Nonlinear dust Alfvén modes

Nonlinear modes are investigated in magnetized dusty plasmas, where the dust dynamics is modelled by a number of cold, highly negatively charged and very massive fluids, besides ordinary electrons and protons. Several low-frequency motions occur which are typical for the dust components, some of them described by model equations such as the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation for electromagnetic waves. One can include equilibrium drifts and even fluctuations in the grain charges. Most of the preceding conclusions are relevant for different kinds of astrophysical and heliospheric plasmas.     

CTD MTI Radar Filter with Charge-Transfer Inefficiency Compensation

The design and implementation of a second-order nonrecursive moving target indication (MTI) radar filter using commercially available charge-transfer devices as delay lines are described. A simple technique is included to compensate for the device charge-transfer in-efficiency and its sensitivity is analyzed. Experimental laboratory tests and results in an operating radar system are reported showing the good performance of the realized MTI radar filter.     

Detonation waves induced by a confined wedge

An auto-ignition detonation phenomenon can be initiated by a wedge confined in a channel. A new, self-sustaining, normal detonation wave engine concept is proposed. The detonation processes were numerically modeled with a simplified two-dimensional wedged channel flow that was deemed to emulate a real three-dimensional configuration. The results showed that within certain ranges of incoming flow Mach number or wedge angle, detonation could be self ignited in the channel. The study furthermore investigated the detonation waves based on three different detonation initiation positions. Different configurations of the detonation waves were observed and analyzed. The performance of the different detonation wave configurations was estimated and compared.     

A numerical model to calculate the wake structure of a spacecraft under ionospheric conditions

A spacecraft, that travels at mesothermal speeds, disturbs the plasma in its surroundings. Due to the fade out of the ions an extended negative potential structure is formed behind the probe. A numerical model based on the Vlasov-Poisson system to describe the wake structure of a spacecraft under ionospheric conditions is presented. The dependence of the wake structure on the streaming velocity of the plasma and on the ratio of electron to ion temperature is discussed.     

Symmetric model of spacecraft charging and plasma emission effects

The electrostatic charging of satellites in space and the interactions with the plasma in the near surroundings are investigated by making use of symmetric models. In this case, the Vlasov-Poisson system describing the ambient plasma disturbances and the plasma emitted from the surface can be integrated self-consistently within a numerical iteration scheme, and the current balance yields the floating potential of the probe. The spacecraft charging and the potentials in its surroundings are investigated for the following plasma and emission conditions: (1) in the ionosphere in the case of very negative surface potentials, (2) in the solar wind with regard to the HELIOS mission and (3) in the near vicinity of the comet Halley, where a very strong plasma emission due to the impact of neutral gases onto the surface must be regarded. Finally, the importance of the shielding due to the ambient plasma is discussed.     

Orbit determination for the GOCE satellite

Precise Orbit Determination (POD) for the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE), the first core explorer mission by the European Space Agency (ESA), forms an integrated part of the so-called High-Level Processing Facility (HPF). Two POD chains have been set up referred to as quick-look Rapid and Precise Science Orbit determination or RSO and PSO, respectively. These chains make use of different software systems and have latencies of 1 day and 2 weeks, respectively, after tracking data availability. The RSO and PSO solutions have to meet a 3-dimensional (3D) position precision requirement of 50 cm and a few cm, respectively. The tracking data will be collected by the new Lagrange GPS receiver and the predicted characteristics of this receiver have been taken into account during the implementation phase of the two chains.     

The EU should freeze its military ambitions in space

In a clear departure from previous policies and activities, the European Union, together with the European Space Agency, have embarked on a series of military and security related space activities in recent years, often under the umbrella of largely civilian programmes. Such dual-use space programmes not only silently introduce military use of space in the context of the EU, they are to become an integral and essential part of the EU’s growing military ambitions. While these ambitions are opposed by large sections of European society, the EU has made milspace projects a top priority, with no international answer yet to the real and growing risks of military rivalry in space.