Aircraft Trajectory Control at the Motion on the Predetermined Route Based on the Global Navigation Satellite System

An algorithm to control the aircraft trajectory is proposed. This algorithm is based on the dynamic stochastic systems optimal control theory. The optimal control implementation is shown to reduce the deviation of the controlled trajectory from the predetermined one. The optimal control is based on estimating phase coordinates with the high accuracy by the global navigation satellite system.     

Simulation of a Rocket Engine Nozzle Discharge Coefficient

Multiparameter studies of the discharge coefficient dependence on the nozzle geometry and the presence of a condensed phase in combustion products were performed. The simulation results obtained satisfactorily agree with the well-known generalized data. The modern computational fluid dynamics methods were shown to be able to refine the generalized empirical relations.     

The Delivery of Water During Terrestrial Planet Formation

The planetary building blocks that formed in the terrestrial planet region were likely very dry, yet water is comparatively abundant on Earth. Here we review the various mechanisms proposed for the origin of water on the terrestrial planets. Various in-situ mechanisms have been suggested, which allow for the incorporation of water into the local planetesimals in the terrestrial planet region or into the planets themselves from local sources, although all of those mechanisms have difficulties. Comets have also been proposed as a source, although there may be problems fitting isotopic constraints, and the delivery efficiency is very low, such that it may be difficult to deliver even a single Earth ocean of water this way. The most promising route for water delivery is the accretion of material from beyond the snow line, similar to carbonaceous chondrites, that is scattered into the terrestrial planet region as the planets are growing. Two main scenarios are discussed in detail. First is the classical scenario in which the giant planets begin roughly in their final locations and the disk of planetesimals and embryos in the terrestrial planet region extends all the way into the outer asteroid belt region. Second is the Grand Tack scenario, where early inward and outward migration of the giant planets implants material from beyond the snow line into the asteroid belt and terrestrial planet region, where it can be accreted by the growing planets. Sufficient water is delivered to the terrestrial planets in both scenarios. While the Grand Tack scenario provides a better fit to most constraints, namely the small mass of Mars, planets may form too fast in the nominal case discussed here. This discrepancy may be reduced as a wider range of initial conditions is explored. Finally, we discuss several more recent models that may have important implications for water delivery to the terrestrial planets.     

Physical Calibrations of the FREND Instrument Installed Onboard TGO Martian Orbiter

Cosmic Research - The article presents results of ground calibrations of the FREND neutron telescope installed onboard the TGO spacecraft of the Russian-European ExoMars project. The main goal of...     

TEC differences for the mid-latitude ionosphere in both sides of the longitudes with zero declination

Based on measurements of ground-based GPS station network, differences of the mid-latitude ionospheric TEC in the east and west sides of North America, South America and Oceania have been analyzed in this paper. Results show that for nearly all seasons from 2001 to 2010 and in both sides of the longitudes with zero declination, there exist systematic differences for the mid-latitude ionospheric TEC in the regions mentioned above and the features of these differences markedly depend upon the local time but less depend upon seasons and the level of solar activity. Theory analysis shows that the longitude variations of both declination and zonal thermospheric winds are one of important factors to cause differences of the mid-latitude ionospheric TEC in both sides of the longitudes with zero declination.     

Assessment study of ionosphere correction model using single- and multi-shell algorithms approach over sub-Saharan African region

It is a known fact that ionosphere is the largest and the least predictable among the sources of error limiting the reliability and accuracy of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and its regional augmentation systems like Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) in a safety-of-life application. The situation becomes worse in the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) region, where the daytime ionization distribution is modified by the fountain effect that develops a crest of electron density at around ±15° to ±20° of the magnetic equator and a trough at the magnetic equator during the local noon hours. Related to this phenomenon is the appearance of ionosphere irregularities and plasma bubbles after local sunset. These may degrade further the quality of service obtained from the GNSS/SBAS system of the said periods. Considering the present operational augmentation systems, the accuracy and integrity of the ionosphere corrections estimate decreases as the level of disturbances increases. In order to provide a correct ionosphere correction to the user of GNSS operating in African EIA region and meet the integrity requirements, a certified ionosphere correction model that accurately characterizes EIA gradient with the full capacity to over-bound the residual error will be needed. An irregularities detector and a decorrelation adaptor are essential in an algorithm usable for African sub-Saharan SBAS operation. The algorithm should be able to cater to the equatorial plasma vertical drifts, diurnal and seasonal variability of the ionosphere electron density and also should take into account the large spatial and temporal gradients in the region. This study presents the assessment of the ionosphere threat model with single and multi-layer algorithm, using modified planar fit and Kriging approaches.     

Analysis of a Lubrication Fluid Flow in the Leak-Proof Pump Electric Motor

Steady-state flow of viscous lubrication fluid in the nonsymmetrical clearance between two out-of-line cylinders of the bearing unit in the aircraft electric motor is discussed. An analytical solution of the task based on application of the perturbation theory is presented.     

Contingency target assessment,trajectory design,and analysis for NASA’s NEA scout solar sail mission

The presented study examines contingency target selection and trajectory design for NASA’s Near-Earth Asteroid Scout mission under the assumption of a missed lunar gravity assist. Two previously considered asteroids are selected as potential targets for the given scenario based on favorable orbital characteristics for launch dates ranging from June 27, 2020 through July 26, 2020. Initially, a simplified circular restricted 3-body problem + ideal solar sail model is utilized to survey trajectory options for a month-long launch window. Selected solutions from this data set are then converged in an N-body ephemeris + non-ideal sail model. Results suggest that NEA Scout can still perform asteroid rendezvous mission under the missed lunar gravity assist scenario with new targets, 2019 GF1, 2018 PK21, and 2007 UN12, based on the target launch dates. Further target assessment is carried out for 165 days beyond the current June 27, 2020 launch date.     

Development of the Technique for Calculating the Ejectors with Low Entrainment Ratios

This paper presents the results of an investigation of ejectors with the low entrainment ratio. A technique for calculating the ejectors with a curvilinear axis has been developed. Comparative studies of the performance characteristics of ejectors with the rectilinear axis of the mixing chamber and the curvilinear initial section of the mixing chamber are carried out.