Aaron Adler

The AFRL DSX Flight Experiment

The Deployable Structures Experiment (DSX) is a 2004 new-start AFRL Space Vehicles Flight Experiment. DSX is designed to perform four basic research experiments that coupled together provides DoD with the technological understanding needed to achieve transformational capability in space surveillance, microsats with large aperture and power, remediation of the effects of a high-altitude nuclear detonation (HAND), and radiationsurvivability design criteria for satellite systems planned for the highly desirable medium Earth orbit (MEO) regime. The four DSX experiments are fundamental research on large deployable space structures, Radiation Belt Remediation (RBR), thin-film photovoltaics (TFPV), and space particle measurement in the MEO environment. DSX is baselined to launch in 2008 to a 6000-km x 12000-km, 27 degree inclination MEO orbit.

Overview of the AFRL's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) Program

Abstract : The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate has developed the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission to research technologies needed to significantly advance Department of Defense (DoD) capability to operate spacecraft in the harsh radiation environment of medium-earth orbits (MEO). The ability to operate effectively in the MEO environment significantly increases the DoDs capability to field space systems that provide persistent global targeting-grade space surveillance, high-speed satellite-based communication, lower-cost GPS navigation, and protection from space weather on a responsive satellite platform. The three DSX physics-based research areas are: 1. Wave Particle Interaction Experiment (WPIx): Researching the physics of very-low-frequency (VLF) transmissions in the magnetosphere and characterizing the feasibility of natural and man-made VLF waves to reduce space radiation; 2. Space Weather Experiment (SWx): Characterizing and modeling the space radiation environment in MEO, an orbital regime attractive for future DoD and commercial missions; 3. Space Environmental Effects (SFx): Researching and characterizing the space weather effects on spacecraft electronics and materials. DSX uses a modular design that allows for launch either as a primary satellite on a conventional launcher, such as a Minotaur, or as a secondary payload on a larger rocket, such as the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV). Another key feature is the use of a dedicated payload computer, which unburdens the avionics of the need to conform to custom payload data interfaces, enabling the rapid procurement of a standard spacecraft bus. An overview of the DSX science experiments, payload design, spacecraft subsystems, and engineering approach will be described.

MEO Wave-Particle Interaction, Space Weather, and Environmental Effects Payloads on AFRL's Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX)

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate has developed the Demonstration and Science Experiments (DSX) mission to research technologies needed to significantly advance Department of Defense (DoD) capability to operate spacecraft in the harsh radiation environment of medium-earth orbits (MEO). The ability to operate effectively in the MEO environment significantly increases the DoDs capability to field space systems that provide persistent global targeting-grade space surveillance, high-speed satellite-based communication, lower-cost GPS navigation, and protection from space weather on a responsive satellite platform. The three DSX physics- based research areas are: 1. Wave Particle Interaction Experiment (WPIx): Researching the physics of very- low-frequency (VLF) transmissions in the magnetosphere and characterizing the feasibility of natural and man-made VLF waves to reduce space radiation; 2. Space Weather Experiment (SWx): Characterizing and modeling the space radiation environment in MEO, an orbital regime attractive for future DoD and commercial missions; 3. Space Environmental Effects (SFx): Researching and characterizing the space weather effects on spacecraft electronics and materials.