我国建成低纬度探空火箭发射场

位于海南省海口市西南192公里处有个鲜为人知的富克小镇,自1988年12月和1991年1月两批探空火箭从这里腾飞以来,这个小镇开始频频传出我国运用高技术进行空间探测的新闻。原来这里建成了我国唯一的一座低纬度探空火箭发射场——海南探空火箭发射场。 探空火箭是在近地空间进行探测和科学试验的火箭,它比探空气球飞得高,比低轨道卫星飞得低,是30～200公里高度“空白区”中唯一有效的探测工具。它所取得的资料可以为弹道导弹、运载火箭、人造卫星、载人     

商业载人亚轨道飞行器发展现状与趋势分析

对当前国外各商业公司的载人亚轨道飞行器的发展现状进行了调研,主要包括飞行器系统概况、飞行方案、项目进展等内容。从飞行器与飞行方案设计等角度对各亚轨道飞行器的总体技术特点、各商业公司关于亚轨道飞行器的发展思路和趋势进行了比较分析。得出对我国发展商业亚轨道飞行器的若干启示,建议以旋成体亚轨道乘员舱为发展起点,及早进入载人亚轨道飞行领域,并积极谋划亚轨道空天飞机的长远发展。     

我国探空火箭首次完成空间环境试验任务

天鹰3E探空火箭近期首次执行了一次空间环境试验任务.此次飞行试验是我国首次以探空火箭为载体的一次空间科学主动试验,标志着我国利用探空火箭开展空间探测和科学试验再一次取得了重大突破,是固体动力技术服务国家科学研究的重要体现,为增强我国空间科技创新能力奠定了基础,也为提升我国空间活动能力、保障空间活动安全作出了重要贡献.     

美国用探空火箭发射学生卫星

美国东部时间2010年3月27日10点09分,美国航宇局（NASA）从沃洛普斯飞行基地发射了一枚用于试验的探空火箭。火箭进入亚轨道之后,成功释放了两颗由学生建造的立方体卫星。     

通向月球之路

通向月球的路是漫长的。从现在起,有针对性地对空间探测理论与技术进行研究是非必需的。本文对月球探测轨道作一介绍,利用借力飞行和WSB转移,减少轨道机动所需的△V,从而减少发射费用,这对支持长期的持续的空间探测是非常必要的。离子推进推力器是空间探测用推进器的理想选择,应继续进行研究,并进行飞行试验验证。     

纳型卫星编队飞行技术现状及发展趋势

对纳型卫星编队飞行进行了较全面综述,包括编队飞行、特点与现状以及空间飞行试验。根据空间市场预测,未来纳型卫星年发射量将占全球卫星总发射量1/3以上。文章据此论述了15个典型的纳型卫星编队飞行应用实例,总结了纳型卫星编队飞行的最新应用特点和发展方向,对我国发展纳型卫星编队飞行具有借鉴意义。     

国外微重力火箭的发展及其特点

一、前言 微重力火箭是近20年来从探空火箭系列中发展出来的一种用于微重力科学研究的技术实验火箭。微重力科学的研究范围包括微重力材料科学和微重力流体科学,并涉及到空间生命科学。1971年10月美国航宇局发射了空蜂170A,首次利用探空火箭进行空间材料加工实验尝试,1972年1月在发射黑雁5C火箭时,再次进行了金属熔炼实验。这两枚火箭的发射,证实了用探空火箭进行微重力科学实验是一条可行的技术途径,从而揭开了微重力火箭研制和应用的序幕。     

太空是生命科学研究的实验室

在人进入太空之前,先是用火箭将动物发射到太空,来帮助人们了解在没有地球环境保护的情况下,生物体是否可以生存.1951年9月20日第一次有动物进入太空，前苏联发射的一枚探空火箭中有1只猴子和11只鼠。实际上这还不是一次真正意义的轨道飞行，只是一次直上直下的火箭飞行，动物是活着回来的。通过这样的实验，可以观察在一定高度上辐射和失重对动物的影响。     

月球探测再入返回试验后续飞行方案研究

对于中国月球探测再入返回飞行试验的剩余推进剂,研究并设计了后续飞行方案。首先,基于月球探测再入返回飞行试验任务结束后的轨道和卫星状况,分析了可行的探测目标,确定了以日地月空间和相应平动点作为探测目标的后续飞行方案。其次,针对后续飞行方案中的轨道设计与控制需求,研究了平动点轨道直接转移入轨方法和不同系统的平动点轨道转移方法。相对于目前常见的基于不变流形的平动点转移轨道设计方法,文章方法无需进行大量的流形计算,因而计算步骤简单,计算量大大降低,尤其便于实际飞行任务应用。最后,设计了后续飞行方案的飞行轨道和相应的控制方案,同时分析了控制操作的地面测控条件。研究结果表明,基于月球探测再入返回飞行试验任务的剩余推进剂,完全可以在日地月空间开展多项具有创新性和重要应用价值的飞行试验验证,为我国后续"夸父"和月球探测等深空探测任务积累宝贵的测控技术和经验,同时为后续深空探测的"多目标多任务"设计思路提供有益借鉴。     

知识资料窗

知识资料窗探空火箭在近地空间进行探测和科学试验的火箭称为探空火箭。利用探空火箭可以在高度方向探测大气各层结构、成分和参数，研究电离层、地磁场、宇宙线、太阳紫外线和Ｘ射线、陨尘等多种日一地磁场现象。探空火箭比探空气球飞得高、比低轨道运行的人造地球卫星飞...     

Mental representation of spatial cues in microgravity: Writing and drawing tests

Humans have mental representation of their environment based on sensory information and experience. A series of experiments has been designed to allow the identification of disturbances in the mental representation of three-dimensional space during space flight as a consequence of the absence of the gravitational frame of reference. This NASA/ESA-funded research effort includes motor tests complemented by psychophysics measurements, designed to distinguish the effects of cognitive versus perceptual-motor changes due to microgravity exposure. Preliminary results have been obtained during the microgravity phase of parabolic flight. These results indicate that the vertical height of handwritten characters and drawn objects is reduced in microgravity compared to normal gravity, suggesting that the mental representation of the height of objects and the environment change during short-term microgravity. Identifying lasting abnormalities in the mental representation of spatial cues will establish the scientific and technical foundation for development of preflight and in-flight training and rehabilitative schemes, enhancing astronaut performance of perceptual-motor tasks, for example, interaction with robotic systems during exploration-class missions.     

MEDES clinical research facility as a tool to prepare ISSA space flights

This new multi-disciplinary medical experimentation center provides the ideal scientific, medical and technical environment required for research programs and to prepare international space station Alpha (ISSA) missions, where space and healthcare industries can share their expertise. Different models are available to simulate space flight effects (bed-rest, confinement,...). This is of particular interest for research in Human psychology, physiology, physiopathology and ergonomics, validation of biomedical materials and procedures, testing of drugs, and other healthcare related products. This clinical research facility (CRF) provides valuable services in various fields of Human research requiring healthy volunteers. CRF is widely accessible to national and international, scientific, medical and industrial organisations. Furthermore, users have at their disposal the multi-disciplinary skills of MEDES staff and all MEDES partners on a single site.     

航天器数字化模拟及应用技术

通过国内外航天器数字化模拟技术的现状调研,从仿真框架、建模表达、求解计算、交互与可视化以及大数据等几个方面,综述了航天器数字化模拟所涉及的关键技术,并深入分析了相关技术在系统设计、开发与验证、飞行演练、控制与决策支持、体系仿真与效能评估等领域的应用。在此基础上,面向未来日益复杂的航天任务需求,提出了发展通用化框架、高可信建模、标准化工具和智能化应用的建议,从而加速推进航天器研制数字化、智能化的发展进程。     

The cost benefits of the Spacelab system to scientific investigations and space applications

In the past, one of the major problems in performing scientific investigations in space has been the high cost of developing, integrating, and transporting scientific experiments into space. The limited resources of unmanned spacecraft, coupled with the requirements for completely automated operations, was another factor contributing to the high costs of scientific research in space. In previous space missions after developing, integrating and transporting costly experiments into space and obtaining successful data, the experiment facility and spacecraft have been lost forever, because they could not be returned to earth. The objective of this paper is to present how the utilization of the Spacelab System will result in cost benefits to the scientific community, and significantly reduce the cost of space operations from previous space programs.The following approach was used to quantify the cost benefits of using the Spacelab System to greatly reduce the operational costs of scientific research in space. An analysis was made of the series of activities required to combine individual scientific experiments into an integrated payload that is compatible with the Space Transportation System (STS). These activities, including Shuttle and Spacelab integration, communications and data processing, launch support requirements, and flight operations were analyzed to indicate how this new space system, when compared with previous space systems, will reduce the cost of space research. It will be shown that utilization of the Spacelab modular design, standard payload interfaces, optional Mission Dependent Equipment (MDE), and standard services, such as the Experiment Computer Operating System (ECOS), allow the user many more services than previous programs, at significantly lower costs. In addition, the missions will also be analyzed to relate their cost benefit contributions to space scientific research.The analytical tools that are being developed at MSFC in the form of computer programs that can rapidly analyze experiment to Spacelab interfaces will be discussed to show how these tools allow the Spacelab integrator to economically establish the payload compatibility of a Spacelab mission.The information used in this paper has been assimilated from the actual experience gained in integrating over 50 highly complex, scientific experiments that will fly on the Spacelab first and second missions. In addition, this paper described the work being done at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) to define the analytical integration tools and techniques required to economically and efficiently integrate a wide variety of Spacelab payloads and missions. The conclusions reached in this study are based on the actual experience gained at MSFC in its roles of Spacelab integration and mission managers for the first three Spacelab missions. The results of this paper will clearly show that the cost benefits of the Spacelab system will greatly reduce the costs and increase the opportunities for scientific investigation from space.     

Technical evolutions of the French multipurpose instruments for Cognitive Neurosciences

Since the first French flight in space in 1982, the CNES has developed a wide range of instruments, especially in the field of Neurosciences. The design of these instruments has considerably evolved from rather simple equipment up to much more sophisticated tools that are being specially tailored for these missions. Four major phases can be identified: -a simple adaptation of an echographe leading to the first neurosciences experiments (the ARAGATZ'88 mission), -the ILLUSIONS and VIMINAL instruments used during the ANTARES'92 and ALTAIR'93 missions, -the COGNILAB instrument developed for the CASSIOPEE'96 mission, to be re-used in 1997 and in 1999, -a preliminary design of the 1999 mission payload, including virtual reality concepts, in a modular design to adapt to the European COF. Aside from the evolution of scientific requirements, the experience gained during the flights led to progressive improvements in the different technical parts, including visual system, body restraint systems, accessories, such as a force feedback joystick, computer and software, etc. This paper describes the technical evolutions in the CNES Neurosciences program.     

Using computer graphics to enhance astronaut and systems safety.

Computer graphics is being employed at the NASA Johnson Space Center as a tool to perform rapid, efficient and economical analyses for man-machine integration, flight operations development and systems engineering. The Operator Station Design System (OSDS), a computer-based facility featuring a highly flexible and versatile interactive software package, PLAID, is described. This unique evaluation tool, with its expanding data base of Space Shuttle elements, various payloads, experiments, crew equipment and man models, supports a multitude of technical evaluations, including spacecraft and workstation layout, definition of astronaut visual access, flight techniques development, cargo integration and crew training. As OSDS is being applied to the Space Shuttle, Orbiter payloads (including the European Space Agency's Spacelab) and future space vehicles and stations, astronaut and systems safety are being enhanced. Typical OSDS examples are presented. By performing physical and operational evaluations during early conceptual phases. supporting systems verification for flight readiness, and applying its capabilities to real-time mission support, the OSDS provides the wherewithal to satisfy a growing need of the current and future space programs for efficient, economical analyses.     

The decay of NASA's technical culture

The ability of the US government to carry out future space policies depends upon the maintenance of a technically capable space flight agency. During its first decade of operation the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) developed an organizational culture supporting very high levels of reliability. This ‘technical culture’ stressed the importance of in-house technical capability, ‘hands on’ activity and extensive testing. Forces at work on the agency since 1970 have tended to erode the original culture. This article explains the ways in which the beliefs and norms guiding NASA operations have changed since the agency's first decade of operations.     

Natural killer cells after ALTAIR mission

Reduced in vitro NK cytotoxic activity have routinely been observed after both prolonged and short-term space flights. This study investigated the effects of space flight on NK cell functions, NK cell counts and the production of IL-2 and TNF by lymphocytes of French-Russian crew members. In the French cosmonaut, after 21 days space flight, the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, the capacity the NK cells to bind and lyse the individual target cells and the percentage of NK cells were decreased. In this cosmonaut a twofold reduction TNF production in cultures of lymphocytes stimulated with PMA and with the mixture of PHA and PMA was observed on the first day after landing. However, the activity of the production of TNF in 48-hour PHA-cultures of lymphocytes was unchanged and the biological activity of IL-2 was not reduced. The immunological examination did not detecte any substantial deviations from the norm in both russian cosmonauts after 197 days space flight. Various explanations for decreased cytotoxicity in cosmonauts after space flight can be proposed, and these include the defective function of NK cells and reduced numbers of circulating effector cells.     

Autonomic function testing aboard the ISS using “PNEUMOCARD”

Investigations of blood pressure, heart rate (HR), and heart rate variability (HRV) during long term space flights on board the “ISS” have shown characteristic changes of autonomic cardiovascular control. Therefore, alterations of the autonomic nervous system occurring during spaceflight may be responsible for in- and post-flight disturbances. The device “Pneumocard” was developed to further investigate autonomic cardiovascular and respiratory function aboard the ISS. The hard-software diagnostic complex “Pneumocard” was used during in-flight experiment aboard ISS for autonomic function testing. ECG, photoplethysmography, respiration, transthoracic bioimpedance and seismocardiography were assessed in one male cosmonaut (flight lengths six month). Recordings were made prior to the flight, late during flight, and post-flight during spontaneous respiration and controlled respiration at different rates.HR remained stable during flight. The values were comparable to supine measurements on earth. Respiratory frequency and blood pressure decreased during flight. Post flight HR and BP values increased compared to in-flight data exceeding pre-flight values. Cardiac time intervals did not change dramatically during flight. Pulse wave transit time decreased during flight. The maximum of the first time derivative of the impedance cardiogram, which is highly correlated with stroke volume was not reduced in-flight.Our results demonstrate that autonomic function testing aboard the ISS using “Pneumocard” is feasible and generates data of good quality. Despite the decrease in BP, pulse wave transit time was found reduced in space as shown earlier. However, cardiac output did not decrease profoundly in the investigated cosmonaut.Autonomic testing during space flight detects individual changes in cardiovascular control and may add important information to standard medical control. The recent plans to support a flight to Mars, makes these kinds of observations all the more relevant and compelling.