A Test of the Effect of Satellite Spin on Two-Way Doppler Range-Rate Measurements

Analysis indicates that the rotation of a satellite can cause an error in the range-rate measurements of a two-way Doppler tracking system. The error is proportional to the rotation rate, and the constant of proportionality depends on the polarization of the satellite transponder antennas. Measurements made by ground-based simulation confirmed the analytical prediction.     

Halo White Dwarfs and Baryonic Dark Matter

We describe the formation of hot intergalactic gas along with baryonic remnants in galaxy halos. In this scenario, the mass and metallicity of the hot intracluster and intragroup gas relates directly to the production of baryonic remnants during the collapse of galactic halos. We construct a schematic but self-consistent model in which early bursts of star formation lead to a large remnant population in the halo, and to the outflow of stellar ejecta into the halo and ultimately the Local Group. We consider local as well as high redshift constraints on this scenario. This study suggests that the microlensing objects in the Galactic halo may predominantly be 0.5M white dwarfs, assuming that the initial mass function for early star formation favored the formation of intermediate mass stars with m 1M. However, the bulk of the baryonic dark matter in this scenario is associated with the ejecta of the white dwarf progenitors, and resides in the hot intergalactic medium.     

Deriving the spin rate/orientation from the quiescent spacecraft ABRIXAS using optical observations

With the loss of the battery system of ABRIXAS shortly after launch and consequent absence of telemetry, there was urgent need to determine ABRIXAS' spin rate and orientation in order to assess the possibility of re-establishing telemetry during periods of full-Sun orbits. We, therefore, conducted optical and video observations of ABRIXAS passages with a 1-second time resolution, and later simulated the optical appearance of ABRIXAS for several passages based on a three-dimensional model of the reflectivity properties of the 2.5m × 1.8m × 1.2m size-satellite. Here we present the results of the comparison of our grid of light curve models with the observations and show (i) how the spin rate of ABRIXAS slowed down between June and December 1999 and (ii) what information can be deduced on the temporal change of the orientation of the spin axis. We conclude with discussing the benefit of using ground based optical observation as a cost effective way to develop information about the orientation of a satellite when there is no telemetry.     

Near-infrared detection of potential evidence for microscopic organisms on Europa

The possibility of an ocean within the icy shell of Jupiter's moon Europa has established that world as a primary candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life within our Solar System. This paper evaluates the potential to detect evidence for microbial life by comparing laboratory studies of terrestrial microorganisms with measurements from the Galileo Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (NIMS). If the interior of Europa at one time harbored life, some evidence may remain in the surface materials. Examination of laboratory spectra of terrestrial extremophiles measured at cryogenic temperatures reveals distorted, asymmetric nearinfrared absorption features due to water of hydration. The band centers, widths, and shapes of these features closely match those observed in the Europa spectra. These features are strongest in reddish-brown, disrupted terrains such as linea and chaos regions. Narrow spectral features due to amide bonds in the microbe proteins provide a means of constraining the abundances of such materials using the NIMS data. The NIMS data of disrupted terrains exhibit distorted, asymmetric near-infrared absorption features consistent with the presence of water ice, sulfuric acid octahydrate, hydrated salts, and possibly as much as 0.2 mg cm(-3) of carbonaceous material that could be of biological origin. However, inherent noise in the observations and limitations of spectral sampling must be taken into account when discussing these findings.     

Optimisation of powerful energy supply systems for application in space

In this paper it is shown how a nuclear power system with turboelectric conversion is being optimised for application in space and how data subject to the mission and technological data enter into such an analysis. Thereafter it follows a comparison with nuclear power systems with magnetofluiddynamic and thermionic converters.     

A study on thin walled intersecting spheres

Intersecting spheres are useful in the design of pressure vessels for weight limited situations as in the case of space or ocean applications. This paper treats the general problem of N intersecting spheres demonstrating that mass reduction can be achieved in relation to the single sphere that encloses the same internal volume. It is shown that this reduction approaches asymptotically the value of 39.5%.     

National and Regional Grids

The title of this paper provides a point of departure for the broadest possible discussion of electric power transmission and presents an opportunity to comment on some misconceptions regarding power systems. The subject of transmission is discussed in terms of 1) the grid concept, 2) its system function, and 3) its probable future development and some of the problems facing such development.