Context. The diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are absorption features seen in the spectra of astronomical objects that arise in the interstellar medium. Today, more than 500 DIBs have been observed, mostly in the optical and near-infrared wavelengths. The origin of the DIBs is unclear; only ionised buckminsterfullerene, C60+, has been identified as a viable candidate for two strong and three weaker DIBs. Aims. We investigate the correlations between the strengths of the two strongest C60+ DIBs as well as their environmental behaviour. Methods. We analysed measurements of the strengths of the two C60+ DIBs at 9577 and 9633 Å for 26 lines of sight. We used two different methods, including Monte Carlo simulations, to study their correlations and the influence of measurement errors on the correlation coefficients. We examined how the strength of the C60+ DIBs changes as a result of different environmental conditions, as measured by the concentration of H/H2 and the strength of the ambient UV radiation. Results. In contrast to results recently reported by Galazutdinov et al. (2021, AJ, 161, 127), we find a high correlation between the strengths of the C60+ DIBs. We also discovered that the behaviour of the correlated C60+ bands is quite distinct from other DIBs at 5780, 5797, and 6203 Å in different environments.

<p>In this study, we present preliminary results of modelling the potentially collisional atmosphere of the Jovian satellite Europa using the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method [1]. In<em> </em>the DSMC method particular gas flows are calculated through the collision mechanics of representative atoms or molecules that are subject to binary collisions to simulate macroscopic gas dynamics.</p> <p>NASA's Europa Clipper mission [2] and ESA's JUpiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) [3] will encounter Europa with flybys in the 2030s to sample the atmosphere of the icy moon using mass spectroscopy. Measurements with the MAss Spectrometer for Planetary EXploration (MASPEX) onboard Europa Clipper and the Neutral gas and Ion Mass spectrometer (NIM) onboard JUICE will determine the composition of Europa's exosphere and, potentially, sample the plume material. From the exosphere measurements, the chemical composition of Europa's surface could be derived, whereas plume measurements would potentially allow conclusions about the chemical conditions of Europa's subsurface ocean.</p> <p>Models of the collision-less exosphere for the icy moon [4, 5] have shown that Europa’s ice-sputtered atmosphere is dominated by O<sub>2</sub> near the surface with an extended H<sub>2</sub> corona at higher altitudes. Here, we compare the results of these studies with the DSMC model including deeper layers of Europa's collisional atmosphere.</p> <p>[1] Bird, G. A. (1994). Molecular gas dynamics and the direct simulation of gas flows.<br />[2] Phillips, C. B., and Pappalardo, R. T. (2014). Eos, Transactions AGU, 95(20), 165-167.<br />[3] Grasset, O., et al. (2013). Planetary and Space Science, 78, 1-21.<br />[4] Vorburger, A., and Wurz, P. (2018). Icarus, 311, 135-145.<br />[5] Vorburger, A., and Wurz, P. (2021). J. Geophys. Res. Space Phys., 126(9), e2021JA029690.</p>

<p><span>   </span><strong>EuroMoonMars</strong> is an ILEWG initiative including several activities in the space field to facilitate Moon and Mars exploration [1-6]. EMMPOL missions are organized by EMM and AATC, aboard a confined simulator in Poland. The EMMPOL8 (9-16th September 2021) focussed on psychological wellbeing in confinement. During the simulation, biological experiments were also conducted by the crew to analyse the impact of microgravity and different light conditions on the growth of plants and to assess the lunar dust simulant toxicity to various organisms. <br><span>   </span>Here, we present three experiments with a focus on design which were performed by Serena Crotti, Vice-Commander of the mission, in the context of her MSc Thesis research in Integrated Product Design at Politecnico di Milano, under the academic supervision of Professors A. Dominoni, B. Quaquaro and B. Foing. Design for Space<strong> </strong>is an emerging discipline that applies design principles to the aerospace sector; increasing wellbeing and comfort are the main tasks of designers in this area. As missions get longer, psychophysical wellbeing becomes fundamental [7-9]. The following experiments stem from this context.<br><span>   </span><strong>The <em>Emotion Wall</em>.</strong> An emotional monitoring system was tested during the EMMPOL8. It collects psychological data from individuals via a dedicated software; afterwards, it processes them into a visual representation of the crew’s emotional state. This experiment was carried out in collaboration with Brent Reymen and Abdelali Ez Zyn. Testing the system and evaluating its impact on crew dynamics were the main objectives. Real-time psychological data were collected to investigate individuals’ reactions to environmental stressors. This helped keep track of criticalities that can be turned into design opportunities to improve wellbeing.<br><span>  </span><strong><em>Multi-sensory Scenarios</em> and the <em>Scents Experiment</em>.</strong> <em>Multi-sensory Scenarios</em> exploited light, sounds and scents to simulate different environmental settings aboard. Projections recreated shadows cast by hypothetical windows and were accompanied by natural sounds and scents. In the <em>Scents Experiment</em>, astronauts were exposed to olfactory stimulations related to food evoking daily life. These were provided by the company AromaDesign. Stimulating the crew’s senses to provide relief from claustrophobia and monotony was the main aim. Interviews and surveys monitored the crew’s reactions.</p><p><strong>References.</strong> [1] Foing B. et al (2021) LPSC52, 2502 [2] Musilova M. et al (2020) LPSC51, 2893 [3] Perrier I.R. et al (2021) LPSC52, 2562 [4] Foing, B. et al (2021) LPSC52, 2502 [5] Heemskerk, M. et al (2021) LPSC52, 2762 [6] Pouwels, C. et al (2021) EPSC15, 835 [7] Dominoni, A. (2021), “Design of Supporting Systems for Life in Outer Space. A Design Perspective on Space Missions Near Earth and Beyond”, Research for Development, Springer. [8] Dominoni, A., Quaquaro, B., Pappalardo, R. (2018) Space Design Learning. An Innovative Approach of Space Education Through Design, in: Proceedings of IAC 69th, Bremen, 2018. [9] Dominoni, A. (2015), “For Designers with Their Head Beyond the Clouds”, Maggioli, Milan.</p><p> </p><p>                                           <img src="https://contentmanager.copernicus.org/fileStorageProxy.php?f=gepj.46b73736bdd165500291461/sdaolpUECMynit/22UGE&app=m&a=0&c=693d8d0af56bec1f67cca3c6a2714c86&ct=x&pn=gepj.elif&d=1" alt="" width="724" height="426"></p><p> </p>

<p>An expedition EMM-Etna to simulate the Lunar and Martian volcanic and soil environment will be carried out at Mount.Etna’s Cratere del Laghetto in Sicily, near Catania Italy by the EuroMoonMars TUDublin and LEAPS ExoMars groups. This scouting campaign intends to train in using instruments to be used on MoonMars landers and rovers, with a perspective of ARCHES DLR telerobotics campaign to be conducted in June 2022, and in preparation for ExoMars rover instruments (PANCAM, CLUPI and spectrometers) science and operations.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Figure 1: Lunar Lander and REMMI Rover for Sample Analysis</p> <p>The aim of this EMM-Etna expedition is to investigate and analyse the terrain with the use of different scientific instruments. The topography of the landscape will be photographed using a 360° panoramic camera and drone; it will be processed, and a 3D model developed. The terrain will also be investigated using the REMMI Rover, the abilities of the rover to operate and transport equipment will be monitored. This will further develop the knowledge available of the terrain and help future expeditions to identify different landmarks. The use of a Radio Jove Antenna will permit the team to monitor transmissions from both the Sun and Jupiter. This will allow different cosmic events or changes in the celestial objects to be studied and explored. On site a selection of different samples will also be collected and examined using the REMMI Rover. An Ocean Optics UV-Vis-NIR spectrometer will a be operated  in order to evaluate the existence of biological compounds and substances within these samples and in the area itself. It is key to understand the molecular makeup of one’s surroundings when in an unknown environment. By analysing samples collected, spectroscopy can be used to identify and determine a diagnostic for each substance. This process will be monitored by a Logitech camera to ensure it is carried put correctly. A selection of photographs will be captured of each sample using a portable optical microscope. This will allow an in-depth analysis of the microscopic structure of each collected sample. The use of all of the instruments mentioned above is key in the investigation and research into the Moon and Martian-like volcanic environment that is Mount Etna.</p> <p>We would also like to thank Prof I. Pagano's team from the University of Catania and Dr A.Wedler's team from DLR Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt for their support in organising this expedition.</p>