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A lost-in-space star identification algorithm based on regularized pattern recognition
Ozyurt, Erdem Onur; Aslan, Alim Rustem
Accuracy in spacecraft attitude determination has been improved continuously in parallel to scientific payloads requiring higher accuracy. Star trackers aim to maintain attitude determination by matching observations to the reference stars. They provide very high accuracy at any point in space at cost of higher computational complexity. This study…
Proprioceptive swarms for celestial body exploration
Cottiga, Simone; Caruso, Matteo; Gallina, Paolo +1 more
The exploration of small celestial bodies has been a very active field ever since the dawn of space exploration. However, traditional approaches based on monolithic landers allow only the area in the immediate vicinity to the landing spot to be examined. Using mobile systems like rovers allow for better coverage, but at considerable cost and compl…
High-speed scientific spacecraft launches with commercial launch vehicles
McNutt, Ralph L.; Brandt, Pontus C.; Vernon, Steven R. +2 more
Reaching the outer solar system and interstellar space beyond has always been challenging due to the long distances and long travel times. Initial work on planetary gravity assists in the early 1960s by Minovitch and Flandro laid the basis for expanding reachable space with then-existing launch vehicles. Such gravity assists have been key enablers…
A treatment of the all-clear problem for solar energetic particle events and subsequent decision making
Georgoulis, Manolis K.
We discuss the relatively overlooked problem of All Clear in Solar Energetic Particle (SEP) event prediction. These proton and heavier ion events are injected in major solar eruptions, propagate directionally into the heliosphere at relativistic speeds and threaten equipment and personnel at low-Earth orbit and beyond. SEPs are rare to extreme eve…
Prospecting in-situ resources for future crewed missions to Mars
Postberg, Frank; Poulet, François; Bishop, Janice L. +3 more
The installation of planetary and lunar human outposts might be an important step for future solar system exploration by both public space agencies and private companies. Humans living and working in these artificially created habitats will possibly depend, among other life support approaches, on bio-regenerative life support systems to produce an…