Thesis (M.S. in Space Systems Operations)--Naval Postgraduate School, September 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): Eric Christiansen, Rudy Panholzer, Dan Bursch. Includes bibliographical references (p. 75-76). Also available online.

Thesis (Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineer)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 2003. / Thesis advisor(s): I. Michael Ross, Steve Matousek. Includes bibliographical references (p. 149-150). Also available online.

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Satellite capabilities greatly enhance both the military and civilian sectors of society. Anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons pose a serious risk to all satellites. Chapter One of this thesis discusses current satellite capabilities. Chapter Two, details the wide variety of ASAT weapons. Chapter Three turns to the intentions of various States to employ ASATs. Chapter Four analyzes the legal implications of using force against satellites---beginning with the laws relating to the use of force in general, including the right of self-defense, and then progressing through relevant provisions of the laws of armed conflict. It also addresses the debate over the militarization and weaponization of outer space and past efforts at non-proliferation that relate to space activities. Chapter Five addresses the creation of space debris---a side effect of ASAT use. I will conclude with a short discussion regarding the potential for a new international agreement restricting the use of ASATs.

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"Shuttle" presents a text' with maps and color photographs, suitable for publication, to inform members of the news media uninformed with space shuttle flights. Because of the voluminous press materials for shuttle missions submitted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, this creative project attempted to compile information as to the most relevant topics of space shuttle flights obtained from official NASA publications, interviews, transcripts and from veteran space center reporters. Since the author has photographed and covered six Orbiter missions for newspapers and radio, personal observations in this creative project explain a "behind-the-scenes” of varying practical experience at the John F. Kennedy Space Center.NASA has four space shuttles--Columbia, Challenger, Discovery and Atlantis. From that combined "space pool" at least 400 manned missions are planned, some more ambitious than others. But each of the four Orbiters will require relevant information on the part of media representatives at Kennedy, especially those at the space center for the very first time. "Shuttle" is intended to help meet those news responsibilities.

Architectural designers often need to strike an uneasy balance between idealism and reality. Under most circumstances, architects are restricted by clients, budgets, and available technologies. However, divorced from traditional constraints, visionary concepts of new dwellings, new cities, and new “worlds” will spark greater forms of innovation and drive creativity for future generations. The exploration of new spatial boundaries and conceptual environments for design will irrevocably alter the human experience while adapting new challenging roles for future architects. Architecture can be understood in part as the art of organizing spaces through the manipulation of materials and forms. Designed spaces are arranged to provide unique sensory reactions for their occupants while emotionally and physically orientating them on Earth. As a catalyst towards the awareness of one’s surroundings, architecture has always had to contend with the many limiting factors imposed by the forces on Earth. These include, but are not limited to, gravity and climate. On Earth, structurally sound construction is limited by the forces of gravity as it influences design capabilities by standardizing forms, functions, and structural elements of architectural spaces. New design challenges and opportunities arrive when we look to create structures outside of Earth’s boundaries. This thesis proposes a futuristic model of an efficient and unique passenger transport system that connects Earth-based hybrid air/space ports with an outer space orbital infrastructural hub. This modern intervention will allow for new outer space industries, such as transit, tourism, and hospitality, which will provide unique opportunities for the future of humanity. Additionally, the thesis studies the positive architectural and experiential potentials for the future living occupancy of outer space. In recognizing the financial and logistical limitations of current space constructions, such as the International Space Station, the thesis looks beyond the limitations of current technologies and towards designs that are driven by the fulfillment of human experiences in space. Life in space, the thesis envisions, will spark new human experiences and rituals while necessitating new forms and designs in architecture. Weightlessness and its related spatial disorientations, in addition to the many other unique conditions in this unfamiliar territory, will inspire a new conceptual language for architecture and human cultures. The thesis will demonstrate that spaces designed for extraterrestrial experiences can be innovatively dynamic as they respond to new cultures and activities that evolve as a reaction to extreme conditions. Introducing humans to the environs of orbital space will be the initial stage in a long-term phasing tactic to colonize and commercialize beyond the expanse of Earth, eventually extending humanity to the remote neighbouring planets of the universe.