Practical Comparison of Iterative Matrix Orthogonalization Algorithms

In previous work several algorithms for orthogonalizing the direction cosine matrix were introduced and their convergence rate and range were theoretically investigated. Three of the most promising algorithms are examined in this paper. lt is shown that the so-called Dual Algorithm is by far superior to the other two from the point of view of speed, computer memory, accuracy, and convergence rate. lt is therefore recommended that whenever the direction cosine matrix is computed by simple numerical integration of a matrix differential equation, the Dual Algorithm be used to orthogonalize the resultant matrix.     

Weibull-Distributed Ground Clutter

Weibull-distributed ground clutter of cultivated land was measured using an L-band long-range air-route surveillance radar (ARSR) having a 3.0 ?s pulsewidth and a 1.23° beamwidth at very low grazing angles between 0.21° and 0.32°. It is shown that the shape parameter of the Weibull distribution varied from c = 1.507 to c = 2.0, corresponding to the Rayleigh distribution.     

The ozonesonde intercomparison experiment at Thumba

An Indo-Soviet collaborative experiment on Ozonesonde Intercomparison was conducted at TERLS in March 1983. Thirteen rocket ozonesondes, eleven balloon ozonesondes and seven meteorological rockets were launched from Thumba. The rocket and balloon soundings were supported by on site Dobson spectrophotometric observations, surface ozone measurements as well as measurements with a Volz type filter photometer. The programme has yielded data on ozone vertical profiles from eleven rocketsondes, seven balloon-sondes and four sets of Umkehr observations. The data is studied with a view to intercompare the various sensors.     

Intramuscular calcium movements: experiments from the Soviet biosatellite Biocosmos.

Experiments have been performed in skeletal muscle fibres from the lateral head of gastrocnemius muscle of female rats. Changes in intramuscular calcium movements due to microgravity conditions have been tested by tension measurements in chemically skinned muscle fibres. Our results show that microgravity induces i) a decrease in maximal muscle strength developed by contractile proteins ii) a decrease of intensity and rate of both Ca release and Ca uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum.     

Biological degradation and composition of inedible sweetpotato biomass.

Many challenges are presented by biological degradation in a bioregenerative Controlled Ecological Life Support System (CELSS) as envisioned by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). In the studies conducted with biodegradative microorganism indigenous to sweetpotato fields, it was determined that a particle size of 75 microns and incubation temperature of 30 degrees C were optimal for degradation. The composition of the inedible biomass and characterization of plant nutrient solution indicated the presence of potential energy sources to drive microbial transformations of plant waste. Selected indigenous soil isolates with ligno-cellulolytic or sulfate-reducing ability were utilized in biological studies and demonstrated diversity in ability to reduce sulfate in solution and to utilize alternative carbon sources: a lignin analog--4-hydroxy, 3-methoxy cinnamic acid, cellulose, arabinose, glucose, sucrose, mannitol, galactose, ascorbic acid.     

Material recycling in a regenerative life support system for space use: its issues and waste processing.

First, sources of wastes produced in future human activities in space will be discussed. The quantity and quality of each source will be evaluated. Secondly, water quality requirements for human safety will be shown. Then, techniques to be used for processing and/or recycling the wastes to attain the requirements will be listed. Specific characteristics and limitations of each will be explained. Last, examples of system configurations of the techniques will be shown. The material balances will also be calculated. The issues to be solved will be made clear.     

Human factor in manned Mars mission.

This paper presents the set of specific problems in manned Mars mission, connected with human factor, and scientific approaches for their resolution. The concept of multifunctional medical Complex for Martian spacecraft is discussed.     

The dose rate observed on 19-21 October 1989 and its modulation by geophysical effects.

The Liulin dosimeter-radiometer on the MIR space station detected the 19 October 1989 high energy solar proton event. These results show that the main particle increase contains protons with energies up to about 9 GeV. After the main particle onset the Liulin dosimeter observed a typical geomagnetic cutoff modulation of the dose rate from the solar particles as the MIR space station traversed magnetic latitudes. When the interplanetary shock and associated solar plasma enveloped the earth on 20 October between 14 and 17 UT the radiation exposure increased significantly due to the lowering of the geomagnetic cutoff. The analysis of this event shows how various geophysical phenomena can significantly modulate the dose rate encountered by earth-orbiting spacecraft.