The Key Techniques and Design Features of YH-1 Mars Probe

In this paper, the function and composition as well as the key techniques (ultra-long distance communication, attitude determination and control, thermal control, ultra-low temperature acclimatization, etc.) of China's first Mars probe are analyzed. In combination with practical engineering conditions, the solutions of these key techniques are given. The design features of the probe are summarized, as a reference for developing the probes of the subsequent related missions in China.     

Trajectory Analysis and Design for A Jupiter Exploration Mission

The trajectory design for a Jupiter exploration mission is investigated in this paper. The differences between the Jupiter exploration trajectory and the Mars or Venus exploration trajectory are mainly concerned about. Firstly, the selection of the Jupiter-centered orbit is analyzed based on the Galileo Jupiter mission. As for the Earth-Jupiter transfer orbit, the fuel consumption of the direct transfer is too large. So the energy-saving technologies such as the planetary gravity assist should be used for the trajectory to the Jupiter. The different sequences of planetary gravity assists are examined by applying the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). According to the searched result, the Venus-Earth-Earth sequence (VEEGA) is the most effective one for the Jupiter mission. During the Jupiter mission, the spacecraft will pass though the main asteroid belt between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter, and may encounter multiple asteroids. Therefore the Jupiter mission is able to combine with the main-belt asteroid flyby mission. The design method of the intermediate asteroid flyby trajectory is also considered. At last, an entire trajectory for the Jupiter mission launched in 2023 is presented.     

Mars environment and magnetic orbiter model payload

Mars Environment and Magnetic Orbiter was proposed as an answer to the Cosmic Vision Call of Opportunity as a M-class mission. The MEMO mission is designed to study the strong interconnections between the planetary interior, atmosphere and solar conditions essential to understand planetary evolution, the appearance of life and its sustainability. MEMO provides a high-resolution, complete, mapping of the magnetic field (below an altitude of about 250 km), with an yet unachieved full global coverage. This is combined with an in situ characterization of the high atmosphere and remote sensing of the middle and lower atmospheres, with an unmatched accuracy. These measurements are completed by an improved detection of the gravity field signatures associated with carbon dioxide cycle and to the tidal deformation. In addition the solar wind, solar EUV/UV and energetic particle fluxes are simultaneously and continuously monitored. The challenging scientific objectives of the MEMO mission proposal are fulfilled with the appropriate scientific instruments and orbit strategy. MEMO is composed of a main platform, placed on a elliptical (130 × 1,000 km), non polar (77° inclination) orbit, and of an independent, higher apoapsis (10,000 km) and low periapsis (300 km) micro-satellite. These orbital parameters are designed so that the scientific return of MEMO is maximized, in terms of measurement altitude, local time, season and geographical coverage. MEMO carry several suites of instruments, made of an ‘exospheric-upper atmosphere’ package, a ‘magnetic field’ package, and a ‘low-middle atmosphere’ package. Nominal mission duration is one Martian year.     

Dynamical determination of the mass of the Kuiper Belt from motions of the inner planets of the Solar system

In this paper we determine dynamically the mass of the Kuiper Belt Objects by exploiting the latest least-squares determinations of the extra rates of perihelia of the inner planets of the Solar system. By modelling classical Kuiper Belt Objects as an ecliptic ring of finite thickness, we obtain 0.033 ± 0.115 in units of terrestrial masses. For resonant Kuiper Belt Objects, a two-ring model yields 0.018 ± 0.063. These values are consistent with recent determinations obtained using ground- and space-based optical techniques. Some implications for precise tests of Einsteinian and post-Einsteinian gravity are briefly discussed.     

The Polarization Characteristics of Mercury-like Exoplanets

This paper aimed at studying the polarization characteristics of Mercury-like exoplanets via the polarimetric phase curve of the unresolvable Mercury. We utilized the Bayesian non-linear ?tting method to get the photo- metric phase curve and the polarimetric phase curve of Mercury. From these two kinds of curves, we obtained further the polarimetric phase curve of the unresolvable Mercury. The results derived from this curve are as follows: ?rst, in the visible light waveband the order of magnitude of the polarization degree is 10−12; second, the maximum degree of polarization parallel to the scattering plane is comparable to that vertical to the scattering plane, but their corre- sponding phase angles have changed evidently in comparison with the case of the resolvable Mercury; third, when the phase angle is greater than 158°, the polarization degree of the unresolvable Mercury is almost reduced to zero.     

Analysis of Korean astronomical records with Chinese equatorial coordinates

The historical documents of ancient Korea contain abundant records on various astronomical phenomena. The historical documents of the Joseon dynasty contain observational values based on Chinese equatorial coordinate system (i.e., angular distances from the reference star of a lunar mansion and the North Pole). However, quantitative analysis of the observational values has not been carried out. In this study, we investigate the observational accuracy during the Joseon dynasty by comparing the astronomical records of Joseonwangjo Sillok (Annals of the Joseon Dynasty) and Seungjeongwon Ilgi (Daily Records of the Royal Secretariat) with modern astronomical calculations. Consequently, we find that the observational accuracy during the early Joseon dynasty was approximately 1°.2 and 0°.3 in the right ascension and declination, respectively. On the other hand, we find that the observational accuracy during the later Joseon dynasty was considerably poor. Observations of Halley's comet in 1759 were off by approximately 7° in declination. We believe that further investigation is required to verify the reason for this poor accuracy. Thus, we list the complete records used for this study in the appendix. We believe that these records also can contribute to modern studies on phenomena such as supernovae or Halley's comet. In conclusion, we believe that this study is useful for understanding ancient Korean astronomical records, even though we have considered a small number of astronomical events (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Suzaku observations of charge exchange emission from solar system objects

Recent results of charge exchange emission from solar system objects observed with the Japanese Suzaku satellite are reviewed. Suzaku is of great importance to investigate diffuse X‐ray emission like the charge exchange from planetary exospheres and comets. The Suzaku studies of Earth's exosphere, Martian exosphere, Jupiter's aurorae, and comets are overviewed (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

火星上游离子回旋波的观测研究

离子回旋波(Ion Cyclotron Wave, ICW)是指频率接近离子回旋频率的一种等离子体波,它在火星上游广泛存在,卫星观测到的频率多在质子回旋频率附近. ICW是拾起离子时的副产物,成为新生行星质子存在的间接标志.火星上游ICW自1990年首次报道以来,受到广泛的关注.总结了火星上游ICW的研究进展,包括ICW事件的观测、ICW的产生机制、统计性质以及将来的研究趋势.     

Analysis of plasma and field conditions during some intensely geo-effective transient solar/interplanetary disturbances of solar cycle 23

The problem of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling is investigated for intense geomagnetic storms (Dst < -100nT) that occurred during solar cycle 23. For this purpose interplanetary plasma and field data during some intensely geo-effective transient solar/interplanetary disturbances have been analysed. A geomagnetic index that represents the intensity of planetary magnetic activity at subauroral latitude and the other that measures the ring current magnetic field, together with solar plasma and field parameters (V, B, Bz, σB, N, and T) and their various derivatives (BV,-BVz, BV², -BzV², B²V, Bz²V, NV²) have been analysed in an attempt to study mechanism and the cause of geo-effectiveness of interplanetary manifestations of transient solar events. Several functions of solar wind plasma and field parameters are tested for their ability to predict the magnitude of geomagnetic storm.     

Seasonal evolution of Titan's dark polar hood: midsummer disappearance observed by the Hubble Space Telescope

Titan, Saturn's largest moon, has a dense organic-laden atmosphere that displays dramatic seasonal variations in composition and appearance. Here we document the evolution of the dark polar hood, first seen in 1980 by Voyager 1 around the north pole, and report quantitative measurements of the hood's disappearance from the south pole in 2002–2003 using previously unpublished observations with the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys ( HST /ACS). These data support a model of the hood as a transient structure associated with downwelling during polar winter.     

Mutual eclipses of J2 Europa by J1 Io observed at Yunnan Observatory in 2009

Mutual events between natural satellites include mutual occultation and mutual eclipse. Mutual eclipse is another kind of mutual occultation as viewed from the center of the Sun instead of the Earth. Two mutual eclipses of J2 Europa by J1 Io (2009 Aug. 28 and Sept. 12) were observed at Yunnan Observatory during the PHEMU09 international campaign. We will calculate the astrometric data of these Galilean satellites by analyzing and fitting the light curves we obtained. The limb-darkening was considered during...     

Constraints on the C ring parameters of Saturn at the Titan −1:0 resonance

A one-armed spiral bending wave in Saturn's rings excited by Titan's −1:0 inner vertical resonance is one of the most prominent oscillatory features observed by Voyager 1 . We study detailed dynamics of the particles inside the ring, and show that one of the main causes of the complete dissipation of the bending wave within a distance of ∼85 km from the resonance site could be as a result of the presence of a strong shear caused by radial velocity variation along the vertical direction. Assuming this to be the only source, Voyager data would suggest that if the surface density of matter is around 0.45 g cm⁻² and the amplitude of the bending wave is around 1200 m, then the upper limit of total vertical thickness of the C ring near this resonance is around 40 m.     

中国首颗综合性太阳探测卫星

作为中国首颗综合性太阳探测卫星的先进天基太阳天文台(Advanced Space-based Solar Observatory, ASO-S)于北京时间2022年10月9日7时43分在酒泉卫星发射中心成功发射. 扼要介绍ASO-S卫星提出的背景、卫星的研制历程、科学目标、载荷构成、任务总体以及卫星研制的组织架构, 并对卫星的运行和科学产出略作展望.     

ASO-S中文专辑: 序言

先进天基太阳天文台(ASO-S)是我国第一个获得批准立项的太阳空间探测卫星任务.本专辑共包含了14篇文章,着重介绍了卫星平台和有效载荷在研制过程中的一些重要的方面和具体的细节.本中文专辑的14篇文章和ASO-S卫星英文专辑的13篇文章,构成了ASO-S卫星从科学到仪器乃至分析方法较为完整的系统性介绍.     

Dynamical objectives of observation of mutual events

Recently the motion of the main satellites of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus have been modelled in order to get accurate ephemerides. These models have been fitted over a large amount of observations. Among these ones, the positions issued from the observations of mutual events are the most accurate. We can then expect to obtain a new kind of dynamical informations directly linked to planetological questions. We have to determine what information is used in these observations to get the still unknown dynamical parameters. We look after these questions especially in the Jovian and Saturnian systems.     

VISPO project: visible image-spectrometer for planetary observations

Satellite instrumentations designed for planetary studies are often open to other interesting applications from ground: not only one can efficiently carry out detailed calibrations before space data become available, but also the prototypes of the satellite instruments can be successfully employed in different fields ranging from astrophysics to cosmology. Both possibilities are opened by coupling these instruments with ground based telescopes having short focal ratios, like those designed for far infrared studies. These possibilities are particularly amazing in view of the long delay usually present between the launch and the collection of the first scientific data (months in case of Mars Express, years in case of Rosetta).

We propose in this article to employ immediately this technology, by coupling the developing model of the Image-Spectrometer VIRTIS-M with the ground telescope MITO.

This project will allow us to perform a better calibration of the space qualified instrument and observational campaigns, including some important cosmological investigations.