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At least 271 records · Page 15

PRISM (Polarized Radiation Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission): an extended white paper

PRISM (Polarized Radiation Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission) was proposed to ESA in May 2013 as a large-class mission for investigating within the framework of the ESA Cosmic Vision program a set of important scientific questions that require high resolution, high sensitivity, full-sky observations of the sky emission at wavelengths ranging from millimeter-wave to the far-infrared. PRISM's main objective is to explore the distant universe, probing cosmic history from very early times until now as well as the structures, distribution of matter, and velocity flows throughout our Hubble volume. PRISM will survey the full sky in a large number of frequency bands in both intensity and polarization and will measure the absolute spectrum of sky emission more than three orders of magnitude better than COBE FIRAS. The data obtained will allow us to precisely measure the absolute sky brightness and polarization of all the components of the sky emission in the observed frequency range, separating the primordial and extragalactic components cleanly from the galactic and zodiacal light emissions. The aim of this Extended White Paper is to provide a more detailed overview of the highlights of the new science that will be made possible by PRISM, which include: (1) the ultimate galaxy cluster survey using the Sunyaev-Zeldovich (SZ) effect, detecting approximately 10{sup 6} clusters extending to large redshift, including a characterization of the gas temperature of the brightest ones (through the relativistic corrections to the classic SZ template) as well as a peculiar velocity survey using the kinetic SZ effect that comprises our entire Hubble volume; (2) a detailed characterization of the properties and evolution of dusty galaxies, where the most of the star formation in the universe took place, the faintest population of which constitute the diffuse CIB (Cosmic Infrared Background); (3) a characterization of the B modes from primordial gravity waves generated during inflation and from gravitational lensing, as well as the ultimate search for primordial non-Gaussianity using CMB polarization, which is less contaminated by foregrounds on small scales than the temperature anisotropies; (4) a search for distortions from a perfect blackbody spectrum, which include some nearly certain signals and others that are more speculative but more informative; and (5) a study of the role of the magnetic field in star formation and its interaction with other components of the interstellar medium of our Galaxy. These are but a few of the highlights presented here along with a description of the proposed instrument.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

archi : pipeline for light curve extraction of CHEOPS background stars

ABSTRACT High precision time-series photometry from space is being used for a number of scientific cases. In this context, the recently launched CHaracterizing ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS) (ESA) mission promises to bring 20 ppm precision over an exposure time of 6 h, when targeting nearby bright stars, having in mind the detailed characterization of exoplanetary systems through transit measurements. However, the official CHEOPS (ESA) mission pipeline only provides photometry for the main target (the central star in the field). In order to explore the potential of CHEOPS photometry for all stars in the field, in this paper, we present archi, an additional open-source pipeline module1 to analyse the background stars present in the image. As archi uses the official data reduction pipeline data as input, it is not meant to be used as an independent tool to process raw CHEOPS data but, instead, to be used as an add-on to the official pipeline. We test archi using CHEOPS simulated images, and show that photometry of background stars in CHEOPS images is only slightly degraded (by a factor of 2–3) with respect to the main target. This opens a potential for the use of CHEOPS to produce photometric time-series of several close-by targets at once, as well as to use different stars in the image to calibrate systematic errors. We also show one clear scientific application where the study of the companion light curve can be important for the understanding of the contamination on the main target.

Silva, André M.↗

Quantifying the Biophysical and Socioeconomic Drivers of Changes in Forest and Agricultural Land in South and Southeast Asia

South and Southeast Asia (SSEA) has been a hotspot for land use and land cover change (LULCC) in the past few decades. The identification and quantification of the drivers of LULCC are crucial for improving our understanding of LULCC trends. So far, the biophysical and socioeconomic drivers of forest change have not been quantified at the regional scale, particularly for SSEA. In this study, we quantify the biophysical and socioeconomic drivers of forest change on a country-by-country basis in SSEA using an integrated quantitative methodology, which systematically accounts for previously published driver information and regional datasets. We synthesize more than 200 publications to identify the drivers of the forest change at different spatial scales in SSEA. Subsequently, we collect spatially explicit proxy data to represent the identified drivers. We quantify the dynamics of forest and agricultural land from 1992 to 2015 using the Climate Change Initiative (CCI) land cover data developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). A geographically weighted regression method is employed to quantify the spatially heterogeneous drivers of forest change. Our results show that socioeconomic drivers are more important than biophysical drivers for the conversion of forest to agricultural land in South Asia and maritime Southeast Asia. In contrast, biophysical drivers are more important than socioeconomic drivers for the conversion of agricultural land to forest in maritime Southeast Asia and less important in South Asia. Both biophysical and socioeconomic drivers contribute approximately equally to both changes in the mainland Southeast Asia region. By quantifying the dynamics of forest and agricultural land and the spatially explicit drivers of their changes in SSEA, this study provides a solid foundation for LULCC modeling and projection.

Xu, Xiaoming↗

Distinct properties of the triplet pair state from singlet fission

Singlet fission, the conversion of a singlet exciton (S 1 ) to two triplets (2 × T 1 ), may increase the solar energy conversion efficiency beyond the Shockley-Queisser limit. This process is believed to involve the correlated triplet pair state 1 (TT). Despite extensive research, the nature of the 1 (TT) state and its spectroscopic signature remain actively debated. We use an end-connected pentacene dimer (BP0) as a model system and show evidence for a tightly bound 1 (TT) state. It is characterized in the near-infrared (IR) region (~1.0 eV) by a distinct excited-state absorption (ESA) spectral feature, which closely resembles that of the S 1 state; both show vibronic progressions of the aromatic ring breathing mode. We assign these near-IR spectra to 1 (TT)→S n and S 1 →S n' transitions; S n and S n' likely come from the antisymmetric and symmetric linear combinations, respectively, of the S 2 state localized on each pentacene unit in the dimer molecule. The 1 (TT)→S n transition is an indicator of the intertriplet electronic coupling strength, because inserting a phenylene spacer or twisting the dihedral angle between the two pentacene chromophores decreases the intertriplet electronic coupling and diminishes this ESA peak. In addition to spectroscopic signature, the tightly bound 1 (TT) state also shows chemical reactivity that is distinctively different from that of an individual T 1 state. Using an electron-accepting iron oxide molecular cluster [Fe 8 O 4 ] linked to the pentacene or pentacene dimer (BP0), we show that electron transfer to the cluster occurs efficiently from an individual T 1 in pentacene but not from the tightly bound 1 (TT) state. Thus, reducing intertriplet electronic coupling in 1 (TT) via molecular design might be necessary for the efficient harvesting of triplets from intramolecular singlet fission.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

AEDGE: Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration in Space

We propose in this White Paper a concept for a space experiment using cold atoms to search for ultra-light dark matter, and to detect gravitational waves in the frequency range between the most sensitive ranges of LISA and the terrestrial LIGO/Virgo/KAGRA/INDIGO experiments. This interdisciplinary experiment, called Atomic Experiment for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration (AEDGE), will also complement other planned searches for dark matter, and exploit synergies with other gravitational wave detectors. We give examples of the extended range of sensitivity to ultra-light dark matter offered by AEDGE, and how its gravitational-wave measurements could explore the assembly of super-massive black holes, first-order phase transitions in the early universe and cosmic strings. AEDGE will be based upon technologies now being developed for terrestrial experiments using cold atoms, and will benefit from the space experience obtained with, e.g., LISA and cold atom experiments in microgravity. This paper is based on a submission (v1) in response to the Call for White Papers for the Voyage 2050 long-term plan in the ESA Science Programme. ESA limited the number of White Paper authors to 30. However, in this version (v2) we have welcomed as supporting authors participants in the Workshop on Atomic Experiments for Dark Matter and Gravity Exploration held at CERN: ({\tt https://indico.cern.ch/event/830432/}), as well as other interested scientists, and have incorporated additional material.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

E-band Nd 3+ amplifier based on wavelength selection in an all-solid micro-structured fiber

Here, a Nd 3+ fiber amplifier with gain from 1376 nm to 1466 nm is demonstrated. This is enabled by a wavelength selective waveguide that suppresses amplified spontaneous emission between 850 nm and 1150 nm. It is shown that while excited state absorption (ESA) precludes net gain below 1375 nm with the exception of a small band from 1333 nm to 1350 nm, ESA diminishes steadily beyond 1375 nm allowing for the construction of an efficient fiber amplifier with a gain peak at 1400 nm and the potential for gain from 1375 nm to 1500 nm. A peak small signal gain of 13.3 dB is measured at 1402 nm with a noise figure of 7.6 dB. Detailed measurements of the Nd 3+ emission and excited state absorption cross sections suggest the potential for better performance in improved fibers. Specifically, reduction of the fiber mode field diameter from 10.5 µm to 5.25 µm and reduction of the fiber background loss to <10 dB/km at 1400 nm should enable construction of an E-band fiber amplifier with a noise figure < 5 dB and a small signal gain > 20 dB over 30 nm of bandwidth. Such an amplifier would have a form factor and optical properties similar to current erbium fiber amplifiers, enabling modern fiber optic communication systems to operate in the E-band with amplifier technology similar to that employed in the C and L bands.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Porotomo: InSAR Data from San Emidio Geothermal Field, Nevada, 1992-2010

This submission contains tarred pair directories for interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data covering San Emidio Geothermal Field in Nevada, USA as part of the porotomo project. Data included within this submission are the following: > ENVI_T120_GDR.tgz: Tarred directory containing 39 Envisat track 120 tarred, pair subdirectories spanning from 2003-Oct-29 to 2010-Jun-09. > ENVI_T27_GDR.tgz: Tarred directory containing 32 Envisat track 27 tarred, pair subdirectories spanning from 2004-Jun-23 to 2010-Apr-28. > ERS_T27_GDR.tgz: Tarred directory containing 35 ERS track 27 tarred, pair subdirectories spanning from 1992-Jun-07 to 2000-Sep-27. > ENVI_T27_SQR_drange_utm_cut.grd: SqueeSAR-derived data product for Enivsat track 27 from Eneva, et al. (2011) (provided by TRE Altamira) in terms of unwrapped range change rate. > MSTvsSQR_GDR.tgz: Tarred directory containing Easting gradient files for each satellite and track corresponding to the MST data products and the SqueeSAR data products. > sanem_dem_utm.grd: Digital elevation model (DEM) used in the creation of the interferograms. Explanation of pair subdirectories (contained within ENVI_T120_GDR, ENVI_T27_GDR, ERS_T27_GDR): Pairs are chosen based on a minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm with image quality (as measured by the amount of phase noise within an interferometric pair) as the weighting criterion. Pairs are formed using the InSAR processing software GMT5SAR (Sandwell et al., 2011). Pair subdirectories are named by starting and ending epochs in YYYYMMDD_YYYYMMDD format. Each tarred pair directory contains GRD files for wrapped phase data (radians) and wrapped phase data after application of a modified Goldstein filter that depends on coherence (Goldstein & Werner, 1997; Baran et al., 2003; Sandwell et al., 2011). The data are given in both latitude/longitude and Universal Transverse Mercator (Zone 11N). Raw Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data from the Envisat and ERS satellite missions operated by the European Space Agency (ESA) are copyrighted by ESA and were provided through the WInSAR consortium at the UNAVCO facility.

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY↗

Regional Source-Type Discrimination Using Nonlinear Alignment Algorithms

The discrimination problem in seismology aims to accurately classify different underground source types based on local, regional, and/or teleseismic observations of ground motion. Typical discriminant approaches are rooted in fundamental, physics-based differences in radiation pattern or wave excitation, which can be frequency-dependent and may not make use of the full waveform. In this article, we explore whether phase and amplitude distances derived from dynamic time warping (DTW) and elastic shape analysis (ESA) can inform event discrimination. We demonstrate the ability to distinguish underground point sources using synthetic waveforms calculated for a 1D Earth model and various source mechanisms. We then apply the method to recorded data from events in the Korean Peninsula, which includes declared nuclear explosions, a collapse event, and naturally occurring earthquakes. Phase and amplitude distances derived from DTW and ESA are then used to classify the event types via dendrogram and k-nearest-neighbor clustering analyses. Using information from the full waveform, we show how different underground sources can be distinguished at regional distances. We highlight the potential of these nonlinear alignment algorithms for discrimination and comment on ways we can extend the framework presented here.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station Construction Project: Biological Assessment

The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 153 et seq.), as amended (ESA or Act) in section 7(a)(1) directs Federal agencies to conserve and recover listed species and use their authorities in the furtherance of the purposes of the Act by carrying out programs for the conservation of endangered and threatened species so that listing is no longer necessary (50 CFR §402). Furthermore, the Act in section 7(a)(2) directs Federal agencies to consult (referred to as section 7 consultation) with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) when their activities “may affect” a listed species or designated critical habitat. This biological assessment (BA) analyzes the potential effects of the proposed Spallation Neutron Source Second Target Station STS construction project on the U. S. Department of Energy Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR) on Federal listed threatened, endangered, proposed, and under consideration for Federal listing bat species, pursuant to section 7(a)(2) of the ESA.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

The 2013 FLEX—US Airborne Campaign at the Parker Tract Loblolly Pine Plantation in North Carolina, USA

The first European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA collaboration in an airborne campaign to support ESA’s FLuorescence EXplorer (FLEX) mission was conducted in North Carolina, USA during September–October 2013 (FLEX-US 2013) at the Parker Tract Loblolly Pine (LP) Plantation (Plymouth, NC, USA). This campaign combined two unique airborne instrument packages to obtain simultaneous observations of solar-induced fluorescence (SIF), LiDAR-based canopy structural information, visible through shortwave infrared (VSWIR) reflectance spectra, and surface temperature, to advance vegetation studies of carbon cycle dynamics and ecosystem health. We obtained statistically significant results for fluorescence, canopy temperature, and tower fluxes from data collected at four times of day over two consecutive autumn days across an age class chronosequence. Both the red fluorescence (F685) and far-red fluorescence (F740) radiances had highest values at mid-day, but their fluorescence yields exhibited different diurnal responses across LP age classes. The diurnal trends for F685 varied with forest canopy temperature difference (canopy minus air), having a stronger daily amplitude change for young vs. old canopies. The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) was positively correlated with this temperature variable over the diurnal cycle. Tower measurements from mature loblolly stand showed the red/far-red fluorescence ratio was linearly related to canopy light use efficiency (LUE) over the diurnal cycle, but performed even better for the combined morning/afternoon (without midday) observations. This study demonstrates the importance of diurnal observations for interpretation of fluorescence dynamics, the need for red fluorescence to understand canopy physiological processes, and the benefits of combining fluorescence, reflectance, and structure information to clarify canopy function versus structure characteristics for a coniferous forest.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

Viking telecommunication effects of GEOS satellite interference based on testing at the Madrid deep space station

In support of the ongoing NASA-European Space Agency (ESA) effort to understand and control possible interference between missions, testing was conducted at the Madrid Deep Space Station from July 1975 to February 1976 to characterize the effect on Viking 1975 telecommunication link performance of Geodetic Earth-Orbiting Satellite (GEOS) downlink signals. The prime use of the data was to develop a capability to predict GEOS interference effects for evaluation of Viking 1975 mission impacts and possible temporary GEOS shutdown. Also, the data would serve as a basis for assessment of the GEOS impact on missions other than Viking as well as for more general interference applications. Performances of the reference receiver, telemetry, and planetary ranging were measured in the presence of various types of GEOS-related interference, including an unmodulated GEOS carrier and simulation of the actual spectrum by an ESA-supplied GEOS suitcase model.

Stuhr, F. V.↗

EVAL system concept definition. Partial spacelab payload

The preliminary design of an earth-viewing spacelab payload, with accommodations shared by both NASA and ESA is addressed. Mission parameters for this flight include a launch date of September 1981, an inclination of 57 deg, and an orbital altitude of 325 km. A seven-day mission is planned. The NASA portion of this payload is assigned to the EVAL (Earth Viewing Applications Laboratory) program. The ESA complement is designed as a multiuser payload.

Source record↗

Ariane is less costly than the space shuttle

'Ariadne', the European rocket, was found to be less costly than the American space shuttle, judging by the price proposals sent to Intelsat for the orbiting of its three latest telecommunications satellites in the Intelsat 5 series. The 'Ariadne' is being offered by the ESA and CNES at a ceiling price of $20 million, while the shuttle is priced by NASA at $22.5 million under the same condition. Neither the U. S. nor ESA have endorsed these prices officially. They are being presented as estimates. The 'Ariadne' has a ceiling price, which can only be adjusted downwards, if need be. The launching prices of both of these spacecraft do not include the cost of adapting the Intelsat 5 satellites, designed for the Atlas Centaur rocket.

Langereux, P.↗

Effect of dehydration on erythropoiesis in mice - Relevance to the 'anemia' of space flight

Mice deprived of water for 24 h showed an increase in hematocrit and loss of body weight comparable to that seen in men during space flight. The increase in hematocrit was entirely due to a decrease in plasma volume and was associated with suppression of erythropoiesis, but with no significant change in the serum titer of a presumptive humoral regulator of erythropoiesis, Erythroid Stimulating Activity (ESA). Mice deprived of water for 24 h may be a useful model for the study of the early hematological effects of space flight. The suppression of erythropoiesis due to a relative erythrocytosis appears to be independent of ESA.

Dunn, C. D. R.↗

International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) Post Launch Report 2

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE), an Explorer class ultraviolet astronomy mission, is an international cooperative program between the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), and the European Space Agency (ESA) which provides for a single launch into geosynchronous orbit to conduct spectral distribution studies of celestial and solar system ultraviolet sources. The spacecraft and scientific instruments were designed and fabricated at the Goddard Space Flight Center. The spectrograph camera was provided by the UK; ESA provided the solar array as well as the European ground station. The IUE observatory system was designed to functionally resemble a ground-based optical observatory at which guest observers could execute observing programs in real time. Observatory performance substantially exceeded design and mission objectives. The secondary mission objectives were also met.

Source record↗

Operation of SC5 rapid scan particle spectrometer on SCATHA satellite

The SC5 rapid scan particle spectrometer, operating on the SCATHA satellite, is discussed. SC5 in-orbit operation and reduction of electrostatic analyzer (ESA) spectra are addressed. ESA data summaries from ion and electron gun operations are explained. Data from gun operations show how the satellite potential responds and provide information on the various time constants involved.

Hanser, F. A.↗

Status of SAFT silver hydrogen cell development

Nickel-hydrogen cells appear to be an improvement over the nickel-cadmium in applications requiring longer lifetime and reduced weight. An even more efficient couple, the silver-hydrogen couple, is also considered. After a theoretical study first performed by the Battelle Institute of Geneva under ESA (European Space Agency) contract, SAFT has undertaken more detailed analyses of the silver-hydrogen degradation mechanisms. ESA and the French Department of Defense contracted with SAFT for a full-development program of the silver-hydrogen technology.

Goualard, B. J.↗

Prospects for augmenting Spacelab capability

Extensions and improvements projected for the baseline Spacelab system are with emphasis on near-term improvements currently being investigated by the ESA. This ESA Phase B study is primarily concerned with resources augmentation and mission duration extensions. Attention is also given to such long-term Spacelab applications as its use as an element of a larger space platform structure, constituting a permanently manned facility for the 1987/1990 period. Near-term improvements include the incorporation of radiator panels that cover the upper surface of the Spacelab module or extend outward from its pallets, pallet size variations for greater payload accommodation flexibility, and the accommodation of crews in the Spacelab interior.

Wienss, W.↗