pulse width, and resulting transient phenomena affecting the behavior. Temperature gradients as well as resulting thermal stresses and thermal deformations are reported in this study. / Outstanding Thesis

Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited / problem, with engine thrust as the only possible perturbation. The optimal control problems are solved using the general purpose dynamic optimization software, DIDO. The dynamical model together with the fuel optimal control problem is validated by simulating several well known orbit transfers. By replicating the single satellite model, this thesis shows that a multi-satellite model which optimizes all vehicles concurrently can be easily built. The specific scenario under study involves the injection of multiple satellites from a common launch vehicle; however, the methods and model are applicable to spacecraft formation problems as well. / Major, United States Air Force

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar o processo das variações do campo gravitacional, obtidas através da missão espacial GRACE e seu relacionamento com a dinâmica das águas na região Amazônica. A partir disto, procurou-se desenvolver uma metodologia para as estimativas das cotas dágua em áreas inundáveis não monitoradas ou de difícil acesso. Para isso, os coeficientes de Stokes, disponibilizados pelo GRGS de Toulouse, foram convertidos, por um processo denominado inversão, no equivalente à altura dágua (EqW) para o período de aproximadamente 4 anos (julho de 2002 a maio de 2006) e os valores comparados às cotas do nível dágua in-situ obtidas pela Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA). A escolha da bacia Amazônica está relacionada ao fato da mesma apresentar, próximo ao centro, amplitudes de aproximadamente 1250 mm no nível do EqW, sendo as maiores do mundo. A regionalização dos modelos globais das variações deste campo pôde ser aplicada para uma boa estimativa nas cotas dágua in-situ. Assim, foram estimados os erros desta metodologia, que são da ordem de ~160 mm para o EqW, oriundos dos erros nos coeficientes de Stokes, truncamento do espectro e erros de vazamento de informações hidrológicas das bacias vizinhas. Esta metodologia trata, portanto, de estimar as cotas onde não existam estações de monitoramento, avaliando a ordem de grandeza dos erros. Por fim, são apresentadas cartas que relacionam hidrogeologicamente as defasagens apresentadas nos ciclos semi-anuais e as áreas onde a metodologia poderá ser melhor aplicada com estimativas mais precisas do EqW e com maior coerência entre os dados satelitais e terrestres. / A comparison between vertically-integrated equivalent water height (EWH) derived from GRACE gravity anomalies with in situ water level time series measured at ground-based hydrometric stations (HS) in the Amazon basin is figure out in the thesis. A methodology for EWH estimation at ungauged sites is presented. The Stokes coefficients disponibilized by GRGS - Toulouse at a 10-day interval were converted into EWH for a ~4-year period (July-2002 to May-2006) using the methodology so-called inversion, and then compared to HS level. In the basin, the amplitudes of EWH signal are the largest on the Earth and can reach on the order of 1250 mm at the center of the basin (e.g. Manaus station). The uncertainties represent ~160 mm of EWH, including Stokes coefficient uncertainties, leakage errors and spectrum truncation. A methodology for acquire water level historical series at ungauged places is proposed with the estimated incertitude. A hydrological map is compared with a correlation chart and figure out areas where this methodology works better, in addition, compared also with shift phased semi-annual cycles.

"The pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) is an onboard electromagnetic propulsion device currently being considered for use in various small satellite missions. The work presented in this thesis is directed toward improving PPT performance using a control engineering approach along with externally applied magnetic fields. An improved one dimensional electromechanical model for PPT operation is developed. This slug model represents the PPT as an LRC circuit with a dynamics equation for the ablated plasma. The improved model includes detailed derivation for the induced magnetic field and a model for the plasma resistance. A modified electromechanical model for the case of externally applied magnetic fields is also derived for the parallel plate geometry. A software package with a graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for the simulation of various PPT types, geometric configurations, and parameters The simulations show excellent agreement with data from the Lincoln Experimental Satellite (LES)-6, the LES-8/9 PPT and the Univ. of Tokyo PPT. The control objective employed in this thesis involves the maximization of the specific impulse and thrust efficiency of the PPT, which are each directly related with the exhaust velocity of the thruster. This objective is achieved through the use of an externally applied magnetic field as a system actuator. To simulate an open-loop constant-input controller the modified electromechanical PPT model is applied to the various PPT configurations. In this controller the external magnetic field was applied as constant throughout or portions of the PPT channel. For the Univ. of Tokyo PPT a magnetic field applied over the entire 6-cm long channel increases the specific impulse and thrust efficiency by 10% over the case that the filed is applied in the first 1.75 cm of the PPT channel. The magnitude of these increases compare well with the results of the UOT applied B-field experiments. For the LES-6 and LES-9 PPTs, the simulations predicts significant performance enhancements with approximately linear increases for the specific impulse, thrust efficiency and impulse bit. "

This thesis analyzes the general performance and design requirements of photovoltaic(PV) systems, and specifically how they relate to the design of a system intended to supply power to a rotating satellite. The PV array geometry was discussed, different DC-DC converter topologies were analyzed, and optimum array geometry and converter topologies were determined. The potential reference quantities for use in control of the system are examined. Due to its comparably greater linearity with respect to changes in apparent load and its relative insensitivity to insolation changes, voltage was determined to be the best reference quantity for use in stable tracking of the maximum power operating point of photovoltaic modules. The preceding work is used to design and model a photovoltaic system for a rotating satellite ensuring the supply of the maximum available power as well as stable operation. Simulations of the system are performed at rotational velocities up to 300 rev/min and its behavior is analyzed to demonstrate the validity of the preceding work. It was concluded that: ● parallel connected photovoltaic panels provide greater efficiency than series connected panels. ● Buck, Boost, and Cuk Converter architectures are best suited to PV applications ● PV Voltage is the best reference quantity for use in stable control of PV systems.

"As new, smaller satellites are built, the need for improved on-board propulsion systems has grown. The pulsed plasma thruster has received attention due to its low power requirements, its simple propellant management, and the success of initial flight tests. Successful integration of PPTs on spacecraft requires the comprehensive evaluation of possible plume-spacecraft interactions. The PPT plume consists of neutrals and ions from the decomposition of the Teflon propellant, material from electrode erosion, as well as electromagnetic fields and optical emissions. To investigate the PPT plume, an on-going program is underway at WPI that combines experimental and computational investigations. Experimental investigation of the PPT plume is challenging due to the unsteady, pulsed as well as the partially ionized character of the plume. In this thesis, a triple Langmuir probe apparatus was designed and used to obtain electron temperature and density measurements in the plume of a PPT. This experimental investigation provides further characterization of the plume, much needed validation data for computational models, and is useful in thruster optimization studies. The pulsed plasma thruster used in this study is a rectangular geometry laboratory model built at NASA Lewis Research Center for component lifetime tests and plume studies. It is almost identical in size and performance to the LES 8/9 thruster, ablating 26.6 ug of Teflon, producing an impulse bit of 256 uN-s and a specific impulse of 986 s at 20 J. All experiments were carried out at NASA LeRC Electric Propulsion Laboratory. The experimental setup included triple Langmuir probes mounted on a moveable probe stand, to collect data over a wide range of locations and operating conditions. Triple probes have the ability to instantaneously measure electron temperature and density, and have the benefit of being relatively simple to use, compared to other methods used to measure these same properties. The implementation of this measuring technique is discussed in detail, to aid future work that utilizes these devices. Electron temperature and density was measured from up to 45 degrees from the centerline on planes parallel and perpendicular to the thruster electrodes, for thruster energy levels of 5, 20 and 40 J. Radial distances extend from 6 to 20 cm downstream from the Teflon surface. These locations cover the core of the PPT plume, over a range of energy levels that corresponds to proposed mission operating conditions. Data analysis shows the spatial and temporal variation of the plume. Maximum electron density near the exit of the thruster is 1.6 x 1020, 1.6 x 1021, and 1.8 x 1021 m-3 for the 5, 20 and 40 J discharges, respectively. At 20 cm downstream from the Teflon surface, densities are 1 x 1019, 1.5 x 1020 and 4.2 x 1020 for the 5, 20 and 40 J discharges, respectively. The average electron temperature at maximum density was found to vary between 3.75 and 4.0 eV for the above density measurements at the thruster exit, and 20 cm from the Teflon surface the temperatures are 0.5, 2.5, and 3 eV for the 5, 20 and 40 J discharges. Plume properties show a great degree of angular variation in the perpendicular plane and very little in the parallel plane, most likely due to the rectangular geometry of the PPT electrodes. Simultaneous electron temperature and density traces for a single thruster discharge show that the hottest electrons populate the leading edge of the plume. Analysis between pulses shows a 50% variation in density and a 25% variation in electron temperature. Error analysis estimates that maximum uncertainty in the temperature measurements to be approximately +/- 0.75 eV due to noise smoothing, and the maximum uncertainty in electron density to be +/- 60%, due to assumptions related to the triple probe theory. In addition, analysis of previously observed slow and fast ion components in the PPT plume was performed. The analysis shows that there is approximately a 3 us difference in creation time between the fast and slow ions, and that this correlates almost exactly with the half period of the oscillations in the thruster discharge current."

Thesis. 1976. Ph.D.--Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics. / Microfiche copy available in Archives and Barker. / Vita. / Includes bibliographical references. / by Roderick A. Hyde. / Ph.D.