Imaging of extrasolar advanced terrestrial planets

The gravitational lens effect of the Sun would allow, by using a detector at one of its foci, to obtain a “telescope” with gigantic amplification and resolution powers opening extraordinary perspectives for the detailed study of extrasolar planets, particularly technologically advanced ones. But, astronautical challenges are raised by the necessity to align precisely and put in an efficient tracking and scanning mode the detector, necessarily modest in size compared to the dimensions of the planet images and ranges of orbital and rotational motions. In the frame of the FOCAL space mission submitted to ESA, we present the dynamical geometry of the images for two typical cases of observational wavelengths: 10 centimeters (radio) and 10 micrometers (infrared), for a solar-type stellar system 10 parsecs away. Plasma thrusters could provide interesting solutions for the control of the detector for tracking and scanning the focal images.     

Extrasolar solar-sail trajectories and dark matter

Hyper-thin, high-speed solar-photon sail space probes exploring the Sun?s Oort comet cloud could also be used to set an upper bound to the concentration of WIMPS (weakly interacting massive particles), one of the suggested (but unconfirmed) forms of dark matter within the vicinity of the solar system. Newton?s Shell Theorem would be applied to determine variations in apparent solar mass as the probe moves further out from the Sun. Application of this technique to the trajectories of Pioneer 10/11 reveals that the upper limit to WIMP concentration within ~60 AU of the Sun is ~0.2 Earth masses, as revealed in studies of the Pioneer Anomaly. If the published accuracy of the Pioneer acceleration measurements can be increased by an order of magnitude, probe trajectory measurements out to ~10,000 AU may confirm or falsify the hypothesis that WIMP mass within the solar vicinity is ~3X star mass. It is shown that a space-manufactured ~40-nm thick beryllium hollow-body solar sail deployed from a ~0.07 AU perihelion is a candidate spacecraft for such a mission. Possible science-team organization strategy for a ~100-year mission to ~10,000 AU is discussed.     

Hesperides: Solar/nuclear missions to the Sun׳s inner gravity focus

The Sun?s gravity focus at >550 AU is of interest to astrophysicists including SETI scientists, researchers seeking to image extra-solar planets and others. One method for an extra-solar probe to reach the Sun?s inner gravity focus within a human working lifetime (less than 50 years) is to combine solar and nuclear propulsion techniques. Here, we present a non-optimized probe concept including state-of-the-art solar-sail, radioisotope-electric propulsion and giant-planet gravity assists. Application of radioisotope propulsion allows some cross range capability during and after the powered and cruise phases of the flight to >600 AU. Such a capability is likely necessary to fully utilize the solar gravitational lens effect for SETI and astrophysical observations.     

Peculiarities of the development of active regions on the Sun prior to strong X-class flares: Joint analysis of data from the RATAN-600 radio telescope and SDO space observatory

Complex analysis is performed for five active regions on the Sun where strong X-class solar flares occurred in 2011–2012. Radio emissions from the regions were investigated based on daily multi-wave observation of the Sun with the RATAN-600 radio telescope in the 1.6–8.0 cm wavelength range. It is shown that, as in eruptive events that were investigated earlier using the RATAN-600 radio telescope, 1–2 days (in some cases 14–17 h) prior to a strong flare one observes a developing source over the neutral line of photospheric magnetic field, which is projected on the region of the maximum approach of fields of opposite signs. In most cases this source became a dominant component in the microwave emissions of the active region prior to a flare. Simultaneously, analyzing magnetographic measurements of the same active regions, based on the data of the SDO space observatory, it has been shown that development of X-class flares proceeds at sufficiently high levels (F ～10²² Mx) of magnetic flux in groups of sunspots and at sharp growth of flux gradient (G ～ 20 × 10²⁰ Mx/deg), which reflects the geometric approach of sunspots with opposite polarities of the magnetic field. These results can be used to develop methods for forecasting strong flares on the Sun.     

Sky distribution of artificial sources in the galactic belt of advanced cosmic life

In line with the concept of the galactic belt of advanced life, we evaluate the sky distribution of detectable artificial sources, using a simple astrophysical model. The best region to search is the median band of the Milky Way in the Vulpecula-Cygnus region, together with a narrower one in Carina. Although this work was done in view of a proposal to send a SETI probe at a gravitational focus of the Sun, we recommend these sky regions particularly for the searches of the sky survey type.     

The SERENDIP SETI project: new instrumentation for SETI and results of recent observations

Over the past 30 years research into the existence of extraterrestrial life has focused on attempts to detect stable narrowband radio signals emitted in the microwave portion of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. The SERENDIP SETI group is currently conducting search operations on the world’s largest radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico.The third generation SERENDIP system, SERENDIP III, is a 4 million channel FFT-based spectrum analyzer with 0.6 Hz frequency resolution. In this paper, we will discuss the results of our recent 3.5 year sky survey. SERENDIP looked at 95% of the sky visible from Arecibo in the 424–436 MHz range, analyzed 10¹⁴ spectral bins, and logged information on over 2.5×10⁸ signals.The fourth generation SERENDIP system expands on the SERENDIP III design. SERENDIP IV computes 2×10¹¹ operations each second, providing spectral analysis on 160 million channels in 1.7 s. We will discuss the design and use of the SERENDIP IV system and future observing plans.     

L׳ADROIT – A spaceborne ultraviolet laser system for space debris clearing

Small (1–10 cm) debris in low Earth orbit (LEO) are extremely dangerous, because they spread the breakup cascade. Pulsed laser active debris removal using laser ablation jets on target is the most cost-effective way to re-enter the small debris. No other solutions address the whole problem of large (~100 cm, 1 t) as well as small debris. Physical removal of small debris (by nets, tethers and so on) is uneconomical because of the energy cost of matching orbits. In this paper, we present a completely new proposal relative to our earlier work. This new approach uses rapid, head-on interaction in 10–40 s rather than 4 minutes, using 20–40 kW bursts of 100 ps, 355 nm UV pulses from a 1.5 m diameter aperture on a space-based station in LEO. The station employs “heat-capacity” laser mode with low duty cycle to create an adaptable, robust, dual-mode system which can lower or raise large derelict objects into less dangerous orbits, as well as clear out the small debris in a 400-km thick LEO band. Time-average laser optical power is less than 15 kW. The combination of short pulses and UV wavelength gives lower required fluence on target as well as higher momentum coupling coefficient. An orbiting system can have short range because of high interaction rate deriving from its velocity through the debris field. This leads to much smaller mirrors and lower average power than the ground-based systems we have considered previously. Our system also permits strong defense of specific assets. Analysis gives an estimated cost less than $1 k each to re-enter most small debris in a few months, and about 280 k$ each to raise or lower 1-ton objects by 40 km. We believe it can do this for 2000 such large objects in about four years. Laser ablation is one of the few interactions in nature that propel a distant object without any significant reaction on the source.     

The Tanaka-Enome criterion and solar activity in October–November 2003 as observed by the Large Pulkovo Radio Telescope

We present the results of spectral and polarization observations of two large sunspot groups, NOAA 0484 and NOAA 0486 + 0488, which determine high solar activity in October–November 2003. The observations are made with the Large Pulkovo Radio Telescope (LPRT) in the range 2.7–20 cm, the one-dimensional (E-W) resolution of observations being 1–6 arc min, respectively. The main characteristics of the corona radio emission above these active regions are measured, allowing us to follow their dynamics during the entire period of their existence on the solar disk with a period of one day. The analysis of the obtained results is presented from the point of view of the well-known Tanaka-Enome criterion [1–2] (on the basis of this criterion one can predict strong flares from characteristics of radio emission of an active region in quasi-quiet state). Using the activity in October–November 2003 as an example, we demonstrate the capabilities of a new method for estimating the level of solar activity. It was developed on the basis of long-term observations of the Sun by LPRT [3].Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 42, No. 6, 2004, pp. 585–594.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Borisevich, Ilin, Korzhavin, Peterova, Topchilo, Shpitalnaya.     

Studies of radio frequency interference at Parkes Observatory

During 16 weeks of continuous SETI observing at the Parkes Observatory in New South Wales, Australia, a set of time-averaged data with 643 Hz resolution were recorded and returned to the SETI Institute for post-processing. These data are the 14 second (10 frame) average powers in each of 15,552 “subband” channels covering 10 MHz of the spectrum in both right and left circular polarizations that were used by the signal detection hardware to baseline and threshold the 1 Hz high resolution SETI spectra. The observations covered frequencies from 1.2 to 3 GHz, tracking 209 stellar targets across the sky. The data at each frequency were averaged over all directions and then interrogated to attempt to determine the prevalence of radio frequency interference (RFI). Estimates were made for the probability of encountering RFI at a particular frequency. Particular attention has been paid to those portions of the spectrum that are allocated as primary use status, or footnote protection for radioastronomy. This sixteen-week snapshot of the RFI situation at Parkes is by now out of date. Unfortunately, a year later, the situation has undoubtedly worsened.     

Self-perspiration garment for extravehicular activity improves skin cooling effects without raising humidity

Introduction

The current U.S. extravehicular activity (EVA) suit in space includes liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) to control thermal condition. Tubes knitted in LCVG for flowing water interrupt evaporation of perspiration, and astronauts feel discomfort. In the present study, we hypothesized that a self-perspiration garment would effectively lower the skin temperature without raising humidity in the garment. Thus, we developed and examined the effects of the garment.

Methods

Eight healthy subjects were studied with a cyclic ergometer of 30, 60 90 and 120 W loading for 3 min each. Skin temperature and humidity on the back were measured continuously. Subjects wore and tested three types of garments i.e., a spandex wear without any cooling device (Normal), a simulated LCVG (s-LCVG) or the spandex wear knitted a vinyl tube for flowing water, and the spandex wear with a tube, which flows water and self-perspiration with oozing water for evaporative cooling (SPEC).

Results

All measurements were reached to steady state 2–3 min after the setting. The s-LCVG decreased skin temperature 0.39±0.14 °C during 12 min of cooling. With SPEC, skin temperature did not decrease significantly until 6–9 min after starting the cooling. However, the temperature decreased rapidly and significantly after that, and finally decreased 1.59±0.32 °C. Humidity in the SPEC was significantly lower than that in s-LCVG.

Discussion

SPEC was effective for lowering skin temperature without raising humidity in the garment. The concept is expected to use as a better cooling system during EVA.     

基于局部能量比的空中红外弱小目标检测方法

提出了图像局部能量比的概念,并针对空中目标图像特点,给出了一种基于局部能量比的红外弱小目标检测方法。该方法基于单帧图像即可实现红外点目标检测,算法简单,耗时较短,可以实时检测;图像局部能量比对图像噪声不敏感,故该检测方法对图像信噪比要求较低,具有强抗干扰性,便于工程实现。文中给出了检测算法的具体实现过程,并用真实空中红外弱小目标图像进行了检测试验。试验结果表明该方法对空中红外弱小单目标和多目标均具有令人满意的检测效果。     

The SERENDIP piggyback SETI project

The SERENDIP project is an ongoing program of monitoring and processing broadband radio signals acquired by existing radio astronomy observatories. SERENDIP operates in a piggyback mode: it makes use of whatever observing plan (sequence of frequencies, sky coordinates, and polarizations) is under way at its host observatory. Moreover, the SERENDIP data acquisition system, once installed, operates autonomously. This approach makes it possible to obtain large amounts of high quality observing time in a manner that is economical and that does not adversely affect ongoing radio astronomy survey work. The SERENDIP II system has been installed at the NRAO 300-foot telescope at Green Bank, West Virginia, and has operated there for several thousand hours. In this report, we summarize our findings from these observations and describe the present status of the project. Two key elements of SERENDIP are the automated data acquisition system that uses adaptive thresholds and logs only statistically significant peaks in the real-time power spectra, and the subsequent off-line analysis programs that identify and reject a variety of interference signals. Several specific correlations have been identified that offer promise. At present, the development and testing of these interference rejection algorithms is the main thrust of our work.     

CCISS,Vascular and BP Reg: Canadian space life science research on ISS

A comprehensive goal of the Canadian Space Agency studies (CCISS, Vascular and BP Reg) has been to investigate the efficacy of current exercise countermeasures to maintain cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health on return to Earth after up to 6-months in space. Results from the CCISS experiments revealed no significant change of in-flight heart rate during daily activities or sleep, and small, but variable between astronauts, post-flight elevation. The between astronaut differences were exaggerated during measurement of spontaneous baroreflex slope, which was reduced post-flight (P<0.05) during paced breathing with 3 astronauts having significant correlations between reduced baroreflex and reduced RR-interval (consistent with reduced fitness). Cerebrovascular autoregulation and CO₂ response were mildly impaired after flight. Some loss of in-flight fitness of astronauts in Vascular was reflected by the increase in HR at a work rate of 161±46 W of 12.3±10.5 bpm, 10.4±5.9 bpm and 13.4±5.7 bpm for early-flight, late-flight and R+1, respectively. On return to gravity, changes in resting heart rate for supine (5.9±3.5 bpm), sit (8.1±3.3 bpm) and stand (10.3±10.0 bpm) were small but variable between individuals (from −5 bpm to +20 bpm in post-flight standing) and not related to the change in exercise heart rate. In Vascular astronauts, pulse wave transit time measured to the finger tended to be reduced post-flight and carotid artery distensibility was significantly reduced (P=0.03, and n=6). The heart rate and baroreflex data suggest that some astronauts return with cardiovascular deconditioning in spite of the exercise regimes. However, greater arterial stiffness is common among all astronauts studied to date. The new CSA project, BP Reg, will monitor inflight blood pressure in an attempt to identify astronauts in greater need for countermeasures. Future research should focus on whether Vascular changes in astronauts might make them an appropriate model to study the mechanisms of arterial aging on Earth.     

Observations of corotating solar wind structures at radio sounding by signals of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosetta</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mars Express</Emphasis> spacecraft

In the implementation of the space projects Rosetta and Mars Express, a large-scale series of experiments has been carried out on radio sounding circumsolar plasma by decimeter (S-band) and centimeter (X-band) signals of the Rosetta comet probe (from October 3 to October 31, 2010) and the Mars Express satellite of Mars (from December 25, 2010 to March 27, 2011). It was found that in the phase of ingress the spacecraft behind the Sun, the intensity of the frequency fluctuations increases in accordance with a power function whose argument is the solar offset distance of radio ray path, and when the spacecraft is removed from the Sun (the egress phase), frequency fluctuations are reduced. Periodic strong increases in the fluctuation level, exceeding by a factor of 3–12 the background values of this value determined by the regular radial dependences, are imposed on the regular dependences. It was found that increasing the fluctuations of radio waves alternates with the periodicity m × T or n × T, where m = 1/2, n = 1, аnd T is the synodic period of the Sun’s rotation (T ≈ 27 days). It was shown that the corotating structures associated with the interaction regions of different speed fluxes are formed in the area of solar wind acceleration and at distances of 6–20 solar radii already have a quasi-stationary character.     

The first SETI observations with the Allen telescope array

The Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) finally has its own full-time telescope. The Allen telescope array (ATA) in Northern California was dedicated on October 11, 2007. This array, which will eventually be composed of 350 small radio antennas, each 6.1 m in diameter, is being built as a partnership between the SETI Institute and the University of California Radio Astronomy Laboratory. Last October, Paul G. Allen (who provided the funds for the technology development and the first phase of array construction) pushed a silver button and all 42 antennas of the current ATA-42 slewed to point in the direction of the distant galaxy M81. Specialized electronic backend detectors attached to the ATA began making a radio map of that galaxy and simultaneously began SETI observations of HIP48573, a G5V star near M81 on the sky and a distance of 264 light years from Earth. The Allen telescope array will greatly improve the speed of conducting SETI searches over the next few decades, and it will allow a suite of different search strategies to be undertaken. This paper summarizes some of the earliest SETI observations from the array, and describes the search strategies currently being planned.     

Statistical method for ground and sky coverage calculation

A novel statistical method has been devised for evaluating the ground and the sky coverage of an observation experiment on board a satellite. Owing to its unrivalled rapidity compared with other conventional calculation techniques, the method can be applied to evaluate the coverage percentages for the whole globe or any area on it, to calculate the visibility percentages for one or more ground stations and to determine the percentages of observation time of any given celestial direction including Sun, Moon, Earth and Ground Stations constraints. The orbits considered can be elliptical and account is taken of the drift due to the Earth's oblateness.     

Space System for Detecting Hazardous Celestial Bodies Approaching Earth from the Daytime Sky (<Emphasis Type="Italic">SODA</Emphasis>)

The concept of the System for the Observation of Daytime Asteroids (SODA system) has been developed, the purpose of which is to detect at least 95% of hazardous celestial bodies larger than 10 m in size that fly towards Earth from the Sun side. Spacecraft, equipped with the optimum version, which has three wide-angle optical telescopes of small aperture (20–30 cm) will be placed in a halo orbit around the L₁ libration point of the Sun–Earth system. This will provide a warning on the hazardous object, approaching from the Sun side, and will allow one to determine the orbit and the point of body entering Earth atmosphere to a sufficient accuracy, at least a few hours before the body collides with Earth. The requirements to the system are considered, the results of a preliminary design of the set of instruments have been described, the areas of visibility are calculated, and the versions of data transmission modes have been proposed. It has been shown that, in cooperation with other (particularly ground-based) projects aimed to observing objects flying from the night sky side, it is possible to detect in advance all hazardous bodies in the near-Earth space larger than 10 m in size that approach Earth from almost any direction.     

Wide-angle polarimetry of the night sky: Measurements of atmospheric glow and zodiacal light

This paper is devoted to the analysis of the results of wide-angle polarimetric observations of the night sky, which has been carried out in December 2002 in the Southern Laboratory of Shternberg State Astronomical Institute (Crimea, Ukraine) in a color band close to the V band (the effective wavelength is 5250 ). We propose a method with the help of which the sky light was separated into basic components: the atmospheric glow, emission of weak stars, and the zodiacal light. The polarization map of extra-atmospheric emission of five sky zones close to the ecliptic is constructed, and it is shown that polarization of the sky background far from the antisolar point is determined, in the main, by the zodiacal light. For each observational period, the time dependence of the atmospheric luminosity and absorption is obtained.Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 1, 2005, pp. 19–26.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Ougolnikov, Maslov.     

Novel design for microstrip to stripline transitions for millimeter-wave application in LTCC

This paper presents two transitions between microstrip and stripline in Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic technology, including a vertical transition and a coplanar transition for millimeter-wave application. These interconnects are simulated and optimized by a three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulator. Simulation results show that the return loss of microstrip to stripline vertical transition is less than −22 dB, and insertion losses are greater than 0.5 dB up to 35 GHz, and greater than 1 dB up to 40 GHz. Similarly, the return loss of the coplanar transition is less than −32 dB and insertion loss is better than 0.5 dB. LTCC test structures were fabricated and the performance of all transitions was successfully validated by scattering parameter measurements up to 40 GHz.