arXiv subjects

Olivia Borgue

Publications and source records attributed to Olivia Borgue.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2022

Lessons from a Space Lab -- An Image Acquisition Perspective

The use of Deep Learning (DL) algorithms has improved the performance of vision-based space applications in recent years. However, generating large amounts of annotated data for training these DL algorithms has proven challenging. While synthetically generated images can be used, the DL models trained on synthetic data are often susceptible to performance degradation, when tested in real-world environments. In this context, the Interdisciplinary Center of Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg has developed the 'SnT Zero-G Lab', for training and validating vision-based space algorithms in conditions emulating real-world space environments. An important aspect of the SnT Zero-G Lab development was the equipment selection. From the lessons learned during the lab development, this article presents a systematic approach combining market survey and experimental analyses for equipment selection. In particular, the article focus on the image acquisition equipment in a space lab: background materials, cameras and illumination lamps. The results from the experiment analyses show that the market survey complimented by experimental analyses is required for effective equipment selection in a space lab development project.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2022

A Zero-Radiation Pressure Sunshade for Supporting Climate Change Mitigation

Limiting climate change to within the 2 °C limit requires net zero emissions of CO2 by 2050. However, the window of opportunity is closing fast. Geoengineering as the intentional and large-scale manipulation of the environment and in particular the climate is increasingly discussed as a complement to ongoing mitigation efforts. As a particular geoengineering approach, space-based geoengineering blocks or dissipates a fraction of incoming sunlight via many occulting membranes, located close to the Sun-Earth Lagrange 1 point. However, the mass of the proposed sunshades, around $10^7$-$10^8$ tons, and their associated cost render them about $10^3$ times more costly than terrestrial alternatives. In this article, we propose a novel sunshade concept, which is between $10^2$ to $10^3$ times lighter than the lightest existing sunshade concepts. This is achieved via a net zero-radiation pressure design, based on the use of diffractive metamaterials, removing one of the major constraints to reducing sunshade mass. The whole sunshade system has a total mass of approximately $6.2 \times 10^5$ tons and its deployment requires between $10^2$ to $10^3$ annual launches during a ten-year period. The achieved cost reduction might render space-based geoengineering competitive to terrestrial geoengineering approaches.

physics.space-ph↗

arXiv2020

Near-Term Self-replicating Probes -- A Concept Design

Self-replicating probes are spacecraft with the capacity to create copies of themselves. Self-replication would potentially allow for an exponential increase in the number of probes and thereby drastically improve the efficiency of space exploration. Despite this potential, an integrated assessment of self-replicating space probes has not been presented since the 1980s, and it is still unclear how far they are feasible. In this paper, we propose a concept for a partially self-replicating probe for space exploration based on current and near-term technologies, with a focus on small spacecraft. The purpose is to chart a path towards self-replication with near-term benefits, rather than attempting full self-replication. For this reason, components such as microchips and other microelectronic components are brought with the initial probe and are not replicated. We estimate that such a probe would be capable of replicating 70% of its mass. To further increase this percentage, we identify technology gaps that are promising to address. We conclude that small-scale, partially self-replicating probes are feasible near-term. Their benefits would play out in exploration missions requiring roughly more than a dozen of probes.

physics.pop-ph↗