Detection of ultrahigh-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos by radio method using artificial lunar satellites

An estimate of the feasibility of the ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray and neutrino detection using a lunar satellite-borne radio receiver is presented. The data obtained in the proposed experiment will make resolving the current contradictions in the ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray spectra measured with the major ground-based instruments possible. Moreover, they will enable us to considerably extend the accessible energy range and to check predictions of various models of the origin of the highest-energy particles in the Universe. At the same time the lunar radio detector provides a means of searching for ultrahigh-energy neutrinos with a high sensitivity combined with a very large target effective mass.     

Application of laser diode beacons for determination of coordinates of space and ground objects

We consider the principles of constructing measurement schemes with optical autonomous laser diode beacons for space and ground objects. The structure, functional scheme, and cyclogram of operation of such beacons are described. Possible scenarios of application of the beacons for providing high-precision localization of space and ground devices are analyzed.     

Experimental Flight of a Spacecraft with Solar Sail

We analyze the prospects of launching an experimental spacecraft with a solar sail. The problems hindering the implementation of this task are discussed. The ways to solve these problems are pointed out. The feasibility of organization of a system of controlling this spacecraft with a small consumption of propellant mass is briefly investigated.     

Radiation factors in space and a system for their monitoring.

The radiation environment is of special concern when the spaceship flies in deep space. The annual fluence of the galactic cosmic rays is approximately 10(8) cm-2 and the absorbed dose of the solar cosmic rays can reach 10 Gy per event behind the shielding thickness of 3-5 g cm-2 Al. For the radiation environment monitoring it is planned to place a measuring complex on the space probes "Mars" and "Spectr" flying outside the magnetosphere. This complex is to measure: cosmic rays composition, particle flux, dose equivalent, energy and LET spectra, solar X-rays spectrum. On line data transmission by the space probes permits to obtain the radiation environment data in space.     

Mars glob: Creation of an international network of Mars surface landers

Program MARS GLOB provides step-by-step deployment of an international network of Mars surface stations by association the MESUR NETWORK (USA), INTERMARS-NET (ESA) programs with the network of small stations and penetrators now under developing in Russia jointly with international cooperation in frameworks of the MARS-96 Project. It is offering also delivery on Mars surface two penetrators and Mars Rover. Now penetrators and Rover are developing by Russia with participation of other countries in frameworks of the MARS-98 (or MARS TOUR) Project.     

Phobos-Grunt: Russian sample return mission

As an important milestone in the exploration of Mars and small bodies, a new generation space vehicle “Phobos-Grunt” is planned to be launched by the Russian Aviation and Space Agency. The project is optimized around a Phobos sample return mission and follow up missions targeted to study some main asteroid belt bodies, NEOs and short period comets. The principal constraint is use of the “Soyuz-Fregat” rather than the “Proton” launcher to accomplish these challenging goals. The vehicle design incorporates innovative SEP technology involving electrojet engines that allowed us to increase significantly the mission's energetic capabilities, as well as highly autonomous on-board systems. Basic criteria underlining the “Phobos-Grunt” mission scenario, scientific objectives and rationale including Mars observations during the vehicle's insertion into Mars orbit and Phobos approach maneuvers, are discussed and an opportunity for international cooperation is suggested.     

Pyromechanical and detonation systems of construction separation in spacecraft for planetary and astrophysical investigations

Theoretical and experimental aspects of design of service devices and systems using burning and explosion energy to separate automatic spacecraft constructions are considered. The main dependences necessary for their calculation are presented. The areas of rational application of one or another type of separation devices are determined, and the results of ground tests of separation systems are given. The practical recommendations on designing the described systems for separation of high-precision automatic spacecraft for planetary and astrophysical investigations are presented.     

Trajectory Control for a Spacecraft with an Inflatable Braking Device in the Martian Atmosphere

The possibility of using an inflatable braking device for controlled descent in the Martian atmosphere of large-capacity cargoes is analyzed. The most complicated version of the trajectory control problem is considered, namely, the injection of a spacecraft at hyperbolic velocity into a parking orbit after braking in the atmosphere.