Overall Bi-directional Panoramic Exploration of the Solar System

WU Zhimin, ZHAO Jincai

Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Shanghai 201108

Abstract: An overall bi-directional panoramic solar system exploration activity, not just looking at the solar system at a macro level and helping to build a simulation model for the solar system, but the probe will also be able to explore the Milky Way and the vast universe from a much wider perspective. By observing the characteristics of the solar system, solar wind, ionization envelope and other parameters from a bi-directional panorama on both sides of the solar ecliptic plane, it will assist the scientific community and human kind to understand the solar system in a more extensive,deeper and systematic way than before.

Key words: overall bi-directional, panoramic exploration, solar system

1 INTRODUCTION

Looking back over the past hundred years, humans have carried out a large number of close exploration activities on the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune,and the Sun.

Over the next hundred years, mankind will make greater strides into space, observing the motions of the planets in the solar system from perpendicular orbits, observing the solar system as a whole, probing the overall envelope of the solar wind,and verifying the speed and direction of the sun's motion.

As the solar probe travels higher and farther, it can probe the Milky Way and the vast universe from even higher or lower orbits.

Although mankind's ability to explore space has been greatly improved, the overall understanding of the universe has not been fully realized.

To this end, mankind still needs to strengthen its ability to conduct a more complete exploration of space, which naturally includes the overall exploration of the solar system.

1.1 Necessity and Inevitability of Detection

Firstly, the solar system is one of the most representative within the galaxies in the universe. It includes the sun as a star,planets, moons, comets, an asteroid belt and the kuiper belt. In addition, scientists have found that beyond the kuiper belt, there are six asteroids outside the solar ecliptic plane. Planets, especially Uranus and Neptune, are gradually moving outward, so a bi-directional panoramic view of the solar system is necessary.

Figure 1 Schematic diagram of overall panoramic bi-directional solar system exploration

Secondly, the Earth and other planets plus the asteroid belt in the solar system are in the same ecliptic plane, so we often mistake the asteroids in the asteroid belt for Pluto when we look at Pluto from Earth. If we could look at the solar system from both sides of the ecliptic, we wouldn't make this mistake because the asteroid belt and the kuiper belt are so far apart.

Thirdly, it is necessary for mankind to conduct a complete observation of the complete space in the solar system taking into account such phenomon as the asteroid belt, kuiper belt,and why planets such as the Earth gives life, as well as observe the Earth in the macro environment.

Fourthly, mankind will be able to establish correlations through big data analysis in the future taking into account the panoramic changing state of the sun's magnetic storms and other macroscopic events and connect them with the wellbeing of human beings on the Earth, malfunctions of satellite and other electronic devices, as well as the impact on the Earth's climate.

Fifthly, the solar system will inevitably be observed from a wider perspective on both sides of the solar ecliptic after the exploration of the moon, planets, asteroid belt and the kuiper belt. Observing the solar system from both sides of the ecliptic of the sun will be more interesting, more valuable and more holistic, and as such is the inevitable trend for human society.

1.2 Purpose of the Observation

The observation is to realize the complete (bi-directional)exploration of the sun, to study the law of motion of solar system in the cosmic background, to further detect the solar wind, solar magnetic field envelope and vertical distribution gradient of solar particles, to obtain a better view of the Milky Way and the vastness of the universe from a different perspective, to study the solar polar orbit, and the ecliptic surface bi-directional launch guidance law. What's important is the realization of a solar probe orbiting within the galaxy. The purpose of using bi-directional observation is to verify the observation results from both perspectives, improve the observation accuracy and make the observation more comprehensive. It is to provide Chinese solutions, promote international cooperation and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

1.3 Targets of the Observation

Targets of the observation include conducting the measurement of the speed and direction of solar movement (240 - 250 km/s), establishment of the overall variation law of the solar wind, measurement of the solar magnetic field and gravitational field, vertical measurement of solar particles (positive ions, negative ions and neutral particles) in the ecliptic plane, panoramic survey of the sun, planets, more than half a million asteroids,kuiper belt, comets and so on. In addition conduct three-dimensional photography and exploration of the Milky Way and the universe from both sides of the ecliptic plane of the solar system and from a wider range of directions, with the ambitious goal of two-step exploration activities. The first step is to launch the solar polar satellite probes and the second step is to realize the synchronous motion of the observation in the same direction as the sun, completing orbit control and measurement of the galaxy.

2 OVERALL BI-DIRECTIONAL PANORAMIC EXPLORATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM

It is the necessity for social development that human beings begin to explore the whole solar system after the exploration of the moon, the planets and the sun.

We propose an overall panoramic bi-directional exploration of the solar system. Its main feature is to launch one or more detectors to both sides of the Earth orbital plane (ecliptic plane)perpendicular to the solar system. The number of observation probes is determined by the actual capacity of the probes and the number will increase with the development of society.

2.1 The Existing Basis

2.1.1 Measuring means

Mankind already has a certain technical foundation for the overall bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system. Great progress has been made in sensors and detection.Observation is just not limited to wide-angle large-field-of-view observation of the sky, but can also conduct panoramic scanning and observation. Detection in the following frequency bands can be applied: visible light, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays as well as the L, S, C, X, Ku, K, Ka, V, W and mm bands. We can also detect electromagnetic fields, gravitational fields, and various cosmic rays.

2.1.2 The international situation

Announced recently, NASA plans to launch a new space telescope, the Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Re-ionization, and Ices Explorer (SPHEREx), to create a 3D map of the universe, and explore how the universe was born and search for life elements in the Milky Way system.The two-year mission will survey the sky in visible and near infrared wavelengths, capture data from more than 300 million galaxies and more than 100 million stars in the Milky way. It is expected to cost $242 million.

2.1.3 Measurement and control ability

Humans today not only have the ability to establish a spaceground motion coordination system, but also have the ability to establish long-range guidance, measurement and control as well as the ability of super-large data processing, complex image analysis, massive data storage and detailed simulation modeling.In addition, the realization of orbit change and controls will be possible due to the implementation of various large rockets,their upper stages, satellites and probes.

2.2 Cooperation Opportunities

2.2.1 Rich cooperation contents

Overall bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system activity will be expensive as it will involve large carrier rockets, a variety of high-tech payloads for observation, network support, super-large data transmission, complex calculation and analysis, etc. This is an exploration activity that requires a lot of human, material and financial resources, so it is worth cooperating to ensure a rich content.

2.2.2 Seeking international cooperation

During the program for solar system exploration in both directions, launching solar probes in the northern plane above the Earth will require the building of stations in the northern hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia for information receiving, measuring and control. Similarly, launching solar probes in the southern plane to the south of the Earth will need the building of stations in the southern hemisphere in geographical regions such as South America, South Africa, and Australia for information receiving, measuring and control. There will be a lot of opportunities for global cooperation. China could also set up workstations in Antarctica.

The overall bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system will be affected by Earth's rotation, revolution, inclination and the rotation of the solar system around the Milky Way.Therefore, it is very necessary to set up many ground stations both in the northern and southern hemispheres of the Earth,hence global international cooperation will be key.

2.3 Navigation Mode

2.3.1 Basic definition of launch direction

We consider the launch of the solar probe above the ecliptic as a forward launch and the launch below the ecliptic plane as a negative launch. Their definitions are as follows.

Forward launch is the launch upward from the ecliptic of the sun, in the direction of the polestar.

Negative launch is the launch below the ecliptic of the sun,in the direction of the south pole star.

It is now possible to launch spacecraft to the edge of the solar system, even out of the solar system as far as 21 billion kilometers away. Thus, launching the solar system explorer upward and below the ecliptic of the sun respectively as far as 20 billion kilometers away or even further will realize the overall bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system, the Milky Way and the universe.

2.3.2 Detection method 1: navigation referenced on the polestar and south pole star

To facilitate navigation, we can use a star sensor on the solar probe to carry out starlight navigation. Since the polestar is about 323 light years away from Earth, navigation based on polestar is appropriate. (see Figure 2)

When we launch a probe in the direction of the south pole star, we can say we are moving down the ecliptic of the sun.

The Earth's orbit around the sun is declined by 23.5°, which is the angle between the Earth's equator and the orbital plane of movement round the sun. (see Figure 3)

Figure 2 Polestar is about 323 light years away from the Earth

Figure 3 Diagram of the ecliptic plane of the Earth's revolution around the sun

Advantage:Referencing the overall bi-directional solar system exploration navigation based on polestar and south pole star is relatively easy for the observation and control station on Earth to measure and control the aircraft. In addition although there is a certain angle of tilt when observing the solar system from the ecliptic of the sun, it can be regarded to a certain sense of 3D imaging.

Disadvantage:On the upper and lower sides of the ecliptic of the solar system, it is difficult to observe the whole solar system directly from the top of the sun.

2.3.3 Detection method 2: navigation referenced on the constellations directly above or below the sun

We can reference the navigation based on the constellations directly above or below the sun (ecliptic plane), and then achieve the complete panoramic bi-directional exploration of the solar system when the probes are located above the sun or below the sun.

Advantage:This detection method enables observation activities directly over the vertical solar ecliptic plane such that the solar system probe can fly directly above the sun and observe the solar system from a distance above the vertical solar ecliptic plane, so the panoramic observation can be fuller and more complete. The overall motion of the planets can be seen under the panoramic scanning of the probe.

Disadvantage:It's difficult for ground stations on Earth to be always aligned with the solar system ecliptic plane, vertical up,or vertical down if the navigation is based on the sun's northern and southern constellations. The implementation conditions would complex and require additional power.

2.3.4 Detection method 3: Launch solar and galactic satellites

In order to achieve the overall panorama two-way exploration of the solar system, the detection method can be divided into two steps.

First step: Launch the solar polar satellite probe that orbits the sun longitudinally, crossing the solar ecliptic.

Second step: Launch a satellite of the galaxy in sync with the sun.

Because, away from the ecliptic, if you want to keep the two probes in both directions looking at the general motion of the sun and the solar system, solar probes will need a lot of energy and power. To save energy, it can orbit around the galaxy when it reaches the same speed (240 - 250 km/s) as the sun.

At present, humans have not put a spacecraft into orbit (in sync with the sun) of the galaxy, which is a great feat that can be achieved in the future, but also a new step for human innovation to explore the universe.

2.4 Launch Timing

As the Earth moves around the sun at a certain inclination,the relative position to the sun of the north and south poles of the Earth are different according to different seasons, so the launch timing of the solar system probe needs to be studied, which is covered within this paper.

2.4.1 Timing of launch above the ecliptic plane

The north and south poles of the Earth point relative to the sun are different through the seasons because of the relationship between Earth and the sun. If we use the polestar as a reference for navigation, then the direction of the launch is toward the sun in summer and opposite direction of the launch is away from the sun in the opposite season. (see Figure 4)

If we launch the solar system probe above the ecliptic plane, it should be launched on the summer solstice day to get better navigation based on the south pole star. If we launch the solar system probe on the winter solstice day, it will be away from the sun. The timing of the launch is very important. (see Figure 5)

2.4.2 Timing of launch below the ecliptic plane

If we launch the solar system probe below the ecliptic plane, it should be launched on the winter solstice day to get better navigation based on the south pole star, it will fly below the sun, not away from the sun.

2.5 Requirements

2.5.1 Implementation difficulty analysis

It's much more difficult to launch the solar system probe in the direction of vertical solar ecliptic than in the ecliptic plane, because it requires higher speed and the Earth's rotation, revolution and the speed of the sun make navigation and control more difficult.

2.5.2 Speed requirement

A satellite can orbit the Earth with the first cosmic velocity(7.9 km/s), leave the Earth and orbit the sun with the second cosmic velocity (11.2 km/s) and leave the solar system with the third cosmic velocity (16.7 km/s). At present, human beings have the ability to achieve the first, second and third cosmic velocity. However, this does not mean sending a probe to either side of the ecliptic. To reach the second and third cosmic velocity needs the help of the Earth's revolution speed (29.8 km/s).

Figure 4 Solar coordinate system (X axial to Earth)

Figure 5 The Earth (spring, summer, autumn and winter) the relationship between the angle and the sun

Launching above or below the ecliptic plane can't take advantage of the Earth's revolution speed. Thus, escaping the gravity of the solar system requires achieving a speed beyond the third cosmic velocity (42.2 km/s) which is the ability required for the solar system probe.

2.5.3 Innovative navigation method

It is difficult to exceed third cosmic velocity. However we can innovate the way we navigate with “Speed up first, turn later”. That is, we can first make the solar probe reach the third cosmic velocity in the direction of Earth's revolution (16.7 km/s), conduct the launch with the speed of the Earth (29.8 km/s)to reach the speed of 46.5 km/s that exceeds the fourth cosmic speed of 42.2 km/s, and then implement a gradual turn away from the ecliptic. Thus, realizing the launch of the solar system probe above or below the ecliptic plane with the required speed.

At present, humans have the ability to observe the north and south poles of the sun. On October 6, 1990, the U.S.space shuttle Discovery launched the Ulysses solar probe into space.

The probe reached the solar south pole in August 1994 and orbited the sun, and then crossed the sun's equator to its north pole. It has a circular orbit around the sun with the farthest distance from the sun of 800 million kilometers and the nearest distance from the sun of 193 million kilometers.

2.6 Influence Factors

During the complete bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system, many factors should be considered such as the launch timing, the rotation and revolution of the Earth, the speed of the sun and the aphelion and perihelion, etc.

2.6.1 The influence of aphelion and perihelion

The orbits of planets around the sun are elliptical. There is small difference between the orbits' long diameter and short diameter, so they are approximately circular. At the beginning of January, the Earth comes to the point that is nearest to the sun at 147.1 million kilometers which is called perhelion. At the beginning of July, the Earth comes to the point that farthest from the sun at 152 million kilometers which is called aphelion. (see Figure 6)

When the Earth is at aphelion, it is winter in the northern hemisphere and summer in the southern hemisphere, while when the Earth is at perihelion, it is summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere.

The Earth travels faster at aphelion and slower at perihelion.Therefore, when choosing the navigation calculation for the solar system probe, we need to consider the different motion states and distance between the Earth, the sun and the spacecraft.

Figure 7 Diagram of the sun's forward motion

2.6.2 The influence of solar motion

The sun is usually considered as a star. But it is constantly in motion, that is, constantly rotating around the Milky Way at 240 km/s. The speed of its motion changes, just as the Earth's revolution speed changes.

The solar motion has certain influence on the overall bi-directional panoramic observation of the solar system, it is one of the important points to be studied.

We can also use a distant constellation as the standard of measurement comparison to observe, measure and verify the speed, direction and movement rule for solar motion.

The author believes that the movement direction of the sun is towards the perihelion of the Earth (see figure 7). Due to the forward movement of the sun, the superposition of the movement of the earth and other planets around the sun occurs,leading to the perihelion and aphelion phenomena.

These factors such as the movement law of the sun and the solar system in the cosmic are also what we need to focus on.

Figure 6 Diagram of the Earth's aphelion and perihelion

2.6.3 Influence of solar wind and strong magnetic field

The universe is complex. Research by scientists has shown that stars have comet-like long tails and the sun's magnetic field can be strong enough to cause the sun to stay frothy.

Data from the voyager 1 and voyager 2 suggest that the effects of the solar wind do exist. Therefore, solar wind and a strong magnetic field will bring a variety of influences to the solar system probe's orbit and for the equipment operation.

According to the authors, the forward motion of the sun and the macroscopic envelope of the solar wind can be obtained through the complete bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system.

2.7 Predicting Results

In the past half century, human beings have conducted lunar landing and closely observed planets and the sun. However,there is still a long distance to go for human's and panoramic exploration of the solar system. The overall bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system is very much needed and valuable. This exploration activity can achieve the following results.

It can led to the understanding of the complete positive and negative aspects of motion using big data of the solar system and planets, enabling a more accurate survey of the number of asteroids in the asteroid belt, the bi-directional magnetic field distribution at both solar poles and the study of the motion law of the solar system in cosmos.

With panoramic solar system models and big data, it will enable astronomers, physicists, and scientists to obtain more knowledge and understanding.

It can enable valuable project cooperation opportunities for the international community.

After the bi-directional launch, the solar probe can gradually be moved away from the ecliptic plane of the solar system, providing more favorable conditions for further exploration of the Milky Way and the whole universe.

Researchers can obtain more knowledge about the general motion law of the solar system through the second plane, third plane, and bi-directional view of the solar system.

It will promote the development of other sciences and industries in the future such as materials science, electronics,humanities, astronomy, physics, management, measurement technology, and the industrial foundation.

3 IMPLEMENTATION STEPS

Overall bi-directional panoramic exploration of the solar system will inevitably be achieved in parallel to social development. This kind of exploration requires sufficient power, energy,as well as adequate telemetry, measurement and control capabilities. At present, there is still a lack of necessary conditions for space power and nuclear energy in China. Therefore, the overall bi-directional solar system exploration activity can be divided into two steps.

The first step is to launch a solar system probe in the solar polar orbit.

The second step is to launch the solar system probe far away from the solar ecliptic, to save energy and power, keep in sync with the sun, and enter into orbit around the galaxy.

At present, humans have not put a spacecraft into orbit (in sync with the sun) with the galaxy, which would be a great feat that can be achieved in the future, but also a new step for human technology to explore the universe.

4 CONCLUSION

The overall bi-directional panoramic solar system exploration proposed in this paper is not only for the macro exploration of the solar system, but also for the establishment of a panoramic model of the solar system. More importantly, by observing the solar system motion and other parameters on both sides of the solar ecliptic, the exploration can help people exploring the Milky Way and the vase universe with a larger perspective.