DOCSLIB.ORG

ISU Team Project

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ISU Team Project This project has been sponsored by: REVolution Final Report International Space University Summer Session Program 2005 © International Space University. All Rights Reserved. i The 2005 Summer Session Program of the International Space University was hosted by the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Rear cover page image of ISU SSP 2005 poster courtesy of David MacEntee Additional copies of the Executive Summary and the Report may be ordered from the International Space University Headquarters. The Executive Summary, ordering information and order form may also be found on the ISU web site at http://www.isunet.edu International Space University Strasbourg Central Campus Attention: Publications/Library Parc d’Innovation 1 rue Jean-Dominique Cassini 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden France Tel. +33 (0)3 88 65 54 32 Fax. +33 (0)3 88 65 54 47 e-mail. [email protected] ii ____________________________ Acknowledgements The International Space University Summer Session Program 2005 and the work on the Team Project were made possible through the generous support of the following organizations: SSP 2005 Host Location University of British Columbia Team Sponsors Team Project Staff George Dyke, 1st Quarter Co-Chair Gary Martin, 2nd Quarter Co-Chair Dr. Chris Welch, 2nd Half Co-Chair Sébastien Gorelov, Team Project Teaching Associate International Space University Faculty and Academic Team Carol Carnett, Legal Aid Bureau, Inc. Jim Burke, Former NASA Jet Propulsion Lab External Experts Harley Thronson, NASA Headquarters Dr. Jim Dator, University of Hawaii Prof. Takashi Kubota, JAXA Prof. Ichiro Nakatani, JAXA Dr. Kazuya Yoshida, Tohuku University Prof. Mikhail Marov, Russian Academy of Science Marie-Josée Bourassa, Canadian Space Agency Jon Bergstrom, Bergstrom Learning Center We would like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who was involved with this project and offered their insights and experience. We would like to extend our apologies to anyone who we might have missed in the list above. Our appreciation also goes out to all the Faculty and Staff for their hard work without which this entire project would not have gone so smoothly. iii _________________________________________ Authors Justo Alcázar Díaz Aroh Barjatya Technology R&D Engineer PhD Student, European Space Agency/ESTEC SPAIN INDIA Utah State University Liliana Barrios Katia Belley Software Engineer BASc, Université de Sherbrooke MDA Space Missions MEXICO CANADA Jeffrey Brink Yuanwen Cai Systems Engineer Beijing Institute of Space Medico- NASA Kennedy Space Center USA CHINA Engineering Juan Martin Canales Romero Damien Cailliau German Space Operations Center EADS Space Transportation FRANCE PERU DLR Fiorella Coliolo Daphne Dador European Space Agency Student, MA HQ, Paris ITALY USA George Washington University Brian Derkowski Ahmet Eren Systems Engineer Student, MSc Middle East NASA Johnson Space Center USA TURKEY Technical University Jixia Fan Marc Fricker Systems Engineer, Shanghai Robotics Instructor Academy of Spaceflight Technology CHINA CANADA Canadian Space Agency Daniel Fudge Jean-François Hamel MDA Space Missions Ph.D. Student MASc, University of Toronto CANADA CANADA Université de Sherbrooke Jonas Jonsson Niall Hurley MSc, Space Engineering Student, Electronic Engineering IRELAND SWEDEN Luleå Teleniska Universitet Aaron Kennedy Adnan Khan MEng, Electro-Mechanical BEng, Electrical Engineering Engineering CANADA CANADA iv Jade Lu Aijun Ma Systems Engineer Beijing Institute of Space Medico- The Boeing Company USA CHINA Engineering Michael Meijers Richard Minns Systems Engineer, ASTRON Systems Engineer, MDA NETHERLANDS CANADA Sadahiro Mizuatni Christine Nam Japanese Marketing MSc, University of Alberta X PRIZE Foundation JAPAN CANADA Lilja Nikulasdottir Aimin Niu MSc, Spacecraft Engineering Senior Engineer, China Manned Luleå Teleniska Universitet ICELAND CHINA Space Engineering Office Ramón Noguerón Sánchez Roger Oliva Balagué Ph.D. Student, Universitat Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Politecnica de Catalunya SPAIN SPAIN Catalunya Courtney Pankop Vidar Ovrebo Engineer/Scientist Project Manager NORWAY USA The Boeing Company Christian Paulsen Guus Reijnders MSc Space Technology Project Engineer Narvik University College NORWAY NETHERLANDS Bradford Engineering B.V. Danielle Renton Alberto Rodríguez García Spacecraft Systems Engineer Telecom Eng., Msc. Mathematics European Space Agency/ESTEC CANADA SPAIN Robotic Research, ESAII Frank Scheuerpflug Chris Runciman Student, Aerospace Engineering BASc, University of Toronto CANADA GERMANY University of Technology, Munich Nicola Soper Florian Stagliano MEng, Mechanical Engineering Student, Aerospace Engineering University of Bath, UK UK GERMANY University of Technology, Munich Bijal Thakore Luuk Van Barneveld MEng, Aerospace Engineering MSc, Delft University University of Bath, UK INDIA NETHERLANDS v ________________________________________ Abstract The REVolution architecture proposes a series of missions, in a framework of international cooperation, to explore the planet Venus in a context of comparative planetology with Earth and Mars. Scientific interests in comparative planetology have recently been recognized by a panel of scientists as a major flaw in current NASA and ESA scientific roadmaps. The REVolution architecture directly addresses this concern. Moreover, within the architecture a series of scientific expeditions are planned to address the search for life in the upper atmosphere, the current state of the greenhouse effect, and understanding the surface composition of the planet. The REVolution architecture includes missions that can be accomplished with current technologies, but addresses technology development that must occur for future missions to succeed. The timeline has been established to follow currently planned expeditions to Mars, in an effort to profit from any technology advances made within that program. Unlike most scientific exploration plans, REVolution highlights key areas where private industry can participate, or at least benefit from an involvement in the program. A shift is intended for government agencies to slowly relinquish control of interplanetary exploration to private industry. The paper does not suggest that this will happen soon, rather it provides the initial steps that must be taken within the context of its timeframe. Public awareness for the REVolution program starts immediately, and will be sustained by focusing on the search for life and the study of the greenhouse effect. Although the immediate stakeholders of the REVolution architecture are intended to be the major Space Agencies, a plan to address each person in those countries is suggested. It is hoped that the people of the world will benefit equally from the rewards of knowledge gained through the exploration of Venus. At a minimum, the member states, or contributing industries, participating in the REVolution plan will benefit from advancement in technology that typically comes with exploration. vi ________________________________ Faculty Preface The 2005 International Space University (ISU) Summer Session Program (SSP) was held during July and August in Vancouver, Canada and was hosted by the University of British Columbia. The SSP brought together graduate students and space professionals from all over the world and immersed them in an intensive nine-week, interdisciplinary, intercultural and international curriculum of lectures, workshops, site visits and research. A key component of every SSP is the Team Project in which the students produce a space project on a topic of international relevance. In 2005 three different Team Projects were undertaken. This report contains the findings of one of them: REVolution, a project examining a future international architecture for the robotic exploration of the planet Venus. Executed by a team of 42 students from 18 countries, REVolution was sponsored by NASA and supported by space experts from around the world, both inside and outside the ISU community. The objectives of the project were to: • Identify and evaluate inner solar system locations for exploration and define suitable missions to return appropriate data from them. • Produce a report that can influence future international planning and execution of space exploration programs. • Provide experience in multidisciplinary teamwork, under pressure of time and resources, on a problem of current world importance. During the project the team analyzed current plans, identified future opportunities and challenges and offered recommendations to promote the future exploration of Venus while demonstrating professionalism, discipline and maturity. We, the team faculty and teaching associate, are pleased to commend both the team and its report to you. George Dyke Chris Welch First Half Co-Chair Second Half Co-Chair ISU, Canada Kingston University, UK Gary Martin Jim Burke First Half Co-Chair ISU Senior Faculty ISU, France JPL (ret.), USA Sébastien Gorelov Teaching Associate MIT, USA vii ________________________________ Student Preface First, inevitably, the idea, the fantasy, the fairy tale. Then, scientific calculation. Ultimately, fulfillment crowns the dream. — Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, 1926 In the summer of 2005 a group of 42 students from 18 countries and with various experiences and abilities in diverse disciplines worked together to outline a program for the future exploration of Venus. Coming from such different backgrounds, our main uniting force was a common inspiration to explore,
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mission to Jupiter
    This book attempts to convey the creativity, Project A History of the Galileo Jupiter: To Mission The Galileo mission to Jupiter explored leadership, and vision that were necessary for the an exciting new frontier, had a major impact mission’s success. It is a book about dedicated people on planetary science, and provided invaluable and their scientific and engineering achievements. lessons for the design of spacecraft. This The Galileo mission faced many significant problems. mission amassed so many scientific firsts and Some of the most brilliant accomplishments and key discoveries that it can truly be called one of “work-arounds” of the Galileo staff occurred the most impressive feats of exploration of the precisely when these challenges arose. Throughout 20th century. In the words of John Casani, the the mission, engineers and scientists found ways to original project manager of the mission, “Galileo keep the spacecraft operational from a distance of was a way of demonstrating . just what U.S. nearly half a billion miles, enabling one of the most technology was capable of doing.” An engineer impressive voyages of scientific discovery. on the Galileo team expressed more personal * * * * * sentiments when she said, “I had never been a Michael Meltzer is an environmental part of something with such great scope . To scientist who has been writing about science know that the whole world was watching and and technology for nearly 30 years. His books hoping with us that this would work. We were and articles have investigated topics that include doing something for all mankind.” designing solar houses, preventing pollution in When Galileo lifted off from Kennedy electroplating shops, catching salmon with sonar and Space Center on 18 October 1989, it began an radar, and developing a sensor for examining Space interplanetary voyage that took it to Venus, to Michael Meltzer Michael Shuttle engines.
    [Show full text]
  • Guide to the Robert W. Jackson Collection, 1964-1999 PP03.02
    Guide to the Robert W. Jackson Collection, 1964-1999 PP03.02 NASA Ames History Office NASA Ames Research Center Contact Information: NASA Ames Research Center NASA Ames History Office Mail-Stop 207-1 Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000 Phone: (650) 604-1032 Email: [email protected] URL: http://history.arc.nasa.gov/ Collection processed by: Leilani Marshall, March 2004 Table of Contents Descriptive Summary.......................................................................................................... 2 Administrative Information ................................................................................................ 2 Biographical Note ............................................................................................................... 3 Scope and Content .............................................................................................................. 4 Series Description ............................................................................................................... 5 Indexing Terms ................................................................................................................... 6 Container List...................................................................................................................... 7 Jackson Collection 1 Descriptive Summary Title: Robert W. Jackson Collection, 1964-1999 Collection Number: PP03.02 Creator: Robert W. Jackson Dates: Inclusive: 1964-1999 Bulk: 1967-1988 Extent: Volume: 1.67 linear feet Repository: NASA Ames History
    [Show full text]
  • Investigation of Catalyst Development from Mg2nih4 Hydride and Its Application for the CO2 Methanation Reaction
    coatings Article Investigation of Catalyst Development from Mg2NiH4 Hydride and Its Application for the CO2 Methanation Reaction Martynas Lelis *, Sarunas Varnagiris, Marius Urbonavicius and Kestutis Zakarauskas Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Breslaujos st. 3, 44403 Kaunas, Lithuania; [email protected] (S.V.); [email protected] (M.U.); [email protected] (K.Z.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +37-06-125-2924 Received: 11 November 2020; Accepted: 29 November 2020; Published: 1 December 2020 Abstract: In current study various aspects of catalyst development for the Sabatier type methanation reaction were investigated. It was demonstrated that starting from 330–380 ◦C Mg2NiH4 hydride heating under CO2 and H2 gas flow initiates hydride decomposition, disproportionation and oxidation. These reactions empower catalytic properties of the material and promotes CO2 methanation reaction. Detailed structural, colorimetric and thermogravimetric analysis revealed that in order to have fast and full-scale development of the catalyst (formation of MgO decorated by nanocrystalline Ni) initial hydride has to be heated above 500 ◦C. Another considerable finding of the study was confirmation that potentially both high grade and low grade starting Mg2Ni alloy can be equally suitable for the hydride synthesis and its usage for the promotion of methanation reactions. Keywords: Mg2NiH4; methanation; catalyst; CO2; Sabatier 1. Introduction In 2019, the European Commission declared an ambitious goal by 2050 to become the first climate-neutral continent in the world [1]. Such a transition will require comprehensive changes and improvements at every element of the energy system including its generation, storage, and utilization. Naturally, the current 20% share of the renewable energy sources in EU energy generation [2] will have to be substantially increased.
    [Show full text]
  • ANTIFATT 15RAEL:C'f, 2 SALLYPORT-NOVEMBER
    UN:VER:3I Association of Rice Alumni • November 1978 • Volume 35, Number 2 PIECING' _3,800yym 91-II5Ton ATTtLARIEK ANTIFATT 15RAEL:c'f, 2 SALLYPORT-NOVEMBER Dec. 7 North Harris Pc County — 5:30 St] Dec. 9 Angelina College — co; 5:30 — Away coi Jan. 12 St. Mary's — did 7:30 — Away ter Jan. 13 San Antonio fin 1:00 — Away MU SIC Jan. 16 SMU — ART 5:30 The Shepherd School of Music will continue te 18 Jan. Lamar — 7:00 its Fall Concert Season. All concerts take th 20 Nov. 1- "Pattern and Decoration," Jan. TCU — 2:00 place in Hanunan Hall at 8 P.M. unless an of 22 U of Houston — Dec. 13 featuring the works fifteen New Jan. otherwise noted. Concerts are free except his Away York artists. Sewall Gallery. 5:45 — when in conjunction with the Houston Friends by Jan. 8- "The Architecture of Gunnar As- Jan. 24 San Jacinto — 7:00 of Music. For more information call the Jan. 26 St. — Feb. 9 plund," an exhibition of the work of Mary's 7:00 Shepherd School Concert Line at 527-4933. Sweden's leading architect between Jan. 29 SMU — 5:00 — Away Nov. 28 Warren Deck, tuba. the two World Wars. A lecture by Mr. Jan. 31 Prairie View — 5:30 Paul Ellison, double bass. Stuart Wrede, curator of the exhibit Feb. 3 Lamar — 5:15 — Away Nov. 30 SYZYGY. Modern Art, for the Museum of New Swimming Dec. 4 Rice Symphony Orchestra. York, is planned. Sewall Gallery, Nov. 17 Rice Relays(W&M) Dec.
    [Show full text]
  • Highly Efficient Ni-Doped Iron Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis from QM
    Subscriber access provided by Caltech Library C: Surfaces, Interfaces, Porous Materials, and Catalysis Highly Efficient Ni-Doped Iron Catalyst for Ammonia Synthesis from QM-Based Hierarchical High Throughput Catalyst Screening Molly Mcdonald, Jon Fuller, Alessandro Fortunelli, William A. Goddard, and Qi An J. Phys. Chem. C, Just Accepted Manuscript • DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.9b04386 • Publication Date (Web): 20 Jun 2019 Downloaded from http://pubs.acs.org on June 20, 2019 Just Accepted “Just Accepted” manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication. They are posted online prior to technical editing, formatting for publication and author proofing. The American Chemical Society provides “Just Accepted” as a service to the research community to expedite the dissemination of scientific material as soon as possible after acceptance. “Just Accepted” manuscripts appear in full in PDF format accompanied by an HTML abstract. “Just Accepted” manuscripts have been fully peer reviewed, but should not be considered the official version of record. They are citable by the Digital Object Identifier (DOI®). “Just Accepted” is an optional service offered to authors. Therefore, the “Just Accepted” Web site may not include all articles that will be published in the journal. After a manuscript is technically edited and formatted, it will be removed from the “Just Accepted” Web site and published as an ASAP article. Note that technical editing may introduce minor changes to the manuscript text and/or graphics which could affect content, and all legal disclaimers and ethical guidelines that apply to the journal pertain. ACS cannot be held responsible for errors or consequences arising from the use of information contained in these “Just Accepted” manuscripts.
    [Show full text]
  • State of NASA Oxygen Recovery
    48th International Conference on Environmental Systems ICES-2018-48 8-12 July 2018, Albuquerque, New Mexico State of NASA Oxygen Recovery Zachary W. Greenwood1, Morgan B. Abney2, Brittany R. Brown3, Eric T. Fox4, and Christine Stanley5 NASA, George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama, 35812, USA Life support is a critical function of any crewed space vehicle or habitat. One of the key elements of the life support system is the provision of oxygen to the crew. For missions close to Earth, oxygen may be resupplied from the ground, but as we look at exploring further out into the solar system for longer periods of time oxygen recovery from metabolic carbon dioxide (CO2) becomes a priority to minimize resupply requirements and enable feasible mission architectures. For more than half a century NASA has pursued the development of technology to enable oxygen recovery from metabolic CO2. Development work has included Bosch, Sabatier, and CO2 electrolysis systems and more recently plasma reactors, ionic liquids, and other exotic processes. NASA’s historical oxygen recovery work as well as the current state of oxygen recovery work currently going on within the agency is presented and discussed. Nomenclature IL = Ionic Liquid AR = Atmosphere Revitalization ISS = International Space Station C2H2 = Acetylene MSFC = Marshall Space Flight Center C2H4 = Ethylene OGA = Oxygen Generation Assembly C2H6 = Ethane PPA = Plasma Pyrolysis Assembly C = Carbon PSI = Pounds per Square Inch CM = Crew Member PSIG = Pounds per Square Inch Gauge CDRA = Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly RGA = Residual Gas Analyzer CFR = Carbon Formation Reactor RTV = Room Temperature Vulcanizing CH4 = Methane RWGS = Reverse Water-Gas Shift CORTS = Carbon Dioxide Reduction Test Stand SBIR = Small Business Innovation Research CRA = Carbon Dioxide Reduction Assembly SCOR = Spacecraft Oxygen Recovery ECLSS = Environmental Control and Life SDU = Sabatier Development Unit Support Systems SI = Sustainable Innovations, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • V Isysphere Mars: Terraforming Meets Eng Ineered Life Adaptation MSS
    Visysphere mars: Terraforming meets engineered life adaptation MSS/MSM 2005 Visysphere Mars Terraforming Meets Engineered Life Adaptation International Space University Masters Program 2005 © International Space University. All Rights Reserved. Front Cover Artwork: “From Earth to Mars via technology and life”. Connecting the two planets through engineering of technology and life itself to reach the final goal of a terraformed Mars. The Executive Summary, ordering information and order forms may be found on the ISU web site at http://www.isunet.edu/Services/library/isu_publications.htm. Copies of the Executive Summary and the Final Report can also be ordered from: International Space University Strasbourg Central Campus Parc d’Innovation 1 rue Jean-Dominique Cassini 67400 Illkirch-Graffenstaden France Tel. +33 (0)3 88 65 54 32 Fax. +33 (0)3 88 65 54 47 e-mail. [email protected] ii International Space University, Masters 2005 Visysphere Mars Acknowledgements ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The International Space University and the students of the Masters Program 2005 would like to thank the following people for their generous support and guidance: Achilleas, Philippe Hill, Hugh Part-Time Faculty Faculty, Space Science International Space University International Space University IDEST, Université Paris Sud, France Lapierre, Bernard Arnould, Jacques Coordinator “Ethics Applied to Special Advisor to the President Engineering” course. CNES Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal Averner, Mel Marinova, Margarita Program Manager, Fundamental Planetary
    [Show full text]
  • NASA News National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington, D.C
    NASA News National Aeronautics and Space Administration Washington, D.C. 20546 AC 202 755-8370 For Release THURSDAY July 27, 1978 Pr6SS Kit Project Pioneer Venus 2 RELEASE NO: 78-101 CNASA-Ne»s-Eelease-78-101) SECOND VENOS N78-28105 SPACECBAFT SET FOB LAUNCH {National Aeronautics and Space Administration) 120 p CSCL 22A CJnclas 00/1_2 27327 Contents V* i GENERAL RELEASE ^At^S^T. 1-6 MISSION PROFILE 7-24 Pioneer Venus Multiprobe Mission 13-24 THE PLANET VENUS 25-40 MAJOR QUESTIONS ABOUT VENUS 41-42 HISTORICAL DISCOVERIES ABOUT VENUS 43-45 EXPLORATION OF VENUS BY SPACECRAFT 46-47 THE PIONEER VENUS SPACECRAFT 48-62 The Orbiter Spacecraft 53-58 The Multiprobe Spacecraft 58-62 VENUS ATMOSPHERIC PROBES 63-76 The Large Probe 63-70 The Small Probe 70-76 11 SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS 77-97 Orbiter 77-85 Orbiter Radio Science 85-88 Large Probe Experiments 88-92 Large and Small Probe Instruments 92-93 Small Probe Experiments 94 Multiprobe Bus Experiment 94-95 Multiprobe Radio Science Experiments 95-96 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS AND SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 97-100 LAUNCH VEHICLE 101-102 LAUNCH FLIGHT SEQUENCE 102 LAUNCH VEHICLE CHARACTERISTICS , . 103 ATLAS CENTAUR FLIGHT SEQUENCE (AC-50) 104 LAUNCH OPERATIONS 105 MISSION OPERATIONS 105-107 DATA RETURN, COMMAND AND TRACKING 108-111 PIONEER VENUS TEAM 112-114 CONTRACTORS 114-117 VENUS STATISTICS 118 NOTE TO EDITORS; This press kit covers the launch phase of the Pioneer Venus Multiprobe spacecraft and cruise phases of both the Pioneer Venus Orbiter and the Multiprobe spacecraft. Much of the material is also pertinent to the Venus encounter, but an updated press kit will be issued shortly before arrival at the planet in December 1978.
    [Show full text]
  • Planets Solar System Paper Contents
    Planets Solar system paper Contents 1 Jupiter 1 1.1 Structure ............................................... 1 1.1.1 Composition ......................................... 1 1.1.2 Mass and size ......................................... 2 1.1.3 Internal structure ....................................... 2 1.2 Atmosphere .............................................. 3 1.2.1 Cloud layers ......................................... 3 1.2.2 Great Red Spot and other vortices .............................. 4 1.3 Planetary rings ............................................ 4 1.4 Magnetosphere ............................................ 5 1.5 Orbit and rotation ........................................... 5 1.6 Observation .............................................. 6 1.7 Research and exploration ....................................... 6 1.7.1 Pre-telescopic research .................................... 6 1.7.2 Ground-based telescope research ............................... 7 1.7.3 Radiotelescope research ................................... 8 1.7.4 Exploration with space probes ................................ 8 1.8 Moons ................................................. 9 1.8.1 Galilean moons ........................................ 10 1.8.2 Classification of moons .................................... 10 1.9 Interaction with the Solar System ................................... 10 1.9.1 Impacts ............................................ 11 1.10 Possibility of life ........................................... 12 1.11 Mythology .............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Copyright © 2006 Shaun Moss. Published by the Mars Society with Permission
    Copyright © 2006 Shaun Moss. Published by The Mars Society with permission. TERRAFORMING MARS Shaun Moss Mars Society Australia [email protected] ABSTRACT As humankind heads into space, one of our primary goals is to find new worlds to settle. Mars stands out as far and away the most practical choice to begin this next phase of human civilization. Apart from its relative closeness, one of the main reasons for this is Mars’s potential for terraforming. The red planet’s characteristics, while representing challenges, offer an opportunity for the manifestation of a vision which has permeated human thought since the dawn of science fiction – another planet that humans can walk on without the need for a spacesuit; a planet with air, water, soil, plants and animals. Numerous thinkers have contributed to the development of terraforming strategies. This paper expands on previous work, incorporating our current understanding of Mars as well as emerging technologies. The result is a strategy that incorporates past ideas with several new ones. Terraforming is organised into 3 primary tasks: increasing the temperature, building the atmosphere, and implanting the biosphere. These are implemented in stages, favouring solutions that are controllable yet still fast. The use of robotics and genetic engineering are emphasized, based on the assumption that these technologies will be much more advanced, probably even commonplace, during the 21st – 22nd century. INTRODUCTION Goals of Terraforming Terraforming means to “make like Earth”. However, it is worthwhile clarifying what that entails. The primary mineral constituents of a world must probably remain as they are, along with its size, mass, orbital characteristics, and level of gravity.
    [Show full text]
  • Introduction to Radiocarbon Determination by the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Method
    Beta Analytic Inc. (Headquarters) Beta Analytic Limited 4985 SW 74 Court London Bioscience Innovation Centre Miami, Florida 33155 2 Royal College Street USA London NW10NH Tel: (1) 305-667-5167 United Kingdom Fax: (1) 305-663-0964 Tel: (44) 207 617 7490 Email: [email protected] Fax: (44) 207 160 5350 Email: [email protected] Introduction to Radiocarbon Determination by the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Method AMS Counting There are three principal isotopes of carbon which occur naturally - 12C, 13C (both stable) and 14C (unstable or radioactive). These isotopes are present in the following amounts 12C - 98.89%, 13C - 1.11%, and 14C - 0.00000000010%. Thus, one carbon-14 atom exists in nature for every 1,000,000,000,000 or (1 in a trillion) carbon-12 atoms in living material. The radiocarbon method is based on the rate of decay of the radioactive or unstable carbon isotope 14 (14C), which is formed in the upper atmosphere through the effect of cosmic ray neutrons upon nitrogen-14. The reaction is: 14N + n => 14C + p (Where n is a neutron and p is a proton) The 14C formed is rapidly oxidized to 14CO2 and enters the earth's plant and animal life ways through photosynthesis and the food chain. The rapidity of the dispersal of 14C into the atmosphere has been demonstrated by measurements of radioactive carbon produced from thermonuclear bomb testing. 14C also enters the earth's oceans in an atmospheric exchange and as dissolved carbonate [the entire 14C inventory is termed the carbon exchange reservoir (Aitken, 1990)]. Plants and animals which utilize carbon in biological food chains take up 14C during their lifetimes.
    [Show full text]
  • LUNAR and PLANETARY INFORMATION BULLETIN The
    The Scar on Jupiter: Discovery of Comet Shoemaker Feature Story · From the Desk of Jim Green · News from Space · LPI 50th Anniversary Science Symposium Meeting Highlights · Spotlight on Education · In Memoriam · Milestones · New and Noteworthy · Calendar LUNAR AND PLANETARY INFORMATION BULLETIN April 2018 Issue 152 Issue 152 2 of 87 April 2018 Feature Story The Scar on Jupiter: Discovery of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 and Its Impact Into Jupiter 25 Years Later On March 24, 1993, in the midst of a photographic search for near-Earth objects at the fabled Palomar Observatory, Drs. Carolyn and Eugene Shoemaker and Dr. David Levy acquired an image in the vicinity of planet Jupiter using surplus film. This image surprised the observers when they first examined it. Expecting to find yet another small asteroid trail, they instead found an elongate object comprising several large clumps all strung out in a chain thousands of kilometers long in the night sky, each with its own cometary tail. Its orbital position proved to be quite close to Jupiter, and it did not take long to determine that it was in fact orbiting that giant planet and would come very close to the cloud tops the following year. The discovery of this strange comet was both serendipitous and completely unexpected, and the rest of the world was startled when the image was released three days later. No object like it had ever been seen before. It would be named P/Shoemaker-Levy 9 after its discoverers (SL- 9 for short). We had observed comets break apart during close encounters with the Sun into irregular clumps, but the linear geometry of this object indicated that it had passed very close to Jupiter in July 1992 and been ripped apart by tidal forces, something we had not observed or even predicted before.
    [Show full text]