An Open-Source, extensible spacecraft simulation and modeling (Open-SESSAME) framework was developed with the aim of providing to researchers the ability to quickly test satellite algorithms while allowing them the ability to view and extend the underlying code. The software is distributed under the GPL (General Public License) and the package's extensibility allows users to implement their own components into the libraries, investigate new algorithms, or tie in existing software or hardware components for algorithm and flight component testing. This thesis presents the purpose behind the development of the framework, the software design architecture and implementation, and a roadmap of the future for the software package. / Master of Science

International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 28-31, 1996 / Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / This paper reviews the performance requirements that provided the baseline for development of the onboard data system, RF transmission system, and ground segment receiving system of the Midcourse Space Experiment (MSX) spacecraft. The onboard Command and Data Handling (C&DH) System was designed to support the high data outputs of the three imaging sensor systems onboard the spacecraft and the requirement for large volumes of data storage. Because of the high data rates, it was necessary to construct a dedicated X-band ground receiver system at The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) and implement a tape recorder system for recording and downlinking sensor and spacecraft data. The system uses two onboard tape recorders to provide redundancy and backup capabilities. The storage capability of each tape recorder is 54 gigabits. The MSX C&DH System can record data at 25 Mbps or 5 Mbps. To meet the redundancy requirements of the high-priority experiments, the data can also be recorded in parallel on both tape recorders. To provide longer onboard recording, the data can also be recorded serially on the two recorders. The reproduce (playback) mode is at 25 Mbps. A unique requirement of the C&DH System is to multiplex and commutate the different output rates of the sensors and housekeeping signals into a common data stream for recording. The system also supports 1-Mbps real-time sensor data and 16-kbps real-time housekeeping data transmission to the dedicated ground site and through the U.S. Air Force Satellite Control Network ground stations. The primary ground receiving site for the telemetry is the MSX Tracking System (MTS) at APL. A dedicated 10-m X-band antenna is used to track the satellite during overhead passes and acquire the 25-Mbps telemetry downlinks, along with the 1-Mbps and 16-kbps real-time transmissions. This paper discusses some of the key technology trade-offs that were made in the design of the system to meet requirements for reliability, performance, and development schedule. It also presents some of the lessons learned during development and the impact these lessons will have on development of future systems.

The goal of this thesis is to use the Cal Poly Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator to provide proof of concept of two adaptive control theories developed by former Cal Poly students: Nonlinear Direct Model Reference Adaptive Control and Adaptive Output Feedback Control. The Spacecraft Attitude Dynamics Simulator is a student-built air bearing spacecraft simulator controlled by four reaction wheels in a pyramidal arrangement. Tests were performed to determine the effectiveness of the two adaptive control theories under nominal operating conditions, a “plug-and-play” spacecraft scenario, and under simulated actuator damage. Proof of concept of the adaptive control theories applied to attitude control of a spacecraft is provided. The adaptive control theories are shown to attain similar or improved performance over a Full State Feedback controller. However, the measurement capabilities of the simulator need to be improved before strong comparisons between the adaptive controllers and Full State Feedback can be achieved.

<div>In order to answer the most pressing scientific questions about the two Martian moons, Phobos and Deimos, new remote sensing observations are required. The best way to obtain global high resolution observations of Phobos and Deimos is through dedicated missions to each body that utilize close-proximity orbits, however much of the orbital tradespace is too unstable to realistically or safely operate a mission.</div><div><br></div><div>This thesis explores the dynamics and stability characteristics of trajectories near Deimos. The family of distant retrograde orbits that are inclined out of the Deimos equatorial plane, known as quasi-satellite orbits, are explored extensively. To inform future mission design and CONOPS, the sensitivities and stability of distant retrograde and quasi-satellite orbits are examined in the vicinity of Deimos, and strategies for transferring between DROs are demonstrated. Finally, a method for designing quasi-satellite science orbits is demonstrated for a set of notional instruments and science requirements for a Deimos remote sensing mission.<br></div>

Stirling engines are promising candidates for applications where air breathing engines cannot be used. Self contained engines capable of operating independently of the environment are required to convert thermal energy into electric power, or to perform other necessary functions. These are ideally suited for power generation onboard spacecrafts with radioisotope heat source. These engines can power interplanetary missions to Mars and beyond. The problem of parametric analysis, sensitivity and numerical optimization of Stirling cycle engine is discussed and applied to a specific example of a 2kWe free piston Stirling engine. Stirling cycle simulation programs are generated with emphasis and adaptations peculiar to free piston design for space use. Design algorithms are generated in MatLab and optimization toolbox is used for the parametric analysis adopted in this thesis. A free piston beta Stirling engine with a linear alternator configuration has been studied for the interdependency and performance effects of various important operational parameters. The analysis has been carried out in order to optimize the primary parameters, weight vis a vis envelope (length and diameter) and stroke of the engine, to make it suitable for space use. The major cycle parameters considered are operating pressure, linear speed, dead space ratio and swept volume ratio, classified as secondary parameters. The whole analysis has been carried out at a cycle temperature ratio of 0.4 for a heat source temperature of 873 K, typical of a radioisotope heat source. The optimization is carried out for the defined design requirements viz. envelope of 50 × 50 cm , stroke of less than 10 cm, and heat source temperature of 873 K. The process of parametric optimization of the primary parameters viz engine envelope and stroke are carried out with respect to the secondary parameters. Iterations are carried out on the design programs in MatLab. The results indicate that the three primary parameters have a different set each, of the secondary parameter values when optimized to the design requirement. The fmincon solver of MatLab in the optimization tool box is selected in order to validate the optimization results. The solver is used to find a minimum of a constrained nonlinear multivariable function defining the primary parameters. The results obtained concur with the optimization results generated by the design algorithm. Further, the interdependency amongst the primary and secondary parameters is studied by generating MatLab plots for all possible combinations among the various parameters. The effect of variations in the pressure and linear speed on the system envelope and stroke are more pronounced at lower range values of the pressure and speed and the variations of the primary parameter values are constant at higher ranges. The effect of dead space ratio and swept volume ratio (>1.0) is not pronounced. The requirements in the environment of space place a number of constraints upon a Stirling engine/alternator design that are not present in terrestrial applications. High specific power is achieved by designing the engine for higher pressure and frequency operation than a terrestrial Stirling engine, and by using light weight materials where appropriate. Cylinder is the heart of the engine and it forms a major proportion of the total system mass. Mass and heat loss estimates and analysis have been carried out on the cylinder for various materials of construction. Based on the analysis feasibility exists for a Cu-Ni combination. The system would have a mass of 7kg with a specific power estimate of 0.28kW/kg and a conduction heat loss to mass ratio of 159W/kg. The system obtained by numerical analysis is modeled in system simulation software SIMULATIONX. The simulation of the system is studied and a sensitivity analysis performed in order to assess the parametric interdependency of the whole free piston Stirling engine system. The system sensitivity to piston and displacer mass is studied using the simulation model. Sensitivity results indicate that there is a range of mass values within which the system is operational, mass values outside the range makes the system non-functional. Also the range is a function of various parameters and detailed analysis is required in this direction in order to further optimize all the functional parameters. Engineering approximation is carried out using the curve fitting toolbox in MatLab to generate design equations in order to provide preliminary design data for the designer, further a scaling study is carried out at various power levels in order to assess the sensitivity of system geometry at various power levels.

The Cal Poly Spacecraft Simulator is currently being developed for future testing and verifying theoretical control applications. This paper details the effort to balance the platform and remove undesired external torque from the system using System Identification technique developed by Patrick Healy. Since the relationship between the input and output of the system is linear, the least square method is proposed to identify the mass properties and location of center of mass of the system. The tests use four sine wave generators that are out of phase with different amplitudes as the inputs to excite various structural modes of the system. The outputs, angular rates of the platform, are measured by the newly implemented LN-200 Inertial Measurement Unit that helps reducing the measurement noise. Two test cases of 90o yaw rotations with the identified inertia were performed and validated against the computer simulation model; and the result shows that the test cases trajectories followed closely with the computer simulation model.

As an orbiter cruising to Jupiter will encounter different plasma environments, variety of spacecraft surface charging is expected. This surface potential can lead to inaccurate and wrong in-situ plasma measurements of on-board sensors, which explain the interest in simulating the charging.In this thesis the spacecraft-plasma interactions for a future mission to Jupiter are modelled with the help of the Spacecraft Plasma Interaction System, taking the case of a Jupiter Ganymede Orbiter (JGO) and a Jupiter Europa Orbiter (JEO) as an archetype for a future mission.It is shown that in solar wind at Earth and Jupiter, spacecraft potentials of about 8 V for the JEO, and 10 V to 11 V for the JGO are expected. Furthermore, at a distance of 15 Jupiter radii from Jupiter, the JGO is expected to charge to an electric potential of 2 V, except in the planetary shadow, where it will charge to a high negative potential of -40 V. Moreover, close to the orbit of Callisto, JGO will charge to 12 V in the sun and to 4.6 V in eclipse, due to a high secondary electron emission yield. / <p>Validerat; 20120115 (anonymous)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The future of the global economy lies in space. As the economic and scientific benefits from space become more accessible and apparent to the public, the demand for more spacecrafts will only increase. However, simply using the current space architecture to sustain any major activities past low Earth orbit is infeasible. The limiting factor of relying on ground operators via the Deep Space Network will blunt future growth in cislunar space traffic as the bandwidth is insufficient to satisfy the needs of every spacecraft in this domain. For this reason, spacecrafts must begin to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously for operators to be able to manage more missions at a given time. This thesis focuses on the guidance and navigation policies that could help vehicles such as logistical or resupply spacecrafts perform their rendezvous autonomously. It is found that using GNSS signals and Moon-based optical navigation has the potential to help spacecrafts perform autonomous orbit determination in near-Moon trajectories. The estimations are high enough quality such that a stochastic controller can use this navigation solution to confidently guide the spacecraft to a target within a tolerance before proximity operations commence. As the reliance on the ground is shifted away, spacecrafts would be able to operate in greater numbers outside of Earth's lower orbits, greatly assisting humanity's presence in space. </p>

No description available.

ITC/USA 2010 Conference Proceedings / The Forty-Sixth Annual International Telemetering Conference and Technical Exhibition / October 25-28, 2010 / Town and Country Resort & Convention Center, San Diego, California / Providing normal telemetry behavior predictions prior to and post launch will help to stop surprise catastrophic satellite and spacecraft equipment failures. In-orbit spacecraft fail from surprise equipment failures that can result from not having normal telemetry behavior available for comparison with actual behavior catching satellite engineers by surprise. Some surprise equipment failures lead to the total loss of the satellite or spacecraft. Some recovery actions from a surprise equipment failure increase spacecraft risk and involve decisions requiring a level of experience far beyond the responsible engineers.