https://orbitlink.org/Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://orbitlink.org/simulating-artemis-ii.html<p>Artemis II will send astronauts around the Moon for the first time in over fifty years. I built a full trajectory simulation in NASA's GMAT to model the mission from parking orbit through lunar flyby and Earth return. Here's what the numbers look like and what they reveal about free-return trajectory design.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2026-04-05:/simulating-artemis-ii.htmlArticleartemislunartrajectoryGMATsimulationorbital mechanicshttps://orbitlink.org/dual-quaternion-intro.html<p>This article explores the evolution of hypercomplex numbers in mathematics, including imaginary numbers, quaternions, dual numbers, and dual quaternions. These concepts have been used to solve complex equations and represent rigid body transformations in computer graphics and animation, among other applications. Despite their strengths and limitations, the continued exploration of hypercomplex numbers holds promise for further advances in mathematics and its applications.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2025-07-28:/dual-quaternion-intro.htmlWhitepaperdual quaternionsmodelingrotationtranslationhttps://orbitlink.org/ai-ml-in-space-systems.html<p>Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing the way we approach space systems development. From mission planning and control to data processing and analysis, these advanced technologies are enabling new capabilities and driving innovation in the industry. In this article, we explore the key ways that AI and ML are being used in space systems development and the benefits they offer.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Fri, 14 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2025-03-14:/ai-ml-in-space-systems.htmlArticleaimlautonomyoperationscontrolprocessinganalysistechnologieshttps://orbitlink.org/rf-earth-observation.html<p>This whitepaper presents the design and implementation of advanced RF payloads for earth observation satellites. The paper explores the challenges faced in earth observation, including the need for high resolution imaging and the impact of environmental factors on signal quality. The use of advanced RF payloads is presented as a solution to these challenges, allowing for increased data throughput, higher resolution imaging, and improved signal quality.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0600tag:orbitlink.org,2025-01-17:/rf-earth-observation.htmlWhitepaperrfdesignobservationtechnologiespayloadsearth observationhttps://orbitlink.org/adaptive-control-systems.html<p>This whitepaper presents the design and implementation of adaptive control systems for autonomous spacecraft operations. The paper explores the challenges faced in autonomous spacecraft operations, including the need for precise control and the impact of changing environmental conditions. The use of adaptive control systems is presented as a solution to these challenges, allowing for improved control accuracy and greater flexibility in the face of changing conditions.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Thu, 03 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2024-10-03:/adaptive-control-systems.htmlWhitepaperadaptive controldesignautonomyneural networksfuzzy logicreinforcement learninghttps://orbitlink.org/rf-comm-deep-space.html<p>This article presents an overview of RF communications for deep space missions, including link budget analysis and design considerations. It covers the basics of deep space communications, the challenges faced in designing communication systems for deep space missions, and the current state of the art in deep space communication technology. In addition, the paper provides a detailed look at link budget analysis, which is a critical tool for designing communication systems that can meet the requirements of deep space missions.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2024-08-22:/rf-comm-deep-space.htmlArticlerfdesignlink budgetdeep spacecommunicationshttps://orbitlink.org/precision-adcs.html<p>The precision attitude determination and control of spacecraft is essential to ensure the success of a mission. This whitepaper discusses various methods and techniques used in spacecraft attitude determination and control. It provides an overview of the various sensors used for attitude determination, including star trackers, gyros, and sun sensors. Additionally, it discusses the various control methods used for spacecraft attitude control, including reaction wheels, thrusters, and magnetorquers. The whitepaper also discusses the challenges associated with spacecraft attitude determination and control and provides recommendations for future research.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2024-06-10:/precision-adcs.htmlWhitepaperattitude controlattitude determinationadacsprecisiontechnologieshttps://orbitlink.org/advances-in-cubesat-technologies.html<p>In recent years, the CubeSat industry has seen significant growth and innovation. These small satellites, typically weighing no more than a few kilograms, have opened up new opportunities for space exploration and research, as well as commercial applications. Here, we explore some of the latest trends and opportunities in CubeSat technologies.</p>Dr. Mason Nixon, Ph.D.Fri, 05 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500tag:orbitlink.org,2021-11-05:/advances-in-cubesat-technologies.htmlArticlecubesatsmall satellitesstandardizationtechnologies