The Aerospace Corporation is pioneering advancements in on-orbit cyber defense for spacecraft, addressing the growing complexity of cyber threats in space systems. By integrating onboard machine learning and anomaly detection capabilities, this initiative allows for real-time identification and response to unusual command sequences, significantly reducing the time needed for threat mitigation. Traditionally, defensive operations depended on telemetry data sent back to ground control, which introduced delays in processing and response. By shifting these critical functions to the spacecraft itself, The Aerospace Corporation enhances resilience and operational efficiency, ensuring that space systems can effectively counteract potential cyber threats as they arise.
csps.aerospace.org /research-areas Research Areas | Aerospace Center for Space Policy and Strategy 3-4 minutes Page 1 National Security Space has become a contested domain and remains critical to ensuring US national security and security of our allies. CSPS research aims to evolve understanding of the threat, potential responses, and the agile strategies and defense partnerships needed to enable success. See All Space Traffic Operations & Debris The increase of orbital debris and spectrum competition are just a couple of the ways that space is growing more crowded. To address the growing risks to operating in space safely and to our ability to sustain current and future space activities, CSPS research raises awareness of these issues and explores solutions for safe and sustainable space operations. See All National Policies & International Relations U.S. national space policy must continue to benefit from our current international partnerships as well as leverage those of emerging space nations. CSPS looks at how space activities are addressed through governance and policy at national and international levels. See All The Business of Space From cislunar development to public-private-partnerships, building up the space enterprise to meet future demands will require flexible workforce and business models
aerospace.org /satellites-and-orbits Satellites and Orbits | The Aerospace Corporation 3-4 minutes Page 1 Center for Orbital and Reentry Debris Studies CORDS was established in 1997 to focus the corporation’s research and technology applications in the areas of space debris, collision avoidance, and reentry breakup and to provide a single point-of-contact for organizations seeking to take advantage of Aerospace’s more than 50 years of experience in these and related technical areas. Space Debris and Space Traffic Management Decades of space travel have resulted in a large amount of space debris that can be harmful to today’s satellites. Aerospace is addressing the issue of space debris and space traffic management by developing tools for analyzing potential collisions, studying reentry breakups, and modeling debris objects in space. THE NFL Inspires a Satellite Docking Tool To teach satellites to interact and dock in space, an Aerospace team found a possible solution on Sunday Night Football. Propelling the Field of Small Sats Forward Aerospace is tackling the challenge of small satellite propulsion with a novel idea for a Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor Thruster. Going Into Action With Aerocube-10 The AeroCube-10 dual CubeSat mission is packed with Aerospace-designed space experiments and technology
The 2021 Value of Space Summit, organized by The Aerospace Corporation and the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC), addressed the increasing reliance on space-based systems in modern society. This two-day event, held on October 19 and 20, focused on the theme "Securing the Value of Space," building upon discussions from the inaugural summit in 2020. Key stakeholders from the space enterprise gathered to explore critical issues affecting space operations, emphasizing the significance of space infrastructure for current and future generations. Erin Miller, Executive Director of Space ISAC, highlighted the summit's mission to enhance understanding and collaboration within the space community to ensure the sustainability and security of space assets.
DiskSat is an innovative small satellite architecture developed by The Aerospace Corporation, designed to decouple the payload and bus through a standardized interface, eliminating volume constraints typically associated with traditional designs. This unique circular satellite form factor not only enhances design flexibility but also significantly reduces development time and costs, making it an attractive option for various space missions. With its large aperture and surface areas, DiskSat allows for the integration of advanced antennas and instruments, optimizing performance while maintaining low launch expenses. As the demand for capable small satellites grows, DiskSat represents a forward-thinking solution that redefines the future of satellite technology.
The New Actors in Space Workshop, hosted by The Aerospace Corporation, took place virtually from February 1 to February 2, 2022. This event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss the implications of the increasing number of space actors and activities, which are driving technological innovation and expanding access to satellite capabilities. Participants engaged in discussions on critical issues such as on-orbit crowding, radio-frequency interference, and the potential for geopolitical tensions arising from space incidents. The workshop utilized insights from the New Actors in Space Handbook by the Secure World Foundation and included case studies on international space policy, national regulations, and responsible operations in space.
The Strategic Foresight Team at The Aerospace Corporation's Center for Space Policy and Strategy (CSPS) focuses on fostering a futures mindset to enhance the space enterprise. By employing systematic approaches to envisioning possible futures, the team empowers decision-makers to create aspirational outcomes today. Their work emphasizes that foresight is not about predicting the future, but rather about rigorously challenging assumptions and preparing for diverse potential scenarios amidst uncertainty. A key resource, the Pathfinder’s Guide to the Space Enterprise, offers an engaging exploration of the evolving space ecosystem, highlighting potential challenges and opportunities through expert interviews and innovative insights, making it an essential tool for navigating the complexities of the future in space exploration.
Continuous Production Agility (CPA) is an innovative procurement and launch strategy proposed by The Aerospace Corporation, aimed at enhancing the United States' national security space enterprise in response to evolving threats and technological advancements. As the space domain becomes increasingly competitive with the involvement of foreign governments and private entities, CPA emphasizes speed, adaptability, and resilience in the acquisition process. This approach seeks to transform the nation's space systems architecture, enabling a more responsive and capable defense posture. The insights from Project Thor highlight the necessity of adapting to rapid changes in the space landscape, ensuring that the U.S. can maintain its leadership while effectively addressing emerging challenges.
This paper, titled "Outpacing the Threat With an Agile Defense Space Enterprise," discusses the urgent need to transform the defense space enterprise in response to evolving threats in space. As adversaries increasingly recognize and seek to exploit U.S. dependence on high-value space assets, the need for an agile architecture becomes paramount. The Aerospace Corporation introduces Project Thor, which outlines four key actions aimed at enhancing resilience and adaptability within the space enterprise, aligning it with the new National Defense Strategy. By leveraging its technical expertise and innovative tools, Aerospace is committed to leading this transformation and ensuring the U.S. maintains its strategic advantage in an increasingly contested space environment.
The Aerospace Corporation has officially broken ground on its new state-of-the-art research and development center, COS-2, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This cutting-edge facility, spanning 90,000 square feet and set to be completed in spring 2023, will serve as a pivotal hub for advancing technical expertise within the space enterprise, aimed at countering national security threats. Featuring a sophisticated digital engineering environment, COS-2 will facilitate high-fidelity analysis, physics-based modeling and simulation, and the development of innovative tactics and procedures essential for space warfighting. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by local government officials and leaders from U.S. Space Command and U.S. Space Force, highlighting the facility's significance in enhancing the nation's space capabilities.
The AeroCube-10 is an innovative dual CubeSat mission launched from the Cygnus automated cargo spacecraft, featuring a groundbreaking set of atmospheric probes designed to gather in-situ measurements of the Earth's thermosphere. Developed by The Aerospace Corporation, this mission includes a unique dispenser that releases 28 lightweight probes, each weighing only 16 grams and unfolding into three orthogonal disks with a diameter of 98 mm. These probes are set to reenter the atmosphere within months, providing valuable data on density variations in the thermosphere, a region that has been largely unexplored. The concept originated from a collaborative discussion between Aerospace engineers Jerry Fuller and Andrew Abraham, highlighting the potential of CubeSats for real-time atmospheric research.
Prime Focus is an innovative project by The Aerospace Corporation aimed at enhancing Space Domain Awareness (SDA) in response to the growing complexity of space operations. As more nations and commercial entities develop advanced space capabilities, the need for effective monitoring of Earth's orbit becomes paramount. Prime Focus addresses the current limitations in data flow from sensors to decision support tools, which often rely on human operators and are susceptible to errors. By establishing an automated SDA node, this project promises to create a reliable and continuous data pipeline that leverages digital engineering and cloud technologies, thereby improving real-time decision-making for space operators. With its focus on integrating and streamlining information, Prime Focus is set to revolutionize how space activities are monitored and managed.
The Aerospace Virtual Tours offer an immersive digital experience that allows users to explore the advanced laboratories of The Aerospace Corporation, showcasing the innovative research and development efforts that drive space capabilities forward. Visitors can navigate through the Physical Sciences Laboratories (PSL), which leverage cutting-edge tools and expertise to deliver applied scientific research supporting the space enterprise. The tours also feature the newly renovated xLab, where technical experts design and prototype groundbreaking instruments essential for evolving space technology. Additionally, the iLab promotes a culture of innovation by funding transformative ideas and collaborating across various sectors within the space industry, making these virtual tours a gateway to understanding the future of aerospace advancements.
The Aerospace Corporation has recently launched its new xLab facility at the El Segundo campus, a state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot space designed to enhance prototyping capabilities in the aerospace sector. This renovated facility features a Prototype Design Center, Electronics Testing Lab, Fabrication Lab, and Assembly and Integration Lab, along with collaborative open office spaces and huddle rooms to foster communication and creativity among technical experts. Principal Director Lynn Friesen expressed enthusiasm about the facility's potential to facilitate effective collaboration, anticipating significant advancements in space technology through the innovative prototypes and instruments developed within these labs. xLab is dedicated to rapidly architecting, developing, and transitioning prototypes that meet the evolving demands of the aerospace industry, delivering a range of products including hardware, software, and major testbeds for ground, airborne, and space flight systems.
The Aerospace Corporation has embraced the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by innovating its small satellite operations, particularly through its AeroCube program. As traditional work environments shifted dramatically, the AeroCube team adapted by maintaining spacecraft commissioning processes with a reduced on-site workforce, demonstrating resilience and flexibility. This shift not only allowed for continued operations but also paved the way for enhanced remote collaboration and operational methods. The experience gained during this period is expected to influence future practices, potentially leading to more efficient and agile service delivery in the aerospace sector.
