Most spacecraft propulsion concepts can be classified into two categories: chemical and electric. Chemical propulsion relies on chemical reactions and can produce high thrust, but requires a large amount of fuel. Electric propulsion uses electromagnetic fields to accelerate ionized gases and is very fuel-efficient, but produces small amounts of thrust …
Read More »The definition, management, and control of interfaces are crucial to successful programs or projects. Interface management is a process to assist in controlling product development when efforts are divided among parties (e.g., Government, contractors, geographically diverse technical teams, etc.) and/or to define and maintain compliance among the products that should …
Read More »Mechanical engineering is an engineering branch that combines engineering physics and mathematics principles with materials science, to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems It is one of the oldest and broadest of the engineering branches. “Mechanical Engineering takes in all built structures and moving parts flown in space, …
Read More »There is growing utilization of miniaturized satellites for military and defense applications. Defense organizations have been launching communication nanosatellites and microsatellites to provide communication signals to soldiers stationed in remote locations or in dense forests. The military needs more data bandwidth and reliable communications infrastructure for its UAVs, which can …
Read More »Wire harnesses are bundled assemblies of cables and connectors, that are used to transmit signals and power between components. If we could compare a satellite to the human body, the electrical harness would represent the blood vessels conveying the power and the nervous network transmitting the commands and sensor information …
Read More »
Global interest in nano and microsatellites (< 100kg) is increasing. The miniaturization of electronics, together with reliability and performance increase as well as reduction of cost, have allowed the use of commercials-off-the-shelf in the space industry, fostering the Smallsat use. Many nanosatellites (<10 kg) are used for educational purposes, and …
Read More »
There has been exponential growth of space objects, including orbital debris that has increased the in-orbit collision risk. NASA estimates there are 21,000 objects orbiting Earth that are larger than 10 cm, 500,000 between 1 and 10 cm, and more than 100 million that are less than 1 cm. Orbital …
Read More »
Remote sensing is the science of acquiring information about the Earth’s surface without actually being in contact with it. This is done by sensing and recording reflected or emitted energy and processing, analyzing, and applying that information. Unlike optical satellites that capture reflected sunlight to produce detailed photos of Earth, …
Read More »
The Global Positioning System (GPS), is a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) that provides location and time information in all weather conditions, anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites. GPS has become ubiquitous technology that provides real-time …
Read More »The US China, and Russia have also reportedly developed so-called “inspection satellites” that can maneuver close to other spacecraft in low orbits and examine them for malfunctions. The robots could fix minor maintenance issues, keeping up with current orbiters as they age and sustain damage. However, this technology is …
Read More »
International Defense Security & Technology Your trusted Source for News, Research and Analysis