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#Flying

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Ultra-precision formation flying demonstration for space-based interferometry

arxiv.org/abs/2504.05001

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arXiv.orgSILVIA: Ultra-precision formation flying demonstration for space-based interferometryWe propose SILVIA (Space Interferometer Laboratory Voyaging towards Innovative Applications), a mission concept designed to demonstrate ultra-precision formation flying between three spacecraft separated by 100 m. SILVIA aims to achieve sub-micrometer precision in relative distance control by integrating spacecraft sensors, laser interferometry, low-thrust and low-noise micro-propulsion for real-time measurement and control of distances and relative orientations between spacecraft. A 100-meter-scale mission in a near-circular low Earth orbit has been identified as an ideal, cost-effective setting for demonstrating SILVIA, as this configuration maintains a good balance between small relative perturbations and low risk for collision. This mission will fill the current technology gap towards future missions, including gravitational wave observatories such as DECIGO (DECihertz Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory), designed to detect the primordial gravitational wave background, and high-contrast nulling infrared interferometers like LIFE (Large Interferometer for Exoplanets), designed for direct imaging of thermal emissions from nearby terrestrial planet candidates. The mission concept and its key technologies are outlined, paving the way for the next generation of high-precision space-based observatories.

After the Young Eagles rally I had some time and decided to fly around a little. I got a ram mount for my yoke and wanted to test it a bit (I like it a lot more than having the ipad on my thigh). I also "suffered" a little spontaneous disassembly of my air vent and had to wait until I was back on the ground to mess with it.

Overall, a nice flight seeing things starting to turn green.

A successful Young Eagles rally at 79C this morning! The clouds lifted and we had four aircraft going. I flew 8 total and all 8 had never been on a small plane before. It was a challenging crosswind at Brennand since the runway isn't very wide, but I had some great landings.

🐰 My lil' #Easter trip is starting slow: pulling my #skydive gear from the #bus stop up to the #airfield... Then loading everything into the (freshly cleaned) #Sperling and hopping over to #Rothenburg o.d. Tauber where there's #Pink #SkyVan in action! 🛩️ I plan for one #jump! 🪂 #avgeek #aviation #AeroSpace #skydive #Fallschirmspringen #flying #fliegen #taildragger #SF23 #SC7 #PilotsLife #PlanePacking #outdoor #draußen #sports #Sport #Alpen #Berge #alps #mountains #clouds #Wolken #EDMJ #EDFR