A Method of Measuring Hydrogen Isotopes in Surface Layers of Planetary Soils by Spectroscopy of Recoil Protons in Alpha Particle Elastic Scattering

A theoretical and experimental feasibility study of possible determination of the hydrogen and deuterium concentrations in the surface layers of planetary bodies is presented. The method under study is the recoil proton and deuteron spectrometry of forward scattering in the course of elastic interaction of alpha particles with the nuclei of hydrogen isotopes. The spectra of recoil protons and deuterons were recorded using a prototype model of a hydrogen spectrometer, and these spectra were used to determine the hydrogen concentrations in the samples of different compositions.     

A Study of a Possible Method of Observing Solar Eclipses from Satellite Orbits

We study a possibility of observing the eclipses of the Sun by the Moon from satellite orbits. The scientific tasks planned to be solved onboard satellites are considered. The requirements for the observation of eclipses and for the appropriate satellite trajectories are formulated. A technique of the analysis and synthesis of such trajectories is developed, and some results of preliminary ballistic studies are presented. These results confirm the efficiency of observing the eclipses onboard satellites.     

INTERBALL-1 Observations of the Kilometric “Continuum” of the Earth's Magnetosphere

The electromagnetic radio-frequency emission of the inner region of the Earth's plasmasphere discovered recently by the GEOTAIL satellite [4] and referred to as the kilometric continuum was observed by the INTERBALL-1 satellite (1995–2000) in the 100–500 kHz band in the AKR-X experiment. During a period of low solar activity (1995–1997), this continuum was found leaving the inner plasmasphere at geocentric distances of 2–4R _E as isolated pencil-like (1°–6°) beams located in the magnetic equator plane. During a time of high solar activity (1999–2000), the occurrence of the emission was extremely rare (it was observed only at a considerable fall of this activity). If detected, at the same geocentric distances (2–4R _E) the continuum demonstrated a strongly variable and perturbed character, as well as a considerably larger extension of the beam over the geomagnetic latitude (10°–20° and more). In addition, quasi-periodic (QP) signals, similar to the observed QP emissions of Jupiter, were sometimes detected in this period. The probable nature of the observed features of the kilometric continuum is briefly discussed.     

Small spacecraft “UNISAT” launched by the “start-1” launcher

The preliminary estimations show that the contemporary level of electronic and information engineering makes it possible to create a small s/c of 150–200 kg mass capable to solve both the problems of Earth remote sensing and many other applied and scientific problems orbiting the planets at 500–1000 km. In accordance with the fundamental criterion for choosing parameters of small multipurpose spacecraft the small UNISAT s/c has been created on the basis of a unified space platform. The design provides for s/c energetic, thermal and space-saving parameters satisfying the conditions for accommodation of various-purpose payload and a possibility of using relatively inexpensive and light launchers like “Start-1” mobile launch complexes. Space platform mass is 100–120 kg; permissible payloads (PL) mass is 40–80 kg; maximal average power consumption of the payload is up to 60 W; three-axes orientation accuracy up to 0.001 deg./s; s/c lifetime is not less than 3–5 years.     

Stability of triangle libration points in generalized restricted circular three-body problem

Equilibrium positions of a small-mass body are considered with respect to a precessing dumbbell. The dumbbell represents two rigidly fixed spherical gravitating bodies. Such a system can be considered as a model of a binary asteroid. Stability of relative equilibrium positions with equal distances from the small mass to the attracting centers is studied. By analogy with the classical restricted three-body problem, these positions are referred to as triangle libration points. It is shown that the character of stability of these libration points is determined by three constant parameters: nutation angle and angular velocity of precession, as well as the ratio of masses at the ends of the dumbbell. Stability conditions are derived in the linear approximation, and the regions of stability and instability in the space of problem parameters are constructed. The paper is a continuation of [1].     

A specific case of stability of cylindrical precession of a satellite

In a central Newtonian gravitational field, the motion of a dynamically symmetrical satellite along an elliptical orbit of arbitrary eccentricity is considered. The particular motion of the satellite is known when its axis of symmetry is perpendicular to the orbit plane, and the satellite rotates about this axis with a constant angular velocity (cylindrical precession). A nonlinear analysis of stability of this motion has been performed under the assumption that the geometry of the satellite mass corresponds to a thin plate. At small values of orbit eccentricity e the analysis is analytical, while numerical analysis is used for arbitrary values of e.     

SOLID3: a multiplex antibody microarray-based optical sensor instrument for in situ life detection in planetary exploration

The search for unequivocal signs of life on other planetary bodies is one of the major challenges for astrobiology. The failure to detect organic molecules on the surface of Mars by measuring volatile compounds after sample heating, together with the new knowledge of martian soil chemistry, has prompted the astrobiological community to develop new methods and technologies. Based on protein microarray technology, we have designed and built a series of instruments called SOLID (for "Signs Of LIfe Detector") for automatic in situ detection and identification of substances or analytes from liquid and solid samples (soil, sediments, or powder). Here, we present the SOLID3 instrument, which is able to perform both sandwich and competitive immunoassays and consists of two separate functional units: a Sample Preparation Unit (SPU) for 10 different extractions by ultrasonication and a Sample Analysis Unit (SAU) for fluorescent immunoassays. The SAU consists of five different flow cells, with an antibody microarray in each one (2000 spots). It is also equipped with an exclusive optical package and a charge-coupled device (CCD) for fluorescent detection. We demonstrated the performance of SOLID3 in the detection of a broad range of molecular-sized compounds, which range from peptides and proteins to whole cells and spores, with sensitivities at 1-2?ppb (ng?mL?1) for biomolecules and 10? to 103 spores per milliliter. We report its application in the detection of acidophilic microorganisms in the Río Tinto Mars analogue and report the absence of substantial negative effects on the immunoassay in the presence of 50?mM perchlorate (20 times higher than that found at the Phoenix landing site). Our SOLID instrument concept is an excellent option with which to detect biomolecules because it avoids the high-temperature treatments that may destroy organic matter in the presence of martian oxidants.     

Project of the space test&fitting-out dock for solar-powered electric propulsion on-board international space station

A concept of a universal fitting-out module applicable for space flight test of a solar-powered electric propulsion (EP) as well as for the assembly and deployment of small spacecraft (S/C) from the international space station (ISS) is proposed.     

Future earth observation missions for oceanographic applications: Indian perspectives

Significant progress has been achieved in India in demonstrating the utility of remote sensing data for various oceanographic applications during the last one decade. Among these, techniques have been developed for retrieval of ocean surface waves, winds, wave forecast model, internal waves, sea surface temperature and chlorophyll pigments. Encouraged from these results as well as for meeting the specific and increasing data requirements on an assured basis by oceanographers, India is making concerted efforts for developing and launching state-of-the-art indigenous satellites for ocean applications in the coming years.

The first in the series of ocean satellites planned for launch is Oceansat-1 (IRS-P4) by early 1999. Oceansat-1 carries on-board an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR). OCM will have 8 narrow spectral bands operating in visible and near- infrared bands (402–885 nm) with a spatial resolution of 360 m and swath of 1420 km. The MSMR with its all weather capability is configured to have measurements at 4 frequencies viz., 6.6, 10.65, 18 & 21 GHz in dual polarisation mode with a spatial resolution of 120, 80, 40 & 40 km, respectively with an overall swath of 1360 km. The Oceansat-1 with repetitivity of once in two days will provide global data for retrieval of various oceanographic and meteorological parameters such as chlorophyll (primary productivity), sea surface temperature and wind speed, besides a host of other parameters of relevance to meteorology.

A full fledged satellite for ocean applications known as Oceansat-2 (IRS-P7) is also planned for launch during 2002. This satellite with payload mix of microwave (Scatterometer, Altimeter & Passive Microwave Radiometer), Thermal (TIR) and Optical (OCM) sensors, will provide greater in-sight into the global understanding of ocean dynamics/resources. This mission is expected to provide a complete set of oceanographic measurements, which are useful for providing operational oceanographic services.

Efforts are also on towards development of missions having multi-frequency, multipolarisation and multi-look angle microwave payloads including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and advanced millimeter wave sounders, besides development of imaging spectrometers by 2005.

A well-knit plan has been initiated in India for utilisation of planned Oceansat data. Important efforts initiated in this direction include SATellite Coastal and Oceanographic Research and Ocean Information Services, which are being carried out on an integrated basis aiming at providing services to the down stream users. The paper highlights these efforts in India towards providing an operational ocean information services in the coming years.     

Use of Optical Characteristics to Identify Orbiting Material

Knowledge of the observable properties of orbital debris is necessary to validate debris models for both the low Earth orbit (LEO) and the geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). Current methods determine the size and mass of orbital debris based on knowledge or assumption of the material type of the piece. Improvement in the knowledge of material is the goal of the research described herein. The process of using spectral absorption features to determine the material type is explored. A review of the optical measurements of orbital debris as well as current research in the area is discussed. Reflectances of common spacecraft materials are compared. The need for, and advances made possible by obtaining real data are explored. The prospects of the venture are investigated.