Possible episodic gamma-ray sources

A model for production of episodic -ray event at interaction of a moving gas target with, a beam of relativistic particles is proposed. The typical duration of -ray emission is limited by the flight time of the target across the beam as well as by the time of destruction and/or expulsion of the target by luminous beam. The time-dependent radiation spectra of the expanding and moving gas cloud irradiated by the beam are calculated for the galactic binary systems Her X-1 and AE Aquarii which are reported as episodic -ray emitters at very high energies. Some predictions and observational tests for the model are discussed.On leave from Yerevan Physics Institute, Armenia     

The multifuid solar wind termination shock and its influence on the threedimensional plasma structure upstream and downstream

The solar wind termination shock is described as a multi-fluid phenomenon taking into account the magnetohydrodynamic self-interaction of a multispecies plasma consisting of solar wind ions, pick-up ions and shock-generated anomalous cosmic ray particles. The spatial diffusion of these high energy particles relative to the resulting, pressure-modified solar wind flow structure is described by a coupled system of differential equations describing mass-, momentum-, and energy-flow continuities for all plasma components. The energy loss due to escape of energetic particles (MeV) from the precursor into the inner heliosphere is taken into account. We determine the integrated properties of the anomalous cosmic ray gas and the low-energy solar wind. Also the variation of the compression ratio of the shock structure is quantitatively determined and is related to the pick-up ion energization efficiency and to the mean energy of the downstream anomalous cosmic ray particles. The variation of the resulting shock structure and of the solar wind sheath plasma extent beyond the shock is discussed with respect to its consequences for the LISM neutral gas filtration and the threedimensional shape of the heliosphere.     

Optimal motion planning for dual-spacecraft interferometry

We address the question of design and optimal control of a class of dual-spacecraft interferometric imaging formations. The first main contribution is that we combine two ideas introduced separately in the literature and propose a maneuver that offers improved imaging performance. We then formulate an optimal control problem to minimize fuel consumption and maximize image quality by minimizing the relative speed, which is proportional to the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the reconstructed image. We show that the necessary conditions are also sufficient and that the resulting optimal control is unique. Finally, we apply a continuation method to solve for the unique optimal trajectory.     

Integration of waste processing and biomass production systems as part of the KSC Breadboard project.

After initial emphasis on large-scale baseline crop tests, the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Breadboard project has begun to evaluate long-term operation of the biomass production system with increasing material closure. Our goal is to define the minimum biological processing necessary to make waste streams compatible with plant growth in hydroponic systems, thereby recycling nutrients into plant biomass and recovering water via atmospheric condensate. Initial small and intermediate-scale studies focused on the recycling of nutrients contained in inedible plant biomass. Studies conducted between 1989-1992 indicated that the majority of nutrients could be rapidly solubilized in water, but the direct use of this crop "leachate" was deleterious to plant growth due to the presence of soluble organic compounds. Subsequent studies at both the intermediate scale and in the large-scale Biomass Production Chamber (BPC) have indicated that aerobic microbiological processing of crop residue prior to incorporation into recirculating hydroponic solutions eliminated any phytotoxic effect, even when the majority of the plant nutrient demand was provided from recycled biomass during long term studies (i.e. up to 418 days). Current and future studies are focused on optimizing biological processing of both plant and human waste streams.     

Changes of deoxyribonucleoprotein in the spleen, thymus and liver of rats exposed to weightlessness and artificial gravity aboard the Cosmos biosatellites

Changes of deoxyribonucleoprotein in the spleen, thymus and liver of rats exposed to wegithlessness or artifical gravity on board biosatellites Cosmos 782 and Cosmos 936 after 20 days of flight were investigated. The level of polydeoxyribonucleotides in the spleen and thymus of rats exposed during the flight to weightlessness increased 4 – 11 hours after landing, suggesting breakdown of a part of the deoxyribonucleoprotein present. The use of artifical gravity prevented this breakdown in the thymus but not in the spleen. The breakdown was accompanied in the majority of cases by a decrease in teh deoxyribonucleoprotein content. We believe the breakdown of deoxyribonucleoprotein is due to a nonspecific stress reaction to the change from the weightless state to that of terrestrial gravity during landing. The polydeoxyribonucleotide level and amount of deoxyribonucleoprotein in the majority of cases returned to normal values during the 25 days of readaptation. No substantial change of deoxyribonucleoprotein was found in the liver. The different findings in the three organs are due to the fact that breakdown of deoxyribonucleoprotein takes place in sensitive cells underlying pycnosis. These cells are found in the spleen and thymus, but not in the liver.     

Yohkoh observations of the solar corona

The Yohkoh soft X-ray telescope obtains several images every 90 minutes. Data from the declining phase of the solar cycle have been used to compare the X-ray signal with other indicators of activity and to study coronal heating. X-ray emission from a north polar coronal hole is found broadly consistent with results of previous EUV observations. In diffuse emission regions, temperature rises to around 2.2 MK and levels off in the height range 1.5 – 1.9 R_O. Such emission underlies streamers and may be the source of the low-speed solar wind. X-ray signatures for Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) events which involve the detection of reduced X-ray intensities in the corona, have been developed with Yohkoh data. CME observations are described     

The influence of gravity on the structure and functions of plant material

Growth process generate plant form and relate to most physiological functions. The Earth's gravity force affects plant growth in both obvious and subtle ways. It is a major environmental influence on morphology and physiology of plants. Gravity is less important as an agent for plant stress than as an environmental signal to guide growth. The plant's bioaccelerometers are remarkably sensitive, especially in hypogravity. Simulation (clinostat) studies and experiments in satellite laboratories are needed to understand the sensing, transduction, and response characteristics of g related mechanisms. By examining how plants alter growth processes to accomplish developmental or physiological “objectives” we may find it pragmatically desirable to ask ourselves how we might design a plant to achieve such responses to environmental influences. Examples of this design engineering approach for gravity related effects are described as an aid to experimentation.     

Organization, selection, and training of crews for extended spaceflight: findings from analogs and implications

Ample research evidence from space analogs points to the crucial role that teamwork plays in the performance of small groups in isolation and confinement. This paper surveys findings about the impacts of group behavior and social interaction on crew morale, coordination, and productivity. Implications for the organization, selection, and training of crews for extended spaceflight are discussed.     

Lunar habitat concept employing the space shuttle external tank

The space shuttle external tank, which consists of a liquid oxygen tank, an intertank structure, and a liquid hydrogen tank, is an expendable structure used for approximately 8.5 min during each launch. A concept for outfitting the liquid oxygen tank-intertank unit for a 12-person lunar habitat is described. The concept utilizes existing structures and openings for both man and equipment access without compromising the structural integrity of the tank. Living quarters, instrumentation, environmental control and life support, thermal control, and propulsion systems are installed at Space Station Freedom. The unmanned habitat is then transported to low lunar orbit and autonomously soft landed on the lunar surface. Design studies indicate that this concept is feasible by the year 2000 with concurrent development of a space transfer vehicle and manned cargo lander for crew changeover and resupply.     

Characterization of an acoustic liner by means of Laser Doppler Velocimetry in a subsonic flow

This paper describes a new experimental approach to acoustic liner characterization in the presence of a grazing flow. The traditional methods of measurement use microphones to determine liner impedance. The in situ method in particular requires the simultaneous use of two microphones. The first is mounted flush with the surface of the liner grazed by the flow and the second is flush-mounted to the rear face of the liner. However, this method is invasive and assumes the reaction of the liner to be independent of the incidence of the waves (locally-reacting liner). The approach suggested here is radically different since Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) is used to measure the acoustic perturbation of velocity, or acoustic velocity. This latter allows us to determine the acoustic displacement, which is the key parameter in Galbrun's linear theory for assessing the perturbation of pressure and the field of active intensity. The wall impedance and the propagation paths of acoustic energy in the presence of the liner may be deduced without any assumption and non-invasively. This approach was applied for characterizing a resistive liner in a test bench specially designed for aeroacoustic measurements, with a 2D LDV system. The flow was turbulent and the measured nominal Mach number was 0.13. The impedance and field of active intensity were then obtained. A comparison was carried out between the new approach and the in situ method using microphones. According to previous theoretical works in the literature and the presented test results, one has to be cautious about the definition of the impedance when performing in-flow acoustic measurements.