Modified gradiometer technique applied to Double Star (TC-1)

On TC-1 (Tan Ce 1), the equatorial spacecraft of the Double Star mission, a strong spin-synchronized magnetic interference from the solar panels was observed. In-flight correction techniques for spinning spacecraft that are based on minimizing spin tones in the spin-aligned component and in the magnitude of the ambient magnetic field are therefore not possible in this case. However, due to the fortunate situation that the spacecraft carries two flux-gate magnetometers on the same boom (at 0.5 m distance from each other), the spacecraft field effects could be removed from the spin-averaged data to achieve 0.2 nT relative accuracy, by using a gradiometer technique. Methodology and results are presented. The obtained accuracy allows the use of the data in multi-spacecraft studies together with the Cluster satellites.     

Noise-correlating radar based on retrodirective antennas

A new retrodirective antenna-based search radar system has been introduced. The suggested system uses a noise correlation technique to detect the presence and the direction of the target. Simulation and analytical results show an order of magnitude improvement in acquisition time of the radar when compared with a phased array antenna-based radar system with the same specifications, except transmit power. To the best knowledge of the authors, no radar of a comparable acquisition time has been designed to this date. Power versus acquisition time tradeoff has been compared with a phased array radar for evaluating performance of the system. The radar is self-tracking due to retrodirectivity of the antenna array, and is much easier to implement, as it does not require any phase shifters etc.     

Experiments Involving a Microwave Beam to Power and Position a Helicopter

This paper describes two different experiments involving a microwavebeam and a helicopter. The first experiment utilized a CW microwavebeam to supply a small helicopter with all of the power that it neededfor its propulsion. The second experiment utilized an unmodulated CW microwave beam for supplying a position reference to the helicopterer with respect to roll, pitch, yaw, and horizontal translation. Thesecond experiment also involved the construction of a fully articulatedhelicopter and a complete control system carried on board theli-helicopter. The paper also attempts to relate the small scale experimentsand the present state of component technology to practical, full scalemicrowave-powered helicopter systems that can operate at altitudesof up to 50 000 feet.     

Circumnutation augmented in clinostatted plants by a tactile stimulus

Dark-grown, 4-day old, $\text{Helianthus annuus}$ seedlings were rotated for 20 hr on horizontal clinostats to minimize the amplitude of circumnutation. Then a Plexiglas sheet was placed gently against the tip of the cotyledons. By time-lapse video imaging (using intermittent IR illumination to which the plants were insensitive) movements of the clinostatted plants were observed before, during, and after the period of mechanical contact. Immediately after the Plexiglas sheet was removed residual nutation increased in amplitude almost three-fold, then declined over the next 7 hr to the prestimulation level. This demonstration of enhancement of circumnutation by mechanical contact is consistent with the model of an endogenous oscillator that can be stimulated by factors other than gravity.     

Simulated microgravity does not alter epithelial cell adhesion to matrix and other molecules.

Microgravity has advantages for the cultivation of tissues with high fidelity; however, tissue formation requires cellular recognition and adhesion. We tested the hypothesis that simulated microgravity does not affect cell adhesion. Human colorectal carcinoma cells were cultured in the NASA Rotating Wall Vessel (RWV) under low shear stress with randomization of the gravity vector that simulates microgravity. After 6-7 days, cells were assayed for binding to various substrates and compared to cells grown in standard tissue culture flasks and static suspension cultures. The RWV cultures bound as well to basement membrane proteins and to CEA, an intercellular adhesion molecule, as control cultures did. Thus, microgravity does not alter epithelial cell adhesion and may be useful for tissue engineering.     

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.     

Spatial fragmentation of solar flare plasma and beams

The observational and theoretical arguments for spatial fragmentation of the bulk of the thermal and non-thermal components of solar flare plasma are summarised. Observational aspects considered include XUV filling factors, EUV centre to limb variations, andH impact polarisation. Theoretical points addressed are the high flare inductance and beam/return current closure at the acceleration site.A high degree of beam/plasma filamentation implies strong transverse temperature gradients so that cross-field conduction must be included in energy transport modelling. Preliminary results are described for a simple two-component model.