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Publications by Microcosm
71 papers on mission design, small satellites, autonomous orbit control and low-cost launch vehicles. Each page has the abstract and a PDF.
Mission design and orbits (15)Small satellites and cost reduction (17)Autonomous guidance, navigation and control (22)Launch vehicles (17)
Mission design and orbits
- 2024Commercial, Near-Term Lunar Settlements and International Lunar University.
- 2018Design of a Mars Rapid Round Trip Mission
- 2013Hummingbird: Versatile Interplanetary Mission Architecture
- 2013Reinventing Disaster Reconnaissance through Space Assets
- 2012Moderately Elliptical Very Low Orbits (MEVLOs) as a Long-Term Solution to Orbital Debris
- 2007Circular vs. Elliptical Orbits for Persistent Communications
- 2006Systems Engineering for Responsive Launch
- 2005Coverage, Responsiveness and Accessibility for Various “Responsive Orbits”
- 2004Rapid Interplanetary Round Trips at Moderate Energy
- 2003Interplanetary Round Trip Mission Design
- 2002Mission Geometry; Orbit and Constellation Design and Management
- 2001Small Orbit Transfer Vehicle (OTV) for On-Orbit Satellite Servicing and Resupply
- 2001Solar-Electric Planetary Missions With An Initial Out-Of-Ecliptic Thrust Phase
- 1999Mission Design and System Requirements for a Multiple-Function Orbital Transfer Vehicle
- 1997A Low-Cost Modified Launch Mode for High-C3 Interplanetary Missions
Small satellites and cost reduction
- 2014Sprite, a Very Low-Cost Launch Vehicle for Small Satellites
- 2013Performance Based Cost Modeling: Quantifying the Cost Reduction Potential of Small Observation Satellites
- 2013Quantifying the Cost Reduction Potential for Earth Observation Satellites
- 2013Quantifying the Cost Reduction Potential for Earth Observation Satellites
- 2011Methods for Achieving Dramatic Reductions in Space Missions Cost
- 2010Assessment of SmallSat Utility and the Need for Dedicated, Low-Cost, Responsive Small Satellite Launch
- 2010Design, Performance, and Responsiveness of a Low-Cost Micro-Satellite Launch Vehicle
- 2010NanoEye—Military Relevant Surveillance for Less than $5 Million Total Recurring Mission Cost
- 2008ORS Mission Utility and Measures of Effectiveness
- 2006Aggressive Surveillance as a Key Application Area for Responsive Space
- 2003Responsive, Low-Cost Access to Space with ELVIS — an Expendable Launch Vehicle with Integrated Spacecraft
- 2000Private, Commercial, and Student-Oriented Low-Cost Deep-Space Missions: A Global Survey of Activity
- 1999Architecture for Developing an Economically Viable International Large-Scale Lunar Colony
- 1999Low-Cost, Minimum-Size Satellites for Demonstration of Formation Flying Modes at Small, Kilometer-Size Distances
- 1998Reducing Planetary Mission Cost by a Modified Launch Mode
- 1997Low-Cost Planetary Missions Utilizing Small Launch Vehicles and a Novel Launch Mode
- 1996What’s the Price of Low Cost?
Launch vehicles
- 2006Responsive Launch With the Scorpius Family of Low-Cost Expendable Launch Vehicles
- 2005Development of the Scorpius LOX/Kerosene Engine Family
- 2004Responsive Access to Space—The Scorpius® Low-Cost Launch System
- 2004Responsive Launch Vehicle Cost Model
- 2004Using Pressure-fed Propulsion Technology to Lower Space Transportation Costs
- 2001Scorpius, A New Generation of Responsive, Low Cost Expendable Launch Vehicle Family
- 2001The Scorpius Expendable Launch Vehicle Family and Status of the Sprite Small Launch Vehicle
- 2001The Sprite Mini-Lift Vehicle: Affordable Launcher for Small Spacecraft Missions
- 2001The Sprite Mini-Lift Vehicle: Performance, Cost and Schedule Projections for the First of the Scorpius Low-Cost Launch Vehicles
- 2000Economic Model of Reusable vs. Expendable Launch Vehicles
- 1998Application Of Scorpius Low Cost Launch Services to Mini-Lift Market
- 1998Status of the Scorpius Low Cost Launch Services Program
- 1997A Low Cost Avionics System Support Approach for Low Cost Launch Vehicles
- 1995Status of the Scorpius Low Cost Launch Services Program
- 1993Status of the Scorpius Low Cost Launch Services Program
- 1993The Scorpius Low Cost Launch System
- A Generic Guidance, Navigation, And Control System For Low Cost Launch Vehicles
Books
Mission Geometry: Orbit and Constellation Design and Management (Microcosm Press, 2001, 934 pages). Books from Microcosm Press are at astrobooks.com. Our courses use Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD. See courses.
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Or write to microcosm@smad.com or call (310) 539-2306.