Absolute Electron Density Measurement Techniques in Hypersonic Wakes

New techniques have been evolved for the application of Langmuir probes to the measurement of electron densities in the wakes of hypersonic projectiles flown in ballistic ranges. These techniques concern probe cleanliness, minimization of flow disturbance, minimization of reflected shocks, and the effect of plasma potential. Electron density level estimates obtained with the probes in sphere wakes were in good agreement with electron density estimates derived from simultaneous measurements with a microwave interferometer.     

Prediction and evaluation of solar particle events based on precursor information.

Protection from the radiation effects of solar particle events for deep space mission crews requires a warning system to observe solar flares and predict subsequent charged particle fluxes. Such a system relates precursor information observed in each flare to the intensity, delay, and duration of the subsequent Solar Particle Event (SPE) at other locations in the solar system. A warning system of this type is now in operation at the NOAA Space Environment Services Center in Boulder, Colorado for support of space missions. It has been used to predict flare particle fluxes at the earth for flares of Solar Cycle 22. The flare parameters used and the effectiveness of the current warning system, based on Solar Cycle 22 experience, are presented, with an examination of the shortcomings. Needed improvements to the system include more complete observations of solar activity, especially information on the occurrences of solar mass ejections; and consideration of the effects of propagation conditions in the solar corona and interplanetary medium. Requirements for solar observations and forecasting systems on board the spacecraft are discussed.     

Minimizing Effects of Reflected Shocks in Ballistic Ranges

Shock waves originating from hypersonic projectiles flown in ballistic ranges and subsequently reflected from the range walls have been found to produce undesirable effects on the measurements of projectile wakes. This paper reports on the mechanisms through which reflected shock waves perturb the wake, the design, and installation of full-scale fiberglas wedge shock attenuation treatments, the design of equipment for minimum shock reflection, and the results of measurements of the performance of the treatment.     

Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyro Technology (IFOG)

Life cycle cost containment of the Strategic Weapons System (SWS), without loss of ultra high performance, is a very important goal of the entire Navy Strategic Systems Program community. Boeing is responding by guiding large advances in the state-of-the-art of fiber optic gyro technology and developing a new associated navigation system. All of the very stringent Strategic Weapons System (SWS) performance, reliability, and maintainability requirements continue to be exceeded by the Electrostatically Supported Gyro Navigator (ESGN). The Electrostatically Supported Gyro (ESG), in production for over 25 years, is the most critical and costly component of the current inertial navigation system. ESGs, however, are extremely expensive to manufacture and repair. Furthermore, the system-level electronic components are difficult to replace because they are rapidly becoming obsolete. The current initiative is focused on containing total ownership costs, especially maintenance costs, without any relaxation of performance, reliability, or maintainability requirements. The key element of this initiative is new gyro technology based on rapidly improving precision Interferometric Fiber Optic Gyro IFOG performance, along with cost reduction of fiber and manufacturing processes. This paper discusses the challenges and the approach currently being taken to further the development of high precision IFOG technology and its associated inertial navigation system for application to the SSBN     

The monitoring and prediction of solar particle events--an experience report.

The routine monitoring and prediction of solar proton events that may be a hazard to personnel and materials in space are a routine service of the Space Environment Services Center in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. The services provided are made available to the space centers in the United States for use in their operations. The real time monitoring consists primarily of Space Environment Monitors on both geosynchronous and polar orbiting weather satellites. The monitoring emphasizes proton fluxes but alpha particles, electrons, and in one case, heavier particles, are included. The predictions are of two types; a general outlook made 1 to 3 days in advance, and specific prediction of event size and probability of occurrence made after a solar flare occurs. The accuracy of the prediction made for solar cycle 21 are assessed.     

Strategies for dealing with solar particle events in missions beyond the magnetosphere.

For long duration missions beyond the magnetosphere, the hazards posed by solar particle events (SPE) require the development of new strategies to minimize both the radiation dose and the effects. Potential strategies include the development of improved short-term forecasting of SPE through better observations and research, consideration of HZE particles in real-time forecasting and monitoring, improved knowledge of the biological effects of the particles involved in SPE, and the development of methods for combining SPE forecasts with temporary shielding and chemical countermeasures. Evaluation of present capabilities and the identification of areas of further research to achieve the necessary capabilities are discussed.