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RAND was an early leader in the field of space science, producing seminal works in the design, launch, and operation of satellites in the 1940s and '50s. RAND continues to pursue space studies: Current topics include international cooperation (and the United States' dependency on foreign components), orbital debris (or "space junk"), and the funding of space missions.

Report
Responsible Space Behavior for the New Space Era
The early space domain was dominated by two superpowers. Today, the world has more than 60 spacefaring nations, multiple commercial space operators, and a global economy that is inextricably linked to space. Now is the time to develop responsible space norms.
Apr 26, 2021
Multimedia
Introducing the RAND Space Enterprise Initiative
RAND Space Enterprise Initiative lead Bruce McClintock describes the mission and goals of the Space Enterprise Initiative and the importance of making space research available to all.
Sep 4, 2020

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Report
International Agreements on Cooperation in Remote Sensing and Earth Observation
As of the end of 1997, the U.S. had cooperative agreements with 76 countries and six multinational organizations covering the operations of 32 active satellites. This report catalogs the agreements and assesses the extent of interagency coordination.
Jan 1, 1998
Report
GPS-Aided Guidance for Ballistic Missile Applications: An Assessment
The proliferation of Third World ballistic missiles is a major concern for the U.S. government. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of U.S. control policies as they pertain to ballistic missiles, focusing on those with ranges of 300-1000 km.
Jan 1, 1996
Report
Concept-Level Analytical Procedures for Loading Nonprocessing Communication Satellites with Direct-Sequence, Spread-Spectrum Signals
Concept-Level Analytical Procedures for Loading Nonprocessing Communication Satellites with Direct-Sequence, Spread-Spectrum Signals
Jan 1, 1996
Report
Concept-Level Analytical Procedures for Loading Nonprocessing Communication Satellites with Nonantijam Signals
Presents the analytical procedures and mathematical formulations required to construct a computer model of a military communication satellite system, load it efficiently with the radio signals required to support an operational scenario ...
Jan 1, 1996
Report
Mutual Interference in Fast-Frequency-Hopped, Multiple-Frequency-Shift-Keyed, Spread-Spectrum Communication Satellite Systems
This report presents the results of a theoretical analysis of a frequency-hopping, multiple-frequency-shift-keyed, spread-spectrum communication system using a nonprocessing communication satellite transponder.
Jan 1, 1996
Report
GPS Targeting Methods for Non-Lethal Systems
Reviews the wide array of possible non-lethal concepts and separates their employment depending on target class.
Jan 1, 1996
Report
Operational issues for GPS-aided precision missiles
Operational issues for GPS-aided precision missiles
Jan 1, 1996
Report
Opportunities Created by GPS for U.S. Defense, Commercial, and Foreign Policy Interests
Since the Global Positioning System (GPS) was originally deployed to aid U.S. armed forces in navigation and position location, it has evolved into a resource supporting civil, scientific, and commercial functions—from air traffic control to the Internet—with precision location and timing information.
Dec 1, 1995
Journal Article
IFOG Technology for Gyrocompass Applications
Interferometric fiber optic gyros (IFOGs) were fabricated and evaluated to demonstrate the feasibility of their use as rotation rate sensors within replacement gyrocompass systems.
Jun 1, 1995
Research Brief
A Policy Direction for the Global Positioning System: Balancing National Security and Commercial Interests
The evolution of GPS into an information system with a substantial international user community has raised complex policy questions for U.S. decisionmakers on a variety of issues affecting national defense, commerce, and foreign policy.
Jan 1, 1995
Report
Modeling Global Positioning System Effects in the TLC/NLC Model
Presents a design for incorporating Global Positioning System (GPS) into RAND's theater-level combat or nonlinear combat (TLC/NLC) model, which is used for policy analysis of military operations.
Jan 1, 1994
Journal Article
Estimating Spares Requirements for Space Station Freedom: Using the M-SPARE Model
In this guide, we describe the M-SPARE methodology, operation, and analytical capabilities.
Jul 1, 1993
Report
Photogrammetric Algorithms and Software for Spacecraft Optical Imaging Systems
Describes photogrammetric algorithms and software that can be used with data obtained from spacecraft optical imaging systems.
Sep 8, 1992
Journal Article
A Rate Integrating Fiber Optic Gyro
In the past, fiber optic gyros have generally been viewed as angular rate sensors. However, for inertial navigation purposes, a rate integrating gyro characteristic is desired.
Jun 1, 1991
Report
The Geometry of a Satellite-Ballistic Missile Engagement
This Note describes in mathematical terms the dynamic geometry between a constellation of satellites deployed for ballistic missile defense (BMD) and the missiles the satellites are engaging.
Jan 1, 1988
Report
Excess Capacity in International Telecommunications: Poor Traffic Forecasting or What?
Under international cooperative arrangements, governments and private firms have been remarkably successful in building worldwide systems of communications satellites and undersea cables.
Jan 1, 1986
Report
Improving MILSATCOM Acquisition Outcomes: Lease Versus Buy
Military satellite communication systems will cost taxpayers billions of dollars. The magnitude of these costs and their distribution in the economy will be directly affected by whether public policymakers choose to lease or to buy these systems.
Jan 1, 1985
Report
Commercial and Military Communication Satellite Acquisition Practices
... tests the contention that the commercial sector consistently manages acquisition programs better than the military.
Jan 1, 1985
Report
Interference problems for nongeostationary satellites
The interference problems faced by nongeostationary satellites may be of major significance. A general discussion indicates the scope of the problems and describes several configurations of importance. Computer programs are described, which are empl...
Jan 1, 1984
Report
A Development of Logistics Management Models for the Space Transportation System
This report identifies the characteristics of logistics system capability assessment and stockage optimization methods that reflect the unique nature of NASA's Space Transportation System's (STS) launch and recovery cycle.
Jan 1, 1983

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