Overcoming Observation Obstacles in Cislunar Space for Safe and Successful Exploration

Cislunar space is the volume containing the Earth, the Moon, and just beyond the Moon. The region is not rigorously defined; however, it is a regime where neither the gravitational forces associated with Earth, nor the Moon can be neglected. Subsequently, the unique dynamics enable the existence of exotic orbits and trajectories that are not found in near-Earth space. These exotic orbits and trajectories enable exploration of regions that are otherwise difficult to reach.

Navigating the Space Frontier: Addressing the Challenges in Space Situational Awareness with FreeFlyer®

Space has increasingly become a theater for complex operations, as nations deploy satellites for various purposes. The recent incident involving a Russian satellite, Kosmos-2558, shadowing a US military satellite, USA-326, illustrates the need for vigilant monitoring and management of assets in space. Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) play critical roles in understanding and predicting the behavior of objects in space. This blog post delves into the significance of SSA and SDA, highlights recent news, and demonstrates how FreeFlyer's capabilities can be pivotal in tackling challenges in SSA and SDA for both government and commercial space entities.

a.i. solutions to Host Second Annual Fireside Chat – Amplify Her Voice

The women of a.i. solutions^®, a leading space mission engineering services provider and space software applications developer, will be hosting their second annual Fireside Chat – Amplify Her Voice on May 25 from 5-8 p.m. This event will be held in person, and live-streamed, from the company headquarters in Lanham, MD.

Introducing FreeFlyer® 7.8

The FreeFlyer Team is proud to bring you FreeFlyer 7.8, optimized for your mission! FreeFlyer 7.8 is packed with new user-requested features to improve your mission’s success.

FreeFlyer Team Visits 2022 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference to Present on James Webb Space Telescope

Members of a.i. solutions FreeFlyer team recently had the pleasure of attending the 2022 AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. While at the conference, not only did the team have the opportunity to share the latest updates on FreeFlyer, select members presented a variety of white papers on industry-related topics covering a variety of details about the James Webb Space Telescope. Visit this page to learn more.

FreeFlyer Doubles JWST Lifetime for Science

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) successfully launched onboard an Ariane 5 rocket on December 25, 2021, at 12:20 UTC — a Christmas miracle for more than 1,000 contributing scientists, engineers, and technicians over the last 30 years. This global collaboration included NASA, partners, and contractors from at least 14 countries and 29 US states, including partner agencies European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). Learn more about how FreeFlyer® is supporting the JWST on its journey.

a.i. solutions Named 2021 NASA Agency Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year

a.i. solutions^® has been named the Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the Agency’s 2021 Small Business Industry Awards (SBIA) program.

a.i. solutions Awarded $217 Million Prototype Operations I (POPS-I) Contract to Support U.S. Space Force

Space mission engineering services provider and space software applications developer will support U.S. Space Force over a 5-year contract.

a.i. solutions, Inc. Successfully Achieved Recertification of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 2016 Rev D

a.i. solutions, Inc. announces its successful ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 2016 Rev D recertification. This accomplishment marks 15 years of continuous certification and demonstrates a.i. solutions’ continuing commitment to quality and performance.

What Happens When Space Debris Impacts the Far Side of the Moon?

On March 4, 2022, an unidentified rocket booster impacted the far side of the Moon near its Hertzsprung crater. The far side of the Moon permanently faces away from the Earth because it is tidally locked to the Earth. After years in a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) the booster made a series of lunar flybys that put it on a collision course with the Moon. Check out this article for the full story on the space debris impact.

Harness the Power of FreeFlyer^® 7.7

Introducing FreeFlyer® 7.7, the latest version of the astrodynamics software from the team at a.i. solutions®. To kickoff 2022, a.i. solutions invites you to download the latest version of FreeFlyer to explore its newest features and capabilities.

James Webb Space Telescope: Launch Overview

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) launched on December 25, 2021, to become the world’s premier space science observatory. JWST is the culmination of collaboration from engineers and scientists around the world to collect observations of planets, stars, and the formation of galaxies across the universe.

Managing Constellations: A Flight Dynamics Perspective

Discover a.i. solutions' role in the modernization of satellite operations in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as we sit down with Andrew Werner, Director of Space Products.

Delta II and SLC-2: A Remarkable Era

The launch of NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) on September 15, 2018, from Space Launch Complex-2 (SLC-2) at Vandenberg Air Force Base, now a Space Force base, marked the end of a remarkable era for the venerable Delta II launch vehicle and SLC-2.

AWS Licensing with FreeFlyer

Whether you are setting up a flight dynamics microservices pipeline to automate your constellation’s daily operations or moving your flight dynamics analysis tools to a more secure and distributed architecture, FreeFlyer allows you to set up Cloud workflows easily in AWS.

Optimal Asteroid Deflection in FreeFlyer

You’ve just found out that an asteroid is headed toward the Earth, what are you going to do? Assemble a team of rag-tag oil drillers and launch them into space? If you’re in Hollywood, that’s probably your answer.

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Space Exploration

Current space exploration missions use artificial intelligence and machine learning capabilities in many areas of space operations including mission planning and operations, data collection, autonomous navigation and maneuvering, and spacecraft maintenance. Future space missions will need to continue using these capabilities as we expand explorations to the deeper regions of space.

a.i. solutions Announces Partnership Extension with SOLETOP To Deliver Turnkey Solutions into Southeast Asia

a.i. solutions and SOLETOP announced an extension to a partnership agreement to support space mission design, analysis, and operations in Southeast Asia.

The Rising Potential of Emerging Space Nations

What was once a “space race” between the United States and the Soviet Union has rapidly expanded worldwide for both commercial and government-funded projects.

a.i. solutions Awarded $203 Million, 5-Year Contract to Support the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) with Quality and Mission Assurance Services

a.i. solutions, Inc. has been awarded the Missile Defense Agency's Technical, Engineering, Advisory and Management Support-Next (TEAMS-Next) contract for Quality and Mission Assurance (QMA) services.

Introducing FreeFlyer 7.6

Introducing FreeFlyer® 7.6

FreeFlyer® 7.6 provides complete astrodynamics functionality for missions of any size, any scale, any orbit regime. From planning to spacecraft disposal, FreeFlyer supports the full lifecycle of your mission.

New FreeFlyer^® Student Spotlight Program

Introducing FreeFlyer's new Student Spotlight Program that recognizes students for their outstanding use of the most popular astrodynamics software. Click the button below to find out more and register today for your chance to win!

a.i. solutions Awarded a “Best in Class” OASIS Small Business Contract

a.i. solutions, Inc. has been awarded an One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) Small Business (SB) Pool 4 contract, a multiple award, indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) solutions for complex professional services.

How To Learn FreeFlyer^® Astrodynamics Software

There are many resources available from the FreeFlyer Team to help you learn while evaluating the software or preparing for FreeFlyer certification exams. In this article, we discuss five ways you can begin learning the essential fundamentals of FreeFlyer.

Tips and Tricks for Designing a Constellation in FreeFlyer^®

FreeFlyer is a powerful astrodynamics software tool that gives the user the power to model satellite constellations of any size; whether it be pre-launch mission analysis or nominal operations and flight dynamics support, FreeFlyer powers your constellation’s design, analysis, and operations. Find out a few tips and tricks surrounding constellation design in FreeFlyer.

FreeFlyer^® Certification

The FreeFlyer team is thrilled to announce the launch of our new FreeFlyer Certification Program! Test your knowledge of the fundamental skills necessary to use FreeFlyer by taking the Level 1 Certification Exam.

Fly to the Moon with FreeFlyer^®

A lunar revitalization is happening now as more and more industry partners are teaming together with both DoD and civil agencies to prepare new technologies bound for the Moon, Mars, and beyond through programs like the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, sending the next scientific and test payloads to the surface of the moon.

FreeFlyer^® Visualization Tips and Tricks

One of the most powerful capabilities in FreeFlyer is the ability to produce custom visualizations that allow you to portray your mission in the best light! FreeFlyer's scripting language allows you to build movie-quality camera manipulation directly into your Mission Plan.

NASA 2019 Early Career Public Service Medal Awardee: Megan Johnson

a.i. solutions' Megan Johnson was recently awarded a NASA Early Career Public Service Medal. This prestigious NASA medal is awarded to any non-government employee for unusual and significant performance during the first 10 years of an individual’s career in support of the agency.

All New Terrain Modeling in FreeFlyer^®

FreeFlyer 7.5 is pack full of new features including Line-of-Sight Terrain Modeling. Using the Terrain object, you can visualize terrain anywhere on Earth and compute visibility and viewshed combinations between any combination of assets in all analysis regimes.

Introducing FreeFlyer® 7.4

FreeFlyer® 7.4 is the next major release of the Space Industry’s most capable flight dynamics software.

Introducing FreeFlyer^® 7.5

FreeFlyer 7.5 is pack full of new features including Line-of-Sight Terrain Modeling, Ground Vehicle and Non-Orbit Object Models, Mission Planning Reverse Playback, plus much more!

TechTalks provide knowledge transfer within NASA’s Launch Services Program
Case Study: Solutions in Practice by Breanne Alzate

NASA’s Launch Services Program (LSP) is responsible for providing oversight and mission assurance to ensure mission success for spacecraft launching on unmanned rockets. Within the LSP, there is a team called the Industrial Engineering Network (iEN), which is a multi-disciplinary team of internal consultants who implement improvements and efficiencies and serve as forward-thinking change agents for LSP.

Satellite Constellation Missions with FreeFlyer^® Astrodynamics Software

Flying multiple satellites in formation within a constellation or cluster is a complex task: coordinated orbital maintenance maneuvers, efficient collision avoidance analysis, and combined coverage over geographical regions all require the right tools. a.i. solutions' FreeFlyer Astrodynamics software is packed with capabilities that allows you to design a constellation to your specifications and perform the analyses needed to ensure your mission's success.

a.i. solutions Named NASA Agency Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year

a.i. solutions, Inc. has been named the 2018 Agency Large Business Prime Contractor of the Year by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the Agency’s Small Business Industry Award (SBIA) program.

a.i. solutions, Inc. Successfully Achieved Recertification of ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 2016 Rev D

a.i. solutions, Inc. has received its ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100 2016 Rev D certification after successfully completing its quality management system audits.

Raytheon and USAF to Modernise Legacy Space Debris Tracking System

A Raytheon-led consortium is partnering with the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) to modernise and simplify the legacy space debris tracking and monitoring system Space Defense Operations Center (SPADOC).

A Common Ground System: More Than a Step Forward

a.i. solutions, Meridian software has been developed for single- and multi-spacecraft operations and can scale to fly thousands of operational spacecraft.

OSIRIS-REx Asteroid Rendezvous

As OSIRIS-REx begins its rendezvous with the famous asteroid Bennu on December 3, 2018, you can visualize its approach in this simulation using a.i. solutions' FreeFlyer^® Software.

What are Space Ground Systems?

We are all familiar with rockets launching commercial, civil, and military satellites into space and placing them into orbit but, how does this occur and what happens after the much-awaited spacecraft separation?

Deep Space Trajectory Explorer (DSTE) 2018 Q2 Release (BETA)

Integration upgrades and new 3D interface for generating libration point orbit families highlight our Deep Space Trajectory Explorer (DSTE) 2018 Quarter 2 release.

a.i. solutions, Inc. Successfully Appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 3 for Development

a.i. solutions, Inc., today proudly announces that it has successfully been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 3 for Development.

U.S. Army SMDC/ARSTRAT Soldier Trains with Space Industry Partner to Broaden Understanding of Space Mission Operations

U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command continue Functional Area 40 (FA40) Space Operator Training with Industry, broadening through annual selections for FA40 Soldiers each year. 

Deep Space Trajectory Explorer (DSTE) 2018 Q1 Release (BETA)

a.i. solutions' Deep Space Trajectory Explorer (DSTE) Quarter 1 software release contains new features and functionality for deep space mission planning and flight dynamics.

FreeFlyer^® 7.3 Tips and Tricks

Enhance your FreeFlyer scripting expertise with these lesser-known tips and tricks!

a.i. solutions Honored with NASA 2017 Group Achievement Award

a.i. solutions is part of a team of companies that received a NASA group Achievement Award, one of the 2017 Agency Honor Awards, on October 25, 2017.

“Test What You Fly, Fly What You Test” Keeping the ISS Safe from Collisions

a.i. solutions developed the ISS Collision Avoidance System (CAS) software used by International Space Station (ISS) flight controllers during operations. See how this system protects one of our greatest assets in space.

Sputnik: 60 Years Later

Guess who turned 60? Sputnik I! On Oct. 4, 1957, the Soviet Union made history when it launched the world’s first artificial satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and has led to 60 years of innovation in space exploration.

a.i. solutions to Support U.S. Geological Survey and NASA as Part of New Landsat Contract

a.i. solutions teams with General Dynamics Mission Systems as a sub-contractor on their recent Landsat prime contract award.

FreeFlyer^® 7.3 now available!

We are pleased to release FreeFlyer 7.3, the newest major release of FreeFlyer, now available for download!

Near Rectilinear Halo Orbits for the DSG

Discover the possibilities of NASA's Deep Space Gateway and a Near Rectilinear Halo Orbit that could be a good candidate offering opportunities for access.

Space Situational Awareness: Moving Beyond Low-Earth Orbit

As we move beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) and the International Space Station (ISS), SSA remains imperative to the safety and operational success of future deep space missions.

FreeFlyer^® 7.3 Preview

Take a sneak peek at what's coming in the next version of FreeFlyer, available this September!

a.i. solutions to Support NOAA’s ProTech-Satellite Domain Through INNOVIM’s Contract Award

a.i. solutions teams with INNOVIM as a sub-contractor on their recent NOAA ProTech-Satellite Domain prime MA-IDIQ contract award in June 2017.

Deep Space Trajectory Design Software For Ocean World Orbiters and Human Space Flight

a.i. solutions' Sean Phillips will be showcasing the Deep Space Trajectory Explorer (DSTE) during his Keynote address at the Oracle Code in Atlanta, GA.

“Test What You Fly, Fly What You Test” a Critical Approach to JWST Ground System Testing

In March 2017, the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) primary mirror underwent successful environmental vibration, acoustic and center of curvature testing at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC).

Commercial Space Industry Can Deliver Agility and Innovation for Better Space Resilience

On February 14, 2017, an Indian Space Research Organization rocket launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre carrying a record-breaking 104 satellites into orbit.

a.i. solutions Unveils “Meridian” Application for Satellite Ground Systems

a.i. solutions today announced it has developed “Meridian,” a new cost-effective, flight dynamics software application for defense, civil and commercial satellite ground systems. Built on the trusted FreeFlyer® astrodynamics software, Meridian addresses common geosynchronous and low earth orbit (GEO/LEO) spacecraft flight dynamics requirements and streamlines operations.

a.i. solutions Named NASA Agency Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year

a.i. solutions has been named the Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in the agency’s 2014 Small Business Industry Award (SBIA) program.

a.i. solutions awarded contract to provide FreeFlyer^® software to DoD’s Joint Space Operations Center

a.i. solutions has been awarded a contract to provide the company’s FreeFlyer software to support the Department of Defense’s Joint Space Operations Center (JSpOC) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

a.i. solutions awarded five-year contract to support NASA and Air Force launch operations

a.i. solutions has been awarded a contract with a potential value of $138M to provide program management and engineering services in support of NASA, Department of Defense, and other government and commercial spacecraft launch activities over the next five years.

a.i. solutions awarded contract by Lockheed Martin to upgrade mission control software at Johnson Space Center

a.i. Solutions has been awarded a contract by Lockheed Martin Corp. to support the upgrade of the NASA JSC Mission Control Center’s Core Trajectory System (CTS) using the company’s FreeFlyer^® software.

a.i. solutions Wins National and International Awards for Emergency Management iPad Application

The International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) has given a.i. solutions both the national and the international first place Technology & Innovation Awards for the company’s iMPrepared™ iPad application.

a.i. solutions to Assist Air Force with GPS Satellite Positioning Data and Analyzing GPS Anomalies

a.i. solutions is part of a team of companies awarded an Air Force contract to provide professional engineering and communications services in support of the U.S. Global Positioning Systems Operations Center in Colorado Springs.

a.i. solutions Recognized by American Heart Assn. for Promoting Employee Health and Fitness

a.i. solutions has been recognized as a Start! Fit-Friendly Company by the American Heart Association for promoting employee health and fitness through a broad number of initiatives.

a.i. solutions to Provide Engineering, Software, and IT Security Services to Kennedy Space Center

a.i. solutions announced it is part of a team of companies selected by NASA to provide engineering services and products at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida under the agency's Engineering Services Contract (ESC).

a.i. solutions Introduces iPad Application that Creates Personal Emergency Preparedness Plans

a.i. solutions has created an iPad application called iMPrepared^© to guide users in creating an individual or family emergency preparedness plan and store vital information directly on a mobile device.

a.i. solutions Wins Contract of up to $56 Million for Quality Assurance Services in Ballistic Missile Defense

a.i. solutions has won a contract valued at up to $56 million to provide quality assurance services in the production and deployment of the U.S. ballistic missile defense system (BMDS).

a.i. solutions Creates iPad Application for Designing Satellite Orbits with a Touch Screen

a.i. solutions has created an application that allows users to interactively design and explore satellite orbital geometry using the touch screen interface of the popular Apple iPad device.

a.i. solutions Selected for Small Business Industry Award by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

a.i. solutions has been named Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year by NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center as part of the agency’s annual Small Business Industry Award (SBIA) program.

a.i. solutions Awarded $209 million Contract to Provide Support to U.S. Missile Defense Agency

a.i. solutions announced today that it has been awarded a $209 million contract to provide a wide range of design, evaluation and analysis support services to the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA).

NASA Selects a.i. solutions for $95M Flight Dynamics Support Services (FDSS) Contract

Lanham, MD based, a.i. solutions, announced today that it has been selected as the prime contractor for the Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) Flight Dynamics Support Services (FDSS) contract. FDSS is a 5 year contract valued at $95 million.

a.i. solutions to Provide Flight Dynamics for Newest Landsat

a.i. solutions announced today that it will provide support to The Hammers Company for their $14.9 million contract with NASA to build the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM) Mission Operations Element (MOE).

a.i. solutions Sponsor in “Dash to Discovery” to Benefit Local School

a.i. solutions is proud to announce that it will sponsor the 5th Annual Dash to Discovery in the waterfront community of Cape St. Claire in Annapolis, Md.

a.i. solutions Releases New, Enhanced Version of FreeFlyer

Today, a.i. solutions announced the release of its new commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) space analysis software, FreeFlyer 6.0. Over the past decade, previous versions of FreeFlyer have supported both civilian and military space planning endeavors for mission analysis and automated spacecraft operations for the entire mission lifecycle.

New FreeFlyer^® Licensing Options

There are now more licensing options available for purchasing FreeFlyer - take a look at the three new options we are offering to all our users.

FreeFlyer^® 7.2 New Features

The FreeFlyer Team at a.i. solutions is proud to announce the release of the newest version of our software, FreeFlyer 7.2. This is a major release, with numerous new features and enhancements. Here’s the full list of what’s new in this release!

a.i. solutions Awarded 9.5 Year Contract to Support NASA and Air Force Launch Operations

a.i. solutions announces that it has been awarded the Expendable Launch Vehicle Integrated Support 3 (ELVIS 3) contract to provide end-to-end launch services with NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center and Vandenberg Air Force Base.

FreeFlyer^® 7.1 New Features

FreeFlyer 7.1 is now available for download! This is a major release, with numerous new features and enhancements. Read on for the full list of what’s new in this latest release.

FreeFlyer^® Delivering Situational Awareness to Qatar

a.i. solutions is supporting Es’hailSat, the Qatar Satellite Company, by providing a customized 2D/3D situational awareness mission display utilizing our FreeFlyer software for the upcoming Es’hail-2 communications satellite.

a.i. solutions celebrates 20 years of providing industry smarter approaches and better results

This year, a.i. solutions celebrates its 20th anniversary of serving American defense and civilian space agencies.

a.i. solutions Awarded New Missile Defense Agency Support Contract

a.i. solutions today announced it has been awarded a new Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Contract to provide support services for the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS).