Evaluation of the STORM model storm-time corrections for middle latitude

This paper presents results from the Storm-Time Ionospheric Correction Model (STORM) validation for selected Northern and Southern Hemisphere middle latitude locations. The created database incorporated 65 strong-to-severe geomagnetic storms, which occurred within the period 1995–2007. This validation included data from some ionospheric stations (e.g., Pruhonice, El Arenosillo) that were not considered in the development or previous validations of the model. Hourly values of the F2 layer critical frequency, foF2, measured for 5–7 days during the main and recovery phases of each selected storm were compared with the predicted IRI 2007 foF2 with the STORM model option activated. To perform a detailed comparison between observed values, medians and predicted foF2 values the correlation coefficient, the root-mean-square error (RMSE), and the percentage improvement were calculated. Results of the comparative analysis show that the STORM model captures more effectively the negative phases of the summer ionospheric storms, while electron density enhancement during winter storms and the changeover of the different storm phases is reproduced with less accuracy. The STORM model corrections are less efficient for lower-middle latitudes and severe geomagnetic storms.     

CCSDS无损数据压缩算法的实现与应用研究

无损数据压缩是航天应用和遥感系统的重要业务之一。对CCSDS(空间数据系统咨询委员会)推荐的数据无损压缩标准进行了分析研究,讨论了其推荐算法的基本原理和编码方法,然后基于DSP(数字信号处理器)实现了该算法并对代码进行了优化。实验结果表明,DSP实现的CCSDS标准的无损数据压缩算法的数据处理速率可达11Mbit/s,可用于那些不需要很高数据吞吐率的星上数据处理任务。最后讨论了CCSDS无损数据压缩标准是如何融入CCSDS体制的星载数据系统中的。     

国际空间站智能在轨运行进展及启示

空间站作为近地空间的大型平台,具备长期飞行与空间科学探索能力.随着在轨任务的不断增加,高效空间站在轨运行管理成为挑战性的难题.人工智能与航天技术的深度融合,使得空间站在轨运行逐步向智能化发展,航天器在轨运行智能化已成为必然趋势.本文对国际空间站(International Space Station,ISS)在轨智能化...     

International verification arrangements : Choosing the right approach

A proposal for an international satellite monitoring agency (ISMA) to verify arms control agreements was first made by France in 1978, and has been received enthusiastically, although not by the superpowers. The technologies available for verification are proliferating, and many countries feel they can make a useful contribution. The authors examine the impact an ISMA would actually have on international security and arms control, and propose several alternative avenues for international participation in verification.     

A Brief Introduction and Recent Progress of the Geospace Double Star Program

The Geospace Double Star Project (DSP) consists of two small satellites operating in the near-earth equatorial and polar regions, respectively. The goals of DSP are: (1) to provide high-resolution field, particle, and wave measurements in some important near-earth active regions which have not been covered by current ISTP missions, such as the near-earth plasma sheet and its boundary layer, the ring current, the radiation belts, the dayside magnetopause boundary layer, and the polar region; (2) to investigate the trigger mechanisms of magnetic storms, magnetospheric substorms, and magnetospheric particle events,as well as the responses of geospace storms to solar activities and interplanetary disturbances; (3) to set up the models describing the spatial and temporal variations of the near-earth space environment.To realize the above goals, the equatorial satellite TC-1 and the polar satellite TC-2 will accommodate, respectively, eight instruments on board. TC-1was launched successfully in December 2003 while the polar satellite (TC-2)will be launched in July 2004. The orbit of the equatorial satellite TC-1 consists of a perigee at 550 km, an apogee at 60 000 km, and an inclination of about 28.5; while the orbit of the polar satellite will have a perigee of 700 km, an apogee of 40 000 km, and an inclination of about 90. The two satellites will take coordinated measurements with Cluster Ⅱ and will first form a "six-point exploration" in geospace.The operational status of TC-1 are introduced in this paper.     

Estimation of foF2 variations using round-the-world sounding data

An estimation of the F2 ionospheric region critical frequency (foF2) variations using analysis of round-the-world radio sounding data has been made. Experimental data obtained by the Russian chirp-sounders network have been used. For the first time, using experimental data and numerical simulation, the quantitative dependency between the minimum foF2 magnitudes over round-the-world propagation paths and round-the-world maximum usable frequencies has been obtained.     

An Asian perspective on the new US space policy: The emphasis on international cooperation and its relevance to Asia

This viewpoint examines the likely reasons behind the renewed focus on international cooperation in the new US National Space Policy, noting that the rise of various Asian space powers is one factor. It demonstrates the increase in US-Asian space cooperation that is already underway, arguing that such cooperation can only be to the good in providing Asian countries with a greater degree of cutting-edge technology and know-how, as well as contributing to the overall safety and security of outer space. Nevertheless, there will doubtless be problems such as cost overruns and delays and effort will have to be applied if cooperation is to work.     

The new debate on the working methods of the UNCOPUOS Legal Subcommittee

The 2014 session of the Legal Subcommittee (LSC) of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS) saw a particularly extensive and thorough debate on the working methods of this forum, which has the status of the highest body in space law making. By discussing the working methods it also became apparent how delegations actually regard the LSC and what expectations they have from it. In a time of considerable changes in space activities and space diplomacy alike, it was only a matter of time that such a comprehensive discussion arose. And while it did not immediately lead to decisions, it provided numerous signals for the future of the LSC.     

Dark matter search with the CALET detector on-board ISS

The CALorimetric Electron Telescope, CALET, mission is proposed for the observation of high-energy electrons and gamma-rays at the Exposed Facility of the Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station. The CALET has a capability to observe the electrons (without separation between e⁺ and e⁻) in 1 GeV–10 TeV and the gamma-rays in 20 MeV–several TeV with a high-energy resolution of 2% at 100 GeV, a good angular resolution of 0.06 degree at 100 GeV, and a high proton-rejection power of nearly 10⁶. The CALET has a geometrical factor of 1 m²sr, and the observation period is expected for more than three years. The very precise measurement of electrons enables us to detect a distinctive feature in the energy spectrum caused from WIMP dark matter in the Galactic halo. The excellent energy resolution of CALET, which is much better than GLAST or air Cherenkov telescopes over 10 GeV, enables us to detect gamma-ray lines in the sub-TeV region from WIMP dark matter annihilations. The CALET has, therefore, a unique capability to search for WIMP dark matter by the hybrid observations of electrons and gamma-rays.