NEOs as stepping stones to Mars and main-belt asteroids

Human interplanetary missions are constrained by the problem of astronaut exposure to galactic cosmic radiation. This paper surveys the existing on-line near-Earth object (NEO) data base in an effort to identify NEOs that cross both Earth's ad Mars’ orbits and could be used as cosmic ray shields by interplanetary voyagers. The search concentrated on low-inclination Mars-crossing NEOs that approach Earth, Mars, and main-belt asteroids in the 2020–2100 time frame. Both outbound and return transfers were searched for. Several candidates for Earth–Mars, Mars–Earth, and Earth–Vesta transfers have been found from the very incomplete August 2008 data base. Other aspects of this interplanetary transfer option are considered.     

Limits on interstellar messages

Despite the fact that major efforts have been expended on passive searches for extraterrestrial signals, few deliberate “transmissions” to potential alien recipients have occurred. These have generally taken the form of simple graphics depicting such things as our appearance, location, and biological construction. In this paper, we consider (a) the fundamental technical and astronomical limitations to interstellar messaging—in other words, how many “bits” could any society reasonably send, and (b) what might be a likely transmission strategy. These considerations suggest approaches for SETI programs, as well as giving insight into the types of messages we might construct for eventual replies to received signals.     

Information theory,animal communication,and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence

We present ongoing research in the application of information theory to animal communication systems with the goal of developing additional detectors and estimators for possible extraterrestrial intelligent signals. Regardless of the species, for intelligence (i.e., complex knowledge) to be transmitted certain rules of information theory must still be obeyed. We demonstrate some preliminary results of applying information theory to socially complex marine mammal species (bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales) as well as arboreal squirrel monkeys, because they almost exclusively rely on vocal signals for their communications, producing signals which can be readily characterized by signal analysis. Metrics such as Zipf's Law and higher-order information-entropic structure are emerging as indicators of the communicative complexity characteristic of an “intelligent message” content within these animals’ signals, perhaps not surprising given these species’ social complexity. In addition to human languages, for comparison we also apply these metrics to pulsar signals—perhaps (arguably) the most “organized” of stellar systems—as an example of astrophysical systems that would have to be distinguished from an extraterrestrial intelligence message by such information theoretic filters. We also look at a message transmitted from Earth (Arecibo Observatory) that contains a lot of meaning but little information in the mathematical sense we define it here. We conclude that the study of non-human communication systems on our own planet can make a valuable contribution to the detection of extraterrestrial intelligence by providing quantitative general measures of communicative complexity. Studying the complex communication systems of other intelligent species on our own planet may also be one of the best ways to deprovincialize our thinking about extraterrestrial communication systems in general.     

航天系统关键设备故障诊断信息源研究

伺服机构是航天系统的关键设备之一,对其进行故障诊断的基础是建立信息源模块。将伺服机构的信息分定性信息和定量信息,以这2种信息为基础,通过功能分析、结构设计及可视化处理,构建了伺服机构信息源模块。该模块在功能上可以替代硬件模拟器,产生研究所需的各种信号,既可以对伺服系统的正常信号进行仿真,也可设置大量的故障,设计思想具一定的通用性,比较好的解决了故障诊断中的样本数据产生与获取问题。     

高分辨率多径时延测量算法

提出一种基于最小二乘准则的高分辨率多径信号时延测量方法。对参考信号作三阶样条插值获得每条多径信号最小二乘意义的最优估计,用每条多径信号的测量值重构接收信号,通过反复迭代使重构信号是接收信号最小二乘意义的最优估计,实现多径信号的时延测量。仿真结果表明：新算法在低信噪比、窄带信号条件下仍能获得较高的时延测量精度,性能优于MUSIC类时差测量算法。     

Recent SETI observations at Arecibo

During 1980 and 1981, the 305-m radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico was used to conduct a high resolution search for narrowband signals from the direction of 210 nearby solar type stars and 5 OH masers. For each star at least 4 MHz of bandwidth surrounding the 21-cm HI line and/or the 18-cm OH lines was studied with a spectral resolution of 5.5 Hz in both right and left circular polarization. The formal limit of sensitivity achieved during the course of this search varied depending upon the particular receivers available. In all cases the search could have detected a narrowband transmitter of power comparable to the Arecibo planetary radar, had any such been transmitting on the frequencies searched during the time of observation out to the distance of the farthest target star. As in previous searches, the number of "false alarms" encountered was far greater than predicted on the basis of Gaussian noise statistics. A small number of stars have exhibited signals which cannot immediately be explained in terms of astrophysical or man-made sources and deserve reobservation. This is typical of the results of previous non-real-time searches and does not yet constitute the detection of an ETI.     

Scientific investigations at a lunar base.

Scientific investigations to be carried out at a lunar base can have significant impact on the location, extent, and complexity of lunar surface facilities. Among the potential research activities to be carried out are: (1) Lunar Science: Studies of the origin and history of the Moon and early solar system, based on lunar field investigations, operation of networks of seismic and other instruments, and collection and analysis of materials; (2) Space Plasma Physics: Studies of the time variation of the charged particles of the solar wind, solar flares and cosmic rays that impact the Moon as it moves in and out of the magnetotail of the Earth; (3) Astronomy: Utilizing the lunar environment and stability of the surface to emplace arrays of astronomical instruments across the electromagnetic spectrum to improve spectral and spatial resolution by several orders of magnitude beyond the Hubble Space Telescope and other space observatories; (4) Fundamental physics and chemistry: Research that takes advantage of the lunar environment, such as high vacuum, low magnetic field, and thermal properties to carry out new investigations in chemistry and physics. This includes material sciences and applications; (5) Life Sciences: Experiments, such as those that require extreme isolation, highly sterile conditions, or very low natural background of organic materials may be possible; and (6) Lunar environmental science: Because many of the experiments proposed for the lunar surface depend on the special environment of the Moon, it will be necessary to understand the mechanisms that are active and which determine the major aspects of that environment, particularly the maintenance of high-vacuum conditions. From a large range of experiments, investigations and facilities that have been suggested, three specific classes of investigations are described in greater detail to show how site selection and base complexity may be affected: (1) Extended geological investigation of a complex region up to 250 kilometers from the base requires long range mobility, with transportable life support systems and laboratory facilities for the analysis of rocks and soil. Selection of an optimum base site would depend heavily on an evaluation of the degree to which science objectives could be met. These objectives could include lunar cratering, volcanism, resource surveys or other investigations; (2) An astronomical observatory initially instrumented with a VLF radio telescope, but later expanding to include other instruments, requires site preparation capability, "line shack" life support systems, instrument maintenance and storage facilities, and sortie mode transportation. A site perpetually shielded from Earth is optimum for the advanced stages of a lunar observatory; (3) an experimental physics laboratory conducting studies requiring high vacuum facilities and heavily instrumented experiments, is not highly dependent on lunar location, but will require much more flexibility in experiment operation and EVA capability, and more sophisticated instrument maintenance and fabrication facilities.     

无人直升机数据采集与处理系统的设计与实现

设计以FPGA处理器为核心的基于PC I总线的无人直升机数据采集与处理系统。在设计中提出了一种基于PC I总线的多路数据采集与处理系统的总体方案。该系统可对无人直升机实验室中模拟信号、脉冲信号、开关信号进行采集和对桨距的控制脉冲信号进行输出,能够对各类信号分别进行处理与分析,实验测试表明,系统能够完成无人直升机实验室数据采集与处理的任务。     

强电磁环境对用频设备的影响机理研究

在复杂电磁环境下，尤其是当强场存在时，用频设备的工作状况往往会出现很多意想不到的情况，比如接收机的灵敏度下降、发射机辐射信号存在其它频率分量等。通过深入分析模块化射频器件的工作特性和注入式实物试验，验证了射频电路中非线性器件工作特性变化是导致用频设备工作性能下降的本质机理。通过改变不同试验条件，研究了互调发射、接收机减敏等现象随强干扰信号参数改变的变化规律。研究结果可为强电磁环境下用频设备的合理使用提供借鉴。     

基于自提取脉冲样本图的雷达信号快速提取法

针对电子侦察中截获的敌方雷达信号,估计敌方雷达参数、实现快速的雷达信号提取,对电子对抗决策有重要意义。基于脉冲样本图的描述方式,提出一种新算法,实现对截获的敌方雷达信号的快速识别。算法利用同种雷达信号脉冲之间的匹配相关性,通过脉冲的整体平移,在实现对脉冲样本图的自提取的同时,把用此脉冲样本图描述的雷达辐射源信号筛选出来。仿真分析表明该方法可以获得较高的成功率。     

类X-37B升力体再入飞行通信特性中断研究

针对再入非平衡等离子流场的数值仿真方法及等离子体鞘套对不同波段电磁波传输特性的预测开展研究。首先，利用某工程钝头体飞行器再入实测通信飞行测量数据，初步校验数值仿真等离子体特性和通信特性方法的正确性；其次，在典型弹道下针对升力体再入飞行器开展等离子体鞘套数值仿真，分别给出S波段、Ka波段与K波段电磁波衰减特性，研究指出结合当前国内中继星体制情况采用高频段电磁波Ka波段或K波段中继通信方式是解决通信黑障的技术途径之一；最后，研究了电磁波数衰减受传播方向角和攻角的影响规律。研究结果可为发展解决我国再入飞行器通信黑障的设计方案提供参考。     

Supporting multilateral environmental agreement with satellite Earth observation

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the potential contribution of satellite Earth observation (EO) to implementing and ensuring compliance with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) from the institutional and legal point of view. EO has recently been recognized as an effective means to satisfy the demand for environmental information required by MEAs; however, actual usage of EO data in MEA implementation and compliance assurance has not yet made significant progress. While EO's legal and technical characteristics appear relevant to such applications, institutional linkage and technical reliability are still missing. Further efforts to promote EO data use for MEAs are needed through initiatives that link the EO system and data supplier with decision makers in the MEA community. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's (JAXA) Kyoto and Carbon Initiative may be one example of such efforts. Recent movements, such as the Group on Earth Observation (GEO), could also provide an ideal focal point for coordinating and developing globally integrated EO and data utilization systems that could facilitate MEA implementation and compliance.     

基于FPGA的高动态扩频信号快捕系统的设计与实现

针对高动态扩频信号捕获时间较长的问题,提出利用非均匀采样产生2组相差半个伪码码元的正交信号,直接在基带信号上估计多普勒频偏的方法。方法减少了本地伪码捕获过程中的调整周期。通过软硬件程序仿真,证明了该方法的可行性,与传统捕获方法相比,大大减少了扩频信号的捕获时间。     

The benefits and harm of transmitting into space

Deliberate and unintentional radio transmissions from Earth propagate into space. These transmissions could be detected by extraterrestrial watchers over interstellar distances. This article analyzes the harm and benefits of deliberate and unintentional transmissions relevant to Earth and humanity. Comparing the magnitude of deliberate radio broadcasts intended for messaging to extraterrestrial intelligence (METI) with the background radio spectrum of Earth, we find that METI attempts to date have much lower detectability than emissions from current radio communication technologies on Earth. METI broadcasts are usually transient and several orders of magnitude less powerful than other terrestrial sources, such as astronomical and military radars, which provide the strongest detectable signals. The benefits of radio communication on Earth most probably outweigh the potential harm of detection by extraterrestrial watchers; however, the uncertainty regarding the outcome of contact with extraterrestrial beings creates difficulty in assessing whether or not to engage in long-term and large-scale METI.     

Using the Subsurface Soil Sounding Radar for Investigating the Structure and Total Electron Content of the Martian Ionosphere

The possibilities of using the Martian soil subsurface sounding radar for investigating the structure of the plasma shell surrounding the planet have been considered. Based on the numerical modeling results and actual soil sounding data, it has been shown that the soil sounding mode of the radio-locating MARSIS radar can be used to assess the structure of the Martian ionosphere. As the emitted signals pass to the planet’s surface, it is possible to use the reflected signals to estimate the total electron content of the Martian ionosphere along the flight track of the spacecraft.     

一种正交跳频信号动态分选方法

针对复杂电磁环境下正交跳频信号分选时效不高问题,提出了一种正交跳频信号动态分选方法。首先基于滑动窗口的数据流模型,采用构造型神经网络对跳频信号频域数据和方位信息动态聚类,减轻噪声等因素影响,解决方位信息和幅度关联模糊性的问题;再在相应的覆盖簇内运用时频关联方法,实现正交跳频信号的动态分选,实验结果表明该方法是有效的。
     

航天器基础激励SEA建模方法

针对航天器力学环境试验中随机横向基础激励高频预示技术开展了建模方法的研究。首先建立典型结构的有限元模型并开展仿真计算,获取背地板面内振动数据、连接环弯曲振动数据及振动台横向振动数据;进而分别建立背地板受纵向振动约束载荷、连接环受弯曲振动约束载荷的SEA模型,并将有限元计算结果作为激励源数据,利用统计能量分析（SEA）方法开展仿真分析,得到了航天器横向基础激励SEA建模的一般方法和步骤。研究表明:横向基础激励下,可将环境试验中获取的振动台数据以弯曲波的形式施加到连接环上,进行航天器高频响应SEA预示。     

SETI target selection

The NASA High Resolution Microwave Survey consists of two complementary elements: a Sky Survey of the entire sky to a moderate level of sensitivity; and a Targeted Search of nearby stars, one at a time, to a much deeper level of sensitivity. In this paper we propose strategies for target selection. We have two goals: to improve the chances of successful detection of signals from technical civilizations that inhabit planets around solar-type stars, and to minimize the chances of missing signals from unexpected sites. For the main Targeted Search survey of approximately 1000 nearby solar-type stars, we argue that the selection criteria should be heavily biased by what we know about the origin and evolution of life here on Earth. We propose that observations of stars with stellar companions orbiting near the habitable zone should be de-emphasized, because such companions would prevent the formation of habitable planets. We also propose that observations of stars younger than about three billion years should be de-emphasized in favor of older stars, because our own technical civilization took longer than three billion years to evolve here on Earth. To provide the information needed for the preparation of specific target lists, we have undertaken an inventory of a large sample of solar-type stars out to a distance of 60 pc, with the goal of characterizing the relevant astrophysical properties of these stars, especially their ages and companionship. To complement the main survey, we propose that a modest sample of the nearest stars should be observed without any selection biases whatsoever. Finally, we argue that efforts to identify stars with planetary systems should be expanded. If found, such systems should receive intensive scrutiny.     

Dual-frequency ultrasound for detecting and sizing bubbles

ISS construction and Mars exploration require extensive extravehicular activity (EVA), exposing crewmembers to increased decompression sickness risk. Improved bubble detection technologies could help increase EVA efficiency and safety. Creare Inc. has developed a bubble detection and sizing instrument using dual-frequency ultrasound. The device emits “pump” and “image” signals at two frequencies. The low-frequency pump signal causes an appropriately-sized bubble to resonate. When the image frequency hits a resonating bubble, mixing signals are returned at the sum and difference of the two frequencies. To test the feasibility of transcutaneous intravascular detection, intravascular bubbles in anesthetized swine were produced using agitated saline and decompression stress. Ultrasonic transducers on the chest provided the two frequencies. Mixing signals were detected transthoracically in the right atrium using both methods. A histogram of estimated bubble sizes could be constructed. Bubbles can be detected and sized transthoracically in the right atrium using dual-frequency ultrasound.     

A symbiotic approach to SETI observations: use of maps from the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope

High spatial resolution continuum radio maps produced by the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) of The Netherlands at frequencies near the 21 cm HI line have been examined for anomalous sources of emmission coincident with the locations of nearby bright stars. From a total of 542 stellar positions investigated, no candidates for radio stars or ETI signals were discovered to formal limits on the minimum detectable signal ranging from 7.7 x 10(-22) W/m2 to 6.4 x 10(-24) W/m2. This preliminary study has verified that data collected by radio astronomers at large synthesis arrays can profitably be analysed for SETI signals (in a non-interfering manner) provided only that the data are available in the form of a more or less standard two dimensional map format.