Changes in chromatin and nucleic acids in rat tissues after two-week spaceflight

The quantitative changes in nucleic acids and chromatin breakdown were followed in blood, thymus and spleen in rats after 14 day flights on board the biosatellites Cosmos-1887 and Cosmos-2044. Quantitative nucleic acid changes within 8-11 h after landing were only mild, most statistically non-significant. An analysis at 48 h after landing showed a marked decrease in a total content of DNA and RNA in spleen and thymus. Within 8-11 h after landing, the symptoms of chromatin breakdown were found as is seen in an increased concentration of its fragments-polydeoxyribonucleotides. The obtained results show that a partial adaptation to microgravity occurs up to flight day 14 in lymphoid organs. Adaptation is accompanied with a reappearing of the sensitive cells. Their chromatin breaks down, then, in a final phase of flight due to hypergravity stress manifesting itself by a temporary increase in polydeoxyribonucleotide concentration several hours after landing. The results are discussed in relation to the changes in chosen parameters after shorter or more prolonged flights.     

Space analogue studies in Antarctica

Medical research has been carried out on the Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) for 50 years. As an extension of this program collaborative Australian/United States research on immunology, microbiology, psychology and remote medicine has produced important data and insight on how humans adapt to the stress of extreme isolation, confinement and the harsh environment of Antarctica. An outstanding analogue for the isolation and confinement of space missions (especially planetary outposts), ANARE has been used as an international research platform by Australia and the United States since 1993. Collaborative research has demonstrated a lowered responsiveness of the immune system under the isolation and confinement of Antarctic winter-over; a reduction of almost 50% in T cell proliferation to mltogen phytohaemogglutinin, as well as changes in latent herpesvirus states and the expansion of the polyclonal latent Epstein-Barr virus infected B cell populations. Although no clinically significant disease has been found to result from these immune changes, research is currently assessing the effects of psychological factors on the immune system. This and associated research performed to date and its relevance to both organisations is discussed, and comment made on possible extensions to the program in both medical and other fields.     

基于人工免疫的液体火箭发动机故障检测方法研究

为有效提高液体火箭发动机故障检测过程中的及时性、实时性及准确性,基于人工免疫系统中的阴性选择原理研究建立了液体火箭发动机故障检测的阴性选择算法与免疫实值算法,实现了液体火箭发动机稳态工作过程中的故障检测与报警。基于某大型泵压式液体火箭发动机实际试车数据的验证结果表明,研究建立的人工免疫故障检测方法能对发动机稳态工作阶段进行有效准确的故障检测与报警,相对以往传统的检测算法在故障检测时间上有了一定的缩短,对研究基于人工免疫的液体火箭发动机的故障检测与诊断系统提供了依据。     

Severe disruption of the cytoskeleton and immunologically relevant surface molecules in a human macrophageal cell line in microgravity—Results of an in vitro experiment on board of the Shenzhou-8 space mission

During spaceflight the immune system is one of the most affected systems of the human body. During the SIMBOX (Science in Microgravity Box) mission on Shenzhou-8, we investigated microgravity-associated long-term alterations in macrophageal cells, the most important effector cells of the immune system. We analyzed the effect of long-term microgravity on the cytoskeleton and immunologically relevant surface molecules. Human U937 cells were differentiated into a macrophageal phenotype and exposed to microgravity or 1g on a reference centrifuge on-orbit for 5 days. After on-orbit fixation, the samples were analyzed with immunocytochemical staining and confocal microscopy after landing. The unmanned Shenzhou-8 spacecraft was launched on board a Long March 2F (CZ-2F) rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) and landed after a 17-day-mission. We found a severely disturbed actin cytoskeleton, disorganized tubulin and distinctly reduced expression of CD18, CD36 and MHC-II after the 5 days in microgravity. The disturbed cytoskeleton, the loss of surface receptors for bacteria recognition, the activation of T lymphocytes, the loss of an important scavenger receptor and of antigen-presenting molecules could represent a dysfunctional macrophage phenotype. This phenotype in microgravity would be not capable of migrating or recognizing and attacking pathogens, and it would no longer activate the specific immune system, which could be investigated in functional assays. Obviously, the results have to be interpreted with caution as the model system has some limitations and due to numerous technical and biological restrictions (e.g. 23 °C and no CO₂ supply during in-flight incubation). All parameter were carefully pre-tested on ground. Therefore, the experiment could be adapted to the experimental conditions available on Shenzhou-8.     

Current views and future programs in cardiovascular physiology in space.

The volume shift of 2000 cm3 from the lower to the upper part of the human body during weightlessness gave rise to theoretical and practical questions which are addressed in this communication. The analysis revealed that the mobilized fluid reduced the interstitial fluid of the lower extremities by 40%. Applying the current ideas in the field of interstitial tissue physiology to these problems, one must conclude that the fluid displacement can only be brought about by a change of the interstitial tissue compliance. Based on the observations made by the astronauts and on our working hypothesis, a method was proposed to follow the fluid migration and to measure the tissue compliance in man. Results are reported from experiments under terrestrial conditions. They show that the tissue compliance indeed can be modulated. Applying the method in space can eventually help to clarify several concepts in terrestrial physiology.     

First results from experiments performed with the ESA Anthrorack during the D-2 Spacelab mission

In 1993 four astronauts performed physiological experiments on the payload "Anthrorack" during the second German Spacelab mission D-2. The Anthrorack set-up is a Spacelab double rack developed under the management of the European Space Agency. It consists of an ECHO machine, a respiratory monitoring system (gas analyzer with flow meter), a blood centrifuge, an ergometer, a finger blood pressure device, ECG, body impedance measurement device and a respiratory inductance plethysmograph. Experiment-specific equipment was used as well. Nineteen investigators performed experiments in the cardiovascular, pulmonary, fluid-renal and nutritional physiology area. Results on central venous pressure, ocular pressure, vascular resistance, cardiac output, tissue thickness and orthostatic intolerance are presented in the cardiovascular area. In the pulmonary area first results are mentioned on O2 transport perfusion and ventilation distribution and breathing pattern. From the fluid-renal experiments, data from diuresis, sodium excretion and hormonal determinations are given. Finally results from glucose metabolism and nitrogen turnover experiments are presented.     

不同重力环境下空间机械臂神经自适应鲁棒控制

针对空间机械臂从地面装调到空间应用过程中重力项的变化问题,提出了一种神经网络自适应鲁棒补偿控制策略用于空间机械臂的末端控制,从而实现在地面重力环境下装调好的空间机械臂在空间微重力环境下实现在轨操控任务。通过神经网络在线建模来逼近系统模型中变化的重力项,逼近误差及系统的不确定性通过自适应鲁棒控制器来补偿。该控制策略不依赖于系统的模型,避免了回归矩阵的复杂计算及未知参数的估计,降低了计算量。基于李亚普诺夫理论证明了闭环系统的渐近稳定性。仿真结果表明该控制器对不同重力环境下空间机械臂的末端控制均能达到较高的控制精度,具有重要的理论研究和工程应用价值。     

Hematological and immunological changes during space flight.

This paper gives a summary of the principal hematological and immunological changes observed in crews after space flight. Reduction of red blood cell mass (2-21%) and of hemoglobin mass (12-33%) is generally observed after the US and Soviet space missions. The changes are accompanied with a loss of plasma volume (4-16%). Erythrocyte and hemoglobin concentrations in the blood remain constant, suggesting that the changes are driven by a feed-back mechanism. Immunological changes consist mainly of reduced T-lymphocyte reactivity. The results of the 96-day and 140-day Salyut-6 missions suggest that the adaptation of the immune system to spaceflight occurs in two stages: the first takes place during the first 2-3 months in space, the second follows and consists of further weakening of the immune response. Our experiments with human lymphocytes in vitro indicate that high-g enhance, whereas low-g depress lymphocyte activity. Finally, our investigations to be performed on Spacelab are described.     

Long-term biological investigations in space

Missions in space within the next two decades will be of longer duration than those carried out up to the present time, and the effects of such long-term flights on biological organisms are unknown. Results of biological experiments that have been performed to date cannot be extrapolated to results in future flights because of the unknown influence of adaptation over a long period of time. Prior experiments with Axolotl, fishes, and vertebrates by our research team (in part with sounding rockets) showed that these specimens did not appear to be suitable for long-term missions on which minimization of expense, technique, and energy is required. Subsequent investigations have shown the suitability of the leech (Hirudo medicinalis), which consumes blood of mammals up to ten times its own weight (1 g) and can live more than 2 years without further food supply. Emphasis in the experiments with Hirudo medicinalis is placed on metabolic rhythm and motility. Resorption and diffusion in tissue, development, and growth under long-term effects of cosmic proton radiation and zero-gravity are other focal points. The constancy of cellular life in the mature animals is a point in favor of these specimens. We have also taken into account the synergistic effects of the space environment on the problems just mentioned. The life-support system constructed for the leech has been tested successfully in four sounding rocket flights and, on that basis, has been prepared for a long-term mission. Long-term investigations out of the terrestrial biosphere will provide us with information concerning the degree of adaptation of certain physiological and biochemical functions and as to what extent biological readjustment or repair processes can occur under the specific stress conditions of space flight.     

CL-20/HMX混合体系的热分解

用高压差示扫描量热法(PDSC)研究了六硝基六氮杂异伍兹烷/奥克托今(CL-20/HMX)混合体系在常压及高压下的热分解行为,比较了混合体系在不同压强下的热分解特征,用Ozawa法获得了0.1、1、3 MPa下混合体系中CL-20的热分解动力学参数,讨论了混合体系组分的混合比和压强对其热分解动力学参数的影响。结果表明,随着压强的增大及HMX含量的增高,CL-20分解表观活化能提高。     

基于解耦和动态补偿的卫星控制系统设计

针对带大型挠性单翼太阳帆板和偏置动量的三轴稳定卫星,研究如何消除星内外干扰对姿态控制精度影响的卫星控制系统的设计问题。首先对星内外干扰进行了数值分析,进而阐明了在经典控制方案中干扰力矩对姿态控制精度的影响,指出经典控制在克服干扰力矩对姿态控制精度影响方面存在的不足之处。然后根据卫星的动力学特点,提出并论证了在设定角动量交换系统标称值条件下基于解耦和动态补偿的卫星控制系统的设计方案。最后深入分析了在该方案下太阳帆板挠性模态的稳定性。     

航天动力系统未来需求方向及发展建议的思考

随着航天运输领域的发展对航天动力系统的需求不断提升,总结国外航天动力系统的发展趋势,分析内在启示;根据我国航天运输系统未来发展,提出我国航天动力系统的发展需求,并进一步结合多方约束阐述对解决方案的思考。     

高速旋转冲压增程弹用进气道复杂流场数值模拟

采用块结构网格与二阶精度流场分区求解技术,对高速旋转、含侧向支柱冲压增程弹丸进气道内外复杂流场进行了数值模拟,得到了高速旋转工况下对应于不同来流马赫数和攻角,以及临界工况时超音速进气道内外流场复杂的波系结构。在旋转工况下,进气道流场结构与不旋转时相似,但旋转速度以及攻角的存在对冲压发动机进气道的总体性能产生了负面影响,进气道总压恢复系数和动能系数均有所降低,而流场畸变指数则显著增大;冲压发动机进气道在较低马赫数工作时的综合性能优于在较高马赫数工作时的综合性能。     

多截面细径管结构参数对放气系统压降特性的影响

采用数值模拟方法研究了多截面细径管结构参数对放气系统压降特性的影响,得到了导管几何尺寸、导管内壁粗糙度和出口压力等参数对压降特性影响的变化规律。研究结果表明:缩短容器导管长度或扩大其内径对壅塞状态下的压降影响较小,但可以显著提高层流状态下气体的流动速度,从而减少放气时间;内壁粗糙度对壅塞状态下的压降特性影响较大,随着粗糙度的增大,压力下降速度有所降低,而对层流状态下的压降特性影响较小,在容器压力降至极低的情况下,粗糙度的影响可以忽略不计;出口压力对整个流动过程的放气速度影响较小,出口压力的进一步提高不会明显增加放气速度。该研究可为多截面细径管放气系统的优化设计提供依据。     

基于Labview的液氧／煤油贮箱压力控制软件

介绍了液体火箭发动机地面试验推进剂贮箱压力控制系统的设计要点、系统组成和在RT实时系统环境中软件的开发过程。详细阐述了贮箱压力控制系统的工作原理、技术特点、系统组成机构,经过多次测试及地面热试车验证,成功实现了多路控制对象的集中控制。     

In vitro edible muscle protein production system (MPPS): stage 1, fish

The working efficiency and state-of-mind of a Space vehicle crew on long-term missions is dependent on the suitability of living conditions including food. Our purpose was to establish the feasibility of an in vitro muscle protein production system (MPPS) for the fabrication of surrogate muscle protein constructs as food products for Space travelers. In the experimental treatments, we cultivated the adult dorsal abdominal skeletal muscle mass of Carassius (Gold fish). An ATCC fish fibroblast cell line was used for tissue engineering investigations. No antibiotics were used during any phase of the research. Our four treatments produced these results: a low contamination rate, self-healing, cell proliferation, a tissue engineered construct of non-homologous co-cultured cells with explants, an increase in tissue size in homologous co-cultures of explants with crude cell mixtures, maintenance of explants in media containing fetal bovine serum substitutes, and harvested explants which resembled fresh fish filets.

We feel that not only have we pointed the way to an innovative, viable means of supplying safe, healthy, nutritious food to Space voyagers on long journeys, but our research also points the way to means of alleviating food supply and safety problems in both the public and private sectors worldwide.     

Pricing competitively — a response to Jay Lightfoot

A recent paper in this journal criticized the two methods commonly used to allocate the costs of multi-payload launches, and proposed two new alternatives. The paper argued that ‘Shapley-value’ pricing and the ‘Independent Cost Proportional Scheme’ are immune to instability problems possible under the traditional mass-proportional approach, and reduce ‘subsidies’ paid to small payloads. This rejoinder shows that neither claim is true in general. It also questions whether new pricing formulas are truly needed — or even sustainable in today's competitive market.     

MHD-Arc-Ramjet联合循环与AJAX间的性能比较

为了提高冲压发动机在更高速度区内的性能，扩展发动机的运行速度范围，需要在并行于发动机的燃烧室处附加一套能量旁路系统。采用热力学方法针对两种带有能量旁路的冲压发动机分别在理想和实际情况下进行了性能分析和比较，结果表明：理想条件下MAX的单位推力要高于MHD-Arc—Ramjet联合循环；考虑到后者可以在更高的温度下进行能量注入，其在单位推力方面是具有优势的。实际条件下在很宽的飞行Ma范围内MHD—Arc-Ramjet联合循环的单位推力要高于AJAX。     

挠性空间结构的可辨识性研究

本文重点研究挠性空间结构系统的可辨识性。研究表明，系统的可辨识性取于系统构形和控制器、敏感器的配置模式。对于配置了分布式测量敏感器的挠性外系统，系统模态在整个空间区域上的取值可由输入输出数据确定，条件是控制向量与系统有关模态不正交；对于配置了点测量敏感器的挠性体系统，系统模态在控制点和测量点的取值信息可由输入输出数据确定，条件是控制向量与系统有关模态不正交并且测量点与系统模态的零点不重合。由此，本