Glossary S

Deutsch: Struktur / Español: Estructura / Português: Estrutura / Français: Structure / Italiano: Struttura /

In the aerospace industry, structure refers to the framework or underlying support that is used to hold aircraft and spacecraft together and give them their shape and form. The structure of an aircraft or spacecraft is typically made up of a combination of materials, such as metal alloys, composites, and other materials, that are selected for their strength, weight, and other characteristics.

STS stands for "Space Transportation System." In the aerospace industry, STS refers to the Space Shuttle, which was a reusable spacecraft that was used by NASA for over 30 years to carry astronauts, payloads, and supplies to and from low Earth orbit.

Deutsch: Submillimeter / Español: Submilímetro / Português: Submilímetro / Français: Submillimètre / Italiano: Sottomillimetro

In the space industry context, submillimeter refers to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that are shorter than one millimeter but longer than infrared waves, typically ranging from about 0.1 millimeters (100 micrometers) to 1 millimeter. This part of the spectrum is crucial for astronomical observations and is often used to study cold and distant objects in space, such as molecular clouds, star-forming regions, and the early universe.

General Description

Submillimeter astronomy is a field that involves observing the universe in the submillimeter range of the electromagnetic spectrum. This wavelength range is particularly useful for detecting thermal radiation from cold dust and gas in space, which is not visible in optical or infrared wavelengths. Submillimeter observations can reveal crucial information about the composition, temperature, density, and motion of these materials.

Application Areas

Observing Molecular Clouds and Star Formation

• Molecular Clouds: These dense regions of gas and dust are the birthplaces of stars. Submillimeter observations can penetrate these clouds and reveal the processes leading to star formation.
• Protostars and Young Stellar Objects: Submillimeter wavelengths can detect the thermal emissions from protostars and their surrounding disks, providing insights into the early stages of star formation.

Studying Galaxies and Cosmology

• High-Redshift Galaxies: Submillimeter observations allow astronomers to study distant galaxies formed in the early universe, offering clues about galaxy formation and evolution.
• Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): Submillimeter telescopes can contribute to studies of the CMB, the afterglow of the Big Bang, providing information about the universe's origin and evolution.

Examining Planetary Systems and Comets

• Planetary Atmospheres: Observing in the submillimeter range can reveal details about the atmospheres of planets and moons within our solar system.
• Cometary Studies: Submillimeter wavelengths can detect the thermal emissions and molecular composition of comets, shedding light on their structure and origins.

Well-Known Examples

Several notable observatories and missions are dedicated to submillimeter astronomy:

• Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA): Located in Chile, ALMA is one of the most advanced submillimeter observatories, consisting of 66 high-precision antennas. It has provided groundbreaking insights into star formation, planet formation, and the early universe.
• Herschel Space Observatory: Operated by the European Space Agency (ESA), Herschel was the largest infrared space telescope, covering wavelengths from the far-infrared to the submillimeter. It made significant discoveries about the cold universe before its mission ended in 2013.
• Submillimeter Array (SMA): Located on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, the SMA is an interferometer array of eight radio telescopes that studies the universe at submillimeter wavelengths.

Treatment and Risks

Conducting submillimeter observations involves several challenges and considerations:

• Atmospheric Absorption: Earth's atmosphere absorbs submillimeter radiation, making ground-based observations difficult. Observatories are often located at high altitudes or in dry environments to minimize this effect.
• Technical Complexity: Submillimeter telescopes and detectors require advanced technology and precise engineering to achieve the necessary sensitivity and resolution.
• Data Processing: The large volumes of data generated by submillimeter observations require sophisticated processing and analysis techniques.

Similar Terms

• Millimeter Astronomy: Refers to observations at slightly longer wavelengths, typically from 1 millimeter to 10 millimeters. It is closely related to submillimeter astronomy.
• Far-Infrared Astronomy: Overlaps with submillimeter astronomy and covers wavelengths just shorter than the submillimeter range, from about 25 micrometers to 0.1 millimeters.
• Radio Astronomy: Involves observing at longer wavelengths than millimeter and submillimeter astronomy, typically from a few millimeters to several meters.

Summary

Submillimeter astronomy is a vital field in the space industry, enabling the study of cold and distant objects in the universe that are not visible at other wavelengths. Observatories like ALMA and missions like the Herschel Space Observatory have significantly advanced our understanding of star formation, galaxy evolution, and the early universe. Despite the challenges of atmospheric absorption and technical complexity, submillimeter observations continue to provide crucial insights into the hidden aspects of the cosmos.

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Deutsch: Teilmenge / Español: Subconjunto / Português: Subconjunto / Français: Sous-ensemble / Italiano: Sottoinsieme

Subset in the space industry context refers to a specific portion or a smaller group of elements within a larger set related to space operations, missions, technology, or data. This term is used widely in data analysis, project management, and systems engineering to describe components, groups, or categories that are part of a larger system but can be distinctly identified and analyzed on their own.

In the aerospace context, the sun refers to the star at the center of the solar system. It is the primary source of light and heat for the planets in our solar system, including Earth.

Deutsch: Superkleber / Español: Pegamento superfuerte / Português: Super cola / Français: Super colle / Italiano: Super colla

In the space industry, super glue refers to a variety of high-performance adhesives used for bonding components in spacecraft and other aerospace applications. These adhesives are specifically formulated to withstand the harsh conditions of space, such as extreme temperatures, vacuum, and radiation.

A supernova is a destructive explosion of a star at its end of life in a powerful and luminous explosion. This explosion makes it as bright as a whole galaxy.

Deutsch: Unterstützung / Español: Apoyo / Português: Suporte / Français: Soutien / Italiano: Supporto

Support in the space industry refers to a broad range of assistance, services, and infrastructure that enable the successful development, launch, operation, and maintenance of space missions and technologies. This encompasses everything from ground control operations, technical expertise, and engineering services to supply chain logistics and financial backing essential for space exploration and satellite deployment.

Deutsch: Überwachung / Español: Vigilancia / Português: Vigilância / Français: Surveillance / Italiano: Sorveglianza /

Surveillance refers to the act of monitoring or observing a specific area or activity from above. Surveillance can be carried out using a variety of methods, including satellite imagery, aircraft, and drones.

In the aerospace context, a survey refers to the process of gathering and analyzing data in order to assess a situation or condition.

In the aerospace context, Surveyor refers to a series of robotic spacecraft missions conducted by NASA in the 1960s to study the surface of the Moon and prepare for the Apollo manned landings.

In the aerospace context, susceptibility refers to the degree to which a vehicle, system or component is vulnerable or likely to be affected by a particular threat or hazard.

Deutsch: Aufhängung / Español: Suspensión / Português: Suspensão / Français: Suspension / Italiano: Sospensione

Suspension in the space industry refers to the systems and methods used to isolate or dampen vibrations, shocks, and other mechanical forces to protect spacecraft, instruments, and crew members. These systems are critical for maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of space missions, both during launch and in the harsh environment of space.

Sustainability refers to the development and operation of aerospace systems in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability in the aerospace industry can involve a variety of factors, including the environmental impact of aerospace systems and operations, the use of resources such as fuel and materials, and the social and economic impacts of the aerospace industry.

Deutsch: Nachhaltige Herstellung / Español: Fabricación sostenible / Português: Fabricação Sustentável / Français: Fabrication durable / Italiano: Produzione sostenibile

Sustainable manufacturing in the industrial and industry context refers to the creation of manufactured products through economically-sound processes that minimize negative environmental impacts while conserving energy and natural resources. This approach also emphasizes the improvement of employee, community, and product safety.

SW --->Software

Deutsch: Wechsel / Español: Interruptor / Português: Interruptor / Français: Interrupteur / Italiano: Interruttore /

A switch is used in various aircraft systems to manage and manipulate different functions. These switches play a critical role in ensuring the safety, functionality, and maneuverability of aircraft. This article delves into the significance of switches in aerospace, provides examples of their applications, and discusses related concepts.

Deutsch: Synchronisierung / Español: Sincronización / Português: Sincronização / Français: Synchronisation / Italiano: Sincronizzazione

Synchronization in the space industry refers to the precise coordination of systems, signals, and operations across spacecraft, satellites, ground stations, and other space infrastructure. It is critical for ensuring that all components involved in space missions operate in harmony, whether they are timing signals for satellite communications, aligning orbital trajectories, or coordinating tasks between space agencies. Synchronization is essential for maintaining accurate communication, navigation, and control in complex space missions.

Synthetic things are composed of multiple parts, often with the implication that they are artificial.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a type of radar system that uses advanced signal processing techniques to produce high-resolution images of the earth's surface or other objects.