ASTRIA Resource a Valuable National Asset

  • Published
  • By Mary Rodriguez
  • Directed Energy
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, New Mexico --  Since its inception, Air Force Research Laboratory's Advanced Sciences and Technology Research Institute for Astrodynamics has provided an avenue for innovative solutions to current and future problems with astrodynamic context. Accordingly, the research entity has been able to solve a variety of defense-related space control issues, several of which have involved key improvements in resident space object data tracking and association and in RSO orbit determination via automated, near-real-time, statistically based algorithm design, development, and implementation. To address operational hazards stemming from the growing population of RSOs--which do occasionally collide, get lost, and experience failures--ASTRIA is now working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Goddard Space Flight Center to codevelop next-generation astrodynamics software providing more timely, realistic, and autonomous RSO identification and discrimination.

ASTRIA combines in-house government and contractor expertise with an academic consortium focused on (6.1, 6.2, and 6.3) research in astrodynamics-based science and technology of interest to AFRL and the Department of Defense. ASTRIA, which currently consists of universities allied with AFRL's extensive and dedicated exploration of directed energy and space vehicles capabilities, has a Board of Advisors comprising government staff of the authority to supply recommendations and oversight guiding ASTRIA research endeavors. This advisory structure ensures not only that ASTRIA's activities are aligned to a successful path of technology transition, but that they remain relevant to ever-changing warfighter needs. Accordingly, the ASTRIA BOA meets annually in order to pinpoint "challenge areas" for research and development. Subsequent to the BOA's yearly forum is an annual workshop, where ASTRIA research teams gain exposure to the board's recently identified focal points and begin working to devise--or update existing--plans for tackling these challenges.

The assembly of specific research teams from ASTRIA's overall membership occurs through various means. Government/university alliances known as Education Partnership Agreements represent one such (extensively used) mechanism. Other common channels for participation include the postdoctoral arrangements, sabbatical leaves, and similarly personal measures employed by individual professors and students. ASTRIA project engagement is also possible via Intergovernmental Personnel Act, AFRL Air Force Office of Scientific Research-based Researcher Assistance Program, Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, and comparable methods.