Extended Pile Driving Model to Predict the Penetration of the Insight/HP<Superscript>3</Superscript> Mole into the Martian Soil

The NASA InSight mission will provide an opportunity for soil investigations using the penetration data of the heat flow probe built by the German Aerospace Center DLR. The Heat flow and Physical Properties Probe (HP³) will penetrate 3 to 5 meter into the Martian subsurface to investigate the planetary heat flow. The measurement of the penetration rate during the insertion of the HP³ will be used to determine the physical properties of the soil at the landing site. For this purpose, numerical simulations of the penetration process were performed to get a better understanding of the soil properties influencing the penetration performance of HP³. A pile driving model has been developed considering all masses of the hammering mechanism of HP³. By cumulative application of individual stroke cycles it is now able to describe the penetration of the Mole into the Martian soil as a function of time, assuming that the soil parameters of the material through which it penetrates are known. We are using calibrated materials similar to those expected to be encountered by the InSight/HP³ Mole when it will be operated on the surface of Mars after the landing of the InSight spacecraft. We consider various possible scenarios, among them a more or less homogeneous material down to a depth of 3–5 m as well as a layered ground, consisting of layers with different soil parameters. Finally we describe some experimental tests performed with the latest prototype of the InSight Mole at DLR Bremen and compare the measured penetration performance in sand with our modeling results. Furthermore, results from a 3D DEM simulation are presented to get a better understanding of the soil response.     

NanoSail-D: A solar sail demonstration mission

In the early to mid-2000s, NASA made substantial progress in the development of solar sail propulsion systems. Solar sail propulsion uses the solar radiation pressure exerted by the momentum transfer of reflected photons to generate a net force on a spacecraft. To date, solar sail propulsion systems were designed for large robotic spacecraft. Recently, however, NASA has been investigating the application of solar sails for small satellite propulsion. The NanoSail-D is a subscale solar sail system designed for possible small spacecraft applications. The NanoSail-D mission flew on board the ill-fated Falcon Rocket launched August 2, 2008, and due to the failure of that rocket, never achieved orbit. The NanoSail-D flight spare is ready for flight and a suitable launch arrangement is being actively pursued. This paper will present an introduction solar sail propulsion systems and an overview of the NanoSail-D spacecraft.     

Developing remote sensing and GIS hands-on modules to support UN-affiliated education programmes

Implementing remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) education programmes by the UN-affiliated regional centres for space science and technology in developing nations poses challenges because of the imbalance between industrialized and developing nations in the number of experts able to cover the topics defined by the core curriculum. This scenario creates a window of opportunity for developing instructional materials using information technologies to support local experts in teaching these topics. The goal behind teaching remote sensing and GIS should focus on providing scholars with the skills and capacity to allow them to engage in active work after they complete the UN programme. One of the most effective ways of learning process associated with technical skills is through the problem-solving exercises of Problem-Based Learning. A multi-layered decision-making module that provides feedback and allows multiple final solutions is proposed. Module development and implementation includes an initial stage focusing on assessing UN-affiliated regional centres RS/GIS application interest areas and cultural framework and a second phase dedicated to converting the various materials developed in English to the other five UN official languages.     

Space ethics and protection of the space environment

The construction of the International Space Station in low Earth orbit and the formulation of plans to search for life on Mars indicate that mankind is intent on making the space environment part of its domain. Publicity surrounding space tourism, in-space ‘burials’ and the sale of lunar ‘real estate’ suggests that, some time in the 21st century, the space environment will become an extension of our current terrestrial business and domestic environment. This prompts the question of our collective attitude towards the space environment and the degree to which we should regulate its use and protect it for future generations. This article offers a pragmatic view of an ethical code for space exploration and development, as far as it relates to the protection of the space environment.     

航天部队与现代战争的革命

太空战是21世纪信息化战争的制高点，谁拥有制天权，谁就拥有制空权制海权和制信息权，美丽的天堂将成为航天大国争夺的焦点。一场争夺太空，利用太空，抢占制高点的战争将有可能发生。技术的突飞猛进可从根本上改变现代战争的进程。在信息收集、处理和传递为主的技术推动下，这场革命对军事行动产生的影响之大，决不亚于本世纪初飞机或坦克的投入使用。因此．航天部队在正进行的革命中正扮演着主角，具有收集、处理和传递信息的独特能力。     

英国的防空压制专家——“狂风”F.3

2005年12月,英国国防部的“狂风”F.3维持项目（FSP）达到了一个重大里程碑。在美海军空中作战中心应于加利福尼亚州的穆古角靶场，1架英国皇家空军（RAF）的“狂风”F3防空战斗机首次成功试射了美国雷声公司的AIM-120-C5中距空-空导弹，这也星RAF首次试射该型导弹。     

Tropospheric delays from GNSS for application in coastal altimetry

In the scope of the development of an improved methodology for the computation of the wet tropospheric correction for coastal altimetry, based on the use of tropospheric delays derived from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems), various studies have been conducted aiming to improve the estimation, at global scale, of GNSS-derived tropospheric delays.