Optimal low-thrust transfers between close near-circular coplanar orbits

Four types of optimal solutions are demonstrated to exist for transfers (time of flight is not fixed) between close near-circular coplanar orbits. One solution is realized with the help of fixed orientation of the propulsion system (PS) along a transversal in the orbital coordinate system. Another is reached at fixed orientation of the PS in the inertial coordinate system. The third and fourth types of solutions change the PS orientation in the process of executing the maneuver. Regions of existence are established for all types of solutions, and algorithms for determination of parameters of these maneuvers are suggested. The algorithms were used to calculate parameters of the maneuvers of transfer from a launching orbit to a working Sun-synchronous orbit, and to calculate the maneuvers of supporting the parameters of such an orbit in a specified range.     

Physics of Magnetospheric Variability

Many widely used methods for describing and understanding the magnetosphere are based on balance conditions for quasi-static equilibrium (this is particularly true of the classical theory of magnetosphere/ionosphere coupling, which in addition presupposes the equilibrium to be stable); they may therefore be of limited applicability for dealing with time-variable phenomena as well as for determining cause-effect relations. The large-scale variability of the magnetosphere can be produced both by changing external (solar-wind) conditions and by non-equilibrium internal dynamics. Its developments are governed by the basic equations of physics, especially Maxwell’s equations combined with the unique constraints of large-scale plasma; the requirement of charge quasi-neutrality constrains the electric field to be determined by plasma dynamics (generalized Ohm’s law) and the electric current to match the existing curl of the magnetic field. The structure and dynamics of the ionosphere/magnetosphere/solar-wind system can then be described in terms of three interrelated processes: (1) stress equilibrium and disequilibrium, (2) magnetic flux transport, (3) energy conversion and dissipation. This provides a framework for a unified formulation of settled as well as of controversial issues concerning, e.g., magnetospheric substorms and magnetic storms.     

Field-based landcover classification using TerraSAR-X texture analysis

The present study aims to evaluate the field-based approach for the classification of landcover using high-resolution SAR data. TerraSAR-X (TSX) strip mode imagery, coupled with digital ortho-photos (DOPs) with 20 cm spatial resolution was used for landcover classification and parcel mapping respectively. Different filtering and analysis techniques were applied to extract textural information from the TSX image in order to assess the enhancement of the classification accuracy. Several attributes of parcels were derived from the available TSX images in order to define the most suitable parameters discriminating between different landcover types. Then, these attributes were further statistically analysed in order to define separability and thresholds between different landcover types. The results showed that textural analysis resulted in high classification accuracy. Hence, this paper confirms that integrated landcover classification using the textural information of TerraSAR-X has a high potential for landcover mapping.     

The COS-B X-ray observations of X-ray binaries

The observational information on X-ray binaries that was collected with the 80 cm² auxiliary X-ray detector onboard the COS-B gamma-ray satellite is reviewed. The results illustrate that in the study of X-ray binaries observations of long duration are extremely effective, even when using a small instrument.     

Advanced Technologies Demonstrated by the Miniature Integrated Camera and Spectrometer (MICAS) Aboard Deep Space 1

MICAS is an integrated multi-channel instrument that includes an ultraviolet imaging spectrometer (80–185 nm), two high-resolution visible imagers (10–20 μrad/pixel, 400–900 nm), and a short-wavelength infrared imaging spectrometer (1250–2600 nm). The wavelength ranges were chosen to maximize the science data that could be collected using existing semiconductor technologies and avoiding the need for multi-octave spectrometers. It was flown on DS1 to validate technologies derived from the development of PICS (Planetary Imaging Camera Spectrometer). These technologies provided a novel systems approach enabling the miniaturization and integration of four instruments into one entity, spanning a wavelength range from the UV to IR, and from ambient to cryogenic temperatures with optical performance at a fraction of a wavelength. The specific technologies incorporated were: a built-in fly-by sequence; lightweight and ultra-stable, monolithic silicon-carbide construction, which enabled room-temperature alignment for cryogenic (85–140 K) performance, and provided superb optical performance and immunity to thermal distortion; diffraction-limited, shared optics operating from 80 to 2600 nm; advanced detector technologies for the UV, visible and short-wavelength IR; high-performance thermal radiators coupled directly to the short-wave infrared (SWIR) detector optical bench, providing an instrument with a mass less than 10 kg, instrument power less than 10 W, and total instrument cost of less than ten million dollars. The design allows the wavelength range to be extended by at least an octave at the short wavelength end and to ∼50 microns at the long wavelength end. Testing of the completed instrument demonstrated excellent optical performance down to 77 K, which would enable a greatly reduced background for longer wavelength detectors. During the Deep Space 1 Mission, MICAS successfully collected images and spectra for asteroid 9969 Braille, Mars, and comet 19/P Borrelly. The Borrelly encounter was a scientific hallmark providing the first clear, high resolution images and excellent, short-wavelength infrared spectra of the surface of an active comet’s nucleus.     

Energetic particle transport coefficients in the heliosphere

It is the purpose of this review to summarize and discuss recent research done in the field of particle propagation in the heliosphere. Several lines of approach have been followed to treat this problem. As a starting point the different forms of the transport equation are discussed. Quasi-Linear Theory (QLT) relates the power contained in fluctuations of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) to the transport coefficients of energetic particles, an outline of the basic results of this theory is presented followed by a discussion of subsequent corrections made to the original formulation with an emphasis in recent developments where the effects of wave polarization, its propagation respect to the solar wind and the dissipation of power at large frequencies have been taken into account. The numerical approach using test particle trajectory integrations to obtain transport coefficients based on in situ satellite measureents is also discussed. It is well known that the determination of the particles mean free path for solar particle events by alternative methods leads to conflicting results, corrections made to original QLT are attempts to bridge the gap. Determination of the transport parameters from different lines of approach in a comparative basis have been done recently by calculating power spectra of IMF measured at the time solar particles were detected on the same spaceprobe, and performing numerical simulations with equivalent IMF data. Some of the results of such studies point to the solution of the conflicting determinations of the mean free path which has existed for nearly 30 years. An assesment of the present situation in this respect is given. Numerical determinations of transport parameters in the outer heliosphere are also reviewed and its consequences for solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays discussed. Space Science Reviews 62: Printed in Belgium.     

A heuristic design method for attitude stabilization of magnetic actuated satellites

In this paper a heuristic design strategy for stabilizing the satellite attitude has been proposed. It is assumed that the satellite is actuated by a set of mutually perpendicular magnetic coils. Using well-known Lyapunov direct stability method it is shown that the proposed controller causes to a global asymptotic stable system for all near polar orbits. The design procedure is based on analyzing of the conceptual effects of magnetic coils on the satellite attitude motion. Considering these effects lead to some intuitive results which determine the global stabilizing control law. The performance and robustness of the designed controller against actuators saturation and quantization error have been verified using a real-time-hardware–software in-loop (RTHSIL) simulation results. These results show that the global stability can be achieved although some disturbances and restrictions exist. This stabilizing controller can be simply combined with a linear explicit model predictive controller (EMPC) to achieve a full three-axis control law.     

MEMS中气体运动的若干微尺度效应

宏观流动到微流动不单是"量"的变化,而且有"质"的不同[1].在微流动中,由于微尺度效应,主导流动的作用力发生变化,惯性力不再占主导地位;在宏观尺度流动中可以忽略的表面效应和壁面滑移等现象,开始凸现出来,这就导致了微流动中出现了与宏观流动不同的现象和规律.本文研究微流动问题中的若干微尺度效应:包括微喷管中气体流动的特性、微槽道中的稀薄气体效应和分子泵内的流动问题.这些研究对于设计和开发新的微机械机电设备是非常重要的.