Numerical modeling of RadioAstron SRT temperature deformations

The results of modeling the thermal deformations of a space radio telescope’s reflecting surface are presented in the paper. Calculations were performed for the versions of the most unfavorable telescope illumination by the Sun.     

Interplanetary scintillations of an ensemble of radio sources during the solar activity minimum of cycles 23/24

The results of observations of interplanetary scintillations of a statistical ensemble of radio sources in the period of 2007–2011 are presented. Observation were carried out in the monitoring regime with the BSA LPI radio telescope at the frequency 111 MHz. Fluctuations of radio emission flux of all sources (a few hundred in total) were recorded 24 hours a day. Those sources were investigated, which had a scintillating flux greater than 0.2 Jy and fell within the sky band of 8° width in declination, corresponding to radio telescope’s 16-beam system. The statistical ensemble of radio sources is characterized by the mean variance of a scintillating radiation flux, which is proportional to the squared scintillation index. It follows from the obtained data that the radial dependence of a mean scintillation index during a deep solar activity minimum of 2008–2009 occurs to be weaker than one could expect in the case of spherically symmetric geometry of the solar wind. Suppression of a radial dependence of the mean scintillation index is explained by the effect of the heliospheric current sheet, which reveals itself in a high density of solar wind’s turbulent plasma in the helioequator plane. It is shown that the level of scintillations, averaged over monthly series of observations, was changing synchronously with the solar activity level.     

Space missions for SETI.

Radio Telescopes for SETI searches are less demanding than general purpose astronomical radio telescopes. This provides an opportunity to exploit economical approaches in designing SETI systems. Radio Telescopes in low Earth orbit offer no discernible advantages to SETI; indeed, they probably would perform more poorly than a telescope in any other location. Telescopes in geosynchronous orbits would be sufficiently far from Earth to mitigate greatly the deleterious effect of human radio transmissions. Telescopes on the far side of the moon would be superb both from a radio interference standpoint, and from a civil engineering standpoint. Single-reflector telescopes as large as 50 kilometers in diameter could be constructed with conventional materials. However, their costs appear prohibitive. The asteroid belt and the outer solar system are unpromising places to place a large radio telescope. Perhaps the ultimate radio telescope would utilize the sun as a gravitational lens, focusing radiation on free-flying 10-meter class or possibly larger radio telescopes located at distances of the order of 1000 A.U. from the sun. Such a combination has an energy collecting area at 10 centimeters wavelength equivalent to that of a radio telescope about 11 kilometers in diameter, or of the order of 3000 Arecibo radio telescopes. Such a system could detect transmitters with EIRP of the order of a gigawatt at a distance of the order of the distance to the galactic center.     

Functional restrictions on the orientation of onboard and ground methods in the RadioAstron project

In this paper, functional restrictions on the orientation of the onboard systems of the space radio telescope, stations of scientific data receiving and ground radio telescopes in the RadioAstron project are considered. Restrictions important for practical problems of scheduling observations with ground-space radio interferometer are discussed in detail. An algorithm for calculating the angles of the narrow-beam antenna drive, which takes into account technological restrictions on the capability of its spatial orientation, is presented.     

Operation of the Spektr-R orientation system

Errors in pointing and sustaining Spektr-R are estimated based on the data of star sensors and an angular velocity vector meter, and the calculated values are compared with the observed values. It has been indicated that the achieved pointing accuracy is significantly better than the required accuracy and is independent of the number of star sensors used for this purpose; finally, the stabilization parameters correspond to the anticipated parameters. The original method for processing adjustment observations of the space radio telescope in the 1.35-cm range used to find a systematic deviation of 2.5′ of the telescope real electric axis from the nominal angular position has been described.     

A search for narrow band signals with SERENDIP II: a progress report

Commensal programs for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI), carried out concurrently with conventional radio astronomical observing programs, can be an attractive and cost-effective means of exploring the large multidimensional search space intrinsic to this effort. Our automated commensal system, SERENDIP II, is a high resolution 131,072 channel spectrometer. It searches for 0.49 Hz signals in sequential 64,700 Hz bands of the IF signal from a radio telescope being used for an astronomical observation. Upon detection of a narrow band signal with power above a preset threshold, the frequency, power, time, and telescope direction are recorded for later study. The system has been tested at the Hat Creek Radio Astronomy Observatory 85 ft telescope and the NASA-JPL Deep Space Station (DSS 14) 64 m telescope. It is currently collecting data at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory 300 ft telescope.     

天籁射电阵的空间碎片探测性能分析

提出以曲靖非相干散射雷达作为一种可能的发射源与天籁射电阵组成一套双基地雷达空间碎片探测系统，对该系统的空间碎片探测性能进行计算与仿真分析，包括可探测目标雷达散射截面积(RCS)、天籁射电阵对空间目标与碎片探测时间、探测效率等。分析表明，该系统具有探测直径10 cm以下级空间小碎片的潜力，并在最后提出了一种基于该系统的交叉波束的确定方法及对空间碎片定位的方法。     

Synthesis of a combined system for precise stabilization of the Spektr UF observatory. I

The paper presents the first part of results of basic research for development of a combined system of high-precision stabilization of the optical telescope for the international observatory Speckr UF (currently under design) planned to study emission of stars in the UV waveband. A new direct method used in these studies for calculating program controls is described. The results of numerical experiments are presented.     

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.     

Lagrangian coherent structures in various map representations for application to multi-body gravitational regimes

The Finite-Time Lyapunov Exponent (FTLE) has been demonstrated as an effective metric for revealing distinct, bounded regions within a flow. The dynamical differential equations derived in multi-body gravitational environments model a flow that governs the motion of a spacecraft. Specific features emerge in an FTLE map, denoted Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCS), that define the extent of regions that bound qualitatively different types of behavior. Consequently, LCS supply effective barriers to transport in a generic system, similar to the notion of invariant manifolds in autonomous systems. Unlike traditional invariant manifolds associated with solutions in an autonomous system, LCS evolve with the flow in time-dependent systems while continuing to bound distinct regions of behavior. Moreover, in general, FTLE values supply information describing the relative sensitivity in the neighborhood of a trajectory. Here, different models and variable representations are used to generate maps of FTLE, and the resulting structures are applied to design and analysis within an astrodynamical context. Application of FTLE and LCS to transfers from LEO to the L₁ region in the Earth–Moon system are presented and discussed. In an additional example, an FTLE analysis is offered of a few stationkeeping maneuvers from the Earth–Moon mission ARTEMIS (Acceleration, Reconnection, Turbulence and Electrodynamics of the Moon's Interaction with the Sun).     

Interplanetary scintillations of the radio source ensemble at the maximum of cycle 24 of solar activity

The results of the interplanetary scintillation observations performed in the period of the maximum of solar activity from April 2013 to April 2014 on the BSA LPI radio telescope at the frequency 111MHz are presented. Fluctuations of the radio emission flux were recorded round the clock for all sources with a scintillating flux of more than 0.2 Jy falling in a strip of sky with a width of 50° over declinations corresponding to a 96-beam directional pattern of the radio telescope. The total number of sources observed during the day reaches 5000. The processing of the observational data was carried out on the assumption that a set of scintillating sources represents a homogeneous statistical ensemble. Daily two-dimensional maps of the distribution of the level of scintillations, whose analysis shows the strong nonstationarity and large-scale irregularity of the spatial distribution of solar wind parameters, were constructed. According to maps of the distribution of the level of scintillations averaged over monthly intervals, the global structure of the distribution of the solar wind was investigated in the period of the maximum of solar activity, which was found to be on the average close to spherically symmetric. The data show that on a spherically symmetric background an east–west asymmetry is observed, which indicates the presence of a large-scale structure of a spiral type in the solar wind.     

Effect of thin condensate films of a metal working fluid of an electric propulsion engine on the integral optical coefficients of a spacecraft’s thermal control coating

Materials on experimental studies to determine the effect of thin condensate films of cesium (used as a model working medium for electric propulsion engines and some spacecraft power sources) on integral optical coefficients of spacecraft thermal control coatings are presented. A technique modified by the author and employing the regular thermal regime of a thin metal plate is used. Measurement results demonstrate that films with thicknesses of 100–1000 Å can seriously degrade the integral optical coefficients of thermal control coatings and thus disturb the heat balance of some spacecraft systems.     

基于智能Agent的航天器MEMS 自主热控系统研究

以航天器MEMS热控系统为对象,将系统层次的Agent智能体决策体系与热控系统自主控制任务相结合,形成一种无需外界过多干预的自主决策控制机制,即系统自身能依据所辨识出的外部轨道热环境及内部热负荷变化进行控制变量自主调节,达到优化协调多个控制变量且能自适应调节控制器参数的新型智能热控系统。     

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.     

一种星间设备系统偏差的标定方法

针对Ka波段测距体制中星间测距设备系统偏差标定困难从而影响自主导航精度的问题,提出用星地无线电双向时间比对的方法标定星间设备系统偏差。通过两条星地双向链路并在这两颗卫星间建立一条星间双向链路进行标定。结果表明：该方法能够标定星间设备系统偏差,其RMS优于1ns,从而起到提高星间时间同步精度的目的。     

The RadioAstron project: Measurements and analysis of basic parameters of space telescope in flight in 2011–2013

The results of a large number of the antenna radiometric measurements at bands of 92, 18, 6.2, 1.35, and 1.7-1.2 cm are presented by the data of the standard telemetry system of the Spektr-R spacecraft. Both special sessions of calibration object observations in the mode of a single space radio telescope (SRT) operation and numerous observations of researched sources in the mode of the ground-space interferometer were used. The obtained results agree with the first results of Kardashev et al. (2013), i.e., within 10–15% at bands of 92, 18, and 6.2 cm and 20–25% at the band of 1.35 cm. In the main, the measurements for the eight subbands at wavelengths of 1.7-1.2 cm indicate a monotonic increase in the spectral system equivalent flux density (SEFD) of noise radiation with a frequency consistent with the calculated estimates for the discussed model. The sensitivity of the ground-space interferometer for the five subbands at wavelengths from 1.35 to 1.7 cm can be higher by a factor of 1.5, and for the three subbands from 1.35 to 1.2 cm lower by a factor of 1.5 than at the band of 1.35 cm. The SRT contribution to the interferometer sensitivity proportional to the square root of SEFD is close to the design one at the bands of 92 and 18 cm and decreases the design sensitivity approximately by a factor of 1.5 and 2 at the bands of 6.2 and 1.35 cm, respectively. These differences of implemented values from the design ones were not significantly affected the scientific program implementation.     

Synthesis of a combined system for precise stabilization of the Spektr-UF observatory: II

The paper presents the second part of the results of search studies for the development of a combined system of high-precision stabilization of the optical telescope for the designed Spectr-UF international observatory [1]. A new modification of the strict method of the synthesis of nonlinear discrete-continuous stabilization systems with uncertainties is described, which is based on the minimization of the guaranteed accuracy estimate calculated using vector Lyapunov functions. Using this method, the synthesis of the feedback parameters in the mode of precise inertial stabilization of the optical telescope axis is performed taking the design nonrigidity, quantization of signals over time and level, and errors of orientation meters, as well as the errors and limitation of control moments of executive engine-flywheels into account. The results of numerical experiments that demonstrate the quality of the synthesized system are presented.     

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.     

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.     

空间光学望远镜在轨建造中的结构机构技术

围绕空间光学望远镜在轨建造中的结构机构技术进行分析,重点包括结构机构相关的关键技术基本概念和技术特点,分别对大型望远镜空间结构拓扑构型优化及模块技术、光机结构机构的高精度展开调整及锁合技术、典型光机元件的在轨增材制造技术、机器人辅助自主精密装配及控制技术进行了技术内涵及先进技术途径分析.最后展望了在轨建造中结构机构技术...