高级靶场测量飞机

本文描述了高短靶场测量飞机(ARIA)及其目前和未来在全球范围内保障试验和鉴定活动的计划。     

Aqueous corrosion of phosphide minerals from iron meteorites: a highly reactive source of prebiotic phosphorus on the surface of the early Earth

We present the results of an experimental study of aqueous corrosion of Fe-phosphide under conditions relevant to the early Earth. The results strongly suggest that iron meteorites were an important source of reactive phosphorus (P), a requirement for the formation of P-based life. We further demonstrate that iron meteorites were an abundant source of phosphide minerals early in Earth history. Phosphide corrosion was studied in five different solutions: deionized water, deionized water buffered with sodium bicarbonate, deionized water with dissolved magnesium and calcium chlorides, deionized water containing ethanol and acetic acid, and deionized water containing the chlorides, ethanol, and acetic acid. Experiments were performed in the presence of both air and pure Ar gas to evaluate the effect of atmospheric chemistry. Phosphide corrosion in deionized water results in a metastable mixture of mixed-valence, P-bearing ions including pyrophosphate and triphosphate, key components for metabolism in modern life. In a pH-buffered solution of NaHCO(3), the condensed and reduced species diphosphonate is an abundant corrosion product. Corrosion in ethanol- and acetic acid-containing solutions yields additional P-bearing organic molecules, including acetyl phosphonate and a cyclic triphosphorus molecule. Phosphonate is a major corrosion product of all experiments and is the only P-bearing molecule that persists in solutions with high concentrations of magnesium and calcium chlorides, which suggests that phosphonate may have been a primitive oceanic source of P. The stability and reactivity of phosphonate and hypophosphite in solution were investigated to elucidate reaction mechanisms and the role of mineral catalysts on P-solution chemistry. Phosphonate oxidation is rapid in the presence of Fe metal but negligible in the presence of magnetite and in the control sample. The rate of hypophosphite oxidation is independent of reaction substrate.     

Cave biosignature suites: microbes,minerals, and Mars

Earth's subsurface offers one of the best possible sites to search for microbial life and the characteristic lithologies that life leaves behind. The subterrain may be equally valuable for astrobiology. Where surface conditions are particularly hostile, like on Mars, the subsurface may offer the only habitat for extant lifeforms and access to recognizable biosignatures. We have identified numerous unequivocally biogenic macroscopic, microscopic, and chemical/geochemical cave biosignatures. However, to be especially useful for astrobiology, we are looking for suites of characteristics. Ideally, "biosignature suites" should be both macroscopically and microscopically detectable, independently verifiable by nonmorphological means, and as independent as possible of specific details of life chemistries--demanding (and sometimes conflicting) criteria. Working in fragile, legally protected environments, we developed noninvasive and minimal impact techniques for life and biosignature detection/characterization analogous to Planetary Protection Protocols. Our difficult field conditions have shared limitations common to extraterrestrial robotic and human missions. Thus, the cave/subsurface astrobiology model addresses the most important goals from both scientific and operational points of view. We present details of cave biosignature suites involving manganese and iron oxides, calcite, and sulfur minerals. Suites include morphological fossils, mineral-coated filaments, living microbial mats and preserved biofabrics, 13C and 34S values consistent with microbial metabolism, genetic data, unusual elemental abundances and ratios, and crystallographic mineral forms.     

通过气象卫星的单向时间传递精度可达三十毫微秒

在欧洲空间操作中心(ESOC,达姆斯塔特)的支持下,西德应用测地研究所(IfAG)和物理技术研究所(PTB)共同努力,制订了一项利用气象卫星(METEOSAT)测距信号的小规模试验计划。这种测距信号每隔3小时出现1·5分钟。在此期间,测量测距信号相对于站用时钟秒脉冲的相位。系统研究表明,可能获得的时间传递精度在30~(ns)(毫微秒)量级。接收设备包括一个2米直径的固定天线、一个低噪声宽带接收机和一个相位跟踪器和解调器,全部费用不超过20000美金。     

用于EOS直播卫星数据采集和处理的低成本可搬运地面站

作为全球变化研究的全国统一行动的一部分，地球观测系统（ＥＯＳ）将在１５年时间内发射一个遥感卫星星座。来自ＥＯＳ卫星的科学数据将由ＮＡＳＡ研究机构加以处理，再分发给大量地球科学家。许多这样的卫星还备有另外的接口，能直接向用户播发数据。从过境卫星实时直接播发科学数据有不少有价值的用途：现场测量结果的检验，规划科学会战以及用于科学和工程教育。ＥＯＳ直接的成功与实用价值在程度上取决于最终用户接收该数据所花     

转发式GPS外测系统的接收站设备

在高级拦截器技术计划中利用GPS卫星导航系统来精确测定两种飞行器的弹道。在每个飞行器上安装一个弹道导弹GPS转发器(BMT)咸一个GPS遥测发射机(GTT)。接收站布在现有遥测站上,安装了所需的专门设备,负责接收、记录和处理来BMT和GTT的信号。     

GPS在空间领域的应用

一、引言除飞机以外,人造卫星、航天飞机、空间站、自由飞行体等都可以利用GPS作为主要或辅助性的导航系统,也可用作利用直升飞机的搜索营救到达特定位置的导航系统,这些应用近几年来特别发展迅速。至于GPS本身,即使在日本已有不少文章介绍,故不详谈,下面仅叙述GPS在空间领域的应用,现状和将来动向。     

美国国防部有关GPS在试验和训练靶场的应用计划

美国国防部着手组建的NAVSTAR GPS(图1)可为装备用户设备的运动体提供高精度位置、速度和时间信息。该项研究计划一开始注重GPS的战术和战略应用。目前,国防部已认识到GPS应用于靶场跟踪的潜力。本文介绍了GPS应用于国家试验和训练靶场的国防部计划。