Stef Crum
Advisor: Prof. Brian C. Gunter

will propose a master’s thesis entitled,

SSA through Cislunar Lagrange One Radiofrequency Communication Gate

On

Tuesday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m.
Montgomery Knight Building 325

Abstract
This paper aims to enhance the potential diversity in which CisLunar Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) can be performed by demonstrating the viability of intercepting Lunar orbit-to-Earth radiofrequency communications in order to  retrieve the orbit from which they were sent. The viability was evaluated by characterizing Lunar orbit-to-Earth radiocommunications hailing from frozen lunar orbits. Then; by positioning a satellite in a quasi-stable orbit around the CisLunar Lagrange one point, a system design may be set up, able to determine the orbit of any satellite radio-communicating from lunar orbit-to-Earth. The demonstration of viability of this concept may expand the range of available methods in which space situational awareness and space domain awareness are completed. It is a more passive, but potentially more financially efficient method for creating external situational awareness within CisLunar space. As Initial Orbit Determination remains challenging within CisLunar space, particularly near the lunar surface, this concept may be able to provide a complimentary technology within the frozen low lunar orbital environment.

Committee

• Prof. Brian C. Gunter – School of Aerospace Engineering (advisor)
• Prof. John Christian – School of Aerospace Engineering
• Prof. Koki Ho – School of Aerospace Engineering