月球表面次级中子辐射环境仿真研究

由于缺少磁场和大气,宇宙线高能粒子轰击月壤可以形成月球特有的强中子辐射环境,并对航天员和电子设备造成潜在威胁。文章采用蒙特卡罗方法仿真研究宇宙线高能粒子辐射与月壤成分核反应产生的次级中子能谱特征,给出不同太阳活动、不同月壤深度下月球中子能谱特征和空间分布特征。仿真结果表明,宇宙线高能粒子导致的次级中子随着月壤深度的增加先增大后减小,大约在1 m深度达到最大值,深度越深银河宇宙线诱发的中子贡献越大。相关结果可为我国后续载人月球探测任务的辐射防护设计提供参考。     

Frequency management and SETI: threats to SETI observations in the 1–3 GHz band

The nature of a SETI search makes observations uniquely vulnerable to radio frequency interference because the frequency of a possible ETI signal is unknown. Sensitive radio telescopes, sophisticated software and enhanced signal detection equipment are employed to detect faint signals in the 1–3 GHz frequency range. Frequency management at SETI occurs within a policy environment of the ITU spectrum allocation process. Increased demand by commercial satellite services for access to spectrum adjacent to bandwidth allocated to radio astronomy creates severe international and domestic pressures on SETI observations. Strategies for addressing the RFI problem at the international level will be discussed that include a contingency ITU allocation plan for exclusive use of a particular frequency range by SETI in the event a signal is detected. The lunar farside is, by international agreement, a radio quiet zone for use by radio astronomers. Protected from most human-generated emissions, a SETI radio telescope array on the lunar farside would provide reliable data with minimum interference.     

Cosmic ray impact on extrasolar earth-like planets in close-in habitable zones

Because of their different origins, cosmic rays can be subdivided into galactic cosmic rays and solar/stellar cosmic rays. The flux of cosmic rays to planetary surfaces is mainly determined by two planetary parameters: the atmospheric density and the strength of the internal magnetic moment. If a planet exhibits an extended magnetosphere, its surface will be protected from high-energy cosmic ray particles. We show that close-in extrasolar planets in the habitable zone of M stars are synchronously rotating with their host star because of the tidal interaction. For gravitationally locked planets the rotation period is equal to the orbital period, which is much longer than the rotation period expected for planets not subject to tidal locking. This results in a relatively small magnetic moment. We found that an Earth-like extrasolar planet, tidally locked in an orbit of 0.2 AU around an M star of 0.5 solar masses, has a rotation rate of 2% of that of the Earth. This results in a magnetic moment of less than 15% of the Earth's current magnetic moment. Therefore, close-in extrasolar planets seem not to be protected by extended Earth-like magnetospheres, and cosmic rays can reach almost the whole surface area of the upper atmosphere. Primary cosmic ray particles that interact with the atmosphere generate secondary energetic particles, a so-called cosmic ray shower. Some of the secondary particles can reach the surface of terrestrial planets when the surface pressure of the atmosphere is on the order of 1 bar or less. We propose that, depending on atmospheric pressure, biological systems on the surface of Earth-like extrasolar planets at close-in orbital distances can be strongly influenced by secondary cosmic rays.     

The scientific case for renewed human activities on the Moon

It is over 30 years since the last human being stood on the lunar surface and this long hiatus in human exploration has been to the detriment of lunar and planetary science. The primary scientific importance of the Moon lies in the record it preserves of the early evolution of a terrestrial planet, and of the near-Earth cosmic environment in the first billion years or so of Solar System history. This record may not be preserved anywhere else; gaining proper access to it will require a human presence. Moreover, while this will primarily be a task for the geosciences, the astronomical and biological sciences would also benefit from a renewed human presence on the Moon, and especially from the establishment of a permanently occupied scientific outpost.     

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.     

On the problem of lunar radiation environment

In connection with projects of manned bases on the Moon it becomes topical to estimate radiation danger for their inhabitants. In this paper we describe a method of evaluation of the radiation environment on the lunar surface produced by galactic and solar cosmic rays. The roles of both primary and secondary radiations generated in the depth of the lunar soil under the action of high-energy protons and nuclei are taken into account. Calculated fluxes of particles are used in order to estimate annual averaged absorbed and equivalent local dose rates in tissues. It is established that in the lunar rock the contribution of secondary neutrons to the dose rate exceeds that of protons. The contribution of the secondary particles generated by nuclei of galactic cosmic rays to the dose rate is estimated.     

Further analyses of the slide lander and of drop delivery systems for improved lunar surface access

The paper discusses two methods for lunar surface access. One method is characterized by very little propellant consumption for landing (lunar slide lander, LSL); the other (drop delivery method, DDM) avoids release of propellant gases at the lunar surface. The LSL is of particular promise and importance. Its analysis and development introduces a new field of cosmic dynamics—harenodynamics, the science and technology of interaction of surfaces with dust and sand at near-orbital speeds down to low velocities. Although the data base is small so far and needs to be enlarged, analyses of the LSL so far indicate promise as to feasibility. Its realization will revolutionize present conventional concepts of lunar development. The DDM offers cost-effective alternatives to conventional lunar landing by retrothrust, but on a more selective basis, because propellant-savings are secondary to avoiding gas releases into the lunar high-vacuum environment. It was found that stationary energy absorption systems (EAS) are required, because vehicle-attached absorption systems are entirely inadequate. This requires large structures which can be built on the lunar surface only after a somewhat higher degree of industrial capability has been established. However, they can be built entirely of lunar materials. Altogether, the LSL is the more significant of the two both in terms of economy and of operational scope.     

Assessment of the radiation environment on the Moon

In connection with projects on a manned base on the Moon, the assessment of radiation risk to staff of the base owing to galactic (GCR) and solar (SEP) cosmic radiation becomes very relevant. The paper describes the methodology for assessing the radiation environment on the lunar surface and in the depths of lunar soil taking into account the primary and secondary radiation caused by protons and nuclei of GCR and SEP. Calculated fluencies of particles are used to estimate the average annual absorbed and equivalent local doses in tissue. Contribution to the dose of secondary neutrons at depths of lunar soil exceeds the contribution of protons. Contribution to the dose of secondary particles generated by GCR nuclei should be taken into account.     

Recent progress on the lunar farside crater Saha proposal

The aim of this review, whose title might as well be “Toward a dedicated lunar farside radio observatory”, is to provide information for potential interested workers whom we invite to contribute to this multidisciplinary effort.First point: in view of the dramatic increase of radio interference due to the development of satellite-based human telecommunications, it will soon become impossible to conduct valuable high-sensitivity SETI observations from the terrestrial ground. It is why a few years ago I started an interdisciplinary and international endeavor to protect for the next 20/30 years a well specified lunar farside crater (Saha) which no Earth- or geostationary orbit-based radio emission could reach.After raising technical, programmatic, legal, astronautical, industrial, political, ethical issues at a number of conferences of international learned institutions, this enterprise is now of interest for the wider field of next generation high-sensitivity radioastronomy at large, from decametric to sub-millimetric waves.This last year, positive results were the creation of an IAA Sub-committee for “A Lunar SETI Study”, the presentation of a Resolution to the IAU for the protection of a potential lunar radio observatory site, discussions at the IAA/IISL Scientific-Legal Roundtable on SETI & Society at IAF Congress in Torino, the organization of a half-day Scientific Event at next COSPAR Assembly in Nagoya and the initiation of an IAA Cosmic Study on the subject.We shall conclude by outlining the next efforts to be initiated up to a real Moon radio observatory.     

近地轨道宇宙线的强度分布

本文主要讨论了在近地空间能够引发微电子系统故障的宇宙线带电粒子环境问题，参照国外辕为成熟的模式和我们最新的工作，对近地轨道的宇宙线强度进行了计算，并就模式的应用和存在的问题进行了讨论。     

Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon

Chandrayaan-1 is the first Indian planetary exploration mission that will perform remote sensing observation of the Moon to further our understanding about its origin and evolution. Hyper-spectral studies in the 0.4– region using three different imaging spectrometers, coupled with a low energy X-ray spectrometer, a sub-keV atom analyzer, a 3D terrain mapping camera and a laser ranging instrument will provide data on mineralogical and chemical composition and topography of the lunar surface at high spatial resolution. A low energy gamma ray spectrometer and a miniature imaging radar will investigate volatile transport on lunar surface and possible presence of water ice in the polar region. A radiation dose monitor will provide an estimation of energetic particle flux en route to the Moon as well as in lunar orbit. An impact probe carrying a mass spectrometer will also be a part of the spacecraft. The 1 ton class spacecraft will be launched by using a variant of flight proven indigenous Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL). The spacecraft will be finally placed in a 100 km circular polar orbit around the Moon with a planned mission life of two years.     

Energy measurements of electrons and protons in cosmic ray physics using satellite and balloon calorimeters in recent two decades

Calorimeters are used in cosmic ray studies for a variety of purposes, such as measurements of particle energy, separation of electrons and hadrons, formation of triggers (signals for activation of instruments), and so on. In this review we consider the methods of energy reconstruct of protons and electrons (for particles with energies exceeding 10 GeV) in calorimeters of various types that are used in astrophysical experiments of cosmic ray studies carried out with balloons and satellites.     

首颗自主地月转移微卫星“龙江二号”

本文对世界首颗独立完成地月转移、近月制动、环月飞行的微卫星“龙江二号”进行了介绍。首先阐述了龙江二号的任务目标和总体方案；然后重点分析了轨道设计与控制、复杂电磁干扰的标定与抑制、宽视场三维基线干涉测量等关键技术难点；接着回顾了任务的实施过程；最后详细介绍了低频射电探测仪、沙特光学相机和VHF/UHF通信模块与学生微型CMOS相机等有效载荷，并展示了上述载荷获取的初步成果。     

一种多源测距与视觉惯性融合的月球车定位方法

针对月球车月面探测活动任务中对高精度定位的需求,当前视觉惯性定位方法存在误差累积,并且在缺乏先验环境信息时无法消除,基于三角测量原理的无线电定位方法可以通过测量接收端到至少三个不同发射端的距离来确定目标物体位置,但需要架设三台以上基站,因此难以满足月面环境下大范围定位的需求。文章提出了一种基于基站无线测距和视觉惯性里程计融合定位方法,以解决上述定位手段存在的问题。该方法首先利用视觉惯性里程计构建的环境模型将WIFI、UHF和UWB三类无线电基站测距信息进行融合,然后将测距结果和视觉IMU信息进行位置联合解算来确定月球车位置,最后在Matlab和Gazebo软件平台上进行仿真验证,在距离基站最远行进1500米的条件下实现了0.92米定位误差。实验结果表明,该方法能够在满足月面探测任务对于精准定位的需求。     

月面和近月空间环境及其影响

月球探测器所经历的月面和近月空间环境主要包括：月面低重力、月面温度、近月空间辐射、月壤、月尘、月面地形地貌、月面静电等。文章在对月面和近月空间环境研究的基础上,结合国外月球探测器在月球环境方面的研究成果,分析了我国月球探测器所经历的月面和近月空间环境特点及其影响效应,并提出相应的改进措施或必要的试验验证,可为月球探测器的研制提供参考。     

Short-term variation of cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy and solar activity

A correlative analysis has been made between cosmic ray intensity and solar activity (sunspot numbers) during high amplitude days for the period 1991–1995. The high amplitude days with the time of maximum in the corotational/azimuthal direction do not indicate any significant correlation with solar activity. The diurnal amplitude significantly remains constant and high (0.5%) during the entire period. Our observations suggest that the direction of the anisotropy of high amplitude anisotropic wave train events contribute significantly to the short-term behavior of the cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy. The correlation coefficient is found to remain positive during solar activity maximum for all the high amplitude anisotropic wave train events.     

The Prospects of Direct Investigations of Cosmic Rays of Very High and Superhigh Energies

Basic lines of investigating cosmic ray particles with energies of 10¹²–10¹⁶ eV by direct methods are formulated. A particular variant of a universal instrument with spherically symmetric characteristics is considered. This instrument is capable of giving experimental solutions to basic problems intimately related to the main problem: the problem of the origin of cosmic rays.     

月面软着陆探测器地面力学试验方法研究

月面软着陆探测器的主要任务是携带有效载荷实现在月球表面的安全着陆,其经历的主要过程包括发射段、地月转移段、近月制动段、环月段、着陆段和月面工作段。软着陆探测器面临的月球环境比近地轨道卫星复杂得多。为提高软着陆探测器系统的可靠性,必须进行充分的地面试验,验证软着陆探测器的设计合理性。文章分析了月球软着陆探测器在各飞行过程中面临的力学环境,分析了力学环境对探测器系统的影响及作用效果,提出软着陆探测器需完成的地面力学试验项目,设计相应的试验方法,并给出确定试验量级的基本原则。     

Characteristics of high energy cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy on day-to-day basis

Diurnal variation of cosmic ray intensity for the period of 1989 to 2000 at Kiel, Haleakakla, Rome, Hermanus, Calgary, and Goose Bay neutron monitors has been studied. Frequency histograms are generated for each year by using the daily values of amplitudes and phases. In the present analysis we have derived the yearly mean amplitude and phase of the diurnal variation of cosmic ray intensity. It has been concluded from the analysis that the diurnal amplitude is mostly concentrated in between the amplitude values of 0.1% and 0.4%, whereas the phase of diurnal anisotropy is concentrated in the belt of 100 to 225 degrees. As such, the various characteristics of long-term diurnal variation of cosmic ray intensity for the maxima of solar activity cycle 22 to the next maxima of solar activity cycle 23 have been studied. The minimum amplitudes are apparent for the minimum solar activity periods starting from 1995 and up to 1997 at Kiel, Haleakakla, Rome, Hermanus, Calgary and Goose Bay stations. The diurnal amplitude has been found to have almost recovered to its values observed during 1989 to 1990. It is also seen that the diurnal amplitudes are much larger by a factor of two at high/middle latitude stations as compared to that for low latitude stations, where the amplitudes are even ～01% or less during 1996. The phase is significantly earlier during 1996 and 1997 with some significant change starting in 1995. As such, competitive is a continuous decreasing trend in the diurnal phase with smaller change at high/middle latitude and significantly much larger change at low latitudes.