A strategy for investigation of the outer solar system

The requirements of systematic exploration of the outer solar system have been intensively studied by a Science Advisory Group (SAG) of consulting scientists for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Comets and Asteroids were excluded from this study, as a separate group is planning missions to these bodies. This paper and accompanying articles on specific related scientific subjects written by members of the SAG, summarize the findings and recommendations of this group. These recommendations should not be interpreted as official NASA policy. Following some general introductory remarks, a brief sketch is given of the development and current status of scientific missions to the inner planets by the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. With this perspective, the development of the U.S. program for investigation of the outer solar system is described. The scientific focus of outer solar system exploration has been studied in detail. The relationship of the outer planetary bodies to one another and to the inner planets, as parts in a unified solar system evolved from a primitive solar nebula, is emphasized. Deductions from outer solar system investigations regarding the conditions of the solar nebula at the time of planetary formation have been considered. Investigations have been proposed that are relevant to studies of the atmospheric structure and dynamics, internal structure of the planets, satellite composition and morphology, and planetary and interplanetary fields and energetic particles. The mission type and sequence required to conduct a systematic exploration of the outer solar system has been developed. Technological rationales for the suggested missions are discussed in general terms. The existing NASA program for outer solar system exploration is comprised of four missions:

1. Pioneer 10 fly-by mission to Jupiter and beyond, currently underway, with launch on 3 March 1972;
2. Pioneer G, intended for a similar mission with planned launch 2–22 April 1973; and
3. Two Mariner Jupiter/Saturn fly-bys in 1977, with experiment selection scheduled for late 1972 and detailed engineering design during 1972–74.

The Science Advisory Group advocates that detailed mission planning be undertaken on the following additional missions for launches during the late 1970's and early 1980's. Together with existing plans, these would provide a balanced, effective exploration program.

1. 1976 Pioneer Jupiter/Out-of-Ecliptic (One Mission)
2. 1979 Mariner Jupiter/Uranus Fly-bys (Two Missions)
3. 1979 Pioneer Entry Probe to Saturn 1980 Pioneer Entry Probe to Uranus via Saturn Fly-by (Three Missions)
4. 1981/1982 Mariner Jupiter Orbiter (Two Missions).

     

包豪斯九十年重游建校之路

"公立包豪斯学校"(Staatliches Bauhaus),毋庸置疑是20世纪最具影响力的艺术学院和建筑学院之一,对全世界建筑和设计的发展都产生了深远影响。包豪斯学校创立于德国东部古城魏玛,相距不远的德绍见证了它的辉煌,而包豪斯学校的最后阶段则是在柏林度过的。图林根州的众多城市至今还保留着大量的包豪斯建筑。今年是"包豪斯年",为了纪念包豪斯学校在德国创立90周年(1919-2009),众多德国城市都举办了包豪斯纪念活动。     

适用于小型公司的 ISO 9000 质量管理系统(英文)

ＩＳＯ９０００质量管理系统往往存在一种神秘性。一般认为它只适用于大型公司，对小型公司而言，该系统实在是太昂贵了，本文澄清了这种错误的想法，并说明了ＩＳＯ９０００系统内在之属性事实上是灵活的，不论任何行业的小型公司均可适用。此外，它亦指出了认证审核员和质量管理顾问应对那些易犯的错误提高警觉。     

US space policy assessed

Recognizing that, in the wake of major geopolitical changes, technological developments and global recession, the US space programme needed to change, then Vice President Dan Quayle commissioned a review of the USA's space policy which was completed at the very end of 1992. Its findings — in summary form — and recommendations are reprinted here.