Mass Constraints Research Articles

Improved Companion Mass Limits for Sirius A with Thermal Infrared Coronagraphy Using a Vector-apodizing Phase Plate and Time-domain Starlight-subtraction Techniques

We use observations with the infrared-optimized Magellan Adaptive Optics (MagAO) system and Clio camera in 3.9 μm light to place stringent mass constraints on possible undetected companions to Sirius A. We suppress the light from Sirius A by imaging it through a grating vector-apodizing phase plate coronagraph with a 180° dark region (gvAPP-180). To remove residual starlight in postprocessing, we apply a time-domain principal-components-analysis-based algorithm we call PCA-Temporal, which uses eigen time series rather than eigenimages to subtract starlight. By casting the problem in terms of eigen time series, we reduce the computational cost of postprocessing the data, enabling the use of the fully sampled data set for improved contrast at small separations. We also discuss the impact of retaining fine temporal sampling of the data on final contrast limits. We achieve postprocessed contrast limits of 1.5 × 10−6–9.8 × 10−6 outside of 0.″75, which correspond to planet masses of 2.6–8.0 M J. These are combined with values from the recent literature of high-contrast imaging observations of Sirius to synthesize an overall completeness fraction as a function of mass and separation. After synthesizing these recent studies and our results, the final completeness analysis rules out 99% of ≥9 M J planets from 2.5 to 7 au.

Multiscale topology optimization of pelvic bone for combined walking and running gait cycles

We propose a multiscale topology optimization procedure of pelvic bone using weighted compliance minimization. In macroscale optimization, a level set-based method is used, which gives a binary structure. In microscale optimization, cubic lattice-based homogenization is done while keeping the global geometry fixed. For the macroscale, a volume constraint equal to the volume of the pelvic bone is imposed, whereas, for the microscale, a mass constraint equal to the mass of the pelvic bone is imposed. The optimal geometries are compared with pelvic bone using different metrics and show good similarity with the same. Designed geometries are additively manufactured and experimentally tested for stiffness.

Cosmological constraints from galaxy clusters and groups in the eROSITA final equatorial depth survey

ABSTRACT We present the first cosmological study of a sample of eROSITA clusters, which were identified in the eROSITA Final Equatorial Depth Survey (eFEDS). In a joint selection on X-ray and optical observables, the sample contains 455 clusters within a redshift range of 0.1 < z < 1.2, of which 177 systems are covered by the public data from the Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC) survey that enables uniform weak-lensing cluster mass constraints. With minimal assumptions, at each cluster redshift we empirically model (1) the scaling relations between the cluster halo mass and the observables, which include the X-ray count rate, the optical richness, and the weak-lensing mass, and (2) the X-ray selection in terms of the completeness function $\mathcal {C}$. Using the richness distribution of the clusters, we directly measure the X-ray completeness and adopt those measurements as informative priors for the parameters of $\mathcal {C}$. In a blinded analysis, we obtain the cosmological constraints $\Omega _{\mathrm{m}}= 0.245^{+0.048}_{-0.058}$, $\sigma _{8}= 0.833^{+0.075}_{-0.063}$, and $S_{8}\equiv \sigma _{8}\left(\Omega _{\mathrm{m}}/0.3\right)^{0.3}= 0.791^{+0.028}_{-0.031}$ in a flat ΛCDM cosmology. Extending to a flat wCDM cosmology leads to the constraint on the equation of state parameter of the dark energy of w = −1.25 ± 0.47. The eFEDS constraints are in good agreement with the results from the Planck mission, the galaxy–galaxy lensing and clustering analysis of the Dark Energy Survey, and the cluster abundance analysis of the SPT-SZ survey at a level of ≲ 1σ. With the empirical modelling, this work presents the first fully self-consistent cosmological constraints based on a synergy between wide-field X-ray and weak lensing surveys.

The travel speeds of large animals are limited by their heat-dissipation capacities.

Movement is critical to animal survival and, thus, biodiversity in fragmented landscapes. Increasing fragmentation in the Anthropocene necessitates predictions about the movement capacities of the multitude of species that inhabit natural ecosystems. This requires mechanistic, trait-based animal locomotion models, which are sufficiently general as well as biologically realistic. While larger animals should generally be able to travel greater distances, reported trends in their maximum speeds across a range of body sizes suggest limited movement capacities among the largest species. Here, we show that this also applies to travel speeds and that this arises because of their limited heat-dissipation capacities. We derive a model considering how fundamental biophysical constraints of animal body mass associated with energy utilisation (i.e., larger animals have a lower metabolic energy cost of locomotion) and heat-dissipation (i.e., larger animals require more time to dissipate metabolic heat) limit aerobic travel speeds. Using an extensive empirical dataset of animal travel speeds (532 species), we show that this allometric heat-dissipation model best captures the hump-shaped trends in travel speed with body mass for flying, running, and swimming animals. This implies that the inability to dissipate metabolic heat leads to the saturation and eventual decrease in travel speed with increasing body mass as larger animals must reduce their realised travel speeds in order to avoid hyperthermia during extended locomotion bouts. As a result, the highest travel speeds are achieved by animals of intermediate body mass, suggesting that the largest species are more limited in their movement capacities than previously anticipated. Consequently, we provide a mechanistic understanding of animal travel speed that can be generalised across species, even when the details of an individual species' biology are unknown, to facilitate more realistic predictions of biodiversity dynamics in fragmented landscapes.

Numerical Investigation of Film Coefficient Approximation for Chemically Reacting Boundary-Layer Flows

Aerothermal analysis of spacecraft planetary entry is heavily dependent on heritage engineering models. The film coefficient heat transfer model examined in this paper estimates the convective heating to the vehicle for a laminar, dissociated, chemically reacting boundary layer for an Earth atmosphere. This model requires information about the vehicle and flowfield for a given trajectory point and estimates a proportional relationship between enthalpy potential and convective heat flux. In practice it is the aerothermal engineer who must decide which assumptions are appropriate for his/her application. This work looks at numerous CFD simulations for an arbitrary, axisymmetric flight vehicle to analyze the relative importance of both the mass and energy constraints imposed at the wall boundary, as well as the effect of various diffusion models. Within the subset of tested energy boundary conditions, it is found that the most desirable energy boundary condition is the radiative equilibrium boundary condition, which permits conservative estimates of convective heat flux, but also generates flowfield-dependent spatial thermal distributions along the surface. Other key findings are presented in an effort to make the film coefficient engineering model readily available to design engineers across industry.

Self-bound embedding Class I anisotropic stars by gravitational decoupling within vanishing complexity factor formalism

We present a spherically symmetric embedding Class I solution for compact star models using the gravitational decoupling approach. We have chosen a null complexity factor condition proposed by Herrera (Phys Rev D 97:044010, 2018) in the context of a self-gravitating system and derive the anisotropic solution through a systematic approach given by Contreras and Stuchlik (Eur Phys J C 82:706, 2022). In this regard, we use the Finch–Skea model along with the mimicking of mass constraint to find fluid pressure and the matter-energy density from the Einstein Field Equations (EFE). We tested the physical viability and impact of gravitational decoupling on the anisotropic solution through the graphical representation. Moreover, the energy exchange between the fluid distributions along with the mass-radius ratio of different compact objects has been also discussed.

Origami-Inspired Deployable Space Habitats

Origami is increasingly used as a source of inspiration in a wide variety of disciplines. In this project, we explore cylindrical origami structures, referred to as “origami bellows”, as novel geometries for orbital space habitats. The dimensions of space habitats are limited by the tight mass and volume constraints imposed by launcher payload fairings. Future deployable habitats based on foldable origami bellows have the potential to achieve large volumes when deployed, while being capable of compacting to smaller stowed configurations for launch. To assess the feasibility of such habitat designs, the deployment performance of a selection of bellows was investigated. Bellows formed from Kresling and Miura-ori patterns were considered; both expand axially, but Miura-ori patterns experience an additional radial expansion. Our scope was also limited to patterns which are stable in both the stowed and deployed configurations. Habitats were judged on their internal and effective volume expansions; the latter being adjusted to account for the practicalities of operating within a complex habitat geometry. We find that significant internal and effective volume expansions are achievable, particularly for Miura-ori geometries. Nonetheless, we make the argument for Kresling patterns as a more practical option due to their simpler geometries, despite smaller volume expansions. We find our Kresling geometries to have effective volumes between 2.5 - 3.6 times greater than a conventional habitat launched in a fairing of equal volume. Our work shows that origami-based designs do indeed have potential to greatly outperform current space habitat designs. Keywords: Origami Bellows, Space Habitats, Deployable Structures

Viscoelastic damping design – A novel approach for shape optimization of Constrained Layer Damping treatments at different ambient temperatures

Passive damping plays an important role in the vibration mitigation of aeronautic structures. In contrast to active systems, passive damping systems do not require any energy supply. Thus, their readiness is independent, which reduces the failure probability compared to active systems. Constrained Layer Damping (CLD) has become an established treatment for damping bending vibrations. Unlike other passive systems such as shock-mounts, CLD can be compactly integrated into an existing structure as an add-on solution. However, the design scope is limited by mass constraints and the optimal design for maximum damping must be found by optimization. For this purpose, a novel optimization approach is presented. The layer widths of the core and face layers of a CLD structure are treated as design parameters. Compared to the strategy of placing CLD patches on vibration antinodes, the proposed approach provides up to 52 % higher damping. The optimal design of a generic beam structure is determined considering different modes, viscoelastic material stiffnesses and ambient temperatures. Furthermore, the simulated damping is experimentally verified for a shape-optimized beam. The analyses show that the optimal design depends significantly on the viscoelastic material stiffness and is therefore temperature dependent. As a consequence, a generalized design guideline for CLD treatments cannot be derived.

Effect of color superconductivity on the mass of hybrid neutron stars in an effective model with perturbative QCD asymptotics

The effective cold quark matter model by Alford, Braby, Paris, and Reddy (ABPR) is used as a tool for discussing the effect of the size of the pairing gap in three-flavor (CFL) quark matter on the maximum mass of hybrid neutron stars (NSs). This equation of state (EOS) has three parameters which we suggest to determine by comparison with a nonlocal Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (nlNJL) model of quark matter in the nonperturbative domain. We show that due to the momentum dependence of the pairing which is induced by the nonlocality of the interaction, the effective gap parameter in the EOS model is well approximated by a constant value depending on the diquark coupling strength in the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio (NJL) model Lagrangian. For the parameter ${a}_{4}=1--2{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}/\ensuremath{\pi}$ a constant value below about 0.4 is needed to explain hybrid stars with ${\mathrm{M}}_{\mathrm{max}}\ensuremath{\gtrsim}2.0{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$, which would translate to an effective constant ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}\ensuremath{\sim}1$. The matching point with a running coupling at the 1-loop $\ensuremath{\beta}$ function level is found to lie outside the range of chemical potentials accessible in NS interiors. A dictionary is provided for translating the free parameters of the nlNJL model to those of the ABPR model. Both models are shown to be equivalent in the nonperturbative domain but the latter one allows to quantify the transition to the asymptotic behavior in accordance with perturbative QCD. We provide constraints on parameter sets that fulfill the $2{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ mass constraint for hybrid NSs, as well as the low tidal deformability constraint from GW170817 by a softening of the EOS on the hybrid NS branch with an early onset of deconfinement at ${\mathrm{M}}_{\text{onset}}<1.4{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$. We find that the effective constant pairing gap should be around 100 MeV but not exceed values of about 130 MeV because a further increase of the gap would entail a softening of the EOS and contradict the $2{M}_{\ensuremath{\bigodot}}$ mass constraint.

On stability of rotational 2D binary Bose–Einstein condensates

We consider a two-dimensional nonlinear Schrödinger equation proposed in Physics to model rotational binary Bose–Einstein condensates. The nonlinearity is a logarithmic modification of the usual cubic nonlinearity. The presence of both the external confining potential and rotating frame makes it difficult to apply standard techniques to directly construct ground states, as we explain in an appendix. The goal of the present paper is to analyze the orbital stability of the set of energy minimizers under mass constraint, according to the relative strength of the confining potential compared to the angular frequency. The main novelty concerns the critical case where these two effects compensate exactly (lowest Landau Level): orbital stability is established by using techniques related to magnetic Schrödinger operators.

Multiple convected conditions in Williamson nanofluidic flow with variable thermal conductivity: Revised bioconvection model

The importance of bioconvection into the application of nanoparticles has had a significant impact on fundamental technological and industrial functions in recent years. These discussions are being carried forward by the bioconvection appearance on that flow by attracting nanoparticles into additional features on thermal radiation and activation energy. The investigation had been proposed on the appealing features of the mass and thermal convective boundary constraints. The high desirable subclass on rate-type fluid, especially Williamson fluid, was used to anticipate the absolute rheological parameters. The designated partial differential system was modified along with nonlinear ordinary differential equations applying enhance being related conversion, the designated partial differential system was modified along nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The governing equations are interpreted into ordinary differential equations, and in the following, shooting process was obeyed to build up the mathematical classification on the convert dimensionless flow problem. This value of physical restraint was displayed on the table and plots tests. This noted theoretical imitation could be highly successful in improving the solar energy systems and thermal extrusion processes. The outcomes reported that the rise in Weissenberg number and Hartmann number decreased the nanoparticles velocity distribution. The progressing temperature distribution was observed to develop radiation parameter and thermal conductivity parameter. That was further noted to modify bioconvection Lewis number and Peclet number that were reduced into motile microorganism distribution effectively.

On the stability of macro–mini robotic systems for physical human–robot interaction

This paper addresses the stability of macro–mini robotic systems in a context of physical human–robot interaction (pHRI). A simple model including a one-degree-of-freedom (one-dof) macro robot and a one-dof mini robot is investigated using a state-space representation in order to assess the controllability and stability of the system. In this work, the stability of the system is analysed in more detail regarding two perspectives of the interaction process, namely the human force input and the human position input. Moreover, physical limits and the frequency response of the macro–mini system are also examined. Therefrom, this study derives a general formula for the constraints of the virtual mass and the virtual damping. Possible choices of these parameters in certain ranges are graphically and visually demonstrated. Simulations are carried out in order to demonstrate the stability and the behaviour of the system with different input signals. The conclusions of the analysis can be used in the design of multi-dof macro–mini systems. An example of a 12-dof macro–mini system is briefly described to illustrate potential applications.

Effectiveness of the 3D-printing procedure in the synthesis of hybrid catalysts for the direct hydrogenation of CO2 into dimethyl ether

This work highlights the effectiveness of an unconventional synthesis of hybrid systems for the direct hydrogenation of carbon dioxide into dimethyl ether (DME), based on micro-extrusion of a ink-like catalytic paste by a robocasting procedure. Due to the possibility to exert a fine control over the structure, surface and geometric architecture, the adopted printing technique really ensures a superior management of heat and mass constraints in respect of the conventional powdered catalysts, the catalyst functionality resulting to be tightly dependent on the cooperation between metal-oxide and acidic phase. Additionally, the accessibility both of the CO2 activation and methanol (MeOH) dehydration sites over the hybrid micro-extruded catalyst most importantly affects the catalytic performance, as suggested by the values of turnover frequency of CO2 conversion and DME formation pointing out the need for a favorable exposure of chemisorption sites of different nature to enhance the specific reactivity.

Updated radial velocities and new constraints on the nature of the unseen source in NGC1850 BH1

ABSTRACT A black hole candidate orbiting a luminous star in the Large Magellanic Cloud young cluster NGC 1850 (∼100 Myr) has recently been reported based on radial velocity and light-curve modelling. Subsequently, an alternative explanation has been suggested for the system: a bloated post-mass transfer secondary star (Minitial ∼ 4–5 M⊙ and Mcurrent ∼ 1–2 M⊙) with a more massive, yet luminous companion (the primary). Upon reanalysis of the MUSE spectra, we found that the radial velocity variations originally reported were underestimated (K2, revised = 176 ± 3 km s−1 versus K2, original = 140 ± 3 km s−1) because of the weighting scheme adopted in the full-spectrum fitting analysis. The increased radial velocity semi-amplitude translates into a system mass function larger than previously deduced (frevised = 2.83 M⊙versus foriginal = 1.42 M⊙). By exploiting the spectral disentangling technique, we place an upper limit of 10 per cent of a luminous primary source to the observed optical light in NGC1850 BH1, assuming that the primary and secondary are the only components contributing to the system. Furthermore, by analysing archival near-infrared data, we find clues to the presence of an accretion disc in the system. These constraints support a low-mass post-mass transfer star but do not provide a definitive answer whether the unseen component in NGC1850 BH1 is indeed a black hole. These results predict a scenario where, if a primary luminous source of mass M ≥ 4.7 M⊙ is present in the system (given the inclination and secondary mass constraints), it must be hidden in a optically thick disc to be undetected in the MUSE spectra.

A passive leg-support exoskeleton adversely affects reactive balance after simulated slips and trips on a treadmill

Occupational exoskeletons have become more prevalent as an ergonomic control to reduce the physical demands of workers. While beneficial effects have been reported, there is relatively little evidence regarding potential adverse effects of exoskeletons on fall risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a leg-support exoskeleton on reactive balance after simulated slips and trips. Six participants (three females) used a passive, leg-support exoskeleton that provided chair-like support in three experimental conditions (no exoskeleton, low-seat setting, high-seat setting). In each of these conditions, participants were exposed to 28 treadmill perturbations from an upright standing posture simulating a backward slip (0.4–1.6 m/s) or a forward trip (0.75–2.25 m/s). The exoskeleton increased the probability of a failed recovery, and adversely affected reactive balance kinematics, after simulated slips and trips. After simulated slips, the exoskeleton decreased initial step length 0.039 m, decreased mean step speed 0.12 m/s, anteriorly displaced touchdown position of the initial recovery step by 0.045 m, and decreased PSIS height at initial step touchdown by 1.7 % sof its standing height. After simulated trips, the exoskeleton increased trunk angle at step 2.4 degrees, and decreased initial step length 0.033 m. These effects appeared to result from the exoskeleton inhibiting regular stepping motion due to its posterior placement on the lower limbs, added mass, and mechanical constraints on participant movement. Our results suggest care may be needed among leg-support exoskeleton users when at risk of slips or trips and motivate potential exoskeleton design modifications to reduce fall risk.

The future technological potential of hydrogen fuel cell systems for aviation and preliminary co-design of a hybrid regional aircraft powertrain through a mathematical tool

The growing demand for air travel in the commercial sector leads to an increase in global emissions, whose mitigation entails transitioning from the current fossil-fuel based generation of aircrafts to a cleaner one within a short timeframe. The use of hydrogen and fuel cells has the potential to reach zero emissions in the aerospace sector, provided that required innovation and research efforts are substantially accomplished. Development programs, investments and new regulations are needed for this technology to be safe and economical. In this context, it makes sense to develop a model-based preliminary design methodology for a hybrid regional aircraft assisted by a battery hybridized fuel cell powertrain. The technological assumptions underlying the study refer to both current and expected data for 2035. The major contribution of the proposed methodology is to provide a mathematical tool that considers the interactions between the choice of components in terms of installed power and energy management. This simultaneous study is done because of the availability of versatile control maps. The tool was then deployed to define current and future technological scenarios for fuel cell, battery and hydrogen storage systems, by quickly adapting control strategies to different sizing criteria and technical specifications. In this way, it is possible to facilitate the estimation of the impact of different sizing criteria and technological features, at the aircraft level, on the onboard electrical system, the management of in-flight power, the propulsion methods, the impact of the masses on consumption and operational characteristics in a typical flight mission. The proposed combination of advanced sizing and energy management strategies allowed meeting mass and volume constraints with state-of-the-art PEM fuel cell and Li-ion battery specifications. Such a solution corresponds to a high degree of hybridization between the fuel cell system and battery pack (i.e., 300 kW and 750 kWh), whereas projected 2035 specs were demonstrated to help reduce mass and volume by 23 % and 40 %, respectively.

The investigation of dark matter density profiles on the neutralino mass and cross-section annihilation ([formula omitted]) constraint lines of selected galaxy clusters by considering their synchrotron emission

We investigated the indirect detection of neutralino dark matter using radio observation. By looking at the energy spectrum of relativistic positron–electron, this method may provide us with the upper limit of neutralino dark matter emission. Neutralino dark matter can emit synchrotron emissions due to the interaction of relativistic positron–electron spectrum energy with the intracluster magnetic field. The synchrotron emission of dark matter highly depends on the dark matter density at the centre of the cluster. By using the cold dark matter model, the density of dark matter can be obtained using Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW), Einasto, Diemer and Kravtsov 2014 (DK14) and Hernquist profiles. Using the observed radio halo emission as the maximum emission (from dark matter and other sources), we constrained the neutralino mass (mχ) and neutralino cross-section annihilation 〈σv〉 as mχ−〈σv〉 constraint lines. We investigated the effect of different profiles on the mχ−〈σv〉 constraint lines. We also used all the basic annihilation channels for better and stronger constraint lines. Our findings demonstrated the NFW profiles provided us with a good constraint line similarly with previous study. Our results also confirmed that the τ+τ− and tt̄ channels provide us with a stronger constraint at mχ = 100 GeV and 1000 GeV, respectively. Overall, our findings are consistent for the constraint lines of all the chosen galaxy clusters namely A119, A2199, A2142, A2744, A478 and A2029.

Telemetry and Accelerometer Tracking of Green Toads in an Urban Habitat: Methodological Notes and Preliminary Findings.

Advancements in tracking technologies provide an increasingly important tool in animal monitoring and conservation that can describe animal spatial behavior in native habitats and uncover migratory routes that otherwise may be difficult or impossible to map. In addition, high-resolution accelerometer sensors provide powerful insights into animal activity patterns and can help to identify specific behaviors from accelerometer profiles alone. Previously, such accelerometers were restricted to larger animals due to size and mass constraints. However, recent advances make it possible to use such devices on smaller animals such as the European green toad (Bufotes viridis), the focus of our current study. We deploy custom made tracking devices, that consist of very-high-frequency transmitters and tri-axial accelerometers, to track toads in their native urban environment in Vienna (Austria). A total of nine toads were tracked, ranging from three to nine tracking days per individual during the post-breeding season period. We demonstrate that our devices could reliably monitor toad movement and activity during the observation period. Hence, we confirmed the predominantly nocturnal activity patterns and recorded low overall movement at this urban site. Accelerometer data revealed that toads exhibited brief but intense activity bursts between 10 pm and midnight, resting periods during the night and intermittent activity during the day. Positional tracking alone would have missed the major activity events as they rarely resulted in large positional displacements. This underscores the importance of and value in integrating multiple tracking sensors for studies of movement ecology. Our approach could be adapted for other amphibians or other animals with mass constraints and may become standard monitoring equipment in the near future.

Spatial variation in the evolutionary potential and constraints of basal metabolic rate and body mass in a wild bird.

An organism's energy budget is strongly related to resource consumption, performance, and fitness. Hence, understanding the evolution of key energetic traits, such as basal metabolic rate (BMR), in natural populations is central for understanding life-history evolution and ecological processes. Here we used quantitative genetic analyses to study evolutionary potential of BMR in two insular populations of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). We obtained measurements of BMR and body mass (Mb ) from 911 house sparrows on the islands of Leka and Vega along the coast of Norway. These two populations were the source populations for translocations to create an additional third, admixed 'common garden' population in 2012. With the use of a novel genetic group animal model concomitant with a genetically determined pedigree, we differentiate genetic and environmental sources of variation, thereby providing insight into the effects of spatial population structure on evolutionary potential. We found that the evolutionary potential of BMR was similar in the two source populations, whereas the Vega population had a somewhat higher evolutionary potential of Mb than the Leka population. BMR was genetically correlated with Mb in both populations, and the conditional evolutionary potential of BMR (independent of body mass) was 41% (Leka) and 53% (Vega) lower than unconditional estimates. Overall, our results show that there is potential for BMR to evolve independently of Mb , but that selection on BMR and/or Mb may have different evolutionary consequences in different populations of the same species.

An Effective Sensor Architecture for Full-Attitude Determination in the HERMES Nano-Satellites

The High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites (HERMES) is a constellation of 3U nano-satellites for high energy astrophysics. The HERMES nano-satellites' components have been designed, verified, and tested to detect and localize energetic astrophysical transients, such as short gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are the electromagnetic counterparts of gravitational wave events, thanks to novel miniaturized detectors sensitive to X-rays and gamma-rays. The space segment is composed of a constellation of CubeSats in low-Earth orbit (LEO), ensuring an accurate transient localization in a field of view of several steradians exploiting the triangulation technique. To achieve this goal, guaranteeing a solid support to future multi-messenger astrophysics, HERMES shall determine its attitude and orbital states with stringent requirements. The scientific measurements bind the attitude knowledge within 1 deg (1σa) and the orbital position knowledge within 10 m (1σo). These performances shall be reached considering the mass, volume, power, and computation constraints of a 3U nano-satellite platform. Thus, an effective sensor architecture for full-attitude determination was developed for the HERMES nano-satellites. The paper describes the hardware typologies and specifications, the configuration on the spacecraft, and the software elements to process the sensors' data to estimate the full-attitude and orbital states in such a complex nano-satellite mission. The aim of this study was to fully characterize the proposed sensor architecture, highlighting the available attitude and orbit determination performance and discussing the calibration and determination functions to be implemented on-board. The presented results derived from model-in-the-loop (MIL) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) verification and testing activities and can serve as useful resources and a benchmark for future nano-satellite missions.