Function,geometry and spatial prepositions: Three experiments

In this paper the results of three experiments are reported whichaddress the issue of the relative extent to which functionalrelations versus geometric relations affect spatial language. Theexperiments examine the role of a discourse context on the useand rating of the preposition in to describe a visual scenewhere the constraint of spatial containment between figure(object located) and ground (reference object) does not hold. Allthree experiments demonstrate that in is used more andrated to be significantly more appropriate in a functionalcontext than in a no context condition. The implications of thesestudies for spatial language and spatial representation arediscussed.     

Designing space vehicle shields for meteoroid protection: A new analysis

Dual-layer meteroid shields consisting of sacrificial bumper plates spaced some distance outboard from the vehicle hull are the most effective structures yet conceived for protecting space vehicles from supervelocity meteroid impacts. This paper presents a new analysis for designing dual-layer shields. The analysis is based upon energy and momentum conservation, fundamental electromagnetic radiation physics, and observation of results from extensive experimental impact investigations conducted at relatively low velocities (near 7 km/s). One important conclusion is that most of the kinetic energy of a meteoroid striking a dual-layer shield is expended as radiation at the stagnation zone on the face plate of the underlying structure. The analysis includes systematic procedures to evaluate the response of shield designs for a given impact threat. Similar applications of the analysis can be used to support a mathematically rigorous procedure for optimum shield design. The research described here supported the Halley Intercept Mission Project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, C.I.T., under Contract No. NAS 7–100, sponsored by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.     

Distribution of calmodulin in corn seedlings: Immunocytochemical localization in coleoptiles and root apices

Immunofluorescence techniques have been used to study the distribution of calmodulin in several tissues in etiolated corn ( , var. Bear Hybrid) seedlings. Uniform staining was seen in the background cytoplasm of most cell types. Cell walls and vacuoles were not stained. In coleoptile mesophyll cells the nucleoplasm of most nuclei was stained as was the stroma of most amyloplasts. The lumen border of mature tracheary elements in coleoptiles also stained. In the rootcap the most intensely stained regions were the cytoplasms of columella cells and of the outermost cells enmeshed in the layer of secreted slime. Nuclei in the rootcap cells did not stain distinctly, but those in all cell types of the root meristem did. Also in the root meristem, the cytoplasm of metaxylem elements stained brightly. These results are compared and contrasted with previous data on the localization of calmodulin in pea root apices and epicotyls and discussed in relation to current hypotheses on mechanisms of gravitropism.     

Radiation protection problems for the space station and approaches to their mitigation.

With the advent of a permanent manned space station the longstanding problems of radiation protection in manned spaceflight have acquired an immediacy. This paper endeavors to emphasize the gaps of our knowledge which must be closed for effective radiation protection. The information that is required includes the accurate determination of the exposure inside the space station to the various components of tile ionizing radiation, the evaluation of the biological importance of the different radiation qualities and the depth dose distribution of the less penetrating component. There is also the possibility of an interaction with weightlessness. It is necessary to establish adequate radiation protection standards and a system of dosimetric surveillance. There is a need for studies of possible methods of hardening selective shielding of the space station. Spaceflight experiments, which might contribute to the solution of some of these problems are discussed.     

Analysis of the physical conditions in a strong X-ray flare

The temperature distribution of the hot plasma emission measure in a large but slowly developing flare has been investigated using the following data obtained from the INTERCOSMOS 4 satellite: (1) the X - ray spectra in the range 1.7 – 1.9 Å, (2) the hard X - ray fluxes in the range 10 – 40 keV. It has been found that all the data can be explained by a consistent thermal model of the emitting region.     

Space: a third great age of discovery

The world has known three great ages of exploration-the circumnavigation of the globe, with its attendant discovery of new lands; the traversing and cataloguing of the newly-found continents; and the exploration of the uninhabited regions of Antarctica, the deep ocean basins and outer space. The author points to the culturally and historically determined nature of discovery, which has thus far been largely a Western phenomenon, but emphasizes the qualitatively different character of space which takes the Earth, rather than any particular part of it, as its starting point, and which sets forth to chart regions that are most probably abiotic.     

Which way is the bookstore? A closer look at the judgments of relative directions task

We present a detailed analysis of a widely used assay in human spatial cognition, the judgments of relative direction (JRD) task. We conducted three experiments involving virtual navigation interspersed with the JRD task, and included confidence judgments and map drawing as additional metrics. We also present a technique for assessing the similarity of the cognitive representations underlying performance on the JRD and map-drawing tasks. Our results support the construct validity of the JRD task and its connection to allocentric representation. Additionally, we found that chance performance on the JRD task depends on the distribution of the angles of participants’ responses, rather than being constant and 90 degrees. Accordingly, we present a method for better determining chance performance.     

Intelsat's next generation satellite for the Americas

In order to meet the growing demand for high performance C- and Ku-Band services in the Americas, INTELSAT contracted with Astrium in February 2000 to procure a high capacity communications spacecraft for its 310°E operational location. The spacecraft platform is based on Astrium's next generation platform, the Eurostar 3000. Several new technologies such as integrated Data Handling System, Plasma Propulsion System, etc. are integral features of this platform. The communication payload comprises 36 C-Band and 20 high power Ku-Band transponders. The beam coverages are tailored for the 310°E orbital location and are implemented using a hybrid shaped antenna design approach, where multiple C-Band coverages are generated from a single shaped reflector utilizing a pair of Tx/Rx feed horns for each coverage. The Ku-Band coverages are generated by the classical dual Gregorian shaped reflector antenna design approach. With a total dry mass on the order of 2650 kg and a separated launch mass of 5400 kg, the spacecraft is compatible with most of the available launch vehicles providing mission life of greater than 13 years. The paper will provide technical details of the spacecraft.