Initial results from COMPTEL onboard GRO

COMPTEL is the first imaging telescope to explore the MeV gamma-ray range (0.7 to 30 MeV). At present, it is performing a complete sky survey. In later phases of the mission selected celestial objects will be studied in more detail. The data from the first year of the mission have demonstrated that COMPTEL performs very well. First sky maps of the inner part of the Galaxy clearly identify the plane as a bright MeV-source (probably due to discrete sources as well as diffuse radiation). The Crab and Vela pulsar lightcurves have been measured with unprecedented accuracy. The quasars 3C273 and 3C279 have been seen for the first time at MeV energies. Both quasars show a break in their energy spectra in the COMPTEL energy range. The 1.8 MeV line from radioactive ²⁶A1 has been detected from the central region of the Galaxy and a first sky map of the inner part of the Galaxy has been obtained in the light of this line. Upper limits to gamma-ray line emission at 847 keV and 1.238 MeV from SN 1991T have been derived. Upper limits to the interstellar gamma-ray emissivity have been determined at MeV-energies. Several cosmic gamma-ray bursts within the field-of-view have been located with an accuracy of about 1°. On 1991 June 9, 11 and 15, COMPTEL observed gamma-ray emission (continuum and line) from three solar flares. Also neutrons were detected from the June 9 and June 15 flares.     

COSAC onboard Rosetta: a bioastronomy experiment for the short-period comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko

The COSAC (Cometary Sampling and Composition Experiment) onboard the Rosetta mission is a combined gas chromatograph (GC)-mass spectrometer (MS). It is situated on Philae, the lander of the mission, which is intended to land on the nucleus of comet 67P/Churyumov- Gerasimenko. The purpose of the experiment is to analyze the volatile fraction of soil samples retrieved by a drill. For investigation, the samples will be pyrolysed, and the emanating gases fed into a GC, into an MS, or the combination of both. In the first part of this paper, the bioastronomical relevance of such measurements is outlined. In the second part the details of the hardware and its performance are described.     

INTEGRAL: Science Highlights and Future Prospects

ESA??s hard X-ray and soft gamma-ray observatory INTEGRAL is covering the 3 keV to 10 MeV energy band, with excellent sensitivity during long and uninterrupted observations of a large field of view (??100 square degrees), with ms time resolution and keV energy resolution. It links the energy band of pointed soft X-ray missions such as XMM-Newton with that of high-energy gamma-ray space missions such as Fermi and ground based TeV observatories. Key results obtained so far include the first sky map in the light of the 511 keV annihilation emission, the discovery of a new class of high mass X-ray binaries and detection of polarization in cosmic high energy radiation. For the foreseeable future, INTEGRAL will remain the only observatory allowing the study of nucleosynthesis in our Galaxy, including the long overdue next nearby supernova, through high-resolution gamma-ray line spectroscopy. Science results to date and expected for the coming mission years span a wide range of high-energy astrophysics, including studies of the distribution of positrons in the Galaxy; reflection of gamma-rays off clouds in the interstellar medium near the Galactic Centre; studies of black holes and neutron stars particularly in high- mass systems; gamma-ray polarization measurements for X-ray binaries and gamma-ray bursts, and sensitive detection capabilities for obscured active galaxies with more than 1000 expected to be found until 2014. This paper summarizes scientific highlights obtained since INTEGRAL??s launch in 2002, and outlines prospects for the INTEGRAL mission.     

Analysis of the DORIS contributions to ITRF2008

In its function as an ITRS Combination Centre, DGFI is in charge with the computation of an ITRF2008 solution. The computation methodology of DGFI is based on the combination of datum-free normal equations (weekly or session data sets, respectively) of station positions and Earth orientation parameters (EOP) from the geodetic space techniques DORIS, GPS, SLR and VLBI. In this paper we focus on the DORIS part within the ITRF2008 computations. We present results obtained from the analysis of the DORIS time series for station positions, network translation and scale parameters, as well as for the terrestrial pole coordinates. The submissions to ITRF2008 benefit from improved analysis strategies of the seven contributing IDS analysis centres and from a combination of the weekly solutions of station positions and polar motion. The results show an improvement by a factor of two compared to past DORIS data submitted to ITRF2005, which has been evaluated by investigating the repeatabilities of position time series. The DORIS position time series were analysed w.r.t. discontinuities and other non-linear effects such as seasonal variations. About 40 discontinuities have been identified which have been compared with the results of an earlier study. Within the inter-technique combination we focus on the DORIS contribution to the integration of the different space geodetic observations and on a comparison of the geodetic local ties with the space geodetic solutions. Results are given for the 41 co-location sites between DORIS and GPS.     

In-Situ CHAMP Observation of Ionosphere-Thermosphere Coupling

The coupling between the ionised plasma and the neutral thermospheric particles plays an important role for the dynamics of the upper atmosphere. Significant progress in understanding the related processes has been achieved thanks to the availability of continuous accurate measurements of thermospheric parameters like mass density and wind by high resolution accelerometers on board the satellites CHAMP and GRACE. Here we present some examples of ionosphere-thermosphere coupling where CHAMP observations contributed considerably to their interpretation. We start with the derived properties of the thermosphere at altitudes around 400 km. A new aspect is the significant control of the geomagnetic field geometry on thermospheric features. Phenomena discussed in some depths are the equatorial mass density anomaly, the cusp-related mass density enhancement and the thermospheric response to magnetospheric substorms. Here we consider both the effect on the density and on the wind. A?long predicted process is the wind-driven ionospheric F region dynamo. The high-resolution magnetic field measurements of CHAMP enabled for the first time a systematic study of that phenomenon considering longitudinal, local time, seasonal and solar flux dependences. Some open issues that require further investigations are mentioned at the end.     

Solar Energetic Particles

In this brief review, we summarize the current state of knowledge of solar energetic particles. This includes energetic particles contained within the site of solar flares that are responsible for X-ray, γ-ray and neutron emission and particles accelerated at high coronal altitudes and in interplanetary space by travelling disturbances such as coronal mass ejections. Special emphasis is placed on those particles directly or indirectly associated with neutron monitor signals. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Simulation model for the operation of space freighters

This paper makes the attempt to illustrate the need for a detailed operational analysis of future space transportation systems with the help of computer-based simulation models. The basic approach deemed suitable for such a systems simulation is explained in some detail. A reference program (100,000 Mg payload per year during 25 years) for a reference mission (heavy cargo transport to GEO for SPS construction) has been selected. A base-line launch vehicle (fully reusable ballistic all chemical three stage vehicle) has been defined, which is considered a serious applicant for such a mission. It was found that the take-off mass of this type of vehicle should be as large as practical from the viewpoint of cost-effectiveness. The example chosen has a GLOW of 10,000 Mg and lifts more than 100 Mg to GEO.With consideration of the operational parameters the simulation model evaluates the annual production rates, inventory of stages, utilization of facilities and operational cost, which amount within this frame of reference to about 96 $/kg net payload delivered to GEO in terms of 1980 dollars and contribute the main share to the total transportation cost.     

Hyperspectral imaging—An advanced instrument concept for the EnMAP mission (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Programme)

In the upcoming generation of satellite sensors, hyperspectral instruments will play a significant role. This payload type is considered world-wide within different future planning.Our team has now successfully finalized the Phase B study for the advanced hyperspectral mission EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Programme), Germans next optical satellite being scheduled for launch in 2012. GFZ in Potsdam has the scientific lead on EnMAP, Kayser-Threde in Munich is the industrial prime.The EnMAP instrument provides over 240 continuous spectral bands in the wavelength range between 420 and 2450 nm with a ground resolution of 30 m×30 m. Thus, the broad science and application community can draw from an extensive and highly resolved pool of information supporting the modeling and optimization process on their results. The performance of the hyperspectral instrument allows for a detailed monitoring, characterization and parameter extraction of rock/soil targets, vegetation, and inland and coastal waters on a global scale supporting a wide variety of applications in agriculture, forestry, water management and geology. The operation of an airborne system (ARES) as an element in the HGF hyperspectral network and the ongoing evolution concerning data handling and extraction procedures, will support the later inclusion process of EnMAP into the growing scientist and user communities.