APUS ePress: Space Studies

Hunter Altman
Program: Space Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: February 2018
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Walter Conrad
Abstract:This study looks at how the commercial space industry could be better utilized to cultivate a more agile, affordable and resilient United States National Security Space capability. Proven antisatellite technologies and continued missile demonstration have brought light to an immeasurable reliance on discernable and defenseless space and ground systems. The latest generation of space architectures were not designed to survive in a contested space domain, resulting in a vulnerable national security infrastructure that extends to a dependent domestic economy. The very architectures that have secured a U.S. global preeminence as the premier space power have become the Achilles heel for the Department of Defense. A mixed research method is used to present U.S. critical mission areas and chronic problems with the current philosophy of acquiring defensive space capability. Discussion in the literature review provides both quantifiable and qualitative context representative of the severity of the stated principle problem and criticality of adjusting to adversarial threats in an increasingly perilous space and terrestrial environment. Various results are presented to unveil solutions to agility, resilience and affordability, and two real-world space applications are introduced to demonstrate tactical execution and rapid tangible capability. Finally, expert recommendations are provided to dilute regulatory barriers thereby enabling a booming commercial space enterprise. Greater flexibility in defense acquisition is required to implement creative solutions for meeting NSS requirements. Information security and performance requirements must be preserved in adopting new methods for realizing responsive architectures. Ultimately, sustainability is a product of redundant space capability and flexibility in government acquisition structures is vital to cultivate an ecosystem for routine agility, affordability and resilient capability.

Yevgeniy Chystyakov
Program: Space Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: November 2017
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Walter Conrad
Abstract:Space travel and exploration of space seem to be integral to the progression and prosperity of humanity. Space capabilities provide us with incalculable benefits, including communication, weather monitoring, Earth resources exploration, national defense, navigation, and many others. Since the Space Age began 70 years ago, the number of space-capable entities increased in both the private and the government sectors. Commercial space companies and nation-states are launching more satellites and spacecraft every year. As a result, the space environment is becoming more congested; however, the congestion from operational spacecraft is only a fraction compared to that of space debris pollution. The issue of space debris has become a more frontline topic in the last 20 years, especially after the 2007 Chinese anti-satellite test and the 2009 collision of Iridium 33 and Cosmos 2251. The debris created from these two incidents have skyrocketed the total number of debris in orbit. Latest modeling has shown that up to 150 million pieces of debris, ranging from a few millimeters in diameter to full size spacecraft, are orbiting the Earth. This creates a significant threat to space launch, space lift, space habitation, and space operations. Space debris removal technologies must be developed and practical systems must be deployed to mitigate this growing threat. Mitigating the threat of space debris can be done in two ways: 1) through prelaunch and passive debris creation mitigation strategies, and 2) active debris removal. This thesis will discuss and analyze some of the promising conceptual systems and technologies that could enable the removal of space debris, primarily from low Earth orbit. The data is analyzed using mixed methods review and aims to identify the potential for practical space debris removal in the near future. Although no current space debris removal technologies or systems exist, the issue has been highlighted and international and national bodies of government have recognized this as a critical issue that could hamper access to space for all humanity.

Rick D. Green
Program: Space Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: May 2017
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Keith Woodman
Abstract:This study is comprised of two primary goals. The first goal, to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing existing satellite ground stations, capable of performing tracking, telemetry, and commanding of geosynchronous satellites, to support essential satellite operations for a theorized non-Keplerian polesitter orbit. To accomplish this effort, the initial analysis encompasses determining the fundamental aspects of a polesitter orbit, then interpreting the similarities and differences between its physical parameters and those of a standard geosynchronous orbit. The second objective is to incorporate the previous findings and perform a comparative analysis of the radiofrequency characteristics necessary for transmitting commands to and receiving telemetry from comparable satellites in either orbit. Uplink carrier quality is evaluated through signal carrier-to-noise comparisons, while downlink quality-of-service is appraised by calculating and assessing bit error rate values. The final result is an assessment of the minimum-required radiofrequency architecture necessary to accomplish nominal, sustained polesitter satellite commanding and telemetry assessment to assure basic satellite bus state-of-health.

Leslie Harris Jr.
Program: Space Studies: Capstone-Thesis: Master of Science (MS)
Awarded: May 2016
Capstone Instructor: Dr. Flora Paganelli
Abstract: This study explores the concept of a Global Space Traffic Control as a possible means to enhance the safety of outer space traffic. Space debris, the addition of new spacefaring entities and the ad hoc nature of current space traffic control measures are all factors contributing to the hazardous conditions for space travel today. The space community, writ large, has made strides in improving the safety of space operations by instituting debris mitigation measures. However, these efforts may be too-little-too-late as the debris problem continues to worsen to the point where certain prime orbits may be unusable in the near future. This study consists of a qualitative review of data to provide detail on the current condition of space traffic and future concerns. It also presents a quantitative analysis consisting of a Gap Analysis, which compares the current ad hoc space traffic control process with the proposed Global Space Control Concept. The results of the study reveal the implementation of a Global Space Control could support improved safe space operations in the areas of space situational awareness, command and control, and notification. Also, the study reveals significant challenges dealing with the sharing of proper information to safeguard spacecraft and management of secret military satellites within a transparent structure. These issues will need to be overcome in order for a Global Space Traffic Control concept to be realized.