Ionosphere monitoring and inter-frequency bias determination using Galileo: First results and future prospects

We present first results of using the European Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) Galileo for determining the Total Electron Content (TEC). Furthermore, we describe a calibration technique which can be used to determine GNSS inter-frequency and inter-system biases along with calibrated TEC.     

The evolution of the central component in SN 1986J

The unusual core-collapse supernova 1986J, in the nearby spiral NGC 891, is the first modern supernova in which evidence of a compact remnant of the supernova has been seen. This evidence comes from recent VLBI images, which show the emergence of a new radio component in the center of the expanding radio shell. The new component shows an inverted radio spectrum contrasting with that of the shell. The new component is likely radio emission associated with the black-hole or neutron star compact remnant of the explosion, which would mark the first direct observational link between a modern supernova and such a compact remnant. We report here on our recent VLBI images at 22 and 5 GHz, as well as on our monitoring of the integrated radio spectrum of SN 1986J. In the 22 GHz image, the central component is marginally resolved.     

Presupernova evolution of the most massive stars

Taking as example a 60M _⊙ star of solar metallicity, the state of the art of model calculations for very massive, from the main sequence to the supernova stage, is reviewed. It is argued that — due to the simple internal structure of Wolf-Rayet stars — the post main sequence evolutionary phases are currently those which are better understood. A brief discussion of the supernova outcome from very massive stars is given. Then, the more uncertain main sequence evolution is discussed. A first attempt to incorporate results about pulsational instabilities of very massive stars in stellar evolutionary calculations is performed. On its basis, a new type of evolutionary sequence for very massive stars is obtained, namely O-star → Of-star → H-rich WNL → LBV → H-poor WNL → WNE → WC → SN. This scenario is shown to correspond better to many observed properties of very massive stars than the standard one. It includes a model for the prototype LBV P Cygni.     

Nanosatellites and micro systems technology — capabilities, limitations and applications

In recent years Micro Systems Technology (MST) was introduced to manufacture miniaturized components for satellite subsystems, like small sensors, valves, micromotors, antennas and many more. These components can be used to build a new class of satellites weighing considerably less than 10 kg, with the capabilities comparable to present microsatellites. With the possibility of cheap mass production of such nanosatellites new applications become possible. However, the construction of very small satellites is connected with problems concerning launch, orbit control and, deorbiting. Furthermore the reduction of size creates certain limits for power consumption, data rates and optical resolutions which have to be carefully considered.     

On the conditions for fluidisation in cometary mantles

In our current understanding, active cometary nuclei comprise a volatile-depleted outer crust covering a mixture of dust and ices. During each perihelion passage the thermal wave penetrates the crust and sublimates a portion of these ices, which then escape the nucleus, dragging with them dust particles that replenish the coma and dust tail. The flux of released gases is likely to vary as a complex function of solar distance, nucleus structure, spin rate, etc. It has been previously hypothesised that at some point a fluidised state could occur, in which the gas drag is approximately equal to the weight of overlying dust and ice grains. This state is well understood and used in industrial processes where extensive mixing of the gas and solid components is desired. The literature on fluidisation under reduced gravity and pressure conditions is here reviewed and published relations used to predict the conditions under which fluidisation could occur in the near-surface of a cometary nucleus.     

Rosina – Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis

The Rosetta Orbiter Spectrometer for Ion and Neutral Analysis (ROSINA) will answer important questions posed by the mission’s main objectives. After Giotto, this will be the first time the volatile part of a comet will be analyzed in situ. This is a very important investigation, as comets, in contrast to meteorites, have maintained most of the volatiles of the solar nebula. To accomplish the very demanding objectives through all the different phases of the comet’s activity, ROSINA has unprecedented capabilities including very wide mass range (1 to >300 amu), very high mass resolution (m/Δ m > 3000, i.e. the ability to resolve CO from N₂ and ¹³C from ¹²CH), very wide dynamic range and high sensitivity, as well as the ability to determine cometary gas velocities, and temperature. ROSINA consists of two mass spectrometers for neutrals and primary ions with complementary capabilities and a pressure sensor. To ensure that absolute gas densities can be determined, each mass spectrometer carries a reservoir of a calibrated gas mixture allowing in-flight calibration. Furthermore, identical flight-spares of all three sensors will serve for detailed analysis of all relevant parameters, in particular the sensitivities for complex organic molecules and their fragmentation patterns in our electron bombardment ion sources.     

The synthesis of helium and CNO isotopes in massive stars

We present helium and CNO isotopic yields for massive mass-losing stars in the initial mass range 15M M _i 50M . We investigate their dependence on assumptions about mass loss rates, internal mixing processes, and metallicity, and specify the contributions from stellar winds and from supernova ejecta.