Generalization of experimental data on two-phase critical efflux through axisymmetric channels

The results of studying the characteristics of a two-phase flow being formed during adiabatic water efflux through axisymmetric cylindrical and Laval nozzle channels are presented. Experiments were carried out with saturated water in the range of initial pressures 0.6–4.0 MPa. The fluid efflux was performed into the air with atmospheric pressure. The generalizing relations for calculating thrust pulse and critical flowrate were obtained.     

Numerical simulation of a boiling up fluid flow in the variable cross-section channels

A physical and mathematical model of a boiling-up fluid flow in the variable crosssection channels is proposed. The numerical model is based on the solution of the Navier-Stokes nonstationary equations for compressible fluid by the implicit finite-difference method. We present the results of the numerical modeling for two-phase flow characteristics at the initial stage of the evaporation process and the steady-state quasistationary flow of a two-phase medium.     

Studying the positioning accuracy for dynamic (moving) objects with the use of multifrequency oblique-incidence sounding of ionospheric radio channels by chirp signals

The paper presents the methods and algorithms for positioning the dynamic (moving) objects using the oblique-incidence ionospheric sounding by chirp signals. Full-scale experiments have been performed to determine a distance to an object and its location.     

The Noise Model of the SEIS Seismometer of the InSight Mission to Mars

The SEIS (Seismic Experiment for Interior Structures) instrument on board the InSight mission to Mars is the critical instrument for determining the interior structure of Mars, the current level of tectonic activity and the meteorite flux. Meeting the performance requirements of the SEIS instrument is vital to successfully achieve these mission objectives. The InSight noise model is a key tool for the InSight mission and SEIS instrument requirement setup. It will also be used for future operation planning. This paper presents the analyses made to build a model of the Martian seismic noise as measured by the SEIS seismometer, around the seismic bandwidth of the instrument (from 0.01 Hz to 1 Hz). It includes the instrument self-noise, but also the environment parameters that impact the measurements. We present the general approach for the model determination, the environment assumptions, and we analyze the major and minor contributors to the noise model.     

Methods for investigating the unmanned aerial vehicle electric actuator performance in aeroelasticity tasks

Theoretical and experimental methods of investigating the performance of an electric actuator of maneuverable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is considered in order to solve the aeroelasticity tasks. Models of the stability analysis for the rudder–actuator system as well as the examples of numerical and experimental studies of this system performance are given.     

Optimization of project-ballistic parameters for low earth orbit spacecraft with propulsion systems with energy storage

Optimization of project-ballistic parameters of the spacecraft with propulsion systems with energy accumulation during the orbital transfer between low Earth orbits in the non-central gravitational field of the Earth is considered. The mass model of the spacecraft with an uncontrollable power-limited engine with the energy accumulator is used. The method of the project-ballistic optimization is obtained as an iterative procedure. Energy storage usage efficiency during the orbital transfer between low Earth orbits is estimated.     

The New Horizons Kuiper Belt Extended Mission

The central objective of the New Horizons prime mission was to make the first exploration of Pluto and its system of moons. Following that, New Horizons has been approved for its first extended mission, which has the objectives of extensively studying the Kuiper Belt environment, observing numerous Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) and Centaurs in unique ways, and making the first close flyby of the KBO 486958 2014 MU₆₉. This review summarizes the objectives and plans for this approved mission extension, and briefly looks forward to potential objectives for subsequent extended missions by New Horizons.