Examination of a smallest CELSS (microcosm) through an individual-based model simulation.

Research of the effect of space environment on an ecosystem consisting of plants and animals is essential when they are to be positively used in space. Although there have been experiments on various organisms under space environment in the past, they mainly studied the effect of space environment on an individual organism or a single species. Microcosm is drawing attention as an experimental material of an ecosystem consisting of multiple species. The object in this research is to understand the nature of this network system called ecosystem. Thus, a mixed microorganism culturing system consisting of three types of microorganisms which form a minimum food chain system as a closed ecosystem (chlorella as the producer, bacteria as the decomposer, and rotifer as the consumer) was taken for the subject, on which to research the universal characteristics of ecosystems. From the results of experiments under the terrestrial environment, formation of colonies, which is an ecological structure, has been observed at its mature stage. The organisms form an optimal substance circulation system. Therefore, formation of colonies in simulation models is important. Many attempts have been made to create ecosystem models. For example, the Lotka-Volterra model forms a simultaneous equation with the differential equation expressing predator and prey relationship and many numerical calculations have been conducted on various ecosystems based on expanded L-V models. Conventionally, these top-down methods have been used. However, since this method only describes the average concentration of organisms that are distributed uniformly throughout the system and cannot express the spatial structure of the system, it was difficult to express ecosystem structures like colonies and density distributions. In actual ecosystems, there is heterogeneity in the number of individuals and in substance density, and this is thought to have great significance in ecosystems. Consequently, an individual-based model was used that applies rules to predator-prey relationship, suppression, production, self suppression, etc., of each species. It enabled the emergence of the overall system only by its local rules, and it was possible to reproduce colony generation. In addition, the transition and the ratio of populations for each species match well with experimental results.     

A new static-launch method for plastic balloons

A new static-launch method that we have developed as an improvement of our former method is described. The key procedure is to extend a whole balloon vertically upon the launcher before release, with squeezing the top bubble of the balloon by a soft collar. The new method improved the capability for heavier payload significantly. In 1981, 15 balloons, ranging from 5,000 m³ to 50,000 m³ in volume with a total lift from 150 kg to 650 kg, were launched by this new method successfully.     

THE JOINT SCIENCE OPERATIONS CENTRE

The Joint Science Operations Centre (JSOC) has been established to provide the operational interface between the Instrument Principal Investigators (PIs) and the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC). Its key task will be to merge inputs from the Cluster instrument teams and to generate the coordinated command schedule for operation of the scientific payload. In addition, it will collect and process data needed to plan those operations and will monitor the performance of the mission and individual instruments. This paper outlines the JSOC subsystems that have been built to carry out these tasks and highlights points of scientific or technical interest within these systems.     

Flares of August 1972: Analysis of dynamics

The optical observations and analyses of the flares of August 1972 are reviewed with emphasis on their dynamics. In particular, various assessments are made of possible quantitative interpretation of observed data. Specific topics considered are the storage and release of magnetic energy, triggering mechanisms, particle acceleration and magnetic field reconnection, and coronal and solar wind responses. Supplemental discussions on possible future direction of research are presented, illustrating the need for examination of the storage and release of flare energy in the lower solar atmosphere.On leave from the High Altitude Observatory.The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.     

Simulation of space cabin atmosphere

The Soyuz 22 space cabin atmosphere was studied for volatile organic trace contaminants. By gas chromatography the following constituents were identified: methane, ethane, heptane, methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, acetaldehyde, acetone, ethyl benzene. Except for acetone, concentrations of the above compounds were close to the values determined in the mock-up experiments.     

Formation of oligopeptides on the surface of small bodies in solar system by cosmic radiation.

The present experiment indicates that oligopeptides are easily produced in solid state from mixtures of simple amino acids by irradiating with high energy charged particles. We investigated such amino acids and their mixtures as tryptophan, tyrosine and glycine. The thin films was irradiated with protons (6.6 MeV). Such dipeptides as Trp-Trp, Gly-Tyr, Tyr-Gly, and Tyr-Tyr have been detected as products of irradiation. Cosmic rays might be an effective energy source for abiotic formation of bioorganic compounds on the surface of small bodies in the solar system on early stage of formation of planets as well as at present day.     

Phase Control in Multibeam Arrays

The phases of the radiation fields in a multibeam antenna are analyzed and their relations to the feed network are established. A method of phase control is proposed and applied to the case of cophasal beams radiated from an array for which the feed network is a lossless Butler matrix.     

Gravity as an obligatory factor in normal higher plant growth and development

Gravity may influence different aspects of plant activity. The present report deals with two questions: gravity as an ecological factor determining spatial orientation of plant growth; and second, a possible requirement for gravity in the process of normal growth, morphogenesis and generative development of plants.     

Correction to: Mission to Planet Earth: The First Two Billion Years

Space Science Reviews - The Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) mission makes measurements in near-Earth space that provide knowledge of the state of the ionosphere. From the vantage of...     

Main problems of the Russian Orlan-M space suit utilization for EVAs on the ISS

In the recent years the Russian Orlan-M space suits have been improved as applied to their operational requirements for the ISS. A special attention is paid to enhancement of EVA crew efficiency and safety. The paper considers the main problems regarding specific features of the Russian space suit operation in the ISS, and analyses measures on their solution. In particular, the problems associated with the following are considered: enhancement of the anthropometric range for the EVA crewmembers; use of some US EMU elements and unified NASA equipment elements; Orlan-M operation support in the wide range of the ISS thermal conditions; use of Simplified Aid For Extravehicular activity Rescue (SAFER) designed as a self-rescue device, which will be used for an EVA crewmember return in the event that he (she) breaks away inadvertently from the ISS surface. The paper states the main space suit differences with reference to solution of the above problems. The paper presents briefly the design of space suit arms developed for crewmembers with small anthropometric parameters, as well as peculiarities and test results for the gloves with enhanced thermal protection. Measures on further space suit development with the purpose to improve its performances are considered.