Exploration Of Other Planets Research Articles

Analysis of an impact-driven capsule robot

A mobile device without external moving parts is considered. Its displacement is caused by controlled motion of an internal mass and external friction. Applications include medical diagnostics, inspection of pipelines, and exploration of other planets. The essence of the proposed model lies in collisions between the moving mass and the shell of the robot. It is shown that with a proper control pattern the device can move with an arbitrarily large velocity bounded only by the motor capacity. Moreover, the motion is possible even in the case of a weak motor: this property is caused by a remarkable feature of mechanical impact, which is that it creates a large force due to the accumulation of small forces, similar to that of a hammer.

Intelligent Deployable Mini Rover from the Mars Rover for Deep Narrow Scientific Investigation

The paper describes various issues faced by mini rover deployed from main rover in an alien environment and the ways to solve them. The rover features a rocker bogie mechanism with differential drive, collision free distance sensing, wireless XBee control and camera Vision. The rover features a flexible segmented body with a multipurpose arm, corresponding multi wheel mechanism and Kinect module integration for advanced image processing. The system control, for both the Rover as well the robotic arm integrated with it, is done using feasible yet extremely efficient microcontrollers and microprocessors such as Arduino, Raspberry pi etc. Inspired from nature, a reflex mechanism has also been integrated into the rover design to minimize damage, by automated safety reflexes. The six wheeled rocker bogie mechanism ensures that it can traverse over a considerable height greater than the chassis height which could be as much as twice the diameter of the wheels. The rocker bogie mechanism provides traction due to its body weight. The rover finds applications in the exploration of other planets and harsh environments. Such an effort may even prove to be instrumental in detection and study of biological activity in worlds other than ours.

An online planetary exploration tool: “Country Movers”

Results in astrogeologic investigations are rarely communicated towards the general public by maps despite the new advances in planetary spatial informatics and new spatial datasets in high resolution and more complete coverage. Planetary maps are typically produced by astrogeologists for other professionals, and not by cartographers for the general public. We report on an application designed for students, which uses cartography as framework to aid the virtual exploration of other planets and moons, using the concepts of size comparison and travel time calculation. We also describe educational activities that build on geographic knowledge and expand it to planetary surfaces.

Space radiation simulation using blowout plasma wakes at the SAMURAI Lab

We discuss the creation of broadband electron energy spectra using plasma wakefield acceleration at the SAMURAI Lab as part of the UCLA Particle Beam Physics Laboratory group. As the exploration and development of space increases, it will become important to efficiently replicate radiation conditions that exist in low earth orbit and planetary space. Missions such as satellite deployment and exploration of other planets, i.e. the Juno probe launched to explore Jupiter [1], require electronics that are able to withstand the electron radiation spectrum present in these locations. This requires Earth-based testing for development of robust electronics with respect to electron radiation exposure. Conventional accelerators are poorly suited for this purpose because they are designed for monoenergetic electron beams. Current simulation schemes involve the interpolation of discrete exposure tests, with time structures entirely different from space events. This idea poorly captures the radiation damage physics seen in the real world. Conversely, the wakefields produced in the blowout regime of beam plasma wakefield accelerators can be used to create the full spectrum of space radiation including high energy “killer” electrons by injecting a long bunch to excite the plasma blowout. With a long bunch (kpσz≈2) the beam will feel both accelerating and decelerating fields, resulting in an exponential or power law energy spectrum distribution seen in regions outside the Earth and Jupiter. This can be achieved at the new SAMURAI lab at UCLA resulting in broadband energy spectra with maximum energies up to 100MeV that correctly reflect the radiative conditions of space in low Earth orbit and around Jupiter.

우주항법을 위한 GPS/SDINS/ST 결합 알고리듬

A GPS/SDINS/ST(Star Tracker) integrated sensor algorithm is more robust than the GPS/SDINS and the ST/SDINS systems on exploration of other planets. Most of the advanced studies shown that GPS/SDINS/ST integrated sensor with centralized Kalman filter was more accurate than those 2 integrated systems. The system, however, consist of a single filter, it is vulnerable to defects on failed data. To improve the problem, we work out a study using federated Kalman filter(No-Reset mode) and centralized Kalman filter with adaptive measurement fusion which known as robustness on fault. The simulation results show that the debasing influences are reduced and the computation is enable at least 100Hz. Further researches that the initial calibration in accordance with observability and applying the exploration trajectory are needed.

Evaluation of Dielectric Properties of HTCC Alumina for Realization of Plasma Sources

The prospect of finding life outside Earth has fascinated mankind for ages, and new technology continuously pushes the boundary of how remote and how obscure evidence we can find. Employing smaller, or completely new, types of landers and robots, and equipping them with miniature instruments would indeed revolutionize exploration of other planets and moons.In this thesis, microsystems technology is used to create a miniature high-precision isotope-resolving molecular spectrometer utilizing the optogalvanic effect. The heart of the instrument, as well as this thesis, is a microplasma source.The plasma source is a split-ring resonator, chosen for its simplicity, pressure range and easily accessible plasma, and modified to fit the challenging application, e.g., by the adding of an additional ground plane for improved electromagnetic shielding, and the integration of microscopic plasma probes to extract the pristine optogalvanic signal.Plasma sources of this kind have been manufactured in both printed circuit board and alumina, the latter for its chemical inertness and for compatibility with other devices in a total analysis system. From previous studies, classical optogalvanic spectroscopy (OGS), although being very sensitive, is known to suffer from stability and reproducibility issues. In this thesis several studies were conducted to investigate and improve these shortcomings, and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, extensive work was put into understanding the underlying physics of the technique.The plasma sources developed here, are the first ever miniature devices to be used in OGS, and exhibits several benefits compared to traditional solutions. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that OGS scales well with miniaturization. For example, the signal strength does not decrease as the volume is reduced like in regular absorption spectroscopy. Moreover, the stability and reproducibility are greatly increased, in some cases as much as by two orders of magnitude, compared with recent studies made on a classical OGS setup. The signal-to-noise ratio has also been greatly improved, e.g., by enclosing the sample cell and by biasing the plasma. Another benefit of a miniature sample cell is the miniscule amount of sample it requires, which can be important in many applications where only small amounts of sample are available.To conclude: With this work, an important step toward a miniature, yet highly performing, instrument for detection of extraterrestrial life, has been taken.

推力スイッチングによる帯電セイル宇宙機の軌道制御に関する研究

An electric sail is a new propulsion system uses the solar wind dynamic pressure as a thrust force. We analyzed the probability of the orbital control not changing sail plane angle but switching an electron gun connected with tethers. First, locally optimal switching laws are derived from Lagrange variational equations analytically. By theoretical calculations and numerical simulations, these switching laws are effective for changing some orbital elements. Moreover, mission applicability is studied. Assuming minimum time transfer problem between circular and coplanar orbits, optimal control laws are studied with direct approach. We conclude that the switching orbital control method is effective for exploration of other planets.

Planetary protection for human exploration of Mars

Human astronauts have unique capabilities that could greatly facilitate scientific exploration of other planets. However, when searching for life beyond Earth, these capabilities can be utilized effectively only if the biological contamination associated with human presence is monitored and minimized. This is termed planetary protection, and is a critical element in human exploration beyond Earth. Planetary protection must be incorporated from the earliest stages of mission planning and development, to ensure proper implementation. Issues involve both “forward contamination”, the contamination of other solar system bodies by Earth microbes and organic materials, and “backward contamination”, the contamination of Earth systems, including astronauts, by biological hazards or potential alien life. Conclusions from a number of international workshops held over the last six years recognize that some degree of forward contamination associated with human astronaut explorers is inevitable. Nevertheless, when humans are exploring space the principles and policies of planetary protection, developed by COSPAR in accordance with the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, still apply. Implementation guidelines include documenting and minimizing contamination of the exploration targets, control at the most stringent levels for locations in which Earth life might grow, and protection of humans from exposure to untested planetary materials. Preventing harmful contamination of the Earth must be of the highest priority for all missions.

Planetary science: Multiple data sets, multiple scales, and unlocking the third dimension

Observations of the planets in our solar system cover a wide range of scales and are undertaken using a variety of techniques and platforms, resulting in extremely rich data sets. This review paper provides a basic introduction to the available range of planetary science data sets, and the combination of these data sets over a range of scales, resolutions, and techniques to address geological problems. The wealth of data available and the use of a selected combination of data sets to address geological problems are best illustrated by taking a closer look at the planet Mars. As a result of the increasing precision of spacecraft sensors, we now have data sets that cover the whole planet at spatial resolutions ranging from kilometers down to meters (e.g., Mars Global Surveyor) and multiple wavelengths (e.g., Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter), which have been collected over several years. This global coverage is complemented by surface missions that provide localized data sets down to microscopic resolutions (Mars Exploration Rovers). Thus, it is now possible to study geological features and processes quantitatively over an impressive range of scales. The combination of new data sets from current and future missions to Mars (e.g., Mars Express and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter) will facilitate attempts to unlock the third dimension of Martian geology. The experience gained at Mars will help us to plan and exploit the 3-D exploration of other planets in the future.

Fostering links between environmental and space exploration: the Earth and Space Foundation

The links between Earth and space exploration occur across a broad spectrum, from the use of satellite technology to support environmental monitoring and habitat protection to the study of extreme environments on Earth to prepare for the exploration of other planets. Taking the view that Earth and space exploration are part of a mutually beneficial continuum is in contrast to the more traditionally segregated view of these areas of activity. In its most polarized manifestation, space exploration is regarded as a waste of money, distracting from solving problems here at home, while environmental research is seen to be introspective, distracting from expansive visions of exploring the frontier of space. The Earth and Space Foundation was established in 1994 to help further mutually beneficial links by funding innovative field projects around the world that work at the broad interface between environmental and space sciences, thus encouraging the two communities to work together to solve the challenges facing society. This paper describes the work of the foundation and the philosophy behind its programmes.

A realistic view of the future of scientific ballooning

The events of the past twenty years have brought about significant increases in the reliability of scientific balloon vehicles and operations. Scientists have enjoyed an unprecedented flight success ratio in recent years. Significant discoveries in the atmospheric science and space science disciplines have recently been made using balloon-borne instruments. Unfortunately, the number of balloon flights is decreasing each year and the number of new scientists using balloons is decreasing. In order for scientific ballooning to survive well into the twenty-first century, significant improvements must be made in the way technological advances are planned and coordinated. These improvements must be based on the needs of our customer scientists. This paper summarizes the technological advances made in recent years that will meet the ever growing needs of the science community. The advances in balloon technology include increased flight duration ability, heavy load capability using new launch techniques, and very high altitude capability using thin films. The advances have been driven largely by the development work in NASA's ULDB program. Other advances have improved the possibilities of building a successful stratospheric airship and also of building balloons for exploration of other planets.

A phase-control approach for a large-element coherent microwave power uplink system

Signal combining efficiencies of 98% have been achieved on low-Earth orbiting (LEO) debris with phase-locking of time-overlapped radar pulses from a two-element phased-array consisting of two 34-m beam waveguide steerable paraboloid antennas separated by 204 m. The uplink arraying at 7.19 GHz has been achieved for tracks from about 10/spl deg/ elevation at signal rise to 4/spl deg/ elevation at signal set under varying weather conditions (e.g., hail failing on one antenna). The typical root mean square (RMS) phase error for two coherent 100-/spl mu/s 50-Hz 5-kW peak pulses reflected from LEO debris with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) >23 dB is less than 4/spl deg/. The phase-control system design, methods of calibration, and details of the design control table of phasing error contributors are presented and discussed. Based upon the measured performance, we predict that transmitting antennas for the Deep Space Network (DSN) could be coherently arrayed for up to hours at a time given static phase error calibrations on exo-atmospheric debris. Applications for this technique include low-cost implementation of high-power microwave transmitters for deep-space communication and radars for exploration of other planets and as part of a defense against comets and asteroids.

Search for chiral molecules and optical activity in extraterrestrial systems. Example of titan

One of the main characteristics of terrestrial life is the role of optically active organic substances. Thus a search for chiral compounds and optical activity on an extraterrestrial body may give an indication of the presence of life, either fossilized or still in existence. If only abiotic conditions are prevailing the same search may still provide interesting information on the possible origins of homochiral families of biomolecules on Earth (e.g. the amino acids). In this respect, Saturn's satellite Titan is exemplary. A list of some of the most simple chiral derivatives devoid of oxygen atoms possibly present on Titan is presented. The interest of an investigation of optical activity is discussed taking into account some significant parameters. This raises numerous difficult technical problems which once solved may be helpful for further exploration of other planets.

Life Detection Instruments

Introduction The field of biology has been confronted recently with the paradox of being the only natural science which has yet to demonstrate that any of its terrestrially based conceptual schemes have any universal significance. The various thoughts, ideas, and principles of present day biology apply to only one kind of life-life on Earth. Prior to recent times, biologists were not in a position to attempt any progress in what was to become a new biological discipline of exobiology, or the study of extraterrestrial life. The sciences of physics and chemistry have long enjoyed the utilization of celestial mechanics and stellar spectra as a means of extending terrestrial principles to levels of universal significance. But now, with the growing space program, there are tools with which biologists can undertake the exploration of other planets in an attempt to detect, understand, and perhaps one day, develop an abstract definition of life as it exists throughout the Universe. The relationship of our planet's geologic history, as well as its past and present astronomical heritage, has provided a somewhat well understood model of how life has arisen, evolved, and is presently existing on Earth. The exploration of other planets in terms of astronomical and geologic experiments can lead to certain conclusions regarding extraterrestrial life. The Russian biochemist, A. I. Oparin, has pointed out that: Consequently, the origin of life is not a fortunate, extremely improbable event, but quite a regular phenomena subject to a deep and scientific analysis and allaround study. It is obvious that there must be numerous inhabited planets in the Universe and, in particular, in our Galaxy. This quite indisputable assertion, however, is based on consideration of a general nature and must be confirmed in each concrete case by an examination of the actual conditions which prevail on the cosmic bodies accessible to investigation by the methods of modern science. (1) The most advantageous condition for the study of extraterrestrial life would be to have an actual sample of it for study right here on Earth. The process of returning planetary samples over millions of miles of space is, as yet, beyond the present capabilities of space technology. In fact, by the time such an advanced state of technology is reached, it may not be necessary, as manned spacecraft flights to Mars and Venus may have become equally feasible. (2) What follows is an attempt to describe the present approaches to designing automatic life detection devices which available launch vehicles can transport to the surfaces of various planets. These instruments range in various stages of develcpment from laboratory-based experiments to operational models currently being tested for space flight. The techniques for carrying out such missions have been well demonstrated by American and Russian interplanetary space probes. Most notable among these missions was the 1964-65 American Mariner IV fly-by of Mars at a distance of 7,000 miles. The prime trajectory and mid-course secondary trajectory maneuvers of the spacecraft Mariner IV illustrated the excellent state of the art with regard to interplanetary spacecraft control. The numerous experiments and vidicon television photographs of the Martian surface substantiated the telemetry reception capabilities of