Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL): Mapping the Lunar Interior from Crust to Core

The Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) is a spacecraft-to-spacecraft tracking mission that was developed to map the structure of the lunar interior by producing a detailed map of the gravity field. The resulting model of the interior will be used to address outstanding questions regarding the Moon’s thermal evolution, and will be applicable more generally to the evolution of all terrestrial planets. Each GRAIL orbiter contains a Lunar Gravity Ranging System instrument that conducts dual-one-way ranging measurements to measure precisely the relative motion between them, which in turn are used to develop the lunar gravity field map. Each orbiter also carries an Education/Public Outreach payload, Moon Knowledge Acquired by Middle-School Students (MoonKAM), in which middle school students target images of the Moon for subsequent classroom analysis. Subsequent to a successful launch on September 10, 2011, the twin GRAIL orbiters embarked on independent trajectories on a 3.5-month-long cruise to the Moon via the EL-1 Lagrange point. The spacecraft were inserted into polar orbits on December 31, 2011 and January 1, 2012. After a succession of 19 maneuvers the two orbiters settled into precision formation to begin science operations in March 1, 2012 with an average altitude of 55 km. The Primary Mission, which consisted of three 27.3-day mapping cycles, was successfully completed in June 2012. The extended mission will permit a second three-month mapping phase at an average altitude of 23 km. This paper provides an overview of the mission: science objectives and measurements, spacecraft and instruments, mission development and design, and data flow and data products.     

Impact of mission requirements and constraints on conceptual launch vehicle design

The objective of this paper is to analyse the impact of mission requirements and constraints on both the optimum vehicle design and the effects on flight path selection for two types of reusable two-stage-to-orbit launch vehicles. The first vehicle type considered provides horizontal take-off and landing capabilities and is intended to be propelled by an airbreathing propulsion system during stage 1 flight. The second vehicle type assumes a vertical launch and is accelerated by a rocket propulsion system during the booster stage ascent flight. The analysis employs a design tool for simultaneous system and mission optimization. It consists of a CAD-based preliminary vehicle design tool, aerodynamic and aerothermodynamic calculation software, flight simulation programs, and a two-level decomposition optimization algorithm enabling simultaneous system and flight optimization. The results to be presented show that the cruise flight requirement for an European launched mission of the airbreathing vehicle results in a loss of 60 % payload mass as compared to a mere accelerated ascent for a near equatorial mission into the same target orbit assuming constant take-off mass. The strong dependencies of mission requirements on both the optimal vehicle design and the ascent performance are determined for the rocket-powered vehicle type by varying the inclination and altitude of the target orbit.     

Orbits for radiatively cooled space telescopes

This paper first outlines the assumed mission requirements for a radiatively cooled space telescope such as EDISON. A summary of relevant characteristics (payload, operating orbit, launcher, lifetime, etc.) for current and proposed cooled telescope missions is then given. This summary includes cryogenic and radiatively cooled missions since in both cases the reduction of heat input to the telescope aperture is a dominant factor in the orbit choice. These missions span the entire range of possibilities from low earth circular, through higher elliptical and circular orbits out to deep space locations such as the Sun-Earth (S-E) libration points and the lunar surface.A full listing of the factors affecting mission selection is then given. The most important points are illustrated by reference to the orbits chosen for ISO, FIRST and SIRTF and those recommended in recent studies of EDISON. Launcher capabilities for direct insertion and the onboard propellant for large velocity changes associated with orbit raising are major constraints in achieving the large payload mass to high orbit which EDISON mission requires. Although it is fairly demanding in launch/boost energy, an orbit about the L2 S-E libration point offers important advantages for a radiatively cooled infrared telescope. Further studies of this orbit and the associated aspects of service module and payload design for the L2 location of EDISON are recommended.     

Synopsis: Horizons in Guidance Computer Component Technology

An extensive survey of semiconductor and memory component manufacturers conducted by the Electronics Research Center of NASA and industry has resulted in estimates of the state of the art of components available to designers of on-board guidance and control computers for long-term, deep-space missions for the 1970-1972 period. The vehicle for the survey was the mission requirements for the synchronous satellite, lunar orbiter, Mars orbiter, and Jupiter fly-by solar probe missions.     

航天飞机的立尾气动布局

 本文通过对初步设计阶段中航天飞机立尾气动布局原则的讨论和现有航天飞机立尾气动布局型式(包括方案)的分析,明确了航天飞机立尾气动布局可能的三种模式和改进航天飞机横侧向气动特性的主要措施等问题。这些结果对航天飞机气动布局和外形初步设计有直接参考价值。     

Touring the Saturnian System

The Cassini mission to Saturn employs a Saturn orbiter and a Titan probe to conduct an intensive investigation of the Saturnian system. The orbiter flies a series of orbits, incorporating flybys of the Saturnian satellites, called the ‘satellite tour.’ During the tour, the gravitational fields of the satellites (mainly Titan) are used to modify and control the orbit, targeting from one satellite flyby to the next. The tour trajectory must also be designed to maximize opportunities for a diverse set of science observations, subject to mission-imposed constraints. Tour design studies have been conducted for Cassini over a period of several years to identify trades and strategies for achieving these sometimes conflicting goals. Concepts, strategies, and techniques previously developed for the Galileo mission to Jupiter have been modified, and new ones have been developed, to meet the requirements of the Cassini mission. A sample tour is presented illustrating the application of tour design strategies developed for Cassini. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Communication system and operation for lunar probes under lunarsurface

In the Japanese LUNAR-A mission, penetrators will be deployed to the Moon for global seismic measurement. The unique communication system between the subsurface probes under the lunar surface and the lunar orbiter is described. Radiowave propagation through a crater which is formed at the penetration is investigated by means of scaled measurements in a simulating environment. Acquisition and tracking sequence is optimized within limited power capacity of the probe to maximize contact time between the probe and the spacecraft     

基于MBSE的月球科研站任务分析

月球探测在完成“绕落回”三步走后，从单点短期探测向建设月面基础设施的月球科研站长期探测转变，给月球探测任务的规划论证、总体设计、系统研制和在轨探测等提出了更高要求。本文采用基于模型的系统工程（MBSE）思想，提出适宜的基于模型的月球科研站系统分析正向流程，以系统模型作为载体依次深入剖析任务总体、任务使命需求和任务应用场景。通过开展基于模型的月球科研站任务分析，初步实现了月球科研站任务分析过程正向化、设计要素定义全量化、设计要素之间的关联表达显性化、月球科研站工程总体单位下发的研制要求有源化。     

Ground Compatibility Tests for Gravity Measurement of SELENE: Accuracies of Two- and Four-Way Doppler and Range Measurements

The Japanese lunar mission Selenological and Engineering Explorer (SELENE) was launched in September 2007 and continued its mission until June 2009, when the main orbiter impacted with the surface of the Moon. SELENE consisted of three satellites: Main, Rstar, and Vstar. Rstar’s tasks were to forward up-link signals from the Usuada Deep Space Center (UDSC) to Main, and to down-link returning signals from Main to UDSC. We refer to this tracking sub-system as a four-way Doppler measurement. In contrast, conventional tracking systems between Rstar and UDSC as well as between Main and ground stations are referred to as two-way Doppler and range measurements. Using Main and Rstar, we successfully observed the gravity field over the farside of the Moon. Because four-way Doppler measurements via a relay sub-satellite were a fundamental experiment in space for Japanese space agencies, compatibility of radiometric instruments onboard Main and Rstar to UDSC were carefully examined at the UDSC using components manufactured for flight models. These tests not only proved the feasibility of the four-way Doppler measurements but also provided biases and variations of the four-way Doppler and two-way Doppler and range measurements that were later taken into account during the processing of tracking data and the analysis of the lunar global gravity field.     

充气式月球基地防护结构技术综述

综述了充气式月球基地防护结构技术,包括总体设计要求和关键设计要点、柔性热防护结构的服役环境、功能需求、设计方法、材料选用等。并从结构冲击定位和强度分析、破坏响应分析、系统组成分析和自修复材料等方面,指出了对结构进行健康监测的必要性。介绍了现有的地面测试技术,包括热防护材料性能测试、展开动力学性能测试和太空环境模拟技术等,最后对防护结构技术的发展方向进行了展望。     

Autonomous mission reconstruction during the ascending flight of launch vehicles under typical propulsion system failures

In recent years, Chinese Long March(LM) launchers have experienced several launch failures, most of which occurred in their propulsion systems, and this paper studies Autonomous Mission Reconstruction(AMRC) technology to alleviate losses due to these failures. The status of the techniques related to AMRC, including trajectory and mission planning, guidance methods,and fault tolerant technologies, are reviewed, and their features are compared, which reflect the challenges faced by AMRC technology...     

The Kaguya Mission Overview

The Japanese lunar orbiter Kaguya (SELENE) was successfully launched by an H2A rocket on September 14, 2007. On October 4, 2007, after passing through a phasing orbit 2.5 times around the Earth, Kaguya was inserted into a large elliptical orbit circling the Moon. After the apolune altitude was lowered, Kaguya reached its nominal 100 km circular polar observation orbit on October 19. During the process of realizing the nominal orbit, two subsatellites Okina (Rstar) and Ouna (Vstar) were released into elliptical orbits with 2400 km and 800 km apolune, respectively; both elliptical orbits had 100 km perilunes. After the functionality of bus system was verified, four radar antennas and a magnetometer boom were extended, and a plasma imager was deployed. Acquisition of scientific data was carried out for 10 months of nominal mission that began in mid-December 2007. During the 8-month extended mission, magnetic fields and gamma-rays from lower orbits were measured; in addition to this, low-altitude observations were carried out using a Terrain Camera, a Multiband Imager, and an HDTV camera. New data pertaining to an intense magnetic anomaly and GRS data with higher spatial resolution were acquired to study magnetism and the elemental distribution of the Moon. After some orbital maneuvers were performed by using the saved fuel, the Kaguya spacecraft finally impacted on the southeast part of the Moon. The Kaguya team has archived the initial science data, and since November 2, 2009, the data has been made available to public, and can be accessed at the Kaguya homepage of JAXA. The team continues to also study and publish initial results in international journals. Science purposes of the mission and onboard instruments including initial science results are described in this overview.     

The Lunar Gravity Ranging System for the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) Mission

The Lunar Gravity Ranging System (LGRS) flying on NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission measures fluctuations in the separation between the two GRAIL orbiters with sensitivity below 0.6 microns/Hz^1/2. GRAIL adapts the mission design and instrumentation from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) to a make a precise gravitational map of Earth’s Moon. Phase measurements of Ka-band carrier signals transmitted between spacecraft with line-of-sight separations between 50 km to 225 km provide the primary observable. Measurements of time offsets between the orbiters, frequency calibrations, and precise orbit determination provided by the Global Positioning System on GRACE are replaced by an S-band time-transfer cross link and Deep Space Network Doppler tracking of an X-band radioscience beacon and the spacecraft telecommunications link. Lack of an atmosphere at the Moon allows use of a single-frequency link and elimination of the accelerometer compared to the GRACE instrumentation. This paper describes the implementation, testing and performance of the instrument complement flown on the two GRAIL orbiters.     

General optimal design of solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle for priority considering propulsion system

This paper describes the general optimization design method of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle which priority considering propulsion system planning. Based on the traditional solar powered aircraft design method, the propulsion system top-level target parameters which affect the path planning are integrated into the general optimization design. According to the typical mission requirements of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, considering the design variables such as wing area, aspect ratio, design mission date and so on, the general optimization is carried out with the minimum aircraft weight as the optimization objective. The influence of wing area and aspect ratio on the optimal design results is analyzed and compared with the traditional design method. The results show that the general design method of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for priority considering propulsion system can greatly reduce the electricity demand of energy storage battery, greatly reduce the aircraft weight of Solar-Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.     

Formulation of discovery-class mission concepts

A key feature of the NASA discovery programs is the strategy of allowing a single scientist with a "good idea" to form his/her own team of scientists and engineers to generate a concept which is credible and attractive to a complete body of independent peers. The principle investigator (PI) must accept responsibility for all aspects of the mission. A wide variety of mission types have been found to fit the discovery mold, including fly-bys, orbiters, landers and even sample return missions. To enhance this fit, it has been necessary for scientists and engineers to work closely in: evaluating spacecraft risks, setting data throughput requirements and methods of their amelioration, focusing on key objectives, and deriving strict instrument and experiment requirements from overall goals and engineering realities. Discovery is loaded with challenges, but likewise, represents the most promising opportunities for affordable, frequent scientific advances in planetary exploration.     

Multidisciplinary Design and Optimization of Multistage Ground-launched Boost Phase Interceptor Using Hybrid Search Algorithm

This article proposes a multidisciplinary design and optimization (MDO) strategy for the conceptual design of a multistage ground-based interceptor (GBI) using hybrid optimization algorithm, which associates genetic algorithm (GA) as a global optimizer with sequential quadratic programming (SQP) as a local optimizer. The interceptor is comprised of a three-stage solid propulsion system for an exoatmospheric boost phase intercept (BPI). The interceptor's duty is to deliver a kinetic kill vehicle (KKV) to the optimal position in space to accomplish the mission of intercept. The modules for propulsion, aerodynamics, mass properties and flight dynamics are integrated to produce a high fidelity model of the entire vehicle. The propulsion module comprises of solid rocket motor (SRM) grain design, nozzle geometry design and performance prediction analysis. Internal ballistics and performance prediction parameters are calculated by using lumped parameter method. The design objective is to minimize the gross lift off mass (GLOM) of the interceptor under the mission constraints and performance objectives. The proposed design and optimization methodology provide designers with an efficient and powerful approach in computation during designing interceptor systems.     

Ultra wideband technology for aircraft wireless intercommunications systems (AWICS) design

Current intercommunications system (ICS) designs for military, multicrew aircraft utilize lengthy, encumbering cords to physically attach the crewmember's helmet or headset to a distributed audio intercom system. Typical ICS long-cords are approximately 100 feet in length and allow crewmembers to maintain communications as they move about the aircraft while performing their mission duties. These cords also allow crewmembers to maintain communications with the aircraft when disembarked, as when they are controlling aircraft during engine start-up. Unfortunately, the current wired topology significantly reduces mission effectiveness, impedes crewmember movement, and greatly increases the crewmember's risk of injury. These drawbacks are more pronounced onboard military rotary winged aircraft (helicopters) where several crewmembers have been injured or killed during emergencies requiring the aircraft to ditch at sea. During ditching, crewmembers often became entangled in their lengthy ICS cord, preventing or delaying aircraft egress. This paper discusses the development of an aircraft wireless intercommunications system (AWICS) which utilizes ultra wideband (UWB) technology to address mission requirements for these multicrew, military aircraft. UWB offers unique advantages in this application - multipath mitigation, low probability of detection, low probability of interference to onboard legacy systems, and high throughput in a multiuser environment.     

重型运载火箭动力系统分析

讨论了两种载人登月的动力系统方案,分析了已有重型火箭动力系统的结构和基本参数,以满足载人登月的任务要求为前提,提出了重型火箭箭体结构和任务要求.从性能、经济性、技术难度、工作可靠性等方面综合考虑,提出重型火箭下面级的基本方案.提出了一套重型火箭动力系统,建立了一个运载火箭系列,并对其运载能力进行了计算.经综合分析,提出登月火箭可采用8 m直径的三级半结构,助推级、第一级和第二级均为推力5 000 kN量级富氧预燃室补燃循环液氧煤油发动机,第三级为2台50 t氢氧发动机.      

Performance enhancement using power beaming for electric propulsionEarth orbital transporters

Power requirements for an electric propulsion Earth orbital transport vehicle (EOTV), which can effectively deliver large payloads using much less propellant than chemical transfer methods, are addressed. The power beaming concept is described. Arcjets, magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thrusters, and ion engines are covered. Power supply characteristics are discussed for nuclear, solar and power-beaming systems. Operational characteristics are given for each, as are the effects of the power supply alternative on the overall craft performance. Because of its modular nature, the power beaming can meet the power requirements of all three electric propulsion types. Commonality of approach allows different electric propulsion approaches to be powered by means of a single power supply approach. Power beaming exhibits better flexibility and performance than onboard nuclear or solar power systems