Progress of 2014—2016 China's Earth Observation and Earth Science

The support given by Earth observation data and Earth system science play an increasingly important role in global change, regional sustainable development, extreme events, and the development of social and economic needs. This field is also moving towards systematization, platforms, and standardized development. In December 2015, nearly 200 parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change agreed in Paris to make arrangements for global action in response to climate change by 2020. China jointly issued a climate change adaptation strategy for cities in 2016 and then elevated national action to respond to climate change. China's Earth Observation and Earth Science development is facing new challenges as it supports the national civil space infrastructure and high-resolution Earth observation system.      

Low-energy near Earth asteroid capture using Earth flybys and aerobraking

Since the Sun-Earth libration points L₁ and L₂ are regarded as ideal locations for space science missions and candidate gateways for future crewed interplanetary missions, capturing near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) around the Sun-Earth L₁/L₂ points has generated significant interest. Therefore, this paper proposes the concept of coupling together a flyby of the Earth and then capturing small NEAs onto Sun–Earth L₁/L₂ periodic orbits. In this capture strategy, the Sun-Earth circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) is used to calculate target Lypaunov orbits and their invariant manifolds. A periapsis map is then employed to determine the required perigee of the Earth flyby. Moreover, depending on the perigee distance of the flyby, Earth flybys with and without aerobraking are investigated to design a transfer trajectory capturing a small NEA from its initial orbit to the stable manifolds associated with Sun-Earth L₁/L₂ periodic orbits. Finally, a global optimization is carried out, based on a detailed design procedure for NEA capture using an Earth flyby. Results show that the NEA capture strategies using an Earth flyby with and without aerobraking both have the potential to be of lower cost in terms of energy requirements than a direct NEA capture strategy without the Earth flyby. Moreover, NEA capture with an Earth flyby also has the potential for a shorter flight time compared to the NEA capture strategy without the Earth flyby.     

2012–2014 China's Earth Observation and Earth Science Development

Human beings are now facing global and regional sustainable development challenges.In China, Earth observation data play a fundamental role in Earth system science research. The support given by Earth observation data is required by many studies, including those on Earth's limited natural resources, the rapid development of economic and social needs, global change, extreme events, food security, water resources, sustainable economic and urban development, and emergency response. Application operation systems in many ministries and departments in China have entered a stage of sustainable development, and the State Key Project of High-Resolution Earth Observation Systems has been progressing since 2006. Earth observation technology in China has entered a period of rapid development.     

地球辐射波动对摆动扫描式红外地球敏感器测量误差的影响分析

结合SODERN公司新的地球红外辐射模型,对工作在倾斜轨道上的摆动扫描式红外地球敏感器由于地球红外辐射波动造成的姿态测量误差进行了分析,并对其不同季节时的误差进行了数学仿真,最后得出了不同季节的姿态测量误差。结果表明地球的红外辐射波动对俯仰和滚动姿态测量造成的误差最大值分别为0．16°和0．06°。     

Dynamical cartography of Earth satellite orbits

We have carried out a numerical investigation of the coupled gravitational and non-gravitational perturbations acting on Earth satellite orbits in an extensive grid, covering the whole circumterrestrial space, using an appropriately modified version of the SWIFT symplectic integrator, which is suitable for long-term ($～$120?years) integrations of the non-averaged equations of motion. Hence, we characterize the long-term dynamics and the phase-space structure of the Earth-orbiter environment, starting from low altitudes ($～$400?km) and going up to the GEO region and beyond. This investigation was done in the framework of the EC-funded “ReDSHIFT” project, with the purpose of enabling the definition of passive debris removal strategies, based on the use of physical mechanisms inherent in the complex dynamics of the problem (i.e., resonances). Accordingly, the complicated interactions among resonances, generated by different perturbing forces (i.e., lunisolar gravity, solar radiation pressure, tesseral harmonics in the geopotential) are accurately depicted in our results, where we can identify the regions of phase space where the motion is regular and long-term stable and regions for which eccentricity growth and even instability due to chaotic behavior can emerge. The results are presented in an “atlas” of dynamical stability maps for different orbital zones, with a particular focus on the (drag-free) range of semimajor axes, where the perturbing effects of the Earth’s oblateness and lunisolar gravity are of comparable order. In some regions, the overlapping of the predominant lunisolar secular and semi-secular resonances furnish a number of interesting disposal hatches at moderate to low eccentricity orbits. All computations were repeated for an increased area-to-mass ratio, simulating the case of a satellite equipped with an on-board, area-augmenting device. We find that this would generally promote the deorbiting process, particularly at the transition region between LEO and MEO. Although direct reentry from very low eccentricities is very unlikely in most cases of interest, we find that a modest “delta-v” ($\mathrm{\Delta }V$) budget would be enough for satellites to be steered into a relatively short-lived resonance and achieve reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere within reasonable timescales ($～$50?years).     

Progress of Earth Observation in China

Sustainability is the current theme of global development, and for China, it is not only an opportunity but also a challenge. In 2016, the Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted, addressing the need to limit the rise of global temperatures. The United Nations (UN) has set Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to transform our world in terms of closely linking human well-being, economic prosperity, and healthy environments. Sustainable development requires the support of spatial information and objective evaluation, and the capability of macroscopic, rapid, accurate Earth observation techniques plays an important role in sustainable development. Recently, Earth observation technologies are developing rapidly in China, where scientists are building coordinated, comprehensive and sustainable Earth observation systems for global monitoring programs. Recent efforts include the Digital Belt and Road Program (DBAR) and comparative studies of the "three poles". This and other researches will provide powerful support for solving problems such as global change and environmental degradation.      

俄罗斯对地观测卫星最新发展

2016年3月13日和24日,俄罗斯分别成功发射了资源－P3（Resurs－P3）和猎豹－M2（Bar－M2）2颗高分辨率光学对地观测卫星,这是俄罗斯实施《2013－2020年俄罗斯航天活动国家规划》、《2030年前及未来俄罗斯航天活动发展战略（草案）》等战略以来,天基对地观测能力的进一步增强,表明俄罗斯对地观测能力正处于能力恢复和提升期,显露出俄罗斯恢复航天大国实力的决心。目前,俄罗斯在轨对地观测卫星数量已增至16颗,其中高分辨率卫星数量增至9颗。然而,资源－P3卫星入轨即发生单侧太阳电池翼未充分展开等问题。同时,俄罗斯近几年发射事故和在轨故障时有发生,说明其对地观测卫星发展并不顺利。     

Progress of Earth Observation in China

China is expanding and sharing its capacity for Earth observation by developing sensors, platforms, and launch capabilities in tandem with growing lunar and deep space exploration. China is considering the Moon as a viable Earth observation platform to provide high-quality, planetary-scale data. The platform would produce consistent spatiotemporal data because of its long operational life and the geological stability of the Moon. China is also quickly improving its capabilities in processing and transforming Earth observation data into useful and practical information. Programs such as the Big Earth Data Science Engineering Program (CASEarth) provide opportunities to integrate data and develop "Big Earth Data" platforms to add value to data through analysis and integration. Such programs can offer products and services independently and in collaboration with international partners for data-driven decision support and policy development. With the rapid digital transformation of societies, and consequently increasing demand for big data and associated products, Digital Earth and the Digital Belt and Road Program (DBAR) allow Chinese experts to collaborate with international partners to integrate valuable Earth observation data in regional and global sustainable development.      

Impacting small Near Earth Objects

The design of a low-cost spacecraft to impact on a small, faint Near Earth Object (NEO), poses major challenges. This paper focuses on the terminal phase of such impact mission, analyzing the capability of autonomous Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) systems to compensate the deviations in the impact point to achieve a successful collision. The autonomous GNC system employs the information of the optical sensors to estimate the parameters allowing the computation of divert maneuvers to achieve the impact. GMV has developed a simulator, with different levels of sophistication, and a set of different GNC algorithms to help in the design process. This tool is used for different purposes such as: dimensioning the sensors and actuators, verifying mission requirements, computing figures of merit of different SC configurations and evaluating GNC performances. Four GNC algorithms are compared: low-thrust proportional navigation using a fading memory filter, high-thrust predictive guidance using either a Kalman filter or a batch-sequential least-squares filter, and a mid-thrust hybrid predictive-proportional guidance using a fading memory filter. Monte Carlo analysis using global-performances models of the optical sensors for each of these GNC algorithms are presented for two different asteroids (1989 ML and 2002 AT4), showing the mission parameters driving the mission performances. In addition, single-runs with high-fidelity optical sensors models are presented to validate the Monte Carlo simulations.     

恐龙灭绝之谜——让逻辑来说话

关于恐龙消失的原因,国际上各路专家众说纷纭,只假说就有几十种,如行星撞击说、物种斗争说、自相残杀说、大陆漂移说、地磁变化说、植物中毒说、酸雨说、外星人杀死说等等,这些都给恐龙灭绝的原因增加了神秘色彩.     

近地小行星探测目标的选择

正1探测近地小行星面临的问题探测是研究的基础,但与探测大天体相比,小行星探测面临许多新问题,这些问题包括:1)近地小行星(NEA)数量巨大,截至2017年5月1日,已经发现了16089颗。从众多的天体中选择探测目标,其难度可想而知。2)近地小行星的轨道各异,如轨道倾角、偏心率、自旋周期、半主轴长度等参数相差很大。根据美国航空航天局(NASA)喷气与推进实验室(JPL)给出的数据,近地小行星轨道     

Synergies of Earth science and space exploration

A more flexible policy basis from which to manage our planet in the 21st century is desirable. As one contribution, we note that synergies between space exploration and the preservation of our habitat exist, and that protecting life on Earth requires similar concepts and information as investigations of life beyond the Earth, including the expansion of human presence in space. Instrumentation and data handling to observe both planetary objects and planet Earth are based on similar techniques. Moreover, while planetary surface operations are conducted under different conditions, the technology to probe the surface and subsurface of both the Earth and other planets requires similar tools, such as radar, seismometers, and drilling devices. The Earth observation community has developed some exemplary tools and has featured successful international cooperation in data handling and sharing that could be equally well applied to robotic planetary exploration. Here we propose a network involving both communities that will enable the interchange of scientific insights and the development of new policies and management strategies. Those tools can provide a vital forum through which the management of this planet can be assisted, and in which a new bridge between the Earth-centric and space-centric communities can be built.     

Earth Observation Technologies for Sustainable Development

The multi-platform, multi-band and multi-mode Earth Observation (EO) system has been established in China in recent years. The advanced technologies are playing more and more important role for sustainable development in whole country. This paper introduces the results and achievements of EO monitoring for agriculture, EO surveying for land resources, EO monitoring for ecological environment, EO support for national surveying and national e-government, natural disaster monitoring and emergency response. It points out that the EO technologies could contribute more to the country, including in the field of global change in the coming decade.      

Earth survey satellites and cooperative programmes

Earth Survey Satellite Systems are on the verge of becoming operational. It would require a sophisticated infrastructure, involving both men and machines, for a nation to set-up its own independent and comprehensive resources survey and management system using these space systems. Only nations having adequately trained scientific manpower can think of establishing such a system on their own. For the rest of the large part of the world, and specifically the developing nations, co-operative programmes are a must for their getting into and establishing a base for this new technology. Some examples of co-operative ventures in this field are presented. Possible co-operative programmes for varied situations are discussed.     

Auroral structures at Jupiter and Earth

This paper compares global structures of the aurora observed at Jupiter and Earth and our understanding of the mechanisms that produce these structures. Both planets have permanent, magnetically conjugate auroral ovals, although produced by quite different mechanisms. Both are multispectral, having been observed at X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and radio wavelengths. The brightest structures are produced by downward accelerated electron fluxes associated with upward Birkeland (magnetic-field-aligned) currents. At both planets, the auroral forms are time variable, especially at highest latitudes. The main power source for auroral emissions is planetary rotation at Jupiter, and the solar wind interaction at Earth. Thus Jupiter's auroral structures tend to be fixed with respect to magnetic (System III) longitude while Earth's are fixed with respect to local time. Earth's auroral structure is strongly dependent on the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). At Jupiter, no IMF dependence is known, but observations have not been sufficient to show such a dependence if it exists. A unique feature of Jupiter's auroral structure, with no counterpart at Earth, is the signature of the large (Galilean) satellites and, in the case of Io, even the corotational wake of the satellite.     

小行星的巡天观测

正自从人类认识到近地小行星的撞击危险性以来,一直在思考如何减轻和避免小行星撞击地球所带来的灾害。提前获得近地小行星的信息,是避免其撞击地球的基本保障。巡天观测有利于弄清楚近地小行星的数量和空间分布,辨别出对地球有潜在危险的小行星并密切跟踪,尽快确定避免撞击灾害的措施。巡天观测分地基观测和天基观测两大类。用地面望远镜观测会由于大气层对电磁辐射的干扰和吸收而受到限制;而在地球大气层外围绕地球运行的望远     

数字式地球敏感器信号源的研究

在卫星地面系统测试中,地球敏感器信号源(以下简称地球信号源)为地球敏感器提供电激励信号,参加控制系统开路、闭路试验。根据某公司的新一代数字式地球敏感器,本文详细叙述了数字式地球敏感器信号源的设计原理,给出了硬件组成图和软件流程图,分析了影响系统误差和随机误差的因素,并给出了一些解决办法。     

Earth encounter velocities for interplanetary meteoroids

The speed distribution of meteoroids encountering the Earth is shown to be similar for all meteoroid masses in the range 1 g to 10⁻¹² g. The speed distribution of interplanetary meteoroids encountering the Earth has usually been inferred from meteor observations. This paper reviews commonly quoted distributions and introduces more recent estimates. The influence quoted measurement uncertainties have on the distribution of Earth encounter velocities presented by Sekanina and Southworth (1975) and Erickson (1968) is presented. The Divine (1993) model of interplanetary meteoroids fits a set of orbital distributions to a wide range of spacecraft and ground based dust detector observations. By ‘flying’ the Earth through this model the distribution of geocentric encounter velocities has been obtained for typical particle masses, 10⁻⁹ and 10⁻¹² g while those at 10⁻⁴ and 10⁻⁵ g are shown to be in error.