Comment on “Subsurface water detection on Mars by astronauts using a seismic refraction method: Tests during a manned Mars simulation,” by V. Pletser et al.

Pletser et al. performed a seismic-refraction survey on Devon Island with the goal of assessing the feasibility of astronauts carrying out such operations on Mars to detect subsurface water. We demonstrate that the seismic analysis is fundamentally flawed. The survey performed in this test will likely bear little resemblance to future crewed geophysical surface operations, and better methods exist to detect subsurface water.     

Optimum Reset of Ship's Inertial Navigation System

Optimum linear filter and control theory is applied to the practical problem of supplementing an inertial navigation system with discrete reference information. The information takes the form of position obtained from Loran C or Decca, for example, and occasional azimuth fixes obtained from star sightings. In particular, optimum use of this information is discussed for the Ship's Inertial Navigation System (SINS) installations intended for missile carrying submarines and warships. A model representative of the SINS dynamics is formulated appropriate for application of optimum filter and control theory. Interpretation of the optimum control dictated in part by the augmented SINS model is discussed. Simulation studies that show the relative transient behavior and the stabilizing effect of the closed-loop filter and control processes are also presented.     

Cross Sections and Reaction Rates for Comparative Planetary Aeronomy

In this chapter we describe the current knowledge of a selection of collision processes and chemical reactions of importance to planetary aeronomy. Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation of what we know and what we wish we knew about fundamental processes required for interpretation, explanation, and modeling of atmospheric observations.     

"伽利略"首颗卫星升空的战略意义

作为两颗"伽利略在轨验证元素"(GIOVE)试验卫星中的第一颗,Giove-A,于2005年12月28日当地时间上午11时19分在哈萨克斯坦拜科努尔航天中心发射升空,经过"弗雷盖特"(Fregat)上面级火箭的三次点火后,这颗由英国萨里卫星技术公司制造的试验卫星被送入了高23230千米、倾角56度的轨道.     

Linear Minimum Variance Estimation with Complex Phase Errors

The linear minimum variance estimator of a random signal, received multiplied by a complex Gaussian phase error and added to random noise, is investigated. The results apply to the propagation of images through the turbulent atmosphere, fading channels, and synthetic-aperture radar. Among others, a result is that the multiplicative error can be replaced by an additive error, usually white. The best signal modulation is found in two important special cases.     

The Use of Environmental Stress in Conjunction with Simulation Testing

Large-scale vehicle simulations in which human subjects are exposed to realistic environmental profiles are well within the engineering state-of-the-art. The Boeing Multiple-Stress Laboratory is capable of exposing subjects to heat, noise, vibration, and altitude, while measuring their performance and physiology. Data have been obtained on simulations relative to fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and three-stage boosters. Exposure periods have ranged from a minimum of 9 minutes to a maximum of 6 hours. Boeing experience, in the past 4 years, has evidenced that a facility of this type can provide an effective bridge between analytical studies and the operational situation. Inherently flexible, such a facility can support a wide variety of development programs.     

Synopsis: Horizons in Guidance Computer Component Technology

An extensive survey of semiconductor and memory component manufacturers conducted by the Electronics Research Center of NASA and industry has resulted in estimates of the state of the art of components available to designers of on-board guidance and control computers for long-term, deep-space missions for the 1970-1972 period. The vehicle for the survey was the mission requirements for the synchronous satellite, lunar orbiter, Mars orbiter, and Jupiter fly-by solar probe missions.     

The Lower Solar Atmosphere Rapporteur Paper II

This “rapporteur” report discusses the solar photosphere and low chromosphere in the context of chemical composition studies. The highly dynamical nature of the photosphere does not seem to jeopardize precise determination of solar abundances in classical fashion. It is still an open question how the highly dynamical nature of the low chromosphere contributes to first ionization potential (FIP) fractionation. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The STEREO IMPACT Boom

An essential component of the STEREO IMPACT investigation is its nearly 6 m long boom that provides several of the instruments with a sufficiently clean magnetic environment and minimally restricted fields of view, while having the required rigidity to ensure the spacecraft pointing accuracy for the STEREO imaging investigations. Details of the customized telescoping IMPACT Boom design, construction and testing are described in this review. The successful completion and verification of the IMPACT Booms represents a demonstration of the use of Stacers as motive forces for rigid boom deployment.