Optimal multiple level decision fusion with distributed sensors

A data fusion model consisting of several levels of parallel decision fusions is considered. Global optimization of such a model is discussed to obtain the fusion rules for overall optimal performance. The reliability analysis of the proposed model is carried out to establish its superiority over the existing parallel and serial fusion models     

Perestroika and glasnost in the soviet space programme A personal view

For many years the world-famous Kettering Group of amateur satellite observers have confounded many more ‘official’ organization with their accucary in tracking Soviet space launches. In this article the group's founder, Geoffrey E. Perry, MBE, presents his personal perspective on current developments in the Soviet space programme. The USSR's increased openness about non-sensitive issues is to be welcomed, he concludes, but the Kettering Group has work to do yet.     

An energy management system to improve electric vehicle range andperformance

An electric vehicle (EV) energy management system (EMS) developed to accurately predict and extend the usable driving range and the life of the battery pack is discussed. The EMS monitors and records battery state of charge, vehicle performance, power consumption of key components, and driver's actions. Convenient drive inputs in conjunction with memorized energy consumption profiles allow accurate prediction of driving range and selection of appropriate recharging profiles. EV range extension is accomplished by identifying inefficient use of energy, resulting in EMS modification of energy usage by offending subsystems or EMS suggestion to the driver of improved driving habits or vehicle use. Factors affecting the accuracy of range prediction and the amount of range extension are described     

Distributed flight control system using fiber distributed datainterface (FDDI)

The design of fault-tolerant distributed control systems is discussed. The application described is a generic flight control system (FCS) for a fighter aircraft. The system is designed for high redundancy and expandability to meet various requirements. The communication network is based on the fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), which provides a high level of electromagnetic interference resistance and reliability. The choice of fiber optic media also provides an extremely high bandwidth and tremendous growth capability for future communications needs. This study is not specific to FDDI or flight control systems. The methods and configurations presented should be applicable to many real-time control implementations     

Review and analysis of the register of space objects

Parties to the Registration Convention are committed to providing the United Nations with certain information about objects they launch into space. This report describes the categories of information required, outlines the inadequacies of the present Register and suggests modifications.     

High data rate applications of ACTS technology

The NASA Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) program will conduct high-data-rate experiments that will be applicable to the emerging broadband services of the telephony market. The existing broadband integrated services digital network (BISDN) services and delivery method as defined by the International Consultative Committee for Telephone and Telegraph (CCITT) and satellites' role in provisioning those services are discussed. The ACTS experimental efforts are summarized     

Critical issues in connection with human missions to Mars: protection of and from the Martian environment.

Human missions to Mars are planned to happen within this century. Activities associated therewith will interact with the environment of Mars in two reciprocal ways: (i) the mission needs to be protected from the natural environmental elements that can be harmful to human health, the equipment or to their operations; (ii) the specific natural environment of Mars should be protected so that it retains its value for scientific and other purposes. The following environmental elements need to be considered in order to protect humans and the equipment on the planetary surface: (i) cosmic ionizing radiation, (ii) solar particle events; (iii) solar ultraviolet radiation; (iv) reduced gravity; (v) thin atmosphere; (vi) extremes in temperatures and their fluctuations; and (vii) surface dust. In order to protect the planetary environment, the requirements for planetary protection as adopted by COSPAR for lander missions need to be revised in view of human presence on the planet. Landers carrying equipment for exobiological investigations require special consideration to reduce contamination by terrestrial microorganisms and organic matter to the greatest feasible extent. Records of human activities on the planet's surface should be maintained in sufficient detail that future scientific experimenters can determine whether environmental modifications have resulted from explorations.     

The importance of space policy teaching in communicating space activities to society

The governments’ priority and budgets for space activities are steadily decreasing and the importance of space activities is not any longer reaching the front pages of the newspaper, as in the 1960s. On the other hand in Europe the people, at large, have shown an important interest and support for space activities. A contribution to bridge the gap between decreasing funding and important support of citizen can come from teaching space policy in universities as well as in special workshops for government, industrial and military circles. The paper will outline a course that fulfils this goal.     

Tunnel/predictor display with two-axis control coordination and simplification

A longitudinal-lateral control coordination and simplification concept is considered for a tunnel/predictor display, which presents the command flight path and a specified future aircraft position in a 3-dimensional format to the pilot, for improving flight path control. A basic element of the proposed concept is the generation of common longitudinal-lateral transfer characteristics of the predictor-aircraft system for the crossover frequency region. Control coordination is supported by a dynamics similarity between the longitudinal and the lateral response characteristics of the predictor position in closed-loop pilot control actions. The control coordination and simplification concept is considered to support the pilot in manual flight path control, directed at an enhancement of his control performance and at a reduction of his workload. Results from pilot-in-the-loop simulation experiments support the theoretical findings and show the effectiveness of the proposed predictor concept with control coordination.