Preliminary calibration results of VEGA 1 and 2 SIGMA-3 gas chromatograph

SIGMA - 3 gas chromatograph on board VEGA 1 and 2 landing probes has been operated successfully in the 60 - 50 km altitude range, providing several in - situ chemical analysis of the gas and the aerosols of Venus cloud layers. Post flight calibration required to derive atmospheric abundancies from gas chromatograms were carried out using the SIGMA - 3 spare model. A Venus atmospheric aerosol simulation chamber was used in which sulfuric acid droplets were generated. Preliminary results of these calibration experiments indicate that the concentration of sulfuric acid in the upper part of the clouds ( 60 to 55 km) is about 1 mg/m³ and suggest that an additional constituant must be present in noticeable amount in the aerosols. From these experiments the mixing ratio upper limits of SO₂ is 100 ppmV and of H₂S and COS is few 10 ppmV.     

SIGMA observations of hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray emission from X-ray binaries

After more than two years of operation, the imaging γ-ray SIGMA telescope has accumulated several days of observation toward well known X-ray binaries. Four bright sources falling in this category have been detected so far: The pulsar GX 1+4 near the center of our galaxy, the stellar wind accreting system 4U 1700-377, and the black hole candidates Cygnus X-1 and GX 339-4. Moreover, SIGMA have observed three transients sources, which turned out to be also hard X-ray sources : The burster KS 1731-260, Tra X-1, and the Musca Nova. The properties of these systems in the SIGMA domain will be reviewed and a spectral distinction between black holes and neutron stars will be sketched.     

1E 1740.7-2942 revisited: Confirmation of its identification with the core of a double sided radio jet structure

After more than two years of successful in-orbit operations, the γ-ray coded aperture SIGMA telescope has accumulated 800 hours of live-time observations of the Galactic Center region, including the remarkable hard source identified with the X-ray source 1E 1740.7–2942. The long-term behavior of the soft γ-ray emission of 1E 1740.7–2942, as determined from the SIGMA survey, supplemented with previously available soft γ-ray data, leads to its identification with a singular radio source, which consists of a double sided radio jet emanating from a compact variable core whose variability is correlated with that of the soft γ-ray source. The compact radio core, which lies well inside the improved soft γ-ray (40–150 keV) error circle (27″ radius) derived from the high-resolution SIGMA survey, is also inside the ROSAT and TTM error circle derived respectively in the soft and hard X-ray bands.     

GNSS-R concept extended by a fine orbit tuning

Small changes in semimajor axis of the orbits selected for the GNSS-R [R as Reflectometry] satellites, so-called fine orbit tuning, known from the ESA’s Gravity and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer mission, can dramatically increase the number of nadir and off-nadir reflecting points and, in turn, can enhance the capability of the concept of bistatic altimetry (GNSS Reflectometry) without additional costs. The application of our suggestion is feasible for a satellite which will be equipped by thrusters for the orbit keeping. During the mission lifetime several orbit tunings are feasible, just to transfer from one to another orbit. Then we can study short-periodic or longer-periodic features, according to scientific goals defined for the mission. The shortest cycles (few days), corresponding to the required revisit time (defined by ESA), may be subcycles of much longer cycles (repeat periods).     

The SIGMA mission

SIGMA, a hard X-ray/medium energy gamma ray (30 keV-2 MeV) imaging experiment, is being designed and constructed to attain an angular resolution of the order of 1 arcminute, and a sensitivity of several milliCrabs. The instrument uses a position sensitive detector of the Anger camera variety, and a two dimensional coded mask. The results of the instrument definition study are presented; a flight model will be constructed for a late 1987 launch.     

空间立体信息缺失对机械臂遥操作任务的影响

视觉作为人认知环境的主要信息通道,在空间遥操作任务中有极其重要的作用。本研究面向空间站机械臂遥操作任务,通过对24名被试进行机械臂遥操作模拟平台实验,探索不同程度空间立体信息缺失对机械臂遥操作绩效、脑力负荷、距离感知和情境意识的影响,剖析不同立体信息在遥操作过程中的作用。实验结果表明:局部立体信息对提高遥操作任务完成率、减少撞击操作等指标有重要作用;而全局立体信息更有利于减少机械臂冗余行走距离和限位操作次数;两者对脑力负荷水平的降低有显著影响,而对距离估计偏差和情境意识水平影响不显著。因此,根据不同任务类型选取合适的立体信息补偿,从多个角度完善立体信息的呈现对于保障遥操作任务的顺利进行具有重要意义。     

The observations of AGNs in the 40–1300 keV energy range by the SIGMA telescope

The SIGMA telescope realizes images of the sky in the hard X-ray domain (40 keV–1.3 MeV) through a coded mask system. The extragalactic study was one of the main objectives and has brought new results in our knowledge of the Active Galactic Nuclei behavior at high energy.

In fact, the variability is the most important factor as all these objects have been showed to display strong evolution in intensity or/and spectral shape. Moreover, the discovery of a new hard X-ray source close to 3C273 and probably strongly absorbed below 40–50 keV could have many consequences in the extragalactic field.     

Inter-agency comparison of TanDEM-X baseline solutions

TanDEM-X (TerraSAR-X add-on for Digital Elevation Measurement) is the first Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mission using close formation flying for bistatic SAR interferometry. The primary goal of the mission is to generate a global digital elevation model (DEM) with 2 m height precision and 10 m ground resolution from the configurable SAR interferometer with space baselines of a few hundred meters. As a key mission requirement for the interferometric SAR processing, the relative position, or baseline vector, of the two satellites must be determined with an accuracy of 1 mm (1D RMS) from GPS measurements collected by the onboard receivers. The operational baseline products for the TanDEM-X mission are routinely generated by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) and the German Space Operations Center (DLR/GSOC) using different software packages (EPOS/BSW, GHOST) and analysis strategies. For a further independent performance assessment, TanDEM-X baseline solutions are generated at the Astronomical Institute of the University of Bern (AIUB) on a best effort basis using the Bernese Software (BSW).     

THE SPACE EXPERIMENT OF PROTEIN CRYSTALLIZATION ABOARD THE CHINESE SPACECRAFT SZ-3

Using a new flight hardware, a Chinese mission of space protein crystallization has been performed on the Chinese spacecraft SZ-3 for seven days from March 25 to Apr. 1, 2002. The rate of yielding crystals in the 60 samples is 75%, a little higher than the ground control experiment. Preliminary analysis of the experimental results have shown that among the 16 proteins involved in the mission, about 4 kinds of better diffraction-quality protein crystals were produced in space. At least one kind of protein crystals, i.e. crystals of cytochrome b5 mutant could diffract X ray beyond the highest resolution reported so far. In addition, some rules derived from our numerical studies of the liquid/liquid diffusion protein crystallization were proved by the crystallization of lysozyme as model protein in this space experiment,which also clearly showed the advantages and disadvantages of the gelled protein solution used in microgravity growth of protein crystals. In order to exploit this mission, more diffraction work with the grown crystals and detailed analysis of data to be obtained will be done in the next few months.     

面向卫星多目标重复观测任务的分层聚类规划

针对敏捷卫星多目标重复观测任务规划面临的可行任务执行序列集合规模庞大困难,提出了一种任务执行序列时间解耦的分层聚类任务规划方法。该方法以规划过程中的可观测窗口和任务执行窗口为聚类对象,通过单次可观测窗口聚类和多次任务执行窗口聚类将任务集合按任务窗口属性分解为一系列时间解耦的小规模集合,在两次任务执行窗口聚类间使用基于贪婪优化的搜索算法对聚类生成的小规模任务集合分别进行集合内任务规划,最后将各集合的任务规划结果合并后得到所有任务的执行序列。仿真结果表明,该分层聚类方法可有效降低全局优化复杂度,消解不同优先级观测任务的冲突,提高任务规划质量,能够在不降低目标点观测完成率的前提下对有多个观测机会的目标点进行重复观测,且算法稳定性好,能在数秒内得出规划结果,适用于星上自主任务规划。     

Testing Modified Newtonian Dynamics with LISA Pathfinder

We suggest that LISA Pathfinder, a technology demonstrator for the future gravitational wave observatory LISA, could be used to carry out a direct experimental test of Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND). The LISA Pathfinder spacecraft is currently being built and the launch date is just a few years away. No modifications of the spacecraft are required, nor any interference with its nominal mission. The basic concept is to fly LISA Pathfinder through the region around the Sun-Earth saddle point, in an extended mission phase, once the original mission goals are achieved. We examine various strategies to reach the saddle point, and find that the preferred strategy, yielding relatively short transfer times of just over 1 year, probably involves a lunar fly-by. LISA Pathfinder will be able to probe the intermediate MOND regime, i.e. the transition between deep MOND and Newtonian gravity. We present robust estimates of the anomalous gravity gradients that LISA Pathfinder should be exposed to, based on MONDian effects as derived from the Tensor-Vector-Scalar (TeVeS) theory. The spacecraft speed and spatial scale of the MOND signal combine in a way that the spectral signature of the signal falls precisely into LISA Pathfinder’s measurement bandwidth. We find that if the gravity gradiometer on-board the spacecraft achieves its currently predicted sensitivity, these anomalous gradients could not just be detected, but measured in some detail.     

An introduction to the lunar and planetary science activities in Korea

Korea is planning a series of lunar space programs in 2020 starting with a lunar orbiter and a lander with a rover. Compared to other countries, Korea has a relatively brief history in space and planetary sciences. With the expected Korean missions on the near-term horizon and the relatively few Korean planetary scientists, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) has established a new planetary research group focusing on development of prospective lunar instruments, analysis of the publicly available planetary data of the Moon, organizing nationwide planetary workshops, and initiating planetary educational programs with academic institutions. Korea has also initiated its own rocket development program, which could acquire a rocket-launch capability toward the Korean lunar mission. For the prospective Korea’s lunar science program, feasibility studies for some candidate science payloads have been started since 2010 for an orbiter and a lander. The concept design of each candidate instrument has been accomplished in 2012. It is expected that the development of science payloads may start by 2014 as Phase A. Not only developing hardware required for the lunar mission but also educational activities for young students are high priorities for Korea. The new plan of the Korean lunar mission can be successfully accomplished with international cooperative outreach programs in conjunction with internationally accessible planetary data system (PDS). This paper introduces the KIGAM’s international cooperative planetary research and educational programs and also summarizes other nationwide new developments for Korean lunar research projects at Kyung Hee University and Hanyang University.     

低速溅射小行星表面采样的动力学仿真

开发了适用于小行星环境的大规模三维离散元程序DEMBody,针对低速射弹溅射表层风化层的小行星采样方案,仿真了相同质量不同形状的射弹在微重力环境下垂直射入颗粒床的过程,研究了溅射物质在采样器中的运动历程及最终收集质量与射弹形状的关系。结果表明,90°锥形射弹的采样效率最高。     

Model implementation for dynamic computation of system cost for advanced life support.

Life support system designs for long-duration space missions have a multitude of requirements drivers, such as mission objectives, political considerations, cost, crew wellness, inherent mission attributes, as well as many other influences. Evaluation of requirements satisfaction can be difficult, particularly at an early stage of mission design. Because launch cost is a critical factor and relatively easy to quantify, it is a point of focus in early mission design. The method used to determine launch cost influences the accuracy of the estimate. This paper discusses the appropriateness of dynamic mission simulation in estimating the launch cost of a life support system. This paper also provides an abbreviated example of a dynamic simulation life support model and possible ways in which such a model might be utilized for design improvement.     

基于有限状态机的交会对接飞行任务规划方法

为实现多约束条件下载人航天器交会对接（RVD）飞行任务的快速、准确规划,提出了一种基于有限状态机（FSM）的飞行任务规划方法。通过飞行过程与有限状态机的映射关系建立图形化任务规划模型,以飞行事件为状态,以测控、光照等约束条件为输入信号,驱动有限状态机的状态转移,进行模型求解,实现交会对接飞行任务的自动规划。以中国神舟十号飞行任务中航天员手控交会对接试验为例,进行了规划验证。经对比,规划计算结果与任务实施结果一致,表明所提方法可以实现交会对接飞行任务的快速、准确规划。      

SIGMA observations of two new hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray transients: GX 354-0 and Nova Persei

We report the first detection of two soft gamma ray transients GX 354-0 and Nova Persei (GRO J0422+32) by the coded-mask telescope SIGMA. Only preliminary results are presented with regard to Nova Persei while special emphasis is given to the data on GX 354-0 which has been monitored during the 1992 February–April survey of the Galactic Center. GX 354-0 underwent two flares of about two week duration and its average spectrum is well described by a thermal Bremsstrahlung model or a broken power law whereas the Nova Persei spectrum seems to be similar to the one observed for GRS 1124-684 in Musca.     

Vertical TEC in the equatorial anomaly region from satellite altimetry data

The high-precision demands imposed by the ocean altimetry community of the late 1980 resulted in the TOPEX/Poseidon mission. This mission was the first to carry as its main instrument a dual-frequency sea-altimeter on board a satellite. This instrument together with other state-of-the-art technologies involved in the mission, led to sea-height determinations with precision better than 2 cm. As a by-product, the TOPEX/Poseidon mission provided vertical TEC determinations that since they became available, have demonstrated to be a powerful tool for ionospheric studies.     

Real time localization of gamma ray bursts with INTEGRAL

The INTEGRAL satellite has been successfully launched in October 2002 and has recently started its operational phase. The INTEGRAL burst alert system (IBAS) will distribute in real time the coordinates of the gamma ray bursts (GRBs) detected with INTEGRAL. After a brief introduction on the INTEGRAL instruments, we describe the main IBAS characteristics and report on the initial results. During the initial performance and verification phase of the INTEGRAL mission, which lasted about two months, two GRBs have been localized with accuracy of 2–4 arcmin. These observations have allowed us to validate the IBAS software, which is now expected to provide quick (few seconds delay) and precise (few arcmin) localization for 10–15 GRBs per year.     

Challenges of the rosetta sample return mission

Rosetta is a correrstone mission of the science programme of the European Space Agency (ESA) and it has been studied as a collaborative project with NASA. The major scientific objectives of Rosetta is to return cometary samples to Earth. About 20 kg of cometary material from up to 3m below the surface would be made available to the scientific community for analysis. Since relatively little is known a priory about the environment to be expected, the mission design must be based on a limited body of knowledge and rely on autonomy. The paper outlines the main mission characteristics and the experimental approach to demonstrate the mission feasibility.     

基于飞行剖面的作战飞机任务可靠性评估方法

针对作战飞机故障数据的特点,分析了作战飞机不同飞行剖面对其任务可靠性的影响.在此基础上,定义了飞行剖面折合系数、建立了作战飞机任务可靠性模型.基于该模型给出了作战飞机在不同飞行剖面下的任务可靠性评估方法.针对想定任务剖面,采用剖面合成的方法把其处理为典型飞行剖面的线性组合,并由此给出了作战飞机在想定剖面下任务可靠性的预测方法.实例表明基于飞行剖面的作战飞机任务可靠性评估方法合理可行,便于工程应用.