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Lt Col Robert A. Bettinger, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering

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Publications

Archival Journal Articles

  1. Block, J. M., Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., Curtis, D. H., Johnis, B. J., “Variable-Fidelity Sensors and Observer Uncertainty using Touring Multi-Body Periodic Orbits to Conduct Cislunar SSA: Preliminary Study,” Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, 2024, DOI: 10.1177/15485129231225270.
  2. Bettinger, R. A., Wilmer, A. P., Dahlke, J. A., “Sun-Venus CR3BP, Part 2: Resonance Investigation and Planar Periodic Orbit Family Generation,” Archives of Applied Mechanics, 2024, DOI: 10.1007/s00419-024-02542-4.
  3. Dahlke, J. A., Bettinger, R. A., “Practical Implementation of Pseudo-Arclength Continuation to Ensure Consistent Path Direction,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 215, February 2024, pp. 205-216.
  4. Canoy, J. C., Bettinger, R. A., “Debris Risk Analysis for Mega-Constellation Architectures Following a Fragmentation Event during Orbit Raising Maneuver,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, 2023, DOI: 10.2514/1.A35723.
  5. Petrocelli, A. M., Bettinger, R. A., Kutz, N. C., Hartsfield, C. R., “Atlas of Historical and Proposed Nuclear Devices and Power Systems in the Earth-Moon System and Wider Solar System,” Progress in Nuclear Energy, Vol. 164, 2023, pp. 1-19.
  6. Mooty, C. M., Bettinger, R. A., Reith, M. G., “Domain Restriction Zones: A Proposed Evolution of the Military Exclusion Zone for the Multi-Domain Operations Environment,” Air & Space Operations Review, Vol. 2, No. 2, Summer 2023, pp. 20-36.
  7. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Simulation of Debris Events in Selected Low Lunar Orbits,” The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, Vol. 70, No. 16, 2023, pp. 1-24.
  8. Canoy, J. C., Bettinger, R. A., “Preliminary Debris Risk Assessment for Mega-Constellations in Low and Medium Earth Orbit due to Satellite Breakup,” Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, 2023, DOI: 10.1177/15485129231163868.
  9. Bettinger, R. A., Wilmer, A. P.^, Shockley, L. M., Boone, N. R., “Beauty in Chaos: The Hidden Art and Sacred Geometric Designs of Trajectories in Multi-Body Gravitational Systems,” Journal of Mathematics and the Arts, Vol. 17, No. 3-4, 2023.
  10. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Debris Collision Risk Analysis Following Simulated Cislunar Spacecraft Explosions,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 60, No. 2, 2023, pp. 668-684.
  11. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger R. A., “Holding the High Ground: A Taxonomy for Earth-Moon System Operations and Associated Space Law Challenges,” Æther: A Journal of Strategic Airpower and Spacepower, Vol. 1, No. 4, Winter 2022, pp. 63-78.
  12. Bettinger, R. A., “Bimodality in Reentry Latitude Predictions for Spacecraft in Prograde Orbits,” Journal of Applied Statistics, Vol. 50, No. 2, 2023, pp. 434-450.
  13. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., “Lagrangian Dynamics and the Discovery of Cislunar Periodic Orbits,” Nonlinear Dynamics, Vol. 111, 2023, pp. 155-178.
  14. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., Little, B. D., “Cislunar Periodic Orbits for Earth-Moon L1 and L2 Lagrange Point Surveillance,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 59, No. 6, 2022, pp. 1809-1820.
  15. Hayhurst, D. L., Colombi, J., Bettinger, R. A., Meyer, D. W., “A Methodological Framework for Parametric Combat Analysis,” Space Education & Strategic Applications, July 2022.
  16. Wilmer, A. P., Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Debris Propagation and Spacecraft Survivability Assessment for Catastrophic Mishaps Occurring in Cislunar Periodic Orbits,” Journal of Space Safety Engineering, Vol. 9, No. 2, June 2022, pp. 207-222.
  17. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., “Beyond the High Ground: A Taxonomy for Earth-Moon System Operations,” Air and Space Operations Review, Vol. 1, No. 2, Summer 2022.
  18. Bettinger, R. A., Boone, N. R., Hamilton, N. S., Little, B. D., “Survivability Analysis in the Shadow of Apollo: Part II – Spacecraft Charging Vulnerability near the Stable Earth-Moon Lagrange Points,” Aircraft Survivability Journal, Spring 2022, pp. 15-25.
  19. Olsen, J. C., Bettinger, R. A., Zagaris, C., “Trajectory Optimization Study of Six Degree-of-Freedom Reentry Resupply Capsules,” Journal of DoD Research and Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 4, January 2022, pp. 2-17.
  20. Poole, C., Gurley, C. D.*, Bettinger, R. A., Meyer, D. W., “Preliminary Constellation Design Study for Space-Based, Kinetic and Directed Energy Ballistic Missile Defense,” Journal of DoD Research and Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 4, January 2022, pp. 2-17.
  21. Poole, C., Bettinger, R. A., Reith, M., “Shifting Satellite Control Paradigms: The Prospect of Operational Cybersecurity in the Age of Mega-Constellations,” Air & Space Power Journal, Fall 2021, pp. 46-56.
  22. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Survivability Analysis in the Shadow of Apollo: Part I – Cislunar Debris Propagation and Spacecraft Vulnerability,” Aircraft Survivability Journal, Fall 2021, pp. 15-24.
  23. Lingenfelter, A. J., Hess, J. A., Bettinger R. A., “From Sanctuary to Warfighting Domain: A Space System Survivability Framework,” Aircraft Survivability Journal, Summer 2021, pp. 7-16.
  24. Erickson, B., Bettinger, R. A., Webb, J., “Multi-Objective Optimization of Satellite Aeroassisted Maneuvers,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 58, No. 4, July 2021, pp. 1061-1070.
  25. Bettinger, R. A., “Atmospheric Reentry Hemisphere Prediction for Prograde Orbits Using Logical Disjunction,” Advances in Space Research, Vol. 67, No. 10, May 2021, pp. 3267-3281.
  26. Poole, C.*, Bettinger, R. A., “‘Black Space’ versus ‘Blue Space’: A Proposed Dichotomy of Future Space Operations,” Air & Space Power Journal, Vol. 35, No. 1, Spring 2021, pp. 4-18.
  27. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Spacecraft Survivability in the Natural Debris Environment near the Stable Earth-Moon Lagrange Points,” Advances in Space Research, Vol. 67, No. 15, April 2021, pp. 2319-2332.
  28. Poole, C., Bettinger, R. A., “The Cosmic Sandbox: The Potential Military Role in Future Space Commerce and Exploration,” Space Force Journal, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 2021.
  29. Bettinger R. A., Tirrell, C. J., Hess, J. A., Shockley, L. M.*, “Preliminary Launch Site Optimization Method of Launch-on-Demand, Point-to-Point Rocket Cargo System,” Journal of DoD Research & Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 1, January 2021, pp. 2-11.
  30. Shockley, L. M., Bettinger R. A., “Policy and Geopolitical Implications of Launch-on-Demand Capabilities,” Journal of DoD Research and Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 1, March 2020, pp. 2-14.
  31. Linville, D. A., Bettinger, R. A., “An Argument against Satellite Resiliency: Simplicity In the Face of Modern Satellite Design,” Air & Space Power Journal, Vol. 34, No. 1, Spring 2020, pp. 43-53.
  32. Bettinger, R. A., “Linear Model for Reentry Time Prediction of Spacecraft in Low-Eccentricity, Low Earth Orbits,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 56, No. 5, September-October 2019, pp. 1300-1311.
  33. Schmitt, S., Bettinger, R. A., “The Potentiality of Space Enterprise Force Reconstitution: Nationalizing Civilian Satellites during Kinetic Conflicts,” Air & Space Power Journal, Vol. 33, No. 2, Summer 2019, pp. 61-72.
  34. Bettinger, R. A., Black, J. T., Agte, J. S., “Design of Experiments Approach to Atmospheric Skip Entry Maneuver Optimization,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 52, No. 3, May 2015, pp. 813-826.
  35. Bettinger, R. A., Black, J. T., “Comparative Study of Phasing, Atmospheric Skip Entry, and Simple Plane Change Maneuvers,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, Vol. 51, No. 6, Nov. – Dec. 2014, pp. 1965-1975.
  36. Bettinger, R. A., Black, J. T., “Aeroassisted Maneuvers: Potential Air and Space Law Challenges,” Journal of Space Law, Vol. 39, No. 2, Spring/Summer 2014, pp. 217-226.
  37. Bettinger, R. A., Black, J. T., “Mathematical Relation between the Hohmann Transfer and Continuous-Low Thrust Maneuvers,” Acta Astronautica, Vol. 96, March-April 2014, pp. 42-44.

 

Conference Proceedings

  1. Spesard, C. J., Bettinger, R. A., “Preliminary Lunar Surface SSA Architecture Optimization for the Observability of Cislunar and Lunar Resident Space Objects,” 34th AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Orlando, FL, January 2024.
  2. Garcia, D. J., Bettinger, R. A., “Attitude Control Analysis of Space-Based Mirror Satellites for Illuminating Dimly-Lit Resident Space Objects,” 2024 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2024.
  3. Loeffler, S. T., Sargent, R. M., Velazquez, R. D., Hartsfield, C. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Preliminary Analysis of Disposal Reachability for Selected Lagrange Points,” 2024 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2024.
  4. Roberts, K. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Preliminary Analysis of Desirable Cislunar Orbits for Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) at the Lunar South Pole,” 2024 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2024.
  5. Webb, E. L., Bettinger, R. A., “Optimizing Ground Distance After Reentry with Pseudo-Six-Degree-of-Freedom Control Constraints,” 2024 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2024.
  6. Tullino, S., Keys, A., Bettinger, R. A., Cox, A., Jacques, D., “A Conceptual Spacecraft Operational Survivability Estimation Based on Pre-Launch Test and Evaluation,” 7th International Conference on System Reliability and Safety (ICSRS), Bologna, Italy, November 2023.
  7. Johnis, B. J., Webb, E. L., Bettinger R. A., “Commercial Space Rescue Vehicle Reentry Concepts of Operation using Six Degree-Of-Freedom Analysis,” 2023 ASCEND Conference, Las Vegas, NV, October 2023.
  8. Tullino, S. K., Keys, A. S., Bettinger R. A., Cox, A. M., Jacques, D. R., “An Analysis of Ground Test and On-Orbit Failures of American Spacecraft,” 2023 ASCEND Conference, Las Vegas, NV, October 2023.
  9. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., Little, B. D., “Risks from Spacecraft Breakup Events in Near Rectilinear Halo Orbits,” 2023 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2023.
  10. Garcia, D. J., Bettinger, R. A., Hartsfield, C. R., “Simulated Debris Impact Testing of Additively Manufactured Origami Mirror Structure for Space-Based SSA,” 2023 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2023.
  11. Sargent, R. M., Bettinger, R. A., “Cislunar Periodic Disposal Orbits: Preliminary Operational Analysis,” 2023 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, MT, August 2023.
  12. Spesard, C. J., Bettinger, R. A., “Cislunar and Lunar RSO Observability Potential for Candidate Lunar Surface Sites,” 2023 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, MT, August 2023.
  13. Conkle, C. T., Bettinger, R. A., Smith, P. D., “Articulating CubeSat Platform for In-Orbit Volume Re-Configuration,” Small Satellite Conference, Logan, UT, August 2023.
  14. Johnis, B. J., Roberts, K. R.*, Gunawardena, S., Bettinger, R. A., “Lunar Navigation Satellite System Trade Space Analysis for In-Space Rescue Applications,” Joint Navigation Conference, San Diego, CA, June 2023.
  15. Grile, T. M., Bettinger, R. A., “Statistical Reliability Estimation for Deep Space Satellites: 1991-2023,” AIAA 2023 Region III Student Paper Conference, Dayton, OH, March 2023.
  16. Canoy, J. C., Bettinger, R. A., “Debris Risk Assessment for Mega-Constellations in Low and Medium Earth Orbit Due to Satellite Breakup During Orbit Raising Maneuver,” 2023 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, National Harbor, MD, January 2023.
  17. Cook, A. E., Dahlke, J. A., Bettinger, R. A., “Preliminary Study: Employing Space-Based Mirrors for Augmented Illumination of Cislunar Resident Space Objects,” 2023 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, National Harbor, MD, January 2023.
  18. Grile, T. M., Bettinger, R. A., “Statistical Reliability Estimation of Satellites Operating from 1991-2020,” 2023 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, National Harbor, MD, January 2023.
  19. Garcia, D. J.* Bettinger, R. A., “Origami Application to Space Mirror Reflectors,” 33rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Austin, TX, January 2023.
  20. Fay, T. J., Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., “Touring Cislunar Periodic Orbit Test Case for Earth-Moon Search and Rescue,” 33rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Austin, TX, January 2023.
  21. Wilmer, A. P., Jones, R. B., Bettinger, R. A., Zagaris, C., “Preliminary Study of Utilizing Electric Propulsion for Rendezvous Operations with Example Cislunar Periodic Orbits,” 33rd AAS/AIAA Space Flight Mechanics Meeting, Austin, TX, January 2023.
  22. Grile, T. M., Bettinger, R. A., “Statistical Reliability Estimation of Payload Reliability for Satellites Operating from 1991-2020,” 6th International Conference on System Reliability and Safety (ICSRS), Venice, Italy, November 2022.
  23. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., “Earth-Moon Logistical Operations Utilizing Cislunar Periodic Orbits,” 73rd International Astronautical Congress, Paris, France, September 2022.
  24. Block, J. M., Curtis, D. H., Bettinger, R. A., Wilmer, A. P.^, “Cislunar SDA with Low-Fidelity Sensors and Observer Uncertainty,” 2022 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2022.
  25. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Long-Term Evolution of Debris Clouds in Low Lunar Orbit,” 2022 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2022.
  26. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger, R. A., “Comparison between Cislunar Periodic Orbits and L1/L2 Halo Orbits for Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit Surveillance,” 2022 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2022.
  27. Dahlke, J. A., Wilmer, A. P.^, Bettinger, R. A., “Preliminary Comparative Assessment of L2 and L3 Surveillance Using Select Cislunar Periodic Orbits,” 2022 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Charlotte, NC, August 2022.
  28. Byun, J. F., Bettinger, R. A., “Aeroelasticity of Six Degree-Of-Freedom Satellite Bus Configurations during Terminal Reentry,” 2022 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, San Diego, CA, January 2022.
  29. Macé, N., Bettinger, R. A., “CubeSat Reference Mission Design for Operations at the Earth-Moon L3 Lagrange Point,” 2022 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, San Diego, CA, January 2022.
  30. Olsen, J. C., Bettinger, R. A., “Six Degree-Of-Freedom Analysis of the Apollo 10 Atmospheric Reentry,” 2022 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, San Diego, CA, January 2022.
  31. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger R. A., Little, B. D., “Periodic Orbit Constellation Assessment for Cislunar Space Domain Awareness,” 2021 ASCEND Conference, Las Vegas, NV, November 2021.
  32. Boone, N. R., Bettinger R. A., “Artificial Debris Collision Risk Following a Catastrophic Spacecraft Mishap in Lunar Orbit,” 2021 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2021.
  33. Dombrowski, D. M., Bettinger R. A., “Preliminary Orbit Determination Using the Transit of Satellites in Front of Space-Based Illumination Sources,” 2021 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2021.
  34. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger R. A., Little, B. D., “Preliminary Viability Assessment of Periodic Orbits for Cislunar Space Domain Awareness Mission Architectures,” 2021 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2021.
  35. Byun, J. F., Bettinger R. A., “Six Degree-Of-Freedom Terminal Reentry Analysis Using Various Satellite Bus Configurations,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, MT, August 2021.
  36. Wilmer, A. P., Bettinger R. A., “Lagrangian Derivation and Stability Analysis of Multi-Body Gravitational Dynamical Models with Application to Periodic Orbit Propagation,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, MT, August 2021.
  37. Wilmer, A. P., Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Artificial Debris Propagation in Cislunar Periodic Orbits,” 2021 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Big Sky, MT, August 2021.
  38. Hayhurst, D., Bettinger, R. A., Schubert Kabban, C., “Survival Analysis for Nanosatellites and Picosatellites,” 2021 Small Satellite Conference, Logan, UT, August 2021.
  39. Poole, C., Reith, M., Bettinger, R. A., “Evolving Satellite Control Challenges: The Arrival of Mega-Constellations and Potential Complications for Operational Cybersecurity,” 20th European Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security, Chester, UK, June 2021.
  40. Shockley, L. M., Bettinger R. A., “Real-Time Aerospace Vehicle Position Estimation Using Terrestrial Illumination Matching,” 2021 IEEE International Workshop on Metrology for Aerospace, Naples, Italy, June 2021.
  41. Bettinger, R. A., Boone, N. R., Hamilton, N. S., Little, B. D., “Spacecraft Charging Vulnerability near the Stable Earth-Moon Lagrange Points,” 2021 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, March 2021.
  42. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Debris Propagation Following a Catastrophic Spacecraft Mishap at the Collinear Earth-Moon Lagrange Points,” 2021 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, March 2021.
  43. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Cislunar Debris Propagation Following a Catastrophic Spacecraft Mishap,” 2021 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Nashville, TN, January 2021.
  44. Lomanno, C. P., Bettinger, R. A., Gindre, P., “Utility of Modular Attitude Determination and Control Subsystems for Small Satellites,” 2020 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2020.
  45. Boone, N. R., Bettinger, R. A., “Spacecraft Survivability near the Stable Earth Lagrange Points,” 2020 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Lake Tahoe, CA, August 2020.
  46. Keys, A. S., Bettinger, R. A., Miller, S. K., Sheffield, C. A., Lomanno, C. P., “Balancing Project Management, Risk, and Educational Opportunities on the Grissom CubeSat Project,” 2020 Small Satellite Conference, Logan, UT, August 2020.
  47. Shockley, L. M., Bettinger, R. A., “Spacecraft Attitude Estimation using Terrestrial Illumination Matching,” 2020 IEEE Aerospace Conference, Big Sky, MT, March 2020.
  48. Bettinger, R. A., Hess, J. A., “Hypervelocity Impact Vulnerability Assessment for a 6U CubeSat Bus,” 2020 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2020.
  49. Bettinger, R. A., Hess, J. A., “Fractionated Spacecraft Survivability following a Catastrophic Explosion,” 2020 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2020.
  50. Shockley, L. M., Bettinger, R. A., “Spacecraft Position Estimation using Terrestrial Illumination Matching,” 2020 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, Orlando, FL, January 2020.
  51. Shockley, L. M.*#, Bettinger R. A., “Policy Implications of Launch-on-Demand Employment,” 2019 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference (AMOS), Maui, HI, September 2019.
  52. Tatman, L. A., Bettinger R. A., Hess, J. A., Lingenfelter, A. J., “Orbital Debris Propagation in Solwind Anti-Satellite Event,” 2019 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, San Diego, CA, January 2019.
  53. Hess, J. A., Bettinger, R. A., Lingenfelter, A. J., “Spacecraft Survivability in a Catastrophic Formation Mishap,” 2019 AIAA Science and Technology Forum and Exposition, San Diego, CA, January 2019.
  54. Stastny, N. B., Chavez, F. R., Lin, C., Lovell, A., Bettinger, R. A., Luck, J., “Localized Density/Drag Prediction for Improved Onboard Orbit Propagation,” 2009 Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1-4 Sep. 2009.
  55. Stastny, N. B., Bettinger, R. A., Chavez, F. R., “Comparison of the Extended and Unscented Kalman Filters for Angles Based Relative Navigation,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit, Honolulu, Hawaii, 18-21 Aug. 2008.
  56. Stastny, N. B., Bettinger, R.A., Chavez, F. R., “LinCov Analysis of an Automated Celestial Inertial Navigation Approach for GEO Satellites,” AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference and Exhibit, Honolulu, Hawaii, 18-21 August 2008.
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