Soft Magnets for Passive Attitude Stabilization of Small Satellites

The spinning and oscillatory motions of small orbiting satellites can be damped exploiting the magnetic energy dissipation occurring in onboard soft magnetic strips, cyclically excited by the oscillation of the earth field component along their axis. In this paper we investigate the role played by the intrinsic magnetic properties of the material, the aspect ratio of the strips, and their mutual arrangement in achieving maximum energy dissipation under typical spacecraft working conditions. Grain-oriented Fe-Si, mumetal, and Fe-based amorphous alloys, all endowed with near-rectangular hysteresis loops, are considered. Their energy loss behaviour is calculated when, either as single strip samples or arranged into an array of strips, they are subjected to a slowly oscillating magnetic field of defined peak value, emulating the action of the earth magnetic field on the travelling satellite. The strip size and array layout leading to maximum energy loss are predicted. Amorphous alloys, combining high saturation magnetization with flexible hysteresis loop properties, are shown to lead to the best damping behaviour under both oscillating and spinning satellite motions. In the latter case the Fe-Si strips appear to provide comparably high damping effects, while inferior behaviour is always predicted with mumetal samples

Monitoring of bridges by MT-InSAR and unsupervised machine learning clustering techniques

Continuous monitoring of critical infrastructures is crucial to prevent catastrophic events such as collapse of viaducts and prioritising maintenance interventions. However, developing effective monitoring approaches must rely on the collection of numerous information, such as the time series of structural deformations. In this context, various ground-based non-destructive testing (NDT) methods have been used in monitoring the structural integrity of transport infrastructures. These require routine and systematic application at the network level over long periods of time to build up a solid database of information, involving many efforts from stakeholders and asset owners in the sector. To this effect, satellite-based remote sensing techniques, such as the Multi-temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR), have gained momentum due to the provision of accurate cumulative structural displacements in bridges. Although the application of the InSAR monitoring technique is established, this is limited by the high amount of time required for the interpretation of data with high spatial and temporal density. This research aims to demonstrate the viability of MT-InSAR techniques for the structural assessment of bridges and the monitoring of damage by structural subsidence, using high-resolution SAR datasets, integrated with complementary Ground-Based (GB) information. To this purpose, high-resolution SAR dataset of the COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) mission provided by the Italian Space Agency (ASI), were acquired and processed in the framework of the ASI-Open Call approved Project “MoTiB” (ID 742). To elaborate, a Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) analysis is applied to identify and monitor the structural displacements at the Rochester Bridge, in Rochester, Kent, UK. To explore the viability of Machine Learning algorithms in detecting critical scenarios in the monitoring phases, an Unsupervised ML Clustering approach, which generates homogeneous and well-separated clusters, is implemented. Each PS data-point is allocated to specific cluster groups, based on individual deformation trend features and the values of displacements from the historical time-series. This research paves the way for the development of a novel interpretation approach relying on the integration between remote-sensing technologies and on-site surveys to improve upon current maintenance strategies for bridges and transport assets

Bridge monitoring and assessment by high-resolution satellite remote sensing technologies

Satellite Remote-Sensing has been successfully applied for detection of natural-hazards, (e.g. seismic events, landslides and subsidence) and transport infrastructure monitoring over the last few years. Persistent Scatterer SAR Interferometry (PSI), is a satellite remote sensing technique able to measure ground displacements over the time. More specifically, the PSI technique is an evolution of the DInSAR technique and it is based on a statistical multi-temporal differential interferogram analysis. This allows to determine coherent stable-pixels over a data-stack of SAR images, in order to identify potential ground displacements. This study aims at demonstrating the potential of the PSI technique as an innovative health-monitoring methodology for the structural integrity of bridges. For this purpose, X‐Band COSMO‐SkyMed images provided by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) were acquired and processed in order to detect structural displacements of the Rochester Bridge in Rochester, UK. Outcomes of this investigation outlined the presence of various PSs over the inspected bridge, which were proven useful to achieve a more comprehensive monitoring methodology and to assess the structural integrity of the bridge. This research paves the way for the development of a novel interpretation approach relying on the integration between remote-sensing technologies and on-site surveys to improve upon current maintenance strategies for bridges and transport assets

Novel perspectives in the monitoring of transport infrastructures by sentinel-1 and cosmo-skymed multi-temporal SAR interferometry

In recent years, successful applications of the Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) for the monitoring of subsidence and deformations in transport infrastructures have been reported in the literature. The main advantage of this technique compared to other non-destructive surveying methodologies is in the possibility to perform fast network-level surveys as well as the provision of time-series of the displacements by multi-temporal data acquisitions. Given the medium ground resolution, C-band imagery are usually not employed for structural transport infrastructure monitoring as it is considered unlikely to obtain sufficiently accurate information. However, this has not been thoroughly investigated until now. This study presents a novel approach for transport assets monitoring, based on the synergistic use of medium resolution (C-Band) and high resolution (X-Band) SAR imagery. To this effect, a multi-temporal SAR Interferometry analysis of high and medium-resolution datasets is performed on a runway of the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport in Rome, Italy. The data were acquired by the Sentinel-1A and the COSMO-SkyMed missions, respectively. A comparison between the results from medium and high-resolution datasets demonstrates the viability of using multi-frequency SAR imagery, and pave the way to the development of new methodologies for the monitoring of transport infrastructures

Satellite remote sensing and non-destructive testing methods for transport infrastructure monitoring: advances, challenges and perspectives

High temporal frequency monitoring of transport infrastructure is crucial to prioritise mainte-nance and prevent major service disruption or structural failures. Ground-based non-destructive testing (NDT) methods have been successfully applied for decades, reaching very high standards for data quality and accuracy. However, routine campaigns and long inspection times are re-quired for data collection and their implementation into reliable infrastructure management systems (IMSs). On the other hand, satellite remote sensing techniques, such as the Mul-ti-Temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) method, have proven effective in monitoring ground displacements of transport infrastructure (roads, railways and airfields) with a much higher temporal frequency of investigation and the capability to cover wider areas. Nevertheless, the integration of information from i) satellite remote sensing and ii) ground-based NDT methods is still a subject to be fully explored in civil engineering. This paper aims to review significant stand-alone and combined applications in these two areas of endeavour for transport infrastructure monitoring. Recent advances, main challenges and future perspectives arising from their mutual integration are also discussed

Monitoring of bridges by satellite remote sensing using multi-source and multi-resolution data integration techniques: a case study of the Rochester bridge

Monitoring of bridges and viaducts has become a priority for asset owners due to progressive infrastructure ageing and its impact on safety and management costs. Advancement in data processing and interpretation methods and the accessibility of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) datasets from different satellite missions have contributed to raise interest for use of near-real time bridge assessment methods. In this context, the Multi-temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (MT-InSAR) space-borne monitoring technique has proven to be effective for detection of cumulative surface displacements with a millimetre accuracy [1-3]. This research aims to investigate the viability of using satellite remote sensing for structural assessment of the Rochester Bridge in Rochester, Kent, UK. To this purpose, high-resolution SAR datasets are used as the reference information and complemented by additional data from different sensing technologies (e.g., medium-resolution SAR datasets and ground-based (GB) nondestructive testing (NDT)). In detail, high-resolution SAR products of the COSMO-SkyMed (CSK) mission (2017-2019) provided by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) in the framework of the Project “Motib - ID 742”, approved by ASI, are processed using a MT-InSAR approach. The method allowed to identify several Persistent Scatterers (PSs) – which have been associated to different structural elements (e.g., the bridges piers) over the four main bridge decks – and monitor bridge displacements during the observation time. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that information from the use of high-resolution InSAR data can be successfully integrated to datasets of different resolution, scale and source technology. Compared to standalone technologies, a main advantage of the proposed approach is in the provision of a fully comprehensive (i.e., surface and subsurface) and dense array of information with a larger spatial coverage and a higher time acquisition frequency. This results in a more effective identification and monitoring of decays at reduced costs, paving the way for implementation into next generation Bridge Management Systems (BMSs)

A Highly Integrated Navigation Unit for On-Orbit Servicing Missions

VINAG (VISION/INS integrated Navigation Assisted by GNSS) is a highly integrated multisensor navigation unit, particularly conceived for On-Orbit Servicing missions. The system is designed to provide all-in-one, on-board real time autonomous absolute navigation as well as pose determination of an uncooperative known object orbiting in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), GEO (GEosynchronous Orbits) and possibly in HEO (Highly Earth Orbit). The system VINAG is under development by a team of Italian companies and universities, co-financed by the Italian Space Agency. Thanks to a tight optimized integration of its subsystems, VINAG is characterized by a low power and mass total budgets and therefore it is suitable for small and very small satellites. In order to provide both 1) absolute orbit and attitude determination and 2) vision-based pose determination, the unit integrates three metrology systems: a Cameras Subsystem (a monocular camera and a Star sensor), an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. In this paper, we introduce the complete system architecture, the adopted algorithms and then the adopted hardware design solutions. In addition, we describe preliminary numerical simulation results obtained for different orbits from LEO to GEO carried out for the validation phase of VINAG

Triple Probe System for in situ ionospheric plasma monitoring

The capability to establish the magnitudo, time and place of a forthcoming earthquake is still far from having a reliable and accurate prevision of practical interest. Different precursory phenomena of forthcoming earthquakes have been experimentally observed; they are mostly linked to a microfracturation of the rock due to stress accumulation during the pre-seismic phase in the hypocentral zone of an earthquake. The microcracks in the rocks can be considered seismic sources able to generate electromagnetic emissions, in particular in ULF-ELF bands (0-3000 Hz). The electromagnetic waves spread through the lithosphere to the ionosphere and the magnetosphere and they produce irregularities (Earth magnetic field variations, ionospheric plasma parameters disturbances and particles precipitation from Van Allen belts). In addition, the shallow earthquakes are capable to produce gravity oscillations, propagating upwards and coupling with neutral atmosphere and, eventually, with ionospheric layers. Significant variations of the total electron content in the ionosphere have been measured through GPS receivers. A space mission seems to be an affordable way to achieve in-situ observations, overall the Earth. A plasma diagnostic system suitable to be hosted on board LEO satellites to investigate the presence of ionosphere disturbances has been designed, manufactured and tested. The system is an electrostatic probe, specifically a Triple Probe System (TPS), which allows the local plasma density and electron temperature determination through acquisition of instantaneous voltage and current measurements. A prototype has been arranged to be hosted on board UNISAT-4, a low-cost university satellite built by GAUSS (Gruppo di Astrodinamica – Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”), scheduled to be launched on December 2005. The paper deals with the TPS basic concepts and some preliminary results, obtained in a test campaign carried out in a climatic room from -40°C to +60°C, are depicted

Hypsat: a microsatellite for hyperspectral measure

none4Since many years the Group of Astrodynamics of University of Rome “La Sapienza” (GAUSS) established a fruitful collaboration with the Keldysh Institute of Applied Mathematics (KIAM) of Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) in Moscow. Different experiences and knowledge found a common project in HypSat, a prototypal small spacecraft to test in orbit new technologies and ideas with the aim to study and to monitor vegetation state and natural disasters like fires, earthquakes or floods. The HypSat bus will be designed and manufactured from GAUSS on the basis of its previous experiences with UNISAT (UNIversity SATellites) program and it will board, as primary payload, an enhanced version of Hyperspectrometer developed by the KIAM of RAS. In this paper a preliminary coverage analysis over the Lazio region (Italy) has been carried out and results are discussed considering the possibility to use a constellation of satellites to reduce the gap times; the main mission constraints have been evaluated and a preliminary design of HypSat is depicted. Power system preliminary sizing has been performed and a feasible solution for satellite structure is proposed. The Hyperspectrometer is also described, giving relevance to its main capabilities and constraints and evaluating expected results in Earth disasters monitoring.noneA. Ovchinnikov; M. L. Battagliere; A. Serednitskiy; F. PiergentiliA. Ovchinnikov; M. L. Battagliere; A. Serednitskiy; F. Piergentil

Passive magnetic attitude stabilization system of the EduSAT microsatellite

Passive magnetic attitude stabilization systems are simple, easy to realize, cheap, and do not require software development and on-board energy consumption. Owing to these features, passive magnetic attitude stabilization systems were selected for the EduSAT (Educational Satellite) microsatellite, a student-built satellite funded by the Italian Space Agency, scheduled to be launched in the last quarter year of 2010. The passive magnetic attitude stabilization system is based on a permanent magnet, which provides a restoring torque to align an oriented axis of the satellite with the Earth's magnetic field direction, and an energy dissipation system, which can consist of a set of permeable rods magnetized by the oscillation of the geomagnetic field along their axis. UNISAT-3 attitude determination results after 1 year from its launch demonstrated the necessity of an accurate design and manufacturing process of soft magnetic strips. Predicting system performance in orbit and evaluating the obtainable accuracy are not trivial: the main problem is knowing the effective magnetization of the permeable rods. The paper deals with sizing, choice of material, manufacturing process, and arrangement of a set of permeable rods on board the EduSAT microsatellite on the basis of previous flight experience