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Research paper thumbnail of The PockeQube T-LogoQube: a Prototype Approach for Future Spaced Based Astronomy Experiments

American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #224, Jun 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Telecommunications systems testing and ground-compatibility verification for EM-1 Cubesat missions

Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Lunar IceCube: Ushering in a new era of planetary remote sensing using small satellite platforms

Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS, Aug 22, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of О р д е н а Л е н и н а ИНСТИТУТ ПРИКЛАДНОЙ МАТЕМАТИКИ имени М.В.Келдыша Р о с с и й с к о й а к а д е м и и н а у к

Research paper thumbnail of Centimeter-wave Research with the Morehead State University 21 M Radio Telescope: Involving Undergraduate Students in Radio Astronomy Research

American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts, Dec 1, 2007

ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm... more ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm-wave radio telescope, the 21 M Space Tracking Antenna and Radio Telescope. Located in the radio-frequency quiet, mountainous region of eastern Kentucky, the telescope serves as an Earth Station for satellite mission support and provides telemetry, tracking, and control services with an emphasis on university cubesat missions. In addition, the telescope is engaged in research programs in radio astronomy and features receivers operating in the Ku-band (11.2 to 12.7 GHz, including a well-known methanol line) and the L-band (1.4 to 1.7 GHz, including lines of atomic hydrogen and molecular hydroxyl). At these bands, the telescope is capable of supporting a wide variety of niche astronomical research programs, including longitudinal studies (e.g., active galactic nuclei (AGN) monitoring), observations of transient phenomena (e.g., gamma-ray bursts and supernovae), and surveys (e.g., kinematic studies of Galactic HI). A description of the space tracking antenna system and radio telescope, its capabilities and research projects planned for or currently underway with the telescope (namely monitoring AGNs and surveying the Galactic supernova remnant population) will be presented and discussed. Funding for the 21m telescope has been provided by NASA, the SBA, the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation and Kentucky NSF EPSCoR.

Research paper thumbnail of The Morehead State University 21 M Space Tracking Antenna: An Instrument for Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research

American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #208, Jun 1, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Architecture and CONOPS of Next-Generation Ground Network for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary SmallSats

Research paper thumbnail of A new era of planetary exploration with small satellite platforms

Journal of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Next-Generation Ground Network Architecture for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary Smallsats

Interplanetary Network Progress Report, Aug 1, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Interplanetary CubeSat missions

Elsevier eBooks, 2021

Abstract The launch and successful operation of the Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats in May of 2018... more Abstract The launch and successful operation of the Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats in May of 2018 ushered in a new era of solar system exploration. The 13 interplanetary CubeSats slated to fly on Artemis 1 in 2020 along with MarCO represent the beginning of a new paradigm of planetary exploration—one that utilizes the CubeSat form factor as both primary and supporting exploration platforms. Enabling technologies required by interplanetary CubeSats including relatively high Δv propulsion systems, capable high-frequency transponders, radiation-tolerant components, and extremely capable miniaturized science instruments are now becoming commercially available making these missions possible. Interplanetary CubeSats require different and more sophisticated spacecraft systems architectures and must utilize different and more sophisticated ground station systems than LEO missions. These differences are discussed in this chapter in detail, using specific examples from current and planned missions.

Research paper thumbnail of Enabling a Larger Deep Space Mission Suite: A Deep Space Network Queuing Antenna for Demand Access

2022 IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO), Mar 5, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The Lunar IceCube EM-1 Mission: Prospecting for Lunar Water Ice

42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Jul 1, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of The Morehead State University 21 M Radio Telescope: An Instrument for Niche Research

AAS, May 1, 2007

ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm... more ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm-wave radio telescope, the 21 M Space Tracking Antenna and Radio Telescope. The telescope- located in the mountainous region of eastern Kentuck- is engaged in rigorous research programs in radio astronomy and will also serve as a ground station with the capability of tracking low earth orbiting satellites. Currently, the telescope features receivers sensitive to radiation in the Ku-band (11.2 to 12.7 GHz, including a well-known methanol line), S band (centered at 2.4GHz) and L- band (1.4 to 1.7 GHz, including lines of atomic hydrogen and hydroxyl). The instrument's performance characteristics support a wide variety of research. Sensitivity is in the 100 milliJansky range in L-band and in the 200 milliJansky range at Ku band. The spatial resolution achieved is 34.8 arcminutes at L-band and 1.8 arcminutes at Ku-band. Niche observational strategies for this telescope include: 1.) longitudinal studies (i.e. AGN monitoring), 2.) observations of transient phenomena (i.e. GRBs and supernovae), and 3.) surveys (i.e. kinematic studies of Galactic HI). A description of the antenna, its capabilities and research projects planned for or currently being conducted by the antenna (focusing on monitoring active galactic nuclei and surveying the Galactic supernova remnant population) will be presented and discussed. Funding for the 21m telescope has been provided by NASA, the SBA, the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation and Kentucky NSF EPSCoR.

Research paper thumbnail of LunarCube: Creating a New Paradigm for Lower Cost, Higher Access, and Greater Capability Systems and Instrumentation for Planetary Exploration

International Workshop on Instrumentation for Planetary Missions, Oct 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges and Solutions for Lunar Ice Cube BIRCHES and Other First Generation Cubesat Lunar Orbital Science Payloads

Research paper thumbnail of Lunar IceCube: Pioneering technologies for interplanetary small satellite exploration

Journal of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, May 22, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Flight Development of Iodine BIT-3 RF Ion Propulsion System for SLS EM-1 CubeSats

Research paper thumbnail of Update on Dependable Multiprocessor (DM) CubeSat technology development: ISS (International Space Station) flight experiments

Following the successful SMDC (Space and Missile Defense Command) TechSat F-cubed (Form, Fit, Fun... more Following the successful SMDC (Space and Missile Defense Command) TechSat F-cubed (Form, Fit, Function) demonstration in 2012, DM CubeSat technology development continued its path to space. In March 2013, Yosemite Space, formerly known as Advanced Materials Applications, LLC, and Honeywell Aerospace were awarded a CASIS (the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space) grant to perform both ground-based and space-based radiation testing of Gumstix™ COM (Compute-On-Module) modules. Ground-based proton testing of a variety of Gumstix modules has been completed. The space-based radiation testing and performance validation will be conducted as an ISS (International Space Station) National Laboratory flight experiment. Originally scheduled for launch in late 2014, the launch of the Gumstix flight experiment has been delayed to early 2015. In September 2014, Honeywell and Morehead State University (MSU) were awarded a CASIS grant to fly a DM (Dependable Multiprocessor) CubeSat payload processor as a 2015 ISS National Laboratory flight experiment. This ISS flight experiment will culminate with the TRL7 validation of DM CubeSat technology. Following a brief overview of DM and DM CubeSat technology, the paper discusses the two ISS flight experiments and other DM CubeSat-related developments.

Research paper thumbnail of CubeSat Communication Direction and Capabilities at Morehead State University and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility

Research paper thumbnail of Terminator Double Layer Explorer (TerDLE): Examining the Near-Moon Lunar Wake

The planetary science journal, Mar 18, 2021

As the solar wind flows by the Moon, an antisunward-directed low-density wake forms as the plasma... more As the solar wind flows by the Moon, an antisunward-directed low-density wake forms as the plasma expands to fill in the trailing void in the plasma flow. Analytical modeling and modern plasma simulations suggest that plasma quasi-neutrality could possibly be broken close to the terminator obstruction as solar wind electrons expand into the wake ahead of the ions, leading to the formation of a standing (time-stationary) double layer. The objective of the Terminator Double Layer Explorer is to extend the fundamental understanding of the plasma expansion into the trailing near-vacuum wake region by (1) identifying any plasma expansion density anomalies at low altitudes near the terminator wake initiation region, (2) assessing the highly variable solar wind’s effect on the low-altitude wake region, and (3) determining if plasma neutrality is maintained or lost during passages through the low-altitude expansion region. The mission concept uses a propulsion-driven CubeSat with ion spectrometer and plasma wave system in elliptical orbit about the Moon with periselene near the terminator. Over the course of the mission, the periselene decreases, placing the CubeSat ever closer to the terminator wake initiation location and the possible nonneutral region.

Research paper thumbnail of The PockeQube T-LogoQube: a Prototype Approach for Future Spaced Based Astronomy Experiments

American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #224, Jun 1, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Telecommunications systems testing and ground-compatibility verification for EM-1 Cubesat missions

Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC, 2019

Research paper thumbnail of Lunar IceCube: Ushering in a new era of planetary remote sensing using small satellite platforms

Journal of Remote Sensing & GIS, Aug 22, 2016

Research paper thumbnail of О р д е н а Л е н и н а ИНСТИТУТ ПРИКЛАДНОЙ МАТЕМАТИКИ имени М.В.Келдыша Р о с с и й с к о й а к а д е м и и н а у к

Research paper thumbnail of Centimeter-wave Research with the Morehead State University 21 M Radio Telescope: Involving Undergraduate Students in Radio Astronomy Research

American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts, Dec 1, 2007

ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm... more ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm-wave radio telescope, the 21 M Space Tracking Antenna and Radio Telescope. Located in the radio-frequency quiet, mountainous region of eastern Kentucky, the telescope serves as an Earth Station for satellite mission support and provides telemetry, tracking, and control services with an emphasis on university cubesat missions. In addition, the telescope is engaged in research programs in radio astronomy and features receivers operating in the Ku-band (11.2 to 12.7 GHz, including a well-known methanol line) and the L-band (1.4 to 1.7 GHz, including lines of atomic hydrogen and molecular hydroxyl). At these bands, the telescope is capable of supporting a wide variety of niche astronomical research programs, including longitudinal studies (e.g., active galactic nuclei (AGN) monitoring), observations of transient phenomena (e.g., gamma-ray bursts and supernovae), and surveys (e.g., kinematic studies of Galactic HI). A description of the space tracking antenna system and radio telescope, its capabilities and research projects planned for or currently underway with the telescope (namely monitoring AGNs and surveying the Galactic supernova remnant population) will be presented and discussed. Funding for the 21m telescope has been provided by NASA, the SBA, the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation and Kentucky NSF EPSCoR.

Research paper thumbnail of The Morehead State University 21 M Space Tracking Antenna: An Instrument for Interdisciplinary Undergraduate Research

American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #208, Jun 1, 2006

Research paper thumbnail of Architecture and CONOPS of Next-Generation Ground Network for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary SmallSats

Research paper thumbnail of A new era of planetary exploration with small satellite platforms

Journal of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Next-Generation Ground Network Architecture for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary Smallsats

Interplanetary Network Progress Report, Aug 1, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Interplanetary CubeSat missions

Elsevier eBooks, 2021

Abstract The launch and successful operation of the Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats in May of 2018... more Abstract The launch and successful operation of the Mars Cube One (MarCO) CubeSats in May of 2018 ushered in a new era of solar system exploration. The 13 interplanetary CubeSats slated to fly on Artemis 1 in 2020 along with MarCO represent the beginning of a new paradigm of planetary exploration—one that utilizes the CubeSat form factor as both primary and supporting exploration platforms. Enabling technologies required by interplanetary CubeSats including relatively high Δv propulsion systems, capable high-frequency transponders, radiation-tolerant components, and extremely capable miniaturized science instruments are now becoming commercially available making these missions possible. Interplanetary CubeSats require different and more sophisticated spacecraft systems architectures and must utilize different and more sophisticated ground station systems than LEO missions. These differences are discussed in this chapter in detail, using specific examples from current and planned missions.

Research paper thumbnail of Enabling a Larger Deep Space Mission Suite: A Deep Space Network Queuing Antenna for Demand Access

2022 IEEE Aerospace Conference (AERO), Mar 5, 2022

Research paper thumbnail of The Lunar IceCube EM-1 Mission: Prospecting for Lunar Water Ice

42nd COSPAR Scientific Assembly, Jul 1, 2018

Research paper thumbnail of The Morehead State University 21 M Radio Telescope: An Instrument for Niche Research

AAS, May 1, 2007

ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm... more ABSTRACT The Space Science Center at Morehead State University has developed a medium aperture cm-wave radio telescope, the 21 M Space Tracking Antenna and Radio Telescope. The telescope- located in the mountainous region of eastern Kentuck- is engaged in rigorous research programs in radio astronomy and will also serve as a ground station with the capability of tracking low earth orbiting satellites. Currently, the telescope features receivers sensitive to radiation in the Ku-band (11.2 to 12.7 GHz, including a well-known methanol line), S band (centered at 2.4GHz) and L- band (1.4 to 1.7 GHz, including lines of atomic hydrogen and hydroxyl). The instrument's performance characteristics support a wide variety of research. Sensitivity is in the 100 milliJansky range in L-band and in the 200 milliJansky range at Ku band. The spatial resolution achieved is 34.8 arcminutes at L-band and 1.8 arcminutes at Ku-band. Niche observational strategies for this telescope include: 1.) longitudinal studies (i.e. AGN monitoring), 2.) observations of transient phenomena (i.e. GRBs and supernovae), and 3.) surveys (i.e. kinematic studies of Galactic HI). A description of the antenna, its capabilities and research projects planned for or currently being conducted by the antenna (focusing on monitoring active galactic nuclei and surveying the Galactic supernova remnant population) will be presented and discussed. Funding for the 21m telescope has been provided by NASA, the SBA, the Kentucky Science and Engineering Foundation and Kentucky NSF EPSCoR.

Research paper thumbnail of LunarCube: Creating a New Paradigm for Lower Cost, Higher Access, and Greater Capability Systems and Instrumentation for Planetary Exploration

International Workshop on Instrumentation for Planetary Missions, Oct 1, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of Challenges and Solutions for Lunar Ice Cube BIRCHES and Other First Generation Cubesat Lunar Orbital Science Payloads

Research paper thumbnail of Lunar IceCube: Pioneering technologies for interplanetary small satellite exploration

Journal of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering, May 22, 2017

Research paper thumbnail of Flight Development of Iodine BIT-3 RF Ion Propulsion System for SLS EM-1 CubeSats

Research paper thumbnail of Update on Dependable Multiprocessor (DM) CubeSat technology development: ISS (International Space Station) flight experiments

Following the successful SMDC (Space and Missile Defense Command) TechSat F-cubed (Form, Fit, Fun... more Following the successful SMDC (Space and Missile Defense Command) TechSat F-cubed (Form, Fit, Function) demonstration in 2012, DM CubeSat technology development continued its path to space. In March 2013, Yosemite Space, formerly known as Advanced Materials Applications, LLC, and Honeywell Aerospace were awarded a CASIS (the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space) grant to perform both ground-based and space-based radiation testing of Gumstix™ COM (Compute-On-Module) modules. Ground-based proton testing of a variety of Gumstix modules has been completed. The space-based radiation testing and performance validation will be conducted as an ISS (International Space Station) National Laboratory flight experiment. Originally scheduled for launch in late 2014, the launch of the Gumstix flight experiment has been delayed to early 2015. In September 2014, Honeywell and Morehead State University (MSU) were awarded a CASIS grant to fly a DM (Dependable Multiprocessor) CubeSat payload processor as a 2015 ISS National Laboratory flight experiment. This ISS flight experiment will culminate with the TRL7 validation of DM CubeSat technology. Following a brief overview of DM and DM CubeSat technology, the paper discusses the two ISS flight experiments and other DM CubeSat-related developments.

Research paper thumbnail of CubeSat Communication Direction and Capabilities at Morehead State University and NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Wallops Flight Facility

Research paper thumbnail of Terminator Double Layer Explorer (TerDLE): Examining the Near-Moon Lunar Wake

The planetary science journal, Mar 18, 2021

As the solar wind flows by the Moon, an antisunward-directed low-density wake forms as the plasma... more As the solar wind flows by the Moon, an antisunward-directed low-density wake forms as the plasma expands to fill in the trailing void in the plasma flow. Analytical modeling and modern plasma simulations suggest that plasma quasi-neutrality could possibly be broken close to the terminator obstruction as solar wind electrons expand into the wake ahead of the ions, leading to the formation of a standing (time-stationary) double layer. The objective of the Terminator Double Layer Explorer is to extend the fundamental understanding of the plasma expansion into the trailing near-vacuum wake region by (1) identifying any plasma expansion density anomalies at low altitudes near the terminator wake initiation region, (2) assessing the highly variable solar wind’s effect on the low-altitude wake region, and (3) determining if plasma neutrality is maintained or lost during passages through the low-altitude expansion region. The mission concept uses a propulsion-driven CubeSat with ion spectrometer and plasma wave system in elliptical orbit about the Moon with periselene near the terminator. Over the course of the mission, the periselene decreases, placing the CubeSat ever closer to the terminator wake initiation location and the possible nonneutral region.