Intergalactic magnetic fields, and some connections with cosmic rays

An overview is presented of the methods of probing for the geometry, and strength of intergalactic magnetic fields. Recent results are briefly surveyed for galaxy halos, galaxy clusters, and the intergalactic medium on various scales, and some rele vant physical processes and radiation processes are mentioned, as well as the coupling between intergalactic magnetic fields and cosmic rays.The general trend of recent results indicates that, wherever we detect intergalactic hot gas and galaxies, we also find magnetic fields at levels of 10^–7 G, or higher. The hitherto undetected, weaker fields in the ratified i.g.m. and in large intergalactic voids could be probed by both Faraday rotation, and possibly using very energetic CR nuclei (> 10²⁰eV), and/or transient extragalactic ray bursts.     

A systematic approach to nonlinear rotorcraft model identification

The development of a powerful parameter estimation routine and its integration into the simulation environment HOST is described. With this tool approaches are being made towards new strategies of mathematical modeling, aimed at providing highly accurate and nevertheless run-time efficient simulation models. The identification routine is capable of optimizing parameterized models in both dynamic time domain simulation and static (e.g. trim state variation) conditions. Examples of both cases are presented to emphasize the improvement in the system response prediction and to demonstrate the abilities of the identification techniques in combination with the nonlinear simulation platform. This article reviews the activities and achievements accomplished by the DLR Institute of Flight Research and the ONERA Systems Control and Flight Dynamics Department during the last few years in the research on rotorcraft flight dynamics modeling and model identification. Future activities that require extensive high fidelity modeling are in the scope of the current and coming modeling activities that include the use of the presented methods and software technologies.     

Future Instrumentation for the Study of the Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium

We briefly review capabilities and requirements for future instrumentation in UV- and X-ray astronomy that can contribute to advancing our understanding of the diffuse, highly ionised intergalactic medium.     

SN 1987A and SN 1993J: Testing stellar evolution theory?

Nearby supernovae like SN 1987A and SN 1993J provide valuable constraints on the late evolution of massive stars. For this purpose, we review evolutionary models for the progenitor of SN 1987A and confront them with five observational/theoretical tests we devised. We show that single-star models (with the possible exception of rapid-rotation models) fail at least two of these tests, while two binary models (accretion and merger models) are consistent with all available constraints. We conclude that it is most likely that the progenitor of SN 1987A had a binary companion, either at the time of the explosion or at least in the not-too-distant past, and that SN 1987A should therefore not be used to calibrate single stellar evolution theory. For SN 1993J, we infer from the presupernova photometry and the early light curve that its progenitor was a 15M star that lost almost all of its hydrogen-rich envelope prior to the supernova. This seems to require that the progenitor underwent stable case C mass transfer. We discuss future observational tests of binary models for both supernovae.     

LISA: Heliocentric formation design for the laser interferometer space antenna mission

The LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) mission has been selected by the European Space Agency’s Science Programme Committee as the third large-class mission of the Cosmic Vision Programme, addressing the science theme of the Gravitational Universe. With a planned launch date in 2034, LISA will be the first ever space-borne Gravitational Wave observatory, relying on laser interferometry between three spacecraft orbiting the Sun in a triangular formation. Airbus is currently leading an industrial Phase A system study on behalf of the European Space Agency. The paper will address the astrodynamics challenges associated with the LISA constellation design, driven by tight requirements on the geometric quality metrics of the near equilateral formation.     

Modeling and identification of an electro-mechanical system: The LISA grabbing positioning and release mechanism case

In the frame of space missions, mechanisms often constitute critical systems whose functionality and performance need to be tested on ground before the mission launch. The LISA scientific space mission will detect gravitational waves by measuring the relative displacement of pairs of free-floating test masses set into geodesic motion onboard of three spacecrafts. Inside each satellite, the injection of the test masses from the caged configuration into the geodesic trajectory will be performed by the grabbing positioning and release mechanism. To provide a successful injection, the test masses must be dynamically released with a minimal residual velocity against adhesion with the holding device. A parameter that determines the test mass residual velocity is the quickness of the retraction of the holding device. The need arises then to characterize the dynamic response of the release mechanism in order to predict its behaviour in the in-flight conditions. Once a validated model of the mechanism is available, the compliance of the system to the tight requirement on the maximum allowed residual velocity of the test mass may be verified. Starting from an electro-mechanical model of the mechanism dynamics, this paper presents the results of the experimental identification of its relevant parameters.     

Pick any system: what is the real cost?

The realities of a system's development process are described by the cliche: "Pay me now or pay me later." Everything costs something - there is no free lunch. However, there are less costly lunches. We are driven to lessen the cost, while still trying to garner the same or greater value. AU decisions have a relative cost associated with them, in both the short- and long-term. Further, this cost is seen differently by those who pay it, than by those who make the decisions that incur it - they are often not the same people. Yet it should always be our charge to manage the reduction of those costs over the life cycle, not just under our watch.     

Geology and Physical Properties Investigations by the InSight Lander

Although not the prime focus of the InSight mission, the near-surface geology and physical properties investigations provide critical information for both placing the instruments (seismometer and heat flow probe with mole) on the surface and for understanding the nature of the shallow subsurface and its effect on recorded seismic waves. Two color cameras on the lander will obtain multiple stereo images of the surface and its interaction with the spacecraft. Images will be used to identify the geologic materials and features present, quantify their areal coverage, help determine the basic geologic evolution of the area, and provide ground truth for orbital remote sensing data. A radiometer will measure the hourly temperature of the surface in two spots, which will determine the thermal inertia of the surface materials present and their particle size and/or cohesion. Continuous measurements of wind speed and direction offer a unique opportunity to correlate dust devils and high winds with eolian changes imaged at the surface and to determine the threshold friction wind stress for grain motion on Mars. During the first two weeks after landing, these investigations will support the selection of instrument placement locations that are relatively smooth, flat, free of small rocks and load bearing. Soil mechanics parameters and elastic properties of near surface materials will be determined from mole penetration and thermal conductivity measurements from the surface to 3–5 m depth, the measurement of seismic waves during mole hammering, passive monitoring of seismic waves, and experiments with the arm and scoop of the lander (indentations, scraping and trenching). These investigations will determine and test the presence and mechanical properties of the expected 3–17 m thick fragmented regolith (and underlying fractured material) built up by impact and eolian processes on top of Hesperian lava flows and determine its seismic properties for the seismic investigation of Mars’ interior.