Multi-Wavelength Observations of CMEs and Associated Phenomena

This chapter reviews how our knowledge of CMEs and CME-associated phenomena has been improved, since the launch of the SOHO mission, thanks to multi-wavelength analysis. The combination of data obtained from space-based experiments and ground based instruments allows us to follow the space-time development of an event from the bottom of the corona to large distances in the interplanetary medium. Since CMEs originate in the low solar corona, understanding the physical processes that generate them is strongly dependant on coordinated multi-wavelength observations. CMEs display a large diversity in morphology and kinematic properties, but there is presently no statistical evidence that those properties may serve to group them into different classes. When a CME takes place, the coronal magnetic field undergoes restructuring. Much of the current research is focused on understanding how the corona sustains the stresses that allow the magnetic energy to build up and how, later on, this magnetic energy is released during eruptive flares and CMEs. Multi-wavelength observations have confirmed that reconnection plays a key role during the development of CMEs. Frequently, CMEs display a rather simple shape, exhibiting a well known three-part structure (bright leading edge, dark cavity and bright knot). These types of events have led to the proposal of the ‘`standard model’' of the development of a CME, a model which predicts the formation of current sheets. A few recent coronal observations provide some evidence for such sheets. Other more complex events correspond to multiple eruptions taking place on a time scale much shorter than the cadence of coronagraph instruments. They are often associated with large-scale dimming and coronal waves. The exact nature of these waves and the physical link between these different manifestations are not yet elucidated. We also discuss what kind of shocks are produced during a flare or a CME. Several questions remain unanswered. What is the nature of the shocks in the corona (blast-wave or piston-driven?) How they are related to Moreton waves seen in Hα? How they are related to interplanetary shocks? The last section discusses the origin of energetic electrons detected in the corona and in the interplanetary medium. “Complex type III-like events,”which are detected at hectometric wavelengths, high in the corona, and are associated with CMEs, appear to originate from electrons that have been accelerated lower in the corona and not at the bow shock of CMEs. Similarly, impulsive energetic electrons observed in the interplanetary medium are not the exclusive result of electron acceleration at the bow shocks of CMEs; rather they have a coronal origin.     

An annual variation analysis of the ionospheric spatial gradient over a regional area for GNSS applications

An ionospheric spatial gradient represents the ionosphere delay difference between different locations, and its variation over a specific area is important for implementing differential GNSS systems. An estimation method for the ionospheric spatial gradient over a small regional area is proposed. A plate map model is implemented for the direct estimation of the gradients. Nine years of GPS data were processed to figure out the annual variation of the mean gradient at the mid-geomagnetic latitude of 30° N. Gradients along the north–south direction have a mean of 0.65 mm/km and follow solar-cycle variations.     

Optimal tracking and formation keeping near a general Keplerian orbit under nonlinear perturbations

This study presents a semi-analytic approach for optimal tracking and formation keeping with high precision. For a continuous-thrust propulsion system, optimal formation keeping problems near a general Keplerian orbit are formulated with respect to a reference trajectory which is an explicit function of time. A nonlinear optimal tracking control law is then derived in generic form as a function of the states by employing generating functions in the theory of Hamiltonian systems. The applicability of the overall process is not affected by the complexity of dynamics and the selection of coordinates. As it allows us to design a nonlinear optimal feedback controller in the Earth-centered inertial frame, a variety of nonlinear perturbations can be incorporated easily without complicated coordinate transformations. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the nonlinear tracking control logic achieves superior tracking accuracy and cost reduction by accommodating higher-order nonlinearities.     

Availability of O(2) and H(2)O(2) on pre-photosynthetic Earth

Old arguments that free O(2) must have been available at Earth's surface prior to the origin of photosynthesis have been revived by a new study that shows that aerobic respiration can occur at dissolved oxygen concentrations much lower than had previously been thought, perhaps as low as 0.05?nM, which corresponds to a partial pressure for O(2) of about 4?×?10(-8) bar. We used numerical models to study whether such O(2) concentrations might have been provided by atmospheric photochemistry. Results show that disproportionation of H(2)O(2) near the surface might have yielded enough O(2) to satisfy this constraint. Alternatively, poleward transport of O(2) from the equatorial stratosphere into the polar night region, followed by downward transport in the polar vortex, may have brought O(2) directly to the surface. Thus, our calculations indicate that this "early respiration" hypothesis might be physically reasonable.     

创新的接触式记忆按钮

美国航空公司成为全球首家在民用飞机的舱门、安定面、方向舵、升降舵等可更换结构部件上安装具有自动识别(AIT)功能的接触式记忆按钮的航空公司。这种接触式记忆按钮的几何外形只有美元的一角硬币那么大,具有大容量和自动化数据采集等特点,可以帮助航空公司高效地监控飞机可更换结构部件的运营历史,为航空公司节约运营成本、提高数据的精确度。据美国航空公司介绍,在这类结构     

Monitoring atomic clocks on board GNSS satellites

A method for monitoring atomic clocks on board Global Navigation Satellites System (GNSS) satellites is described to address the issue of clock related signal integrity in safety–critical applications of GNSS. The carrier-phase time transfer is employed in the clock monitoring method which enables tight tracking of the satellite onboard clocks and thus improves detectability of clock anomalies. Detecting onboard clock anomalies requires the ability to monitor clocks in real time, and a Kalman filter can then be utilized to estimate the phase offsets between the satellite clocks and ground clocks. This study, using the difference between the measured and predicted phase offset as a test statistic, sets a threshold for clock anomalies based on the prediction interval approach. Finally the validity of the monitoring method is examined by processing a set of real GNSS data that includes two recent incidents of clock anomalies in GNSS satellites.     

Sensitivity analyses of satellite propulsion components with their thermal modelling

Performing the sensitivity analyses of the contact conduction and the position of thermostat on the basis of the thermal model established, the study of thermal design is accomplished for the preparation of possible mechanical interface change of the satellite propulsion system depending on the satellite system design. A relatively simple thermal model is taken into consideration for the convenience of the analysis. A variety of the spacecraft bus voltages and the contact resistances are examined as well as the position of thermostat on propulsion components. As a consequence, even though the mechanical interface condition is changed on the same module, the successful thermal design could be achieved if we design the heater to have sufficiently large power with reference to the heritage value of contact resistance. Besides the reasonable performance on the thermal control is assured with the thermostat location errors, if the uncertainty in the position of thermostat is not quite large when assembling tank module.     

Orbit determination performances using single- and double-differenced methods: SAC-C and KOMPSAT-2

In this paper, Global Positioning System-based (GPS) Orbit Determination (OD) for the KOrea-Multi-Purpose-SATellite (KOMPSAT)-2 using single- and double-differenced methods is studied. The requirement of KOMPSAT-2 orbit accuracy is to allow 1 m positioning error to generate 1-m panchromatic images. KOMPSAT-2 OD is computed using real on-board GPS data. However, the local time of the KOMPSAT-2 GPS receiver is not synchronized with the zero fractional seconds of the GPS time internally, and it continuously drifts according to the pseudorange epochs. In order to resolve this problem, an OD based on single-differenced GPS data from the KOMPSAT-2 uses the tagged time of the GPS receiver, and the accuracy of the OD result is assessed using the overlapping orbit solution between two adjacent days. The clock error of the GPS satellites in the KOMPSAT-2 single-differenced method is corrected using International GNSS Service (IGS) clock information at 5-min intervals. KOMPSAT-2 OD using both double- and single-differenced methods satisfies the requirement of 1-m accuracy in overlapping three dimensional orbit solutions. The results of the SAC-C OD compared with JPL’s POE (Precise Orbit Ephemeris) are also illustrated to demonstrate the implementation of the single- and double-differenced methods using a satellite that has independent orbit information available for validation.     

Development of an integrated countermeasure device for use in long-duration spaceflight

Prolonged weightlessness is associated with declines in musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and sensorimotor health. Consequently, in-flight countermeasures are required to preserve astronaut health. We developed and tested a novel exercise countermeasure device (CCD) for use in spaceflight with the aim of preserving musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health along with an incorporated balance training component. Additionally, the CCD features a compact footprint, and a low power requirement. Methods: After design and development of the CCD, we carried out a training study to test its ability to improve cardiovascular and muscular fitness in healthy volunteers. Fourteen male and female subjects (41.4±9.0 years, 69.5±15.4 kg) completed 12 weeks (3 sessions per week) of concurrent strength and endurance training on the CCD. All training was conducted with the subject in orthostasis. When configured for spaceflight, subjects will be fixed to the device via a vest with loop attachments secured to subject load devices. Subjects were tested at baseline and after 12 weeks for 1-repetition max leg press strength (1RM), peak oxygen consumption (VO_2peak), and isokinetic joint torque (ISO) at the hip, knee, and ankle. Additionally, we evaluated subjects after 6 weeks of training for changes in VO_2peak and 1RM. Results: VO_2peak and 1RM improved after 6 weeks, with additional improvements after 12 weeks (1.95±0.5, 2.28±0.5, 2.47±0.6 L min^?1, and 131.2±63.9,182.8±75.0, 207.0±75.0 kg) for baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, respectively. ISO for hip adduction, adduction, and ankle plantar flexion improved after 12 weeks of training (70.3±39.5, 76.8±39.2, and 55.7±21.7 N m vs. 86.1±37.3, 85.1±34.3, and 62.1±26.4 N m, respectively). No changes were observed for ISO during hip flexion, knee extension, or knee flexion. Conclusions: The CCD is effective at improving cardiovascular fitness and isotonic leg strength in healthy adults. Further, the improvement in hip adductor and abductor torque provides support that the CCD may provide additional protection for the preservation of bone health at the hip.