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Infrared satellite detectors, such as IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite) and WISE (Wide Field Infrared Survey Explorer), provide observational evidence of catastrophic asteroid disruptions in the form of zodiacal cloud dust bands. With observations of these bands, the asteroid parents and their families (fragments of disruptions) are studied to better understand the zodiacal cloud prior to disruption, as well as how asteroids contribute to the debris disk of the solar system's zodiacal cloud. Before creating models that can be compared to satellite data, the dynamical evolutions of small particles resulting from different disruptions of different ages as they evolve into the inner solar system are tracked. The dynamical evolution code, written in IDL, simulates the orbital elements of small particles during disruption. It takes into consideration the gravitational and radiative forces affecting small particle orbits for specific families within their unique epochs of disruptions. Through plots of temporal variations of numerous orbital elements of the resulting disruptions, this team has begun comparing the dynamical evolution of small particles from different asteroidal disruptions, as they reach Near-Earth Space. Understanding the particles in this region is important for many reasons, including determining potential threats for spacecraft in future missions.

This project’s objective is to provide an alternative launch system that could potentially replace the high-altitude balloon launch system (typically carrying scientific payloads) used in the Experimental Space Systems class at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, Arizona. Senior capstone design group, Phoenix Aerospace Launch Systems (PALS), will provide a high-powered rocket as the alternative launch system called Legacy. PALS has conducted research on similar projects and weighed the risks and benefits that involve a high-powered rocket. Initial research was conducted in the fall 2015 semester, calculations and analysis was done to finalize a design for Legacy. Legacy is in currently under the fabrication process and will be completed by March 16th, 2016. Once Legacy has completely fabricated, tests will be conducted in order to validate that all subsystems and system will satisfy mission requirements. Poster Presentation IGNITE GRANT AWARD