Comet Halley: Nucleus and jets (results of the VEGA mission)

The VEGA-1 and VEGA-2 spacecraft made their closest approach to Comet Halley on 6 and 9 March, respectively. In this paper those results of the onboard imaging experiment which were obtained around closest approach are discussed. The nucleus of the comet was clearly identifiable as an irregularly shaped object, with overall dimensions of (16±1)×(8±1)×(8±1) km. The nucleus rotates in the prograde sense about an axis nearly perpendicular to the orbital plane with a period of 53±2 hours. Its albedo is only $\text{0.04±}\text{0.02}\text{0.01}$ Many of the jet features observed during the second fly-by have been spatially reconstructed. Their sources form a quasi-linear structure on the surface. The dust above the surface is shown to be generally optically thin with the exception of certain specific dust jets. Brightness features on the surface are clearly seen. Correlating our data with other measurements, we conclude that the dirty snow-ball model will probably need to be revised.     

A robust guidance algorithm for the moon landing

The paper deals with a choice of the rational trajectory of motion of a landing module designed for the Moon landing, from the moment of its de-orbiting from the near-lunar orbit up to landing. An integrated conceptual basis is used to develop multistep terminal algorithms for guidance for the three segments of the descent.     

Closed Environment Module – Modularization and extension of the Virtual Habitat

The Virtual Habitat (V-HAB), is a Life Support System (LSS) simulation, created to perform dynamic simulation of LSS’s for future human spaceflight missions. It allows the testing of LSS robustness by means of computer simulations, e.g. of worst case scenarios.     

Robust algorithm of control for a maneuver in the Martian atmosphere to insert a spacecraft into the planet’s satellite orbit

When inserting a satellite into an orbit around Mars with the use of aerodynamic drag, it is required to apply a robust algorithm which is capable of being adapted to the actual conditions of the planet’s atmosphere. We suggest a method of adaptation taking into account the specific features of the maneuver including descending and ascending legs of the trajectory. It is demonstrated that the algorithm is efficient when disturbances of the density of the Martian atmosphere increase by a factor of 2–3.     

An Algorithm for Safe Landing of a Spacecraft during Descent from a Circumlunar Orbit

Cosmic Research - The problem of safe landing of a spacecraft with a combined propulsion system from a circumlunar orbit to a given place on the lunar surface is considered. Landing safety is...     

Critical Conditions of Thermal Explosion Considering Space-Temporal Nonlocality

The equation for locally non-equilibrium heat exchange with nonlinear internal heat source was obtained by using Fourier’s law formula with the relaxation of heat flux and temperature gradient. The thermal conductivity problem for the infinite plate was studied by the numerical method at nonsymmetrical boundary conditions of the third kind. The conclusion was made that the thermal explosion delay time considerably increased as compared to the case of neglecting the space-temporal nonlocality.     

Magnetic storm cessation during sustained northward IMF

Times of sustained strong northward IMF can interrupt the magnetic storm development and lead to lower levels of geomagnetic activity for many hours. During 1997–2000 we have found two events of this kind observed on November 8, 1998 and October 13, 2000. In both cases, the storms started as usual after arrival of ejecta with a southward IMF component from the Sun to the Earth, but ceased after several hours due to the onset of sustained northward IMF leading to the faster recovery process. After the passage of this so-called positive domain, the storm development started again. The heliospheric magnetic field intensity remained enhanced and nearly constant. The solar origins of the geomagnetic storm interruptions have been investigated. Tentatively they may be related to strong nonlinear Alfvйn type solitary waves excited by non-stationary coronal current variations with a characteristic time-scale of about a day.     

Laser diagnostics of the centrifugal nozzle spray cone structure

A method for determining the three-dimensional distribution of droplet concentration in the centrifugal nozzle spray cone is proposed; the method is based on measuring the spectral transmission coefficient in laser scanning of the spray cone. The results of studying the spray cone structure depending on the pressure differential and the distance from the nozzle exit are presented. Original Russian Text ? V.A. Arkhipov, A.P. Berezikov, A.S. Zhukov, I.R. Akhmadeev, S.S. Bondarchuk, 2009, published in Izvestiya VUZ. Aviatsionnaya Tekhnika, 2009, No. 1, pp. 75–77.