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Satellite Passive Ranging Metasurface Optics for Space Rendezvous and Proximity Operations
Get PDFRendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) are pivotal in a range of space missions, including satellite servicing, debris removal, and formation flying. Traditional RPO sensor technologies, such as LiDAR, radar, and visual cameras, face limitations in terms of power and size requirements. This work introduces a novel passive ranging sensor based on metasurface optics (meta-optics), designed to reduce power and size requirements while enhancing RPO activities by utilizing a single aperture imaging and ranging sensor. The meta-optic device features subwavelength-engineered structures that encode range information using a rotational, double helix point spread function. This new sensor offers potential for reduced power consumption, system mass, and physical size compared to active LiDAR or stereoscopic systems. The metasurface sensor consists of a single camera that can sense a variety of wavelengths (from visible to longwave infrared) that are customizable based on needs. Sensor packaging studies are ongoing, but initial estimates indicate the metasurface would add less than 1 gram of mass and no additional volume to an existing imaging system. Laboratory testing was performed with a mid-wave infrared system over a one-meter distance to prove the ranging concept and the results agree with simulation. Through simulation, it is shown that the depth estimation range and accuracy increase with aperture size. The metasurface can also be configured to perform multiple functionalities, e.g., dual field of view imaging. Applications of the sensor in satellite servicing, space debris removal, formation flying, and autonomous spacecraft operations are discussed, highlighting its potential to revolutionize RPO sensor ranging methodologies. Challenges related to system integration, scalability, and long-term reliability are addressed, along with a roadmap for future advancements in sensor capabilities and their broader implications for space missions. We estimate a 1-year development time for transition to space-based platforms. This paper underscores the importance of the new sensor in advancing space operations, contributing to more reliable, efficient, and cost-effective RPO tasks in future space exploration endeavors
Near Real-Time Optimal Trajectory Design for Active Debris Removal With Verification and Validation Using KOMPSAT-1
Get PDFGeospace is getting busier with an increasing amount of debris, and their removal of such debris is becoming important for the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of geospace. The need for safe and sustainable removal has drawn significant attention to Active Debris Removal (ADR). When a chaser performs a fly-around maneuver to approach a target, it should solve the following optimization problem (OPT): (i) Minimize collision risk against other flying space objects, (ii) minimize fuel consumption, and (iii) maximize mission accomplishment. However, solving OPT is known to be very challenging, as it is at least NP-hard. This is because the trajectories of chasers are usually helical with their spines following targets’ Keplerian orbits to collect information about morphology, mass, attitude, etc. using optical sensors. In addition, the proximity among the O(10^4) fast-moving objects in the current space catalogue makes the solution process more challenging. Even worse, it is necessary to iteratively solve OPT because the chaser\u27s contact strategy with the target can change as more information is collected. This implies that an efficient solution process of OPT is required despite its NP-hardness. This study introduces a near real-time algorithm for generating a reasonably good solution for OPT, i.e., a near-optimal trajectory of a chaser. Our algorithm is Generate-&-Test (G&T), i.e., we generate thousands of candidate trajectories and evaluate them as quickly as possible using two measures of collision risk and fuel consumption. We use a heuristic method to find optimality in the vast solution space. In this entire process, the efficiency and accuracy of the key computation are achieved by using the dynamic Voronoi diagram (DVD). As verification and validation, we present a case study of the ADR mission for the South Korean satellite KOMPSAT-1 that ended its operations in 2008
Outer Planet Exploration by Novel and Small Spacecraft: JAXA’s OPENS Program Concept and Its First Mission OPENS-0
No full textThe OPENS (Outer Planet Exploration by Novel Small spacecraft) program, proposed by JAXA\u27s Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), aims to revolutionize outer planet exploration through the use of small, low-cost spacecraft. Unlike traditional flagship-class missions, OPENS promotes high-frequency, high-risk, high-return missions that can be achieved even by countries with limited resources. The program’s first mission, OPENS-0, targets the demonstration of key technologies necessary for future small outer planet explorers, including solar-powered spacecraft operations and long-term hibernation capability. The spacecraft will be launched by JAXA’s Epsilon S rocket and perform gravity assists en route to Saturn, with the earliest launch window expected in November 2028. If successful, OPENS-0 will become the first solar-powered spacecraft to reach Saturn, performing scientific observations during cruise and at Saturn’s ring system. This mission marks a significant step toward independent and sustainable exploration of the outer solar system using compact and affordable spacecraft
Modernizing SmallSat Mission Operations: Integrating AI-Driven Optimization With Cloud-Native Control Systems
No full textAs the space industry experiences unprecedented growth in SmallSat constellation deployments, traditional mission control approaches face significant scalability and efficiency challenges. This paper presents a novel framework that integrates three cutting-edge technologies to revolutionize satellite mission operations: Cognitive Space’s CNTIENT.Optimize AI-powered decision engine, Yamcs open-source mission control software, and the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Mission Operations Center (CMOC) solution. As a representative simulation benchmark, the paper demonstrates the framework’s capabilities through mission simulations of the Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) SmallSat constellation. The integration leverages CNTIENT.Optimize’s advanced AI algorithms to automate complex scheduling decisions across proliferating homogenous or heterogeneous satellite constellations, transforming human operators’ roles from tactical to strategic oversight. This AI-driven approach significantly reduces cognitive burden while improving system yield and response times. The solution’s GraphQL API and webhook capabilities enable seamless integration with other mission-critical systems. Yamcs provides the foundational mission control infrastructure, offering flexible, open-source components that support various spacecraft operations, including translating the mission planning schedules from CNTIENT.Optimize into CCSDS-formatted satellite commands. Its extensive HTTP API, Python client, and web application capabilities facilitate easy integration and customization, while its modular architecture enables scalable deployment across diverse mission requirements. The AWS CMOC is a cloud-native platform that also provides a suite of commercial and open-source applications, such as CNTIENT.Optimize and Yamcs, that users can quickly select and configure for mission operations. As a cloud-native platform, it eliminates the need for traditional on-premises infrastructure while ensuring high availability and security. This architecture enables rapid scaling to meet growing SmallSat constellation demands and seamlessly integrates with existing applications via HTTP, REST, WebSocket, and GraphQL APIs.This paper presents implementation details, performance metrics, and mission operations scenarios for a simulated version of the CYGNSS constellation, illustrating how this integrated solution addresses the growing complexity of modern satellite operations while providing a scalable foundation for future SmallSat missions
Epidemiological-Based Study of SARS-CoV-2 in Faisalabad
No full textSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) raced around the world across different populations; there needs to be a consolidated effort to understand the divergence of the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2. Population-based epidemiological characteristics studies measure the extent of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a country. The current research study was designed to report epidemiological data from Pakistan. For this purpose, 246 SARS-CoV-2-infected patients were included in the study. For SARS-CoV-2 confirmation, viral samples were collected from all the study participants; SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed by viral nucleic acid detection using a nucleic acid detection kit. After SARS-CoV-2 confirmation, all the study participants were interviewed for epidemiological data through a detailed questionnaire. The study results showed that the disease ratio was higher between 30 and 59 years (51.21%) of age. The male ratio (55.28%) was higher compared to the female ratio (44.71%). The patients’ illiteracy and low socioeconomic status were 32.52% and 59.75%, respectively. The majority of the patients (97.56%) had cough, smell or taste disturbance (79.67%), or fever (76.42%), and 70.73% had fatigue. For comorbidities, a higher ratio was observed for diabetes (38.61%), hypertension (36.17%), and respiratory disease (16.26%). The vaccination status analysis revealed that 51.21% of patients had not received routine immunizations, and 65.5% were un-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Notably, not a single patient was vaccinated for influenza vaccine. The current research study concluded that SARS-CoV-2 was more prevalent in individuals who were middle aged, male, and had low socio-economic status. The most common symptoms were cough, smell or taste disturbance, and fever. The patients’ vaccination status highlights a critical gap in preventive healthcare and shows the need to strengthen vaccination awareness and accessibility in the population to reduce vulnerability to future outbreaks. Future research should focus on investigating the impact of COVID-19 outcomes on comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension
Enhancements and Improvements of the Radiation Probe - Compact Radiation Probe (CRP)
No full textAs space missions venture beyond Earth\u27s magnetic field, spacecraft face elevated risks from solar energetic particles (SEPs) and galactic cosmic rays (GCRs). Taiwan\u27s first lunar payload—the Deep Space Radiation Probe (DSRP)—was developed to measure radiation dose, dose rate, and SEU rates during Earth–Moon transit. However, flight data revealed limitations in SEU detection and system operation. To address these issues and support CubeSat-class missions, the Compact Radiation Probe (CRP) was developed for the upcoming COSPAR-1 mission
Faculty Senate Executive Committee Agenda, March 17, 2025
No full text3:00 Call to Order Approval of Minutes - February 18, 2025 3:05 University Business 3:20 Faculty Senate Business 3:35 Information EPC Report - March 6, 2025 3:40 Report Budget of Faculty Welfare Committee Sustainability Council Policy 323, 378, 389 4:00 Old Business 4:05 New Business 2025-2026 Faculty Senate Calendar Adjourn: 4:30 p
Cocoa Polyphenols Modulate the Mouse Gut Microbiome in a Site-Specific Manner
No full textBackground/Objectives: The dietary modulation of the gut microbiome is a promising strategy for mitigating gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Cocoa powder is rich in polyphenols, including (−)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin, which have been associated with beneficial effects on gut health and microbiome modulation. Importantly, changes in the bacterial populations associated with the gut mucosal layer may have different health impacts compared to changes in cecal or fecal microbiomes. This study investigated the effects of cocoa polyphenol supplementation on microbiome composition across the cecal, fecal, and mucosal compartments in a mouse model of colitis. Methods: Mice were fed either a healthy AIN93G diet (AIN) or a total Western diet (TWD), with or without 2.6% (w/w) CocoaVia™ Cardio Health Powder. Gut microbiomes from the cecum, feces, and colon mucosa were profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing at three time points: pre-, during, and post-colitis. Results: Microbiome composition varied substantially by site, with reduced richness and distinct taxa in the mucosal layer compared to cecal and fecal communities. The TWD significantly altered microbial composition, decreasing species evenness and shifting beta diversity. Cocoa polyphenol supplementation modulated microbial communities in a site-specific manner, increasing diversity and promoting rare taxa (e.g., Monoglobaceae, Eggerthellaceae, and RF39) primarily in cecal and fecal samples. Mucosa-associated communities were less responsive. Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of the sampling site in gut microbiome research. Cocoa polyphenols exert site-selective effects, particularly in the gut lumen, highlighting the importance of considering anatomical context in dietary intervention studies aimed at improving gastrointestinal health
Learning Partial Differential Equations of Solid Diffusion From Atomistic Simulations
Get PDFWhy do we study diffusion in solid materials
Seasonal and Sex-Based Variation in Coyote Responses to Social Olfactory Stimuli
Get PDFCoyotes (Canis latrans) are socially complex, often forming strong pair bonds that can persist across multiple breeding seasons3. Scent marking, particularly urine marking, is a key form of communication used to establish territory, convey reproductive status, and maintain social hierarchies1. This behavior is influenced by factors such as sex and season, and is central to understanding their social dynamics4. This preliminary study is part of a broader investigation into coyote behavior, specifically examining how these factors affect responses to olfactory stimuli from familiar and unfamiliar individuals2.
In this study, coyote behavior was recorded after paired presentation of two stimuli: the scent of a pair mate and that of an unfamiliar individual. The goal was to determine whether coyotes exhibit a difference in their approach behavior–toward a known partner\u27s or a stranger\u27s urine–and whether this response is moderated by biological sex or breeding season3. Understanding these patterns in coyote olfactory investigation behavior can offer insight into the social dynamics and communication mechanisms of a monogamous and flexible carnivore2, 3