Validation of an active transponder for KOMPSAT-5 SAR image calibration

This paper describes the development and validation of a transportable active transponder designed for the image calibration of Korea Multi-Purpose Satellite-5 (KOMPSAT-5) with a synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Ground targets are essential in SAR image calibration. The environment for the deployment of ground targets for SAR image calibration should provide uniformity and minimum interference. The Amazon or deserts are regarded as desirable environments. However, such environments for SAR image calibration are difficult to find in Korea. Thus, it will be advantageous to have an active transponder whose performance will not be severely limited by the absence of such uniform environment. We have therefore developed an active transponder which has an adjustable internal delay and into which the orbit data of an arbitrary satellite can be loaded. The stored obit data with the aid of an internal global positioning system (GPS) receiver and gyroscope enables the active transponder to point to a selected satellite. In addition, a virtual deployment of the active transponder is possible due to its adjustable internal delay. Thus, the developed active transponder can be deployed at any place without environmental constraint. The performance of the developed active transponder is validated using the satellite TerraSAR-X, which is already in operation. The test results show that the active transponder is successfully compliant with the requirements for KOMPSAT-5 image calibration.     

Radiation risk estimation and its application to human beings in space.

The number of human beings likely to spend time in space will increase as time goes on. While exposures vary according to missions, orbits, shielding, etc., an average space radiation fluence (ignoring solar flares, radiation belts and anomalous regions in space) in locations close to earth is about 10 rad/year with a quality factor of about 5.5. The potential effects of exposure to these fluences include both non-stochastic effects and stochastic effects (cancer and genetic damage). Non-stochastic effects, damage to the lens of the eye, bone marrow or gonads, can be avoided by keeping radiation limits below threshold values. Stochastic effects imply risk at all levels. The magnitude of these risks has been discussed in a number of reports by the UNSCEAR Committee and the BEIR Committee in the USA during 1970-1980. The uncertainties associated with these risks and information which has become available since the last BEIR report is discussed. In considering reasonable limits for exposure in space, acceptable levels for stochastic risks must be based on appropriate comparisons. In view of the limited term of duty of most space workers, a lifetime limit may be appropriate. This lifetime limit might be comparable in terms of risks with limits for radiation workers on the ground but received at a higher annual rate for a shorter time. These and other approaches are expected to be considered by an NCRP Committee currently examining the problem of space radiation hazards.     

WSO-UV project

During last three decades, astronomers have enjoyed continuous access to the 100–300 nm ultraviolet (UV) spectral range where the resonance transitions of the most abundant atoms and ions (at temperatures between 3000 and 300 000 K) reside. This UV range is not accessible from ground-based facilities. The successful International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observatory, the Russian ASTRON mission and successor instruments such as the Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX) mission or the COS and STIS spectrographs on-board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) prove the major impact of observations in the UV wavelength range in modern astronomy. Future access to space-based observatories is expected to be very limited. For the next decade, the post-HST era, the World Space Observatory – Ultraviolet (WSO–UV) will be the only 2-m class UV telescope with capabilities similar to the HST. WSO–UV will be equipped with instruments for imaging and spectroscopy and it will be a facility dedicated, full-time, to UV astronomy. In this article, we briefly outline the current status of the WSO–UV mission and the science management plan.     

Infrared astronomy on the Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope offers enormous advantages to infrared astronomy in certain situations. The advantages of being above the atmosphere include an increase in spatial resolution, a much wider range of wavelengths available, and lower background radiation. Compared to proposed cooled telescopes, HST offers higher spatial resolution and increased collecting area. HST is particularly well suited to observations at wavelengths less than ～5 μm, where the diffraction limit is less than the seeing limit from the ground and thermal emission does not seriously compromise the sensitivity of the detectors. HST is also favorable for observations requiring high spectral resolution at all wavelengths not accessible from the ground.     

A new window on the cosmos: The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA)

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is a joint US/German Project to develop and operate a gyrostabilized 2.5-m telescope in a Boeing 747-SP. This observatory will allow astronomical observations from 0.3 μm to sub-millimeter wavelengths at stratospheric altitudes as high as 45,000 ft where the atmosphere is not only cloud-free, but largely transparent at infrared wavelengths. The dynamics and chemistry of interstellar matter, and the details of embedded star formation will be key science goals. In addition, SOFIA’s unique portability will enable large-telescope observations at sites required to observe transient phenomena and location specific events. SOFIA will offer the convenient accessibility of a ground-based telescope for servicing, maintenance, and regular technology upgrades, yet will also have many of the performance advantages of a space-based telescope. Initially, SOFIA will fly with nine first-generation focal plane instruments that include broad-band imagers, moderate resolution spectrographs that will resolve broad features from dust and large molecules, and high resolution spectrometers capable of studying the chemistry and detailed kinematics of molecular and atomic gas. First science flights will begin in 2010, leading to a full operations schedule of about 120 8–10 h flights per year by 2014. The next call for instrument development that can respond to scientifically exciting new technologies will be issued in 2010. We describe the SOFIA facility and outline the opportunities for observations by the general scientific community with cutting edge focal plane technology. We summarize the operational characteristics of the first-generation instruments and give specific examples of the types of fundamental scientific studies these instruments are expected to make.     

A simulation study for anticipated accuracy of lunar gravity field model by SELENE tracking data

Results of numerical simulations are presented to examine the global gravity field recovery capability of the Japanese lunar exploration project SELENE (SELenological and ENgineering Explorer) which will be launched in 2007. New characteristics of the SELENE lunar gravimetry include 4-way satellite-to-satellite Doppler tracking of main orbiter and differential VLBI tracking of two small free-flier satellites. It is shown that the proposed satellite constellation will provide the first truly global satellite tracking data coverage. The expected results from these data are; (1) drastic reduction in far-side gravity error, (2) estimation of many gravity coefficients by the observation, not by a priori information, and (3) one order of magnitude improvement over existing gravity models for low-degree field.     

自动机动轰炸系统进入段轨迹生成研究

目前综合飞行／火力控制主要研究从瞄准到武器投放的攻击过程,对进入段研究较少。采用手动控制为机翼非水平甩投轰炸方式创造攻击过渡点是非常困难的。进入段自动控制将会为其提供良好的攻击过渡点,并减轻飞行员操纵负担。它的核心问题是轨迹生成,因此,提出一种简化飞机质点运动模型和最短时间优化控制相结合的方法,生成进入段期望轨迹。该方法能够得到解析表达的期望轨迹参数,并能够满足轨迹生成的实时计算要求。数学仿真表明     

地月空间的远距离逆行轨道族及其分岔研究

地月系统中存在着一类绕月逆行、高度稳定的轨道族,称为远距离逆行轨道族(DRO)。以圆型限制性三体问题(CR3BP)为动力学模型研究了DRO轨道族周边的动力系统结构。利用Broucke稳定性图寻找分叉点,判断分叉类型,基于数值延拓计算分岔后产生的一系列新轨道分支。分叉类型主要有切分叉与多倍周期分叉(从3倍周期开始),轨道维度包含平面轨道族与三维轨道族。计算新轨道族的特征,包括形状、周期、能量、稳定性、双曲流形结构等。探讨周期轨道的轨道周期与能量的关系,以几何化的方式展现分叉结构、多周期轨道的双曲流形结构等。该动力结构将为基于DRO轨道族的地月空间任务提供重要的理论支持。      

The X-ray spectrometer experiment on the first spacelab flight

The First Spacelab Flight - scheduled for September 1983 - will carry a multidisciplinary payload intended to demonstrate that valuable scientific results can be achieved with such short duration missions. The payload complement includes a spectrometer to undertake observations of the brighter cosmic X-ray sources. The primary scientific objectives of this experiment are the study of detailed spectral features in cosmic X-ray sources and their associated temporal variations over a wide energy range from about 2 keV up to 80 keV. The instrument based on the gas scintillation proportional counter, will have an effective area of some 180 cm² with an energy resolution of ～ 9% FWHM at 7 keV. The key performance parameters of the instrument, which include calibration results and the sensitivity of the planned observations, are discussed.     

Recent developments in ion mass spectrometers in the energy range below 100 keV

The recognition that heavy ions often have similar or higher abundance than protons in space plasmas and the fact that ions with masses and/or charges larger than unity are ideally suited to test theories on origin, transport, acceleration, and loss of these plasmas led to the development of new and more sophisticated mass spectrometers during the last decade. The characteristics of several state-of-the-art instruments which have been flown or selected for missions will be discussed and aims for future developments will be given.     

The effect of neglecting VLBI reference station clock offsets on UT1 estimates

Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) allows to monitor universal time (UT1) by conducting regular international experiments. Such dedicated observation networks are equipped with different hardware components, which require different processing strategies when the data are correlated. As the timing units at each stations are usually offset with respect to universal time (UTC) this effect should be considered during correlation processing. Thus, it is investigated how neglecting of these offsets theoretically impacts the estimation of UT1. Three different strategies for the proper handling of the timing offset will be discussed and their advantages/drawbacks will be pointed out. Moreover, it is studied how neglecting of these timing offsets affects UT1 time-series and how such a missing correction can be applied a posteriori. Although the discussed effect is for most of the UT1 experiments smaller than the formal error of the estimates, it is important to consider station clock offsets properly in next-generation VLBI systems, which are expected to improve accuracy of results by about one order of magnitude.     

The NOAA satellites: A largely neglected tool in the land sciences

The NOAA satellite system comprises the polar-orbiting satellites which provide image data twice a day, and the geostationary satellites, which provide image data every 30 minutes. Data is provided in the visible, near infrared, and middle and far thermal infrared at 1 km resolution from the polar-orbiting satellites and in the visible at 1-km resolution and in the far thermal infrared at 8 km resolution from the geostationary satellites. Applications described include monitoring tectonic lineaments in Alaska, monitoring the Greenland Ice Sheet, mapping geomorphology in the Dakotas and monitoring volcano eruptions. Applications of the Heat Capacity Mapping Mission described include discriminating rock types and indications of mineral deposits. Current research into Land Sciences Applications are discussed and recommendations made for further areas of research.     

基于滑模观测器的机翼颤振主动抑制设计

颤振主动抑制(AFS)是国际上普遍推崇的颤振问题解决方案,对现代飞行器设计具有重要意义。基于国际上滑模观测器的二维机翼AFS应用,以双后缘控制面真实机翼模型为对象,发展一种低阶滑模观测器的三维机翼AFS设计方法。该观测器性能优越、特点鲜明,但传统的设计流程繁琐,限制了其在高阶模型对象上的使用。本文借助线性二次型高斯(LQG)方法中的最优滤波器增益矩阵,提出一种简化的滑模观测器设计流程。结合气动弹性物理背景,使本文方法理论上能够应用于实践。算例对比分析结果表明,本文方法比LQG方法具有更好的抵抗噪声能力。     

A novel satellite image encryption algorithm based on hyperchaotic systems and Josephus problem

With the rapid growth of the number of Earth observation satellite (EOS) supporting critical applications, it is required to improve the security techniques to protect the sensitive data and images during the transmission between the satellites and the ground stations. This paper introduces a new satellite image encryption algorithm based on the Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) generator, SHA 512 hash function, hyperchaotic systems, and Josephus problem. LFSR generates a matrix that is used to construct the 512-bits value of the hash function. These bits are used to set the initial values and parameters of the proposed encryption algorithm. Firstly, the six dimensions (6-D) hyperchaotic system is divided into three parts, where every two equations are considered as one part. Secondly, the 1-D hyperchaotic logistic-tent system is considered as the controller to select one part. The selected part is used to generate a matrix that is XORed with the original image. Thirdly, the scrambling operation by Josephus sequences is applied to the output of the previous step by scrambling the rows and the columns according to the selected part to produce the pre-encrypted image. Finally, if the number of iterations is less than the required number which is considered as a parameter of the secret key, the previous operations will be repeated in the pre-encrypted image; otherwise, the pre-encrypted image is considered as the final cipher image. Experimental and analyses results show that the proposed algorithm has good performance in terms of high level of security, large enough key-space, tolerance to Single Event Upsets (SEU) as well as low time complexity.     

Sensitivity analysis of test methods for aspheric off-axis mirrors

Following the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), the next generation James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is being developed to be launched in a few years. JWST will be a segmented mirror telescope with a design much like that developed for ground-based telescopes over the past 20 years. Several segmented mirror telescopes are currently in operation, and next generation ground-based telescopes of the 30-m class are also being designed using segmented primary mirrors. Regardless of size, segmented primary mirror telescopes often require the use of aspheric segment mirrors. One of the key factors in fabrication of aspheric segment mirrors is feasibility of testing off-axis surfaces with high accuracy. A couple of test methods have been investigated for aspheric off-axis segments. As a case study, we apply these test methods to secondary segmented mirror models of the Giant Magellan Telescope. We derive required dimensions of test set-ups and assess sensitivity of optical alignment. Characteristics of the test methods are also discussed.     

基于粒子群寻优的高精度星敏感器在轨标定方法

星敏感器结构设计与安装过程会产生多种误差,主要误差源有星敏感器像平面主点误差、主距误差、倾斜误差与旋转误差,这些误差影响了星敏感器在轨标定的精度。本文根据星敏感器的误差模型,提出了一种高精度的星敏感器在轨标定方法。在已知含有误差的像平面的基础上,构造一个虚拟的像平面。当粒子群优化算法使含有误差的像点投影到虚拟像平面上的坐标与无误差时像点的坐标一致时,再利用Quest解算出三轴姿态角求得两个像平面之间的姿态矩阵,得出两像平面之间的关系。结果表明：星敏感器姿态确定精度较高且比较稳定。这种方法与传统标定方法的优势在于不依靠陀螺信息,原理简单,提高了数据的准确性。     

AXAF,a permanent orbiting X-ray observatory: Telescope and instrumentation plans

The Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) now under study is to be a long-lived X-ray observatory in space. It is to be launched by the Space Shuttle, maintainable on-orbit, and retrievable for ground re-furbishment. The AXAF is conceived as an X-ray telescope with 6 nested grazing incidence X-ray mirrors (with a maximum aperture of 1.2 m) and interchangeable and replaceable focal plane instruments. The optics will provide 0.5 arcsecond imagery over a several arcminute field and somewhat reduced resolution over 1 degree in the X-ray band from 0.1 to 10 keV (1.2 to 120 A). The characteristics and expected performance of the observatory are described.     

最新CCSDS图像压缩算法研究与实现

2005年CCSDS(空间数据系统咨询委员会)推出了一项新的图像数据压缩算法标准,制定算法标准的目的是为了解决有效载荷设备的数据压缩以及如何分段压缩能使地面更好地接收图像数据和解压缩.算法的应用能够减少静态图像的数据量,这样不仅可以降低传输带宽,减少数据存储,而且在给定码率情况下能缩短传输时间,这对空间数据压缩具有重要意义.针对CCSDS最新推出的图像压缩算法进行了研究并对其性能进行了阐述,分析了算法硬件实现的可行性,并将算法软件实现的结果与其他图像压缩算法的实现结果进行了测试比较,结果表明在低码率下压缩性能与JPEG 2000,SPIHT相当,甚至更好,完全符合星载图像压缩在低码率下传输的要求.      

Methods and measurements to assess physical and geochemical conditions at the surface of Europa

An international effort dedicated to the science exploration of Jupiter system planned by ESA and NASA in the beginning of the next decade includes in-depth science investigation of Europa. In parallel to EJSM (Europa-Jupiter System Mission) Russia plans a Laplace-Europa Lander mission, which will include another orbiter and the surface element: Europa Lander. In-situ methods on the lander provide the only direct way to assess environmental conditions, and to perform the search for signatures of life. A critical advantage of such in situ analysis is the possibility to enhance concentration and detection limits and to provide ground truth for orbital measurements. The science mission of the lander is biological, geophysical, chemical, and environmental characterizations of the Europa surface. This review is dedicated to methods and strategies of geophysical and environmental measurements to be performed at the surface of Europa, and their significance for the biological assessment, basing on the concept of a relatively large softly landed module, allowing to probe a shallow subsurface. Many of the discussed methods were presented on the workshop “Europa Lander: Science Goals and Experiments” held in Moscow in February 2009. Methods and instruments are grouped into geophysical package, means of access to the subsurface, methods of chemical and structural characterization, and methods to assess physical conditions on the surface.     

Implementation of ALARA radiation protection on the ISS through polyethylene shielding augmentation of the Service Module Crew Quarters.

With 5-7 month long duration missions at 51.6 degrees inclination in Low Earth Orbit, the ionizing radiation levels to which International Space Station (ISS) crewmembers are exposed will be the highest planned occupational exposures in the world. Even with the expectation that regulatory dose limits will not be exceeded during a single tour of duty aboard the ISS, the "as low as reasonably achievable" (ALARA) precept requires that radiological risks be minimized when possible through a dose optimization process. Judicious placement of efficient shielding materials in locations where crewmembers sleep, rest, or work is an important means for implementing ALARA for spaceflight. Polyethylene (CnHn) is a relatively inexpensive, stable, and, with a low atomic number, an effective shielding material that has been certified for use aboard the ISS. Several designs for placement of slabs or walls of polyethylene have been evaluated for radiation exposure reduction in the Crew Quarters (CQ) of the Zvezda (Star) Service Module. Optimization of shield designs relies on accurate characterization of the expected primary and secondary particle environment and modeling of the predicted radiobiological responses of critical organs and tissues. Results of the studies shown herein indicate that 20% or more reduction in equivalent dose to the CQ occupant is achievable. These results suggest that shielding design and risk analysis are necessary measures for reducing long-term radiological risks to ISS inhabitants and for meeting legal ALARA requirements. Verification of shield concepts requires results from specific designs to be compared with onboard dosimetry.