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Coupled Dynamics in the Cislunar Region and Spacecraft Attitude Prediction in a Higher-Fidelity Model
Get PDFThe cislunar region of space is a complex, multi-body dynamical environment that cannot be modeled trivially. Traditional point-mass assumptions made to simplify the mission design process may be insufficient for accurately predicting spacecraft motion in environments where orbit-attitude coupling is non-negligible. One of the most famous of such models is the circular restricted three-body problem. This thesis advances the state of the art in astrodynamics by modeling all bodies in the problem as rigid bodies, allowing for spacecraft orientation to be propagated and considered. Two models are under consideration—the circular restricted full three-body problem (CRF3BP) and a full higher-fidelity ephemeris model that includes perturbations from the sun’s gravity and the eccentricity of the moon’s orbit. The CRF3BP is leveraged as a tool for predicting spacecraft attitude motion in the full ephemeris model using rotation matrices. Extensive numerical simulations are performed for planar and nonplanar trajectories, for spacecraft of varying sizes and symmetries, for multiple revolutions or single orbital periods, for non-periodic trajectories, and for multiple starting epochs of the full ephemeris simulation. Analysis of these results is intended to help determine when the CRF3BP is most useful to advance cislunar mission planning of the future
Insider Risks and the Evolving Role of Executive Protection Professionals in Cybersecurity
Get PDFInsider risks have long been a critical concern in corporate security, traditionally encompassing threats from employees, contractors, or third-party vendors with access to sensitive information. However, as digital transformation accelerates, the convergence of physical and cyber threats has created new vulnerabilities. Executive protection (EP) professionals, historically tasked with safeguarding high-profile individuals from physical threats, now find themselves on the frontlines of combating cyber-criminal attacks. Expanding their skill sets to include cybersecurity awareness is no longer optional—it is a necessity.
This article explores insider risks, the growing need for executive protection professionals to adapt, and practical ways they can enhance their expertise to mitigate cyber threats targeting executives
The Nightly Curse
Get PDFThe Nightly Curse is a fantasy fiction following the life of Theodore Silas, who is torn between two worlds each night he falls asleep and each morning he awakens. At night, he believes that he is Elias Softstar Crystalfire, the hero of Dragon Fawn on a quest to save the realm but, at day, he is Theodore Silas. He can\u27t tell the difference between the worlds he lives during the night and day and can\u27t come to terms that his real identity Theodore
Harnessing Environmentally Healthy Approaches for Plastic Degradation: A Review and Future Perspectives
Get PDFIn the face of escalating plastic pollution, innovative degradation strategies, such as enzymatic degradation, smokeless incineration technology, and biodegradable plastics, are gaining traction. This paper collates comprehensive research on these methods, assessing their environmental impact and operational feasibility. A special focus is placed on the role of technology and its capacity to spark advancements in these degradation strategies as well as to draw on specific research to understand the economic implications of these methods. At the core of this study is the exploration of potential new, inventive degradation methodologies. Through examining methods of green plastic degradation, the study aims to align its findings with the growing demand for these strategies. The paper concludes with an in depth speculative future trajectory of innovation in plastic degradation, underlining the promise these techniques hold
Identifying the Sources of Ambient Solar Wind Driven Substorm with the ADAPT-WSA Model
Get PDFThis study investigates whether substorm onset locations on the Sun exhibit specific patterns by analyzing its source region-active regions (ARs), quiet sun (QS), and coronal holes (CH)-and their corresponding solar wind properties using statistical analysis. Matching event times were found using SuperMAG substorm, ACE, and WSA data. We analyzed geomagnetic indices (AE, AU, and AL) and solar wind variability, including Bz paths in magnetic field components, velocity, and density. Preliminary results conclude that five Carrington rotations (CRs) (from ADAPT-WSA) are insufficient for accurate results, indicating a longer simulation is necessary. This research looks to improve the current understanding of substorm origins and their connections to solar wind structures, contributing to the growing community of space weather forecasters
Innovative Smart PFAS Harness for Enhanced Construction Worker Safety
Get PDFFall hazards are the leading cause of fatalities on construction sites, accounting for a significant percentage of workplace accidents. Ensuring that fall prevention systems are in place is essential for reducing these risks and safeguarding the health and well-being of all on-site personnel. The current personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is effective but there is room for improvement. There is a strive to develop something that will propel the industry forward. This project proposes the development of an innovative smart PFAS integrated with wearable technology. Designed to enhance user safety and comfort, the harness will incorporate advanced data tracking capabilities to assist with real-time data collection, providing valuable insights and improving overall performance while ensuring a more comfortable experience for the user. A survey was sent out to PFAS users which yielded their opinions on workplace conditions. The data was obtained from construction workers, safety professionals, and construction management across the industry. The survey results revealed that participants strongly prefer a harness designed for greater comfort. The survey shows that participants emphasized the importance of maintaining comfort in the harness during extended use. Based on the feedback, the design of the ergonomically engineered smart harness will be further refined and optimized to better align with user needs and enhance overall performance
Instinctive Flight: Decoding Human Gestures for eVTOL Control
Get PDFElectric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are a new mode of transportation that introduces unique aircraft movements not found in traditional airplanes or helicopters. Understanding how individuals naturally perceive and control these novel movements can guide the design of intuitive eVTOL inceptors and potentially reduce pilot training time. This study examines how individuals with varying flight experience conceptualize and execute aircraft movements. Sixty participants were divided into four groups: 30 novices with no flight experience, 10 flight simulation gamers, 10 fixed-wing pilots, and 10 rotor-wing pilots. Participants watched 18 aircraft movement videos (e.g. acceleration, roll, yaw, heave) in a counterbalanced order. Each video was viewed twice, first for comprehension and then for participants to mimic the aircraft’s movements using natural gestures with any body part (e.g., hands, feet, or both). No verbal responses were required in this phase. In the second phase, participants repeated the process but explained their gestures and imagined control inputs after each movement. Thus, for each participant two gesture movements were recorded for each of the 18 aircraft movements. All participants were recorded from front and side angles, with the videos edited and categorized by movement type. An open card sorting method was used for analysis, with two independent raters ensuring reliability. Sorting and grouping of gesture movements were based on body part and directional movement. The findings will provide insights into intuitive eVTOL control representations across experience levels
Space planes: The Persistence of Demand.
Get PDFSpace operations have increased worldwide and may increase the demand for improved spaceflight technology. This research examines the potential demand for spaceplanes. In the U.S., spaceplanes have maintained their presence during periods of fluctuations in popularity and demand. This spaceplane study examines U.S. efforts to improve access to space with reusable launch vehicles that fly single-stage-to-orbit. A linear regression analysis examined the number of specific launch activities from 2004-2023. The launch activities observed revealed the level of potential demand for space flight and spaceplane technology. Global launches were strong and positively correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.78. The R2 result was a moderate fit at 0.61. U.S. launches were also strong and positively correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.75. The R2 result was a moderate fit at 0.57. Spaceplane launches were positive but weakly correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.13. The R2 result was also a weak fit at 0.02. Human spaceflight launches were also positive but weakly correlated in the timespan as the relationship’s correlation coefficient, R, was 0.17. The R2 result was also a weak fit at 0.03. These results revealed valuable insights into the persistence of spaceplane research and development
Next-Gen Unmanned Technologies YF-150 King Cobra
Get PDFThe United States would require extensive air coverage in the event of foreign invasion. Current aircraft, while extremely capable, are expensive and lower in numbers. The defense of the “homeland” would benefit greatly from supplementary, remotely operable interceptor aircraft to bolster the current U.S. aircraft fleet all while minimizing risk to military personnel. This project, the YF-150 King Cobra, aims to fill this gap by designing a high-performance, cost-efficient interceptor aircraft to be produced in large numbers. The YF-150 design process started with constraint analysis to ensure key performance goals were met such as time to climb, max airspeed, and specific excess power. After preliminary design yielded sizing and geometry through various trade studies and calculations, further detailed work was done to size internal structure components to ensure the design was feasible. In addition, damage tolerance analysis and fatigue analysis of these structures was completed to ensure continued safety and reliability of the aircraft while meeting desired service life goals. The detailed wing structure design supports required load factors, accounting for a required factor of safety and desired safety margins, while ultimately meeting anticipated structural weight requirements. Critical stress concentrations were reduced, and fatigue life was improved through optimized load paths and material selection. This study demonstrates the practicality behind the design of the YF-150 King Cobra, highlighting key wing structure components such as the spars, ribs, stringers, control surfaces, and skin