Science with GRASP

The GRASP mission — Gamma Ray Astronomy with Spectroscopy and Positioning — is currently under assessment by ESA as a future space astronomy mission. The GRASP telescope will be the first high-resolution spectral imager to operate in the gamma-ray region of the spectrum. This, coupled with its high sensitivity, will enable GRASP to address many basic questions related to the physics of celestial objects thus offering a major step forward in high-energy astrophysics.     

An insurer's view of the space business

In this article the author assesses trends in the major parameters governing space insurance over the past decade. Following the series of launch failures in the mid-1980s premium rates rose sharply, and they have generally remained high — too high, clients sometimes feel. Yet the insurers' financial balance remains consistently negative. The industry leaders can now perhaps bring stability to premium rates, and the climate could be further improved if policies more clearly defined responsibilities and liabilities. However, clients must beware of destroying the space industry market by taking advantage of its momentary weaknesses.     

Experimental evaluation of the radiative heat flux from rocket plumes on satellite structures

An experimental method capable of directly measuring the net radiant heat flux on complex geometry surfaces by non invasive methods has been devised, designed, realized and tested. The method is based on a computerized thermographic system capable of directly outputting the radiative heat fluxes absorbed by the surface to be examined. The calibration tests have shown the feasibility and the accuracy of the proposed method. Preliminary tests are presented which simulate the radiation flux from a jet exhaust.     

Current wisdom and future possibilities for gamma-ray sources within high-energy astronomy

The current knowledge on celestial high-energy gamma-ray sources is reviewed on the occasion of the end of the COS-B satellite. The breakthroughs of such a mission are outlined together with its limitations. Future experimental possibilities are presented in the context of planned missions.