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Survey of Insect Pests on Cut Flowers in Utah
No full textCut flower production is a relatively new industry in the state of Utah, gaining momentum by 2020. However, little research concerning management of the crops and their pests has been conducted. One issue producers face are insects that harm the plants in ways such as feeding damage and transmission of diseases. Currently, it is unknown which insects target different species of cut flowers in Utah. Morphological identification of genera and species is often difficult or impossible because of the small size of many of the insects and minute differences between species. This project uses PCR and DNA sequencing to identify the genus and species of insects that were capturing while residing on cut flowers in Utah which allows for accurate identification of the species. The resulting sequences were compared to other known sequences using the NCBI BLAST search. To date, from the ~300 samples collected, 38 species of insects have been identified on 30 species of cut flowers grown on 14 cut flower farms across Utah. Additionally, a controlled study was conducted to assess the role of thrips and aphids in transmitting Dahlia mosaic virus, though conclusive results were impeded by unforeseen disruptions. This information provides crucial insights that allow producers to proactively implement integrated pest management against specific species of insects. Future research should include insect feeding behavior and disease transmission dynamics
Compact and Cost-Effective Solar Array Drive Mechanisms to Enable High-Performance Small Satellites
No full textTo enhance spacecraft power generation, deployable solar arrays are often used to increase the surface area available for solar cells. To maximize their effectiveness, a solar array drive mechanism (SADM) can be implemented, allowing independent array rotation from the spacecraft body. This capability is particularly valuable for Earth observation and target-tracking missions, where it enables continuous power generation despite spacecraft orientation limitations. This paper presents the design, analysis, and qualification testing of two low-cost SADMs: the SolarDrive-μ for microsatellites and the SolarDrive-S for small satellites. Each SADM consists of two primary elements—the drivetrain and the twist capsule—both designed with commercial off-the-shelf components to minimize costs. A solar array power generation analysis for each class of spacecraft determined the required number of power feedthroughs for each SADM, while a drivetrain performance analysis confirmed positive torque margins using the selected motors and gearing. Thermal analysis demonstrated that all electrical components, including the flexible printed circuits, remain within their operational temperature limits. To qualify these SADMs for future Space Flight Laboratory missions, a comprehensive testing campaign—including vibration, thermal vacuum, radiation, and lifetime testing—has been designed to qualify these mechanisms to Technology Readiness Level 6
A High-Sensitivity, Low-Power Magneto-Inductive Magnetometer for Space-Based Magnetic Field Measurements and Noise Mitigation
Get PDFThis paper presents a discrete-component, magneto-inductive (MI) magnetometer designed for CubeSat-class spacecraft. The sensor operates using an RL relaxation oscillator with FPGA-based pulse counting, achieving picotesla-scale resolution at 1 Hz with 25 mW power consumption. To minimize electromagnetic interference and maintain orthogonality, the sensing coils are housed in a rigid, boom-mounted enclosure constructed from non-magnetic materials. This architecture enhances measurement fidelity and supports in-orbit reconfiguration, offering a low-power research platform suitable for high-resolution magnetic field sensing
Code Reuse in CubeSat Projects: Analyzing the Adoption of Open-Source Software From the BIRDS Program
Get PDFCode reuse is a fundamental principle in software engineering, streamlining development processes and reducing costs. In the context of CubeSat development, open-source software frameworks, such as the Open-Source BIRDS CubeSat (OSBC) software, have the potential to enhance collaboration and accelerate mission deployment. However, the ex- tent to which CubeSat teams adopt and adapt these existing software solutions remains underexplored.
This study examines six CubeSat missions derived from the BIRDS satellite bus, assessing their software development strategies and the degree of code reuse from OSBC. By analyzing project documentation, source code repositories, and developer interviews, we investigate key factors influencing software reuse, including performance considerations, organizational constraints, and developer motivations. Our findings will provide insights into how open-source software impacts small satellite development efficiency and sustainability, highlighting best practices and barriers to adoption.
This research contributes to the broader discussion on knowledge reuse in space systems engineering and offers recommendations for fostering more effective software-sharing practices in future CubeSat missions
Concluding CySat-1: A Look at the Final Challenges Faced by Iowa State University\u27s First CubeSat
Get PDFThis paper discusses an overview of the CySat-1 mission, actions taken between its launch and deployment from the ISS, and issues identified in design that impacted the spacecraft’s performance until its re-entry in early January of 2025. The CySat-1 mission was the demonstration of a software-defined radio (SDR) total power radiometer to survey soil moisture. The successful demonstration of the SDR radiometer would have provided basis for future implementation by the SmallSat community by providing an easily customizable radiometer with increased performance versatility. The CySat-1 mission is part of Iowa State University’s (ISU) Make to Innovate (M2I) program, which is project-based learning environment implemented using a flipped classroom approach.
As part M2I program, the CySat-1 project experienced some unique challenges. The most impactful challenges were the CoViD-19 pandemic and the transition from the Spring 2024 to Fall 2024 semesters, each of which saw no continuity between membership. The high turnover rate was also compounded by team members’ lack of knowledge regarding document organization and standardization, which left the project reliant on individually communicated knowledge and skills. As CySat-1 was ISU’s first CubeSat, lack of familiarity with many official procedures and processes caused development delays, errors, and significant team member stress, all of which contributed to team burnout and lack of motivation. The project now has gained knowledge of and formalized best practices targeting addressing reports, certifications, and mission lifecycle phases and reviews.
Ground station hardware and software required updates that generated further complications. Team members required specific training to perform work, but a university wide change from AccessPlus to Workday resulted in a multiple week delay while the training access was approved. This delay significantly reduced the amount of time to repair and test the ground station prior to deployment. It was discovered the antenna that was to be used was damaged, resulting in replacement by a different antenna resulting in decreased signal gain. Internal software was discovered to have logic errors that prevented its use. Lastly, the amplifier available to use with the SDR required to communicate with CySat-1 was one directional, resulting in the team electing to transmit commands and rely on the AmSat community to provide notice of downlink. Hardware updates have been developed to address these issues, and implementation of code reviews and sanity checks have been included for future development in order to prevent similar error recurrence
The Move Towards a Modular Spacecraft: Design and Manufacture of RF Components Using Additive Manufacturing
No full textWaveguides are critical components for communicating with satellites. Traditional waveguides consist of two parts and are relatively simple in geometry and require multiple steps and fasteners for assembly which add additional weight and the extended delivery times. Our approach is to use Additive Manufacturing (AM) and its design freedoms to produce a lighter, more compact, and printable version of a waveguide. The waveguide will undergo electrical testing to understand the performance of the 3D printed waveguide against the simulation
International Space Cooperation between Japan and Paraguay
Get PDFSpace Agency of Paraguay (AEP) has an ambitious goal to achieve an initiative for developments, operations and utilizations of small satellites in Latin America. Authors collaborated to enhance Paraguayan space programs on socioeconomic benefits through 3 items: 1) providing a technical transfer program about small satellite developments, including Paraguayan 2nd small satellite, GuaraniSat-2 Engineering Model tests in Japan; 2) creating a flood hazard map and designing inter-sectional framework for evacuation planning as a satellite data application on disaster management; and 3) developing soybean monitoring systems through multiple optical satellite data analysis and combining weather information with agricultural and Livestock minitries and institutions. This project (the Project) was established by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 2023. It was the first space cooperation project for Japan and Paraguay in Latin America.
GuaraniSat Series has been developed and operated under the cooperation with Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech), Japan since 2019. The 1-U satellite, GuaraniSat-1 was launched February 2021. AEP develops another 3-U satellite, GuaraniSat-2 by themselves. For enhancing their satellite development abilities and testing GuaraniSat-2 Engineering Model, authors requested Kyutech to provide a training program for small satellite developments and GuaraniSat-2 Engineering Model test between October 2024 and May 2025. A total of 3 AEP engineers achieved knowledge through the program.
For satellite data applications, authors considered and contributed more through the Project. Floods have serious impacts in urban areas of Paraguay. Authors invite specialists from relevant ministries and institutions for establishing Working Group to develop a hazard map and the inter-sectional framework against floods. Authors and other Working Group members had a training program on open-free flood simulation software, iRIC for identifying flood impacts by a single river channel using digital elevation models between September 2024 and January 2025. They developed a hazard map and operation manuals based on the simulation results.
Paraguay produces the 6th largest amount of soybeans worldwide, but its productions are unstable due to climate and economic impacts on agricultural sectors. To produce soybeans stably, the authors applied multiple optical satellite data analyses into soybean fields, monitoring the relevant agency’s test fields through a cycle of soybean growth. The methods and results were also shared and discussed at Working Group consisted with AEP and agricultural ministry and institutions in Paraguay. Authors verify their methods by applying another soybean season between February and August this year, 2025.
The Project was designed as the first step for deepening international space cooperation between Japan and Paraguay through technical transfers about small satellite developments and satellite data applications on disaster management and agriculture in Paraguay. Cooperation and enhancement of space program abilities through capacity building about small satellite developments and implementing satellite data applications would be able to contribute to Paraguayan socioeconomic especially efficient disaster management and agricultural productivity and quality improvement and effective. Paraguayan satellite launches, moreover, have been supported by Japan; the Project was expected to strengthen science technologies and international space cooperation between Japan and Paraguay
The Development of DWTS (Doppler Wind Temperature Sounder) Climatology Missions for Earth and Mars
No full textThe Doppler Wind and Temperature Sounder instrument (DWTS) is a unique atmospheric instrument being developed by Global Atmospheric Technologies (GATS), NASA and NOAA. Invented by Larry Gordley/GATS, it is a mid-wave infrared camera paired with a nitrous oxide (NO) cell, which acts as a spectral filter. Wind velocities and kinetic temperatures in the stratosphere and lower thermosphere are extracted by measuring the induced Doppler shift and Doppler broadening of emissions as they pass through the DWTS field of view. Eventually, the use of 3 gas cells(N2O, CO2) would complete the complement such that 20-200km during the day or night could be obtained. The first technology demonstration will involve a single aperture DWTS instrument (NO only) in an approximately 2U payload volume. With an estimated power consumption of 50 watts during operation, the instrument will maintain the imaging focal plane array at 80 K with an integrated Stirling cryocooler. To enhance the DWTS sensitivity, it was found that the forward lens assembly should be cooled to 150 K. Once demonstrated, it is anticipated that a small constellation consisting of small-sat sized and greatly improved data capability, including on-board data reduction, would be flown. The paper will also discuss the extension of the instrument to use in the Mars atmosphere, which may be able to provide unparalleled data to the current Mars Global Circulation Models. This will assist in essential atmospheric prediction to improve future human and robotic landing accuracy. The demonstration nano-sat for the Earth case, either as a free-flyer or in a hosted payload configuration, will be shown as a necessary precursor to these potentially important Earth and Mars constellation missions that would follow
Generation and Detection of Structured Radio Waves in Small Satellites
No full textBackground Small SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellite constellations are developing rapidly. The theoretical richness of OAM is expected to be used for radar imaging. OAM radar uses spiral wavefronts by applying phase differences to spatially arranged antenna elements. Purpose Develop and experimentally validate a method for generating, transmitting,and detecting structured radio waves—particularly vortex modes carrying orbital angular momentu
From Marriage to Migration: Analyzing Return Migration, Gender Inequalities and Household Resource Allocation Patterns
No full textIn Kyrgyzstan, a country shaped by deep-rooted traditions and high rates of migration, women\u27s lives are often influenced by powerful cultural expectations, economic pressures, and limited choices. My research explores how these forces intersect—particularly through the lens of bride kidnapping, migration, and how families use money and resources. Together, these issues reveal how gender inequality operates in everyday life, and how women navigate both constraint and resilience.
This dissertation includes three connected studies. The first examines how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international labor migration, especially for Kyrgyz migrants working in Russia. Many returnees lost their jobs and faced hostility or xenophobia, prompting a wave of return migration. Through interviews with returnees, I found that women often returned out of concern for family members and faced greater difficulties reintegrating, including limited employment opportunities and an increased burden of unpaid domestic work. Cultural expectations placed heavier pressures on women to stay home, even when they wanted to seek new opportunities.
The second study focuses on the practice of bride kidnapping—known locally as ala kachuu—which continues in parts of Kyrgyzstan despite being illegal. I conducted a comprehensive review of academic studies from the last two decades to understand how and why this practice persists. The findings show that bride kidnapping is most common in rural areas, and it is sustained by poverty, traditional gender roles, and weak legal enforcement. Victims often face social stigma, psychological trauma, and barriers to education or employment. However, efforts to resist the practice are emerging through education, legal awareness, and migration.
The third study uses household survey data to explore how gender inequality influences financial decisions within families. I found that families formed through bride kidnapping are more likely to invest in savings, land, and durable goods—often through remittances sent by women who migrated for work. In this way, women\u27s labor, shaped by both cultural pressure and economic need, becomes essential for household survival and growth.
Together, these three studies offer new insights into how gender roles, cultural norms, and economic strategies are deeply intertwined. They show that women in Kyrgyzstan face serious challenges—but also that their decisions and mobility have powerful effects on families and communities. This research contributes to broader conversations about gender, migration, and social change in contexts where tradition and modernity continue to collide