A5091218623- Planetary Science and Exploration
- Astro and Planetary Science
- Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
- Space Exploration and Technology
- Spacecraft Design and Technology
- Geomagnetism and Paleomagnetism Studies
- Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology
- Spacecraft and Cryogenic Technologies
- Space Science and Extraterrestrial Life
- Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
- Space Satellite Systems and Control
- Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research
- Cosmology and Gravitation Theories
- Mathematics and Applications
- Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena
- Advanced Mathematical Theories and Applications
- Scientific Research and Discoveries
- History and Theory of Mathematics
- Astronomy and Astrophysical Research
- Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research
- Advanced SAR Imaging Techniques
- Relativity and Gravitational Theory
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Applications and Techniques
- Gamma-ray bursts and supernovae
- Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Goddard Space Flight Center
2022-2024
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
2022-2024
Sapienza University of Rome
2018-2023
Space (Italy)
2021
Leonardo (United States)
1996
Abstract The Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography and Spectroscopy (VERITAS) mission, selected by the NASA Discovery program in 2021, addresses crucial scientific questions about Venus’s evolution, structure, past ongoing geological processes. high-resolution mapping of gravity field planet will give an essential contribution to meet science objectives mission further our understanding Venus. VERITAS experiment enable a map with substantially higher more uniform spatial...
Abstract The Mercury Orbiter Radio Science Experiment (MORE) of the ESA mission BepiColombo will provide an accurate estimation Mercury’s gravity field and rotational state, improved tests general relativity, a novel deep space navigation system. key experimental setup entails highly stable, multi-frequency radio link in X Ka band, enabling two-way range rate measurements 3 micron/s at nearly all solar elongation angles. In addition, high chip rate, pseudo-noise ranging system has already...
Abstract Understanding the processes that led Venus to its current state and will drive future evolution is a major objective of next generation orbiters. In this work we analyze retrieval spin vector, tidal response, moment inertia with VERITAS, NASA Discovery-class mission. By simulating systematic joint analysis Doppler tracking data tie points provided by onboard synthetic aperture radar, show VERITAS provide accuracies (3 σ ) in estimates Love number k 2 4.6 × 10 −4 , phase lag 0.°05,...
Abstract The outer solar system beyond Saturn remains unexplored by dedicated orbital missions. With a launch window opening in 2029, the Uranus Orbiter and Probe (UOP) mission has been prioritized as NASA Flagship for next decade (2023–2032) to comprehensively study its major moons—Miranda, Ariel, Umbriel, Titania, Oberon. We define apply novel design principles centered on scientific objectives UOP's gravity science (GS) experiment. Using combination of Bayesian Precise Orbit Determination...
The VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) mission is a future NASA Discovery that aims to improve our understanding of Venus' evolution, structure, geological processes. Its gravity science experiment will produce uniform, high-resolution map Venus, providing unprecedented constraints on the planet’s crustal interior structure. radio tracking relies dual-frequency transponder in X Ka bands. This advanced multi-frequency system achieves...
Since 2009, the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has been mapping Moon to unprecedented detail, capturing, among others, high-resolution images and altimetric profiles acquire invaluable datasets for understanding its evolution. Transforming this wealth of data into detailed maps terrain models depends on accurate determination spacecraft's trajectory. This is achieved through a precise orbit process, which relies radio tracking acquired by ground stations. Furthermore, LRO can allow...
The increasing precision of spacecraft radiometric tracking data experienced in the last number years, coupled with huge amount collected and long baselines available datasets, has made direct observation Solar System dynamics possible, particular relativistic effects, through measurement some key parameters as post-Newtonian parameters, Nordtvedt parameter "eta" graviton mass. In this work we investigate potentialities datasets provided by most promising past, present future interplanetary...
Abstract Understanding the interior structures of icy moons is pivotal for addressing their origins and habitability. We introduce an approach employing gravity field spectrum as additional constraint inversion differentiated bodies’ structures. After developing general methodology, we apply it to Europa, utilizing predicted measurement capability NASA’s Europa Clipper mission, prove its effectiveness in resolving key geophysical parameters. Notably, show that using combination with mass...
Abstract The complex dynamics of the Venus atmosphere produces a periodic mass redistribution pattern that creates time-variable modulation gravity field Venus. This signal depends on net transport across globe and response solid body to normal loading its crust imparted by atmosphere. In this work, we explore possibility measuring phenomenon with VERITAS, NASA Discovery-class mission. By simulating science experiment, atmospheric loading, parametrized Love numbers ( <?CDATA...
The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission, launched on 20 October 2018, is currently in cruise toward Mercury. Mercury Orbiter Radio-science Experiment (MORE), one of the 16 experiments will exploit range and range-rate measurements collected during superior solar conjunctions to better constrain post-Newtonian parameter ${\gamma}$. MORE radio tracking system capable establishing a 5-leg link X- Ka-band obtain 2-way with an accuracy $0.01 mm/s^-1$ @ 60 s sampling time at centimeter level after few...
Abstract The Moon's frequency‐dependent tidal response, expressed as temporal variations in its gravity field through the Love number and dissipation quality factor , provides information about interior structure. Lunar laser ranging has provided measurements for but so far no values have been determined. We provide first spacecraft of at two frequencies, monthly yearly, from an analysis Gravity Recovery Interior Laboratory Reconnaissance Orbiter radio tracking data. modeling indicates that...
The NASA Discovery-class mission VERITAS, selected in June 2021, will be launched towards Venus after 2027. In addition to the science instrumentation that build global foundational geophysical datasets, VERITAS proposed conduct a technology demonstration for Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC-2). A first DSAC successfully operated low-Earth orbit more than two years, demonstrated trapped ion atomic clock technology, and established new level of performance clocks space. DSAC-2 would have further...
Covers advancements in spacecraft and tactical strategic missile systems, including subsystem design application, mission analysis, materials structures, developments space sciences, processing manufacturing, operations, applications of technologies to other fields.
Abstract Among the techniques for atmospheric sounding, radio occultation enables an in depth investigation of vertical profiles from ionosphere to troposphere by measuring frequency signal associated propagation medium. A precise characterization layers requires a thorough processing raw tracking data estimate thermodynamic properties atmosphere and their related uncertainties. In this work, we present method retrieve refractivity, density, pressure, temperature with uncertainties analyzing...
Covers advancements in spacecraft and tactical strategic missile systems, including subsystem design application, mission analysis, materials structures, developments space sciences, processing manufacturing, operations, applications of technologies to other fields.
Europa Clipper is the next NASA Flagship mission that will explore Jupiter&#8217;s moon Europa. It has a rich payload with ten instruments and investigations, including Gravity Radio Science investigation (G/RS). The synergistic science made possible provide synoptic view of system. overarching goal to Explore Investigate its Habitability number objectives themes related ice shell ocean, composition, geology, potential recent activity. spacecraft currently undergoing assembly testing at...
Introduction:&#160; The composition of lava fields on Venus and their alteration state are poorly constrained. Emissivity Mapper (VEM) [1, 2] board NASA&#8217;s VERITAS [3] its twin VenSpec-M ESA&#8217;s EnVision will observe the surface in NIR range through five atmospheric windows covered by six spectral bands (0.86 to 1.2 &#181;m). These enable studying characteristics Venusian surface, as well types possible processes. To prepare for these missions deepen our...
Crustal plateaus are large, high elevation physiographic features on Venus associated with the strongly deformed tessera terrains. They present positive, low magnitude gravity anomalies, and they stratigraphically oldest surfaces planet [1]. Previous investigations of topography signatures have shown that these regions consistent shallow support via crustal thickening [2, 3]. In addition, surface emissivity data obtained by Express which could be indicative a felsic composition [4]. Given...
A better understanding of the interior structure icy moons in our Solar System is necessary to answer fundamental questions about their formation, evolution, and habitability. Until now, insights on layering, core structure, density distribution have been solely derived from global-scale gravity measurements, such as mass, moment inertia (from degree-2 static field and/or obliquity), tidal response. With upcoming NASA Europa Clipper ESA JUICE missions, we will obtain reliable estimates...
Understanding the interior processes shaping Venus surface is one of fundamental tasks for next decade science. Even in absence plate tectonics, Venus&#8217; covered with many tectonic and/or volcanic structures, including so-called &#8220;coronae&#8221; (Latin crown).&#160;Coronae range diameter from 60 km to up 2600 and are defined by rings closely spaced concentric fractures.&#160; These enigmatic structures widely distributed across considered crucial understanding...
The precise estimation of helio- and fundamental physics parameters is essential for an accurate modeling the solar system. enhancement radio tracking performances will enable unprecedented measurements celestial mechanics, approaching ultimate limits attainable with a single planetary mission. We report in this study results our numerical simulations novel interplanetary mission configuration composed two probes at different planets able to establish, apart from classical ranging link...
Within the pre-phase A of Moonlight project proposed and funded by European Space Agency (ESA), ATLAS consortium has an architecture to support a Lunar Radio Navigation System (LRNS) capable providing PNT (Positioning, Navigation, Timing) services various lunar users. The LRNS will be powerful tool in exploration endeavors, both human robotic.The ESA consist small constellation 3-4 satellites put Elliptical Frozen Orbits (ELFO) with aposelene above southern hemisphere better cover this...