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At least 217 records · Page 12

A Pride of Satellites in the Constellation Leo? Discovery of the Leo VI Milky Way Satellite Ultra-faint Dwarf Galaxy with DELVE Early Data Release 3

Abstract We report the discovery and spectroscopic confirmation of an ultra-faint Milky Way satellite in the constellation of Leo. This system was discovered as a spatial overdensity of resolved stars observed with Dark Energy Camera (DECam) data from an early version of the third data release of the DECam Local Volume Exploration (or DELVE) survey. The low luminosity ( M V = − 3.5 6 − 0.37 + 0.47 ; L V = 230 0 − 700 + 1200 L ⊙ ), large size ( R 1 / 2 = 9 0 − 30 + 30 pc), and large heliocentric distance ( D = 11 1 − 6 + 9 kpc) are all consistent with the population of ultra-faint dwarf galaxies (UFDs). Using Keck/DEIMOS observations of the system, we were able to spectroscopically confirm nine member stars, while measuring a tentative mass-to-light ratio of 70 0 − 500 + 1400 M ⊙ / L ⊙ and a nonzero metallicity dispersion of σ [ Fe / H ] = 0.1 9 − 0.11 + 0.14 , further confirming Leo VI’s identity as a UFD. While the system has a highly elliptical shape, ϵ = 0.5 4 − 0.29 + 0.19 , we do not find any conclusive evidence that it is tidally disrupting. Moreover, despite the apparent on-sky proximity of Leo VI to members of the proposed Crater-Leo infall group, its smaller heliocentric distance and inconsistent position in energy–angular momentum space make it unlikely that Leo VI is part of the proposed infall group.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Teleoperator system man-machine interface requirements for satellite retrieval and satellite servicing. Volume 1: Requirements

Requirements were determined analytically for the man machine interface for a teleoperator system performing on-orbit satellite retrieval and servicing. Requirements are basically of two types; mission/system requirements, and design requirements or design criteria. Two types of teleoperator systems were considered: a free flying vehicle, and a shuttle attached manipulator. No attempt was made to evaluate the relative effectiveness or efficiency of the two system concepts. The methodology used entailed an application of the Essex Man-Systems analysis technique as well as a complete familiarization with relevant work being performed at government agencies and by private industry.

Malone, T. B.↗

Satellite auxiliary-propulsion selection techniques. Applications of selection techniques to the ATS-H satellite

The analysis required to estimate auxiliary-propulsion system requirements for a mission which includes tipoff rate reduction, acquisitions, disturbance torques, orbital disturbances, and spacecraft commanded maneuvers is presented. The comparison of several candidate auxiliary-propulsion systems and system combinations for an advanced applications technology satellite (ATS-H) is described. A generalized auxiliary-propulsion system tradeoff, based on mission cost effectiveness criteria, is examined. The specific mission assumptions for the ATS-H spacecraft are included, along with a discussion of the sensitivity of the final selection to these assumptions.

Holcomb, L. B.↗

Providing satellite systems for the national weather satellite services.

Discussion of cooperative arrangements and agreements among NASA, the Department of Commerce, and other governmental agencies in developing and operating meteorological satellite systems. The development of present interagency agreements and their conditions are discussed along with differences from the usual NASA program introduced by the supplier-client relationship between NASA and NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

Stroud, W. G.↗

A one way Doppler tracking system for satellite to satellite tracking

An S-band tracking system employing one way Doppler applicable to the tracking and data relay system (TDRS) was evaluated. This evaluation is limited to the measurement system parameters. The analysis assumes state-of-the-art components such as spacecraft oscillator long term stability of one part in 10 to the 8th power and ground station oscillator stability of one part in 10 to the 11th power. Signal characteristics comparable with the present ranging systems are utilized in the analysis. Predicated upon measurement system parameters, position uncertainties for the low orbiting spacecraft vary from 5 meters to 2 kilometers along track, 4 meters to 1 kilometer cross track, and 1 meter to 180 meters radially depending upon the tracking geometry and the high satellite position and velocity error assumptions.

Bryan, J. W.↗

Utilization of satellite-satellite tracking data for determination of the geocentric gravitational constant (GM)

Range rate tracking of GEOS 3 through the ATS 6 satellite was used, along with ground tracking of GEOS 3, to estimate the geocentric gravitational constant (GM). Using multiple half day arcs, a GM of 398600.52 + or - 0.12 cu km/sq sec was estimated using the GEM 10 gravity model, based on speed of light of 299792.458 km/sec. Tracking station coordinates were simultaneously adjusted, leaving geopotential model error as the dominant error source. Baselines between the adjusted NASA laser sites show better than 15 cm agreement with multiple short arc GEOS 3 solutions.

Martin, C. F.↗

Astrometric observations of the satellites of the outer planets. I - The Galilean satellites in 1977

Astrometric observations of the Galilean satellites of Jupiter performed around the opposition of 1977 with a 67-cm photovisual refractor are reported. The measurements are reduced to absolute and intersatellite positions by two different methods: a linear least-squares plate-constant solution to the AGK3 reference-star frame and the trail-scale method of Pascu (1977). Results of a plate-constant reduction are also presented for two observations of JV (Amalthea). Comparison of the data with Liske's (1978) theoretical predictions for the intersatellite positions indicates no systematic bias in the data; a probable scatter of about 15 arcsec in both right ascension and declination is estimated.

Ianna, P. A.↗

A study of autonomous satellite navigation methods using the global positioning satellite system

Special orbit determination algorithms were developed to accommodate the size and speed limitations of on-board computer systems of the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System. The algorithms use square root sequential filtering methods. A new method for the time update of the square root covariance matrix was also developed. In addition, the time update method was compared with another square root convariance propagation method to determine relative performance characteristics. Comparisions were based on the results of computer simulations of the LANDSAT-D satellite processing pseudo range and pseudo range-rate measurements from the phase one GPS. A summary of the comparison results is presented.

Tapley, B. D.↗

A propagation effects handbook for satellite systems design. A summary of propagation impairments on 10-100 GHz satellite links, with techniques for system design

This handbook provides satellite system engineers with a concise summary of the major propagation effects experienced on Earth-space paths in the 10 to 100 GHz frequency range. The dominant effect, attenuation due to rain, is dealt with in terms of both experimental data from measurements made in the U.S. and Canada, and the mathematical and conceptual models devised to explain the data. Rain systems, rain and attenuation models, depolarization and experimental data are described. The design techniques recommended for predicting propagation effects in Earth-space communications systems are presented. The questions of where in the system design process the effects of propagation should be considered, and what precautions should be taken when applying the propagation results are addressed in order to bridge the gap between the propagation research data and the classical link budget analysis of Earth-space communications system.

Kaul, R.↗