Capabilities of Kinematically Regular Satellite Systems with Symmetry Groups of the Second Type in the Problem of Continuous Single Coverage of the Earth

The problem of a continuous single coverage of the Earth by systems of satellites in circular orbits of equal radii is considered. The results of calculating the characteristics of kinematically regular systems consisting of 6 to 60 satellites and possessing symmetry groups of the second type are presented. It is shown that, when the number of satellites varies from 20 to 38 inclusive, the best systems of this class surpass all currently known systems with respect to their characteristics.__________Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 3, 2005, pp. 215–223.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Mozhaev.     

Estimation of the Probability of Radiation Failures and Single Particle Upsets of Integrated Microcircuits onboard the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fobos-Grunt</Emphasis> Spacecraft

When designing the radio-electronic equipment for long-term operation in a space environment, one of the most important problems is a correct estimation of radiation stability of its electric and radio components (ERC) against radiation-stimulated doze failures and one-particle effects (upsets). These problems are solved in this paper for the integrated microcircuits (IMC) of various types that are to be installed onboard the Fobos-Grunt spacecraft designed at the Federal State Unitary Enterprise “Lavochkin Research and Production Association.” The launching of this spacecraft is planned for 2009.__________Translated from Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, Vol. 43, No. 3, 2005, pp. 237–239.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kuznetsov, Popov, Khamidullina.     

Application of GFP technique for cytoskeleton visualization onboard the International Space Station

Cytoskeleton recently attracted wide attention of cell and molecular biologists due to its crucial role in gravity sensing and trunsduction. Most of cytoskeletal research is conducted by the means of immunohistochemical reactions, different modifications of which are beneficial for the ground-based experiments. But for the performance onboard the space vehicles, they represent quite complicated technique which requires time and special skills for astronauts. In addition, immunocytochemistry provides only static images of the cytoskeleton arrangement in fixed cells while its localization in living cells is needed for the better understanding of cytoskeletal function. In this connection, we propose a new approach for cytoskeletal visualization onboard the ISS, namely, application of green fluorescent protein (GFP) from Aequorea victoria, which has the unique properties as a marker for protein localization in vivo. The creation of chimerical protein-GFP gene constructs, obtaining the transformed plant cells possessed protein-GFP in their cytoskeletal composition will allow receiving a simple and efficient model for screening of the cytoskeleton functional status in microgravity.     

Nonlinear deformation and stability of discretely reinforced elliptical cylindrical shells under transverse bending and internal pressure

A finite element formulation of solving the stability problems for the discretely reinforced noncircular cylindrical shells is presented taking into account that their subcritical stress strain state is instantaneous and nonlinear. The author-developed finite elements for a natural-curved shell and the beam elements of reinforcements are used. A numerical algorithm to study the nonlinear deformation and stability of shells was developed. The stability of a stringer-stiffened cylindrical shell with an elliptical cross-sectional contour under transverse bending and internal pressure is examined. We also investigate the effect of internal pressure, ellipticity and nonlinearity of deformation, as well as of reinforcement discreteness and heterogeneity.     

To Calculation of Regenerative Cooling of a Liquid Fuel Rocket Engine Chamber

This paper demonstrates that in transition from the one-dimensional longitudinal-channel motion of the coolant in the regenerative cooling system of the liquid propellant engine to the twodimensional (interchannel) channel motion (transpiration) through a porous mesh material (PMM), the hydraulic losses decrease. Experimental data on PMM hydraulic resistance coefficients and heat transfer in porous paths with the interchannel coolant transpiration (ICCT) is presented.     

The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) Instrument

The OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) will provide remote measurements of mineralogy and thermophysical properties of Bennu to map its surface, help select the OSIRIS-REx sampling site, and investigate the Yarkovsky effect. OTES is a Fourier Transform spectrometer covering the spectral range 5.71–100 μm (\(1750\mbox{--}100~\mbox{cm}^{-1}\)) with a spectral sample interval of \(8.66~\mbox{cm}^{-1}\) and a 6.5-mrad field of view. The OTES telescope is a 15.2-cm diameter Cassegrain telescope that feeds a flat-plate Michelson moving mirror mounted on a linear voice-coil motor assembly. A single uncooled deuterated l-alanine doped triglycine sulfate (DLATGS) pyroelectric detector is used to sample the interferogram every two seconds. Redundant ～0.855 μm laser diodes are used in a metrology interferometer to provide precise moving mirror control and IR sampling at 772 Hz. The beamsplitter is a 38-mm diameter, 1-mm thick chemical vapor deposited diamond with an antireflection microstructure to minimize surface reflection. An internal calibration cone blackbody target provides radiometric calibration. The radiometric precision in a single spectrum is \(\leq2.2 \times 10^{-8}~\mbox{W}\,\mbox{cm}^{-2}\,\mbox{sr} ^{-1}/\mbox{cm}^{-1}\) between 300 and \(1350~\mbox{cm}^{-1}\). The absolute integrated radiance error is \(<1\%\) for scene temperatures ranging from 150 to 380 K. The overall OTES envelope size is \(37.5 \times 28.9 \times 52.2~\mbox{cm}\), and the mass is 6.27 kg. The power consumption is 10.8 W average. OTES was developed by Arizona State University with Moog Broad Reach developing the electronics. OTES was integrated, tested, and radiometrically calibrated on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, AZ.     

The Rotation and Interior Structure Experiment on the InSight Mission to Mars

The Rotation and Interior Structure Experiment (RISE) on-board the InSight mission will use the lander’s X-band (8 GHz) radio system in combination with tracking stations of the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN) to determine the rotation of Mars. RISE will measure the nutation of the Martian spin axis, detecting for the first time the effect of the liquid core of Mars and providing in turn new constraints on the core radius and density. RISE will also measure changes in the rotation rate of Mars on seasonal time-scales thereby constraining the atmospheric angular momentum budget. Finally, RISE will provide a superb tie between the cartographic and inertial reference frames. This paper describes the RISE scientific objectives and measurements, and provides the expected results of the experiment.     

Concepts of Gas Turbine Engine Improvement Through the Use of Choked-Flow Turbines

The new conceptual design of simple gas turbine engines for different purposes is presented. A choked-flow low-pressure turbine is used that allows reducing the number of stages and gas temperature in the relative motion ahead of blades. Application of such turbines with uncooled blades to reduce the cost of power-limited engines is considered.     

Influence Analysis of the Second Bypass Air Bleed Parameters on the Engine Performance

This paper considers double bypass aircraft engine with controlled air bleed to the second bypass duct. Its performance is evaluated by mathematical modeling techniques. The second bypass air bleed amount is determined to provide the best engine efficiency at various operating modes.