European Space Research and Technology Centre

The enhanced capabilities of mid-infrared limb emission sounding to observe stratospheric aerosol injection geoengineering

Abstract. Using a model-based pseudo-reality (PR) future scenario and realistic pseudo-observations (POs) representative for a proposed satellite mission concept (CAIRT – the Changing-Atmosphere Infra-Red Tomography explorer), we analyse the capabilities of a high-spectral-resolu...

JuRa: The Juventas Radar on Hera Mission to Probe Internal Structure of Didymos and Dimorphos Asteroids

Abstract JuRa, the Juventas Radar, is the sounding radar of the Hera/ESA mission on cruise to the asteroid Didymos and its moon, Dimorphos. In 2027, it will, for the first time, do direct observation of the internal structure of an asteroid for the benefit of both science and pla...

Gas absorption of soft X-rays strongly impacts the redshift distribution of dark Fast X-ray Transients

Abstract The progenitors of many Fast X-ray Transients (FXTs) and those of γ-ray bursts (GRBs) are strongly linked. Given that ”dark” GRBs are typically found to be events suffering from enhanced extinction in the host galaxy, we investigate the nature of ”dark” FXTs. However, un...

Non-line-of-sight terahertz communications enabled by reflection and transmission

Abstract Terahertz communication is expected to be a key technology for future wireless networks, offering ultra-high capacity, beyond the limits of conventional radio-frequency systems. To enable practical implementation, investigating non-line-of-sight terahertz links is essent...

O-H kinetic isotope fractionation model to assess lunar polar water ice reserves & origin

Abstract O-H isotope signatures are essential for unravelling the lunar water cycle, pivotal for a sustainable water exploitation and management (SDG6) on the Moon, Earth and beyond, and for better understanding the Earth-Moon system’s history and the Earth’s cryosphere. Sublimat...

Evaluate the impact of a 4 h tandem phase on the continuity of nadir altimetry measurements between S3 and S3NG-T

Abstract. The upcoming Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography (S3NG-T) mission, designed to succeed the current Sentinel-3 (S3) mission, will operate on the same ground tracks as the current S3 constellation to maximise continuity of measurements, but with a fixed 4 h temporal lag...

On the compatibility of LaB6 and iodine in planar and hollow cathodes

Abstract Iodine is increasingly considered a viable alternative to noble gases for electric propulsion systems, particularly due to its high storage density and non-pressurized form. While various thruster types have been successfully tested with iodine as a propellant, the compa...