Electric Polarization of Low-Orbit Spacecraft

The main problems concerning the electric polarization of low-orbit spacecraft are considered, including the results of studying the structure of the Earth's upper ionosphere, the methods of calculating the electrophysical characteristics of construction materials for spacecraft, and the elaboration of recommendations to mitigate the negative effects due to processes of charging and discharging.     

Discrete energy release in microwave emission in the preflare stage

Examples of solar microwave precursors and estimates of their energetic characteristics are discussed based on spectral investigations of the preflare activity.     

Adaptive image segmentation using genetic and hybrid search methods

This paper describes an adaptive approach for the important image processing problem of image segmentation that relies on learning from experience to adapt and improve the segmentation performance. The adaptive image segmentation system incorporates a feedback loop consisting of a machine learning subsystem, an image segmentation algorithm, and an evaluation component which determines segmentation quality. The machine learning component is based on genetic adaptation and uses (separately) a pure genetic algorithm (GA) and a hybrid of GA and hill climbing (HC). When the learning subsystem is based on pure genetics, the corresponding evaluation component is based on a vector of evaluation criteria. For the hybrid case, the system employs a scalar evaluation measure which is a weighted combination of the different criteria. Experimental results for pure genetic and hybrid search methods are presented using a representative database of outdoor TV imagery. The multiobjective optimization demonstrates the ability of the adaptive image segmentation system to provide high quality segmentation results in a minimal number of generations     

Ionization and recombination processes determining plasma density at the initial stage of artificial cloud injection

The initial reduction of the electron density after the injection explosion is shown to be associated with recombination at the adiabatic cooling under the cloud expansion. Primordial thermal ions can disappear in triple collisions almost entirely. Nevertheless, a minor amount of ions is conserved due to the freezing effect. The further rapid increase in the electron concentration may be attributed to the secondary ionization process. It is shown that the cumulative electronic ionization can account for the observed electron density elevation. The modified two-stream instability can provide a longitudinal (anomalous) resistance for the longitudinal electric field required for an avalanche. The electric field and longitudinal currents arise owing to the polarization with ions entrained by the neutral gas across the magnetic field and magnetized electrons moving along the field.     

3D Coronal structures and their evolutions measured by Stereoscopy,consequences for Space Weather and the STEREO mission

We are discussing methods of stereoscopic 3D reconstruction of coronal loops structures. In our most sophisticated method we fit loops observed with SOHO/EIT to a set of shape parameters including the internal twist of the loops field lines. We define this twist as the number of turns of the field line around a torus axis between the footpoints of the loops. Twist numbers of the order 0–2 are observed. We observe the emergence of an Active Region with twisted loops which detwist as they expand. The same correlation between detwisting and expansion is observed with filaments in relation to CME formations. On longer time scale, loops seem to accumulate twist, perhaps due to differential rotation. Rapid losses of twist temporarily correlate with flares. From our analysis, we expect that the internal twist of coronal structures will play an important role for the space weather forecast. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Radiation biodosimetry: applications for spaceflight.

The multiparametric dosimetry system that we are developing for medical radiological defense applications could be adapted for spaceflight environments. The system complements the internationally accepted personnel dosimeters and cytogenetic analysis of chromosome aberrations, considered the best means of documenting radiation doses for health records. Our system consists of a portable hematology analyzer, molecular biodosimetry using nucleic acid and antigen-based diagnostic equipment, and a dose assessment management software application. A dry-capillary tube reagent-based centrifuge blood cell counter (QBC Autoread Plus, Becton [correction of Beckon] Dickinson Bioscience) measures peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes, which could determine radiation dose based on the kinetics of blood cell depletion. Molecular biomarkers for ionizing radiation exposure (gene expression changes, blood proteins) can be measured in real time using such diagnostic detection technologies as miniaturized nucleic acid sequences and antigen-based biosensors, but they require validation of dose-dependent targets and development of optimized protocols and analysis systems. The Biodosimetry Assessment Tool, a software application, calculates radiation dose based on a patient's physical signs and symptoms and blood cell count analysis. It also annotates location of personnel dosimeters, displays a summary of a patient's dosimetric information to healthcare professionals, and archives the data for further use. These radiation assessment diagnostic technologies can have dual-use applications supporting general medical-related care.     

Planetarium Inversum -- a space vision for Earth education.

In a planetarium, the visitor is sitting on Earth and looking into an imaginary space. The Planetarium Inversum is the opposite: visitors are sitting in a space station, looking down on Mother Earth. It is a scientifically-based information show with visitors involvement, its elements being partially virtual (Earth in space has to be projected with highest possible resolution) but also containing real structures, such as the visitors' Earth observatory with adjacent biological systems (plant cultures and other ecological life support components). Its main message concerns the limits and the vulnerability of our home planet, its uniqueness, beauty and above all, its irreplaceableness: Earth does not have an emergency exit. The Earth observatory is part of a ring shaped, rotating space station of the type designed by Wernher von Braun decades ago. Visitors are told that gravity is being substituted by centrifugal force. Both types of life support systems are being demonstrated--self regenerative life based ones and technical ones as a backup (solar electric splitting of water and chemical absorption of respiratory CO2).     

Development of a Digital Array Radar (DAR)

Twenty-first century littoral and open-sea missions present US Navy (USN) shipboard-radar systems with the challenge of detecting small targets in severe clutter and against multiple sources of interference. In Fiscal Year 2000 (FY00), the Office of Naval Research (ONR) sponsored a program to develop an active array radar that includes a digital beamforming (DBF) architecture. The DBF radar system has the potential for improved time-energy management, improved signal-to-clutter (S/C) ratios, improved reliability and reduced life-cycle costs. This paper summarizes the latest developments of the program during FY00     

National paper of the Russian Federation

Despite its straightened circumstances and doubts about how much political support it receives, Russia's space programme continues — and continues to plan for new activities and applications. This edited version of the National Paper of the Russian Federation, presented at Unispace III in July 1999, details some of the country's major achievements in space in recent years and sets out the main areas it intends to pursue for the early twentieth-first century. While emphasis is placed on communications, remote sensing, navigation and space science, the commitment to manned flight remains.