Active Research Projects
The Space Systems Design Studio performs fundamental research in spacecraft architecture. The driving question behind each of our spacecraft research projects is:
How can spacecraft accomplish more with limited resources in space?
We seek ways to use limited resources and little-known effects in orbit to give spacecraft new capabilities or make current capabilities more efficient.
Select one of the links on the right of this page to learn more about the projects that team members are currently engaged in.
Facilities
Our team members conduct their work in simulation and laboratory experiments. We have lab space at Cornell University with CMG, flux pinning, and MII/LAO testbeds and experiments including motion capture equipment, air tables, and a thermal vacuum chamber.
In addition, the MII team utilizes the neighboring Cornell Nanofabrication Facility.
Past Projects
Previous research projects include a "hopping" gyroscopic rover for planetary exploration.
Lorentz-Augmented Orbits
Charged spacecraft achieve non-Keplerian orbits when they pass through magnetic fields.
CMG Robotics
Space robotic systems use control-moment gyroscopes as low-power, high-torque actuators.
Flux-Pinned Spacecraft
Magnets and supercondcutors connect modular spacecraft without physical contact.
Microscale Infinite-Impulse Spacecraft
Practical spacecraft systems printed on silicon chips form tiny LAO-capable spacecraft.