Aircraft ice accretion measurement: a Phase I, SBIR study usingmillimeter wave radar (MMWR)

Discusses Phase I bids to study the feasibility of using MMW radar techniques to measure the amount of ice accumulated on aircraft wings and rotors. It appeared to the authors that this sensor technology might have the potential to solve some of the problems of sensors that are currently available. A proposal and program strategy was adopted capitalizing on the prior research in the area wherever it could be found from unclassified sources     

The applicability of expert systems to a space-based defensive shield

The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) was orginally intended to reduce the level of nuclear forces and strengthen deterrence. Since SDI was first proposed, a wide ranging debate ensued as to the probable cost, technical feasibility and moral implications of the program. This paper examines the evidence to determine if the advanced computing methods needed to control a space-based defensive system like SDI would be capable of fulfilling its purpose. The outcome of this discussion is that a defensive shield would not achieve the stated purpose and would likely increase the chances of nuclear war.     

Competitive pricing for multiple payload launch services: the road to commercial space

The commercial launch industry is maturing into an international market that is highly price competitive. A common way to deal with the high cost of launch services is to use a single booster to place several payloads into orbit. This practice requires the launch provider to divide the cost of the shared mission between the customers. Unfortunately, the methods normally used to do this are inadequate. This paper addresses the question of how best to share launch costs. It examines the existing methods and introduces two alternative methods for this purpose. The new methods are demonstrated and shown to be superior.