There Is More to DFR Than Handles

There Is More to DFR Than Handles

by | Jan 8, 2019

While handles, grapple posts, or similar features are important in the recovery of satellites, design for recovery (DFR) does not begin and end there.  DFR asks the overarching question: what is the ultimate disposal of this object and how do we design, document, and...
Satellites, What Are They Made Of?

Satellites, What Are They Made Of?

by | Aug 7, 2017

Imagine, if you will, a future in space. A future, previously well-described in science fiction literature – a healthy space infrastructure has been built with permanent bases in earth orbit, on the moon, including a small outpost on Mars. We’ve been very lucky....
What Goes Up Should Come Down

What Goes Up Should Come Down

by | Jun 1, 2017

It’s past time to improve our use of space and to adopt a strict regimen resembling that of wilderness hikers – “pack it in, pack it out”, and “leave it as you found it”. These implications can be rather severe compared to our current practices. Satellites in lower...
The Tragedy of the Common Orbits

The Tragedy of the Common Orbits

by | Jul 23, 2015

With apologies to Garrett Hardin The tragedy of the common orbits develops in this way. Picture an orbit open to all. It is to be expected that each operator will try to keep as many satellites as possible in the orbit. Such an arrangement may work reasonably...