Improvement of the ADEOS-II/GLI sun-glint algorithm using concomitant microwave scatterometer-derived wind data

The tendency of over-estimation of sun-glint reflectance was found in GLI satellite ocean color data, after applying the traditional sun-glint model of Cox and Munk together with objective analysis wind data. ADEOS-II has provided a good opportunity to improve the glint model using data measured by GLI and SeaWinds, both onboard the satellite. With the help of simultaneous wind measurements achieved by SeaWinds, the Cox and Munk model is re-evaluated using GLI measurements to obtain a new relationship between the surface mean square slope and wind. The new model was found to be very close to the Cox and Munk under moderate wind speed but is much different under calm condition, where it shows similarity to the result reported by Ebuchi and Kizu. It also improves the ocean color data availability and the precision of sun-glint reflectance, based on the evaluation result of the generated Level 3 data products.     

Ground-to-satellite laser communication experiments

Ground-to-satellite laser communication experiments between the optical ground station located in Koganei, central Tokyo, and a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite were jointly performed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology. In 18 trials during three non-consecutive months, the satellite was acquired and tracked 61 % of the time, when clear or partly-clear conditions were predominant. The optical link was maintained for about 6 minutes when the satellite was visible in spite of the high angular velocity of the satellite. In 3 of the 18 trials, the link was not interrupted due to clouds during the six-minute transit. The failures (39% of the time) occurred when cloudy or rainy conditions were predominant. Fluctuation in the uplink received signal power was minimized by using multiple laser beam transmissions. The measured uplink and downlink bit error ratios were 10^-7-10^-4. These results demonstrate the applicability of free-space laser communication for not only geostationary earth orbit-LEO optical links but also ground-to-LEO optical links.     

Solar Neutrinos

The current status of solar neutrino experiments is reviewed. All the experimental measurements show deficits of solar neutrinos. Non monotonic suppression indicates that the problem may naturally be explained by neutrino oscillations, but not by modifying solar models. A new experiment shows very promising results. We hope that a definite answer to the question of whether solar neutrinos are oscillating will be obtained in the very near future. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Lunar base CELSS design and analysis.

This paper describes the conceptual development of a hybrid biological-physical/chemical (P/C) life support system model for a lunar outpost. It presents steps that lead to loop closure and determines mass flow characteristics for an inedible biomass enzyme reactor and an activated sludge bioreactor. Computer modeling techniques were used to determine that the cellulose reactor has the design capabilities to provide significant increases in the plant harvest index. Activated sludge was found to fit design demands for a small, continuous-flow, steady-state system. Systems analysis and component sizing for these two bioreactors and information regarding supporting bioregenerative and physical/chemical components are presented.