Multiple continuous coverage of the earth based on multi-satellite systems with linear structure

A new and wider definition is given to multi-satellite systems with linear structure (SLS), and efficiency of their application to multiple continuous coverage of the Earth is substantiated. Owing to this widening, SLS have incorporated already well-recognized “polar systems” by L. Rider and W.S. Adams, “kinematically regular systems” by G.V. Mozhaev, and “delta-systems” by J.G. Walker, as well as “near-polar systems” by Yu.P. Ulybyshev, and some other satellite constellations unknown before. A universal method of SLS optimization is presented, valid for any values of coverage multiplicity and the number of satellites in a system. The method uses the criterion of minimum radius of a circle seen from a satellite on the surface of the globe. Among the best SLS found in this way there are both systems representing the well-known classes mentioned above and new orbit constellations of satellites.     

Application of information criteria to control the structurally uncertain navigation system of a reusable spacecraft

The problem of attitude control of a gyro-stabilized platform with the structurally uncertain drift model is solved. The solution is realized in two stages. At the first stage, on the basis of the obtained stochastic model of the reusable spacecraft navigation system, the drift model of gyro-stabilized platform is identified. At the second stage, the control of its spatial orientation is synthesized with regard to the found drift model. The results of numerical simulation are presented in conclusion.     

Families of periodic solutions in three-dimensional restricted three-body problem

Planar orbits of three-dimensional restricted circular three-body problem are considered as a special case of three-dimensional orbits, and the second-order monodromy matrices M (in coordinate z and velocity v _z ) are calculated for them. Semi-trace s of matrix M determines vertical stability of an orbit. If |s| ≤ 1, then transformation of the subspace (z, v _z ) in the neighborhood of solution for the period is reduced to deformation and a rotation through angle φ, cosφ = s. If the angle ? can be rationally expressed through 2π,φ = 2π·p/q, where p and q are integer, then a planar orbit generates the families of three-dimensional periodic solutions that have a period larger by a factor of q (second kind Poincareé periodic solutions). Directions of continuation in the subspace (z, v _z ) are determined by matrix M. If |s| < 1, we have two new families, while only one exists at resonances 1: 1 (s = 1) and 2: 1 (s = ?1). In the course of motion along the family of three-dimensional periodic solutions, a transition is possible from one family of planar solutions to another one, sometimes previously unknown family of planar solutions.     

Three-axial fiber optic gyroscope

We consider a new design of a high-precision three-axial sensor of angular velocities whose sensitive elements are fiber optic gyroscopes using the Sagnac effect. The instrument is designed for measuring the rotation velocity of an orbiting spacecraft (microsatellite) and for performing its attitude control.     

Application of a magnetohydrodynamic element in the control loop of a rotating spacecraft with a spike antenna

The problem of stabilization of a rotating spacecraft with a flexible spike antenna located along the axis of spacecraft rotation is considered. A magnetohydrodynamic element is used as a final-control element in the control loop of spacecraft attitude, and the solar direction sensor serves as a measuring device. At the first stage of investigation, the problem of stability is considered for stationary and non-stationary modes of rotation of the spacecraft with a flexible antenna and with a cavity partially filled with a low-viscosity liquid.     

An alternative algorithm for the spacecraft information system with magnetometer and solar sensor

The possibility of identification of motion parameters of a low-orbit spacecraft using readings of a three-axis magnetometer and solar position sensor, without integration of the Euler’s dynamic equations or direct measurement of the object’s angular velocity, is considered.     

Ionospheric disturbances in the north-east region of Russia according to ionosonde data in the periods of equinoxes

Ionospheric disturbances in the equinox periods of 2005–2006 are considered on the basis of the ionosondes of vertical and oblique sounding located in the north-east region of Russia. It is found that the X-ray flares observed in the first half of September 2005 caused an additional increase in the ionization of the lower ionosphere in the daytime, this fact leading to a development of absorption and an increase in the lowest observable frequencies at the Magadan-Irkutsk and Noril’sk-Irkutsk radio paths. Wave-like changes in the maximum observable frequencies and critical frequencies with periods of about 2–2.5 h were detected during the magnetic disturbances. Oscillations of the planetary wave type with periods of 4–5 days were also revealed.     

Planar inertial motion of an elastic cluster of three bodies

A problem of planar inertial motion of three bodies connected in the form of a triangle by an elastic imponderable filament is considered, as well as a particular case of the problem of motion of a closed chain of n bodies. This configuration can be a basis for extended planar constructions in deep space.The bodies are considered as material points. The paper elaborates a subject of [1]     

Vertical structure of the magnetic field in active regions of the sun at coronal heights

High-altitude measurements and magnetic field distribution in active regions are always an important problem to verify existing models at heights from units to hundreds of Mm. Optical methods of analysis of the magnetic structure work well only at the photosphere level. At the same time, the progress of radio astronomy methods of analyzing the solar radio emission [1] and of the theory of solar plasma radiation [2] facilitates introduction of new methods for measuring the magnetic field strength at various altitudes in the solar atmosphere. In this paper we use multi-wave observations of polarization of the radio emission of active regions in the microwave range together with precise magnetosphere data in order to develop a method of projection for measuring the height distribution of the magnetic field.