• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.85-91
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• 2012

Optical interferometry and polarimetry have separately provided new insights into stellar astronomy, especially in the fields of fundamental parameters and atmospheric models. We present: scientific justifications for "full-Stokes" optical interferometric polarimetry (OIP); updated instrument requirements; preliminary beam combiner designs; polarimeter design; end-to-end OIP data reduction; and realistic reimaged full-Stokes models of Be stars with a suitable number of telescopes plus noise sources. All of this work represents preliminary research to construct an OIP beam combiner.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2024

Sungrazing comets, known for their proximity to the Sun, are traditionally classified into broad groups like Kreutz, Marsden, Kracht, Meyer, and non-group comets. While existing methods successfully categorize these groups, finer distinctions within the Kreutz subgroup remain a challenge. In this study, we introduce an automated classification technique using the densitybased spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) algorithm to categorize sungrazing comets. Our method extends traditional classifications by finely categorizing the Kreutz subgroup into four distinct subgroups based on a comprehensive range of orbital parameters, providing critical insights into the origins and dynamics of these comets. Corroborative analyses validate the accuracy and effectiveness of our method, offering a more efficient framework for understanding the categorization of sungrazing comets.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.209-218
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• 2020

This paper describes the initial operations and preliminary results of the Instrument for the study of Stable/Storm-time Space (ISSS) onboard the microsatellite Next Generation Small Satellite-1 (NEXTSat-1), which was launched on December 4, 2018 into a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 575 km with an orbital inclination angle of 97.7°. The spacecraft and the instruments have been working normally, and the results from the observations are in agreement with those from other satellites. Nevertheless, improvement in both the spacecraft/instrument operation and the analysis is suggested to produce more fruitful scientific results from the satellite operations. It is expected that the ISSS observations will become the main mission of the NEXTSat-1 at the end of 2020, when the technological experiments and astronomical observations terminate after two years of operation.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.285-290
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• 2011

This paper presents an algorithm that can provide initial conditions for formation flying at the beginning of a region of interest to maximize scientific mission goals in the case of a tetrahedral satellite formation. The performance measure is to maximize the quality factor that affects scientific measurement performance. Several path constraints and periodicity conditions at the beginning of the region of interest are identified. The optimization problem is solved numerically using a direct transcription method. Our numerical results indicate that there exist an optimal configuration and states of a tetrahedral satellite formation. Furthermore, the initial states and algorithm presented here may be used for reconfiguration maneuvers and fuel balancing problems.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.333-344
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• 2011

An optical tracking system has advantages for observing geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellites relatively over other types of observation system. Regular surveying for unidentified space objects with the optical tracking system can be an early warning tool for the safety of five Korean active GEO satellites. Two strategies of positioning on the observed image of Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite 1 are tested and compared. Photometric method has a half root mean square error against streak method. Also eccentricity method for initial orbit determination (IOD) is tested with simulation data and real observation data. Under 10 minutes observation time interval, eccentricity method shows relatively better IOD results than the other time interval. For follow-up observation of unidentified space objects, at least two consecutive observations are needed in 5 minutes to determine orbit for geosynchronous orbit space objects.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.141-143
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• 2012

Some Algol-type interacting binary stars exhibit strange photometric variations that can be phase-dependent and/or secular. This paper discusses the possibility of explaining these observed variations as resulting from an accretion structure eclipsing one or both of the stars. Some previous studies are reviewed and suggestions for future work are made, including the prospective of incorporating data from the Kepler Observatory.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.193-206
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• 2013

The detector subsystem of the Optical Wide-field Patrol (OWL) network efficiently acquires the position and time information of moving objects such as artificial satellites through its chopper system, which consists of 4 blades in front of the CCD camera. Using this system, it is possible to get more position data with the same exposure time by changing the streaks of the moving objects into many pieces with the fast rotating blades during sidereal tracking. At the same time, the time data from the rotating chopper can be acquired by the time tagger connected to the photo diode. To analyze the orbits of the targets detected in the image data of such a system, a sequential procedure of determining the positions of separated streak lines was developed that involved calculating the World Coordinate System (WCS) solution to transform the positions into equatorial coordinate systems, and finally combining the time log records from the time tagger with the transformed position data. We introduce this procedure and the preliminary results of the application of this procedure to the test observation images.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.123-125
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• 2013

2FGL J1823.8+4312 and 2FGL J1304.1-2415 are two unidentified Fermi objects which are associated with cluster of galaxies. In order to exam the possibility of cluster of galaxies as gamma-ray emitters, we search for counterpart of these two unidentified Fermi objects in other wavebands. However, we find other candidate to be more likely the counterpart of the unidentified Fermi object for both sources. We compare their light curves and SEDs in order to identify their source types. However, data at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavebands, which is important for us to constrain the SED at synchrotron peak, is lacking of measurement. Therefore, we proposed to SMA observation for these two sources. We have got data and are doing further analysis.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.225-232
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• 2011

We have designed and manufactured the Earth observation camera (EOC) of multi-purpose infrared imaging system (MIRIS). MIRIS is a main payload of the STSAT-3, which will be launched in late 2012. The main objective of the EOC is to test the operation of Korean IR technology in space, so we have designed the optical and mechanical system of the EOC to fit the IR detector system. We have assembled the flight model (FM) of EOC and performed environment tests successfully. The EOC is now ready to be integrated into the satellite system waiting for operation in space, as planned.

• Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2018

A previous exo-terrestrial life-detecting experiment, which was conducted on Mars, sought to detect the products of glucose metabolism, the most common biological process on Earth (Viking biological experiment). Today, glucose metabolism is not considered the universal process of life survival. As NASA plans to launch an orbiter mission in the near future (2020s, the Clipper) and ultimately conduct a lander mission on Europa, a detection experiment that can give broader information regarding habitability is highly required. In this study, we designed a life-detecting experiment using a more universal feature of life, the amphipathic molecular membrane, theoretically considering the environment of Europa (waterdominant environment). This designed experiment focuses on finding and profiling hydrophobic cellular membrane-like microstructures. Expected results are given by conceptual data analysis with plausible hypothetical samples.