INTEGRAL: Science Highlights and Future Prospects

ESA??s hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray observatory INTEGRAL is covering the 3 keV to 10 MeV energy band, with excellent sensitivity during long and uninterrupted observations of a large field of view (??100 square degrees), with ms time resolution and keV energy resolution. It links the energy band of pointed soft X-ray missions such as XMM-Newton with that of high-energy gamma-ray space missions such as Fermi and ground based TeV observatories. Key results obtained so far include the first sky map in the light of the 511 keV annihilation emission, the discovery of a new class of high mass X-ray binaries and detection of polarization in cosmic high energy radiation. For the foreseeable future, INTEGRAL will remain the only observatory allowing the study of nucleosynthesis in our Galaxy, including the long overdue next nearby supernova, through high-resolution gamma-ray line spectroscopy. Science results to date and expected for the coming mission years span a wide range of high-energy astrophysics, including studies of the distribution of positrons in the Galaxy; reflection of gamma-rays off clouds in the interstellar medium near the Galactic Centre; studies of black holes and neutron stars particularly in high- mass systems; gamma-ray polarization measurements for X-ray binaries and gamma-ray bursts, and sensitive detection capabilities for obscured active galaxies with more than 1000 expected to be found until 2014. This paper summarizes scientific highlights obtained since INTEGRAL??s launch in 2002, and outlines prospects for the INTEGRAL mission.     

X-ray Spectroscopy of Astrophysical Dust

High spectral resolution X-ray instruments on powerful X-ray satellites (e.g. Chandra, XMM-Newton) pointed through dust and gas at bright black holes and neutron stars can be used to study dust and intervening material in unique ways. With the new subfield of Condensed Matter Astrophysics as its goal, I will discuss current efforts to combine techniques and knowledge from condensed matter physics and astrophysics to determine the species-specific quantity and composition of interstellar gas and dust in the ISM and ionized environments. Prospects for improving on this work in future X-ray missions with higher throughput and spectral resolution are also presented in the context of spectral resolution goals for gratings and calorimeters.     

Science with GRASP

The GRASP mission — Gamma Ray Astronomy with Spectroscopy and Positioning — is currently under assessment by ESA as a future space astronomy mission. The GRASP telescope will be the first high-resolution spectral imager to operate in the gamma-ray region of the spectrum. This, coupled with its high sensitivity, will enable GRASP to address many basic questions related to the physics of celestial objects thus offering a major step forward in high-energy astrophysics.     

Future X-ray Missions for High Resolution Spectroscopy

The future X-ray missions for high resolution spectroscopy are briefly reviewed. ASTRO-H, planned for launch in 2014, will introduce microcalorimeters for the first time and reveal dynamical motions of hot gas in extended objects. High resolution spectroscopy will also be used for the search of missing baryons with oxygen lines in the local universe. Dedicated X-ray missions are also planned. A very large X-ray observatory IXO, under joint study of NASA, ESA and JAXA, will explore the evolution of the universe using X-ray spectroscopy as a very powerful tool.     

THEMIS Science Objectives and Mission Phases

The five THEMIS spacecraft and a dedicated ground-based observatory array will pinpoint when and where substorms occur, thereby providing the observations needed to identify the processes that cause substorms to suddenly release solar wind energy stored within the Earth’s magnetotail. The primary science which drove the mission design enables unprecedented observations relevant to magnetospheric research areas ranging from the foreshock to the Earth’s radiation belts. This paper describes how THEMIS will reach closure on its baseline scientific objectives as a function of mission phase.     

THEMIS Ground Based Observatory System Design

The comprehensive THEMIS approach to solving the substorm problem calls for monitoring the nightside auroral oval with low-cost, robust white-light imagers and magnetometers that can deliver high time resolution data (0.33 and 2 Hz, respectively). A network of 20 Ground-Based Observatories (GBOs) are deployed across Canada and Alaska to support the collection of data from these instruments. Here we describe the system design of the observatory, with emphasis on how the design meets the environmental and data-collection requirements. We also review the design of the All Sky Imager (ASI), discuss how it was built to survive Arctic deployments, and summarize the optical characterizations performed to qualify the design to meet THEMIS mission requirements.     

Air traffic management design considerations

An air traffic management system (ATMS) is a network-centric system being used to manage another network-centric system, namely, an air transportation system. We are developing a design language for network-centric systems and design guidelines for the development system of engineers and domain specialists involved in designing and integrating systems. Note: this development system with today's technology is also a network-centric system. An outline of the design language under construction and the design guidelines being studied is provided. Specifically we discuss ATMS mission objectives (e.g., average yearly throughput of people and freight for a high demand scenario); ATMS sample usage scenarios (e.g., ATMS reroutes air traffic in time and space in reaction to major weather deviation along the northeast coast); and system objectives for an ATMS (e.g., timelines of a specific high volume of messages from aircraft, weather sensors, and airports). We lay out some key design decisions associated with both the development system of engineers and domain specialists and the operational ATMS. Examples of key design decisions for the engineering system are: 1) appropriate partitioning of functional/physical architectures of the engineering system; 2) appropriate degree to telecollaboration and collaboration among design/integration groups; 3) appropriate incremental delivery packages for an incremental delivery schedule of ATMS elements; and 4) appropriate levels and thrusts of the risk management program. Examples of key design decisions for the operational ATMS are: 1) throughput and security trades of the ATMS and 2) throughput and resiliency to weather changes. Finally, we relate network-centric architecture issues to both of the above sets of design decisions.     

X-ray Diffraction Gratings for Astrophysics

Over the past year, we have celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray observatories. Both carry powerful, novel diffraction grating spectrometers, which have opened true X-ray spectroscopy for astrophysics. I will describe the design and operation of these instruments, as the background to some of the beautiful results they have produced. But these designs do not exhaust the versatility and essential simplicity of diffraction grating spectrometers, and I will discuss applications for the International X-ray Observatory IXO.     

Cosmic Rays in Galactic and Extragalactic Magnetic Fields

We briefly review sources of cosmic rays, their composition and spectra as well as their propagation in the galactic and extragalactic magnetic fields, both regular and fluctuating. A special attention is paid to the recent results of the X-ray and gamma-ray observations that shed light on the origin of the galactic cosmic rays and the challenging results of Pierre Auger Observatory on the ultra high energy cosmic rays. The perspectives of both high energy astrophysics and cosmic-ray astronomy to identify the sources of ultra high energy cosmic rays, the mechanisms of particle acceleration, to measure the intergalactic radiation fields and to reveal the structure of magnetic fields of very different scales are outlined.     

SIRTF — The moderate mission

The Space Infrared Telescope Facility (SIRTF) has been planned by NASA and the US scientific and aerospace communities as a cryogenically-cooled observatory for infrared astronomy from space. Within the past few years, severe pressures on NASA's budget have led to the cancellation of many programs and to dramatic rescoping of others; SIRTF is in the latter category. This paper describes the resulting redefinition of SIRTF and the technical innovations which have made it possible to package SIRTF's key scientific capabilities into the envelope of a moderate-class mission.     

面向无人机蜂群的航电云多层任务调度模型

在航空作战体系中，基于航电云的无人机（UAV）蜂群作战是提高未来无人机综合作战能力的一种新模式。针对无人机蜂群作战的航电云架构，如何将云端作战任务派发到无人机且保证作战任务完成时间是其中关键。在无人机蜂群分层分簇网络结构和模块级资源虚拟化的基础上，对传统单层平台级任务调度模型进行改进，提出了一种细化到模块级的多层任务调度模型，将作战任务从云端逐层调度到无人机功能模块上执行。利用OMNeT++对无人机蜂群多层任务调度模型以及传统的单层任务调度模型分别进行仿真，云端以攻击使命组为例构建使命组集进行分配，并对任务吞吐量、消息平均端到端延时和任务完成时间进行性能对比。仿真结果表明：与平台级单层任务调度相比，在执行任务方面，模块级多层任务调度模型将单个任务平均完成时间降低了46.2%，将使命组完成时间降低了52.1%，在保证任务吞吐量的基础上具有对复杂任务更稳定的调度能力；在网络性能方面，模块级多层任务调度模型消息端到端延时更低，延时分布更集中，提高了网络消息传输的实时性。     

The Upgraded CARISMA Magnetometer Array in the THEMIS Era

This review describes the infrastructure and capabilities of the expanded and upgraded Canadian Array for Realtime InvestigationS of Magnetic Activity (CARISMA) magnetometer array in the era of the THEMIS mission. Formerly operated as the Canadian Auroral Network for the OPEN Program Unified Study (CANOPUS) magnetometer array until 2003, CARISMA capabilities have been extended with the deployment of additional fluxgate magnetometer stations (to a total of 28), the upgrading of the fluxgate magnetometer cadence to a standard data product of 1 sample/s (raw sampled 8 samples/s data stream available on request), and the deployment of a new network of 8 pairs of induction coils (100 samples per second). CARISMA data, GPS-timed and backed up at remote field stations, is collected using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite internet in real-time providing a real-time monitor for magnetic activity on a continent-wide scale. Operating under the magnetic footprint of the THEMIS probes, data from 5 CARISMA stations at 29–30 samples/s also forms part of the formal THEMIS ground-based observatory (GBO) data-stream. In addition to technical details, in this review we also outline some of the scientific capabilities of the CARISMA array for addressing all three of the scientific objectives of the THEMIS mission, namely: 1. Onset and evolution of the macroscale substorm instability, 2. Production of storm-time MeV electrons, and 3. Control of the solar wind-magnetosphere coupling by the bow shock, magnetosheath, and magnetopause. We further discuss some of the compelling questions related to these three THEMIS mission science objectives which can be addressed with CARISMA.     

X-ray emission from cataclysmic variables

EXOSAT results on cataclysmic variables are reviewed. The long continuous X-ray observations afforded by this observatory, coupled with the sensitivity of its instruments to medium energy and very low energy X-rays, have enabled the rotational and orbital X-ray light curves of these stars to be measured in unprecedented detail. Examples are given of data on synchronously and asynchronously rotating magnetic systems, and on disc accreting stars. The impact of the new observations on our understanding of cataclysmic variables is discussed.     

The SOHO concept and its realisation

The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) — a space observatory to be placed, in 1995, 1.5 Gm sunward from the Earth in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point — will investigate:

the solar corona, its heating and expansion into the solar wind, by both studying the radiation emerging from the outer solar atmosphere and in-situ solar wind measurements near 1 AU, and

the structure and dynamics of the solar interior by the method of helioseismology.

The science policy evolution leading to this comprehensive observatory concept is described. SOHO's link to the space-plasma-physics mission CLUSTER — devoted to the three-dimensional study of small structures in the magnetosphere — within the Solar Terrestrial Science Programme (STSP) and the embedding of STSP in the much larger International Solar Terrestrial Physics (ISTP) Programme are cited as well. The scientific subjects to be addressed by SOHO are introduced, and their current status assessed. Subsequently, the measurements required to advance these subjects are stated quantitatively and the payload, which will actually perform these measurements, is presented. The mission design, comprising spacecraft, orbit, operations and the data and ground systems are described. The special efforts made to obtain a reliable radiometric calibration of the instruments observing the Sun in the extreme-ultraviolet and to achieve a stable sensitivity through extreme cleanliness of spacecraft and instruments are emphasized and substantiated.     

R. Buccheri, J. van Paradijs, M. A. Alpar, The Many of Neutron Stars

We see neutron stars principally by their radio and X-ray emission. Their appearance in these different bands depends on whether the emission comes from the surface or its magnetosphere. New phenomena continue to be found from neutron stars, which makes it an exciting and topical research area. This volume is a collection of the papers from a NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Italy in October 1996. Many, and for me the most interesting ones, are substantial reviews on topics such as Pulsar magnetic fields and glitches (M. Ruderman), Radio pulsar population properties (D. Lorimer), Gamma-ray emission from CGRO pulsars (G. Kanbach), Neutron stars and black holes in X-ray binaries (J. van Paradijs), Kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillations in low-mass X-ray binaries (M. van der Klis), Thermonuclear burning on rapidly accreting neutron stars (L. Bildsten), On the X-ray emission properties of rotation powered pulsars (W. Becker and J. Truemper). It will serve as a useful reference and source book for students in high energy astrophysics and related fields. The high price may deter its purchase by individuals, but it will be a good volume for a library needing recent coverage on neutron stars. It does not of course include the most recent developments on anomalous X-ray pulsars or magnetars. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Ultra wideband technology for aircraft wireless intercommunications systems (AWICS) design

Current intercommunications system (ICS) designs for military, multicrew aircraft utilize lengthy, encumbering cords to physically attach the crewmember's helmet or headset to a distributed audio intercom system. Typical ICS long-cords are approximately 100 feet in length and allow crewmembers to maintain communications as they move about the aircraft while performing their mission duties. These cords also allow crewmembers to maintain communications with the aircraft when disembarked, as when they are controlling aircraft during engine start-up. Unfortunately, the current wired topology significantly reduces mission effectiveness, impedes crewmember movement, and greatly increases the crewmember's risk of injury. These drawbacks are more pronounced onboard military rotary winged aircraft (helicopters) where several crewmembers have been injured or killed during emergencies requiring the aircraft to ditch at sea. During ditching, crewmembers often became entangled in their lengthy ICS cord, preventing or delaying aircraft egress. This paper discusses the development of an aircraft wireless intercommunications system (AWICS) which utilizes ultra wideband (UWB) technology to address mission requirements for these multicrew, military aircraft. UWB offers unique advantages in this application - multipath mitigation, low probability of detection, low probability of interference to onboard legacy systems, and high throughput in a multiuser environment.     

The discovery of low-level iron line emission from Cyg X-1

Summary We present the results of seven observations of the X-ray spectrum of Cyg X-1, made with the GSPC on board the EXOSAT observatory. We report the discovery of an iron emission line in its spectrum. The likely origin of this feature is discussed.     

Leasecraft: An Innovative Space Vehicle

The Leasecraft system is an innovative means to provide a permanent mobile platform in low Earth orbit and the related launch, integration, test, operation, and in-orbit servicing for payloads of industrial and government users. The Leasecraft system is being funded and developed by Fairchild Industries and furthers the industrialization of space with its significant business potential. The technology and techniques underlying this venture are derived from the shuttle compatible multimission modular spacecraft (presently used for the NASA solar maximum mission and Landsat-D/D' mission) and the upcoming demonstration of shuttle repair to be performed on the solar maximum satellite in the first quarter of 1984. Leasecraft can be identified as a system, comprising a low orbit space platform, an operations control center, user accommodations, and services such as payload interfaces, documentation, and ground support equipment and procedures. The combination of these elements facilitates the use of the space environment by both the space and nonspace oriented user. Early potential applications of Leasecraft include the processing of pharmaceuticals and materials, satellite-aided search and rescue, data collection, and support of NASA's astrophysics programs. Initial assessments made concerning the benefits to users and the cost of providing these benefits indicates that Leasecraft can provide needed services at very competitive rates. The leasing arrangement is cost effective as compared with present spacecraft platform development and cost assessment techniques.