The seminar in Astrodynamics and Space Applications is hosting Dr. Chris Ranieri, Associate Director of the Trajectory Design and Optimization Department and Head of the Contested Missions Office, and Dr. George Pollock, Director of the Astrodynamics Department, who are presenting about the AI Yah 3 Recovery. 

The seminar is 3-4 p.m. Feb. 24 in ARMS 2008 or via Webex. The event is open to the public.

Abstract

After an Ariane 5 ECA launch anomaly, the Al Yah 3 spacecraft required significantly more fuel to reach its desired GEO mission orbit slot. Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems and The Aerospace Corporation partnered to design an orbit transfer recovery sequence that maximized the achievable mission life. Using specialized trajectory optimization tools, a recovery sequence was found that maximized the performance of three different propulsion systems. The use of a tool to optimize the end-to-end transfer was critical and will be highlighted with comparisons to recovery options designed using experience and intuition. A mission life of >8 years was salvaged.

Bio - Dr. Chris Ranieri

Dr. Chris Ranieri is the Associate Director of the Trajectory Design and Optimization Department and head of The Aerospace Corporation’s Contested Missions Office. Dr. Ranieri supports these organizations from the Colorado Springs corporate location and helps manage a team located in El Segundo, CA, Colorado Springs, CO, and Albuquerque, NM. Dr. Ranieri brings expertise and insight to the trajectory optimization of maneuvering spacecraft, launch vehicles, and reentry vehicles. This work covers conceptual design and continues through on-orbit operations, at a wide range of analysis fidelity. Dr. Ranieri has spent his entire 15 year career at Aerospace in this department. He has served as a member of the AIAA Astrodynamics Technical Committee and presented to the Under Secretary of Defense (Research and Engineering), the Defense Science Board, and USSF/SSC, SSDP, and DARPA senior leadership. He has also authored or coauthored more than 10 conference and journal papers while at Aerospace. Dr. Ranieri received his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.

Bio - Dr. George Pollock

Dr. George E. Pollock IV is the director of the Astrodynamics Department at The Aerospace Corporation. Dr. Pollock holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics, and a doctoral degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering, all from Purdue University. In over a decade of professional engineering practice, Dr. Pollock has directly contributed to national security space through innovative mission design, system concept analysis, and architecture studies. At Aerospace, he leads a team of analysts providing space domain awareness and advanced space mission analyses for the U.S. Space Force, NASA, and other customers.