The atmospheric neutral density experiment (ANDE) and modulating retroreflector in space (MODRAS): combined flight experiments for the space test program

Nicholas, A. C.; Gilbreath, G. C.; Thonnard, S. E.; Kessel, R. L.; Lucke, R. L.; Sillman, C. P.

doi:10.1117/12.462642

Cited by 7 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Currently, empirical models of upper atmospheric density mainly rely on in-orbit observation data from upper atmospheric density detection satellites such as Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) [3], Drag and Atmospheric Neutral Density Explorer (DANDE) [4,5], SpinSat [6], and QB50 missions [7]. A common feature of upper atmospheric density detection satellites is that they include a change in the area-to-mass ratio along the track direction, which can decrease the density error caused by their aerodynamic shapes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Spherical Micro Satellite Design and Detection Method for Upper Atmospheric Density Estimation

Zhao

Wang

Zhang

2019

International Journal of Aerospace Engineering

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A spherical microsatellite, aimed at technology verification of upper atmospheric density detection and precision orbit determination in low Earth orbit (LEO), has been developed by Tsinghua University and is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2019. In order to reduce the influence of other nonconservative forces, the area-to-mass ratio of the satellite was designed to ensure that the aerodynamic drag of the satellite is more than one to two orders of magnitude greater than the solar pressure perturbation. The influence of the components of the antenna, separation support, and solar cell arrays (SCAs) on the spherical structure for the area-to-mass ratio is reduced by reasonable design of the satellite flight attitude. In addition, a novel method has been developed to estimate and correct the parameters for atmospheric density (correlated to the drag) calculation, using precise orbit data (POD) obtained from an onboard dual-frequency global position system (GPS) receiver. The method is used to obtain the partial derivative of the total acceleration of the satellite to the initial state (position, velocity) and Harris-Priester (HP) density model parameters (antapex and apex density). Further, the least squares estimation method is used to solve the overdetermined linear equations and obtain the change of initial state of the satellite and the HP density model parameters relative to change of the satellite state. The validity of this method has been verified through numerical simulations with the parametric setup of the satellite. The estimated density precision was found to be higher than two to three orders of the initial HP density model with continuous iteration.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Spherical Micro Satellite Design and Detection Method for Upper Atmospheric Density Estimation

Zhao

Wang

Zhang

2019

International Journal of Aerospace Engineering

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“…Modulated retroreflectors (MRR) have several military and commercial applications which include lowpower communication with ultralight air vehicles [1], space-to-ground optical communication [2], remote telemetry [3], distance measurement [4], dynamic optical tags for equipment and personnel [5] and potentially, on-road vehicle-to-vehicle communication for accident prevention [6]. For communication applications, the MRR's can have advantages over radio links in terms of power dissipation and selectivity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microelectronic Precision Optical Element Fabrication

Goossen¹

2009

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The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing the burden, to the Department of Defense. Executive Service Directorate (0704-0188) Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number SPONSOR/MONITORS ACRONYM(S) SPONSOR/MONITOR'S REPORT NUMBER(S) DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENTApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ABSTRACTThe DARPA program involved investigating the assembly of 3-dimensional optoelectronic/microelectronic components with optical precision. A three-active-facet retromodulator with multiple quantum well modulators on the three faces of a corner cube was constructed. The corner cube was made using FR4 printed circuit boards (PCB's) utilizing standard microelectronic machining equipment. An active retromodulator, utilizing large-area multiple quantum well modulators on 3 faces, was demonstrated, and a high modulation contrast ratio of 8.23dB was shown to be achievable. The large-area devices were fabricated using substrates made by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The proposed target angular error in the module face angles was +/-0.5 degrees. However, errors of+/-I degree were achieved in the comer cube modules. These angular errors can be corrected by using readily available off-the-shelf optical components to achieve true retroreflection, with additional bulk to the system. Alternatively, the PCB's can be mounted directly upon a precision corner cube with additional cost to the system. The large-area multiple quantum well devices fabricated from substrates grown using MOCVD have a lower defect density than those grown using MBE. SUBJECT TERMS

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“…Through the use of micro satellite technology, NRL is developing a satellite suite to improve precision orbit determination and prediction by monitoring total atmospheric density between 300 and 400 km. The suite, known as the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) 1,2 , consists of a series of four micro satellites with instrumentation to perform these interrelated mission objectives. First, provide high quality satellites, with stable and well-determined coefficient of drag, for calibrating techniques and models for precision orbit determination.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Results from the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment Risk Reduction Mission

Nicholas

Davis

Budzien

et al. 2008

AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit

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The Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment (ANDE) Risk Reduction flight was launched on Dec 9, 2006 and deployed into orbit by the Space Shuttle Discovery on December 21, 2006. The primary mission objective is to test the deployment mechanism from the Shuttle for the ANDE flight in mid 2009. Scientific objectives of the ANDE risk reduction flight include: monitor total neutral density along the orbit for improved orbit determination of resident space objects, monitor the spin rate and orientation of the spacecraft, and provide a test object for polarimetry studies. Each of the two ANDE missions consists of two spherical spacecraft fitted with retro-reflectors for satellite laser ranging (SLR). The ANDE risk reduction mission spacecraft each contain a small lightweight payload designed to determine the spin rate and orientation of the spacecraft from on-orbit measurements and from ground based observations. The follow-on ANDE mission scheduled for launch in 2009 will consist of two spherical spacecraft also fitted with retro-reflectors for SLR. One of these spacecraft will also carry instrumentation to measure the in-situ atmospheric density, composition and winds. Atmospheric densities derived from observations of the ANDERR spacecraft will be presented and compared to atmospheric models and other data sources. A methodology to improve prediction accuracy by augmenting predictions produced with radar observations with combination radar and satellite laser ranging observations will be presented. This paper presents a mission overview and emphasis will be placed on the scientific results from the risk reduction mission and a brief overview of the follow-on mission.

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The atmospheric neutral density experiment (ANDE) and modulating retroreflector in space (MODRAS): combined flight experiments for the space test program

Cited by 7 publications

References 10 publications

A Spherical Micro Satellite Design and Detection Method for Upper Atmospheric Density Estimation

A Spherical Micro Satellite Design and Detection Method for Upper Atmospheric Density Estimation

Microelectronic Precision Optical Element Fabrication

Results from the Atmospheric Neutral Density Experiment Risk Reduction Mission

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