Measuring Spatio-temporal Variations in Upper Atmosphere via PADDLES and RAMS
Abstract
ABSTRACT (To the kind attention of Dr. Budzien – code 322) This proposal kindly requests transferring of Dr. Bevilacqua’s YI Award from RPI to UF INNOVATION - This proposal seeks to create an unprecedented capability to predict atmospheric drag in low Earth orbits, by means of novel estimation techniques. The proposed effort also intends to greatly extend the knowledge about upper atmospheric dynamics, creating a new capability for in-situ measurements. This will be achieved using the RAMS sensor, inkind from NRL, and a novel nano-satellite system, the PADDLES (Propellant-less Atmospheric Differential Drag Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Spacecraft). This study will aim at building a CubeSat-sized RAMS, designing the spacecraft hosting it, and onboard integration of the drag prediction logic. The proposed project will foster the PI’s long term career plans on enabling nano-satellite multi-point measurements for Space Weather forecasting. IMPACT ON DOD CAPABILITIES – The proposed project will enable the U.S. to maintain space dominance by providing: 1) onboard spacecraft drag prediction along N future orbits, thus enabling accurate maneuver planning of Navy space assets; 2) on the long term, the modeling of ionosphere effects on space communications, that will provide the U.S. with the power to control space-based data exchange; 3) untraceable spacecraft defense/offense operations, due to the absence of thrusters plumes, using drag as a means to maneuver spacecraft in LEO (<600 km). In addition, the RAMS holds the future potential for enabling spacecraft sensing by detecting human-built space vehicles’ outgassing. TECHNICAL BASIS - Spacecraft relative motion is affected by atmospheric drag through predominantly along-track differential acceleration (along the satellites’ orbital direction of motion), that can be modified by varying the individual satellites’ cross-wind surface area. At the end of the period of performance, the first of two identical spacecraft will be completed. In the future, the two satellites, controlled relative to each other using drag, will be able to collect measurements at two different, known, and controlled locations on the orbit (<500-600 km, low eccentricity, any inclination) to provide the first measurements of high atmospheric winds as well as ions and neutral densities. Time series will be used for drag prediction in nominal conditions, while a novel technique to detect sudden changes in density will be devised, based on the idea that a drag modification can be treated as maneuver acting on the spacecraft. EXPECTED RESULTS - 1) A forecasting technique to predict spacecraft drag along N future orbits, in nominal condition; 2) a maneuver detection technique, to determine any atmospheric sudden changes; 3) a RAMS designed to fit in a 1/2U CubeSat, and its complete on-the-ground testing; 4) a 3U CubeSat hosting RAMS and a deployable system to control its drag force; 4) the final product (hardware & software) will serve as proof of feasibility to extend the concept for a future second spacecraft and to plan a two-satellite experimental flight. EXPERIENCE – The PI is the recipient of the 2012 AFOSR’s YI Award1and 2013 ONR’s YI Award2 (subject of this transfer proposal). COST – The period of performance is 1 year + 7.5 months, with a total cost of US$ 266,747. The PI has initiated collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, and will request additional funding of $25,000 through NRL, plus the potential 1-to-1 match, to initiate the developments on the second spacecraft and sensor, even before the end of the period of performanc.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512087
Entities
People
- Riccardo Bevilacqua
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Florida